AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day travel weather: North Carolina’s coast is heading into a mixed, unsettled holiday stretch with daily showers and thunderstorms, plus rough surf—so beach plans may need flexibility. Road-trip reality check: AAA expects record-level Memorial Day movement nationwide, with gas still above $4 in most places, meaning more traffic and more reasons to leave early or stay closer to home. Safety on the water: NC Wildlife officers are ramping up Memorial Day weekend patrols, focusing on impaired boating and risky jet-ski behavior, and reminding visitors to bring life jackets and required gear. Tourism pulse: North Carolina also posted a new tourism revenue record recently—good news for the season, even as weather and fuel costs shape how people travel. Sports & culture: Military families can get free museum admission this summer through Blue Star Museums, and local communities are lining up events for the holiday weekend.

Memorial Day Travel Watch: AAA is forecasting record weekend movement in North Carolina—about 1.3 million residents traveling 50+ miles—even as gas averages hover around the $4+ range, with drivers likely to shorten trips. Gas & Road Reality: Diesel prices vary by county, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest spots in the state around $4.99–$5.47. Tourism Wins on the Calendar: North Carolina also hit a milestone—visitor spending topped $37.2B in 2025, supporting more than 230,000 tourism jobs. Local Flavor Tourism: In the northwest, food travel gets a boost from the Depression-era Surry Ground Steak—a regional sandwich tradition now promoted via a “Ground Steak Trail” guide. On-the-Ground Safety & Services: Medical examiners across NC are pushing for higher pay as budget talks continue, a reminder that the people behind public safety are part of the travel experience too.

Memorial Day momentum + safety: North Carolina is gearing up for a big holiday travel push, with N.C. Wildlife urging sober boating and life-jacket use after a rise in fatal incidents last year (26 boating incidents investigated in 2026 so far, including five fatal crashes). Western NC comeback: Lake Lure is back open after Helene debris removal, and Gov. Josh Stein celebrated the reopening as a major tourism lift for the region. Road access: The Hampstead Bypass in Pender County is shifting traffic onto newly built lanes starting May 28, with the first bypass opening expected in late 2027. What to do this weekend: Wilmington-area beach lovers get a fresh guide to the area’s 11 beaches, and Fayetteville’s Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is set to host a new America 250 traveling exhibit opening June 5. On the ground: Crews are responding to a wildfire near Linville Gorge in Pisgah National Forest. Sports tourism note: NASCAR star Kyle Busch is hospitalized and will miss Charlotte Motor Speedway races this weekend.

Lake Lure Reopens: Gov. Josh Stein joined federal, state, and local partners to celebrate Lake Lure’s comeback for Memorial Day weekend, after crews removed 1.2 million tons of sand, silt, and debris. Asheville Transit Momentum: Asheville’s relaunched intercity bus service has topped 10,000 riders since August, with routes reaching 292 destinations nationwide. Helene Recovery Funding Watch: Lawmakers are weighing whether to “claw back” unspent Hurricane Helene recovery funds as budget talks continue. Roads & Travel Planning: I-40 rebuilding in the Pigeon River Gorge is in a major new phase, with eastbound lanes targeted to reopen in 2028—expect slowdowns through the work zone. Memorial Day Beach Demand: Despite higher gas prices, North Carolina beach hotels are reporting full bookings for the holiday weekend. Tourism Calendar: The 2026 Summer Guide is out, spotlighting events like Asheville’s Shindig on the Green. Wildfire Update: Crews are responding to the Old Highway 105 Fire in Pisgah National Forest, with 60% containment reported.

Memorial Day kickoff + travel pressure: Summer tourism is officially revving up this weekend, and the latest outdoor hospitality numbers show demand heating fast—rates are up and more campgrounds are opening at peak-season pricing. Air quality caution: Millions in North Carolina (and parts of California) are under air-quality alerts, with officials urging people—especially kids, seniors, and anyone with breathing issues—to stay indoors. World Cup buzz in NC: The USMNT World Cup roster drops May 26, and the team’s pre-tournament tune-ups include a stop in Charlotte, putting North Carolina on the soccer map. Local culture + music: Blue Ridge Music Center kicks off its Deep Roots, Many Voices series May 23, and Greenville’s Unity Park is featured on a recent “Top Chef” episode. Family-friendly outdoors: Lake Junaluska welcomes a new director of sales, signaling more group travel and retreats as the season ramps.

