A person with long hair and sunglasses stands on a beach, with a pier visible in the background and wind blowing.

Carolyn Harmon

Carolyn Harmon is a long-time North Carolina writer and artist who covers the Tar Heel State for Only In Your State with the reverence of someone who has spent years exploring its mountains, coastlines, and legendary folklore. From the Brown Mountain Lights to the Outer Banks, Carolyn writes about North Carolina as a place of genuine wonder — one she has personally experienced across all its contradictions and surprises.

Nature
National & State Parks

This Natural Water Park in North Carolina Is a Dream Come True

by Carolyn Harmon
on Sep 16
A sunny beach scene with people swimming and relaxing by a calm lake under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Nature
Hiking

The Magnificent Natural Wonder In North Carolina That’s Located Only A Third Of A Mile From The Parking Lot

by Carolyn Harmon
on Sep 4
A serene waterfall cascades over rocks into a clear pool, surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The One North Carolina Ranch Where You Can Feed Lemurs And Capybaras

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 30
A group of six goats lounging on a wooden step in the sun, some resting while others sit upright.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Sleep in an Old General Store When You Book a Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb in North Carolina

This small-town Airbnb in North Carolina is a renovated Old General Store on the French Broad River. See this place with a view in Marshall.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 2
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Food

Word On The Street Is That Huli Sue’s Serves The Best BBQ In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 26
Outdoor dining area at Huli Sue's with blue umbrellas, yellow chairs, and tables set for guests.
Nature
National & State Parks

This Natural Water Park In North Carolina Is A Summer Dream Come True

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 16
A sunny beach scene with people swimming and relaxing by the water, surrounded by trees and a blue sky with clouds.
Experiences
Attractions
Markets

The Enormous Depot At Gibson Mill In North Carolina Will Bump Your Thrifting Game To 11

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 14
A brick building with a clock tower, featuring a Sinclair sign and a tree in front, under a clear blue sky.
Trips & Routes

11 Things That Belong On Everyone’s North Carolina Summer Bucket List

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 12
A serene beach at sunset, with gentle waves lapping at the shore and colorful clouds in the sky.
Trips & Routes

Discover 10 Of North Carolina’s Most Iconic Views On This Epic 2-Hour Road Trip

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 9
Map highlighting the Iconic Views Road Trip in North Carolina, featuring key locations and routes.
Food

A Pure Oil Station Is Now North Carolina’s Best New Place To Find A Duck Confit Grilled Cheese

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 7
A charming white building with a dark roof, decorated for the holidays, illuminated by a vintage street lamp at dusk.
Food

The Waterfront Steakhouse In North Carolina That’s Perfect For A Quiet Evening Out

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 5
A waterfront restaurant with a blue roof, illuminated at dusk, surrounded by palm trees and a calm waterway.
Food

This Massive Antique Mall In North Carolina Has Its Very Own Restaurants And Beer Garden

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 2
Crowd gathered outside an antique mall with vintage cars parked in front and a mural on the building.
Experiences
Attractions

The Bullwhip Ride Just Opened In North Carolina And It’s The Perfect Summer Adventure

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 31
A colorful amusement ride called "The Bullywhip" in a park, with trees and a hillside in the background.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

With An All Children’s Playground And A Splash Pad, This Family-Friendly Park In North Carolina Is The Best Summer Day Trip

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 29
A vibrant playground with children playing, slides, climbing structures, and families enjoying the outdoor space.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

The De Hart Botanical Gardens Has a Hidden Trail in North Carolina Worthy of a Day Hike

We think this peaceful space is certainly worth penciling in.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 3
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Food

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Lost Wombat In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 24
A street view of a building decorated with patriotic bunting, featuring outdoor seating and a wooden fence.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Discover 5 Unique and Exceptional Airbnbs Across North Carolina

Which one will you choose?

