OFFICIAL NORTH CAROLINA DIRECTORY

Hunting in North Carolina by Animal

What You Can Hunt in North Carolina

Big Game: White-tailed deer (archery, muzzleloader, gun); black bear; wild turkey (spring, plus youth season)

Feral Hogs: Feral swine: no closed season and no bag limit on private land (hunting license and landowner permission required)

Upland Birds: Bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant; pen-raised quail, pheasant, chukar and Hungarian partridge on licensed controlled shooting preserves

Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks…

Eastern and Lexington barbecue, livermush, Moravian cookies, sonker, collards, hushpuppies and more: 10 North Carolina foods and festivals for your bucket list.

North Carolina might be best known for its barbecue debate, but there's a whole lot more on the plate! Here's our North Carolina food bucket list. Count how many you've had.

1. Eastern-Style Whole Hog Barbecue

In the east, it's the whole hog with a vinegar-and-pepper sauce. Tip: ask for…

The Closed Attraction You’d Bring Back

Nostalgia and What We Miss Most

Every state has beloved places that closed, leaving behind memories and stories. In North Carolina, one of the most famous was Ghost Town in the Sky, a Wild West theme park in Maggie Valley. For decades, families rode its chairlift and explored its cowboy streets.

Other venues — from concert halls to quirky roadside attractions — have faded into history. But their impact lingers in the people who visited them.

Bringing back a closed…

The Ultimate Weekend Getaway

Escaping Without Leaving the State

Sometimes the best vacations don’t require a plane ticket. North Carolina offers endless options for weekend getaways.

Head to Boone for mountain charm, cozy cabins, and outdoor adventure. Escape to Emerald Isle for sandy beaches and ocean breezes. Or sip wine in Yadkin Valley, where vineyards stretch across rolling hills.

Each destination offers a reset button — a chance to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover the beauty of the state.

Your Turn:…

The Local Business That Makes You Proud

Celebrating Homegrown Success

Local businesses are the heartbeat of North Carolina. They’re the breweries, bookstores, bakeries, and boutiques that give each town its flavor.

In Asheville, craft breweries like Highland Brewing put the city on the national beer map. In Durham, independent bookstores like The Regulator keep community conversations alive. In small towns, family-owned diners and shops remind us of the power of local pride.

Supporting these businesses isn’t…

The Most Underrated Attraction

Hidden Wonders That Deserve More Love

While the Biltmore and Outer Banks get plenty of attention, North Carolina is full of attractions that fly under the radar.

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast, yet many locals haven’t explored its incredible exhibits.

The Cherokee Indian Reservation offers cultural experiences that connect visitors to centuries of history and tradition.

And the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is one…

The State Park With the Best Views

Nature’s Masterpieces in North Carolina

North Carolina’s state parks are living postcards. Each one offers something unique, but some views are simply unforgettable.

Mount Mitchell State Park boasts the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Standing at the summit, you feel like you’re on top of the world.

Hanging Rock State Park offers dramatic cliffs and panoramic views that make every hike worth the effort.

Stone Mountain State Park combines rugged granite domes with…

Renaming Your Hometown After a Landmark

A Fun Twist on Local Identity

Imagine if your hometown carried the name of a North Carolina landmark. Would it be Pilot Mountain, towering proudly over the Piedmont? Or maybe Cape Hatteras, with its iconic lighthouse guiding the way?

Renaming your hometown after a landmark isn’t just whimsical — it’s a way of connecting your roots to the state’s heritage. A town called “Grandfather Mountain” would instantly conjure images of rugged peaks and sweeping views. “Linville…

The Best Small-Town Diner or Café

Where Comfort Meets Community

There’s something timeless about a small-town diner. The smell of bacon sizzling, the clink of coffee cups, and the friendly nods from locals who’ve been coming for years. In North Carolina, these diners and cafés aren’t just places to eat — they’re places to belong.

Take Snappy Lunch in Mount Airy, famous for its pork chop sandwich. It’s been serving locals and visitors alike for decades, and stepping inside feels like stepping into history.

Or …

The Annual Fair, Festival, or Parade You Can’t Miss

Celebrating North Carolina’s Traditions

North Carolina knows how to throw a party. From massive state fairs to small-town parades, annual events here are more than entertainment — they’re traditions that bring communities together.

The North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh is the crown jewel. Every October, families flock to the fairgrounds for rides, concerts, livestock shows, and food that ranges from deep-fried Oreos to turkey legs the size of your arm.…