THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CAROLINA

Sapphire Valley

— Great Outhouse Races, Feb. 18, features outhouses racing down ski slopes, as well as a parade, food and music for spectators. www. skisapphirevalley.com /greatouthouse-races.html.

Emerald Isle

— St. Patrick’s Festival, March 11, features arts and crafts vendors, food, clowns, static displays, amusement rides and children’s activities. www. emerald isle st pat ric ksfestival.com.

Wilmington

— Coastal Living Show, March 25, features gifts and services, raffles, seminars and exhibits. www. coastallivingshow.com.

Winston Salem

— HopSwap Half Marathon & 5K, April 1, features races, commemorative pint glass, race shirt, post-race block party and craft beers. www. visitwinstonsalem.com.

Wilmington

— North Carolina Azalea Festival, April 5-9, features a street fair, a parade, concerts, a garden party, art and more. www. ncazaleafestival.org.

Sylva

— Greening Up the Mountains Festival, April 22, features music, arts and crafts, food and more. www. greening up the mountains. com.

Winston Salem

— Piedmont Earth Day Fair, April 22, features music, activities for adults and children and earth-friendly exhibits. www. visitwinstonsalem.com.

Beaufort

— Wine and Food Festival, April 26-April 30, features wine dinners and Vin de Mer (where guests are immersed in a culinary tour de force) offering 300 wine labels and cuisine from dozens of local and regional restaurants. www. beaufortwineandfood.org

Winston Salem

—Arts& Craft Beer, April 28, features beer tasting, artist demos and art-making activities. www.visitwinstonsalem.com.

Bryson City

— Nantahala Racing Club Family Whitewater Weekend, May 28-29, features flat and whitewater activities, games, and 1K and 5K races. nantahalaracingclub.com.

Hendersonville

— Garden Jubilee Festival, May 28, features lawn and garden show, vendors, workshops, art. 800-828-4244, www. historic henderson ville. org.

Maggie Valley

— PlottFest, June 18-19, features bluegrass music, plott hound dog show competions and on-site adoption opportunities. 828452-0152, www.plottfest.org.

Beaufort

— Old Homes & Gardens Tour & Antiques Show & Sale, June 23-24, features tours of private historic homes, gardens, local churches, inns, art studios and meeting halls. www. beauforthistoricsite.org.