NC News Archives - North Carolina Travel

Snowtubing At Hawksnest

North Carolina Travel — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:54:23 +0000

Snowtubing Fun For All At Hawksnest

Snowtubing at Hawksnest at Seven Devils, North Carolina is so much fun. Hawksnest Tubing is one of the largest snow tubing parks in the United States. It is the largest snowtubing park on the East Coast. It has over 30 lanes of snow tubing that are from 400 to 1000 feet long! To easily get back to the top of the hill there are moving carpet lifts. It is located just minutes from Boone and Banner Elk in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Hawksnest Snowtubing
Seven Devils, NC
Blue Ridge Mountains

Hawksnest has 1 hour and 45-minute sessions during the day. Monday thru Thursday sessions are 10 AM, 12PM, 2PM and 4PM. Friday and Saturday (and holidays) add a 6PM session. Sundays only have a 10AM, 12PM and 2PM sessions.

Snowtubing Rates

Monday – Thursday $35

Fridays $40

Saturday, Sunday and all holidays $47

Reservations are highly recommended for snow tubing. Many sessions sell out especially after fresh fallen snow and on weekends. Each session has a limited amount of tickets available to prevent overcrowded lanes.

Hawksnest Zipline

In addition to snowtubing, Hawksnest also has ziplines! Hawksnest Zipline has 2 tour options. Combined they cover over 4 miles and 20 ziplines in total. Both tour options include MEGA ZIPS, that is ziplines over 1500 feet long! Enjoy ziplining with heights of over 200 feet and speeds up to 40 mph. Zipline over the treetops of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.

Reservations are required to zipline. There are two zipline tours: Hawks Tour and Eagles Tour.

Hawks Tour is 1 1/2 -2 hours and has 11 cables. This tour is 1.5 miles of ziplining, with two cables over 1,500 feet long, and two swinging bridges. It is the more scenic and most popular of the 2 tour options. Some restrictions apply. Riders cannot be more than 250 pounds or have a waist larger than 40 inches. There is no minimum weight for Hawk Tour. There is a minimum age.

Eagle Tour takes about 1 1/2- 2 hours and has 9 cables. It is almost 3 miles of ziplining, with two cables over 2,000 feet, three more over 1,200 feet, and a suspension bridge. For the more adventurous (or experienced) this tour is higher, faster, and longer than Hawks Tour. Restrictions for this one is a rider must weigh a minimum of 80 pounds to participate. Riders cannot be more than 220 pound or have larger than a 40-inch waist.

Location and Directions

Hawksnest is located at 2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC. The park is located just north of Grandfather Mountain State Park. Whether snowtubing in the winter or ziplining any time of year, you will have fun and enjoy the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

Take at live look at Hawksnest Liv Cam to watch the fun and check out the weather conditions! (by resortcams)

Photos from Hawksnest Snowtubing and Ziplining. Seven Devils, NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains

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New Wildlife Crossing Construction On I-40

North Carolina Travel — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:27:25 +0000

New Wildlife Crossing Construction Begins On I-40 In NC Mountains

A new wildlife crossing is under construction on I-40 in Western North Carolina. The construction project is being built on I-40 at the Harmon Den exit. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will replace the existing bridge. Under the new bridge will be a wildlife passage. The new bridge/wildlife passage construction will be located on Interstate 40 over Harmon Den Road, at Exit 7 in Haywood County, NC. The new project begins the second week of November.

New Wildlife Crossing On I-40

The project will take until May of 2022 to complete. There will be a detour around the bridge for the next 6 months. Drivers on I-40 will detour onto the exit and on-ramps. Work to improve the on-ramp and off-ramp, to be used by traffic while the new bridge and wildlife crossing, has already begun. By mid-November, all traffic will be funneled into a one-lane pattern prior to the bridge. Then traffic will use the ramps as a detour around the bridge. Traffic on I-40 will remain in this pattern until May 2022 while crews remove and replace the deteriorating bridge structure.

Wildlife and Vehicle Collisions

The Harmon Den area has been a trouble spot for wildlife-vehicle collisions. When the NCDOT announced plans to replace the existing bridge structure, Safe Passage and its partners collaborated with the NCDOT for a solution to fit this particular area. Safe Passage: The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project has for a while advocated for building a wildlife crossing at this location. When the NCDOT announced plans to replace the existing bridge structure, Safe Passage and its partners eagerly collaborated with the NCDOT so wildlife could safely migrate without having to cross the busy interstate.

