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Gardening + Outdoors

Exploring Bakers Mountain Park in Catawba County

Posted on February 3, 2025March 5, 2026 by Emily

With Saturday’s midday temperatures hovering in the mid-50s, it felt like the perfect day for a family outing. Wanting to explore someplace new, I suggested Bakers Mountain Park. Just 20 minutes from our house, this 189-acre park—part of the Catawba County Parks system—sits at the highest elevation point in the county (1,780 feet) and offers nearly six miles of trails ranging from easy to advanced.

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50 Bucket List Ideas for the Perfect Autumn Family Adventure

50 Bucket List Ideas for the Perfect Autumn Family Adventure

Posted on September 18, 2024January 23, 2026 by Emily

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of red, orange, and gold, there’s no denying that fall is a magical season. It’s the perfect time for families to come together and create lasting memories amidst nature’s splendor. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cozy indoor activities, or delicious seasonal treats, we’ve compiled a bucket list of 50 fall activities that are sure to delight the whole family.

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The Death of the Herbarium

Posted on February 19, 2024January 23, 2026 by Emily

Duke University recently announced the closure of its herbarium, a closure that has sent shockwaves through the plant/nature community.

The decision is particularly shocking as the collection of over 825,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, algae, lichens, and basidiomycete fungi is especially rich in specimens from the southeastern United States. It is one of the largest in the country and has been in operation for over 100 years.

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Attracting More Wildlife To Your Yard

Posted on October 9, 2023January 23, 2026 by Emily

It’s officially fall. I look forward to the slowing down of our lives as fall turns into winter. My husband has been working on completing some smaller projects around our property – building our blackberry trellis and working on a swing set for the boys. I’ve turned my attention to a very specific strain of thought – attracting more wildlife into our yard.

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Fall In The Blue Ridge: A Packing List For Hiking

Posted on October 3, 2023January 23, 2026 by Emily

Are you planning a fall getaway to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains? Then you’ll want to make sure that you’ve packed all the essentials. From clothing and hiking gear to snacks and electronics, this packing list will help you make sure you’ve got everything you need for a successful trip.

With this guide, you can rest assured that you’ll be fully prepared to explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains this fall.

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Hi, I’m Emily — the creator behind Nothing to Do HKY.

My family and I moved to Western North Carolina in 2021 from the coast, drawn here by the mountains, the slower pace, and the feeling that this was a place meant to be lived in — not just passed through. We now call a six-acre patch of land home between Lenoir, Morganton, and Hickory, where we’re slowly building a life surrounded by gardens, animals, and a deep appreciation for the seasons.

Nothing to Do HKY began as a way to explore our new home, but it’s grown into something more: a love letter to Western North Carolina and the everyday beauty of life here.

This is a place to celebrate backroads and small towns, gardens and trails, local food and community gatherings — the simple, meaningful things that make this region feel like home. My hope is to help both locals and visitors fall in love with where they live (or where they’re visiting), and to see Western North Carolina not just as a destination, but as a way of life.

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