The beach would be a long and tiring day trip, maybe 3 hours each way. You could take US70 to Beaufort NC and enjoy a boat ride to Cape Lookout. I did just that this past weekend but with a stay in a B&B in Beaufort. Although, after Charleston & Savannah you may have seen enough of the Atlantic coast.

If you have a furniture fetish then you must indulge it at High Point.

Durham Museums - The new Nasher Museum at Duke is focused on modern art. I treasure my membership at http://www.ncmls.org
Raleigh Museums - NC Museum of Art http://www.ncartmuseum.org . If you can appreciate a global 'why can't we all get along' day with an IMAX film to boot you may want to consider http://www.exploris.org
Winston-Salem - The Moravian Church community at http://www.oldsalem.org is fascinating. Some, but not all, of the costumed guides are members of the church. Be sure they explain to you the level of control the church formerly had over members' careers and marriages. Indulge your sweet tooth at their brick oven bakery.

Go to the Carrboro farmers market on Saturday morning to see the vegan farmers get along with the organic meat merchant and to buy some of the best fresh foods you can put in your mouth.

If you are a live-to-eat person (like me) then you cannot miss Southern Season in Chapel Hill. It is a whole department store of food, wine, coffee, tea, candy, cookware & more with great classes & tastings you should book now. Very highly recommended! http://www.southernseason.com

The Independent http://www.indyweek.com is your best source for performing arts schedules (and left-wing activism.)