Pea Island is a wildlife refuge, and one of the most untouched parts of the Outer Banks. But a century ago, this small piece of land was the site of one of the most remarkable water rescues to date. And it was thanks to a man who, just 30 years after Reconstruction, became the first Black person to …Pea Island is a wildlife refuge, and one of the most untouched parts of the Outer Banks. But a century ago, this small piece of land was the site of one of the most remarkable water rescues to date. And it was thanks to a man who, just 30 years after Reconstruction, became the first Black person to lead a Life Saving Station.
There are many ways to learn more about Richard Ethridge and the Pea Island Life Saving team, including the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum and the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. You can also check out David Wright and Dave Zoby’s book, Fire on the Beach: Recovering the Lost Story of Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers.
This episode was produced in production with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.more
Every place has a flavor that tells its story, and that story might be reason enough to plan a trip. That’s the idea behind a food trail—a travel journey dedicated to the best food or drink in a destination. You might spend a weekend chasing barbecue across North Carolina, or work your way up the M…Every place has a flavor that tells its story, and that story might be reason enough to plan a trip. That’s the idea behind a food trail—a travel journey dedicated to the best food or drink in a destination. You might spend a weekend chasing barbecue across North Carolina, or work your way up the Maine coast one lobster roll at a time. Food trails can transform a meal into a full-on adventure, offering travelers a deeply personal way to connect with a place, its people, and its history.
In this episode, host Angie Orth is joined by food and travel writer Kayleigh Ruller, a contributor to Food & Wine, Eater, and the Charlotte Observer, based in New York and North Carolina. With years of experience exploring culinary cultures across the country, Kayleigh brings both local expertise and a journalist's curiosity to the growing phenomenon of food trail travel.
You'll learn what makes a food trail more than just eating your way through a city, how to plan one that fits your schedule and appetite, and why the best food trails are often the ones you build yourself. Kayleigh shares her own standout trails, her most memorable food trail experiences, and thoughtful guidance on how to engage respectfully with the cultural traditions you encounter along the way.
What You’ll Learn:
3:22 What a food trail actually is and how to plan the perfect one around your interests
7:16 The most memorable food trail experiences Kayleigh has had
12:46 California food trails you have to try
20:33 Unexpected food trails worth building a whole trip around
27:06 How to engage respectfully with cultural cuisines and food traditions
Is there a food trail you’re excited about? Tell us in the comments!
Nestled on North Carolina’s southern shoreline, the Kindred Mailbox keeps countless secrets and confessions left in the sand. This episode tells the story of mailbox and its dedicated keepers.
This week, we're honored to welcome Justin Tucker from the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Growing up as a city kid in Baltimore, Justin's path seemed set: fashion industry, New York City life, the whole nine yards. But after losing a close friend, something shifted. That grief led him to a tra…This week, we're honored to welcome Justin Tucker from the North Carolina Outward Bound School. Growing up as a city kid in Baltimore, Justin's path seemed set: fashion industry, New York City life, the whole nine yards. But after losing a close friend, something shifted. That grief led him to a trailhead in the Bronx, and that first hike sparked a transformation that would reshape his entire life.
Justin takes us through his remarkable journey from fashion professional to Appalachian Trail through-hiker to wilderness educator. He describes that pivotal moment on the AT when he met two fellow hikers who planted a seed: the realization that he, too, could attempt something extraordinary. That encounter, combined with the pandemic's forced reset, gave him the push he needed to spend six months walking from Georgia to Maine, ultimately discovering his calling with Outward Bound.
In this episode, we explore the unique world of guiding students through the Florida Everglades (a first for Inspire Campfire). We discuss the profound transformations that happen when young people step outside their comfort zones, the magic of the solo experience, and how Justin's own journey from concrete jungle to mangrove tunnels mirrors the growth he now facilitates in others. Join us for an inspiring conversation about finding purpose through wilderness, the healing power of nature, and what it truly means to become comfortable being uncomfortable.more
This week, we're honored to welcome Austin Whitehead from Salt Lake City, Utah, who made a pivotal decision 15 years ago that would shape the entire trajectory of his life. Growing up in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, Austin felt the pull of something beyond the traditional path: a calling to s…This week, we're honored to welcome Austin Whitehead from Salt Lake City, Utah, who made a pivotal decision 15 years ago that would shape the entire trajectory of his life. Growing up in suburban Charlotte, North Carolina, Austin felt the pull of something beyond the traditional path: a calling to step away, explore, and discover who he truly was before diving into college.
