Tucked across North Carolina among tall trees and beautiful landscapes are 19 giant wooden creatures that have propelled the state into a “Troll Hunting” hub. The trolls are the brainchild of Danish artist Thomas Dambo and made entirely of locally-sourced natural and reclaimed materials, such as twigs and discarded wine barrels and shipping pallets. Dambo describes his work as the “intersection of art, nature, storytelling, and recycling.” His trolls - standing anywhere fro

You don’t have to be a plant lover to appreciate the serene beauty of the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, N.C. Spread across 10 acres, Raulston is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of life, see new and different plant life, and meet up with friends and family for a nice afternoon. The arboretum began in the 1970s as a living laboratory for horticultural students at N.C. State University and is named for the renowned professor who spearheaded the project and

Jack Smith Park in Cary, N.C., is the perfect microcosm of what I look for in a “little adventure” outdoors – entertainment, creativity and natural beauty. The park has all the typical parts you’d expect like brightly-colored playground equipment and nicely landscaped green spaces, but what’s not typical are the art installations. The towering whirligig sculptures of Vollis Simpson, a farmer/machinist turned folk artist, comprise the park's delightful centerpiece. If you've e