And we’ll never be royals… but we can romp around the Queen City.
Uptown Girls (and Boys)
Uptown (not to be called downtown—they’ll know you’re a tourist) is the beating heart of CLT, and it’s chock-full of fun things to do—from theNASCAR Hall of Fame to open-air shopping to museums to acclaimed restaurants and bars. Soak it all up…
For the Fanatics
Sports fans can get their fill year-round in Charlotte, thanks to the Panthers, Charlotte FC, the Hornets and the Knights(P.S. Stick around Truist Field after home games for fireworks!). Game on.
Savor the Asheville flavor during the two remaining weekends of culinary event series Chow Chow (Aug. 4–7, Sept. 8–11) feat. multiple food-focused events—including a handmade tamale workshop and a free Sunday super series. Chow down!
Jam Out
Live music fans are gonna wanna grab tix to a show at legendary music venue The Orange Peel—this summer hosting Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Spoon, Switchfoot and more. Ah, “the way we get by…”
Your ribs’ll be shaking from laughter after attending the Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, aka the largest stand-up comedy event in the Southeast, with 40 comics performing at an array of Asheville venues.
Winston-Salem
Brunch is always a good idea. And the perfect day in Winston-Salem starts with brunch at Parisian restaurant The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, located in the The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (Pro tip: Get the croque-monsieur)—where you should also absolutely lay your head after a day of adventuring. Post-noshing, stroll Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts District and check out the breweries and ’cue joints on The NCBS Historic Barbecue Trail.
Boone
“Get your awe back” in the “high country”—from breweries and artastic attractions to the Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock (whitewater rafting, wineries, spas!) and, of course, Grandfather Mountain, where you’re gonna wanna hike the highlands. Plus you can’t say you’re an NC’er until you’ve seen NC from the famed Mile High Swinging Bridge (aka America’s highest suspension footbridge—and, yes, it literally swings). Poetry in motion, really.
Durham
Staycation all I ever wanted. … Skip the heavy baggage and gas prices for a summer siesta in the Bull City. Whether you like it dirty or keepin’ it neat, Bar Virgile’s award-winning bar and resto’ll help you get in the spirit and kick it into #vacationmode with a craft cocktail via one of the largest liquor selections in the Triangle. Then keep it jamon at multi-Beard-nominated chef Matt Kelly’s Mateo for tapas that’ll straight transport you to Spain before a nightcap on the rooftop of bougee midcentury-modern boutique hotel The Durham (pro tip: Book the Night Out Package so your nightcap is mere steps from your swank sleep sitch).
Wilmington
Garden Variety
Stop and smell the flowers at the year-round Airlie Gardens, also home to the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party—Wilmington’s premier event during the annual spring NC Azalea Festival.
Flock Here
’Tis the season for seafood, and there’s no better spot to get your fill than Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton’s recently opened Seabird restaurant, which puts a spotlight on local seafood, natch, in addition to creative and seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes.
Go big or go, well, small by staying in either the stunningly gorgeOld Edwards Inn and Spa (a spa day is a must) or booking a night at the tranquil Carriage House at Wyanoak, a cozy love nest that’s perf for a romantic getaway.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Peak experiences await via NC’s picturesque parkway joyride. Pack your hiking boots and take the scenic route this summer (and again this fall for ’Gram-worthy foliage), winding through the NC (and VA) mountains for 469 miles of “America’s Favorite Drive.”
Mount Mitchell
Keep calm and get high by hiking up to the dramatic summit of the highest point in NC (6,684 feet!). Located in the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, Mount Mitchell boasts unmatched views—plus a nine-site family campground. Early bird gets the worm—er, campsite!
Bryson City
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Feel the rush in Bryson City this summer, where, beyond the lure of this laid-back small mountain city are opps aplenty to channel your inner Tarzan (!)—from swinging through the treetops via zip lines at Nantahala Outdoor Center (dubbed one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure) to climbing, tubing, hiking, hitting the Nantahala River rapids and so much more. Ahem, they don’t call it the “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains” for nothing.
“Thumbin’ my way into North Caroline…” After a wildly successful inaugural showdown last summer, country boys and girls are gettin’ down for Night in the Country Carolinas—the second-annual music fest at Tryon International Equestrian Center, Aug. 25–27 (aka three nights showcasing 12 boot-stompin’ acts of country heavy-hitters like Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley and more).
Beech Mountain
Beech, please! NC’ers know and love this pleasant lil mountain town as a winter ski destination, but the charmer is a quintessential summer reprieve—think temps that usually don’t break 70 degrees—famed for its Swiss Alps-esque aerial trams. Serving up unparalleled vistas in summer, fall and winter, the round-trip scenic chair lift promises to transport you to new heights (literally—peaking at 5,506 feet—aka the highest town in the Eastern U.S.).
