Plan the Perfect Summer Day from the Mountains to the Coast with Insider Reid Lorenz

Hey, friends – Reid here. Born and raised in Greensboro, I moved to Charlotte four years ago for school and have made it my mission to explore all that North Carolina offers. From visiting my dad in Southport to road tripping to the Asheville area with my friends, I’ve collected favorite spots to keep it real and cool it down during the summertime.

My favorite kind of Asheville summer day 

Morning

• Morning strolling and shopping: A walk around downtown is when I find the cutest shops and hidden areas. Asheville Bee Charmer, Mast General Store and Ragtime Vintage Clothing are my favorites to pop into. What’s a trip to the mountains without a stop at Mast General? 
• Waterfalls: About an hour's drive from Asheville, you'll find two incredible natural swimming holes that my friends and I love in summer. High Falls in DuPont State Forest and Lower Falls along the Graveyard Fields loop (just off the Blue Ridge Parkway) are my go-to spots. Picture this: crystal-clear waters cascading over rocks, perfect for a refreshing swim or eating PB&J on the rocks. You can’t get any better than that! Pro tip: These are popular stops, so visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Daytime Activties

• A round of blitz and a BLT: Whenever I find myself in Asheville, I try to go to Well Played Board Game Cafe. Growing up in a family of avid gamers, this place feels like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. Plus, their delicious food options like “The Mac” and “Parcheesi Deluxe” make me want to order everything off their menu. If you know what Blitz is – you’re a real one. 
• Drinks and breweries downtown: Checking out Asheville’s vibrant brewery scene is a must, especially on a hot day. My favorites are Green Man, Burial and Hi-Wire. If you visit Hi-Wire at night, you might just stumble upon their hidden gem, The Tiki Easy Bar. It’s a secret speakeasy with themed drinks and an unforgettable atmosphere.  

Evening

• If you're feeling fancy: Visit Biltmore for a free wine tasting, or spend an evening at The Grove Park Inn. It’s a perfect excuse to dress up and treat yourself to a nice peach gimlet or cabernet.  
• Another sunset spot: Hike Bearhollow Mountain Trail or Black Balsam Knob for great views. Although these trails are fabulous to hike during the day, the sunset views atop the highest points can’t be beat. Maybe you’ll even see some cows!

A perfect summer day in Greensboro

Morning

• Start with a sweet treat: Grabbing a blueberry turnover at Cheesecakes by Alex is a cherished childhood memory of mine. My mom used to take me there before school, and we'd enjoy the hot and fresh pastries.  
• Go for a run or walk: One of the best things about Greensboro is its abundance of green spaces and gardens (no wonder it’s called GREENsboro). I often begin my mornings with a walk or, if I'm feeling wild, a run at the Greensboro Arboretum or Tanger Family Bicentennial Gardens. I also love bringing my dog, Rowan, along.  
• Relax at brunch: Available Saturdays and Sundays until 2 p.m., Rascals Tavern's brunch has been the go-to for me and my mom thanks to amazing deals on drinks and the biggest homemade biscuit I’ve ever seen.

Daytime Activities

• Looking for lunch?: I always recommend Lox Stock and Bagel. Try a Taylor ham and cheese or Reuben sandwich with a side of potato salad.  
• Or something lighter?: Another great option is a smoothie from Juice Shop. I highly recommend Razzmatazz or Blueberry Blitz – and it’s refreshing on a hot summer day!  
• Explore downtown: If you’re a book nerd like I am, you’ll absolutely love Scuppernong Books. It’s owned by the sweetest family, and I always find a new book and meet cool people. Also downtown, two of my favorite spots to shop are Design Archives and Reconsidered Goods, both of which offer vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind antiques.

Evening

• Dinner and drinks: I love walking Rowan around the Sunset Hills area and finishing at the intersection of Elam and Walker, aka “The Corner.” With four different restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop and a grocery store, this area is perfect if I haven't decided what I want to eat or if I want to start my night with a drink. My favorite spots are Sticks and Stones and Suds & Duds. If I want live music, I’ll head downtown to Joymongers when they have live bands and food trucks.  
• The best sunset snapshot: Finding the perfect sunset spot has always been my mission when exploring. Luckily for y’all, having lived in Greensboro for 22 years, I know the best spots. My top two picks are the entrance to the Laurel Bluff Trailhead off Lake Brandt Road and the entrance to the Blue Heron-Kingfisher Trail off Yanceyville Road. Afterward, reward yourself with a sweet treat at Ozzie's Ice Cream or Yum Yum Better Ice Cream. 

Summer days in Southport

Morning

• Another run: You’re probably thinking, “Another one? Is he okay?” No, I’m not. But it's good for you! I love to start my morning at Waterfront Park with a quick run past the water and into town. Everyone is so friendly – so expect waves and hellos. Afterward, I head to Southport Coffee Co. & Kitchen, where I order a chai latte and rest on the patio. And you can’t go wrong with their various bagel sandwiches.  

• Southport shops: For a small coastal town, Southport has a lot of cute shops. My favorites are the Southport Market, Northrop Antiques Mall and the Christmas House (yes, it's open year-round).  

Daytime Activities 

• Soak up the sun: Beach day! I love to lie out in the sun and read my book, patiently waiting for a Sunset Slush cart to roll by so I can give them all my money. These days I mainly hang out in Oak Island, but I grew up going to Ocean Isle Beach and hope to visit again soon. Does anyone remember the Barbie House that used to be there?  
• Lunch at a popular film spot: I always head to Fishy Fishy Cafe downtown for a quick and delicious lunch. Try the crab dip or blackened mahi-mahi salad. Fun fact: This was where Katie worked in the movie “Safe Haven”! 

Evening 

• Dinner with a view: I love Edgewater 122, Frying Pan or Provision Co. for some amazing seafood and great views, especially as the sun goes down. They’re also near one of my favorite ice cream shops, Flava's.  
• Tired of sunsets? Too bad: One last sunset recommendation to end your day. About 20 mins from Southport, there’s the Point at Oak Island. A nice open spot where Oak Island meets Holden Beach, this place is beautiful for pictures and long walks on the beach. 

Want more summer travel inspiration? Insider Bernadette Peters has you covered. Also, visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.