Martin County — an Eastern NC gem tucked between Raleigh, Greenville and the Outer Banks — is where major highways meet small-town soul. Pull over for smokehouse barbecue, offbeat museums and unexpected finds.
Ride the rails, pet the cows, sip the brews — the Swain County TDA Executive Director has your Bryson City fall covered.
Hop off the train and into the stands as the Visit NC Content Marketing Manager maps out a stress-free way to experience NC’s Minor League Baseball scene by rail, with plenty of homegrown stops along the way.
Head to Jones Lake State Park in Elizabethtown and discover one of the most intriguing natural features in the Southeast — the Carolina bays. This 2,200-acre park sits beside Bladen Lakes State Forest and is home to Jones and Salters lakes, both rare bay lakes whose origins are still debated today. Theories range from ancient wind and wave patterns to meteor showers, but no single answer has been proven. What is clear: these calm, tea-colored waters offer a peaceful escape for paddling, fishing or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the surrounding forest.
These scenic overnight stays in NC’s High Country make it tempting to stay in — even with waterfalls, wineries, mile-high hikes and stunning drives nearby.
Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is a world-class equestrian and resort destination located in the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Spanning more than 1,600 acres, TIEC hosts premier equestrian competitions across multiple disciplines, including show jumping, dressage and eventing, attracting athletes from around the globe. Open year-round, TIEC provides an unparalleled experience for equestrian enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Experience the untamed beauty of the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, a secluded barrier island within North Carolina's Cape Lookout National Seashore. Home to more than 100 free-roaming Banker ponies, these majestic animals are believed to be descendants of Spanish mustangs that arrived in the 16th century.
Adventure looks different for everyone — and in this corner of NC’s Great Smoky Mountains, that’s exactly the point. This two-day journey offers a choose-your-own adventure through forests, lakes, trails and timeless towns.
Whether the Visit NC intern is dancing at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games or hiking at parks near Raleigh, Lily’s summer is peak NC.
From scenic trails to vibrant local culture, experience the magic of the Outer Banks the Amy Wood way.