Good place for day trip in October? (Durham, Winston-Salem: living in, gardens)

[Flamingo13]

Cousins in New Bern want to go for a day trip in mid to late Oct. for their 50th! anniversary - Hopefully to see some beautiful foliage as well as check out interesting things - any ideas that aren't too far? (maybe a 2-3 hr. drive?) - Thanks for any suggestions.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

Cousins in New Bern want to go for a day trip in mid to late Oct. for their 50th! anniversary - Hopefully to see some beautiful foliage as well as check out interesting things - any ideas that aren't too far? (maybe a 2-3 hr. drive?) - Thanks for any suggestions.

I'd go to Wilmington, and see the Airlie Gardens, The Arboretum, and Poplar Grove Plantation. There won't be anything special about the foliage however, just lots of green pine trees and some Spanish moss.

If you were willing to travel more than 3 hours, I'd suggest Pinehurst or Winston-Salem. There are slightly better chances to see colorful foliage inland. You would have to drive a lot further towards the mountains to see real fall color in October. See the "Fall Color Forecaster Map" on this page: http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/arti...l-fall-fishing The coastal regions experience best colors in mid-November, but it will be mostly browns and yellows.

[macjr82]

No foliage within 2-3 hours of New Bern. You are limited to the Triangle in the East, Myrtle Beach in the South, and possibly Outer Banks or VA Beach to the north.

They are probably familiar with Carteret County if their living in New Bern. If not they coul dget intimate with the Beaufort Waterfront and the offering on Bogue Banks if they want to keep it close to home.

They can go on winery tour in Rose Hill: Duplin Winery - the world's premier Muscadine winery located in Rose Hill, North Carolina - Duplin Winery

They can see what is playing at DPAC or PNC during that time period: Official Website Durham Performing Arts Center :: Events PNC Arena :: Events

Also see what fall festivals/fairs are taking place. I think the state fair is during that period:
US Craft Events & Festivals Calendar | Browse Craft Events & Festivals of North Carolina, United States

2012 N.C. State Fair - A Bumper Crop of Fun!

[Flamingo13]

Thanks folks - I'll mention the State Fair. They (well she) wants to go somewhere different, further than Wilmington, etc.