Coast

What the heck, it’s flat: why not do a half marathon — or a full! — at the coast this weekend?

The Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon has become a big event, in part, we gather, because it is a flat course. Also, if you aren’t ready for the big runs, this race offers options: there’s the marathon relay, a 5K and a 1-mile run as well. And according to the forecast, there’s good incentive to run fast: the chance of rain hits about 50 percent by noon.

Logistics: Sunday, March 22, 6:35 a.m., Wrightsville Beach. $17.50 – $100.70. More info here.

Sunday forecast: High of 62, rain developing throughout the day.

Piedmont

It’s a Haiku Hike
Reedy Creek is putting on
C’mon, sounds like fun

Logistics: Saturday, 2 p.m., Reedy Creek Nature Center, Charlotte. $2. More info and to register: 704.432.6460.

Saturday forecast: High of 73, sunny.

Mountains

Warming temperatures mean it’s time to Get in Gear in Asheville — at a festival of the same name this Saturday at RiverLink Park in the River Arts District. There’ll be a lot going on, including product demos, gear clinics, beer from local breweries, raffles and, writes the Asheville Citizen-Times, “the opportunity to try out things you might never have done before, from a sling shot range to a pump track to a ‘squeeze box.’” A portion of proceeds from beer sales benefit RiverLink, a nonprofit that works to revitalize the French Broad River.

Logistics: Saturday, March 21, noon-4 p.m., RiverLink Park, Asheville. More info in this Citizen-Times article.

Saturday forecast: High of 70, mostly sunny.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.

The post This weekend: a run, a poetic hike, a festival of fun appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

It’s summer, so sure, there’s a chance of thunderstorms. Don’t let a chance rule out a sure thing when it comes to some outdoor fun.

Coast

Imagine a time at the coast before cars, before trains, before even bridges. How did folks navigate a region with so much water?

By boat, of course. Get a feel for those bygone days of getting around by watercraft on Friday’s Kayak Through History program at the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly will offer basic instruction and safety lessons to those who are unfamiliar with kayaks, then lead a paddle through the salt marshes and sandbars around Beaufort, sharing stories of early colonial life, the early boat building community and of old fishing fleets

Logistics: Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. $45 if you need a kayak, $25 if you bring your own. Advanced reservations required, by calling 252.728.7317.

Friday forecast: High of 85, chance of thunderstorms.

Piedmont

If it’s the fourth Saturday in June that must mean it’s the Great American Backyard Campout! Yes, every year on the fourth Saturday in June, Americans are encouraged to embrace the joy of tent camping. If you’re of the belief that the words “joy” and “camping” have no business in the same sentence, then you are just the person who should embrace this event, because odds are you were exposed to camping by people who may not have known quite what they were doing. People who said it was fine to keep food in your tent in bear country, for example (and you quickly learned it wasn’t). People who said a little slack in the tent roof was OK (and you learned, courtesy of a middle-of-the-night downpour, that it wasn’t). Or people who believe your nutritional demands could be met entirely by Spam and Pop Tarts.

The goal of the Great American Backyard Campout is to show you the right way to camp, and thus, that camping can be safe, pain-free and even fun. At least two organized campout events are planned in North Carolina: at Elk Knob State Park near Todd and at the Reedy Creek Nature Center in Charlotte.

Logistics: For more on the Great American Backyard Campout, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, go here.

Saturday forecast: Saturday’s forecast is for typical summer weather, with highs in the mid- to upper 80s and a chance of thunderstorms  for much of the state.

Mountains

As we expand the parameters of “weekend” over the summer, here’s something good to know: every Friday, rangers lead a hike somewhere along the Blue Ridge Parkway. They typically aren’t long hikes, but they are rich in the natural and human history of the area.

This week’s Friday hike: A 2.5-miler on a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from the Glassmine Falls Overlook (Milepost 361) to Lunch Rock and back. “See rare rocky outcrop ecosystems, learn about unique high elevation forests, and take in the spectacular views from Lunch Rock. Bring water and a snack or lunch to enjoy at Lunch Rock. Wear good hiking shoes and sunscreen and plan for changeable weather.”

Logistics: Friday, June 27, 10 a.m. Glassmine Falls Overlook, Milepost 361 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (north of Asheville). More info: Parkway Visitor Center at 828.298.5330, ext. 304.

Friday forecast: High of 85, chance of thunderstorms.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.

The post This weekend: Chance of t-storms, guarantee of fun appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Test a kayak, try a new wildlife refuge, tread (quickly) some stellar trail. There’s lots to do in North Carolina this coming spring weekend.

Coast

Been thinking about getting into flatwater paddling but confounded by the various boat options? Rec kayaks, touring kayaks, sea kayaks, sit-on-tops, inflatables … . Where’s a budding paddler to start?

If you’re in Wilmington Saturday you can start at Smith Creek Park, where from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. they’ll be hosting a Kayak Demonstration Day. All variety of kayaks (as well as canoes and stand-up paddleboards) will be available for you to take for a spin on friendly Smith Creek Lake. Certified instructors will be on hand to help and to answer questions.

Logistics: Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Smith Creek Park, Wilmington. Free. More info: 910.798.762 or jdellinger@nhcgov.com

Saturday forecast: High of 64, chance of rain.

Piedmont

When you think of the National Wildlife Refuges in the region,  your thoughts tend toward the coast: Alligator River, Pea Island, Mattamuskeet, Pocosin Lakes … . But just across the state line in South Carolina is a 46,000-acre preserve dedicated to restoring the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem. the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge consists of 30 lakes and various creeks and tributaries, which help support 190 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles and 25 species of amphibians, in addition to more than 750 plant species. It’s an area ideal for exploration.

