Welcome To Rediscovering North Carolina

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Welcome to the See Michaelson Travel Podcast, a ZMAX Radio production presented by Collage Travel Media Network. This is your space for inspiration, confidence in travel, and a little bit of luxury and adventure. So whether you're traveling across the world, rediscovering America, or simply dreaming about your next escape, we hope we can help guide you. Now, here's See

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Hi everyone, and welcome back to my summer series on Rediscovering America. Of course, I'm Z. Michaelson, and I'm delighted you've chosen to travel with me today. You know, from the towering mountains of the Blue Ridge to the windswept beaches of the Outer Banks, from America's first national seashore to the place where powered flight first took to the skies, welcome back to Rediscovering America. We are gonna journey through breathtaking landscapes today, discover fascinating travel destinations. We're gonna introduce you to remarkable national parks and National Park Service sites, and they're all waiting to be explored. Now, today's adventure is gonna take us to one of America's most diverse states, if you haven't guessed by when I said powered flight. We're going to North Carolina It's a state where you can watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. You can stand beside the tallest lighthouse in America. You can drive one of the world's most scenic highways, I've been on it, and finish your day surrounded by the mist-covered peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. North Carolina truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history lover, a photographer, or simply looking for your next unforgettable vacation, this state deserves a place on your travel list. during today's journey, we'll explore some of North Carolina's greatest National Park Service destinations. We're gonna visit the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We're gonna travel along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway. We're gonna discover the wild beauty of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. We're gonna ferry across to the pristine beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore. We're gonna uncover the mystery of the Lost Colony at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and stand where the Wright brothers forever changed the world at Wright Brothers National Memorial. Now, along the way, I'm gonna share best ways to reach each destination, nearby airports, scenic drives, great places to stay, insider travel tips, and plenty of ideas to help you make the most of your visit. Okay, so grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite chair, or maybe you're already out on the open road, and let's begin another unforgettable adventure together.

Great Smoky Mountains From Cherokee

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This is my summer series on rediscovering America. Okay, so let's go to the first one. Everybody's heard of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That's in the western part of North Carolina, and America's most visited national park. The magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. And I did talk about Tennessee in one of my prior podcasts. Now, this remarkable park protects more than 522,000 acres of forests, rivers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. It welcomes well over 12 million visitors every year, making it the most visited national park in the United States. But despite its popularity, there are still countless places where you can experience solitude and the timeless beauty of nature. The Smokies earn their name from the bluish haze that often hangs over the mountains. Now, this natural mist is created by moisture and the thousands of plant species that release tiny organic compounds into the air. When the morning sunlight filters through the valleys, the mountains seem to float beneath the soft blue clouds. It really is a view that you will never forget. It is breathtaking. I've been there. I keep telling you that. So where is the park? The North Carolina entrance is located near the town of Cherokee, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Cherokee serves as an excellent gateway to the park and offers visitors museums, cultural demonstrations, shopping, and outstanding local restaurants. I know when I'm traveling, I love to try new restaurants. I like to try local cuisine and local restaurant owners' foods. Now, unlike the Tennessee entrance through Gatlinburg, the Cherokee side often feels quieter and more relaxed. Many experienced travelers actually prefer beginning their Smoky Mountain adventure on this side All right, so how do you get there? Well, if you're flying into Western North Carolina, the closest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport. It's approximately 70 miles from Cherokee. Now, another popular option is McGhee Tyson Airport, which is near Knoxville, Tennessee. It's about an hour and a half away. Drivers arriving from Charlotte can reach Cherokee by following Interstate 40 west before connecting to US Highway 74. If you're coming up from Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, that is, it's roughly a three-hour drive north, the beautiful mountain countryside. It's a beautiful drive. Now, one of the nicest things about visiting the Smokies is that admission to the park itself is... I love this word. You know I love this word. Admission to the park itself is free. That's right. While parking now requires a modest parking tag for longer visits, there is no entrance fee to enjoy America's most visited national park. What do you think of that? Okay, now I know I'm gonna pronounce this word incorrectly, and I do apologize. Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Before heading deep into the mountains, make your first step and your first stop to this visitor center. I'm gonna spell it for you. It's O-C-O-N-A-L-U-F-T-E-E, Oconaluftee Visitor Center. This beautiful facility offers maps, exhibits, ranger information, and I always say talk with the rangers. They can f- fill you in on a lot. A well-stocked bookstore and helpful staff who can recommend hiking trails based on your experience levels. Just behind the visitor center sits the historic Mountain Farm Museum. Now here you're gonna discover preserved log cabins, barns, smokehouses, and gardens that illustrate what Appalachian farm life looked like more than a century ago. It's a great little history lesson. During the summer months, volunteers often demonstrate things like blacksmithing, woodworking, and traditional farming techniques. It's an outstanding introduction to mountain history Okay, so if you're not into history, but you love wildlife, wildlife watching, one of the greatest thrills of visiting the Smokies is encountering the wildlife. This park contains one of the healthiest black bear populations in the Eastern United States. And I'm gonna say this a million times, do not approach the wildlife. Do not approach the wildlife. Keep your distance. Take your pictures from a distance. Don't approach them. You can also see white-tailed deer. They're commonly seen grazing in the open meadows during the early morning and evening hours. Wild turkeys, I'm not discussing the booze, wild turkeys wander through the forests. Elk, of course, which disappeared from the region for generation, have successfully returned to the Cataloochee Valley and the Oconaluftee area. Watching a bull elk during autumn mating season is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences anywhere in America. And of course, always remember, and again, I'm saying it, wild animals deserve plenty of space. Keep your distance. Never approach or feed wildlife, and always carry binoculars or a zoom lens instead of trying to get closer. Okay, let's move

