Summertime is often filled with excitement and plenty of activities to do.
The heat of the day makes the beach an oasis for visitors, and the warm nights are enjoyable during an eventful evening out on the town. With the season coming to an end, it may seem that the fun is over, but there are still things to do to stay busy even when the cold hits.
Although it may be too late to join an intramural sports team, admittance to all on-base games are free.
Last year, New River’s football team took the championship and intends to do the same this year. The soccer team has made it to the finals two years in a row and has been practicing to win it all this season.
The excitement of a large crowd can raise morale and help build camaraderie.
For those who enjoy more hard core sports, Coastal Paintball, located on Marine Corps Base Camp Johnson offers year-round gaming and is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Paintball offers a chance to let off some steam participating in a fun, safe target competition.
The fall months also bring the official seasons of the National Football League and the National Hockey League. With stadiums located in Raleigh and Charlotte, these sports offer a great opportunity for a weekend getaway.
The big cities feature an array of shopping, first-class restaurants and an exhilarating nightlife throughout the year. The end of summer also means the beginning of hunting season. On a chilly Saturday morning, getting dinner the old fashioned way.
Find a recipe to make homemade jerky with the spoils of the hunt or enjoy the excitement of hunting a black bear to take home as a trophy.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has rules and regulations for hunting, including fees for a license and approved weapons so make sure you are following all guidelines by visiting www.ncwildlife.org.
Although amusement parks are normally only open during the summer, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., opens for the holiday season. Take a drive up north and experience more than a million twinkling lights while enjoying hot chocolate and freshly baked Christmas cookies. A complete Christmas Town visit includes stopping at Santa’s workshop and viewing the park’s 45-foot decorated Christmas tree. Active service members and family members rate one free trip to the park each year.
While most beach communities close when the temperature drops, Myrtle Beach continues to please visitors with one exciting activity after another. From casino cruises to aquariums to the IMAX theater, boredom is not an option. The stretch of white sandy beaches called the Grand Strand is known as the home of fun activities and endless entertainment. The tourist city does not even begin to slow down in the winter. Though the weather is cooler, the area remains a hot spot, offering much more affordable prices during the off season Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach hosts a trip through the “Dangerous Reef,” a 330-foot moving path that travels along the ocean floor while 11-foot sharks glide ominously amongst a host of marine life. Casino ships offer winter-themed gambling cruises. Myrtle Beach maintains a tolerable temperature, but the mountain areas average much colder winter weather.
For those interested in winter activities, northwest North Carolina offers a variety of resorts for skiers as well as snowboarders. The official ski season begins Thanksgiving weekend, so start planning early to hit the slopes. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are a beautiful place filled with small mountain towns, national forests and raging rivers. White water rafting can offer a thrilling adventure with the high-speed rushing currents.