Updated Aug 17, 2021

9 Enchanting Spots In North Carolina You Never Knew Existed

Discover breathtaking and lesser-known places in North Carolina, including waterfalls, parks, and architectural wonders.

Updated Aug 17, 2021

Written by

OnlyInYourState Staff

Nature|Parks & Gardens

Published Oct 3, 2024

The Audubon Center in North Carolina Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Did you know that nearly 500 different species of feathered friends call North Carolina home? One great place to check out is the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary in Corolla, NC.

Published Oct 3, 2024

Written by

Lisa Sammons

There's something so relaxing about being out in nature and enjoying an afternoon of bird-watching. Even if you aren't an avian expert who can identify every single species out there, simply feeling the thrill of seeing an unfamiliar critter is enough to make one's heart race with joy. Did you know that nearly 500 different species of feathered friends call North Carolina home? That's pretty incredible, and our parks and gardens are great places to check out if you're hoping to spot some new-to-you species. One great place to check out is the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary in Corolla, NC.

Known as the Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Sanctuary, this stunning preserve is tucked away in the northeastern section of the Outer Banks. The refuge is comprised of 2,600 acres and sports a wide variety of landscapes, with marshes, forests, and even sandy beaches. Strolling through this place shows off the untouched beauty of the Outer Banks - not the touristy areas that get all the press and Instagram posts, but the more natural side of our barrier islands in their last remaining undeveloped sections.

The sanctuary was once a historic hunt club, and now serves as an area where visitors can experience the serenity of nature. There's a 2.5-mile trail to explore, and kayak tours are offered seasonally.

As you can imagine, this sort of environment lends itself well to allowing a variety of species to thrive without much human interaction. The island is home to a wide array of small to large mammals, from coyotes to Virginia opossums, minks, and bobcats.

The biodiversity of marsh areas is incredible, and Pine Island is no different. Dozens of bird species call the sanctuary home. It's easy to see why this is one of the best places for bird-watching in North Carolina. The abundance of small animals like voles and mice mean that birds of prey, such as hawks, really thrive here. The wetlands support loons, pelicans, gulls, and ibises. With so many trees in the maritime forests here, there's also critters like woodpeckers and starlings at the sanctuary, too.

alt — American white ibis perched in a mangrove tree at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida. The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestern Florida, on Sanibel Island in the Gulf of Mexico.

If you're looking to head out for a great day of animal-spotting, it doesn't get much better than a visit here.

For more information about this great bird sanctuary in Corolla, NC, check out the Audubon website.

Don't forget your binoculars when you head out! They're perfect for observing nature without upsetting sensitive wildlife.

Nature|Parks & Gardens

Published Sep 6, 2024

The Completely Free Botanical Garden Hiding in North Carolina Is a Must-Visit

The admission-free North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill is worthy of a day trip, no matter how long the drive.

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by

Beth Copenhaver

At its heart, the North Carolina Botanical Garden is a conservation garden, committed to creating a harmonious and sustainable relationship between people and plants. The fact that it's also one of the state's most beautiful — and completely free, though donations are appreciated — day trip destinations is simply a wonderful benefit. Come with us as we explore this stunning space filled with wildflowers, native species, and educational opportunities galore.

Operated by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, the NC Botanical Garden is a love letter to the native flora of the state's Piedmont region. Research, cataloging, and promoting these plants is the core mission, and it's nearly impossible to visit without learning something. When you visit, you can look forward to learning about plants found nowhere else in the world.

Inspiration for the conservation garden you see today dates back to 1903 when UNC botany professor William Chambers Coker planted trees on campus for teaching purposes. As the trees grew, the area became known as the Coker Arboretum. It was clear that a larger botanical facility was needed, so one was built a little south of campus. Thanks to horticulturalist William Hunt, one hundred acres were added to the property, and the project thrived. The botanical garden opened its doors to the public quite fittingly on Arbor Day of 1966.

It's easy to spend hours meandering through the displays, which you'll find are meticulously labeled. Areas to explore include the Entrance Garden, Children's Wonder Garden, Piedmont Habitat, Sandhills Habitat, Coastal Plain Habitat, Water Gardens, Carnivorous Plant Collection, Herb Garden, Native American Garden, Poisonous Plants Garden, and more.

Plus, there's a handful of attractions scattered throughout the property that you'll want to visit, such as the Salamander Pool or Paul Green's Cabin. Green was one of the most famous writers in the American South, famous for The Lost Colony.

The cabin was a quiet writing retreat for Green and after he died in 1984, there was a movement to save his cabin. The NC Botanical Garden seemed like the perfect site for its preservation. The door will likely be shut when you get there, but the garden welcomes visitors inside. In fact, you'll see some fascinating exhibits and a few benches for taking a rest.

The gardens are just the beginning of all that this destination has to offer. Year-round events, activities, educational programs, and walking trails add to the long list of reasons to visit. Who knows...you may just be inspired to begin your own native garden!

If you haven't yet visited the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, we'd highly recommend it! Be sure to visit the official NC Botanical Gardens website to learn more about planning your visit. If you need a place to stay while you're exploring the area, be sure to check out these unique vacation rentals in Chapel Hill.

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9 Enchanting Spots In North Carolina You Never Knew Existed

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The Audubon Center in North Carolina Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

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The Completely Free Botanical Garden Hiding in North Carolina Is a Must-Visit

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All Stories

The Audubon Center in New Jersey Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

This Pennsylvania Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Connecticut Come From the Country’s Last Steam-Powered Cider Mill

I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant

Explore One of Alaska’s Deepest, Cleanest Lakes Near Two National Parks