It’s the official time of year where we break out the lists to determine exactly what we want for the new year. May it be physical health, mental gain, new adventures, or even combining all three at once, we’re all in the mood to start fresh. What better way to do so than getting together a bucket list for places to explore in 2018?
- Chinese Lantern Festival
Facebook / Chinese Lantern Festival The mesmerizing Chinese Lantern festival in Cary features a wide-array of dazzling displays. From the noteworthy Chinese Dragon on Symphony Lake to a walk-through display…each design features thousands of LED lights and intricate parts. The event only runs until January 14, making it a must-do ASAP. Don’t worry though, if you miss this one there’s also one at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont.
- Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area
Beaufort - NC While there are plenty of noteworthy parks and places to explore, some are true hidden gems. Located on the Crystal Coast in Pine Knoll Shores, this 265-acre nature preserve features two walking trails, water views, and unique coastal vibes. Although it’s located next to the North Carolina Aquarium, it often remains a hidden gem and well-kept secret. Read our guide here.
- Winston-Salem Quarry Park
Michael Steed (used with permission) The highly anticipated Quarry Park opened in 2017 attracting crowds wanting to dangle off the edge of the quarry and take in stunning views of the Winston skyline. The park features an extended pier over the quarry as well as cyclist and walking trails connecting to the nearby greenway. Read our guide here.
- Graveyard Fields
Flickr / Jeff Gunn Situated off milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Graveyard Fields is a unique landscape opposite of its wooded, mountainous counterparts. Devastated by fire and strong winds in the 1900s, it’s made the landscape into what it is today. Wide-open fields lending to panoramic mountain views and wooded walking trails are great for unique exploration. Even better, hikes here include two waterfalls. Read our guide here.
- Grandfather Trail
Flickr / Frank Kehren For the bucket-listers and the adventure lovers, the Grandfather Trail AKA Crest Trail is a big accomplishment for most hikers. Consisting of 16 separate ladders scaling the rocky outcrops of Grandfather, the 2.4-mile trail challenges both body and mind. If you’re looking for that ultimate sense of outdoor accomplishment in 2018, this is the trail for you. Read our guide here.
- DuPont State Forest
Flickr / Matthew Tucked away in the land of waterfalls, DuPont State Forest offers multiple hiking trails and some longer trails that lead you to multiple waterfalls along your journey. From the jaw dropping High Falls to cinematic Triple Falls, DuPont is more than a hike but an entire adventure. Read our guide here.
- Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Outer Banks Rentals If you haven’t done this ultimate NC bucket list item, what are you waiting for? The journey spans 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles. From coastal villages to wild horses grazing along the ocean to lighthouses and scenery your entire journey, there’s a whole lot to see. It’s a drive best done over the course of a few days. While many think summer as the perfect time, winter and early spring are also great as there are less crowds, traffic, and you’ll really feel worlds away from it all. Read our guide here.
- Magic Wings Butterfly House
Durham Museum of Life + Science Located at Durham’s Museum of Life and Science, Magic Wings is one of the largest butterfly houses on the east coast. From field trips to weekend trips, or even a date idea…this family-friendly activity includes a dose of magic. With various types of butterflies all the way from Philippines to Central America, you’ll be enchanted by your visit to Magic Wings. Read our guide here.
- Bucket list hikes
Flickr / Gary Boyd From the Appalachian Trail, Roan Mountain or Linville Gorge; North Carolina is filled with so many amazing hiking trails that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by which ones you should do. It’s not fair to only list one for your 2018 North Carolina bucket list, that’s why we compiled a list of the 5 must-do hikes in North Carolina. Read our guide here.
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Trip Advisor / Mark S While a plane ticket to California and explore Muir Woods might cost a pretty penny, you can see larger-than-life trees at North Carolina’s Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. The lush forest is named after the famed poet known for his appropriately titled poem, “Trees.” The old-growth trees can reach a circumference of 20 feet and go as high as 20 feet. Perfect for a day trip, the two-mile Poplar Cove Loop Trail leads you through all there is to see. Read our guide here.
