Regardless of where you are in the Tar Heel State, you're never far from your next wholesome, family adventure. And whether you have kids along, or not, you're sure to enjoy getting up close and personal with some awesome creatures in the following animal encounters in North Carolina. Once you see these, you simply won't be able to pass them up. Here are some of our favorites (although there are many more!).
At the Sylvan Heights Bird Park, you'll get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to feed a Pink Flamingo. The park is home to more than 200 species of exotic birds. Take a guided tour to meet and greet with 2,500 beautiful and exotic birds from all over the world. Learn more from this previous article! Address: 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC, 27874
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2. Bear Safari at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
While most native North Carolinians don't usually seek out these big, lovable (yet dangerous) creatures, this one-of-a-kind wildlife refuge offers guided Bear Safaris that travel to targeted areas within the 152,000-acre reserve. Better bring your regular camera and a zoom lens so you can bring home a photo that looks like you were standing 10-feet from your subject! Learn all about the Bear Safaris at Alligator River from this previously published article. Address: Milltail Road, East Lake, NC, 27953
Or, just sip wine and pet the cute, lovable llamas at Devine Llama Vineyards! Regularly scheduled llama treks allow you to take a hike with one of these friendly llamas. Learn more from this previous article. Address: 4126 Divine Llama Lane, East Bend, NC, 27018
There aren't many places in the Tar Heel State where you can get up close and personal with a raptor (eagle, hawk, falcon, or owl), however the Carolina Raptor Center is designed for just that. A natural healing center for injured and distressed birds of prey, this wonderful center takes visitors to the inner circle and also offers educational raptor encounters. Learn more in this previous article.Address: 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC, 28078
Few things compare with the magical experience of witnessing the wild Mustangs that have roamed (and survived!) the Outer Banks for the past 400 years. These majestic creatures are admired in the wild as well as residential areas, but the best way to see them is by taking a guided tour where someone else is doing the driving and you get to sit back, relax, and take photos. Learn more about them, and discover a tour company that consistently delivers delightfully adventurous wild horse tours, from this previous article.
Take a guided tour of this phenomenal wild cat sanctuary where you'll see and learn about 12 species of wild cats. Big kitties need love and attention too. Learn more from this previously published article. 1940 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro, NC, 27312
Hear (and hopefully see) a Red Wolf on a guided Wolf Howling at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. On this guided evening tour you're likely to witness the elusive Red Wolf — a wolf created long, long ago from a coyote and a wolf. For more information on the Red Wolf and this guided tour, see this previous article.Address: Milltail Road, East Lake, NC, 27953
At the world's largest natural habitat zoo, you'll find a variety of ways to interact with the animal residents. From watching the polar bears to hopping on the zoofari tour or hand-feeding the giraffes, a day at the North Carolina Zoo is sure to please everyone in the family! Learn more from this link. Address: 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC, 27205
Grandfather Mountain (the attraction, not the state park) offers a would of fun for families. From hiking trails to the world-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, a day spent at Grandfather is sure to create lasting memories. Don't skip over visiting the mini-zoo to see the residents and their natural habitats. From bears, to cougars, elk, eagles, and yes, even river otters (on top of a mountain), this fun animal encounter is a must-see. Learn more from this link on their official website.Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC, 28646
How many of your friends can say they've ridden a camel? While it's not for everyone, the kiddos (and the big kids at heart) will love this unusual adventure. Take a ride around the ring, or go all the way with a camel hike! Learn more from this previous article. Carolina Camel Rides and Camel Station is found at this Address: 2975 Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur, NC, 27316
North Carolina is teeming with ways to get outside and enjoy our lovely state! Whether you're hiking, swimming, boating, or just exploring new attractions, our state is the perfect spot to make an adventure happen! For more places to explore, check out this list of 10 hidden places in North Carolina even the locals don't know about!
