North & South Carolina

Just over two years ago I wrote an article about MerleFest, an annual music festival in Wilkesboro, North Carolina featuring mostly Americana style music. This year I was fortunate enough to attend my fourth consecutive MerleFest and just like my previous three visits, the experience did not fail to amaze me.

Sep 30, 2005 - Stephen Strother

The town of Washington is located on the Pamlico River deep within the heart of eastern North Carolina. The Pamlico River is part of a unique ecosystem called an estuary. Located within Washington and on the banks of the Pamlico River is the North Carolina Estuarium. The North Carolina Estuarium exists in part because of an organization called Partnership For The Sounds and it is a rare and unique gem among museums and acquariums.

Jul 31, 2005 - Stephen Strother

If you are looking for fun, adventure, good exercise, relaxation, and beautiful scenery all rolled into a single experience you might want to try a canoe trip on the North Carolina section of the New River. In this article I describe a wonderful experience I had paddling the New River in 1993.

Jun 30, 2005 - Stephen Strother

The coast of North and South Carolina is unique in that it is dotted with numerous barrier islands. Some of these islands have become tourist havens for vacationing visitors looking to escape for days or weeks of fun in the sun. Other Carolina barrier islands have been reserved by the government (local, state, and/or federal) or have been saved by conservation groups in order to serve as a different type of haven - a haven for nature in its purest form. One such natural haven is Bull's Island, South Carolina.

May 30, 2005 - Stephen Strother

If you are looking for fun, adventure, good exercise, relaxation, and beautiful scenery all rolled into a single experience you might want to try a canoe trip on the North Carolina section of the New River. In this article I describe a wonderful experience I had paddling the New River in 1993.

Mar 31, 2005 - Stephen Strother

As a business traveler, I get to see all parts of the Carolinas. It is safe to say that there are few towns in either North or South Carolina that I have not seen. On rare occasions a town will completely take me by surprise and far exceed any expectaions I have prior to my vist. Such was the case with Brevard, North Carolina.

Jan 29, 2005 - Stephen Strother

There are so many wonderful nature experiences that are possible in North and South Carolina. In this article, which will be part of a series, my mind turns to thoughts of nature experiences I have not yet had the fortune to experience. Here I discuss three unique Carolinas nature experiences I hope to one day witness.

Oct 29, 2004 - Stephen Strother

As I write this article, the remnants of Hurricane Frances are effecting our weather here in the Carolinas. The negative effects of hurricanes are what we usually hear about in today's media. Althought they do not often make the news there can be positive effects from hurricanes as well. In this article I explore some of my own feelings about these formidable yet impressive storm systems.

Sep 8, 2004 - Stephen Strother

Water gardening is a fascinating hobby. My favorite aspect of water gardening is the pleasure and relaxation I receive through the observation of wildlife that is attracted to the yard by our water garden. In this article I record some of my water garden experiences with wildlife.

Aug 31, 2004 - Stephen Strother

In November, 2003 President George W. Bush signed legislation which officially designated 22,000 acres of old-growth flood plain forest about 30 minutes outside of Columbia, SC as the nations newest national park. Congaree National Park (formerly named Congaree Swamp National Monument) is South Carolina's first national park and it is the 57th area to be designated as a national park nationwide. One late afternoon in May I had the chance to experience this national treasure and in this article which is Part II of a series, I record my experiences during my first short hike in this wild and scenic national park.

Jul 30, 2004 - Stephen Strother

In November, 2003 President George W. Bush signed legislation which officially designated 22,000 acres of old-growth flood plain forest about 30 minutes outside of Columbia, SC as the nations newest national park. Congaree National Park (formerly named Congaree Swamp National Monument) is South Carolina's first national park and it is the 57th area to be designated as a national park nationwide. One late afternoon in May I had the chance to experience this national treasure and I record here what I learned.

