Author Drew Perry has long chronicled his adventures exploring the sights and sounds of North Carolina with his two young sons — known affectionately in the Perry household as The Toad and The Wee. With the boys’ help, Drew discovers the best parts of our state all over again, as if for the first time.
All Good Things
All Good ThingsAfter five years and countless journeys around North Carolina, The Toad, The Wee, and their parents look ahead to new adventures.
Return to the Rink
Return to the RinkIt’s Christmastime in the city: Amid the busy bustle, ice-skaters find moments of peace and joy while circling outdoor rinks. Here they come around again, gliding into another holiday season.
Thanksgiving Shake-Up
Thanksgiving Shake-UpWith a little elbow grease and a lot of laughter, young cooks transform jars of cream into homemade butter — and a new family tradition is born.
Off the Map
Off the MapAlong the Blue Ridge Parkway, the best-laid plans of boys and their parents take a back seat to spontaneous discoveries and mountain magic.
Building Memories
Building MemoriesA quest to understand how boards and blocks become tables and chairs leads a pair of young woodworkers to a furniture factory in Burlington.
Scruffy Duffers
Scruffy DuffersOn a short course at Pinehurst Resort, a pair of putter boys learn the finer points of teeing up, playing through, and celebrating a good drive (quietly).
Slide & Splash
Slide & SplashNorth Carolinians learn at an early age to brace themselves for the chilly thrill of zooming down Sliding Rock and plunging into the cold mountain water at the bottom.
Off to the Races
Off to the RacesAt Millbridge Speedway in Salisbury — where go-karts roar around a red-clay track — a family on the hunt for excitement hits pay dirt.
Another World
Another WorldFor beachgoers big and small, a trip to Jockey’s Ridge — the largest natural sand dune system on the East Coast — is like visiting a different planet.
In With the Herd
In With the HerdLittle flashes of paradise are everywhere in North Carolina — especially when you’re young and running free with alpacas on a farm in Forsyth County.
Strike it Rich
Strike it RichYoung prospectors head to Hiddenite hoping for gemstones. Yet the most priceless nugget they uncover may be the lesson that value is in the eye of the beholder.
I, BookBot
I, BookBotThe Hunt Library at NC State University has books, sure. Yet simply being in the soaring, futuristic building is enough to make your imagination take flight.
Year of the Dog
Year of the DogStarting the new year off right means opening yourself to fresh possibilities — especially the furry, tail-wagging kind.
Gingerbread Boys
Gingerbread BoysWe like to think that the holidays are all sweetness and light. But sometimes, it takes a little Christmas magic and a lot of gingerbread to restore comfort and joy.
The World Is Their Oyster
The World Is Their OysterOn a Thanksgiving quest for shellfish in Williamston, the Perry family finds a gracious plenty — plus a lot to be grateful for.
Wee Scottish Lads
Wee Scottish LadsYoung visitors to the annual Highland Games in Laurinburg discover bagpipes and sheepdogs, footraces and stone tosses — and their own Scottish roots.
North Carolina’s Grandest Dollhouse
North Carolina’s Grandest DollhouseThe immensity and splendor of the Biltmore Estate can be overwhelming. For kids, though, it is — and has always been — North Carolina’s most opulent playground.
An Afternoon Well Spent at Rudd Farm
An Afternoon Well Spent at Rudd FarmEvery kid should spend a day on the farm, learning about how his food is grown. A generous helping of sweet corn, eaten right in a Guilford County field, is just a bonus.
Finding the Light in Linville Caverns
Finding the Light in Linville CavernsIn the darkness of Linville Caverns, surrounded by stalactites, stalagmites, and stories of the past, you might just discover a newfound courage.
Fishing for Adventure
Fishing for AdventureA day of sunshine and good company beside the French Broad River is a day well spent, whether or not the trout are biting.