You may be surprised to learn that North Carolina is home to a number of highly poisonous mushrooms, so think twice before foraging and then cooking and consuming what you find. Some of the toxic varieties are more deadly than others, while at least one of them has psychoactive effects on those who eat it. Even though there are likely additional varieties, nine of the poisonous mushrooms in North Carolina are listed below. Pay attention, you wouldn't want to accidentally stumble across one of these toxic mushrooms in NC!
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1. Amanita chlorinosma
One of more than 600 mushrooms found in the Amanita species, the chlorinosma is poisonous and should be avoided at all costs. It's commonly found in pine and oak forests in North Carolina.
This one is especially tricky because it doesn't have a lot of notable physical characteristics to help identify it. It looks like any ordinary white mushroom.
Known widely for its psychoactive effect, the Amanita Muscaria rarely causes death, although it's considered toxic. Eating this variety requires special cooking instructions and, even then, cooking might not boil out the psychoactive substances. Don't be fooled by its beautiful coloring, this mushroom is a dangerous one! Beware.
3. Amanita virosa
strongly poisonous toadstool (Amanita virosa) in forest
The extremely toxic Amanita virosa has been responsible for scores of mushroom poisonings. One reason is its' similarity to other non-poisonous varieties of mushrooms. Some people even advise against placing this mushroom in the same gathering basket as the mushrooms you plan to eat. It's just that poisonous. If you're going to be foraging for food, it's best to go with a trained professional for safety purposes. You don't want to accidentally be chopping this up for dinner.
4. Leucocoprinus birnbaumii
Yellow Houseplant Mushrooms, Leucocoprinus birnbaumii growing in the Thailand forest.
Often found growing in houseplants, the Leucocoprinus birnbaumii is also found on the forest floor in warmer environments. Its edibility is unknown, but North Carolina State University includes it on a list of mushrooms to avoid in North Carolina. We certainly don't want to be the ones to test out whether it's edible or not!
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5. Amanita flavoconia
A closeup shot of Amanita flavoconia mushrooms growing in the forest amid fallen autumn leaves
This colorful Amanitaceae variety is marked by yellow warts on the cap in its infancy. It grows to about 2.5 inches in diameter and does well in hemlock forest undergrowth. Wikipedia lists its toxicity as unknown, but North Carolina State University includes it on a list of poisonous mushrooms. It's always better safe than sorry with these mysterious fungi.
6. Chlorophyllum molybdites
Closeup of a false parasol mushroom, chlorophyllum molybdites or green-spored lepiota and vomiter in the grass field. Beautiful parasol mushroom or wild mushroom grown in the green field of grasses.
The Chlorophyllum molybdites can grow to an enormous 12 inches in diameter. Its toxicity causes much gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, and colic, which occur within hours of consuming it. The Chlorophyllum molybdites is the most commonly eaten poisonous mushroom in America. It doesn't cause death (usually) so that's a plus, but the side effects are still well worth avoiding.
The golden Amanita gemmata is highly toxic and contains muscarine, which is deadly if ingested. You'll likely find this mushroom growing in the summer and fall in coniferous forests. It looks cute and harmless, but be warned!
8. Galerina autumnalis
Autumn Skullcap -Galerina autumnalis-, Untergroeningen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, Europe
The highly toxic Galerina autumnalis sets to work destroying the liver almost immediately after it's eaten. It's a common mushroom in North Carolina and, because of its deadly properties, should be avoided.
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9. Omphalotus olearius
Also called the Jack-o-Lantern, this poisonous orange-gilled mushroom is commonly found throughout North Carolina. Interestingly, in very low light the gills of this mushroom appear to glow in the dark, as its bioluminescence kicks into gear when the sun sets and the gills glow in a bright blue-green hue. But as cool as the Omphalotus olearius is, you should not eat this one. It's highly poisonous. Making matters worse, it closely resembles a variety of edible mushrooms belonging to the genus Chanterelles. At least the glow-in-the-dark properties are a bit of a tipoff.
If you forage for mushrooms, have you ever encountered any of these toxic, poisonous mushrooms in North Carolina? How about toxic plants in NC?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