Austin takes us on a journey through his transformative gap year, from that first step onto the Appalachian Trail as an 18-year-old, to working on organic farms in the Italian Dolomites, to returning as a caretaker at a legendary trail hostel. He describes those pivotal moments: breathing in the mountain air, finding simplicity in the rhythm of walking, and meeting people from all walks of life. These experiences gave him the context and confidence to pursue a life aligned with his deepest values.
In this episode, we explore the profound power of the intentional pause, the difference between falling behind and gaining clarity, and how Austin's deliberate choice to take a gap year became an accelerator rather than a detour. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about listening to your inner compass, the medicine of moving your body in nature with others, and what it truly means to figure it out as you go, one adventure at a time.more
What if the best hikes in America’s national parks aren’t the ones you’ve already heard of?
Jason Frye is a travel and outdoor writer who grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and now lives in North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides, …What if the best hikes in America’s national parks aren’t the ones you’ve already heard of?
Jason Frye is a travel and outdoor writer who grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and now lives in North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides, USA National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails, covers 100 hikes across 40 U.S. national parks.
Jason takes us through some of the best hikes in America’s national parks, broken down into three helpful categories: the iconic must‑do trails where the views are legendary but the crowds may be heavy, the lesser‑known trails inside the big parks where you can find solitude without sacrificing scenery, and the true hidden gems tucked away in lesser‑visited parks waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone who just wants to get outside and explore nature, Jason shares practical tips on how to avoid crowds, pick a hike that fits your comfort level, and get the most out of your park visit.
Plus, we have part one of our bonus three-part mini series, Best in Travel Tech!
What’s the best hike you’ve ever done in a national park, and what made it memorable for you? I'd love to hear what about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.
Tune In To Learn:
Why hiking down into a surreal red-rock landscape full of spires and silence can feel like a private wilderness escape
Why the right timing in one of the most visited parks in the country can make all the difference
Why the annual U.S. National Parks pass is still one of the best travel deals in America
How to identify lessercrowded trails in major parks, and what to do when you arrive and the parking lot is full.
Safety tips for extreme terrain, wild weather, and remote locations that catch many hikers off guard
Why “just try” might be the most important mindset to take into the backcountry
A short trail that leads to an unforgettable view, yet barely anyone talks about
Why national parks aren’t just about nature—they’re also about culture, history and the stories of people and place beneath the landscapes.
Which resources Jason uses to scout, prep, and get the most out of every national park trip
And so much more
Resources:
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Moon US National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails
Jason on Instagram
National Park Service
Recreation.gov
AllTrails
Google Explore
Want More?
Hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland with Lynne Nieman
A 2,190+ Mile Mother-Son Adventure: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail after a Decade of Nomadic Family Travel with Jessica and Largo Sueiro
How to Plan Your Camino + Going Beyond the Camino Frances (Secret Routes, Donkey Highways, and Spain’s Hidden Village Network) with Shawn and Lainey
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This week, we're honored to welcome Kijuan Amey, a resilient Air Force veteran, motivational speaker, and author of “Don’t Focus on Why Me.” Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Kijuan’s adventurous spirit and drive led him to serve as an in-flight fueling specialist in the United States Air Force, and…This week, we're honored to welcome Kijuan Amey, a resilient Air Force veteran, motivational speaker, and author of “Don’t Focus on Why Me.” Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Kijuan’s adventurous spirit and drive led him to serve as an in-flight fueling specialist in the United States Air Force, and to pursue entrepreneurial and academic goals. But everything changed in an instant when a motorcycle accident left him blind and facing a long, difficult recovery.
Kijuan takes us on a powerful journey through his transformation from independent achiever to someone forced to confront unimaginable loss—and ultimately, to a passionate advocate for overcoming adversity. He shares the pivotal moment in his hospital bed when, after questioning “Why me?”, he found a new sense of purpose and faith, choosing not to let his accident define him. Instead, Kijuan embraced his love of music, especially drumming, as a source of healing and self-expression, and discovered new ways to participate fully in life.
