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Returning to South Mountains State Park Post-Hurricane Helene

Posted on May 5, 2025March 5, 2026 by Emily

Nestled in the rugged beauty of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, South Mountains State Park offers a serene escape into nature. Spanning over 20,000 acres, this park boasts cascading waterfalls, challenging trails, and tranquil campsites, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Discovering Serenity: A Day at T.H. Broyhill Walking Park

Posted on February 18, 2025January 23, 2026 by Emily

Whether you’re looking to create lasting family memories or simply enjoy a quiet moment of reflection, TH Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir invites you to explore its scenic grounds and discover a peaceful haven steeped in natural beauty.

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The Italian Dinner: A Community Tradition Supporting Catawba Science Center

Posted on February 6, 2025January 23, 2026 by Emily

The Catawba Science Center opened in 1975, originally known as the Creative Museum for Youth. It was founded by the Service League of Hickory and housed in the historic John Cilley Victorian-era home in downtown Hickory. By 1986, the center had outgrown its space and moved to its current 35,000-square-foot location at the SALT Block, where it continues to serve the community today.

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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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Coffee, Cats, and Cozy Vibes: A Visit to Brews and Mews in Lenoir

Posted on January 29, 2025January 23, 2026 by Emily

Brews & Mews Cat Cafe, located in downtown Lenoir, offers the ultimate cozy experience by combining coffee and cats, all for a good cause. With its inviting storefront and warm atmosphere, this cat café is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a delightful drink while spending time with adoptable felines.

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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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