There has been a huge increase in traffic volume on Interstate 40 in the Pigeon River Gorge in Western North Carolina and East Tennessee in the last few years. Wildlife mortality caused by vehicle collisions is rapidly rising. Safe Passage and its partners collaborated with the NCDOT for a safe solution to the problem. Wildlife such as black bears, elk, whitetail deer, and other animals live in the area. The animals migrate and in doing so cross the interstate. Crossing the interstate is dangerous to the wildlife as well as to vehicular traffic.

The plans for the new Harmon Den bridge will include two paths. One path on each side of Cold Springs Creek to help wildlife migrate from one side of the interstate to the other without encountering vehicles. A 9-foot tall fence will guide animals to the trails and under the bridge. The NCDOT is also evaluating the use of wildlife guards that should prevent deer and elk from walking up the ramps and onto the interstate. The wildlife guards will hopefully encourage wildlife to cross under the bridge and reduce the possibility of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Safe Passage: The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project

On their website the Safe Passage mission states…

Safe Passage is a large group of people and organizations working toward a common vision. We believe it’s possible to balance the needs of native wildlife with the ever-growing human population in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. We are local, state, tribal, and federal agencies, land managers, conservation organizations, nonprofit park partners, and other invested community members, all working in the region of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project

Ensuring our public lands are interconnected is critical to protecting the variety of unique wildlife that live in the Southern Appalachian mountains, which include Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Increasing highway permeability in the Pigeon River Gorge will be a giant step toward improving animal population health. But this will represent only the first project in a series of much-needed regional mitigation efforts. The I-40 corridor could serve as a model for other interstate highways that also disrupt the Southern and Central Appalachian corridors.

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North Carolina Earthquake Rattles Residents

North Carolina Travel — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 17:42:35 +0000

North Carolina Earthquake Rattles Residents

A rare North Carolina earthquake shakes and rattles residents in several counties and neighboring states. A 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook North Carolina Sunday morning August 9. 2020. Just after 8:00 am the rare earthquake rattled homes, businesses and residents of Sparta, N.C. Sparta is located in Alleghany County in northwestern N.C. Residents of nearby Virginia, and Tennessee also felt the quake. Even residents of South Carolina and Georgia felt the quake. Sunday’s earthquake was the most powerful earthquake to hit North Carolina in more than 100 years.

North Carolina earthquake 2020

Minor Damage Reported

There were no reports of major injuries from this earthquake. There were reports of minor injuries. Minor structural damage was reported. Pictures of damage to homes and businesses were quick to show up on social media and the news. A brick home cracked and buckled during the quake. Dishes fell off shelves and people still in bed reported feeling their beds shake. The earthquake lasted about 10 seconds. Later in the day, there were more reports of residential structural damage, chimneys collapsing, road cracking and a water main that was broke. The Food Lion grocery store in Sparta experienced some damage as items crashed to the floor and broke.

The U.S. Geological Survey did confirm the 5.1 magnitude earthquake Sunday morning, with an epicenter in Sparta, NC. Prior to Sunday morning, the USGS reported there were several foreshocks that were smaller and felt within 15 miles of where the earthquake occurred. An earthquake with a magnitude of 2.6 was reported around 2 a.m. in the Sparta area. The USGS warned of possible aftershocks. Aftershocks can sometimes continue for a week or two after the initial quake.

North Carolina has had twenty-two earthquakes between 1735 and 2014. The largest earthquake in North Carolina was in 1916. The quake was a 5.2 magnitude quake that hit Skyland in Buncombe County, NC.

8/11/2020 UPDATE: The USGS just reported a 2.9 magnitude aftershock near Sparta today at 4:45 PM!
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Strange Things That Washed Up On Shore at Outer Banks

North Carolina Travel — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 22:25:33 +0000

Strange Things That Washed Up On Shore at NC Outer Banks

Strange thanks can wash up on shore on the beaches at the Outer Banks. The islands of the Outer Banks extend out into the Atlantic Ocean. About 50 miles off the coast the Gulf Stream waters and the Labrador Current meet. The waves where the two strong currents meet result in large waves, the largest anywhere else on the East Coast. The Gulf Stream current flows from the south to the north, the Labrador Current flows from the north to the south. The two strong currents can carry strange things. Those strange things can get carried toward the shores of the Outer Banks and end up on the beaches. The frequent strong storms can also push some strange things onto the shore. Through the years beachcombers strolling along the Outer Banks beaches have reported finding some rather strange things while walking along the beach.

