In this small town, it’s easy to love where you live. Outdoor adventures, tasty dishes, and colorful shops — all aboard to Swain County!
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.
A Love Letter to William B. Umstead State Park
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.
