Just a short drive from Holy City, the state of North Carolina can provide a nice getaway for Charlestonians.
Here are some things you can do during your visit!:
Raise a toast to these North Carolina NYE drops
Across the state, New Year’s Eve traditions flow from history and sense of place. Gather ’round to check out objects dropped at Dec. 31 celebrations.
A pickle. The town of Mount Olive rings in the centennial of an anchor resident, Mt. Olive Pickle Co., by lowering a 3-foot pickle. Leave time to visit the Mt. Olive Pickle Parlor, a museum and shop that’s newly relocated to downtown Mount Olive.
An acorn. The City of Oaks, as Raleigh is known, celebrates with an all-0ver-downtown First Night event that culminates with the drop of an acorn: a 10-foot-by-8-foot copper sculpture by David Benson.
A gold nugget. Drawing on its glittering gold history, the mountain town of Marion drops an oversize metallic nugget at its celebration, which includes a scavenger hunt and costume contest.
A beach ball. On the “Pleasure Island of Lights” near Wilmington, Kure Beach caps an evening of music by dropping a giant beach ball.
A blueberry. Burgaw, a favorite film location, drops a giant blueberry to showcase its well-known crop.
A crab pot. Reflecting its maritime heritage, Morehead City drops an oversize crab pot at Ottis Landing, a weigh station for fishing tournaments.
A badge. In Mount Airy, favorite son Andy Griffith is honored with the raising of a sheriff’s badge. 2026 marks the centennial of the actor-singer’s birth.
Bundle Up (or Get Cozy) in the NC Mountains
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a cold winter for Western NC, which is welcome news for those who love snowy landscapes. A few points of inspiration:
Hit the slopes. Take a run at Beech Mountain Resort, the East Coast’s highest ski area, and pause for a beverage at the mountaintop 5506’ Skybar. Test your skills on the double black diamond Whoopdedoo trail at Sugar Mountain Resort, which also offers guided snowshoe tours, tubing and ice skating. Speaking of skating, try the Zamboni-maintained rink at Appalachian Ski Mtn., learn with the French Swiss Ski College or have fun on the four terrain parks.
Coast and soar. Brace yourself for fast runs on the Alpine Wilderness Coaster in Banner Elk, a High Country winter sports hub. To the south, the Highlands Outpost dares thrill seekers with the Scaly Mountain Screamer as well as tubing. Nearby Highlands Aerial Park offers ziplining plus a giant swing with an 80-foot arc through the trees.
Take a hike. Ask your science friends why views are better in winter or be convinced with a Grandfather Mountain hike: On a clear day, you can see the Charlotte skyline more than 100 miles away. The season also affords the unforgettable sight of a frozen waterfall such as Rainbow Falls near Brevard, Dry Falls near Highlands and Whitewater Falls near Cashiers, a perfect pairing for the gentle slopes at Sapphire Valley Resort. For a less rugged outing, greenways and urban paths such as Hendersonville’s Ecusta Trail from downtown to the bucolic Horse Shoe community are full of rewards.
Get cozy. Once you’ve shivered a little (or a lot), it’s time to warm up. For cocoa and a fireplace, book a stay at Cataloochee Ranch, which shares history with the nearby Cataloochee Ski Area. Entering its second season, Hatley Pointe ski resort builds luxury and warmth into its après ski amenities. Spa treatments and heated mineral pools are specialties at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands while the natural mineral springs at Hot Springs Resort make a perfect ending to a horseback adventure with Sandy Bottom Trail Rides.
The Michelin Guide to NC
Culinary stars: The Capital City boasts a pair of Michelin Bib Gourmand barbecue spots: Sam Jones BBQ for classic whole hog and Prime Barbecue for Chris Prieto’s combo of NC tradition plus Texas brisket. Mala Pata, Angela Salamanca’s masa-fueled ode to Latin American street food, also reached Bib Gourmand status.
Where to stay: The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, a Five-Star property across the board that’s renowned for its marriage of art and the outdoors. Enjoy breakfast crafted by Steven Devereaux Greene at Herons to add another Michelin notable to your list.
Things to do: Feast your eyes on the hotel’s art (including a commissioned Dale Chihuly lobby sculpture) and pedal a loaner bike through the property. Explore the NC Museum of Art and its 164-acre trail-laced park, whose namesake benefactors Ann and Jim Goodnight own The Umstead. Take a class at The Bittery, a specialty shop and tasting space dedicated to cocktail making.
Culinary stars: Oscar Diaz’s elevated Mexican-American fusion and live-fire cooking puts Little Bull on the “must” list. For a special dinner, head to Nanas, a newly reimagined favorite from Matt Kelly. Giorgios Bakatsias’ Nikos makes memories with its Mediterranean fare.
Where to stay: The Washington Duke Inn, an AAA Four Diamond property loved for its Fairview Dining Room and Robert Trent Jones golf course.
Things to do: Walk off a few calories on Duke University’s West Campus, home of the renowned Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Nasher Museum of Art. Plan a make-your-own-scent session and shop for candles at Bright Black. Find your favorite new shop (Parker & Otis? Casa Bella Market? Vert & Vogue?) as you explore downtown neighborhoods.
Culinary stars: Sam Hart’s Counter- is distinguished by a traditional Michelin star plus a Green Star for its immersive tasting menu, which draws on nostalgia, music and storytelling. At Supperland, a Southern steakhouse with a menu inspired by the former church building it occupies, beverage director Colleen Hughes merited a Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award. And Lang Van, Dan Nguyen’s Vietnamese restaurant, netted a Bib Gourmand for its menu, presentation, and generous portions.
Where to stay: The Ivey’s Hotel, the luxurious reinvention of a legendary Uptown department store that boasts a Michelin key and Four Stars from Forbes.
Things to do: Get a feel for the Queen City with a guided tour tailored to your passions. Score an Attractions Pass, which covers nine signature spots, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame (passion for motorsports not required) and art museums. Shop for top brands at SouthPark mall or hunt for bargains at Charlotte Premium Outlets. Treat yourself to spa time.
Culinary stars: Graham House’s Luminosa earned Bib Gourmand status plus a Green Star for its modern Appalachian roots, Italian wood-fired tradition, and its commitment to local sourcing. Round out the dining musts with the city’s other Bib Gourmands: Iris Rodriguez’s Little Chango with Latin American-inspired dishes and Mother, Brett Watson and Heidi Bass’s European-style café specializing in sourdough specialties and natural wines.
Where to stay: The Radical Hotel in the resurgent River Arts District, which embodies Asheville’s spirit with its posh-punk attitude and creative energy. You’ll find Jacob Sessoms’ Michelin-recommended Golden Hour here.
Things to do: The 250-room Biltmore House and its 8,000-acre garden-rich estate top the list with tours, a winery tasting, shopping and outdoor activities. Immerse yourself in the River Arts District scene, check out the Asheville Art Museum or explore the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Book a saltwater soak at off-the-Parkway Soji Spa or treat your toes at Wake Foot Sanctuary while checking out downtown’s indie shops.