Shipwrecks

Old Shipwreck On Outer Banks Beach

Everyone knows about the numerous shipwrecks found along the beaches of the Outer Banks. The area is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Hundreds of ships have struck the dangerous shoals off the coast. Remains of dozens of old shipwrecks have been found in the ever-shifting sands. Storms uncover then recover shipwrecks all the time. Some well-know shipwrecks include: the Laura A. Barnes (1921) located 4.7 miles south of Whalebone Junction; the Oriental (1862) located 7 miles south of Oregon Inlet campground; the George A. Kohler (1933) located near Ramp 14; and the Altoona (1878) located about a mile south of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Possibly the oldest shipwreck was discovered in 2008 after a November storm. The exposed timber was from a ship from the 1600s. Just a couple of years ago, a boat made of metal pipe, angle iron, wood and pieces of rigid foam was found washed up onshore. The boat was found on an Avon beach. It was unoccupied but onboard was a store of supplies including bottles of water, sardines and fuel. It was thought to be a boat made by Cuban refugees. The strange boat was considered an engineering marvel due to the material and how it was put together.

Strange Things That Wash Up On NC Beaches! Cuban Raft Washes Up On Beach in NC

Coins, Doritos, And Spaceships

Numerous old coins have been found. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras Village, has a large coin collection of old coins that have been found. The collection Includes bronze pieces from Egypt that date back to about 200 B.C. A training mine washed up on the beach in Salvo in 2017. Three other pieces of ordnance, some from World War II, were also found in 2017.

Thousands of Bags of Doritos On Outer Banks Beach

In 2006, on the beaches of Frisco, thousands of bags of Doritos washed up onshore. The bags had spilled from a container that fell from a passing ship during bad weather. The news was covered worldwide! The locals gathered thousands of bags of Doritos to clean up the beach.

In 2017 a piece of a SpaceX rocket was spotted lying on the beach near Hatteras Village by Outer Banks photographer Erin Everlee. It was later determined the piece was part of the nose cone intentionally
jettisoned after take-off from a launch site in Florida. It must have floated north on the Gulf Stream then washed up on shore on the Frisco area beach. After some research, they determined it must be part of a space-bound craft. Cape Hatteras National Seashore and SpaceX confirmed its origin.

Also in 2017, some beachcombers found dozens of smelly plastic disks lying on the beaches in Corolla and Kill Devil Hills. The disks were about 2 feet in diameter. They discovered later that the disks had come from a Navy ship. The Navy compacts trash into circles and disposes of them properly later. An investigation showed two sailors had thrown them overboard in violation of Navy regulations.

Again in 2017, the well-dressed body of a man was found washed ashore in Nags Head. The body was in a partially torn body bag. The man had likely been intentionally buried at sea. The police chief recovered the body and sent it to the state medical examiner.

Dead Whales and More

Dead Whale Washed Up on Outer Banks Shore

In 2019 three dead whales washed ashore on the beaches of the Outer Banks. all within two weeks. Dead whales often draw crowds of onlookers as biologists dissect them for information on the cause of death. Due to their massive weight, the dissection must be done at the site the whale washes up. The bodies are then buried deep in the sand with heavy equipment. On occasion, dead porpoises can also wash up on the beach. Many sick or injured sea creatures beach themselves to die.

The Graveyard of the Atlantic refers to shipwreck but it can also refer to all the strange things that have washed up on the beaches of the Outer Banks. Some more interesting than others!

More Photos of Stange Things That Washed Up On Shore Somewhere On The Outer Banks of North Carolina
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Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020

North Carolina Travel — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 17:15:38 +0000

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020

The annual Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020 begins on Saturday, January 25, 2020. The sale will last through the end of February. The warehouse sale will not be held on any Wednesday or Thursday. The huge warehouse where the sale takes place has over 80,000 square feet of sale items from Bulluck’s Furniture. For sale items includes scratched and dented fine reproduction furniture, lamps, lamp bodies, lampshades and lamp parts, wooded accessories, and items, bronze statues, and items, crystal pieces, chandeliers, ceramic planters of all sizes, floor and wall screens, traditional and transitional furniture plus even more. The sale is huge with each weekend more and different sale items added. The gigantic Bulluck warehouse sale is one of the most popular fine furnishings sales in Eastern North Carolina. Thousands of shoppers travel from miles around to attend this popular sale.

