RECREATION - Cardinal & Pine

Nov 2025 20

North Carolina’s top choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms

By Karishma Desai | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Karishma Desai

Head to the best Christmas tree farms in North Carolina for a memorable holiday adventure.

Western N.C. is home to several of the state’s top Christmas tree farms in towns that can turn into a scenic day-trip.

Nov 2025 19

North Carolina’s 9 most magical winter festivals

By Tyler Francischine | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Tyler Francischine

Nights are brighter and filled with cheer at these family-friendly winter festivals held across North Carolina.

The Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, N.C.

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 7

Hungover in Raleigh? Try these 10 cures, from food to IV treatments

By Britteny Dee | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

With Raleigh’s top hangover remedies, a fun night out doesn’t have to ruin your day. Discover the best hangover cures in town.

In Raleigh, there are plenty of ways to treat a hangover so that the day after your fun night out isn’t ruined.

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.

Nov 2025 5

6 fancy NC hotels ready to treat you this holiday season

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

Let someone else play Santa this year; break from tradition and celebrate the holidays at one of these fancy North Carolina accommodations.

Nov 2025 5

Take the (cold) plunge: 9 places to submerge around Charlotte

By Tyler Francischine | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Tyler Francischine

Head to one of these nine Charlotte-area locations to discover the invigorating benefits of a cold plunge, the nation’s trendiest health hack.

Contrast therapy, or alternating exposure to cold and hot temperatures via cold plunges and sauna sessions, has taken the wellness landscape by storm in recent years.

Oct 2025 21

10 best food halls in North Carolina for international eats

By Dorothy Scott | FOOD AND DRINK, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

North Carolina’s food halls are expanding folks’ taste-bud passports with divine food from across the globe. Check out these 10 for a robust flavor journey.

Oct 2025 16

Why one North Carolina island speaks a centuries-old English dialect

By Ellery Weil | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Ellery Weil

On NC’s Ocracoke Island, a unique form of English called Hoi Toider is still spoken. Discover the history of this ancient dialect and its uncertain future.