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jan 31
triangular wooden cabin-like structure
Stays
Vacation Rentals

6 Last-Minute Getaways In North Carolina For A Fun End-Of-Summer Retreat

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 19
Aerial view of a wooden cabin nestled among lush green trees in a dense forest.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Harpers Ferry Is the Best Small-Town Getaway for History Lovers

If you’re searching for a picture-perfect weekend getaway, here are the best things to do in historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 7
A scenic view of a green hillside with rocky cliffs, trees, and a parking area below under a clear blue sky.
Food

The Outdoor Cafe in North Carolina That Is the Prettiest Place to Enjoy a Warm Afternoon

Visit Burnsville to enjoy this outdoor cafe in North Carolina. Eat delicious cuisine al fresco at Snap Dragon, a nautically themed gastropub.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 7
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Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The 2-Mile Lazy River Ride In North Carolina Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 15
A group of people floating on colorful inner tubes in a river, surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Reconnect With Nature When You Stay At These Charming Rentals In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 12
A cozy treehouse nestled among trees, featuring a wooden deck and large windows, surrounded by lush greenery.
Experiences

This Slippery, Uphill Waterfall Trail To Crab Orchard Falls In North Carolina Blew Me Away

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 10
A serene waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush green trees in a tranquil forest setting.
Food

The Panoramic-View Restaurant at Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina Has Reopened Following a $2.7M Renovation

Fresh food, local ingredients, and stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views await at the Mount Mitchell Café & Eatery.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Aug 6
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Food
Breweries & Wineries

Whistle Hop Brewing Co. in Fairview Is the Mountain Brewery Experience North Carolina Needs

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 3
A colorful building with a sloped roof and multiple windows, surrounded by a fence and blue sky in the background.
Nature
Waterfalls

The Bakers Mountain Trail Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 3
Three people stand near a small waterfall in a lush, green forest, with water flowing over rocks into a calm stream.
Food

Enjoy A Breakfast Of Champions At This Delicious Farm-To-Table Restaurant In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jul 1
A storefront of Early Girl Eatery featuring a tomato logo and menus displayed in the window, with people walking by.
Experiences
Events

Here Are The 10 Best Fourth Of July Fireworks In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 28
Colorful fireworks burst in the night sky, illuminating the scene with bright pink and white sparks. Streetlights glow below.
State Pride
Need to Know

Explore The Fascinating History Of North Carolina’s 200 Stops Along The 6-State Civil War Trails Program

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 26
A historical reenactment scene with soldiers firing muskets in a field, horses grazing nearby, under a clear blue sky.
Food

Spend The Weekend On An Eclectic Culinary Tour Of Historical, Innovative, And Artisanal Foods In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 24
Three women walk down a city street at sunset, with colorful lights from nearby shops illuminating the scene.
Stays

I Found This Family Campground In Boone, North Carolina Sitting On A Picturesque Mountainside Creek

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 21
A serene stream flows through a wooded area, with rocks lining the banks and a cabin visible in the background.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

The Spontaneous Road Trip Through North Carolina That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 19
Map highlighting a road trip route through North Carolina, featuring The Silos Restaurant. Text promotes a weekend getaway.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Pick Your Way Through Haywood County in North Carolina At These Smoky Mountain Pick-Your-Own Farms And Produce Markets

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 17
A scenic landscape featuring a field of wildflowers, mountains in the background, and a clear blue sky with clouds.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

This North Carolina Nature Reserve Makes For The Perfect Peaceful Day Trip

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 14
A serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and rocks, under a cloudy sky.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

This Day Trip In North Carolina Took Me Past A Pop-Up Craft Store, A Historic Church, A River Access Spot, And An Old General Store

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 12
A red barn with a decorative star stands beside a winding road, surrounded by green fields and trees.
Trips & Routes

The Incredible Road Trip Through North Carolina That Leads You To 4 Stunning Lakes

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 10
Map highlighting a road trip route to North Carolina's beautiful lakes, including Lake Benson Park and King's Mountain Point.
Nature
National & State Parks

The Hidden Nature Park In North Carolina With Its Very Own Shrub Bog, Insectivorous Plants, And So Much More

by Carolyn Harmon
on Jun 7
Two hikers walking through a lush green forest with tall pine trees and ferns under a clear blue sky.
Nature
National & State Parks

A Little-Known Fishing Spot In North Carolina You Need To Visit

Discover a little-known fishing spot in North Carolina along the Tar River, with peaceful views, great catches, and easy access in Greenville.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Apr 17
view of the tar river through the trees in greenville north carolina
Food

I Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Discovered This Adorable Small-Town Diner In North Carolina

by Carolyn Harmon
on May 31
A gravel road leads to a house surrounded by trees, with a sign reading "Over Wonder" and parked cars nearby.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Incredible Farm in North Carolina Where You Can Pick Buckets of Berries

Starting in early July, this breathtaking farm invites visitors from near and far to enjoy a wholesome day of picking fresh blueberries.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Apr 26
bountiful blueberry plant against orchard background and blue sky overhead