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2021

The annual Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2021 will take place in April 2021. The sale begins on April 3, 2021.

It will still be held at the same location as the last few years, 218 North Church St. in

downtown Rocky Mount, NC at the Phipps Warehouse.

I will post more information such as dates and hours when available.

More information coming!

See Complete List of Dates and Times for 2020

Sat. Jan. 25 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sun. Jan. 26 1:00 pm to 5:00pm

Mon. Jan. 27 9:30am to 5:00pm

Tues. Jan. 28 9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri. Jan 31 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sat. Feb. 1 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sun. Feb. 2 1:00 pm to 5:00pm

Closed to Restock (Prices Drop After This Restock!)

Sat. Feb. 8 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sun. Feb 9 1:00 pm to 5:00pm

Mon. Feb. 10 9:30am to 5:00pm

Tues Feb. 11 9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri. Feb 14 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sat. Feb 15 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sun. Feb 16 1:00 pm to 5:00pm

Mon. Feb. 17 9:30am to 5:00pm

Tues. Feb 18 9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri. Feb. 21 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sat. Feb. 22 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sun Feb 23 1:00 pm to 5:00pm

Mon Feb 24 9:30am to 5:00pm

Tues Feb 25 9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri Feb 28 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sat Feb 29 9:30am to 5:00pm

Sun Mar 1 1:00 pm to 5:00pm

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020 Location

The warehouse sale is again going to be located at Phipps Warehouse at 218 N. Church Street near downtown Rocky Mount, NC. Phipps Warehouse is located next to the Imperial Centre on Church Street. Parking is to the left of the warehouse when coming down Church Street. See the map below.

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020 takes place in an old tobacco warehouse in downtown Rocky Mount. The warehouse is full of fine furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Table after table is set up in rows and covered with lamps, bowls, statues, brass, art, vases, pots, candlesticks and more. Chandeliers hang from the rafters, mirrors and art are hung on the walls. Furniture of every type (contemporary, traditional and transitional) are out on display with prices slashed. Even outdoor furniture is included.

Make plans to get to the Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale! You do not want to miss this huge fine furniture warehouse sale! Trust me, I have been to many of these annual warehouse sales and it is worth the trip! To see the old warehouse alone is worth the trip. But to add all those beautiful pieces of fine furniture inside the warehouse and is all on sale! Once the sale starts for this year 2020 I will post pictures. I will also post a complete list of the dates and times the sale takes place.

All sales are final at this sale. Items are 60-90% off retail prices! The Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale is a great event to shop if you want to add or redecorate your home or office. Save hundreds on fine furniture, lamps and accessories. All tables and sections of items are marked down 60-90% in the whole warehouse. As the sale continues through February the prices are marked down even more.

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020-pictures from past years at the warehouse…

Map and Location for Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020

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Saloon Studios Live Upcoming Concerts

North Carolina Travel — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 22:54:48 +0000

Music and Fun At Saloon Studios Live

Saloon Studios Live in West Jefferson, NC continues this season’s Legend Concert Series July 13 with The Nelsons. “Ricky Nelson Remembered” is a unique multimedia event showcasing the live pop hits of America’s original teen idol, Ricky Nelson, performed by his sons, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson It features never-before-seen footage. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the identical twin sons of Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson and grandsons of ‘50s TV icons Ozzie & Harriet Nelson, have five Top 40 hits to their own credit. This makes the Nelsons the only family in entertainment history to have three generations of #1 hitmakers! If you’re a Nelson fan and a “Travelin’ Man,” be sure to make your way to the Saloon Studios Live for an unforgettable show!

Saloon Studios Live in West Jefferson, NC

From the time you turn in the drive, you can relax and enjoy a worry-free music experience unlike any you’ve had before. Before the show, tour an authentic Old West Town and enjoy complimentary refreshments, then take a seat in the beautiful Saloon to witness a concert unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! After the show, you’ll have a chance to chat with the Nelsons, ask the questions you’ve always wanted answered, take a personal photo, and have your memorabilia signed. There are only 100 seats, so reserve yours today!

