May > Elizabeth City
Arts of the Albemarle Exhibits & Gallery
Visit the Gallery where you will find exhibitions, original artwork, unique handcrafted items and photography. The resident Encore Theatre Company produces three shows per year with about twenty performance nights. Arts of the Albemarle
May > Camden County
Hiking, biking, birding, boating, fishing the Great Dismal Swamp
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Trails are open everyday from sunrise to sunset. The refuge headquarters is located at 3100 Desert Road in Suffolk, Virginia. The headquarters is closed on federal holidays; the hiking and biking trails remain open. Fishing and boating are permitted year-round on Lake Drummond. A Virginia fishing license is required. Access is via the Feeder Ditch, which connects Lake Drummond with the Dismal Swamp Canal. A public boat ramp is located north of the Feeder Ditch on the Dismal Swamp Canal. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
May > Hyde County
Mattamuskeet Lake open to fishing and boating.
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
May > Windsor
Turkey Hunt on Roanoke River NWR
Hunt administered by NC Wildlife Resources Commission. http://northcarolina.fws.gov/ncevents.html Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
May > Manteo
Guided Canoe Tours
Guided Canoe Tours (fee program) on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. http://www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html#schedule Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
May 02-03 > Plymouth
Annual North Carolina Forest Festival
The only event in the state that celebrates forestry, the N.C. Forest Festival is a day of fun filled with exhibits, equipment, competitions, and live music. Stroll the festival grounds accompanied by live bluegrass music, taking in the educational exhibits or check out the newest equipment in the industry. From the Lumberjack Competition, as seen on ESPN, to the Fireman’s and Forest Service Parade to the Sidewalk Wildlife Art Show and Sale, there is something for everyone, including kids. Don’t miss this unique event! Washington County Tourism
May 03 > Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Paddle For The Border
Paddle the historic Dismal Swamp Canal between Chesapeake, VA, and South Mills, NC.
Canoes or kayak registration is limited and is on a first-come basis. Registration Fee. Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
May 03 > Edenton
May Play Day
Family Fun, Games, Entertainment and Great Food Edenton Tourism
May 16-17 > Scotland Neck, Halifax County
Annual Country Roads Bike Tour
Bike along tranquil country roads through pristine farmland. The tour offers a 25K, 50K, and 100K course. The courses will journey through farm communities in the heart of Southern Halifax County. There will be quality rest stops with nutrients to help you stay energized along the tour. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Camping available on the Town Commons. Admission charge. www.townofscotlandneck.com
May 16 > Hertford
Pig-Out on the Green
Pork BBQ and fixin's plus great music on the Courthouse lawn. Perquimans County Tourism
May 17 > Murfreesboro
Roanoke-Chowan Pork-Fest
Annual BBQ cook-off, all you can eat dinner, entertainment, crafts, antique cars, tour of Jefcoat Museum of Americana. Murfreesboro Tourism
May 17 > Hertford
Traditional Spring Garden Party
Join ladies and gentlemen, dressed in their spring finery, for this annual event that captures charm of the South. Guests enjoy a delectable menu. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the historic Newbold-White House. Perquimans County Tourism
May 17 > Engelhard, Hyde County
Engelhard Seafood Festival
A day for good family fun. Children's activities, rides, music, arts, crafts, historic displays and more! Little Miss & Mr. Seafood Pageant & Miss Seafood Pageant. All the seafood, cooked anyway you want it! Hyde County Tourism
May 27 > Manteo
Outer Banks Beach Music Festival
A full day of the best artist in beach music. This festival is fun for the entire family. Cold beer, tasty food and great live music. Bring your lawn chair, sunscreen and a hat! No coolers please. The best party at the beach! Tickets in advance and at the gate. Roanoke Island Festival Park. www.OuterBanksBeachMusicFestival.com
CoastalGuide's HELMSMAN