It may be tempting to spend the first day off in the new year at home, but Goose Creek State Park is encouraging residents and visitors to get out and start New Year’s Day off “on the right foot.”

The park’s annual First Day Hike starts 2020 with a walk along the Pamlico River to observe the flora and fauna to be found there, including live oaks draped in Spanish moss and cypress swamps.

“We will look for waterfowl and other wildlife as we hike,” according to the Friends of Goose Creek Facebook page.

The hike along some of the park’s eight miles of trails starts at 10 a.m. Hikers are asked to dress for the weather and meet in the last parking lot on the main park road. There is no fee to hike.

Heading into the weekend, the seventh-annual Guitarfest will be held at Arts of the Pamlico’s Turnage Theatre in Washington. Named for longtime Beaufort County Traditional Music Association member and musician Don Skinner, Guitarfest features a lineup of five acts from 2:30 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Saturday in the theater’s gallery.

“This year’s show spotlights the many musically-talented ladies in the area,” reads a BCTMA press release.

Funds raised from the day of music will be donated to Ruth’s House, the domestic violence shelter located in Washington. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated, according to a press release.

For more information about the First Day Hike, call 252-923-2191. For more information about Guitarfest, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org or call 252-946-2504.