Iconic Drives Peaks And Waterfalls

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on. We're gonna go to Newfound Gap Road. One drive that every visitor should experience is Newfound Gap Road. This scenic highway climbs more than 3,000 feet in elevation while crossing the heart of the park. Around nearly every corner, you'll find breathtaking overlooks offering panoramic views across endless layers of blue mountains. Now, during the autumn, this route becomes one of America's premier leaf-peeping destinations. So for all of those going to the Northeast, and you can't make it, go here. There are brilliant reds, oranges, and golds that stretch across the mountains as far as the eye can see. Even in the summer, the cooler temperatures at higher elevations provide a welcome escape from the heat. It truly is beautiful Okay, we're moving right along. I'm going to the highest point in the park, and it's probably gonna be pronounced incorrectly by me. K-U-W-O-H-I, Kuwohi, or Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome. That's easier for me to say. Now this peak, the highest point, rises to 6,643 feet. It is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest peak in Tennessee as well A short but steep paved trail leads visitors to an observation tower offering spectacular 360-degree views 100 miles on exceptionally clear days. The Cherokee people have long known this mountain as Kuwohi, meaning mulberry place, and the restored traditional name reflects the deep cultural heritage of the region. If you plan to visit, you should bring a light jacket even in July because remember your altitude is high so The temperatures at the summit can be 15 to 20 degrees cooler than in the valleys below. So bring a little jacket. Okay, if you're into waterfalls and hiking, the Smokies are famous for their waterfalls. Among the most popular is Mingo Falls, located just outside Cherokee. Only a short climb up a staircase rewards visitors with one of North Carolina's tallest and most beautiful waterfalls. For hikers, there are more than 800 miles of trails throughout the park. Some are gentle walks through the quiet forest. Others challenge experienced adventurers climbing rugged mountain ridges. Again, remember when I told you about the park rangers? They can fill you in on which hiking trails will be best for your experience. One favorite family hike is the Deep Creek Trail, where visitors enjoy waterfalls, peaceful streams, and even summertime tubing opportunities. So no matter your skill level, there's a trail waiting just for you Okay, you campers out there I personally do not camp. As many people have heard over and over and over again, my idea of camping is an RV. That's as, that's as rough as I'm gonna get. But if you ever dreamed of waking to birdsong surrounded by mountain forest, consider spending a night inside the park. Several developed campgrounds provide easy access to hiking trails and scenic drives. However, reservations are strongly recommended during spring and summer, and particularly during colorful fall foliage season. So spring, summer, and fall. Even if camping isn't your style, which is like me nearby Cherokee, Bryson City, and Maggie Valley offer comfortable hotels, cabins, bed and breakfast, and mountain resorts. What do you think of that? Are you a photographer? Well, photographers will quickly discover why this park attracts artists from around the world. Early morning fog drifting through the mountain valleys, sunsets painting the ridges with warm golden light, historic log cabins, wildflowers, flowing streams, towering hardwood forests. Every season offers entirely different opportunities. You might wanna bring extra memory cards for those cameras. You'll need them Now, this is only the first part, and I've only been to the Great Smoky Mountains So what are we gonna do next?

