Coast

Since this is a special weekend, extending to Wednesday for many of you, we’re throwing the 4^th into the mix — and one of the best displays of brightness lighting up the sky that you’re likely to see: the Cosmos & Cocoa display on Bald Head Island.

Take advantage of Bald Head Island’s removed location and minimal nighttime light pollution to catch the night sky ablaze. “Use our sky charts and scopes to enhance your stargazing experience while viewing constellations and planets,” says the sponsoring Bald Head Island Conservancy.

Logistics: Cosmos & Cocoa, Tuesday, July 4, 8:30 p.m., Bald Head Island, $10 for BHI Conservancy members, $15 otherwise. More info and sign up here.

Tuesday evening forecast: Mostly clear skies with a temperature around 80 in the evening.

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Looking ahead: Sharks Tooth Island Full Moon Kayak Trip, Aug. 7, Halyburton Park, Wilmington. More info here.

Piedmont

The first weekend of every month, something special happens at Hanging Rock State Park:

Vade Mecum!

Yes, it sounds ominous. Like vampires emerge to handle things if you aren’t out of the park by closing. Rather, it’s an opportunity — to explore the trail network that became part of the park in 2014 when the 716-acre former Camp Sertoma 4-H Education Center — also known as Vade Mecum Springs — became part of Hanging Rock. Until the land is fully incorporated into the park, the 5-mile-or-so trail network only opens on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month — which would be this weekend.

Check in at the former lodge for maps and directions; hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Logistics: Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2, 9 a.m. To 5 p.m., Trails Open at Vade Mecum, Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury. More info here.

Weekend forecast: highs both days around 90, chance of thunderstorms Saturday.

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Looking ahead: Beginner Canoe Paddle Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs, Aug. 1, 2 p.m. More info here.

Mountains

No fishing license? No problem on Independence Day.

In North Carolina, you don’t need a license to fish in your county of residence. Elsewhere, you do, except on July 4, when the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says you can fish on all public waters, from the salt water of the Atlantic to the clear mountain streams of the high country. We highlight the mountains because of the trout opportunities — brook, brown, rainbow — in these higher, cooler waters.

Logistics: License-free fishing, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, July 4. For more info, go here.

Tuesday forecast: Mostly sunny, highs in the 80s.

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Looking ahead: Moonlight Paddle, New River State Park, Laurel Springs, Aug. 4, 9 p.m. More info here.

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

Coast

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