In 1928, two boys sat in a workshop in Tryon, huddled over a toy horse. Tryon Toymakers had become known across the state for creating miniature horses on wheels, known as Tryon Horses, but the boys imagined something bigger — much bigger. Under the direction of owner Eleanor Vance, they crafted a massive version of the town’s signature horse for the annual Tryon Horse Show parade. The towering toy was a hit: Each year, it was proudly paraded down the streets, until a fire destroyed it in 1939. Now, the fifth and final Tryon Horse has made its permanent home in the town center, where a new tradition was born: During the annual Christmas Stroll, the town gathers to lay a wreath on Morris the Horse — the centerpiece of Tryon Christmases past, present, and future.
For decades, a remote piece of Currituck County has been a respite for wildlife. Now under the protection of conservationists, this land, the waters surrounding it, and the skies above will remain a constant in our coastal circle of life.
On North Carolina’s coast, boardwalks wind alongside our sounds, rivers, and beaches, reminding us that the journey is often just as delightful as the destination.
From Wanchese to Duck, these landmark businesses and the families who run them connect consumers with the daily catch.
As the sun sets at Grandfather Mountain, fireflies put on a magnificent show — for those willing to stop and pay attention.
