One Tank, Endless Adventures!

Summer isn't over just yet! Whether you've got a free weekend or just one open Saturday, these destinations prove there's still time to squeeze in another memorable escape before the calendar quietly flips to fall.

Make the Most of the Season While It Lasts

Some trips are all about slowing down. Others are better with hiking shoes, a swimsuit, or a cooler in the backseat. Fortunately, North Carolina makes it easy to do both.

If a relaxing getaway sounds appealing, book a stay at Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands, where luxurious accommodations, a renowned spa, excellent dining, and a walkable mountain town create the kind of weekend that feels much longer than two days. Nearby, The Greystone Inn offers a quieter lakeside retreat on Lake Toxaway, with mountain scenery, waterfront views, and easy access to boating and fishing.

For anyone who prefers their summer with a splash of adventure, Sliding Rock Recreation Area inside Pisgah National Forest remains one of the state's coolest summer traditions. A short drive away, paddling across Lake Glenville offers another refreshing way to beat the heat, while nearby Whitewater Falls rewards visitors with one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies.

Mountain Views, Coastal Breezes, and Everything Between

No North Carolina road trip feels complete without a few memorable stops along the way. The Blowing Rock has been drawing visitors for generations with panoramic Blue Ridge views that never seem to get old. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Orchard at Altapass pairs heirloom apples, seasonal orchards, hiking trails, and live mountain music for an afternoon that captures the spirit of late summer.

If you're craving salt air instead of mountain air, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk delivers classic beach-town fun with rides, ice cream, arcade games, and ocean breezes. Prefer a slower finish to the day? Grandfather Vineyard & Winery near Banner Elk serves local wines beside the Watauga River, making it an easy place to linger for an afternoon.

All in all, you don't need a week off to make the most of what's left of summer. A night in the mountains, a day on the water, a stop for a great view, or an afternoon by the coast is enough to remind you why North Carolina is one of the easiest places to play tourist close to home!

Find even more places to explore, eat, and unwind across the state at https://www.guidetonc.com/recreation-places.