In 1946 on Topsail Island, the U.S. Navy embarked on a top-secret missile development program. Foreseeing the role of missiles in future combat, the Navy constructed a research station including eight towers used to photograph rockets that whizzed by at speeds up to 1500 mph! Eventually the program outgrew its barrier island site and was transferred to California. But the remnants of the program remain…two of the original towers still stand among the dunes and the original explosion proof assembly building serves as the Missiles and More Museum. Join Billy Barnes as he reveals the fascinating mission behind “Operation Bumblebee”.

In the Piedmont, traditional black string music ensembles featured the banjo as lead instrument with a fiddle or guitar as accompaniment if one was available. There’s a new force in stringband music that’s reviving the Piedmont’s musical heritage. Using a variety of traditional old-time instruments, Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Robinson and Dom Flemons form the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Their tutelage under Joe Thompson, said to be the last black traditional string music player, along with their diverse musical backgrounds, has helped them carry on the area’s musical traditions. Come meet these outstanding musicians and hear how Carolina Piedmont stringmusic is going strong.

Next we travel to Boone to meet painter, writer and teacher, Noyes Capehart. From an abandoned house that inspired one of his paintings, to his studio, we see how this provocative artist has fused image making and storytelling to produce a remarkable body of work.

Next we travel to Boone to meet painter, writer and teacher, Noyes Capehart. From an abandoned house that inspired one of his paintings, to his studio, we see how this provocative artist has fused image making and storytelling to produce a remarkable body of work.

The Oak Island Lighthouse is one of seven that line our coast. Still among the brightest lighthouses in world, this powerful beacon can be seen 24 nautical miles out to sea. It possesses several unique features including an interior switchback ladder configuration, a motor-powered hoist to haul supplies to the top as well as coloring agents mixed in the concrete fixing the paint permanently. We’ll meet one of the people who constructed the lighthouse, learn about the innovative techniques to build it and climb to the top to behold the view that makes clear why this attraction is so popular.

The Oak Island Lighthouse is one of seven that line our coast. Still among the brightest lighthouses in world, this powerful beacon can be seen 24 nautical miles out to sea. It possesses several unique features including an interior switchback ladder configuration, a motor-powered hoist to haul supplies to the top as well as coloring agents mixed in the concrete fixing the paint permanently. We’ll meet one of the people who constructed the lighthouse, learn about the innovative techniques to build it and climb to the top to behold the view that makes clear why this attraction is so popular.

North of Winston-Salem, the quartzite outcroppings, waterfalls and winding trails of Hanging Rock State Park draw visitors from all over the state. Originally envisioned as a resort area during the 1920s, the park fell victim to the Depression and was eventually sold to the state for State Park designation. Some of the highest peaks in the Sauratown Mountains can be found here including Moore’s Knob, the tallest point in Stokes County, where you can enjoy the 360° view from the observation tower. Join us to explore this natural treasure.

North of Winston-Salem, the quartzite outcroppings, waterfalls and winding trails of Hanging Rock State Park draw visitors from all over the state. Originally envisioned as a resort area during the 1920s, the park fell victim to the Depression and was eventually sold to the state for State Park designation. Some of the highest peaks in the Sauratown Mountains can be found here including Moore’s Knob, the tallest point in Stokes County, where you can enjoy the 360° view from the observation tower. Join us to explore this natural treasure.

Stephen Zawistowski stayed in his front yard with his first welder until he taught himself to weld. Drawing inspiration from nature, his beautiful wrought steel sculptures have been coming forth ever since. We’ll meet this innovative Jacksonville artist who works in law enforcement by day,and find out how his creative work has changed his life.

Stephen Zawistowski stayed in his front yard with his first welder until he taught himself to weld. Drawing inspiration from nature, his beautiful wrought steel sculptures have been coming forth ever since. We’ll meet this innovative Jacksonville artist who works in law enforcement by day,and find out how his creative work has changed his life.