Ticket Purchase includes:
• Ultimate Five Hour VIP Experience – it’s not just a concert, it’s a party with the band!
• Meet & Greet with Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
• Exclusive Saloon Studios Live Bandana
• Explore our Old West Town
• Complimentary variety of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres & complimentary beverages
• Quick, Carefree Parking

This season’s Legend artists also include Pat Travers & Kashmir (Led Zeppelin Tribute); Artemis Pyle Band; Atlanta Rhythm Section; Journeymen (Clapton Tribute); Little Feat; and Mark Farner’s American Band (Grand Funk Railroad).

Their three-day Woodstock Experience August 9-11 includes appearances by legendary acts from the original Woodstock festival, including Canned Heat, Melanie, Jefferson Starship, John Sebastian, Ten Years After, and more.

Readers of North Carolina Travel are invited to take advantage of a special discount offer on upcoming Legend concerts. Just use the coupon code WJSSL2019 when purchasing tickets, and get $20 off the ticket price.

About Saloon Studios Live

Saloon Studios Live is located at 313 Old West Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694, just a few hours drive from Asheville. Phone: 336-877-2374. Visit on the web at SaloonStudiosLive.com.

Saloon Studio Live is a State of the Art Live Music Venue/Recording & Broadcast Studio located in West Jefferson, North Carolina…that looks like an Old West Town!

Saloon Studios Live Looks Just Like The Old West But in the Mountains of NC!

Enjoy a live music event in the saloon or record on the main stage!
We have video and live streaming capabilities available for all sessions.
You can also rent our Old West Town for your corporate or private event. Phone: 336-877-2374. Visit us on the web at SaloonStudiosLive.com.

Map and Location of West Jefferson, NC

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Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2019

North Carolina Travel — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 17:26:22 +0000

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2019

The popular Bulluck Warehouse Sale 219 begins Saturday January 26, 2019. The location of the sale is the same as previous years. That location is Phipps Warehouse at 218 N. Church Street near downtown Rocky Mount, NC. Phipps Warehouse is located next to the Imperial Centre on Church Street. Parking is to the left of the warehouse when coming down Church Street. The gigantic Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale is one of the most popular fine furnishings sale in Eastern North Carolina. Thousands of shoppers travel from miles around to attend this popular sale each year

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020 Starts on Sat. Jan. 25, 2020

Sale Location will be at 218 N Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC

(same location as last several years, next to Imperial Center)

More information to come!

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2019

The huge warehouse has over 80,000 square feet of sale items from Bulluck’s Furniture. For sale items includes scratched and dented fine reproduction furniture, lamps, lamp bodies, lampshades and lamp parts, wooded accessories and items, bronze statues and items, crystal pieces, chandeliers, ceramic planters of all sizes, floor and wall screens, traditional and transitional furniture. As usual the sale will not take place on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Complete List of Dates and Times For 2019 Sale

Saturday January 26

Sunday January 27

Monday January 28

Tuesday January 29

Friday February 1

Saturday February 2

Sunday February 3

CLOSED TO RESTOCK

Saturday February 9

Sunday February 10

Monday February 11

Tuesday February 12

Friday February 15

Saturday February 16

Sunday February 17

Monday February 18

Tuesday February 19

Friday February 22

Saturday February 23

Sunday February 24

Monday February 25

Tuesday February 26

Friday March 1

Saturday March 2

Sunday March 3
9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

CLOSED TO RESTOCK

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Bulluck  Warehouse Sale takes place in an old tobacco warehouse in downtown Rocky Mount. The warehouse is full of fine furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Table after table is set up in rows and covered with lamps, bowls, statues, brass, art, vases, pots, candlesticks and more. Chandeliers hang from the rafters, mirrors and art are hung on the walls. Furniture of every type (contemporary, traditional and transitional) are out on display with prices slashed. Even outdoor furniture is included.

All sales are final. Items are 60-90% off retail prices! The Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale is a great event to shop if you want to add or redecorate your home or office. Save hundreds on fine furniture, lamps and accessories. All tables and sections of items are marked down 60-90% in the whole warehouse. As the sale goes on the prices will be reduced even more.

Pictures from the Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale 2018!