What a 2018 chock full of fun and adventure! New year, new destinations! Which one will you do first? Are there any you’d add to the list?
Facebook / Chinese Lantern Festival
The mesmerizing Chinese Lantern festival in Cary features a wide-array of dazzling displays. From the noteworthy Chinese Dragon on Symphony Lake to a walk-through display…each design features thousands of LED lights and intricate parts. The event only runs until January 14, making it a must-do ASAP. Don’t worry though, if you miss this one there’s also one at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont.
Beaufort - NC
While there are plenty of noteworthy parks and places to explore, some are true hidden gems. Located on the Crystal Coast in Pine Knoll Shores, this 265-acre nature preserve features two walking trails, water views, and unique coastal vibes. Although it’s located next to the North Carolina Aquarium, it often remains a hidden gem and well-kept secret. Read our guide here.
Michael Steed (used with permission)
The highly anticipated Quarry Park opened in 2017 attracting crowds wanting to dangle off the edge of the quarry and take in stunning views of the Winston skyline. The park features an extended pier over the quarry as well as cyclist and walking trails connecting to the nearby greenway. Read our guide here.
Flickr / Jeff Gunn
Situated off milepost 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Graveyard Fields is a unique landscape opposite of its wooded, mountainous counterparts. Devastated by fire and strong winds in the 1900s, it’s made the landscape into what it is today. Wide-open fields lending to panoramic mountain views and wooded walking trails are great for unique exploration. Even better, hikes here include two waterfalls. Read our guide here.
Flickr / Frank Kehren
For the bucket-listers and the adventure lovers, the Grandfather Trail AKA Crest Trail is a big accomplishment for most hikers. Consisting of 16 separate ladders scaling the rocky outcrops of Grandfather, the 2.4-mile trail challenges both body and mind. If you’re looking for that ultimate sense of outdoor accomplishment in 2018, this is the trail for you. Read our guide here.
Flickr / Matthew
Tucked away in the land of waterfalls, DuPont State Forest offers multiple hiking trails and some longer trails that lead you to multiple waterfalls along your journey. From the jaw dropping High Falls to cinematic Triple Falls, DuPont is more than a hike but an entire adventure. Read our guide here.
Outer Banks Rentals
If you haven’t done this ultimate NC bucket list item, what are you waiting for? The journey spans 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles. From coastal villages to wild horses grazing along the ocean to lighthouses and scenery your entire journey, there’s a whole lot to see. It’s a drive best done over the course of a few days. While many think summer as the perfect time, winter and early spring are also great as there are less crowds, traffic, and you’ll really feel worlds away from it all. Read our guide here.
Durham Museum of Life + Science
Located at Durham’s Museum of Life and Science, Magic Wings is one of the largest butterfly houses on the east coast. From field trips to weekend trips, or even a date idea…this family-friendly activity includes a dose of magic. With various types of butterflies all the way from Philippines to Central America, you’ll be enchanted by your visit to Magic Wings. Read our guide here.
Flickr / Gary Boyd
From the Appalachian Trail, Roan Mountain or Linville Gorge; North Carolina is filled with so many amazing hiking trails that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by which ones you should do. It’s not fair to only list one for your 2018 North Carolina bucket list, that’s why we compiled a list of the 5 must-do hikes in North Carolina. Read our guide here.
Trip Advisor / Mark S
While a plane ticket to California and explore Muir Woods might cost a pretty penny, you can see larger-than-life trees at North Carolina’s Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. The lush forest is named after the famed poet known for his appropriately titled poem, “Trees.” The old-growth trees can reach a circumference of 20 feet and go as high as 20 feet. Perfect for a day trip, the two-mile Poplar Cove Loop Trail leads you through all there is to see. Read our guide here.
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