Which is what the Reedy Creek Nature Center in Charlotte has in mind Saturday. As part of a monthly series, the center will spend the day exploring the refuge on a hike covering 6 to 8 miles of uneven terrain.

Logistics: Saturday, April 19, 8 a.m., Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Chesterfield County, S.C. Lead by the Reedy Creek Nature Center of Charlotte. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. $12. 18 and older. For more info and to register: 704.432.6460.

Saturday forecast: High of 71, 40 percent chance of rain.

Mountains

DuPont State Forest has about 100 miles of trail confined to a little more than 10,000 acres. And that’s a good thing, because just about every inch of this playground between Hendersonville and Brevard is view-worthy. That makes it a great spot to hike, to mountain bike, or to hold a 10K trail run.

The latter is the recreational transport of choice Saturday as the forest hosts the 2014 Morris Broadband 10K Trail Race. Beginning from Guion Farm in the forest, the race will utilize approximately 6.2 percent of DuPont’s trail network. Considering the up-and-down nature of the terrain, that will be just enough for many runners. Fletcher Parks and Rec hosts.

Logistics: Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. (packet pickup is from 7:30-8:30 a.m.), Guion Farm, DuPont State Forest. $40. More info, call 828.687.0751 or g.walker@fletchernc.org.

Saturday forecast: High of 70, sunny.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.

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The post This weekend: Forecast for fun appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Coast

Have the kids been pestering you to go to the beach? Have you been protesting that the water’s too cold? Compromise, fellow parents, by offering up a trip to the coast to hunt for Easter eggs. Emerald Isle kicks off the EE hunting season Sunday at high noon with an EEE (Easter Egg Extravaganza) at the Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Center. Sidewalk chalking, face painting, music and more beginning at noon, the hunt at 1 p.m., with hunting in three age categories: 3 and under, 4-7 and 8-13.

Logistics: For additional details: asanderson@emeraldisle-nc.org

Weekend forecast: 69 with a 20 percent chance of rain.

Piedmont

Attention aspiring kayakers: remove the “aspiring” this Saturday at a guided paddle at Reedy Creek Nature Center in Charlotte. “If you have never been on a kayak and want to learn the basics this is the right program for you. We will go over the basic paddle strokes and safety before launching the boats on Dragonfly Pond where you can get familiar with the gear and experience nature on a new way.”

Logistics: Program is free, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. More info here.

Weekend forecast: 77 and sunny.

Mountains

Not that you need a good reason to visit Asheville, but here’s one anyway: Saturday’s Asheville YMCA Dodgeball Tournament. Yes, “Gather 8-10 teammates and enter a team. Each team is guaranteed at least 3 games, with free food, 1st and 2nd place trophies, goody bags, and tons of fun!” Winner walks away with King of the Dodge honors.  Competition in the 15-and-older category is from 6-10 p.m., the mini-dodge tourney for 12- to 14-year-olds is from 2-4 p.m. Dodebgall: Arrr!

Logistics: To register or for additional info, email jhart@ymcawnc.org or call 828.210.9622

Weekend forecast: Sunny and 76.

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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.

Todd’s Calendar

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.

The post Look out! A busy weekend is headed your way appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

We’re going with an animal theme this week. Turtles at the coast, bears and other hearty survivors in the mountains … and would you believe we’re celebrating the squirrel in the Piedmont?

Coast

Ever been walking along the coast and come across an area marked off with yellow tape? Holy crustacean killing! you think. Actually, the area has probably been roped off to protect a sea turtle nest. Sea turtles are revered at the coast and you can find out why this Saturday and Sunday when the rangers at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area talk turtle at Turtle Talk. Some of the critter’s mysteries will be unveiled and you can find out more about the conservation effort behind that yellow tape.

Logistics: The program is both days, at 2:30 p.m., in the park’s Exhibit Room. No fee, find out more about Fort Fisher here, more about sea turtles here.

Weekend forecast: Highs in the mid-60s, 30-40 percent chance of rain. True, the program is indoors, but afterward you’ll want to take a hike on the intriguing Hermit Trail.

Piedmont

I will refrain from mentioning the number of their kind that I have inadvertently hit on my bike (7) and move right to the fact that Saturday is National Squirrel Appreciation Day. Yes, a day to celebrate what Charlotte’s Reedy Creek Nature Center refers to as “adorable mammals,” what we refer to as neurotic nut-hiding nitwits. And celebrate sciurus obnoxious they will at Reedy Creek, from 2-3 p.m. Saturday. “We’ll feed them, read about them, and celebrate all that is squirrelly about those squirrels!” exclaims an excited park. If that sounds like a good excuse to get out and explore the woods, the particulars follow.

The particulars: Saturday, Jan. 21, 2-3 p.m. at the Reedy Creek Nature Center. It’s free, but registration is requested, by calling 704.432.6460. More about the event here.

Saturday forecast: High of 59, 30 percent chance of rain.

Mountains

Do you know how a bear might celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day? By having one for dinner (that’s “for,” not “over for”). Harsh! you think? Actually, that’s survival. So what else to animals do to survive, especially to survive a harsh winter like the ones often suffered in the animal kingdom at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area? Find out Saturday at 2 p.m. on an Animal Adaptations Hike atop Mount Jefferson.

Logistics: Program is Saturday at 2 p.m. Free, no registration required. For more info, go here.

Saturday forecast: High in the mid-40s, 50 percent chance of rain.

* * *

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.

Todd’s Calendar

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.

* * *
Like us on Facebook and get health, fitness and outdoors news throughout the day.

GetGoingNC.com

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The post This weekend: Save a turtle, celebrate a squirrel (or eat one) appeared first on GetGoing NC!.