Being out in nature is great for your health, both physically and mentally. Here are some of my favorite beautiful places in the Hillsborough and Chapel Hill area to enjoy a scenic walk. All of them have free admission and are open year-round. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area – This scenic trail goes through the woods, along the peaceful Eno River, and up to the overlook where you’ll Continue Reading
Hillsborough tour spotlights early American history — on a bike
On Saturday, I really enjoyed participating in an event called "Bike Though Time in Historic Hillsborough (N.C.)". Thank you to historian Ernest Dollar and the Orange County Historical Museum for organizing this. It was so interesting! We learned about the town’s rich history from Dollar, an engaging storyteller. He is the director of the City of Raleigh Museum, and a former director of the Continue Reading
Tranquility in 30 minutes: A quick forest hike at Eno River State Park
The Japanese have a term, Shinrin-yoku, that means “forest bathing” — a visit to the forest for relaxation, a chance to stroll through nature and take in the atmosphere for one’s well-being. Walking in the forest is refreshing for your body and soul. On an early morning in late October, my son and I took a walk at Eno River State Park. We didn't have much time, because he had an Continue Reading
Fall fun and fitness at the corn maze and ghost tour
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year for outdoor fun. Perfect temps, colorful scenery, festivals...there's never a shortage of things to do and see. Usually hiking is my activity of choice in the fall. Last weekend, however, I did two new things that involved the outdoors and a decent amount of walking, and we had a blast! First, my husband and I went to McKee's Continue Reading