Holly Springs, North Carolina

Holly Springs began as a crossroads located near fresh water springs and an abundance of holly trees, where travelers would stop to quench their thirst. While that bit of history doesn’t continue today, residents and visitors do indulge in what’s flowing from the growing town’s popular craft breweries, including Carolina Brewing Company and Bombshell Beer Company, one of the first female-owned breweries in North Carolina.

Founded by pro BMX rider and competitor Daniel Dhers, Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex is the largest family-oriented, year-round, action sports facility in the world with more than 37,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor riding terrain. The facility includes a beginner area, pump tracks, foam pit and viewing areas (instruction available, too!).

Visitors seeking adventure in the great outdoors should make a point to visit Bass Lake Park, which features a fully stocked 54-acre lake, perfect for any fishing enthusiast. For those craving an artistic experience, the Holly Springs Cultural Center in the heart of Holly Springs offers local theater, performances and visual arts, highlighted by the annual Community Arts Festival in late Jan. Of course, Holly Springs boasts the producers-only Holly Springs Farmers Market, which offers up fresh-off-the-farm produce and products (hint: great gifts to take home).

With festivals and events going on all year, you’ll find Holly Springs is a thriving destination no matter when you visit. Join the annual HollyFest community celebration in the late fall and celebrate the season at the Happy Holly Days Christmas parade. In May, embrace your inner-outdoorsman at the Longleaf Festival, celebrating the area’s longleaf pine ecosystem.

Visitors will also be delighted to find delicious eats throughout Holly Springs, like a deep-dish slice at Acme Pizza Co., a fresh Japanese meal at Kobe Hibachi & Sushi or a juicy burger and pint of cold beer at Bass Lake Draft House or The Mason Jar Tavern (serving up its own beers, brewed right down the road in Fuquay-Varina!).

End your visit with a walk or run along Holly Springs’ greenway, which skirts Bass Lake and is home to many species of native plants and animals.