Pig in the Park

April 12-13, Goldsboro, N.C.

It’s all about regional Carolina barbecue, but this festival is so much more. Now in its fifth year, “Pig in the Park” takes place in Old Waynesborough Park (the site of the former town of Waynesborough, which was the county seat from 1787 to 1847). What remains of Waynesborough today has been incorporated into Goldsboro, and includes several historic buildings that date back as early as the 1860s.

The fun kicks off Friday evening in downtown Goldsboro with dance parties and music presentations beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing until midnight. The main event takes place the following day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 20 teams competing in a whole hog cook-off and vying for the winning title of Best Barbecue in Wayne County. The festival also includes art and craft exhibits, musical performance and children’s entertainment.

If you’re going, Goldsboro is just over 400 miles from Atlanta (about six-and-a-half hours), with most of the travel on I-20 East and I-95 North. For more info, go to www.piginthepark.com or call 1-919-735-2358.

Food and lodging

Plum Tree Gardens Bed & Breakfast, 109 S. George St., 919-736-9412.

Country Inn and Suites by Carlson, 2302 Norwood Ave., 919-581-0503.

The Brooklyn Pizzeria, 912 N. Spence Ave., 1-919778-5666.

Lotus 1899 Asian Bistro, 108 N. John St., 919-7355655.