Steer wrestling, a practice credited to legendary cowboy and rodeo star Bill Pickett, usually involves leaping onto a steer from the back of a specially trained horse. At the Madison

Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to

A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Strange Sightings A famous pirate was killed and beheaded on Ocracoke Island in 1718. The fight took place at what is now called Teach’s Hole, where, for many years, people

Eastern

Madison County Championship Rodeo

Strange Sightings A famous pirate was killed and beheaded on Ocracoke Island in 1718. The fight took place at what is now called Teach’s Hole, where, for many years, people

Food

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Strange Sightings A famous pirate was killed and beheaded on Ocracoke Island in 1718. The fight took place at what is now called Teach’s Hole, where, for many years, people

Quiz

Our State Quiz: Strange Sightings

Believe it, or not.

by Alan Hodge

</p> <section> <h2>Strange Sightings</h2> </section> <section> <h2>A famous pirate was killed and beheaded on Ocracoke Island in 1718. The fight took place at what is now called Teach’s Hole, where, for many years, people have reported seeing or hearing whose ghost?</h2> </section> <section> <h3>UFO sightings in North Carolina number in the hundreds. One of the most active areas for UFOs in our state is Cashiers, which is located in what county?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>A railroad conductor lost his life in a Brunswick County train wreck in 1867. People reported seeing his warning lantern through 1977, when that section of track was removed. This haunting phenomenon is named for what nearby community?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>One of North Carolina’s most famous creepy places is the Devil’s Tramping Ground, where Old Nick has been reported to pace. Near what Chatham County town is this devilish circle of dirt located?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>There is said to be a hairy creature that walks upright like a human and is known for its “fragrant” aroma. What is this being, one of which was allegedly spotted and filmed near Franklin several years ago?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>At an old U.S. Highway 70 underpass near Jamestown, a ghostly hitchhiker has been seen off and on since the mid-1920s. What is the name of this eerie damsel who stops drivers, then vanishes into thin air?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Scotland supposedly has a strange water creature living in one of its lakes, and so does North Carolina. Many people claim to have spotted a large, mysterious animal in Lake Norman that goes by what nickname?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>People on Cape Hatteras have reported seeing a ghostly figure walking on the beach whenever a hurricane threatens. What is the name of this apparition, which has a “twin” on Pawleys Island, South Carolina?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>For centuries, people have spotted mysterious lights in the hills on the Burke and Caldwell county line. On what mountain does this legendary phenomenon appear?</h3> </section> <section></section> <section></section> <p> </p> <p>

Editors’ Picks

Guides

UPDATED: The Leaf-Peeper’s Guide to the North Carolina Mountains

Western North Carolina is at its most stunning when autumn arrives and the leaves burst into color. Before you head out leaf-peeping this fall, check in weekly to see what colors our experts are seeing at 22 of our favorite mountain spots.

by Our State Staff

Video

Setting the Speed Record on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail

When COVID-19 changed her plans, Tara Dower decided to speed up her hike.

by Jeremy Markovich

Food

31 Days, 31 Ways to Enjoy Apples in North Carolina

We’ve picked a bushel of North Carolina apples in every form — from pies to pottery to cider — to enjoy from the first perfect, blue-sky day of October through chilly Halloween. That’s one for each day of the month!

by Our State Editors

Recipes

Watch: How to Make Caramel Apples with Salted Peanuts

These sweet and salty caramel apples are festive and delicious.

by Lynn Wells

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Editors’ Picks