3 things happening in NC: This Outer Banks town offers a taste of the beach in spring

As we enter warmer months, one Outer Banks town is offering a first taste of the beach. Plus, hit the rails out west and all the home goods in eastern NC.

As we enter mid-March, I should likely acknowledge that St. Patrick’s Day is creeping near. It’s not just that I’m an Irish Catholic guy who grew up eating corned beef and cabbage and getting actual presents every St. Paddy’s Day (don’t ever spell it “Patty’s) like it was Christmas, but this is an event column and many cities around the state are celebrating this weekend. 

So, before I give you a few other options for what to do this week, let’s talk about St. Patrick’s celebrations. 

Here in Charlotte, where I live, the famed St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl is taking place on Saturday. There’s also the 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wilmington and the Emerald Isle parade on the same day. 

If you’re not into the green parties, I’ve got a handful of other events that are worth checking out around the state this week. Check them out. 

Ghost Ship of the Outer Banks: What really happened to the Carroll A. Deering?

Taste of the Beach in Nags Head

March 13-15, locations vary

Any true North Carolinian knows that, while a trip to the beach during the hot season is needed, you also have to pencil in at least one visit during the offseason just to get the true vibes of your favorite beach town. 

Taste of the Beach in Nags Head provides the perfect reason to visit the Outer Banks shortly before all the tourists flood the area, enjoying great restaurant deals while you’re at it. The Outer Banks Restaurant Association curates this event every year to allow the culinary industry to warm up for the tourist season, with participating establishments offering deals that can’t be found any other time in OBX. 

To kick things off, and to connect with my intro above, The Lost Colony Tavern is offering a four-course dining experience featuring authentic Irish dishes designed exactly as they’re enjoyed in Ireland. They claim to have launched the St. Paddy’s menu based upon their realization that corned beef and cabbage isn’t actually enjoyed regularly by real Ireland residents. Well, there goes my childhood. 

(Photo via @obxtasteofthebeach on Instagram)

Spirits on the Rail in Bryson City

Opening March 14, Bryson City Depot

(Photo via the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad)

The historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot features a round-trip on a train that serves as an ideal way to see extraordinary places that you can’t get to by car. For the bourbon fans who prefer the scenic route, this Saturday offers three exquisite bourbon drinks paired with a chef-prepared four-course meal, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery of western North Carolina.

This year’s menu includes a charcuterie board, a Caprese salad, a steak-and-seafood entree with two regional sides (I’m hoping for collards and red slaw), and a dessert that the chef chooses for his riders. There is no better way to take in the Great Smokies. 

And if you’re not into the whole bourbon thing, rides take place throughout the year, with options for both the Tuckaseegee and Nantahala rivers. 

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ENC Home & Outdoor Expo & Artisan Market in New Bern

March 14-15, times vary; Riverfront Convention Center

There was a time in my life when I would scoff at the idea of attending an event that centers home remodeling, home decor, landscaping and building, but as of last summer I am a homeowner and this actually sounds like an amazing way to spend a weekend for me now. 

It’s a weird feeling to see an ice and snow storm forecasted and not get excited but instead worry about what damage it could do to your house, but I guess this is adulthood.

I also love combing through events like this for new ideas on how to better my home, and I think this expo is worth a trip to New Bern to check it out. While you’re there, you can check out the big Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade that I linked above.