Accounts by European explorers who visited North Carolina centuries ago let us travel back to another era — but their words only tell part of the story.
Ramblin’ Man
On Turkey Time
Preparing the perfect Thanksgiving entrée — especially outdoors, in the fickle weather of a North Carolina November — is a delicate process that cannot be rushed. Just ask the Ramblin’ Man.
Banner Elk: Discovering a Blue Ridge Town
To answer a question that’s confounded him for years, the Ramblin’ Man — a Piedmont-dweller since birth — goes west.
The Seed Saver
A passion for indigenous grasses and wildflowers turned a ninth-generation farmer into a steward of seeds. On a ramble down to Johnston County, our roving writer learns how Don Lee is helping restore native landscapes across the South.
A Bicycle Built for Two
Pedaling through the streets of Morehead City is twice as fun aboard a vintage tandem bike. Most of the time.
Pigeons, Passing By
Centuries ago, migrating passenger pigeons flew south by the millions, great rivers of feathers streaming through the sky. Those birds are gone now, but their memory is a reminder to look up: Spring still brings a flood of winged wonder.
Cats in the Pines
Once, our longleaf pines produced the materials that helped ships travel around the globe — but the profits came at a price. Now, the forests that rang out with the sounds of industry stand quiet, and the last witnesses to that era are a rare find indeed.
Welcome to Quail Country
Times have changed since scions of the Gilded Age hunted quail in piney woods across the Piedmont. But those who hope to preserve a home for the little birds will always listen for a bobwhite’s whistle.
A Time to Fly
As the seasons turn, migratory birds and restless humans have something in common: the urge to spread our wings in search of someplace new. Turns out, that feeling has a name.
