Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited South of the Border in Hamer, South Carolina , one of America's most famous, unusual, and wonderfully bizarre roadside attractions! Located directly along Interstate 95 at the North Carolina–South Carolina state line , this legendary tourist destination is known for its enormous sombrero-wearing Pedro mascot, towering neon signs, oversized animal sculptures, colorful buildings, and seemingly endless opportunities for unusual photographs. For generations, travelers driving along I-95 have encountered South of the Border's famous billboards, featuring its cartoon mascot Pedro and humorous messages encouraging motorists to stop. Long before GPS navigation, smartphones, and modern travel apps, these advertisements became a familiar part of the American road trip, building anticipation for a destination that promised something much more memorable than an ordinary highway rest stop. What began around 1950 as a small roadside beer depot eventually grew into a spra...

Simba and I visited and hiked the Lumberton Riverwalk in Lumberton, North Carolina , a beautiful 3.2-mile out-and-back trail following the scenic Lumber River through peaceful woodlands and the historic heart of this southeastern North Carolina community! Located in Robeson County, this hidden gem combines picturesque river views, natural wildlife habitats, and a fascinating history that stretches back centuries. What makes the Lumberton Riverwalk especially interesting is the river itself. Unlike many waterways with clear or muddy water, the Lumber River is famous for its dark, tea-colored appearance , a natural characteristic caused by tannins released from decaying leaves and other organic materials in the surrounding wetlands. In certain areas, the water appears almost black, creating a beautiful contrast with the lush green vegetation lining its banks. The Lumberton Riverwalk and Greenway connects downtown Lumberton with Luther Britt Park, providing an enjoyable route for walking...

Simba and I visited and hiked the Cross Creek Linear Park Trail in Fayetteville, North Carolina , a beautiful urban greenway that combines peaceful creekside scenery, wooded pathways, historic landmarks, and more than 250 years of local history! Winding through downtown Fayetteville in Cumberland County, this scenic trail offers a unique opportunity to explore nature while discovering the fascinating colonial origins of one of North Carolina's oldest communities. Unlike traditional hiking trails located deep within forests or state parks, the Cross Creek Linear Park Trail brings nature directly into the heart of the city. Its pathways follow portions of historic Cross Creek, passing beneath trees, crossing scenic bridges, and connecting green spaces with some of Fayetteville's most interesting historic surroundings. The approximately 3.9-mile greenway , officially renamed the Harry F. Shaw Linear Park Trail in August 2025 , is also part of a growing network of pedestrian and bi...

Simba and I visited and hiked Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Seven Springs, North Carolina , a beautiful destination known for its towering 90-foot cliffs, scenic woodland trails, and sweeping views of the Neuse River! Located in Wayne County near Goldsboro, this remarkable state park features one of the most unusual geological landscapes in eastern North Carolina, where colorful sedimentary bluffs rise dramatically above the river. Unlike the mountainous regions of western North Carolina, the state's Coastal Plain is generally characterized by relatively flat terrain, gently rolling hills, forests, wetlands, and winding rivers. That's what makes Cliffs of the Neuse State Park so surprising. Here, the Neuse River has gradually carved away layers of ancient sediments, exposing steep cliffs that rise as much as 90 feet above the water. Established in 1945 , the park preserves this fascinating geological landmark along with surrounding forests, streams, wildlife habitats, and ...