RALEIGH, N.C. (March 19, 2013) — Festive new events are blooming among the azaleas, dogwoods and rhododendron that color North Carolina’s spring landscapes. Joining Merlefest, three steeplechases and other perennial favorites are the inaugural NC Beer Month, the first statewide star party and a grand display of historic vehicles at the first Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance.
Here are some of the season’s highlights. Find more reasons to visit at www.VisitNC.com.
Biltmore Festival of Flowers
March 21- May 19
Asheville
The gardens at George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre Asheville estate come alive with more than 100,000 tulips as poppies, pansies, snapdragons and acres of azaleas chime in. Roses begin a reign that runs through summer, and natural gardens and walking trails showcase native and exotic blooms. Designer presentations, seminars and accessible experts add take-home value to the experience, which is accompanied by concerts and other activities. www.biltmore.com
Easter Sunrise Service
March 31
Winston-Salem
The nation’s largest Moravian sunrise service draws more than 6,000 worshippers to Home Moravian Church for a service that traces its origins to Saxony in 1732. First held here in 1772, the service includes a procession to God’s Acre, the Moravian graveyard, and music from a band with about 500 musicians. www.salemcongregation.org
NC Beer Month
April 1-30
With more than 70 breweries, North Carolina is truly the state for Southern beer. All month long, travelers can let their love of ales, porters, stouts and other styles lead them to festivals, tastings, tours and other adventures from the mountains to the coast — and lodging packages sweeten the deal. Find details at www.ncbeermonth.com.
10th Annual Cycle NC Spring Ride
April 5-7
Edenton
Cycle NC marks a milestone for its spring ride in Edenton, a town celebrating a milestone of its own: its tricentennial. Edenton was host to Cycle NC’s inaugural spring ride, which has since grown to more than 1,100 riders from 27 states. Coastal scenery, flat roads and low traffic counts are signatures of the ride, which has options for 5 to 100 miles. cnc.ncsports.org
Statewide Star Party
April 5
Various locations
Jupiter and its Galilean moons, the Orion Nebula, the Beehive Cluster and distant galaxies will all be visible during North Carolina’s first statewide star party. Gazing skyward from mountaintops, beaches, a wildlife refuge, historic sites and other scenic spots, partygoers can do more than enjoy the view — they can also contribute to the GLOBE at Night worldwide citizen science project. The event is part of the 2013 North Carolina Science Festival. www.ncsciencefestival.org
Triple Steeplechase
Multiple dates
Raeford, Tryon, Mineral Springs
Admire the nimble horses that run the course and enjoy the competition for fanciest hat and finest tailgate feast — it’s all part of the American jump-racing tradition. North Carolina has three steeplechases: the Stoneybrook Steeplechase, April 6, Raeford (near Pinehurst), www.carolinahorsepark.com; the Blockhouse Steeplechase, April 20, Tryon, www.trhcevents.org; and the Queens Cup Steeplechase, April 27, Mineral Springs (near Charlotte), www.queenscup.org.
North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 10-14
Wilmington
The historic city of Wilmington pairs spring’s burst of azaleas with a bevy of belles in antebellum gowns, a fleet of visiting boats at the dock, and a pageant with a royal list of past winners (Kelly Ripa, Phylicia A. Rashad, Polly Bergen). Home and garden tours, arts and crafts, a parade and even a circus play into this uncommonly stylish Southern festival. www.ncazaleafestival.org
Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival
April 10-14
Blowing Rock
Amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the village of Blowing Rock presents pleasures from regional wineries in tastings, seminars, cooking classes and winemakers’ dinners. Highlights include a new Grillin’ and Chillin’ event with craft beer, the bartenders brawl, a re-creation of the Titanic’s last dinner and the final round of the Fire on the Rock Chef Challenge. www.blueridgewinefestival.com
MerleFest
April 25-28
Wilkesboro
Upbeat songs and poignant notes will be in the air at Wilkesboro, home of one of the world’s finest traditional music festivals. Guitar master Doc Watson created the four-day event in memory of his music partner and son, Merle, who died in 1985. Headliners include North Carolina natives Charlie Daniels and the Avett Brothers plus the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, who worked with Watson on the landmark “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” In what’s likely to be the festival’s most heart-felt moments, an all-star lineup assembled by mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush will pay tribute to Watson, who died in 2012. www.merlefest.org
Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance
May 3-5
Pinehurst
Pinehurst, America’s original golf resort, turns on the dazzle with its first Concours d’Elegance, gathering the crème de la crème of historic automobiles and motorcycles. Festivities include the Iron Mike Rally, a 36-mile drive to the Parade Field at Fort Bragg to honor the men and women of the military; a collector car auction; a “Heroes” gala; and the climactic Concours competition. pinehurstconcours.com
Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend
May 17-19
Linville
Observe the rare pink-shell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi), endangered birds of prey, mountain crayfish and more natural treasures at Grandfather Mountain, an International Biosphere Reserve. The weekend includes a bird count, an owl prowl, a climate workshop, a culture walk, a habitat animal training workshop and other programs — plus a walk across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. www.grandfather.com
White Squirrel Festival
May 25-26
Brevard
This town on the edge of Pisgah National Forest is best known for music, mountain biking and white squirrels, which are counted in fall and celebrated in spring. Memorial Day weekend’s White Squirrel Festival includes music, a gallery walk, a Soap Box Derby down Jailhouse Hill and other events in the delightful downtown. whitesquirrelfestival.com