Explore three western destinations where you can sip at picturesque vineyards, hike to waterfalls, see stunning mountain scenery during iconic drives, and attend a pumpkin festival.
pilot mountain
6 Can’t-Miss Hikes for Birding & Blooms in the Blue Ridge
Find yourself surrounded by birdcalls and wildflowers as you welcome the season with a walk in the woods — through old-growth forests, along mountain summits, and past clear, cold creeks.
Written in Stone: North Carolina’s Rock Formations
According to Cherokee legend, when the Earth was created, the Great Buzzard flew low over the flat land, his beating wings sculpting mountains and valleys below. Today, science offers its own explanations for our state’s geological marvels.
From Elizabeth Hudson: Outstanding in the Field
For a Randolph County native, nothing compares to the sight of the sun setting over a plowed field.
7 Scenic Drives to Take in the Piedmont
Spend a day driving on a beautiful North Carolina byway through rolling farmland and foothills, past vineyards and rock formations, and into a remote forest — and find out the best places to stop for food, fun, and stunning views along the way.
Natural Wonder in North Carolina’s State Parks
From a 6,684-foot peak in the west to a shape-shifting sand dune in the east, our state parks hold the best of what North Carolina has to offer. Together, they tell the story of the place we call home.
14 Can’t-Miss Cabins & Cottages in North Carolina
Whether you’re looking for an escape to peace and solitude or a glimpse into the lives of our forebears, these cozy cabins and charming cottages are worth a visit to stay, play, or learn.
Middle Mountains: Pilot Mountain
From bird-watchers and hikers to Andy Griffith fans and proud locals, those who know this landscape understand why it rises above the rest.
