This local outfitter has been gearing up hikers since 1984, and the addition of a bar, Conspiracy, has made it a popular hangout, too. Order a pint and enjoy free popcorn while watching outdoor-themed action movies, and don’t miss the Southern Appalachian Paddlesports Museum and Carolina Climbing Museum inside the store.
140 Tunnel Road
(828) 251-2001
blackdome.com
This restaurant is located at the end of the Boone Greenway. Try the “Southwest-Caribbean soul food” before or after exploring almost four miles of trails, or walk to and from the restaurant starting at the Casey Lane or Watauga High School trailheads for a mid-hike pit stop.
200 Southgate Drive
(828) 265-4041
coyotekitchen.com
This restaurant at the Nantahala Outdoor Center started in 1972 as a simple outpost for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Today, kayakers, whitewater rafters, anglers, and day hikers enjoy River’s End’s waterfront views, too, as they fill up on “Sherpa rice” or trout cake sandwich.
13077 U.S. Highway 19
(828) 488-7172
noc.com/places/restaurants/rivers-end-restaurant
The namesake mountain in Whiteside Brewing Co.’s logo rises just beyond the brewpub’s doors. Enjoy an IPA or amber ale on the lawn, or order takeout from a menu of paninis, burgers, wings, nachos, and salads for a picnic on top of Whiteside Mountain’s 750-foot cliffs.
128 NC Highway 107
(828) 743-6000
whitesidebrewing.com
With Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head Woods Preserve, Run Hill State Natural Area, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial all within a four-mile radius, adventure is never far from this Caribbean- and Mexican-inspired restaurant. The laid-back atmosphere draws hikers, surfers, and beachgoers for fish tacos, jerk chicken wraps, and homemade desserts.
1216 South Virginia Dare Trail
(252) 441-7994
fooddudeskitchen.com
Before venturing out to the 5,600- acre William B. Umstead State Park’s lakes and trails just half a mile away, fill up on eggs, country ham, bacon, and pancakes at this traditional diner. Prefer to work up an appetite first? Sunny’s serves breakfast all day long.
8710 Glenwood Avenue, No. 104
(919) 787-7715
In downtown Troy in Uwharrie National Forest, a former 1909 hotel and drugstore now serves coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods to help fuel a day on the trails. Plus, peruse the pages of a book filled with handwritten memories of locals who recall the shop’s past lives.
401 North Main Street
(910) 572-1555
uwharriemercantile.com
Eleven Our State authors share stories about the role light plays in their holiday celebrations.
For more than 50 years, a dazzling chandelier has hung in the dining room of the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. Only recently has its remarkable backstory been fully illuminated.
At Burge Flower Shop, Randolph County residents find comfort, joy, and inspiration by the bouquet.
A pair of mother-daughter innkeepers inherited a love of hosting from their expansive family. At Christmastime, they welcome guests to their historic lodge in Stanly County.
