PBS North Carolina Announces New Season of 'NC Weekend'
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS NORTH CAROLINA ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON OF ‘NC WEEKEND’
Destinations include scenic sites and local businesses in western NC that have reopened to visitors since Hurricane Helene.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 9/4/2025 — PBS North Carolina announces season 23 of its popular travel series, NC Weekend. Every week, host Deborah Holt Noel explores inviting destinations across North Carolina. The new season of NC Weekend premieres Thursday, October 2, at 9 PM, on PBS NC, online and on the free PBS app. Stories from NC Weekend are also available on YouTube.
This season, in addition to exploring must-see sites across the state, NC Weekend will highlight spots in western North Carolina, including towns like Brevard, Boone and Hot Springs. Long known for its restaurants, breweries, shops and outdoor offerings, this scenic region is ready to welcome visitors one year after Hurricane Helene.
“For the season premiere of NC Weekend, we’re very excited to share a long feature on the charming town of Brevard in Transylvania County,” said David Hardy, the series’ executive producer. “Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brevard is an exceptional tourist destination with over 200 waterfalls. It also has great mountain biking trails, breweries, restaurants and, of course, their famous white squirrels.”
In the season opener, host Deborah Holt Noel casts a fishing line at the headwaters of the French Broad River, visits cascading waterfalls, tries country line dancing and dines at restaurants and eateries.
“During our visit to Transylvania County, I was fascinated to discover people whose familial roots extend back to the 1800s and whose ancestors developed special destinations like Lake Toxaway and the Greystone Inn,” said Noel. “The region’s hospitality is off the charts. Whether it’s peace and tranquility or wild adventure, there’s something just about anyone can enjoy. NC Weekend is proud to celebrate its many gems.”
Other unique destinations featured this season on NC Weekend include chef Vivian Howard’s new casual eatery in Kinston, the Counter at Chef & the Farmer; the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington; and Native Vines Winery, which is owned by members of the Lumbee tribe.
Major funding for NC Weekend is generously provided by Visit NC. Stories of the resilience and recovery of western North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene are also made possible by generous support from Dogwood Health Trust, a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina, focused on dramatically improving the health and well-being of all people and communities in the 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary of western North Carolina.
Broadcast Schedule
New episodes of NC Weekend will premiere Thursdays from October through December. Additional episodes will premiere next spring. Visit pbsnc.org/schedule for the latest scheduling information.
Episode 1: A Weekend in Brevard
Premieres Thursday, October 2, 9 PM
Join host Deborah Holt Noel on a visit to Brevard. Explore waterfalls, inns, restaurants and other fun things to do in this charming mountain town south of Asheville.
Episode 2: Back to the Mountains
Premieres Thursday, October 9, 9 PM
Explore sites and local businesses in Hot Springs and Boone, two towns recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Episode 3: Fall Flavors
Premieres Thursday, October 16, 9 PM
Celebrate autumnal flavors at wineries, breweries and restaurants around the state, including a Cuban café in Black Mountain and an American Indian–owned winery in Lexington.
Episode 4: Local Beauty
Premieres Thursday, October 23, 9 PM
Explore NC destinations sure to please the eye, including a nature center, an iconic site at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh and a family farm in Snow Hill.
Episode 5: The Coast in the Fall
Premieres Thursday, October 30, 9 PM
Discover coastal destinations perfect for an autumnal getaway, including sites in Beaufort and at Cape Lookout.
Episode 6: Taste This!
Premieres Thursday, November 6, 9 PM
Learn about NC’s newest restaurants and eateries.
Episode 7: Where to Stay
Premieres Thursday, November 13, 9 PM
Find inspiration for your next overnight getaway as we visit new inns and lodging.
Episode 8: All Things Sweet
Premieres Thursday, November 20, 9 PM
Satisfy your sweet tooth with visits to bakeries and dessert shops.
Episode 9: New Paths to Explore
Premieres Thursday, November 27, 9 PM
Join us as we explore new trails and other spots off the beaten path.
Episode 10: Small-Town Gems
Premieres Thursday, December 4
Leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind as we explore our favorite small-town gems.
Episode 11: Here Come the Holidays
Premieres Thursday, December 11
Discover holiday attractions perfect for the whole family.
Episode 12: NC Oddities
Premieres Thursday, December 18
Explore offbeat destinations, including the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington.
Episode 13: Fun After Dark
Premieres Thursday, December 25
Discover exciting attractions when the sun goes down, including the Carolina Theatre in Durham and a stargazing spot at Cape Lookout.
About PBS North Carolina
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
-PBS NC-
Media Contact
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications
PBS North Carolina
press@pbsnc.org