As a North Carolina native, Reid likes keeping it real and showing others his favorite spots and hidden gems — because he knows there’s a lot to do if you simply know where to look.

It’s all right here in Jackson County: Post-work hikes and sunsets, mountain bike trails just minutes away, plenty of bodies of water to cool off in and a culinary scene to boot.

Expect a friendly nod and smile from a local when you’re checking out locations and tips from Jenny, the Visitor Center & Group Tour Manager at Visit Mayberry.

The marketing professional and southeastern North Carolina native grew up in the Inner Coastal Plain region, and she thinks calling NC’s Brunswick Islands home now is just as special.

Skip the crowds, ditch the schedule and rediscover the joy of simple, unexpected adventures in Gaston County.

There’s a hum to Cabarrus County — part horsepower, part heritage. Explore a landscape where racing legends, historic spaces and local flavor all share the same road.

The NC native and artist loves Wilkesboro for its close-knit community and commitment to arts and culture. And through her art she gives a great life lesson: not everything needs to be perfect for it to be beautiful.

As its name implies, North Carolina’s High Country offers plenty of opportunities for some fantastic mountain biking. If you’re looking for adventure, visit Beech Mountain, located just outside Banner Elk; Sugar Mountain, which is about 10 miles south of Beech; or Rocky Knob Park, situated just east of Boone.

This area draws anglers for some of the finest year-round inshore fishing on the East Coast, from Cape Lookout to Emerald Isle.

The North Carolina coastline stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, making catching the big one in the Gulf Stream closer and easier than ever.