Big Splash for Eastern NC: Roanoke Rapids is set to land one of the first Mattel Wonder indoor waterparks, a centerpiece of the planned $500M Weldon Mills Resort along I-95—promising 600 rooms, a 100,000-sq-ft retractable-roof waterpark, plus a 40,000-sq-ft family entertainment hub (bowling, arcade, laser tag, climbing, ropes, mini-golf, VR) and a 75,000-sq-ft convention/sports complex. Coastal Policy Watch: North Carolina lawmakers are weighing a bill that could overturn the decades-old ban on hardened erosion-control structures along the coast—supporters say it’s needed for infrastructure and rising seas; opponents warn it could worsen erosion nearby. Memorial Day Travel Safety: The state’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign is underway through May 31, with extra seat-belt enforcement as the holiday weekend brings heavier traffic. Nature & Tourism Ops: Topsail Nature Preserve has officially moved to state management for conservation and public access.

Memorial Day Safety Push: North Carolina is gearing up for the unofficial start of summer with the Click It or Ticket campaign running through May 31, pairing extra patrols with a simple message: buckle up—seat belts and child restraints prevent needless deaths. On-the-Water Reminder: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is also running On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive, warning that boating fatalities are up this year and urging sober operators and life jackets for everyone. Travel Infrastructure Watch: A Wawa Travel Center is planned for Sanford, aiming to serve long-haul drivers and families as the company expands its North Carolina footprint. Seasonal Tourism Angle: In the mountains, the “Fall Color Guy” says fall color depends on spring rain—drought could mean earlier leaf drop. Local Pride & Heritage: Thomasville is rolling out a Gold Star tribute with QR codes, while Pocahontas County’s tourism summit highlighted visitor spending and regional outdoor draws.

Memorial Day Safety Push: North Carolina is stepping up enforcement on roads and waterways this weekend with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” drive plus the Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s “Click It or Ticket” seat-belt campaign running through May 31. Officials say 2024 crash deaths and serious injuries were heavily tied to unbuckled drivers and missing child restraints. State Parks Under Strain: North Carolina State Parks cut about half its seasonal positions due to inflation and lower fee revenue, even as maintenance needs climb. Travel Updates: Asheville Regional Airport is opening new rental car counters May 20 as part of its AVL Forward modernization. Outdoor Health Watch: Tick bites are surging nationally, with experts warning of rising Lyme risk as summer outdoor plans ramp up. Local Spotlight: A walkable downtown Asheville is getting fresh attention from travelers looking for an easy, stroll-friendly Blue Ridge base.

Memorial Day Safety Push: North Carolina’s annual “Click It or Ticket” seat belt crackdown is underway statewide through May 31, with extra patrols and citations aimed at cutting preventable crash deaths and injuries. Local Travel Updates: NCDOT crews begin the first phase of intersection improvements in New Bern, closing left lanes on Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd (US 70 Business/US 17) near Hotel Drive for about two weeks, with more summer closures to follow. Tourism & Community Spotlight: Wake County surprised Principal Mariah Walker with a ceremony after she was named NC’s 2026 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year—another feel-good moment for families heading into the holiday weekend. Wildlife Reminder: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is urging “bear aware” behavior as sightings rise into early summer, especially around trash and neighborhoods. Big Picture Energy: NextEra and Dominion are seeking to merge into a massive utility serving millions across NC and the region, as AI-driven power demand keeps growing.

Memorial Day travel: AAA expects more than 45 million Americans to hit the road Thursday–Monday, and North Carolina’s average gas price is about $4.19 a gallon—pushing some families to stay closer to home (parks, local attractions) and others to swap far-flung plans for nearby getaways like Asheville. Lake Lure comeback: Lake Lure in Western NC is reopening after nearly 20 months following Helene recovery work; Washburn Marina ramps and beach access are returning in phases, a big signal for tourism and local businesses. Roads and crowds: Raleigh is rolling out major weekend interchange closures around Western Blvd and the I-440 Beltline, with detours and delays expected. Travel brands watch: Buc-ee’s Benton (AR) is targeting a late-summer opening, underscoring how fast travel stops are becoming destination stops. Family-friendly fun: “Playcations” are trending—short, hobby-led trips—boosting interest in surf and beach towns along the NC coast. Sports spotlight: Duke softball’s Layla Lamar helped punch Duke into super regionals, and Winthrop earned the No. 2 seed for the Big South tournament in Asheville.

Lake Lure Reopens: Western North Carolina’s Lake Lure is back open after more than a year and a half of Helene recovery, with Washburn Marina’s boat ramp reopening for permitted motorized vessels starting Saturday and Lake Lure Beach slated for Memorial Day weekend—an “icing on the cake” moment for local businesses still rebuilding. Raleigh Road Watch: Raleigh crews are shifting major traffic this weekend as Western Blvd and connections to the I-440 Beltline close for final interchange work, so plan detours and extra time. Outer Banks Value Check: A new price comparison weighs Outer Banks trips against the Jersey Shore, Dublin, and Mexico, with the takeaway that drive-to-NC options may look better as summer costs and gas prices rise. Travel Culture Trend: Airbnb says “playcations” are driving summer travel—short, hobby-focused trips like surfing, golfing, and lake time—putting more spotlight on laid-back coastal towns. Local Business Note: Buc-ee’s is suing a Georgia convenience store over brand and mascot similarities.

