All of my best memories are in summer: 

The outdoor shower in Avon where, as children, we scratched our names into the wood. Grave Digger’s Dungeon in Poplar Branch. And the late-setting sun, which allowed us to stay out and play longer. 

Each year at Cardinal & Pine, we collect some of our favorite summer content in one edition. This is it. Below, you’ll find Fourth of July fireworks shows, the best beaches, the best summer adventure parks, adult summer camps and more. 

Share this email with your friends and family, NC. Thanks for reading. 

Like flowers in the sky. (TasiPas/Shutterstock)

We’re a week away from Independence Day. So naturally we’re looking for the best spots to see fireworks. 

Today, we published a brand new guide to the best shows, from the coast to the mountains. We’ve got shows in Charlotte, the Outer Banks, Asheville, and more. 

Yes,  please. (Photo courtesy of Town of Emerald Isle, NC via Facebook)

We’re not supposed to give away secrets like these, but we’re committed to you, the Cardinal & Pine reader, and so we’re going to take you on a tour of the least crowded beaches in North Carolina. 

These beaches are great for laying out without having someone or their dog kick sand on you because they’re too close. Check it out. 

More beach love 🌴

Thrill seekers, click here. (Photo courtesy of Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster’s Facebook page)

Adventure parks are an excellent way to cut through those long, slow, and occasionally boring days of summer. 

We’ve mapped out 11 such parks, from the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster above to waterparks, high-flying ropes courses, and more. 

Shoot (safety) arrows and look cool doing it. (Photo via NC Museum of Life and Science)

People think summer camps and they immediately think kids. 

The problem is that adults like fun too. Recently, we published a guide to awesome NC adult summer camps, including the camps at the Museum of Life and Science (above), backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, zoo safaris, and a lot more. 

Thanks so much for reading, North Carolina. Make sure to share this email with your friends and family. That’s how we grow!