There’s no time like Thanksgiving break to get moving. So … get moving!
Coast
This sounds pretty awesome. Head out to Jockey’s Ridge on Saturday, hike, cavort in the sand, explore. Then, at 4 p.m. get out your kite, get out those extra Christmas lights and that super long extension cord, and participate in Kitty Hawk Kites’ Kites with Lights celebration. Watch folks experienced in doing this kind of thing — including someone with a 19-foot delta kite — light up the night in zig-zag fashion. Extra enticement: Free hot cider, free cookies.
Logistics: Saturday, Nov. 24, 4-6 p.m. Free. More info here.
Saturday forecast: Daytime high of 55 dropping to 34 overnight. No chance of rain.
Piedmont
The Sunday after Thanksgiving rolls around and you’re rolling around with it. Day four of a nutritional free-fall and what do you have to show for it? A lot, unfortunately. Mitigate the damage with a one-hour ranger-led hike at Lake Norman State Park. A ranger takes you on a waddle on the Alder Trail, getting your mind off the fact that you are waddling by telling you about the park, its history, its wildlife.
Logistics: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m. at Lake Norman State Park. Free, but space is limited and preregistration is required, by calling 704.528.6350.
Sunday forecast: High of 54, clear.
Mountains
“The Elusive Mink” earns a spot on our weekly highlight reel simply for its “No kidding?” factor. Mink? in North Carolina? Apparently. In this case at Elk Knob State Park, where they’ll be discussing the the critter known for its silken fur Sunday from 2-3 p.m. So, come for the program then hike around Elk Knob and look for signs of — cue theme to Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” — The Elusive Mink.
Logistics: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2-3 p.m., Elk Knob State Park, 5564 Meat Camp Road (another reason to endorse the event — what a great address). More info here.
Sunday forecast: High of 50, 0 percent chance of rain.
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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.