ANIMALS - Cardinal & Pine

Dec 2025 23

North Carolina’s most heartwarming stories of 2025

By Karishma Desai | LOCAL NEWS, COMMUNITY, Karishma Desai

Read this year’s top tales of do-gooders, good feelings, and other heartwarming stories from NC.

While it may be chilly outside, there’s nothing that will warm you up quicker than looking back on some feel-good stories that happened throughout the year as you sip on that creamy hot chocolate and sit next to a crackling fireplace.

Dec 2025 11

Haywood County’s 2026 Ice Fest Weekend celebrates community & recovery

By Vanessa Infanzon | THINGS TO DO, COMMUNITY, Vanessa Infanzon

Discover what’s in store for the 2026 Visit Haywood Ice Fest Weekend, from local gems to an ice-themed schedule of events.

Haywood County, an hour west of Asheville, welcomes scores of visitors to the festival each year.

Dec 2025 2

Maggie Valley elk gets help after becoming tangled in a toddler swing

By Sam Cohen | LOCAL NEWS, COMMUNITY, Sam Cohen

On November 28, Maggie Valley residents spotted an elk with a toddler’s swing stuck in its antlers. Today, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission went out to help—here’s what you need to know.

Nov 2025 26

7 ways to give back in North Carolina this holiday season

By Ellery Weil | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Ellery Weil

This holiday season, North Carolinians are focusing on more than presents and good times. Learn about these ways you can give back in NC this year.

Nov 2025 21

Cross-country wolf exchange aims to rebuild critically endangered population

By Sam Cohen | ANIMALS, COMMUNITY, Sam Cohen

Recently, Durham’s Museum of Life and Science participated in a red wolf swap. Here’s what you need to know.

Good News Friday: Museum swaps red wolves in NC

Nov 2025 12

10 ways to embrace ‘hygge’ in NC this winter

By Dorothy Scott | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

Hygge is all about stopping to smell the roses, as the old saying goes. Read up on these 10 ways to make your winter life a touch softer and cozier.

Hygge is a concept that’s rooted in Denmark’s culture—so much so that there’s even a page dedicated to it on the country’s official website.

Nov 2025 6

18 Guinness World Records held by North Carolina

By Britteny Dee | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

From giant cookies to a llama that’s almost 30 years old, discover the unique things that put North Carolina in the Guinness World Records.

North Carolina is known for many things, such as its natural beauty, barbecue, and craft beer scene, but the Tar Heel State also holds several Guinness World Records for massive baked goods and burgers, impressive physical feats, and quirky collections.

Oct 2025 23

‘Little armored ones’: Why armadillos are being spotted now in North Carolina

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect | ANIMALS, COMMUNITY, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Drawn by a warming climate, lots of diggable land, and loads of fire ants, nine-banded armadillos are increasingly being spotted here in North Carolina.

Oct 2025 8

8 reasons why fall is the best time to visit the Outer Banks

By Dorothy Scott | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

Visiting the Outer Banks in fall couldn’t be a wiser decision, and you can make the perfect itinerary for your trip if you check out these eight reasons why.