


Wander through the Ava Gardner Museum where Hollywood glamour meets small-town pride in a collection that would make even the most jaded celebrity biographer raise an eyebrow. The Buffalo Creek Greenway offers a peaceful escape where joggers and contemplative types share the path without excessive small talk. At local barbecue joints, the debate over vinegar versus tomato-based sauce continues with religious fervor. The annual Ham and Yam Festival transforms downtown into a celebration that somehow makes pork and sweet potatoes seem like logical festival companions. Along the Neuse River, fishermen tell tales that grow more impressive with each retelling, while Carolina Premium Outlets tempts wallets with promises that seem almost reasonable.

