Spring Break Pirate Takeover!
Get ready to hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail for spring break adventure at the annual PirateFest in Greenville, NC! Taking place on April 20, 2024, from 11 AM to 8:30 PM, this swashbuckling extravaganza transforms the streets of Greenville into a bustling pirate haven.
Located in the heart of downtown along the Tar River, PirateFest offers a treasure trove of activities for all ages, including live music, thrilling performances, interactive exhibits, and of course, plenty of pirate-themed fun!
As you explore PirateFest, keep an eye out for exciting events like the Pirate Encampment, where you can experience life as a buccaneer, or the Pirate Parade, featuring colorful floats and costumed characters. Don't miss the Pirate Battle at the waterfront, where ships clash and cannons roar in a spectacle straight out of a pirate tale.
Curious to learn some interesting, lesser-known facts about North Carolina's rich pirate history?
- North Carolina's coastal waters were a favorite haunt of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Legend has it that he often hid out in the shallow inlets and hidden coves along the Outer Banks.
- Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, ran aground off the coast of Beaufort, NC, in 1718. Today, the wreck is a popular dive site and archaeological treasure trove.
- Known as the “Gentleman Pirate,” Stede Bonnet was a wealthy landowner who turned to piracy in the early 18th century. He operated along the coast of North Carolina before being captured and hanged in Charleston, SC.
- Established in 1705, Bath is North Carolina's oldest town and was once a notorious haven for pirates. It's said that the pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, visited Bath frequently.
- In 1718, Blackbeard was killed in a fierce battle with British naval forces off the coast of Ocraco*ke Island, NC. His severed head was then hung from the bowsprit of the victor's ship as a gruesome trophy.
Gearing up for the NASCAR Racing Experience! | Photo credit @richardpettydrivingexperience (Instagram)
Take On The Richard Petty Driving Experience In Concord, NC!
Embark on the ultimate adrenaline-fueled adventure with a day trip to Concord, NC. Start your day by fueling up with a hearty breakfast at a local diner before heading to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, home to the iconic Richard Petty Driving Experience. Feel the thrill of speed as you strap into a race car and hit the track under the guidance of professional instructors, channeling your inner NASCAR champion!
Afterward, explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the sport. For lunch, indulge in classic Southern barbecue at a nearby smokehouse before continuing your adventure. Spend the afternoon shopping and strolling through Concord Mills, one of the largest shopping malls in the state, where you can find everything from designer brands to outlet bargains.
What's better than beer, bourbon, and barbecue? Having it all in the same place!
Enter To Win Tickets To Four Charlotte Food Festivals!
The spring break fun doesn't have to end in April…now's your chance to enter to win FREE tickets to not one…not two…not three…but FOUR (all) food festivals, all in the Queen City in 2024! We're sure you'll even find pimento cheese incorporated in some of the tasty festival concoctions.
Here's a teaser of what you get to experience at three of the festivals that take place over the course of a year:
May 18: Return to the beloved setting of Ballantyne’s Backyard for Charlotte’s premier event: the Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival. This 17th annual celebration promises a true Southern experience, featuring beer, bourbon, barbeque, live music, and more.
Admission grants a souvenir glass for unlimited beer and bourbon tastings, with the iconic Shrine of Swine showcasing whole hogs and surprises. VIP Admission offers extended sampling hours, a BBQ Dinner Plate, exclusive lounge access, and live entertainment. Indulge in seminars with industry experts, groove to live bands, and explore a variety of rubs, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories.
August 24: Tacos ‘N Taps Get ready for a fiesta at the South of the Border Beer & Tequila Festival! Indulge in unlimited tastings of tacos, Mexican cuisine, margaritas, and more, complemented by lively music, contests, and surprises. Experience dueling margarita bars, over 15 taco trucks and restaurants serving up 30+ types of tacos, and vibrant mariachi bands.
Explore boutiques offering crafts, jewelry, and hot sauces. Choose between VIP and General Admission tickets for an unforgettable celebration that's anything but average. Let the flavors and festivities transport you to a spicy paradise!
ENTER TO WIN FREE TICKETS!
