Head south to soak in the sunshine as you explore the shoreline of Lake Marion, discover natural wonders in Santee National Wildlife Refuge, explore charming small towns, and more.
wildlife
Beauty in the Backwaters
In the quiet swamps of the Coastal Plain, paddlers find peace, elusive creatures make their homes, and ancient cypresses stand firm in a landscape that is anything but.
The North Carolina Zoo
Generations of North Carolinians have made memories at the world’s largest natural-habitat zoo.
A Century of Opulence in the Northern Outer Banks
An Art Nouveau-style mansion perched on Currituck Sound has survived for a century against all odds — and it’s still one of the newest buildings in historic Corolla.
Protecting Wonder at Grandfather Mountain
North Carolina’s iconic mountain has been a place of wild beauty for hundreds of millions of years. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is determined to keep it that way.
Escape to the Top of the World at Grandfather Mountain
When the neighborhood pool starts to feel like a bathtub and summer break’s novelty starts to wear away, cool mountain air and kid-friendly activities are restorative for the whole family.
The 1980s: The Bird Man
In Wilmington, a biology professor makes it his mission to understand and protect the waterbirds that nest along the North Carolina coast — and inspires his students to do the same.
16 Worlds to Explore at Grandfather Mountain
Discover hiking trails where you’ll wonder at magical forests, one-of-a-kind critters, panoramic views, and beautiful blooms.
A Herd of Survivors on the Outer Banks
For five centuries, the famed wild horses of Corolla have thrived in the dunes and waves. Today, the herd’s (human) protectors ensure their resiliency for generations to come.
