Best Spring Getaways 2022

The dogwood trees are blooming, the grass is green again, and the bees are coming out of hibernation. For months we have patiently waited for the days’ to grow longer and the air warmer. Now that the earth has awakened and another Spring season is upon us, we have compiled a list of some of North Carolina’s must-see spring getaways. Whether you are seeking a well-deserved mental break or are simply looking for an opportunity to enjoy the mild weather, we have the rundown you didn’t know you needed. 

The Whitewater Center

Number one on our list of must-see spring getaways is the U.S. National Whitewater Center, located just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Whitewater Center is a quick hour and a half drive down I-85, making it the ideal day-trip destination. With everything from whitewater rafting to zip-lining to rock climbing, the Whitewater Center has all the adrenaline junkie essentials. Yoga classes and flat board kayaking tours are also available to those who desire a more relaxing experience. If you stay until evening on the weekends, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the River Jam live concert series, which takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from May to September. There are countless food and beverage options available for concert-goers to enjoy. People are also encouraged to bring their pets, so there are always plenty of pups to meet. 

Wildflower Hikes

Photo by Daria Obymaha from Pexels

Now that the sun is shining and April showers are in full swing, the brilliant wildflowers of North Carolina’s mountains are blooming once more. There are plenty of trails dedicated to spring wildflowers, and you are likely to find several along the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the most popular of these treks is the Crabtree Falls trail loop, which is a low-intensity hike that features vibrant wildflowers and a sixty-foot waterfall. Crabtree Falls is about three hours from Elon, making it a bit of a stretch for a day trip. If you are looking for a more local adventure, Raven Rock State Park is another great place to enjoy the spring season’s fantastic foliage. Raven Rock is a popular hiking destination that lies about an hour and a half southeast of Elon. Raven Rock is known for its spring wildflowers, but there are also plenty of waterfalls and rivers to explore in the park. Another local wildflower destination is Flower Hill Nature Preserve, which is about an hour and a half east of Elon. Flower Hill is a mountainous microenvironment, meaning it has geographic characteristics that are unique to the surrounding piedmont terrain. As a result, the area is home to countless plant life that are generally native to the Appalachians. Flower Hill has a mild trail that leads visitors through the beautiful landscape, making it a fantastic photo shoot destination. 

Urban Hiking

If you are hoping to avoid even slightly long car rides, another great way to enjoy the spring weather is to explore some of North Carolina’s wonderful outdoor museums and parks. Greensboro alone is home to four different garden parks, each of which features a distinctive array of flowers and activities. Tanger Family Bicentennial Gardens is only a few miles west of the University of Greensboro and is known for its massive annual plantings and pristine bronze statues. The Greensboro Arboretum lies just northwest of the Greensboro Coliseum and offers a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city. The Bog Garden lies directly across the street from the Tanger Family Gardens and gives visitors a chance to be transported to natural wetlands. Gateway Gardens, which lies on the eastern edge of the city, is perhaps the most interactive of Greensboro's gardens. The Gateway Garden is one of Greensboro’s largest public projects and is home to three separate garden areas, each with its own theme and flowers, as well as a great lawn that is perfect for tanning. If you are looking for a day trip into the triangle, Durham and Raleigh are also home to some amazing parks. Durham’s Central Park, which is a five-acre oasis in the heart of the city, is perhaps the most popular. With countless trails to explore, a weekly farmers market, and a self-serve community garden where visitors are welcome to pick their own fruits and herbs, Durham’s Central Park is the ideal spring day-trip destination. 

Tag us on Instagram @TheEdgeMag if you find yourself at any of these serene spring getaways!