Map and Location of Bulluck Warehouse Sale in Rocky Mount, NC

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NC Fall Foliage Reports and Update 2018

North Carolina Travel — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:23:44 +0000

NC Fall Foliage Reports and Update 2018

NC fall foliage reports and updates are back again for the North Carolina mountains. Fall is official as of Saturday September 22. The fall foliage season has begun. It’s still warm but the forecast predicts cooler weather this week as cold fronts are bringing those cooler autumn temperatures. By the end of this week nighttime lows will drop into the low 50’s. These cooler temperatures will accelerate the color development.

NC Fall Foliage Reports and Updates

The dogwood trees are already turning red across the state but this is due to the shorter daylight and the normal growth season for the dogwood. There is also some hint of color just starting to appear in the sugar and mountain maples, sourwoods, sassafras, and black birch. Experts are predicting peaks colors in the Boone area between October 12 and October 16, 2018.

The first areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see color are in North Carolina. These areas have the highest elevations. Grandfather Mountain is predicted to  peak first because of the high elevation of 5946 feet. Mount Mitchell and Craggy Gardens are included in the first to peak locations along the parkway. These highest elevations typically peak the first week of October. Rough Ridge will also be another location to have color by the first of October.  Over the next few weeks fall foliage colors will continue to spread and progress along the BRP into the areas of Craggy Gardens (MP 364 on the BRP) , Beech Mountain, Graveyard Fields(MP 418 on the BRP) and Watterock Knob (MP 451 on the BRP).

For the Great Smoky Mountains the start of the fall foliage color changes begin in the highest elevations toward the end of September. There is some hint of color just starting to appear in the mountain ash, beech, and birch trees. Also there is a hint of some red showing in the sugar and mountain maples, sourwoods, sassafras, and black birch.

In the next few days or so the fall foliage colors really begin to show up in the elevations above 5,000 feet in the Smokies. These areas include Clingmans Dome, Mt. LeConte, Cataloochee and along Newfound Gap Road. The 10 day forecast for the GSMNP calls for highs in the 65-75 range and for nighttime lows 46-62 degrees. Toward the end of this week  the nighttime temperatures drop significantly which will really accelerate the fall foliage colors. Suggested scenic drives for the coming days and week would include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Rich Mountain Road, Newfound Gap Road and Clingmans Dome Road (US 441).

Fortunately Hurricane Florence did not make her way as expected into East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The storm did bring some rain but the wind and amount of rain that was expected did not happen. This was a good thing for the fall foliage season this year. There was some cleanup by park officials but the national park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are open and ready for the leaf peepers this year.

Please visit North Carolina Travel North Carolina Mountains Fall Foliage page for fall foliage reports and updates. Find out when and where to go to see the best fall foliage color.

NC Fall Foliage Reports and Updates
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Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale 2018

North Carolina Travel — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 21:06:32 +0000

Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale 2018

The huge Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale for 2018 begins Saturday January 20, 2018. The sale will last until Feb. 25, 2018. But it will not be held on any Wednesday or Thursday. The warehouse sale is again going to be located at Phipps Warehouse at 218 N. Church Street near downtown Rocky Mount, NC. Phipps Warehouse is located next to the Imperial Centre on Church Street. Parking is to the left of the warehouse when coming down Church Street. The gigantic Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale is one of the most popular fine furnishings sale in Eastern North Carolina. Thousands of shoppers travel from miles around to attend this popular sale.

Bulluck Warehouse Sale 2020 Starts on Sat. Jan. 25, 2020

Sale Location will be at 218 N Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC

(same location as last several years, next to Imperial Center)

More information to come!

Bulluck Warehouse Sale Entrance on Church St.

The huge warehouse has over 80,000 square feet of sale items from Bulluck’s Furniture. For sale items includes scratched and dented fine reproduction furniture, lamps, lamp bodies, lamp shades and lamp parts, wooded accessories and items, bronze statures and items, crystal pieces, chandeliers, ceramic planters of all sizes, floor and wall screens, traditional and transitional furniture plus even more. The sale is huge with each weekend more and different sale items added.

Make plans to get to the Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale! You do not want to miss this huge fine furniture warehouse sale! Trust me, I have been to many of these annual warehouse sales and it is worth the trip! To see the old warehouse alone is worth the trip. But to add all those beautiful pieces of fine furniture inside the warehouse and is all on sale! Once the sale starts for this year 2018 I will post pictures.

Here is the complete list of dates for 2018.