Lake Lure
“So I carried a watermelon?” Fete the cult-classic film and have the time of your life at this 13th annual edition of the uberpopular Dirty Dancing Festival on Sept. 10, feat. film-inspired dance (natch) and tunes, local and regional arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, “on scene” selfie spots, the infamous Lake Lift Competition, and more. Oh, and don’t miss sips in the Club House garden (think beer, wine and cider). Nobody puts Baby in a corner…
I love both my pets and my plants, but I’ve heard that some plants may not be safe for my furry friends. What kind of pet-friendly plants can I buy for my home? —Feeling Ruff
Dear Feeling Ruff,
We all love our fur babies—so this is a question we get quite often at the shop. Luckily for our customers, we label all our plants for pet safety. Just look for the paw print on the tag!
When it comes to houseplants, the vast majority are toxic to both cats and dogs. You see, many houseplants contain high levels of calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested in quantity by your pets, these crystals can cause burns to the mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting and gastrointestinal issues.
The key word in all of this is ‘toxic.’ This means most houseplants containing these compounds will cause your pet to get sick, but will likely not be fatal unless ingested in massive quantities. You’re set to keep pretty much any plant in your home with pets as long as you keep them out of their reach.
If that is still too risky for your taste, then there are many plants that are considered pet-friendly. Some common pet-friendly plants include all Peperomias, Calatheas and Marantas (prayer plants). You can also keep ponytail palms, zebra plants, African violets, money trees, and certain ferns and succulents in your home with minimal to no risk at all when it comes to your pets.
It is possible to keep a lush jungle-like environment in your home and maintain the health of your pets. Both pets and plants are great for our mental health—and you can have them both with a little discernment.
Jose Harvey is the owner of Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop, a shop specializing in interior plants located in Downtown Raleigh. His goal is to help everybody develop a green thumb and be the best plant parents they can be.
Peace up, A-Town down. Get peachy this summer with a drive down 85 (or, our pick, a quick wheels up) that won’t let you down—from a stroll around Piedmont Park to drinks on the roof at Ponce City Market, followed by a scoot to the BeltLine for breweries, art, street music and more. Blues fans will wanna tune into the eternal Atlanta Blues Festival that is Blind Willie’s; sports fans’ll wanna make time for the College Football Hall of Fame; sneakerheads should step out for some shoe shops (ATL is known for its sneaker shops); and, well, everyone can and should get a brunch rez at brand-new 5Church Buckhead (pro tip: The sunroom is the perf perch for selfies).
Suches, Ga.
Be one with nature in North Georgia via this cluster of tiny cabins nestled in 57 wooded acres in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Dubbed Getaway Chattahoochee, the exotic-cool glamping excursion is just a two-hour drive from A-town—doubling the appeal for those who truly have Georgia on their mind this summer.
DC
POV? DC should be on your summer bucket list—including its primo POV rooftop bar overlooking the White House, soon to reopen after a monthlong reno. While there, bring the Natitude to a Nats game (America’s city, America’s game–how fitting); stroll M Street in Georgetown for that Fifth Avenue-meets-King Street in Charleston feel; sip drinks on the Washington Harbour; culture-hop across all the free things (monuments, museums and more)… and if you’re looking to make your stay extra presidential, lay your head to rest in Penn Quarter at the Riggs in one of the famed First Lady Suites.
West Virginia
Country roads take me home, to the place I belong. … Outdoor lovers are going to feel right at home in WVA. Test your fight or flight—er, swim—instincts via River Expeditions’ whitewater rafting trips on the New River Gorge or Gauley River; or channel your mountain mama and explore the Mountain State’s 100+ miles of trails by way of New River ATV, the New River Gorge’s premier ATV adventure tour. “Almost heaven, West Virginia…”
Charleston
Chucktown is more than just the iconic Pineapple Fountain and Rainbow Row (and art market and King Street…). It’s also a haven for award-winning eats and drinks—and plenty of other summer fun you’re gonna wanna check off your bucket list. Must do’s: We rec you wait in the (inevitable) line at Lewis Barbecuefor some of the best brisket in town; book a sunset cruise via Harborview Charters; and grab a nightcap at King Street Dispensary.
Greenville, SC
With its small-town feel and big-city charm, Greenville—voted one of the best cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2021—serves as a great destination for family and couples (or friends!) alike, thanks to its fine eateries, upscale hotels, hip breweries, green spaces, and thriving arts and culture scene. So whether you’re looking to get your steps in on the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, have a drink a la Don Draper at subterranean drinking denVault & Vator, or nosh your way through the city’s culinary elite at euphoria (Sept. 15–18), Greenville’s got something for everyone to enjoy.
