"The Outdoors at Your Doorstep"

The Backpacker Magazine is great read for those that enjoy backpacking, as well as those who enjoy day-hiking from family camps. The magazine covers backpacking nationwide, and especially in the west where there is an abundance of breathless opportunities for backpacking. Even for those with a less extreme appetite for outdoor adventures, the magazine provides camping gear reviews and hiking skills hints.

Some of the best outdoor adventures are waiting for you in our National Parks. Find a park nearby by visiting their website, and explore it this weekend.

"The One Stop for Popup Campers"

The Pop Up Times website and magazine are valuable resources for popup campers and small RV enthusiasts. The website offers a forum for registered users to share experiences, tips, and tricks, along with a store, and information briefs from their quarterly magazine.

"The Boating and Waterfront Magazine"

Carolina Currents is a bi-monthly magazine which features destinations in the coastal Carolinas. It provides news of interest for the area along with event calendars and business briefs. Several coatal destinations are featured in each issue.

The magazine is distributed free at over 600 outlets, including marinas, visitor centers, stores, waterfront locations, and more. Subscriptions are also available.

Gem Mountain offers mine trips and flume mining. Gems that can be collected and kept include rubies, sapphires, emeralds, aquamarine and more. The mining is always fun, but the covered flumes make this a perfect rainy-day activity. During the colder months, the flumes are closed in and heated, allowing Gem Mountain to be open March through December.

Carolina Beach State Park is located south of Wilmington on Pleasure Island near. It is on the Cape Fear River and Snow's Cut, a part of the Intercoastal Waterway.

The campground has 83 rustic sites and two bath houses with hot showers. The park does not offer electric and water hookups, but does have a dump station.

"Man, you should have been here last week!"

The slogan for the Kure Beach Fishing Pier is a reminder of the changing fortunes of fishing, and the benefits of fishing often. The Pier is a fun way to spend a day at the beach and to fill a cooler with fish for the freezer. Bait and tackle can be purchased at the Pier, as well as snacks and gifts.

Check their website for more information, fishing reports and a gallery of great catches.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area provides a glimpse into Civil War history as well as the opportunity for a great day at the beach.

North Carolina Aquariums are located at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher. Being reasonably priced and highly educational, the Aquariums are a must-see attraction for every Carolina family and tourists on the Carolina coast.

Plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours at the Aquarium, and to enjoy some refreshment at the Snack Bar at the end of your tour.

Located on Fayetteville Street in the heart of downtown Raleigh are 2 museums. They are both "must-see" for North Carolina citizens and anyone traveling near Raleigh.