Topics Related to Things to Do

Did you know the state tree is the pine? How about that the state sport is stock car racing? Multiple plants, animals, and arts have been made symbols of the state; come out to learn about these things and meet your North Carolina state symbols at the symbol for our state, the NC State Capitol!

It’s called the “Outlander Effect” in Scotland – attractions that appear in the award-winning “Outlander” television series have seen visitor numbers increase by as much as 67% since the series debuted in 2014.  

Come Hear NC will sponsor the Main Stage at Red Hat Amphitheater during the Wide Open Bluegrass festival Sept. 27 to 28 in Raleigh, which will be open to the public for free for the first time in the festival’s history.

Reed Gold Mine is celebrating another North Carolina treasure with its inaugural Barbecue Festival Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is in conjunction with the traveling exhibit “The Story of Barbecue in North Carolina,” on display at Reed Gold Mine April 2 through June 15. Experience a taste sensation as five local restaurants showcase their gastronomic delights!

 A glimpse of 18th century life comes to Fort Dobbs as visitors will meet soldiers and settlers during the “War for Empire” program April 6-7. They can enjoy special performances of period music as part of the 2019 “Year of Music” organized by the N.C. Arts Council within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

 A stunning collection of 29 early North American maps are showcased in the new exhibit at Historic Bath, “Mapping the New World.” Covering over 300 years of cartographic history, the collection provides a unique look at the evolution of our understanding of the New World, with many of the maps focusing on North Carolina and its iconic coastal region.

The North Carolina Arts Council will offer three regional writing workshops this spring in Cary, Asheville and Wilmington that will be taught exclusively by North Carolina Arts Council literary Fellowship recipients.

The State Archives of North Carolina is developing a program that showcases some of its collections while engaging the public with hands-on activities that will increase the accessibility of archival records.

History buffs, community leaders and preservationists will aid in the preservation of Civil War sites in North Carolina this spring. Historic Edenton holds its Park Day Saturday, March 30. Three other venues will have Park Day events Saturday, April 6 and one will be held Saturday, April 13.

The discovery of a 17-pound gold nugget by Conrad Reed in 1799 is America’s first documented gold discovery. His discovery and his father John’s development of the mine are celebrated. Little notice is given to his mother, Sarah Kiser Reed, or other women during the gold rush period.