I wasn’t trying to prove anything by going hang gliding in the Outer Banks. I’d actually been thinking about it for years, and for a long time it lived in that familiar mental category of someday. Hang gliding looked exhilarating and a kind of validation of those early, Superman-inspired dreams of being able to fly. Now,…
Featured photo by Almaty If you’re like me and enjoy winter sports and activities, some of the best things to do in North Carolina in winter are in the west where the cold season turns the Blue Ridge Mountains into an exciting, snow-dusted playground. Here, winter has its own kind of magic — crisp days filled with skiing, tubing,…
I love being on the water — especially in a kayak. There’s nothing like sliding into a clear mountain lake, dipping your paddle into the still surface, and watching the wake and eddies around you. It’s a slower pace than whitewater rafting and more nimble than a canoe or pontoon ride. In past posts I’ve…
I still remember my first visit to Western North Carolina to see the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. I’d seen the majestic Rockies in British Columbia before and the Blue Ridge Mountains seemed — well, not particularly high. But as I got to know the area better, that didn’t seem to matter very much. I started…
I saw a sticker once that read, “You can take the boy out of Scotland, but you can’t take Scotland out of the boy.” And I’ve found there’s a lot of truth in that. When we visited Scotland earlier this year for a tour of the highlands I felt at home, just like I have every time…
If you hear “ecotourism” and picture rustic camping or skipping vacation comforts, you’re not alone. But true ecotourism isn’t about roughing it — it’s about HOW you travel as much as WHERE you travel. Let’s be honest, “ecotour” is an overused term these days and it’s not uncommon to see it slapped on anything with…
There’s just something about being by the sea, don’t you think? Maybe it’s my roots growing up on the coast of Scotland, but water and waves just seem to put my soul at ease. When I first arrived in North Carolina, I had no idea that so many wonderful Crystal Coast beaches were close at…
Looking for something new and unique? — how about trying North Carolina glamping domes for your next travel experience. These amazing geodesic accommodations are popping up all over the state, from the Blue Ridge mountains to quiet and peaceful vineyards. Although I’ve stayed at several domes before, I haven’t tried every one of these (yet)….
Welcome to our comprehensive North Carolina glamping domes directory — your one-stop guide to all the amazing dome retreats dotted throughout the state. Dreaming of sipping wine under the stars or waking up to Blue Ridge mountain views? I’ve got you covered: I’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. I’ve mapped out the…
Full confession: Jackie and I moved here about a year ago and we’re only just starting to discover and explore all the incredible things to do in New Bern, North Carolina. It’s full of rich history, charming streets, southern architecture, and gorgeous waterfront views. I had one day to pack in as much as I…
Most of my paddling has been done in a kayak. So when my outdoorsy friend Laura invited me on a canoeing trip, paddling the Black River in North Carolina, my first thought was “do I know how to paddle a canoe?” Now, it’s not that I’ve never paddled a canoe. I have, but about 25…
