From Asheville to Chapel Hill, North Carolina is setting blossoms in many destinations that are cost-sensitive and fun for this year's spring getaways. Load up the car, head east and your family will find unusual and authentic places to relax and escape the bikini'ed crowds.

Birdhouses on Parade
March 9-30
The historic Carolina Inn is hosting a show of one-of-a-kind birdhouses and feeders crafted by North Carolina artists. This three-week period is marked by several lectures and other events. Stop by and stay for tea. Chapel Hill; 800/962-8519.

30th Annual Newport Pig Cookin' Contest
April 4-5
If you've passed this way before you probably know that the eastern North Carolina style of barbecue uses a golden vinegar sauce and a special technique for whole hog cooking. This festival celebrates all things pig with rides, crafts and live entertainment prior to a day of sampling the different varieties of award-winning 'cue. Newport Park, Newport; 252/223-PIGS.

Festival of Flowers, Biltmore Estate
April 5- May 18
Base yourself in pretty Asheville and spend a day touring the most visited house museum in America -- the classic Biltmore Estate. Around its grounds and within the 19th century home are colorful, fragrant blossoms to mark the season. Kids will love its 8,000-acre backyard where more than 90,000 tulips take over the Walled Garden. Each weekend, there's live jazz and blues music at the estate's wine bar. Book your rooms at the elegant inn on the property or at one of the many hotels and B&Bs nearby. Information at 828/225-1333 or 800/411-3812.

Decorated Birdhouse Competition, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
April 9-May 11
If you liked the Carolina Inn's show, stroll through this inn and inspect their display of handmade, artistic birdhouses. The Birdhouse Competition launches the annual Sunset Mountain Spring celebration. Have lunch or coffee by the lobby fireplace and enjoy special spring floral displays throughout this AAA four-diamond Asheville inn; 800/438-5800.

Blue Ridge Wine Festival
April 10-13
Adults will enjoy many wine tastings, seminars, classes and a winemaking competition while children's activities and family events take place downtown. On Saturday, renowned area chefs battle each other in a fierce cooking competition, followed by live entertainment and samples from more than 20 regional wineries in and around Blowing Rock; 828/295-7851 or 877/295-7851.

NOC Outfitter's Store Demo Daze, Nantahala Outdoor Center
April 19-20
A new event for 2008, this river outfitter is offering its Store Demo Daze featuring a range of fun activities. This weekend of family-adventure includes an opportunity to test-paddle one of NOC's 60 plus boats for free on the Nantahala River. If the river is too intense, you can opt to practice in the pool or take one of the free creeking or play boating clinics offered during the weekend. A BBQ lunch ($7/pp) will certainly satisfy a family's hungry bellies after the water fun. Also check out the new whitewater rafting gear (with discounts) for the 2008 season. NOC is based in Bryson City; 888/905-7238.

22st Annual North Carolina Pickle Festival
April 25-26
From the folks at the Mt. Olive Pickle Company come free pickles and other special events. Don't miss an appearance by Mr. Crisp, an eight-foot pickle, the "Tour de Pickle" bike race, the Pickle Derby, cheering on the N.C. Pickle Princesses, dancing to beach music or helping your kids with the Pickle Treasure Hunt. It all takes place in Mount Olive; 919/658-3113.

25th Annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
April 26-27
About 90 miles south of Durham, Fayetteville ("City of Dogwoods") honors the state's official flower at one of the Southeast's most renowned festivals. Dance, music, family-friendly crafts, a carnival, street fair and other kids' activities all weekend. Call 910/323-1934.

Plan scenic driving routes, restaurants, and top-value rooms for your alternative family spring break at VisitNC.com.

by Jillian Ryan

Book this trip