A Closer Look at Rescued Reptiles in Kernersville
A Closer Look at Rescued Reptiles in KernersvilleSometimes, discovery awaits in the most unexpected places — like a shopping-center storefront in Kernersville.
Ready, Set, Sled!
Ready, Set, Sled!When the snow hits, winter thrill-seekers of all ages take part in a time-honored snow-day tradition. They head for the hills, sleds in tow.
Home for the Holidays
Home for the HolidaysAdventures across the state can wait. At Christmas, there’s nothing like the warmth and comfort of your own house.
The Swing of Things
The Swing of ThingsLife lessons from a rope swing in Swannanoa: Sailing through the air is all about holding on, but watching from the ground means learning — if only a little — to let go.
Saturday Drive
Saturday DriveThe wind in your hair, the sun on your face: Adventure is easy when you’re cruising in a convertible. Especially when your destination is the Uwharrie National Forest.
Time Machine
Time MachineHow to create a family story that’ll last for generations: Build a cart of odds and ends. Add two brave boys. Head for the Piedmont hills, and ride.
Lost, or Not, at Sea
Lost, or Not, at SeaThe Atlantic Ocean is vast, and The Wee is, well, wee. With his dad, the author, The Wee finds comfort and reassurance on the North Carolina coast.
Of Mice & Boys
Of Mice & BoysAn ode to the freedom of the road, passing the torch, and one Carolina pickup.
The Promise of a Peach
The Promise of a PeachHow can such a simple summertime pleasure say so much about the history of the Sandhills, and tradition, and being happy with what you’ve got?
The Edge of Summer
The Edge of SummerFriends and family and long, lazy days on the lake: This is almost-summer in North Carolina.
A Day at the Zoo
A Day at the ZooAlligators to zebras and even the gift shop: Everything’s a wonder at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
Lost in Stokes County
Lost in Stokes CountyLeave the map behind: Navigating uncharted territory is good for the soul.
On Caves & Copperheads
Hibernating doesn’t always mean staying home to sleep. Sometimes, it means ending a cold, wet day with much-needed warmth, hospitality, and plenty of cobbler.
Mars, by Way of Carolina
Mars, by Way of CarolinaWhen you’ve staked out your own little corner of the night sky, the names of the stars don’t matter as much as the time you spend looking up.
And to All a Good Night
And to All a Good NightOn family ties, blue Christmas lights, and waiting for Santa Claus.
Fried Turkey Day
Fried Turkey DayA father and his two young sons piece together a patchwork of North Carolina memories. Now they’re seeking a favorite sandwich in Fayetteville.
A Super Slide and Everything Fried at the State Fair
A Super Slide and Everything Fried at the State FairA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina. This time, they’re visiting the North Carolina State Fair.
Have Young’uns, Will Travel.
Have Young’uns, Will Travel.Or, what ensues when a young family heads for Cherokee. In an RV.
When Raising Young Children, it’s All Noise, All the Time
When Raising Young Children, it’s All Noise, All the TimeIn search of his echo, The Toad learns the logistics of yelling loudly — and listening quietly. (The second step is always harder.)
Searching for a Proper Pair of Shoes
Searching for a Proper Pair of ShoesA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina. This time they’re on the hunt for a new pair of shoes.
To Find Fireworks (Or Not) by Crossing the NC/SC Border
To Find Fireworks (Or Not) by Crossing the NC/SC BorderA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina.
Camping in Your Own Backyard
Camping in Your Own BackyardA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina. This time, they head out to the backyard and pitch a tent where precious family memories are made.
Like Learning How to Ride a Bike
Like Learning How to Ride a BikeA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina.
A Visit to the State Line
A Visit to the State LineA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina.
In a Seaplane on the Chowan River
In a Seaplane on the Chowan RiverA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina.
Family Tradition
Family TraditionA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina.
Mapping the State
Mapping the StateA father and his two young sons explore the sights, sounds, and sometimes tastes of North Carolina.
Drew Perry
Drew Perry