Blue Ridge Parkway And Asheville Base

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I think we're going to go to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we're often calling this America's favorite drive Now, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches about 465 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky National Park in North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called America's favorite drive. It's managed by the National Park Service. This remarkable roadway was designed during the 1930s to connect two great national parks while showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Appalachian Highlands. Unlike interstate highways, the parkway isn't about speed. The maximum speed here is generally 45 miles per hour. We want you to slow down. We encourage you to slow down. We want you to see the scenery, and you can also stop often. You're gonna want to. Now, around nearly every bend, you're gonna discover panoramic overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, mountain streams, and some of the most picturesque landscape anywhere in America. So where is the Blue Ridge Parkway? The parkway enters North Carolina near the Virginia border and winds southwest through the Blue Ridge Mountains before ending near Cherokee at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Some of the most spectacular sections are found between Asheville, Boone, and Cherokee, making western North Carolina one of the parkway's most visited regions. How do you get there? Well, the easiest gateway for most travelers is the Asheville Regional Airport, located just south of Asheville. From the airport, it's about a 30-minute drive to several parkway access points. If you're driving from Charlotte, take Interstate 40 west to Asheville. Coming from Tennessee, Interstate 26 provides easy access. No matter where you begin, remember, this isn't a road trip you should rush. Plan plenty of time for unexpected discoveries. So now over in this area, let's talk Asheville. Many visitors choose Asheville as their home base. This vibrant mountain city combines outstanding restaurants, breweries, local art galleries, music venues, and charming downtown streets with easy access to the parkway. Nearby, you'll also find the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned home, making Asheville an excellent destination for travelers wanting both outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. If you're into scenic overlooks, one of the parkway's greatest pleasures is simply pulling off at one of the dozens of scenic overlooks, some providing sweeping views across endless mountain ridges. Others reveal quiet valleys, family farms, and winding rivers below Every season paints a different picture. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons, I love rhododendrons, and mountain laurel. Summer fills the hillsides with deep green forests autumn transforms the mountains into brilliant shades of gold, crimson, and orange. Winter often dusts the highest peaks with snow while offering crystal clear visibility across the valleys. Each visit feels completely different Now I'm moving right along. I'm gonna go to Linn Cove Viaduct. One of the parkway's engineering marvels is the famous Linn Cove Viaduct. It's located near Grandfather Mountain. This elegant elevated roadway curves gracefully around the mountainside, allowing engineers to preserve the fragile environment while providing visitors with unforgettable views It's become one of the most photographed locations along the parkway The nearby visitor center explains how this remarkable structure was built and why it remains one of the most innovative roadway projects in the national park system. You're gonna wanna stop at some of these visitor centers. They do help. And again, you're not gonna wanna rush these trips. Now, hiking along the parkway, while many visitors stay in their cars, there are countless hiking opportunities waiting just steps away from the road. Some trails take only 15 or 20 minutes. Others lead adventurous hikers deep into the mountain wilderness. Popular destinations include Craggy Gardens, which is famous for spectacular rhododendron blooms every June, and Black Balsam Knob, offering sweeping panoramic views across grassy mountain balds. Can you imagine that? So if you're into hiking, you can stop along the way. There's also Graveyard Fields. It features waterfalls, wild blueberries, and mountain autumn colors. And Mount Pisgah, one of parkway's best known mountain hikes. Even short walks can reward you with unforgettable scenery. It's amazing Now again for my waterfall lovers, western North Carolina is often called the land of waterfalls. Several are easily reached from the parkway. Among them are Looking Glass Falls, Skinny Dip Falls, I wonder how that got its name, Graveyard Field Falls, and Sliding Rock, where adventurous visitors can actually slide down a smooth natural rock waterfall during the warmer months. Always use caution around wet rocks, but don't miss the opportunity to experience these natural wonders. They are gorgeous. Okay, for you wildlife people that want to take lots of wildlife pictures, the Blue Ridge Parkway is also an excellent place for wildlife viewing. White-tailed deer are commonly seen. Wild turkeys, again, cross the roadway. Black bears occasionally appear in remote sections. However, bird watchers can spot hawks soaring overhead and colorful songbirds throughout the forests. So if you're a bird watcher, think here. Now, the key is patience. Nature often rewards those who slow down. I'm gonna say it again, you're not gonna wanna rush through these parks A little tip here. Fuel stations are limited along portions of the parkway, so keep your gas tank topped off. Cell phone coverage can be unreliable in some of the mountain areas. And always, always, always carry drinking water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and your camera, and most importantly, take your time. The parkway isn't measured in miles. It's measured in the memories you're gonna make Now, as beautiful as the North Carolina mountains are, our next destination couldn't be any more different.