Road Safety: A fatal crash on I-26 in South Carolina killed Winston-Salem man Benjamin Winston; three others were injured when a Honda CR-V hit a concrete barrier. Public Health: The FDA/USDA powdered milk recall tied to possible salmonella continues to expand, with more products added nationwide—North Carolina shoppers are urged to check affected items. Western NC Tourism: Lake Lure is reopening after Tropical Storm Helene recovery work, with marina ramp access starting Saturday and Lake Lure Beach set for Memorial Day weekend. Travel Disruptions (Raleigh): Major weekend closures are underway around Western Blvd and the I-440 interchange, with detours and delays expected. Blue Ridge Parkway Update: Debris cleanup is set to begin this summer to reduce wildfire risk, a plan some river groups oppose. Community Spotlight: Black Mothers March is calling out racial disparities in the child welfare system.

Raleigh Roadwork: Major weekend closures are underway as crews move the Western Blvd–I-440 interchange into its final configuration, with Western Boulevard and key connections closed starting Friday night—expect detours and delays. Blue Ridge Parkway Recovery: Debris cleanup is set to begin this summer on the Parkway after Hurricane Helene, with National Park Service crews targeting dozens of hazard sites to reduce wildfire risk. Lake Lure Reopens: Lake Lure is welcoming visitors again this weekend—reopening one week earlier than expected, with marina ramps returning first and the beach planned to follow later. Local Growth & Travel Context: New Census figures highlight fast-growing smaller cities in the South (including Charlotte in the top numeric gainers), underscoring why tourism and traffic planning matter. Food Safety Watch: A powdered milk recall tied to possible salmonella continues to expand nationwide, including products sold at major retailers.

Fed Leadership: Jerome Powell is stepping down as Fed chair after eight years marked by stubborn inflation and a fight to protect the central bank’s independence. Local Roads & Travel: Charlotte’s I-77 toll lane plan is in limbo after city council rescinded support, with debate now focused on traffic impacts near Exit 5 to Tyvola Road. Cost of Getting Around: Rising gas prices are pushing more drivers toward EVs, with commuters saying charging can cut costs and even boost earnings. Wildlife Watch: Black bear sightings are increasing across North Carolina, including in major cities—officials say don’t approach and let bears move through. Western NC Tourism Comeback: Lake Lure is reopening this weekend after a 20-month recovery from Hurricane Helene, with ramps returning first and beach access later. Tech in Healthcare: ECU Health in Greenville says it has performed its first noninvasive liver tumor treatment using ultrasound-based technology. Community & Culture: Rowan County will dedicate its Charters of Freedom setting on May 27 in Salisbury.

Outer Banks Travel Safety: NCDOT is lowering the seasonal speed limit on Highway 12 to 35 mph (from 45) through key beach towns like Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Frisco and Corolla, with the changes returning to off-season speeds Sept. 15. Wildlife Watch: Black bear sightings are rising across North Carolina as summer nears, including reports around Charlotte and other Piedmont cities—wildlife officials say it’s usually not an emergency, and the best move is to leave bears alone and let them pass. Road Notes for Visitors: Heavy traffic and crash delays were reported on US 17 near Alligator Creek in Leland, with drivers urged to expect slowdowns. Community & Culture: Winston-Salem/Forsyth and Greensboro arts councils are opening 2026–27 Artist Support Grant applications June 1, with awards up to $2,000. Family Fun Fundraiser: Kyle Petty’s Ride Across America charity motorcycle tour rolled through the Charlotte area this week, supporting Victory Junction.

Big Crowd, Big Buzz: The 2026 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show in Havelock drew about 70,000 people and featured the Navy Blue Angels, with visitors traveling from across the region for the free, two-day spectacle. Tourism Recovery Watch: As Western North Carolina continues rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, state leaders and local business owners are urging visitors to return—pointing to reopenings like Lake Lure’s Lake Luke and renewed momentum in Asheville-area shops. Coastal Reality Check: On Hatteras Island, Gov. Josh Stein weighed in on coastal protection debates, including how “hardened structures” could affect stability and the local economy. Coastal Environment: PFAS concerns are heating up again as regulators consider a proposed coastal “minimization” rule, with critics warning it could hurt a tourism-driven shoreline. Local Life & Leisure: Wilmington-area drivers are watching the Eastwood overpass discussion as construction and congestion questions linger. Health That Brings People In: ECU Health Medical Center performed its first non-invasive Edison Histotripsy procedure for liver tumors, expanding advanced care options in eastern NC.