Julie Smitka shares her passion for exploring North Carolina, from its intriguing urban legends to its best hiking trails and live music venues. She highlights unique attractions, standout restaurants, and offbeat spots across the state, offering readers a well-rounded look at everything North Carolina has to offer.
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 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....
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...
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...
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....
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...
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 10...
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...
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...
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...
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...