When people think of "The Low Country" they generally think of South Carolina, however, North Carolina has it's own "Low Country"! Definition of low country from Mirriam-Webster's Dictionary: a low-lying country or region; especially :Â the part of a southern state extending from the seacoast inland to the fall line. North Carolina's Brunswick Islands ( just below … [Read more...] about History Of NC’s Low Country
History
Wilmington Railroad Museum
For more than 125 years, railroading was Wilmington North Carolina's chief industry. In 1840 the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad was completed and was the longest continuous rail line in the world at 161 miles long. Near the turn of the 20th century, several railroads up and down the eastern seaboard merged to become the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. The company headquarters … [Read more...] about Wilmington Railroad Museum
Visit The Birthplace of Pepsi – NC!
First time visitors to the town of New Bern should be aware that there is only one cola drink to ask for in this town! The community has a proud history as the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, and this claim to fame is celebrated at a number of locales around downtown, including the newly built Pepsi Family Center at the North Carolina History Center, (an interactive museum … [Read more...] about Visit The Birthplace of Pepsi – NC!
Sydney Long: Creative Changemaker
Sydney Long is the brains (and the hands!) behind Sun Vow Jewelry, a collection of laid-back, luxury pieces inspired by the sea. Sydney was born and raised chasing seagulls and surfing in the blue-green waters of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. After high school she ventured a little further south to attend college in Charleston, South Carolina. After dipping her feet … [Read more...] about Sydney Long: Creative Changemaker
69th Anniversary of Hurricane Hazel
This year marks the 69th anniversary of Hurricane Hazel, a storm that changed the landscape of the North Carolina coastline forever. The storm tore through the Carolinas annihilating buildings, piers, infrastructure, and anything in its path. Hurricane Hazel swept the U.S. Eastern Seaboard in mid-October 1954, eventually landing in the record books as one of the most deadly … [Read more...] about 69th Anniversary of Hurricane Hazel
NC’s State Dance – The Shag
The North Carolina "state dance" is the traditional beach music dance — the shag. What a huge testament to the rich history of beach music! As the notes of the iconic beach music became mainstream, the time-honored shag arrived in oceanfront music halls along the Atlantic. Wikipedia states: The Carolina shag is a partner dance done primarily to beach music (100-130+ beats … [Read more...] about NC’s State Dance – The Shag
The History of Labor Day
For some of us, Labor Day signifies the end of Summer, for some, it's a day off work, for some it's the last chance to wear those crisp, white pants. It can be a weekend for great sales and appliance deals, but traditionally it was a day designated to celebrate the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of our country. On February 21, 1887, … [Read more...] about The History of Labor Day
Russian MIG At Ocean Isle?
If you are in the Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle or Holden Beach area of Southeastern NC over the Labor Day Weekend you are apt to see what looks like a Russian MIG screaming through the summer skies. Don't be alarmed its just our friend, Dean Belk of Raleigh, in his restored former Czech military jet plane. Belk owns a home at Ocean Isle Beach and every major summer holiday he … [Read more...] about Russian MIG At Ocean Isle?
Lumina Pavilion Wrightsville Beach
Back in 1905 a brightly lit pavilion in south Wrightsville Beach known as the “Fun Spot of the South” opened for the first time. It was referred to by many names, “The Pleasure Palace of the South,” “The Fun Spot of the South,” and “The Palace of Light.” In June 1905, Hugh MacRae who owned Consolidated Railways Light & Power Company, Wilmington’s electric utility, … [Read more...] about Lumina Pavilion Wrightsville Beach
A Guide to North Carolina Lighthouses
A total of nine coastal lighthouses dot North Carolina's shoreline from the Outer Banks to the Brunswick Islands. Though long ago they protected adventurers from our treacherous shores, today they draw visitors for some of the most incredible views you’ll ever see. Listed below from north to south, five of nine allow visitors to climb to the top in season.  Bald … [Read more...] about A Guide to North Carolina Lighthouses
National Lighthouse Day
On August 7 in 1789, Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys, and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution that designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day. Lighthouses did not appear on the … [Read more...] about National Lighthouse Day
Historic Old Manteo Candlelight Walking Tour
Travel back in time to the turn-of-the-century Town of Manteo and experience our living history! Join our local guides for an evening stroll through Manteo's charming streets and historical neighborhoods. The tour features a colorful mix of local lore and exciting tales that span over 400 years. Ranging from The Lost Colony, Pirates, the Underground Railroad, the Wright … [Read more...] about Historic Old Manteo Candlelight Walking Tour
Orton Plantation: A Legacy of the South
Orton Plantation is the very picture of what you imagine a plantation in the south to look like, but its history is unlike any other. Decorated with large Grecian columns, the sprawling white plantation home sits nestled amongst live oak trees with a gallery of windows allowing the home to flow into its picturesque surroundings. And while the gardens highlighting the home's … [Read more...] about Orton Plantation: A Legacy of the South
What Are “The Dog Days of Summer?”
The “Dog Days” of summer last from July 3 to August 11. What are the Dog Days, exactly? The ancient origins of this common phrase might surprise you. The term “Dog Days” traditionally refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere. In ancient Greece and Rome, the Dog Days were … [Read more...] about What Are “The Dog Days of Summer?”
Backroads: Olde Church Antiques
It has been there for decades with travelers and locals driving right by Olde Church Antiques on highway 17 in the quaintly named town of Supply, NC. Some of its windows are broken and paint is peeling off its walls. It doesn't face onto Highway 17 like the Hardees and Bogangles across the highway and driving by you would never guess that the old pink church was even still … [Read more...] about Backroads: Olde Church Antiques