In this episode, we explore the depths of resilience, the importance of community and faith, and how Kijuan’s story inspires others to move beyond a victim mindset. Through vulnerability and humor, he reveals how he rebuilt his life, found meaning in empowering others who feel lost, and continues to break barriers as a speaker, coach, and adaptive athlete. Join us for an uplifting conversation about finding strength in the face of darkness, redefining what’s possible, and living with intention—no matter the challenges life brings.more
We’re celebrating the start of summer with refreshing beers from Munich and Berlin in Germany as well as Santa Fe, New Mexico and Asheville, North Carolina. Brent samples suds from beer halls in Munich and craft beer brewers in Asheville. Plus spicy tacos with local beer, tropical IPA, an ale trail,…We’re celebrating the start of summer with refreshing beers from Munich and Berlin in Germany as well as Santa Fe, New Mexico and Asheville, North Carolina. Brent samples suds from beer halls in Munich and craft beer brewers in Asheville. Plus spicy tacos with local beer, tropical IPA, an ale trail, and much more! [Ep 340]
This week, we're honored to welcome Zack Luttrell, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and community builder from Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing up with an event planner mother, Zack developed an early talent for bringing people together that eventually evolved into something deeper—a calling to create…This week, we're honored to welcome Zack Luttrell, an entrepreneur, adventurer, and community builder from Charlotte, North Carolina. Growing up with an event planner mother, Zack developed an early talent for bringing people together that eventually evolved into something deeper—a calling to create authentic experiences that connect people through shared passion.
Zack takes us on a journey through his transformation from corporate employee to visionary business owner. He describes that pivotal moment when, after losing his job during the recession, he turned his casual hobby of organizing Panthers fan events into a thriving community called Roaring Riot. What began as coordinating travel packages for friends to away games soon blossomed into a movement with thousands of members, dedicated tailgates, and international travel experiences that players themselves recognize from the field.
In this episode, we explore his latest breathtaking venture—purchasing and restoring the historic SV Mandalay, a 102-year-old sailing cruise ship with a remarkable pedigree that once belonged to E.F. Hutton and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about betting on yourself, the importance of authentic human connection, and what it truly means to build community around the things you love—whether it's football fandom or sailing the Caribbean seas in board shorts instead of suits.more
Rising sea levels, stronger storms, eroding shorelines, and sinking terrain are taking a toll on the fragile ecosystems and historic resources at Cape Lookout National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey takes a close look at these threats and pr…Rising sea levels, stronger storms, eroding shorelines, and sinking terrain are taking a toll on the fragile ecosystems and historic resources at Cape Lookout National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey takes a close look at these threats and predicts how they will impact the national seashore over the coming years.
Climate change impacts are happening across the country, reaching into most, if not all, units of the National Park System. Sea level rise is particularly concerning because you just can't up and move a park, and if that park is on an island, well, high water is coming.
This week the Traveler's Lynn Riddick talks with Cape Lookout Superintendent Jeff West and authors of the USGS study about the challenges the National Park Service faces in creating sustainable coastal management practices for Cape Lookout.more
This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you a powerful episode centered on compassionate leadership, belonging, social awareness, moral courage, and driving social change. These values are at the heart of the Charlotte Unity Project by the North Carolina Outward Bound School—a transformative initia…This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you a powerful episode centered on compassionate leadership, belonging, social awareness, moral courage, and driving social change. These values are at the heart of the Charlotte Unity Project by the North Carolina Outward Bound School—a transformative initiative that begins with a free 7-day wilderness program for 48 high school students from 8 diverse schools across Charlotte, North Carolina.
In this program, students develop technical skills, engage in deep, meaningful conversations, and cultivate leadership and problem-solving abilities. Upon returning to school, they’re encouraged to join their high school’s Unity Club to share their insights, inspire peers, and make impactful contributions to their communities.
You might remember episode 44, where Charlotte Program Manager Alexys Woods shared her journey with Outward Bound and her leadership of the Unity Project. Today, we’re thrilled to welcome three incredible recent participants of the program. These inspiring high school student leaders will share their transformative experiences and the impact the Unity Project has had on their lives.
The coastal town of Rodanthe, North Carolina is just a small spot on the map, but it's a big place in the hearts of the people who live, own property, and vacation there. Located along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Rodanthe has been in the national spotlight because of a succession of houses that…The coastal town of Rodanthe, North Carolina is just a small spot on the map, but it's a big place in the hearts of the people who live, own property, and vacation there. Located along Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Rodanthe has been in the national spotlight because of a succession of houses that have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean due to beach erosion. There have been ten houses affected in the past four years, and five this year alone.
As the Traveler and other national media outlets have reported, every time a beach house succumbs to the sea, it creates a massive debris field that is carried down the shore for miles, posing serious hazards to people, flora and fauna alike. Residents have described the phenomenon as a slow-motion hurricane.
