Julie Smitka’s Articles | Best Local Things

Discover the Top Hiking Trails in North Carolina

North Carolina may very well be the state with the most variety when it comes to hiking locations. Whether you’re one with nature or an amateur adventurer, North Carolina has a trail for everyone....

North Carolina

Discovering North Carolina's Best Restaurants

North Carolina’s restaurants offer traditional Southern cooking and so much more. Local ingredients and modern twists on classic dishes are only a few of the ways these restaurants stand out....

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North Carolina's Museum Treasures

Museums serve as outlets to travel to the past, capture the present, and invent the future. Interactive experiences spanning interests in science, history, art, and beyond connect visitors through...

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Winter Fun You’ll Love in North Carolina

The holiday season is greeted with chilly weather throughout North Carolina. Whether you’re looking to get a warm belly of beer at a local brew festival or sled and ski your way through the winter...

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Adventure Awaits at NC Campsites

North Carolina’s climate makes for excellent camping weather year-round. Whether you’re escaping into the mountains, exploring deep within a forest or setting up along a river, North Carolina...

North Carolina

Discover the Top Pumpkin Patches in North Carolina

It wouldn’t be October without pumpkins. North Carolina has a plethora of pumpkin patches throughout the state to help celebrate the season. Here are the best pumpkin patches in the state so you...

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9 Best Live Music Venues in North Carolina!

Music adds to the culture of a state. North Carolina’s rich and diverse musical culture is one of the very best. If you’re stopping in and looking to catch a show, or you’re a local ready to...

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11 of the Best (and Most Offbeat) Attractions in North Carolina!

When most visitors think of the Tar Heel State, they probably think of homemade Southern cooking, welcoming bungalow porches, and quiet yet growing towns. But North Carolina is also home to...

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10 Best Myths and Urban Legends in North Carolina

Whether rooted in fact or fiction, storytellers have passed on tales of bizarre happenings over generations. Hoaxes and histories collide and highlight the spooky side of every state. Here are the...

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6 Coolest Coffee Shops in North Carolina!

Looking to slip away into the coziness of a coffee shop? Maybe you’re looking to meet up with a friend, or a date. Maybe you’re going in for a few hours of focused studying. Whatever you’re...

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10 Fun Facts About North Carolina

Every state has its quirks, and North Carolina is no different. The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most fascinating tidbits of history, making for a long list of exciting facts. Here are 10...