It’s a weekend that needs no introduction … .
Coast
Can it already be competitive 2-on-2 beach volleyball season? Yes it can, apparently, at least in Emerald Isle where the “2v2 Beach Volleyball Tournament – Summer Series” will be in full swing Saturday morning. Competition begins at 9, runs until noon, at the Western Ocean Regional Access. Fee is $55 per team, players must be 16 or older and pre-registration is required, by calling 252.354.6350. (You can get more details on the tournament at that number as well.)
Piedmont
Christmas has 12 days, 2011 BIKE! Charlotte has 17, the 16th of which is Saturday and will be observed with a cruise through Bike Friendly Davidson. Cool Breeze Cyclery and the Trek Bicycle Store of Charlotte sponsor this ride, with 12- and 20-mile options, of Davidson’s greenways and bike routes. The ride starts at 9 a.m. at Davidson Elementary School, 635 South St. (map). Afterwards, around 11, mosey over to the Davidson Farmers Market or explore downtown. The ride is free; you can learn through the Trek Bicycle Store of Charlotte Web site or by calling them at 704.236.4549.
For more on 2011 BIKE! Charlotte, go here.
Mountains
One of the pleasures of writing “Backpacking North Carolina” was discovering new places. One of the more pleasant discoveries: the trails in the Standing Indian Recreation Area near the headwaters of the Nantahala River. Be pleasantly surprised yourself Saturday on a 6-mile hike of the area sponsored by the Nantahala Hiking Club. The hike, which begins at 9, covers a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the area between Yellow Patch and Bear Pen. One of the highlights: a view of the 5,400-acre Coweeta Hydrologic Lab (pictured), where the effects of streams on mountainous forests are studied.
The hike is free, but reservations are requested, by calling Gail Lehman at 828.524.5298.
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Those are GGNC’s thoughts for an active weekend. Find out other ways you can get out this weekend by browsing our super calendar, a collection of events calendars from throughout the state, below.
Coast
CapeFearCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar for the Cape Fear/Wilmington/southern N.C. coast searchable by date and event name.
Coastal Guide
Comprehensive calendar including nature programs from a variety of costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs. Covers the entire coast.
Crystal Cost Tourism Authority
Comprehensive calendar focusing on the Crystal Coast. Good source for programs offered by N.C. Coastal Federation, Cape Lookout National Park, N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve and other costal conservation and research agencies that offer nature programs.
NCCoast.com
Comprehensive calendar including programs for the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
North Carolina Coast Host
Comprehensive calendar for the entire coast that lets you search for events by day, by region, by county, by city or by event (based on key word).
This Week Magazine
Primary focus is the Crystal Coast (North Carolina’s coastal midsection).
Mountains
Asheville Citizen-Times
From the main page, click on “Outdoors,” then WNC Outdoors calendar.
Blue Ridge Outdoors
Searchable calendar lets you extend your reach to events throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeast (or you can just limit it to North Carolina). Also lets you search a boatload of categories, ranging from Hiking, Mountain Biking and Climbing to Trail Running, Triathlon and Road Walking.
The Mountain Times
From the main page, click on “Calendars,” then Main Events.
Piedmont
Charlotte
Charlotte Observer events calendar
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including Nature, Recreation, Recreation & Wellness, Running
Charlotte Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Triad
GoTriad.com
Comprehensive calendar includes a Sports & Recreation category.
Piedmont Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Triangle
Triangle.com
Comprehensive calendar searchable by category, including: Birding, Boating, Cycling, Nature, Rec & Wellness, Recreation, Running, Swimming, Tennis, Yoga.
Carolina Parent
Comprehensive calendar concentrating on things the family can do together.
Statewide
Office of Environmental Education
One calendar for the numerous Environmental Education Centers statewide.
North Carolina State Parks
Lets you search for programs at the state’s parks, recreation areas and natural areas by location, by month, by topic. To reach the calendar from the home page, click on “Education,” then “Fun & Free Programs at Parks.”
National Forests in North Carolina
From the home page, click on Carolina Connections for news updates on the state’s four national forests as well as hints on recreational opportunities and a detailed rundown of recreation areas and the amenities at each.