In addition to the ongoing discussions about other at-risk houses, there is the very real issue of cleanup. The National Park Service brings in contractors who take out debris in truckloads, but that doesn't mean that local residents are just standing idly by. Recently Traveler correspondent Kim O'Connell had the pleasure of interviewing local Tom Brueckner the day before he was set to join a group of residents to do a big beach cleanup as part of the National Park Service's newly launched Adopt-A-Beach program.more
Let’s go on an adventure! This summer, we took a road trip through some of our favorite parks, plus we added in a few places we had never been to before. And now we want to take you along with us on this epic driving route!
Join us on a 10-day journey through the Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentu…Let’s go on an adventure! This summer, we took a road trip through some of our favorite parks, plus we added in a few places we had never been to before. And now we want to take you along with us on this epic driving route!
Join us on a 10-day journey through the Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky National Parks as we share all of the fun things you can do with your family in this area.
In this episode, we discuss:
Our favorite things to do in Nashville
The best activity to do in Townsend (plus what to beware of!)
Navigating the craziness of Gatlinburg
Highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Everything we loved about Blue Ridge Parkway
Eating our way through Asheville
Why the Biltmore is a must-see
Exciting tours of Mammoth Cave
There you have it—our 10-day summer road trip to some incredible national parks!
We hope you enjoy this journey and that this episode gives you ideas for your own road trip through Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky!
Don’t forget to complete your task for this week! This road trip covered Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Mammoth Cave. Which one is your favorite? Bonus points if you share pictures! Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page and let us know!
Check out the full show notes here.more
In this week's episode, we’re joined by Michael McLaurin, a dedicated family man from Charlotte, North Carolina, who has a background in banking and operational risk. Michael’s story took an unexpected turn when, during the Covid lockdowns, he sought a new family activity that could break free from …In this week's episode, we’re joined by Michael McLaurin, a dedicated family man from Charlotte, North Carolina, who has a background in banking and operational risk. Michael’s story took an unexpected turn when, during the Covid lockdowns, he sought a new family activity that could break free from the constraints of the pandemic. This search led him to discover a newfound passion for sailing. Tune in to hear how Michael went from exploring his new interest to planning and executing a multi-day bareboat sailing expedition with his family, transforming a casual hobby into a remarkable adventure.
There is never a shortage of stories to follow across the National Park System, whether you're in the West at Olympic National Park, the Northeast at Acadia National Park, or the Southwest at Grand Canyon National Park.
This week, Contributing Editor Kim O'Connell is down in North Carolina to spen…There is never a shortage of stories to follow across the National Park System, whether you're in the West at Olympic National Park, the Northeast at Acadia National Park, or the Southwest at Grand Canyon National Park.
This week, Contributing Editor Kim O'Connell is down in North Carolina to spend a few days at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which has no shortage of news to report on, whether it's leatherback sea turtles nesting, the restoration of Cape Hatteras Light, or the collapse of houses into the Atlantic Ocean at Rodanthe.
Kim is working on a number of those stories for the Traveler, and we're going to check in with her today to learn what she's discovering. more
Welcome to another inspiring episode. This week, we're thrilled to have Justin Rosales from Charlotte, North Carolina, share his incredible journey. Discover how a small-town boy came to believe that all things are possible and embarked on a life journey to prove it.
Justin is a strategist at Eleva…Welcome to another inspiring episode. This week, we're thrilled to have Justin Rosales from Charlotte, North Carolina, share his incredible journey. Discover how a small-town boy came to believe that all things are possible and embarked on a life journey to prove it.
Justin is a strategist at Elevation Church, a Christian entrepreneur, and co-author of "Becoming the Iceman," a book he wrote with the legendary Wim Hof. Justin's adventures have taken him to many far-off places with Wim as his guide, where he tested his limits and pushed past boundaries.
Tune in to hear a remarkable story about truly getting to know yourself through adversity and the realization that we're all capable of so much more than we ever imagined. This episode is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the extraordinary potential within us all.
In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Goldman to talk about the sport of Adventure Racing, which is highlighted in the new movie, Arthur the King starring Mark Wahlberg. Sarah is the Community Programs Director for the North Carolina Outward Bound School, who has proudly served as a firefighter, po…In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Goldman to talk about the sport of Adventure Racing, which is highlighted in the new movie, Arthur the King starring Mark Wahlberg. Sarah is the Community Programs Director for the North Carolina Outward Bound School, who has proudly served as a firefighter, police officer, and adventure racing participant and coach.
The Adventure Racing World Championship takes teams on a journey in exotic locations through over 700 km of trekking, running, mountain biking, kayaking, rope work, and navigation.