May 31, 2004 - Stephen Strother

In the book, "The Man Who Planted Trees", Jean Giono tells the story of how one man in Southern France positively changes the natural and human environments by planting trees. Cabarrus County, NC has its own "Young Man Who Plants Trees", in Matthew Rich. Matthew Rich is 17 years old and has recently planted more than 1,000 trees in Cabarrus County, NC to begin replacing forest cover lost to residential and commercial construction.

Mar 30, 2004 - Stephen Strother

Tucked away in the most unlikely of places this peaceful nature preserve located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina offers not only a welcome nature filled escape from beach crowds but also a trip into ancient history.

Jan 30, 2004 - Stephen Strother

Litchfield Beach, South Carolina is a wonderful place to visit if you enjoy the advantages of a beach visit without the noise, traffic and hassle of more heavily commercialized locations. On a recent visit I went for a nice walk along the beach and was treated to a beautiful display of nature's radiance.

Nov 30, 2003 - Stephen Strother

One of North Carolina's most famous natural mysteries, the Brown Mountain Lights have defied scientific explanation for centuries.

Oct 31, 2003 - Stephen Strother

Earlier this year the Yadkin Valley received federal recognition as an official Viticultural Area. Currently this region contains seven operating wineries with many more on the way. The area's prime grape growing characteristics as well as its largely rural landscape located within a convenient drive from several metropolitan areas combine to make for an intriguing weekend experience for many.

Sep 30, 2003 - Stephen Strother

Nature can sometimes surprise us by revealing itself in unexpected places. In this article I give an account of such an experience I had recently in Charlotte, NC.

Jul 31, 2003 - Stephen Strother

This article is part 2 of a two part series detailing the highlights of family vacationing in the Outer Banks coastal area of North Carolina. In Part 2 I focus on additional parks and natural areas as well as three shopping highlights.

Jun 30, 2003 - Stephen Strother

The Outer Banks are a group of barrier islands in the Atlantic Ocean off of North Carolina's coast. With a unique combination of natural beauty, man made charm, and historic appeal these islands offer an ideal location for a family summer vacation.

May 31, 2003 - Stephen Strother

Some of North Carolina's most unique wildlife refuges and the species that make them their home face possible danger from a proposed Navy Outlying Landing Field (OLF). Are there alternatives?

Apr 30, 2003 - Stephen Strother

One does not always have to travel to remote areas to find nature's unique treasures. Reedy River Falls Park in downtown Greenville, SC is a wonderful example of how natural beauty can exist in the heart of a thriving city.

Mar 31, 2003 - Stephen Strother

Signs of spring are becoming evident in the Carolinas and with spring comes festival season. Of the many spring festivals in our region MerleFest is one of the most enjoyable. The sound of Bluegrass music combines perfectly with the fresh air and sunshine at this outdoor celebration.

Feb 28, 2003 - Stephen Strother

If you are a nature lover then you probably love birds. With over 400 bird species, the Carolinas offer a wide variety of bird watching opportunities.

Jan 31, 2003 - Stephen Strother

In recent years I have found that winter is the most satisfying season for nature walking in wooded areas of the Carolinas.

Dec 31, 2002 - Stephen Strother

The most rewarding gifts of nature are often the simplest and most unexpected. The wax myrtle is a tree native to parts of the Carolinas that can also be used to bring privacy, beauty, and wildlife to home landscapes and gardens.

Nov 30, 2002 - Stephen Strother

The Biltmore Estate is famous mainly due to the extravagant mansion on the property but the gardens, forests, and natural areas on the property are spectacular as well. In this article I record my experience with the nature of the Biltmore Estate on an evening late in September.

Oct 26, 2002 - Stephen Strother

Ocracoke Island, the most difficult to reach of the North Carolina Outer Banks barrier islands is a unique place to visit. In this article I discuss the effects of this magical place on me even years after my last visit.

Sep 12, 2002 - Stephen Strother

An introduction to both me and the nature of North and South Carolina, this article describes my most vivid childhood memories of nature in the Carolina region.

Aug 13, 2002 - Stephen Strother