Richmond
The so-called River City is a rooftop bar oasis—making a rooftop barhop a must. Faves include Common House (which also boasts a rooftop pool!), Kabana Rooftop (go Sundays for a live DJ), Q Rooftop Bar at Quirk Hotel (get a hot dog when hunger strikes), and The HofGarden (aka The Hof). Because everyone knows RVA looks better from above—and with a drink in hand, obv.
Chattahoochee River, Ga.
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee it gets hotter than a hoochie coochie. But nothing a little “Shoot the Hooch” can’t cure (aka what the locals call tubing the Chattahoochee River), so go lay rubber on the Georgia asphalt—er, river—and get a lil crazy… but never get caught.
Kiawah Island, SC
A barrier island situated just over 25 miles southwest of Charleston in Charleston County, this unspoiled luxe retreat is known mostly for its renowned hospitality, primo accommodations, championship golf (home to the 2021 PGA Championship) and world-class amenities… NTM perfectly preserved maritime forests, sand dunes and marshes (perf for turtle and seabird spotting).
Savannah
The best thing about Savannah? Its open container law. Grab a bev to-go from one of the many bars and restaurants along the Savannah River, then stroll through River Street—making sure to pit spot at the marketplace, shops, and sip and sup spots for lunch… and a refill, of course.
Whether your dad’s the world’s best dad, just loves to blow hot air or is more the “go ask your mom type”… here’s a host of ways to remind him you’re the fave for Father’s Day June 19.
No one stacks up to dad… except maybe The Station’s hot stacks of pancakes served during weekend brunch. Chill out on the patio and split “the stacker,” aka four buttermilk pancakes drizzled with syrup—and maybe throw in a Champagne bucket while you’re at it. I mean, you always wanted to be the fave…
Dad’ll get a kick out of House of Swank’s not-so-boring tees—see its signature “Keep Raleigh Boring” shirt—designed with hilarious Raleigh- and NC-centric taglines. There’s even one for your favorite “funcle” (“like a dad, only cooler”)!
Burgers and beer—name a better duo, we’ll wait. Treat pops to his dream meal with Oak Steakhouse’s new $15 burger and beer special every Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6pm—just in time for a whopping good Father’s Day.
Channel your dad’s inner badass with Unlikely Professionals. A retail shop, dive bar and workshop all in one, Unlike Professionals offers a mixture of vintage, motorcycle, Americana and utilitarian vibes that will have your dad feeling cool as a cucumber. The space—a converted bike repair shop, complete with garage doors—is both grungy and inviting, and has a great selection of vintage clothes and shoes and self-care items—plus a full beer/wine bar. Grab a drink and browse the selection for something your dad is sure to love.
Is your pops an aspiring mixologist? Fuel his bartending passions with a collection of bitters from North Carolina’s first cocktail bitters company—you’re sure to benefit from whatever he stirs up! Crude Bitters features a wide selection of unique bitters and shrubs perfect for adding a little spice to your cocktails. Try the “rizzo” bitters (rosemary, grapefruit, peppercorn) or the “bitterless marriage” (hibiscus, lavender, oak), or try the bitters sample set. Additionally, get dad inspired through Crude Bitters cocktail recipes.
DECO is one of our favorite local shops to hit up when we don’t have a clue what gift to get—the shop carries everything from artisanal food items to bath products and candles to stickers to baseball caps. Most of its merch is kept purposefully offline so that you can experience the treasure hunt in person. Come for a gift for dad, and leave with a little something for you too.
Beef up your Father’s Day celebration by taking dad to Bad Daddy’s for—what else—a burger that’s as badass as him. P.S. Through June 19, get your “bad daddy” a $50 gift card and get a $10 bonus gift card for your next father-and-son/daughter outing (!).
Wine and dine your food-loving dad at Barcelona Wine Bar, where you’re gonna wanna order allll the tapas to share (or not…) and a bottle of vino, natch. Buen provecho!
Calling all foodie fathers! Treat your pops to The Willard’s burger & beer special—a burger and any of the menu’s draft beer—for just $20. Father’s Day doesn’t get much better than that.
Keep dad caffeinated with Larry’s Coffee’s organic, fair trade and shade-grown beans sourced from all over the world. With Larry’s sustainable sourcing and environmental initiatives—think solar collectors, composting worm bins, rainwater harvesting tanks, zone heating and reflective flooring—the local roastery’s coffee is just as good for the farmers and the environment as it is for waking your dad (and you) up in the mornings.
Sunday Funday done right at Bar Louie Spend Father’s Day in good company—and with a drink in hand, natch. This year, give dad the gift that keeps on giving—aka beers, bourbon and bites. Bar Louie has you covered with a killer gift card deal: $5, $10, or $20 in bonus back when you purchase an e-gift card online. A win all around.
