Each year, millions of tourists flock to the mountains of North Carolina to take in the breathtaking sights. Some secretly hope they'll have a long-awaited bear sighting - which rarely happens. But oh well, there's always next year, right?
What those tourists don't know is the best place to spot a bear in North Carolina is actually along the coast!
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North Carolina's Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has an estimated hundreds (that's a plural of hundred!) of bears. You just need to know where to find them.
During the summer, the wildlife refuge has guided safaris once a week to help you discover the elusive black bear, one of the prominent residents of the refuge.
Mind you, their safaris aren't for hunting; they're for bear spotting and for photography. The adventure is perfect for the whole family and is by car, not on foot. But once you spot a bear (or bears!) you can usually get out and take photos.
And who knows WHERE you'll spot them. Or how long you'll have to wait if they're blocking the road. They tend to take their time.
Over the years, amateur photographers have posted their shots of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge's famous black bears doing a variety of activities.
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This one is practicing gymnastics on the parallel tree setup.
Someone caught this guy taking a soak...
And here he is looking for his towel.
This mother and cub photo almost looks like she's teaching it to stand on two legs. So cute!
The bears don't seem to mind the once-weekly safaris that trek into the outback of the refuge, but they're not friendly either. Caution is to be used at all times.
The safari program is called "Bear Necessities." It takes place each Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from June until August.
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No reservations are necessary and the program is free. Meet at Creef Cut Wildlife Trail parking lot prior to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays (June through August only). You'll find that parking lot on Milltail Rd in East Lake, NC. Here's a link to the location of the parking lot on Google maps. Find out more here.
As folks enter this stunning nature sanctuary in North Carolina, they might expect to find a magical sword in a stone. Located at the top of Toxaway Mountain (4,500 feet) in the western part of the state, Southern Highlands Reserve is an enchanted 450-acre native plant arboretum and research center in Lake Toxaway. The height serves a purpose as the forests are home to rare forest ecotones (transitional areas of vegetation between two different plant communities) that provide unique opportunities for research and education. The property is also the only source of red spruce seedlings for restoration in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
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Welcome to this gorgeous property founded by Betty and Robert Balentine.
They wanted to bring their children closer to nature of which we have all benefited. Here you'll find the most diverse plant collections in the world.
No matter where you stand, the stunning reserve brings beautiful landscapes and new views.
Each garden "room" is specifically designed to connect with nature and provide an emotional experience.
The Wildflower Labyrinth or pollinator garden brings a peaceful and meditative experience. The combination of shorter and taller plants represents the challenges and joys life brings.
Lean in a little closer to capture the details of such plants as the lovely native mountain laurel.
Some other varieties include creeping phlox, heartleaf foamflower, American alumroot, and Freeman maple.
Follow the stone steps to the pretty Azalea Walk.
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Or stroll down the path to the Vaseyi Pond - you can see the viewsite in the background.
Take a seat where the panoramic scenery is breathtaking.
Visitors Day takes place the first Tuesday of the month from April through October with tours led by docents. The fee is $25 per person with a maximum of four per party. Private tours are also available.
Besides being a delightful and captivating space, researchers know the red spruce is the greatest hope for rebuilding the ecosystem.
For example, the Carolina northern flying squirrel can be infected by a nematode which prevents the squirrel from reproducing. An anecdote to the nematode called conifer oil is produced by the red spruce tree which allows the squirrel to thrive. Then the squirrel dispenses spores through its waste which nourish the red spruce seedlings. As we can see - valuable work is in progress here.
One of the best North Carolina day trips recently led to serendipitous discoveries. Without a mapped-out plan, I had hoped for some inspiration. Often when we make lists, we stick to them. The journey turned out even better than I could have dreamed. I know you will find something along this route to inspire your imagination in North Carolina.
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While North Carolina roadways are full of gorgeous scenery, this end of town was given an extra helping of loveliness.
The rolling roads wound around and I took every opportunity to explore the local treasures from the state line.
1. Crosscreek Outpost: Vilas
Coming around the bend on NC 194, I spotted these interesting, wooden pieces of art along the side of the road. The artist Rudy Garceau has been carving for 30 years exhibited by handmade birdfeeders, art, wooden slabs, benches, and tables.
2. Watauga River Paddle Trail Water Access: Valle Crucis (Sugar Grove)
Another half mile led me to the Valley Crucis River Access where I lucked out.
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A family of three was just embarking on a tool down the Watauga River.
In addition to the stops along the way, the vibrant greenery alone was worth the drive.
I was reminded of North Carolina's proud Appalachian roots.
3. Original Mast General Store: Valle Crucis
This small community is North Carolina’s first rural historic district. And the Original Mast General Store is still its center. The most memorable experience here was the smell of wood when I entered the building. It made me want to work here.
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The store was built by Henry Taylor who opened it in 1883 as The Taylor General Store. The Mast Store Annex is right up the road.
The Post Office is a working post office where you can get a cup of coffee for five cents (what?!) Discover more on the Mast General Store website.
4. Rivercross Made in USA: Valle Crucis
Most of the inventory in this charming store is locally made, and if not, it's made in the U.S.A.
I didn't know where to look first as the shelves and tables were packed with colorful pottery, jewelry, and candles.
From here, look Over Yonder to the right - and yes - the drive up the hill is worthwhile. This historic home was built in 1861 and was the homestead of the Taylor Family - the same Taylor who built the original Mast General Store.
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Seating is available inside and out of this eclectic restaurant.
And the quiche-of-the-day comes freshly baked in a buttery crust and full of ingredients from the garden.
6. Valle Crucis United Methodist Church
This treasured building is another enduring sign of the origination and hard work of the community. Built in 1870 to last, the gable-front church replaced a log schoolhouse where the congregation once met.
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7. Sally Nooney Gallery: Banner Elk
Climbing up and up NC 194, the cars come so close around some of the blind curves you would never expect to find something so beautiful tucked away up here.
Among all of her inventory - which is a lot - my favorite piece was in the formed, fused glass section - a colorful bird on a branch stands effervescently among the sun's rays and other abstract bits of nature.
I bought a piece for a friend for Father's Day. If you want something unique to brighten up your living space - visit this gallery. Sally's love for her craft shows. Learn more about her on the Sally Nooney website.
8. Boone
While the free-roaming roads led me to many wild and rural destinations, here is a place you're never alone. All wrapped up in patriotic bunting, I found down-home Appalachian culture.
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And the buskers - who are worth tipping - come in all sizes offering free music to the shoppers.
Stop in at one of the unique restaurants, boutiques, and thrift stores.
9. Blue Deer Cookies: Blowing Rock
It's hard to believe that fresh cookies are baked in this vintage, newly restored, camper sitting along the highway - which is why I stopped. And look - the picnic tables are surrounded by elegant light strings. Read all about it on the Blue Deer Cookies website.
The menu offers a choice of homemade cookies and Homeland Creamery ice cream from Julian, NC.
I thought about getting one flavor of cookie for the top and a different one for the bottom, but I went with the double fudge for both. It was NOT a mistake. Look how much ice cream they jammed inside for only $5!
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It's easy to continue on and add bits of the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock, state parks, and overlooks — all within miles of one of the best North Carolina day trips. And many overnight accommodations exist throughout this peaceful country. Happy travels!