Dave Herpy

Outdoor Gear for Families

As a father of four, husband, and outdoor recreation professional, there is nothing more fulfilling and rewarding for me than sharing my love for the outdoors with my family. Being able to experience nature together and spend time together outside as a family is one of our favorite things to do together. Whether it’s hikingContinue reading “Outdoor Gear for Families”

National Backyard Campout

On Friday, April 17, 2020 my three oldest children and I participated in Trail Life USA’s National Backyard Campout, a national event that encouraged families across America to camp out in their own backyards or living rooms and create memories together. Here in Clayton, North Carolina, the overnight low temperature was 60 degrees with noContinue reading “National Backyard Campout”

COVID-19: Outdoor Impacts

There is no doubt these are uncertain and unprecedented times. From the NCAA spring seasons and professional sports leagues being cancelled to schools being suspended to Stay at Home executive orders being issued, life as we once knew it has come to an end, at least temporarily. Abrupt changes came literally overnight, forcing us toContinue reading “COVID-19: Outdoor Impacts”

North Carolina Zoo

Facts & Figures Address: 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 County: Randolph Size: 2.142 square miles = 2,600 acres Hours: Open Daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm Phone: (800) 488-0444 Website: https://www.nczoo.org Management: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Animals: Antelope Baboon Black Bear Bobcat Bison Cheetah Chimpanzee Elephant Elk Flamingo Giraff Gray WolfContinue reading “North Carolina Zoo”

Survival 101

A Survival Story About a year ago, a couple girls in California got lost in the woods near their home for 44 hours. They were found alive, after surviving life-threatening cold temperatures at night. They credit their survival skills to teachings they learned from their local 4-H club. By understanding some basic survival skills andContinue reading “Survival 101”

Oak Island, North Carolina

Facts & Figures County: Brunswick Website: https://www.oakislandnc.com Attractions: Ahoy! Doughnuts Carolina National Golf Club Oak Island Par Three at South Harbor Oak Island Jungle Golf (mini golf and arcade) Oak Island Parks & Recreation Ocean Crest Pier OKI Scoop Shop and Donuts Pirate’s Deck Restaurant Shagger Jack’s Restaurant North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher PhotosContinue reading “Oak Island, North Carolina”

Pinehurst Resort

Facts & Figures Address: 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374 County: Moore Phone: (855) 235-8507 Website: https://www.pinehurst.com Activities: Boating Croquet Cycling Golf Tennis Swimming Accommodations: Carolina Hotel Holly Inn The Manor Carolina Villas Condos at Pinehurst Photos Overview Opened in 1895, Pinehurst Resort is known as “The Cradle of American Golf.” Located in theContinue reading “Pinehurst Resort”

Raven Rock State Park

Facts & Figures Address: 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC 27546 County: Harnett Size: 4,810 acres Hours: Open daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm Phone: (910) 893-4888 Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/raven-rock-state-park/home Management: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks & Recreation Activities/Amenities: Camping Fishing Hiking Horseback Riding Paddling Picnicking Photos Overview Located along theContinue reading “Raven Rock State Park”

Snow Day in Raleigh, NC!

This week we had our first measurable snow in Raleigh, NC in almost two years. It made for a memorable ending to the week and brought back memories of the few snow events we’ve experienced over our past six years here in North Carolina. I’ll never forget our first snow event here in Raleigh, NCContinue reading “Snow Day in Raleigh, NC!”

Ocracoke Island

Facts & Figures County: Hyde Population: 948 Zip Code: 27960 Area: 9.6 square miles (8.6 square miles of land, 640 acres of water) Resources: Ferry System: https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/ferry/Pages/default.aspx Lodging: https://ocracokeguide.com/accommodations Ocracoke Light Station: https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/ols.htm Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pirate Shop: https://www.teachshole.com Photos Overview Ocracoke Island is a remote barrier island off the coast of NorthContinue reading “Ocracoke Island”