Across Hickory, Lenoir, and beyond, cultural institutions are making bold investments in the future. Museums are renovating, arts councils are reimagining their homes, and creative districts are taking shape. The momentum is impossible to ignore—and it tells a powerful story about who we are becoming.
People young and old love seeing and interacting with butterflies. They are so beautiful and delicate. It is not often you have a unique opportunity to touch them in a natural habitat. The Catawba Science Center is offering that experience this summer. Their Flutterby Butterfly Habitat is open now through September 7th and is included in your general admission.
Before relocating to North Carolina, our family frequently visited the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Its compact layout allowed us to explore the entire zoo in just a few hours. We often discussed planning a trip to the North Carolina Zoo, but it remained a distant idea—until this year.
Every year, thousands of enthusiasts gather across mountain towns to attend festivals dedicated to aliens, ghosts, Bigfoot, and other oddities. Whether you’re a true believer or just a curious traveler looking for an unforgettable weekend, these festivals are worth the trip.
Here’s a guide to some of the best cryptid and paranormal festivals lighting up Western North Carolina.
Emerald Hollow Mine is truly a special place, located in the quaint town of Hiddenite, North Carolina. Interestingly, Hiddenite isn’t just the town’s name—it’s also the name of a rare green gemstone found there. In fact, Hiddenite gemstones are so rare that some argue true hiddenite can only be found in Hiddenite, NC. This exclusivity ranks them as the fourth rarest gemstone in the world.