Vacation in Carolina July 4th (Charlotte, Raleigh: extended stay, chapel, neighborhoods)

[kimbey]

Hi All,

We are from Philly and are flying in to Raleigh/Durham on July 4th. From there we are driving to Asheville and then onto Charlotte then back
to Raleigh on the 8th. Any suggestions on what to see why we are there?
I am thinking of relocating to Charlotte and decided to see a bit of NC while we are there. Should we drive from Durham to Asheville, Charlotte and then
back to Durham or Charlotte, Asheville and then back to Durham. We got
a really cheap airfare that lands us in Raliegh/Durham-hence we are sticking with this starting and ending point. I just don't know how to start this trip and what I should see in the 5 days we are there!! Any advice would be
greatly appreciated. I want to make the most of our trip there.

Thank-you!!!!!!!

[erineieio]

You mentioned that you're wanting to move to Charlotte. Are you planning to meet with a realtor, browse neighborhoods or anything like that when you're in town? Just trying to get a feel for whether your intentions are for this to be a vacation or relocation (business-type) trip.

Do you already know what you're wanting to do in Asheville?

With that being a holiday weekend, you'll have to take traffic into account too...which is going to make road travel longer. Since you're wanting to move to Charlotte my first thought is to head there first... and if you really enjoy that area and are accomplishing what you came for, you might want to skip Asheville this trip (but I bet you'd need to make reservations soon, and might not be able to cancel them).

Is there anything that you wanted to do in Raleigh/Durham... or are you catching the plane here? If just using the airport, the Charlotte forums will be able to help the most with what to do there.

[kimbey]

No, I want to see Raleigh/Durham as well. I was there years ago and just loved it there!! Chapel Hill was great! I think I will skip Asheville. Maybe spend or two in Raliegh, then down to Charlotte and maybe Rock Hill. I like just about everything. I'm a very outgoing person and enjoy outdoor activities, flea markets, hiking, dining, art, anything really. Do you have any suggestions? How about a reasonable place to say. I need to get moving or I won't have a place to stay...............

[ceili723]

I don't know what time your flight arrives, but NC Symphony has a kickass free concert at Koka Booth ampitheater (Cary) that night, with fireworks to follow.
You could look into rooms in the area (Comfort Suites, Extended Stay Suites, La Quinta, etc.)

[ausmerika]

Sounds like you are already a bit familiar with the area, so that should help. I agree with your thoughts to skip Asheville this go 'round. From RDU, even without holiday traffic you are looking about 4 hrs drive time. From here to Charlotte is also about 2-3 (depending on what area of Charlotte you want to be). Have you been to the Queen City already (Charlotte)? If so, you may want to still take in Chapel Hill, and then head out west. It will be cooler! All depends if this trip is really a scouting mission, or a vacation.

[erineieio]

Fireworks in Raleigh (fairgrounds) or Cary as suggested above for July 4th night.

Saturday morning... flea market at the Raleigh fair grounds (several posts in these forums about it, and here's the map: Fairgrounds Flea Market- Raleigh, NC

Saturday afternoon/Sunday, do something outside? http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/by_activity/main.php
It's going to be REALLY hot... so bring sun screen for sure!

Who all is coming... you, family, etc?

[erineieio]

Here's something else that you might enjoy for July 4th...
"In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the hit movie Bull Durham, the Durham Bulls are pleased to announce Hollywood star Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West are coming to Durham to celebrate Independence Day with a concert at the DBAP on July 4th. Costner starred in the role of Crash Davis, an aging catcher sent down to A-ball to work with a young pitching prospect on the Durham Bulls. The City of Durham's annual fireworks extravaganza will follow the concert."

Durham Bulls | Press Releases

[kimbey]

Thanks Erineieio!! Sounds like a game plan! I can't wait to go!
You've given me some great tips.