Outer Banks At Cape Hatteras

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We're gonna leave the cool mountain air behind and travel more than 400 miles east to the place where powerful Atlantic waves meet endless sandy beaches. Welcome to the Outer Banks. So we're all the way going east now So Cape Hatteras National Seashore. When Congress established Cape Hatteras National Seashore in 1937, it became America's very first national seashore. Stretching nearly 70 miles along North Carolina's Outer Banks, this protected coastline preserves windswept beaches, rolling dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, and some of the richest maritime history in the nation. It's a place where nature still rules, the ocean shapes the shoreline, the wind sculpts the dunes, and every sunrise feels like a brand-new beginning. So where is it? Cape Hatteras National Seashore extends from Bodie Island south through Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. The charming villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras provide convenient places to stay while exploring the seashore. Each community has its own personality, seafood restaurants, I love seafood, local shops, and welcoming coastal atmosphere. How do you get there? Well, most travelers begin by flying into Norfolk International Airport in Virginia or Coastal Carolina Regional Airport near New Bern. From there, it's a scenic drive along US Highway 64 or North Carolina Highway 12. Driving Highway 12 is an adventure in itself. You'll cross bridges over sparkling sounds, you'll travel beside towering sand dunes, and you'll enjoy ocean views that seem to stretch on forever. Some sections even feel as though you're driving across the water. That's exciting You also have a lighthouse there. Those that are interested in lighthouses, no visit would be complete without seeing the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It stands a hundred and ninety-eight feet tall. It's the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. Its distinctive black and white spiral pattern has guided mariners through the dangerous waters known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic for more than a hundred and fifty years. Hundreds of ships have met their fate along this treacherous coastline due to the shifting sandbars and powerful storms, as you've probably seen in many, many pirate movies. Today, the lighthouse stands as both a symbol of resilience and one of North Carolina's most recognizable landmarks. When open for climbing, visitors can ascend more than two hundred and fifty steps to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound Now, Cape Hatteras offers something for everyone. Visitors enjoy swimming, surf fishing, shell collecting, beachcombing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, birdwatching, surfing, and stargazing. Because much of this area remains undeveloped, you'll often find quiet stretches of beaches where the only sounds are waves and seabirds. It's one of the few places on the East Coast where true solitude is still easy to find If you're into the wildlife, you have sea turtles and wildlife. Cape Hatteras also protects important nesting habitat for endangered sea turtles. We do that down here in Florida as well. During the summer months, portions of the beach may be temporarily closed to protect nesting mothers and newly hatched turtles. Visitors may also encounter dolphins offshore, brown pelicans gliding above the surf, ghost crabs scurrying across the sand, and migratory shore birds resting during their long journey. Nature does take center stage here. If you're a photographer, whether you're photographing sunrise over the Atlantic or dramatic storm clouds rolling in from the sea, colorful fishing peers, or the famous lighthouse against the brilliant blue sky, Cape Hatteras is a photographer's dream. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting. So don't forget a tripod if you're interested in capturing spectacular night skies over the ocean Wow. Can you believe that? All right there in North Carolina. And I'm not done yet. We're still talking North Carolina national parks. And I'm not done yet. North Carolina's national parks and National Park Service treasures, I still have a lot more, and we're only in one state. Cape Lookout National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and of course, the Wright Brothers National Memorial Now, we've hiked through the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. We've enjoyed breathtaking scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway and stood beside the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Now our journey continues to one of North Carolina's most secluded and peaceful coastal destinations.

