CULTURE - Cardinal & Pine

Mar 2026 25

2026 guide to wildflowers in North Carolina: What to know & where to go

By Karishma Desai | NATURE, COMMUNITY, Karishma Desai

Enjoy a colorful spring with our all-encompassing guide on wildflowers in North Carolina.

One of the best parts of spring in the South is taking the time to stop and smell the flowers.

Mar 2026 25

Billy Ball Explains NC: Why a NC town gave a sacred mound back to the Cherokee

By Billy Ball, Staff Reports | Billy Ball Explains NC, LOCAL VIDEO, COMMUNITY, Billy Ball, Staff Reports

The western NC town of Franklin is returning a sacred mound to the Cherokee people, and how that fits into the national "land back" campaign for Native Americans.

Billy Ball Explains NC: Why a NC town gave a sacred mound back to the Cherokee

Mar 2026 24

Biltmore House transforms with magical light, sound exhibit Luminere

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect | THINGS TO DO, COMMUNITY, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

"Luminere," a ticketed event running select evenings from March 26 through Oct. 18, transforms Biltmore House and its gardens into a "nighttime canvas of light, motion and sound."

Mar 2026 23

All about the Barn Dinner Theatre in NC, the oldest dinner theater in America

By Britteny Dee | LOCAL HISTORY, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

Enjoy dinner and a show at Barn Dinner Theatre—the country’s longest-running dinner theater. Learn more about the iconic dinnertainment establishment.

Mar 2026 19

An off-season beach trip to Wrightsville is good for the soul and the wallet

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

Plan a trip to Wrightsville Beach when the weather is cooler, beaches are less crowded, and rooms are priced to sell.

An off-season beach trip with friends and family will shake off the winter blues and reset you for the new season ahead.

Mar 2026 19

Meet the North Carolina teams playing in March Madness

By Joey Held | SPORTS, COMMUNITY, Joey Held

It’s March Madness! Four schools in North Carolina sent their men’s and women’s teams to the NCAA Tournament. The men’s side also has a first-time participant.

Four schools in North Carolina sent their men’s and women’s teams to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Mar 2026 16

8 best dog parks in Charlotte, according to local pet lovers

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

Treat your four-legged friend to a fun-filled day at one of these top dog parks in Charlotte.

Charlotte is home to plenty of dog-friendly businesses, from breweries and cocktail bars to restaurants and coffee shops.

Mar 2026 13

Ancient Cherokee mound in North Carolina returns to Cherokee ownership

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect | LOCAL NEWS, COMMUNITY, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Built about 1,000 years ago, the Noquisiyi Mound (pronounced no-KWEE-shee-yee and previously known as Nikwasi) is one of the most culturally significant sites in the entire region. Recently, the Cherokee mound returned to tribal ownership.