Luxury Lakeside Holidays

This is a continuation of the camping at the state park I mentioned in the last issue.

Lakeside Campground is very popular and hard to get a reservation, but I finally made one, so let me tell you how it went.

By the way, I was able to make a reservation…if you check the reservation site on the website often, you may find that a spot suddenly gets canceled and becomes available. If you check the site often when you have an idea, you may be able to get a reservation unexpectedly. (*I was able to make a reservation three months in advance this time.)

It’s great to be able to watch the sunset from your tent! You can enter the lake from the back of the tent.

Many people spend their evenings relaxing in their tents or RVs, so there are few people playing in the water on the lake and it is truly a private party. We did some light paddle boat exercises and…

Paddleboats have recently become popular among people who enjoy outdoor activities. Inflatable types can also be folded compactly, which is convenient.

I enjoyed the beautiful sunset and felt refreshed in mind and body.。

The boat was once difficult to buy for the Corona disaster. Now, they can be purchased at any store that sells sporting goods.

A weekend spent in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You will be able to think, “Let’s go for it again from tomorrow! You will be able to think, “I’m going to work hard again tomorrow!

Get a taste of local art at craft and art events

North Carolina is home to the “Research Triangle,” one of the world’s leading academic cities, with a concentration of higher education institutions and research centers representing the East Coast of the U.S. The city of Cary, which is adjacent to this area, is attracting attention as one of the most dynamic areas in the country and is popular among Japanese residents.

Bond Park, located in the center of Cary, is a place for citizens to relax. Large events are held there on a regular basis.

The SPRING DAZE ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL, held once a year in Cary, was held again this year on Saturday, April 29 at Bond Park. Today, we would like to report on the outdoor event, which was crowded with locals.

Many booth exhibitors are from North Carolina.

This annual event brings together 170 artists to exhibit and sell their crafts and art. The genres vary from interior goods, accessories, clothing, stationery goods, candles, paintings, and more. Since the event is held in a huge park with a lake, many people visit the park while taking a walk.

Not only people for the event, but also people running or walking their dogs visit.
Food trucks line the street, and visitors can also enjoy the tastes of the American South (local flavors).

There were also numerous performances on a stage set up outdoors. There were also food vendors and a sports area where children and adults alike could enjoy the event.

Plenty of space for children to play basketball, table tennis, soccer, etc.。

If you stop by the stores and event booths, local artists and volunteers will be happy to talk to you and enjoy a moment of conversation.

If you want to experience live English and improve your conversational skills, you should visit these local events. You will be able to experience native English conversation that is not available in training programs.

Easy camping at a state park

Easy camping at a state park

Camping season has arrived! In the United States, the mecca of the outdoors, many people enjoy spending their holidays outdoors.

S’mores enjoyed lakeside…a most luxurious moment.

Camping may seem a bit daunting, but the good thing is that it is actually very easy to do in the U.S. There are so many nearby campgrounds that you can go on the day you think of it or the next day. There are so many campgrounds in your neighborhood that you can go there on the day of your visit or even the day after.

One of the best places to camp is at a state park. Many of the state parks in North Carolina have campgrounds attached to them, and reservations can be made for as little as $25 per night. Some parks offer a variety of camping styles, such as RV sites, group sites, etc., in addition to tent sites.

Jordan Lake State Park is popular with many campers because of its facilities. Lakeside makes it very private.

Popular spots such as Lakeside, where you can enjoy a private lake beach, may be booked six months or more in advance, but there are also areas where same-day registration is available if you do not choose a location that far in advance.

RV sites are conveniently located with power and water available, and it is possible to reserve an RV site and stay overnight in a tent.

The nice thing about state parks is that they are well-equipped. Many of them have showers and toilets attached, so they are also good for beginners in camping.

If you are not comfortable staying in a tent…you can do day camping. There are trekking trails near the campsites, and many places to enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports, so you can have a lot of fun even if you don’t stay the night.

Check-in time at the state park is a little late at 4 p.m., but check-out time is 3 p.m. the next day, so you can still have plenty of fun the next day.

The showers and toilets are cleaned regularly, so you can use relatively clean showers and toilets.

A state park campground you can go to as soon as you think of it. If you come to North Carolina, you must experience it!

A strawberry picking season in NC!

A strawberry picking season in NC!

It is in the midst of strawberry picking season in North Carolina.

There are many farms in the neighborhood that offer strawberry picking. After purchasing a basket at the reception, many of them offer all-you-can-pick and all-you-can-stuff.

There are no greenhouses like strawberry picking in Japan. You pick strawberries that grow on the ground in a large farm. Basically, you are supposed to put the strawberries you pick in a basket and take them home, but it is OK to taste a little bit!

Finding a basket full of strawberries may be a lot more work than you think! But it is fun like a treasure hunt.

There are many varieties of strawberries, including Sweet Charlie and Camarosa, and even one farm grows several varieties of strawberries.

Weekends are crowded, so the best time to visit is in the evening on weekdays! However, depending on the strawberry situation, there are cases of temporary closure or early closing even though the opening hours are indicated, so it is advisable to check the situation on the website or by phone.

In many places, you pay for a basket and you can fill it as much as you want (about $15-$20). Picking in small boxes is also available at some locations.

In addition, many places on the farm sell freshly picked vegetables, honey, ice cream made from strawberries, etc., so you can enjoy the farmers’ market in addition to strawberry picking.

Strawberry picking is at its peak right now, and many places close by mid-May, so be sure to check back early!

Beyond Borders also offers a variety of seasonal event plans for your stay in the U.S. Please contact us for more information. Please contact us for more information.

The logo mark was completed!

The logo mark was completed!

I have a little news this time…

The “Beyond Borders” logo has been completed!

North Carolina is where the Wright Brothers made their first powered flight. Therefore, we put an airplane, the place of “First in Flight”, in the logo mark.

The logo mark of “Beyond Borders” supports people who want to spread their wings to the world.

Please take a look at it!

Beyond Borders has launched! 

Beyond Borders has launched! 

We want more people to have different experiences across borders!

With this wish in mind, “Beyond Borders” was established in 2022.

North Carolina, where “Beyond Borders” is located, is one of the few states in the U.S. that has four distinct seasons. Since it is located at about the same latitude as Tokyo, Japan, the climate is very similar to that of Japan, making it a very comfortable place for Japanese people to live.

Although blessed with abundant nature, the area is moderately developed, so there are no difficulties in living here. Another attractive point is that the area is safe and the residents are very friendly.

Also, as a city rich in diversity, there are many opportunities to meet people of various ethnic backgrounds, making it an easy place for Japanese people to live and be accepted into the community.

Although the state is not well known to Japanese people because it does not have a large city that everyone knows, there are actually many Japanese companies that have their bases here. Of course, there are Japanese students here as well.

We invite you to experience the charm of this moderately rural North Carolina. 

If you are interested in overseas training, study abroad, or cross-cultural exchange, please contact Beyond Borders. We will propose a plan that suits you through a series of individual consultations.

We also hope to share the charms of North Carolina on this blog, so please stay tuned.