Cape Lookout Ferries Horses Dark Skies

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What is that, you're asking? Cape Lookout National Seashore. If you're searching for a place where nature still feels untouched, Cape Lookout National Seashore is exactly that kind of destination. North Carolina's southern Outer Banks. Cape Lookout protects more than 56 miles of undeveloped barrier islands. There are no bridges connecting these islands to the mainland. The only way to reach them is by passenger ferry or private boat. Should I say that again? The only way to reach it is by passenger ferry or private boat. For many visitors, the boat ride marks the beginning of something special. As the mainland fades into the distance, you'll find yourself entering a quieter world where sandy beaches, rolling dunes, maritime forests, and the rhythmic sound of the Atlantic replace distractions of everyday life. It's a great place to go and relax. Well, how can you get there? Well, most visitors begin their adventure in the coastal communities of Beaufort, Harker's Island, or Atlantic. We're authorized ferry operators to transport passengers to the seashore. If you're flying, the closest airport is Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, approximately an hour's drive from Beaufort. Travelers can also fly into Raleigh-Durham International and enjoy a scenic three-hour drive to the coast. Advanced ferry reservations are highly recommended during spring and summer, particularly on the weekends. So make sure if you want to go here, make the reservations in advance. Now we also have Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The centerpiece of the seashore is magnificent, Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Unlike the spiral stripes of Cape Hatteras, this lighthouse is instantly recognizable by its striking black and white diamond pattern, affectionately known as the Diamond Lady

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Now, this diamond lady stands 163 feet tall. It has guided mariners safely through these waters since 1859. When the lighthouse is open for climbing, visitors who conquer its 207 steps are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Core Sound, Shackleford Banks, and miles of pristine coastline. It's a view that reminds you just how wild and beautiful North Carolina's coast truly is. Now, if you're looking for beaches and outdoor activities, Cape Lookout is all about experiencing nature at your own pace. Visitors enjoy walking the miles along uncrowded beaches, searching for beautiful seashells, surf fishing, bird watching, swimming in designated areas, kayaking through quiet coastal waters, and camping beneath some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Because development is almost nonexistent, you'll often have large stretches of beaches entirely to yourself. It's one of the few places where you can truly disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature Now, Shackleford Banks wild horses. One of Cape Lookout's most memorable attraction isn't a lighthouse or a beach, it's the wild horses of Shackleford Banks. Now, for centuries, these beautiful horses have roamed the island freely. Historians believe their ancestors may have arrived with the early Spanish explorers over 400 years ago. Today, they continue to thrive in this protected environment. Now, watching these magnificent animals graze peacefully among the dunes is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the East Coast. I have not seen these. My daughter has. I've seen the wild horses out West. Now, you have to remember to admire them from a safe distance. They are wild animals and deserve plenty of space. Like I always say, give the wild animals their space. Binoculars would be great. You know, you can see them from a distance Now, if you're into stargazing, Cape Lookout is also recognized as one of the finest places for stargazing along the Atlantic Coast. With very little artificial light, visitors can often see thousands of stars stretching across the night sky. And even on clear evenings, the Milky Way appears in remarkable detail, creating an unforgettable experience for photographers and astronomy enthusiasts. Can you imagine that, seeing the Milky Way? I can't. I would like to go and see this. I'll have to put it on my bucket list. What do you think?

Fort Raleigh And The Lost Colony

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Now, our next destination takes us back in time more than 400 years ago to one of America's greatest unsolved mysteries. Now, at Fort Raleigh National Historic Park, located on beautiful Roanoke Island, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site tells the story of England's first attempt to establish a permanent colony in the New World. It was here in 1587 that more than 100 settlers arrived hoping to build a new life. Among them was Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. When supply ships finally returned three years later, the settlement had disappeared. The only clue left behind was a single word carved into a wooden post, Croatoan. To this day, the mystery of the Lost Colony continues to fascinate historians and visitors alike. So if you're into a mystery, just remember Roanoke Island. So how do you get to all these places that I just talked about? Well, Fort Riley is located near the charming waterfront town of Manteo on Roanoke Island. It's easily reached by US Highway 64 and is approximately 90 minutes south of Norfolk, Virginia. The nearby town of Manteo offers wonderful waterfront restaurants, locally owned shops, historic inns, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere that makes an excellent overnight stop. Okay, so what should you see? Your visit should begin at the visitor center where exhibits explain the early English expeditions and the continuing search for answers surrounding the colony That's if you're into history. Outside walking trails wind through maritime forests and archeological sites where researchers continue studying this important chapter of American history. I've seen so many shows on Roanoke Island. It is quite interesting. Nearby, you'll also find the Elizabethan Gardens, a beautifully maintained botanical garden celebrating England's Elizabethan era During the summer, many visitors also enjoy The Lost Colony, an outdoor drama that has entertained audiences for generations I like to see those during the summer months when they have those little theater shows So whether history is your passion or you're simply curious, Fort Raleigh offers a unique opportunity to stand where America's earliest English story began All right, North Carolina. Yep, North Carolina.

