This former port town perched on the Pamlico River is full of waterfront history, charm, and adventure.
North Carolina, Naturally: Bats
Entomologist Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice travels to Asheville to learn about the endangered gray bats species as the local population recovers after Hurricane Helene.
Guardians of the Night
In forests, chimneys, and caves across North Carolina, bats carry out silent, vital work — devouring pests, protecting crops, and defying their spooky reputations.
5 Fall Festivities in White County
Just south of the North Carolina border, a Bavarian-style mountain town celebrates Alpine living with artisanal shops, delicious eateries, and plenty of outdoor adventures.
3 Destinations for Memorable Mountain Experiences
From chasing adventures along the trails to settling into a luxurious mountain escape, here’s how to savor the season in Jackson, Transylvania, and Mitchell counties.
North Carolina, Naturally: Painted Buntings
Often spotted in the Southeast’s coastal environments, male painted buntings — with their characteristic rainbow plumage — are one of the most colorful birds in the country. Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice takes a closer look at these iridescent creatures who migrate to coastal North Carolina each year.
Winged Rainbows
On our coast, painted buntings flash their colors, sing for love, and remind us to stay hopeful.
North Carolina, Naturally: The Fall Line
From Roanoke Rapids to Raven Rock, a natural divide across North Carolina has long-guided water, wildlife, and people. Join Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice as she explores the town of Weldon, where the cascades from the Roanoke River signify the geological shift where the Piedmont meets the Coastal Plain.
The Fall Line
From Roanoke Rapids past Raven Rock, a natural divide has long guided water, wildlife, and people — and it’s still shaping North Carolina today.
