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Seek out stories

There’s something about learning the history of a place — its people, its culture, its origin — that makes it all the more special to visit. Where are my fellow history buffs? This section’s for you.

Civil War, movements and battles

We have some fantastic Civil War Trail stops, like the marker unveiled this March in Goldsboro honoring the 135th US Army Colored Infantry Regiment of 1865. Several descendants of those who fought in the infantry still have ties to Goldsboro today. Here are some more story-centric spots:

Juneteenth

There are many special opportunities to gather in celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth. One of my favorites is the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration at Dix Park. It opens with posting of the colors by the US Colored Troops, followed by an afternoon of food, music, activities and fellowship. Here are some others:

  • Charlotte: Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
  • Durham: Bull City Juneteenth Parade
  • Cary: Celebrate Freedom

Music festivals

Give me a lawn chair, a nice breeze and some top-notch live music, and I’m as happy as can be. Which is why I can’t wait for the Ocean City Jazz Festival every year in Topsail Beach. It brings gold-standard jazz performances, food trucks and an ocean view, complete with evening sunsets. If you love jazz as much as I do, here are some other festivals:

  • Boone: High Country Jazz Festival
  • Wilmington: Cape Fear Blues Festival
  • High Point: The John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival

Embrace the outside

When I’m in between jazz festivals, there are two places you can find me in summer: on the golf course or on the beach.

Beach

My wife and I always celebrate our June wedding anniversary at one of the many awesome NC beaches. One year, we took the ferry to Bald Head Island in NC’s Brunswick Islands and enjoyed the laid-back pace. We also rode the length of the island on bikes, taking in the sights and sounds (and seafood!). Another year, we chose New Bern and had an amazing meal at Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant (I always order the fresh catch of the day).

Golf

Golf? Beach? At the Currituck Club in Corolla, I don’t have to choose — I get a challenging, beautiful golf course with coastal views. And now that my golf game is getting a little stronger, I can’t wait to get back this summer.

For more insider tips, see how Visit NC Director of Tourism Marketing Scott Peacock spends his summer months, and start planning your spring break trips now with Visit NC insiders Dana Grimstead and Veda Gilbert.

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