Season 5

Episode 501

• Part 1: Tweetsie - The new season bows with one of North Carolina's best-loved attractions. Through the mountain valleys near Blowing Rock, steam train whistles can still be heard at the Tweetsie Railroad. Two visionary entrepreneurs saved engines 12 and 190 from the scrap pile as centerpieces of the recreated Old West. Come see how they industriously maintain these engines to deliver passengers back to yesteryear aboard one of North Carolina's most beloved attractions. We'll feature fascinating archival footage of Engines 12 and 190 with thanks to Tweetsie engineer, Tim Smith who compiled it from various historic collections. For more information, visit the Tweetsie Railroad website.

• Part 2: Silver Lining - Captures beach life with fresh eyes on every new canvas with plein air painter John Silver. According to painting John Silver, the key to painting outside is to paint quickly and deliberately, but not hurriedly. Using this plein air technique, he heads to the beach finding inspiration in relic beach houses or families interacting. When the weather keeps him inside, he pursues a still life or portraits of jazz musicians from memory. Join us to meet this compelling artist. For more information, visit the Silver Lining website.

• Part 3: Brasstown Dancers - Vibrantly interpret historic folk life. Morris Dancing traces its roots back to 15th Century Moorish dancing in Spain. These dances evolved and migrated to England and eventually America where groups like the Brasstown Dancers can be found performing today. Come watch the vibrant interpretation of historic folk life as groups prepare to perform at the Grove Park Inn in the Best of Our State. For more information about Brasstown Dancers, visit the website.

Episode 502

Part 1: Tarheel Towns - Elizabeth City - Bland Simpson introduces us to his home town.

Part 2: Window Dressing - How Salem Stained Glass restores or creates a dazzling array of windows for churches, public buildings, and private homes all over our state.

Part 3: On Pines and Needles - Longleaf pine needles have become a valuable North Carolina harvest.

Episode 503 

Part 1: Living with an Island - A casebook look at how to coexist with nature on a barrier island system. 

Part 2: Island Inspirations - "Old Baldie" is not just a beacon to tourists; it and the island it waches over bring inspiration to a special group of artists.

Part 3: Nocturnal Visitors - Enthusiastic volunteers help a seldom seen nocturnal visitor to our coastal shores, loggerhead turtles. 

Episode 504

Part 1: Mountains to Sea Trail - Meet Allen de Hart, 'father' of the Mountains to Sea trail. 

Part 2: Wild Friends - Durham's Piedmont Wildlife Center and Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic help educate the public to the needs of wildlife.

Part 3: Wonders in Wood - The finely crafted musical instruments of John Sipe.

Episode 505

Part 1: Gingerbread House contest - The creativity, excitement and high drama that make up this annual event at Grove Park Inn.

Part 2: Tarheel Towns: Hillsborough - D.G. Martin visits the seat of Orange County to enjoy its vibrant community today as well as its rich history.

Part 3: Cheerwine - Billy Barnes tells the story of this popular NC soft drink.

Episode 506

Part 1: Grandfather Mountain - The wild back country of this popular attraction, now poised to become partners with the NC State Parks system.

Part 2: Going Nuts - Bertie County Peanuts is a family business that's reaping the benefits of a major NC crop as well as giving the county an economic boost.

Part 3: Vintage Vending - Vintage drink machines are brought back to life as artifacts from a bygone era.

Episode 507

Part 1: Thomas Built - Behind the scenes of the company that has been making the ubiquitous yellow busses for several generations.

Part 2: Ranger Doug - The entertaining perspectives of naturalist and storyteller Doug Elliot.

Part 3: Cherokee Language - Explore Cherokee language and culture as one of the primary areas within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

Episode 508

Part 1: Bodie Island Light - Bodie Island Lighthouse is getting a long awaited restoration so that visitors may once again climb this coastal landmark.

Part 2: Tar Heel Towns: Hillsborough - D.G. Martin visits the Orange County seat to enjoy its vibrant community and rich history.

Part 3: Sculpting Glass - Asheville glass artist Alex Gabriel Benrstein uses molten glass to create amazing forms and shapes.