Guides


Spring,In,Smokey,Mountains,Of,North,Carolina
Spring Is Here: Our Guide to NC’s Most Pleasant (And Pollinated) Season

We dish on North Carolina’s best plants, farmers’ markets, and destinations this spring.

Uptown Charlotte has one of the busiest fireworks shows, but towns and cities across North Carolina are planning festive fireworks shows this year. (Photo by Patrick Schneider for Charlotte Center City Partners via Uptown Charlotte)
12 Best New Year’s Eve Fireworks Displays in North Carolina

From Raleigh’s Acorn Drop to High Country's ski resort soirees, these are the best places across North Carolina to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

New Year's Eve over Shallowbag Bay in Manteo. The coastal North Carolina town is one of many that celebrates New Year's Eve with a fireworks show. (Shutterstock)
Watch the (Beach) Ball Drop at Carolina Beach: 5 Ways to Bring in the New Year in NC

If you’re looking for end-of-year events, we’ve got you covered with 5 ways to celebrate, including bar crawls, skiing, and gala events. 

Unspoken Tradition, a western NC bluegrass band, credits the Blue Ridge Music Trail with incubating their careers as well as other traditional bands in the area. (Image via Unspoken Tradition)
The Unbroken Chain: Rediscovering North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Music Trail

“Western NC has really punched above its weight in terms of influencing American music,” says one expert. There’s no better way to explore that influence than the Blue Ridge Music Trail.

This Asheville coffee shop, opened in 1999, took a double-decker bus from England and made it one of the area's more original coffee shop vibes. (Image via Double D's Coffee and Desserts)
9 Local Coffee Shops in North Carolina That We Love

Just about every North Carolina town or city has a coffee shop that’s worth a visit. We’ve picked some of our favorites below.

Charlotte chef Lisa Brooks was a finalist on the popular Food Network reality show "Chopped." One of our picks for NC-centric holiday gifts this year is a candlelit dinner prepared in your home by Chef Lisa. (Photo by James Ward)
Have This Celebrity NC Chef Make A Meal Just for You, and Other NC-Centric Holiday Gifts This Year

Pottery, apparel, a candlelit dinner for two by Chef Lisa Brooks, and a Blue Ridge bike crawl: Mean it when you say 'shop local' and buy these North Carolina-made holiday gifts.

Armed with a chainsaw, Mountain Mike will carve you animals, superheroes, just about anything.
Elk, Chainsaw Carving, and Building a Good Drum: Our Guide to NC’s Blue Ridge Craft Trails

A tour of western NC’s craft secrets, from Cherokee to the High Country.