Wright Brothers And First Flight

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What do we know about North Carolina? The Wright brothers. The Wright Brothers National Memorial, our final destination today, is one that changed the entire world. Now, it's located in Kill Devil Hills. Say that three times fast, Kill Devil Hills. The Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates the place where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful powered flight on December 17th, 1903. There's a little history lesson there. What began as a 12-second flight covering just 120 feet forever changed transportation, commerce, and human history. Standing on this very ground, it's remarkable to think that every modern airplane traces its roots back to these sandy dunes Why Kitty Hawk? Many people associate the Wright brothers with Kitty Hawk, and for good reason. They choose this stretch of North Carolina's Outer Banks because of its steady winds, soft sand for landing, and relative isolation, allowing them to conduct experiments away from the crowds. The actual flights took place just south of Kitty Hawk in what is now called Kill Devil Hills. So, that's where you get the Kitty Hawk and the Kill Devil Hills. I didn't know that. Did you know that? Okay, so how do you get there? Well, the memorial is located directly off US Highway One Fifty-Eight, making it one of the easiest National Park Service sites in North Carolina to visit. It's approximately a two-hour drive from Norfolk International Airport and is easily combined with a visit to Cape Hatteras or Fort Raleigh. Now, what you'll experience beside inside the modern visitor center, where you'll find fascinating exhibits detailing, of course, the Wright brothers' scientific experiments, engineering challenges, and their remarkable determination. Outside, follow the flight line, where the granite markers indicate the exact distances traveled during each of the four historic flights. So they have it marked off. How cool is that? So if you're into aeronautical, this is the place to go. You can stand at the launch point and walk the same ground. Imagine the excitement of those who witnessed the history unfolding before their eyes. You can climb Big Kill Devil Hill, where a towering granite monument honors the Wright brothers' achievements and provides sweeping views across the Outer Banks. It's a fitting place to reflect on how curiosity, perseverance, and imagination can change the world Now Before we wrap up today, I have one final Rediscovering America travel tip.

Plan Smarter Passport Stamps Leave No Trace

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If you're planning a North Carolina National Parks vacation, don't try to see everything in one trip. There's so much. Instead, divide your adventure into two unforgettable experiences. Spend several days exploring the mountains of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway, and then on another visit, head east to discover the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout, Fort Raleigh, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. You'll spend less time driving, more time exploring, and you'll leave with the memories that will last you a lifetime. Now remember, travel isn't about checking off destinations on a list. It's about truly experiencing the places you'll visit So as we come to a close today, we've traveled from the mist-covered mountain peaks to the windswept barrier islands. We stood beneath the towering waterfalls, driven one of America's most scenic highways. We've climbed historic lighthouses. We've explored century-old mysteries and visited the birthplace of powered flight. North Carolina is a state of extraordinary contrasts. It offers mountain adventures, coastal escapes, rich Native American heritage, colonial history, Civil War stories, aviation milestones, and some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the United States Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to discover something new, North Carolina welcomes you with unforgettable experiences around every corner. If you enjoy collecting national park passport stamps, be sure to bring your passport book along. Every site we visited today offers a unique cancellation stamp, a wonderful keepsake that tells the story of your travels across America. And wherever your adventures take you, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Stay on designated trails. Respect the wildlife. Pack out what you pack in. What does that mean? Whatever you take with you, make sure you take it out of the park with you. And help preserve these remarkable places so future generations can enjoy them just as we

Final Thoughts And Farewell

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have. Thank you for joining me on another episode of Rediscovering America And of course, if you enjoyed today's journey, I invite you to subscribe, share the podcast with fellow travelers, as we continue to journey through America's national park and historic treasures during our summer season Until then, I'm Z Mikalsen. And remember what I always say, shoot for those stars, and if you only get to the moon, at least you made the trip. And I'm also reminding you that the greatest adventures aren't always halfway around the world. Sometimes they're just down the road.