In the spirited and enchanting state of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains kiss the sky and the Atlantic Ocean whispers to the sandy shores, there exists a bustling community of child nature enthusiasts. They are led by an eccentric and lovable character named Peculiar Pete, a mythical possum with a floppy straw hat and a penchant for belly laughs. His fur, a mix of gray and white, shimmers like stardust under the warm Carolina sun. Pete, is not your typical possum. You see, he doesn't play dead; rather, he plays alive! Peculiar Pete and his gang of enthusiastic young adventurers spend their days engaging in all kinds of fun and educational outdoor activities. From climbing the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to spy on the sky hugging hawks, to snorkeling in the shallow waters of the Outer Banks to say hello to the playful dolphins, these kids are never short on excitement. They investigate every nook and cranny of the Great Smoky Mountains, where they gather around Pete, with eyes wide and hearts ablaze, listening to his tales about the legendary Cherokee warriors. Their laughter rings through the lush forests of Pisgah as they race each other to find the most colorful mushrooms, or tumble down sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge, cackling like mad sandpipers. This isn't just a gang of kids, oh no! They are the young knights and sorceresses of nature, armed with binoculars and butterfly nets, their imaginations their most powerful tool. In the wild lands of North Carolina, they learn, they explore, they laugh, and under the watchful eyes of the twinkling stars and the ever-so-cool Peculiar Pete, they thrive.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Carolina Raptor Center (CRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is celebrating 40 years of protecting and educating the public about raptors. CRC’s mission is to promote environmental education, rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors, and environmental stewardship. The Raptor Trail is a three-quarter mile walking trail and zoological facility that houses and displays more than thirty birds of prey. These birds act as ambassadors for their species, allowing people to experience wildlife in a safe and respectful manner. On the trail, visitors can learn about birds of prey from around the world, deepening their appreciation of these majestic creatures. As a non-profit, CRC relies on public financial support to continue their mission. Together, we can ensure the protection and education of raptors for years to come.
Rural Hill is a unique piece of Mecklenburg County history. John and Violet Davidson were the homesteaders of this historic site, which has been preserved for over 250 years. John was a Major in the Mecklenburg County Militia before and during the Revolutionary War and also signed the famous “Meck Dec” of 1775. The couple moved to Mecklenburg County from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1752 when John was 16 years old. After he turned 21, he began purchasing land and eventually built the two-room log cabin known as “Rural Retreat” for his family when he married Violet Wilson in 1761. This homestead has been maintained over the centuries and remains a beloved landmark of the county.