Saturday January 20

Sunday January 21

Monday January 22

Tuesday January 23

Friday January 26

Saturday January 27

Sunday January 28
9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

CLOSED TO RESTOCK

Saturday February 3

Sunday February 4

Monday February 5

Tuesday February 6
9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Friday February 9

Saturday February 10

Sunday February 11

Monday February 12

Tuesday February 13

Friday February 16

Saturday February 17

Sunday February 18

Monday February 19

Tuesday February 20

Friday February 23

Saturday February 24

Sunday February 25
9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Bulluck’s Gigantic Warehouse Sale takes place in an old tobacco warehouse in downtown Rocky Mount. The warehouse is full of fine furniture, lighting and decorative accessories. Table after table are set up in rows and covered with lamps, bowls, statues, brass, art, vases, pots, candlesticks and more. Chandeliers hang from the rafters, mirrors and art are hung on the walls. Furniture of every type (contemporary, traditional and transitional) are out on display with prices slashed. Even outdoor furniture is included.

All sales are final. Items are 60-90% off retail prices! The Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale is a great event to shop if you want to add or redecorate your home or office. Save hundreds on fine furniture, lamps and accessories. All tables and sections of items are marked down 60-90% in the whole warehouse. As the sale goes on the prices will be reduced even more.

Pictures from the Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale 2018!

Just got back today from the Bulluck’s Warehouse sale. It was very crowded today. The sale just reopened after being restocked this past week. It was so much fun looking at all the items for sale. They have so much, chandeliers, wall mirrors, huge pictures for the wall, bedframes, outdoor and garden furniture, leather chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, chests, vases, lamps, shades, dishes and so much more.What fun it was!

Here are some pictures from last year’s Bulluck Furniture Warehouse Sale!

Here is the link to the site for more information if you need it.

Here is a map and the location of the Bulluck warehouse sale…

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Total Solar Eclipse In Western NC

North Carolina Travel — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 19:40:11 +0000

Total Solar Eclipse In Western NC August 21

On Monday August 21, 2017 a total solar eclipse will take place in the continental United States. It will be visible from West Coast to East Coast from Oregon to South Carolina. The path does include the far western section of North Carolina. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also included in the path of the total solar eclipse. This is the first time in 38 years that a total eclipse has been possible to see in the continental United States. The next total solar eclipse in the continental United States will not be again until 2024. The total solar eclipse in NC will be in the far western portion of the state.This is a huge event and very exciting for North Carolina to be in the path of a total solar eclipse as well as the rest of the states that lie within the path of totality.

Total Solar Eclipse In NC August 21, 2017 Viewing

The time for the total eclipse portion of for the western area of the state of NC will be about 2:35PM and last about 2 1/2 minutes. The entire event will take about 3 hours from start of the partial eclipse, totality and to the end of the partial eclipse. So it will start just minutes after 1:00pm and be over about 4:00pm. But the sun being totally blocked by the moon will only last about 2 1/2 minutes from 2:35:04PM until 2:36:37PM.

On August 21, 2017 people in the path of totality will experience darkness in the middle of the afternoon for about 2 1/2 minutes. NASA has stated that those people located ” in the path of totality will see stars and planets become visible in what is normally a sunlit sky.” The area for a total solar eclipse will happen in about a 100-mile wide corridor from Oregon across the United States toward South Carolina. Earth’s moon will pass directly between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking out the sun’s light and making it dark as night for a short period of time that afternoon. From beginning to end in any one location the entire process will last about 3 hours. That includes both partial phases, one as it begins, totality and one as it ends.

Protect Your Eyes

No matter where you are to view this event make sure you protect your eyes. You must wear proper sunglasses to view a solar eclipse. Not all sunglass are safe to use for this type of event. Make sure the sunglasses you use to view a total eclipse are marked “Made in USA” by either Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks, TSE or American Paper Optics. This will be printed
on safe sunglasses to use “ISO 12312-2” or “ISO 12312-2:2015”. Sunglasses, eclipse shades or handheld viewers should meet the ISO safety standard. They also need to be in good condition, no tears, scratches, or punctures.

Best Areas To View in NC Solar Eclipse

Here are some places to view the solar eclipse in NC. Some areas will be in the path of totality while other areas will have less than 100% blockage of the sun. The western section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be in the path of totality. South of the GSMNP in North Carolina other areas in the path of totality including the towns of Cherokee, Sylva, Murphy, Franklin, Cullowhee, Highlands, Fontana Dam, Robbinsville,and Wesser.

