Within this 5,000-acre respite from urban life in Raleigh, when you get off the map, you might just find yourself.
Childhood Dreams
As he looks to the future of our state’s protected natural areas, the director of the North Carolina State Parks system draws inspiration from his youth growing up in Kinston, and from his wide-ranging experience listening to children.
A Timeline of North Carolina’s State Parks
Find out how the purchase of a single plot of land on Mount Mitchell in 1915 turned into a thriving state park system that provides North Carolinians with the opportunity to explore the outdoors in all its natural beauty.
6 Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms in North Carolina
Whether you want a simple bouquet for the kitchen table or stunning flowers for a special occasion, fill your bucket with fresh blooms at pick-your-own farms across the state.
A Guide to Downtown Goldsboro
Inspired by her family’s deep Wayne County roots, a business owner showcases her hometown’s multicultural cuisine, rich history, and vibrant arts scene.
The Blowing Rock: A Love Story
At more than a billion years old, this ancient outcrop captured human imagination, inspired a legend, and became one of the state’s earliest travel attractions. Our fascination with The Blowing Rock endures — and keeps drawing us west.
A Guide to Downtown Durham
Residents of this resilient city have embraced the nickname “Dirty Durham” as a symbol of the grit and determination of its shop owners, restaurateurs, and community advocates.
Artistic Appalachia: 5 Shops to Explore in Blowing Rock
On your next High Country getaway, discover the studio shops of local gemstone cutters, potters, candle makers, knitters, and quilters — and take the mountains home with you.
Black History Month in North Carolina
Seven sites, sounds, and Black-owned businesses to explore in February.
