It’s October, and last we checked the forecast called for true fall-like weather in North Carolina. Weather that would be a shame to waste … .
Coast
Two reasons to do Saturday’s Twin Bridges 8K Road Race in Morehead City. One, you get to run over two bridges. Starting in Beaufort (at the drawbridge) you get to run to neighboring Morehead City, go over both the city’s high-rise bridges, then wind up in Atlantic Beach (in the parking area of Bella Pizza & Subs — how convenient). The other reason: The race kicks off the North Carolina Seafood Festival. Show some restraint at Bella’s and you should have room for plenty of fresh seafood.
$20 to race, racing begins at 8 a.m., onsite registration probably opens an hour or so beforehand. Not sure, but if you need to know, call 252-726-5083 or email info@ncseafoodfestival.org
Piedmont
Right up there with a fall hike as a family-friendly activity is paddling. Thus, we bring you Sunday’s Lake Wylie Family Kayaking Tour sponsored by Charlotte’s McDowell Nature Center. Paddle this lake sharing the North Carolina and South Carolina border and catch views of the Buster Boyd Bridge, Copperhead Island and more. Kids 5-9 must buddy up in a tandem with an adult, cost is $20 per person, call gear is required, pre-registration is required, by calling 704.588.5224. The tour begins at 1 p.m. You can also register online at www.parkandrec.com.
Mountains
There are a boatload of runs in the mountains this weekend, from the Runway 5K, another one of those curious 5Ks on an airport runway (Asheville’s) to the Wiggle Butt 5K in Asheville benefitting the WNC Boxer Rescue. Also in the running: Smoky Streak 5K and 10K in Haywood County, Fall By The Tracks 5K Fun Run in Asheville, Hickory Mountain 10K in DuPont State Forest, which is also the site of the DuPont State Forest 50K.
In addition, this being October and the start of the fall hiking season, we’re compelled to throw in some recommended hikes throughout the state. You’ll find them at our sister site, NCHikes.com.
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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.