Asheville lies just north of that narrow band that will have 100% totality. The city will see a 99% solar eclipse and is just 50 miles north from the “path of totality,” where there will be a 100 percent eclipse. Asheville is having many special events but one is the Asheville’s Solar Eclipse Festival on August 21, 2017 from 12:00 noon until 3 p.m. The festival takes place in the heart of downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. There will be music, food, eclipse related activities as well as safe eyewear to view the solar eclipse. This event is FREE!

Black Mountain is having Rock the Eclipse in Black Mountain August 19-21, 2017. Historic downtown Black Mountain will host many events all weekend long and on Monday the day of the solar eclipse. Black Mountain will experience a 98.9 percent solar eclipse.

Other towns are also having special viewing events. Sylva (in the path of totality) is having special events all weekend long and on Monday they plan a big celebration. Astronomy experts will have educational talks and demonstrations leading up to the time of the eclipse.

Dillsboro is having a family-friendly party in Monteith Park. A free shuttle will run to shops and restaurants in the small town for people to use to easily get around.

Cashiers and the nearby Gorges State Park will have three days of free activities for the eclipse. Again arrive early because the park will close on Monday when capacity is reached. In Cashiers, the Village Green will have food trucks and live music 12-4 p.m. Monday August 24 the day of the big event.

In Downtown Bryson City just south and on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park the city turns into a huge block party Monday afternoon. There will be live music and other special events taking place.

In Cherokee, gateway of the south to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there will be events held. They plan to have demonstrations of Warrior Dancers, storytellers and craft demonstration at the Fairgrounds and Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Tickets will cost $25.

Best Mountains View Locations in NC
Here are some of the best places to view the solar eclipse in NC. Some of the best places in North Carolina to view the 100 percent total solar eclipse will be from high elevations like the NC mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway‘s southern end from milepost 418 to milepost 469 falls in the path of totality. Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam, Sam Knob, Devil’s Courthouse, and Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway are all in the path of totaliy. Other mountain sites in the path of totality in Western North Carolina include John Rock in Pisgah National Forest, Wayah Bald and Wesser Bald in Nantahala National Forest, and Whiteside Mountain near Cashiers. Crowds are expected so arrive early.

Central NC Eclipse Viewing

In other parts of North Carolina it will still be an interesting event to watch. From Boone there will be a 96% blockage. From Charlotte a 97% blockage. The Fayetteville area will see a 95% blockage of the sun.The Raleigh area will get a 92% blockage. The Greenville area will see a 91% blockage. Up near the Virginia border, about 91 percent of the sun will be blocked. on Monday August 21, 2017. In central North Carolina, the start of the eclipse will be about 1:18 p.m. with the end of the eclipse and full sun returning around 4:06 p.m. The sun will be about 60 degrees high in the sky during the time of viewing. The time for the maximum coverage in central North Carolina will be around 2:45 p.m.

Things to Remember For Safety

Wear proper eclipse viewing glasses

Due to expected crowds arrive early

Plan for heavy traffic conditions.

Expect hot weather. Wear sunscreen, hats, and other apparel for a hot humid summer day.

Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

Do not drive and try to view the eclipse. Park only in designated parking places. You will not be able to pull over and park on the shoulder of the road or an interstate.

Here is a link to an interactive Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Map to see just where the total eclipse will occur as well as other locations close to the path.

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Sat. Jan. 25	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sun. Jan. 26	1:00 pm to 5:00pm
Mon. Jan. 27	9:30am to 5:00pm
Tues. Jan. 28	9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri. Jan 31	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sat. Feb. 1	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sun. Feb. 2	1:00 pm to 5:00pm

Closed to Restock (Prices Drop After This Restock!)

Sat. Feb. 8	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sun. Feb 9	1:00 pm to 5:00pm
Mon. Feb. 10	9:30am to 5:00pm
Tues Feb. 11	9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri. Feb 14	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sat. Feb 15	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sun. Feb 16	1:00 pm to 5:00pm
Mon. Feb. 17	9:30am to 5:00pm
Tues. Feb 18	9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri. Feb. 21	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sat. Feb. 22	9:30am to 5:00pm
Sun Feb 23	1:00 pm to 5:00pm
Mon Feb 24	9:30am to 5:00pm
Tues Feb 25	9:30am to 5:00pm

Fri Feb 28	9:30am to 5:00pm
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