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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
