Tar Heel Traveler

The Tar Heel Traveler takes us to fascinating places across the state and into the lives of memorable characters.
At times, the Traveler will even tread onto controversial turf, putting a human face to heartfelt issues.
Look for thoughtful stories that are poignant, witty, interesting and inspiring, crafted with photography that is beautiful and compelling.
WRAL's Tar Heel Traveler is reporter Scott Mason.
Watch the Tar Heel Traveler Mondays through Thursdays at 6 p.m. on WRAL News.
Know any fascinating places and people across the state that you'd like to see featured on WRAL? Email the Tar Heel Traveler, Scott Mason.
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Self-taught painter makes name for himself in Durham
WRAL’s Scott Mason talks with a Duke University electrician with a hidden talent.
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Take a peek at the State Fair's new 'green' attractions
WRAL’s Scott Mason takes a look at some new sights this year at the North Carolina State Fair.
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Two-car ferries becoming a rare find
WRAL's Scott Mason traveled up near Murfreesboro for a ride on one of only three cable ferries in North Carolina.
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Airborne ranger finds second career in art
WRAL’s Scott Mason travels to Nags Head for the story of a painter and his colorful personality.
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Villain of 'Deliverance' living in Haywood County
WRAL's Scott Mason travels to the little town of Canton for a sit down with a villain of the silver screen.
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Students go to class to learn about their school
WRAL's Scott Mason travels to Craven County for the historic story of New Bern Academy.
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North Carolina twins held world record for decades
Billy and Benny McCrary were twin brothers from Hendersonville who shared the same fame and fate.
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'Old Man Traffic' statue keeps commuters guessing
WRAL's Scott Mason travels to Charlotte for some answers to a riddle.
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Cabarrus County castle holds tragic history
Jim Sides spent 50 years building the castle until his own death in 2001.
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Grandfather Mountain becomes 34th state park
Grandfather Mountain, an iconic state landmark, and 2,600 surrounding acres will become North Carolina's 34th state park in a $12 million deal.
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Mayberry Days festival under way in Mt. Airy
WRAL's Scott Mason travels to Surry County for a real-life link to the old Andy Griffith Show.
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Traveling by mule to Mule Days
WRAL’s Scott Mason caught up with a group of men traveling on mules to Benson’s Mule Day event.
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The legend of the Rose Buddies
WRAL's Scott Mason finds out why Elizabeth City is know as the Harbor of Hospitality.
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Lee County man builds the old-fashioned way
WRAL's Scott Mason travels to Lee County for the story of a 79-year-old man who believes in building the old-fashioned way.
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Washington ate under Pender tree
In 1791, George Washington and his troops had lunch under a tree in Pender County.
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Mystery surrounds Robert E. Lee's birth
WRAL’s Scott Mason looks into a mystery surrounding one of the Civil War era's most recognizable names.
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A grand archway that actually weeps?
WRAL's Scott Mason travels to New Bern to check out the story of a weeping arch.
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Teen's idea brings joy to hundreds of people
WRAL's Scott Mason visits a small but special garden at a hospital courtyard in Raleigh.
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Lee County man puts his television 6 feet under
WRAL’s Scott Mason pays a visit to the tombstone of TV.
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Tuba store is one of a kind
WRAL's Scott Mason visits the Tuba Exchange in Durham.
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Topsail Island home to turtle hospital
WRAL’s Scott Mason travels to a Topsail Island hospital that caters to a different sort of patient.
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Johnnie B. Goode’s history
Chuck Berry wrote Johnnie B. Goode as a tribute to his long time piano player and collaborator, Johnnie Johnson. WRAL’s Scott Mason spoke to Johnson’s daughter in Cary.
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Exhibit looks at Raleigh media history
WRAL's Scott Mason takes a look at the exhibit which opens Friday at the Raleigh City Museum.
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Scotland Neck pharmacy stays in the family
McDowell's Pharmacy has been a family business for 90 years.
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A duel to the death is remembered in New Bern
WRAL’s Scott Mason heads to the exact spot where two politicians put it all on the line.
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Landmark grill only serves up hot dogs
The Roast Grill on West Street in Raleigh has been roasting hot dogs since 1940.
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Chapel made of chestnut
The All Saints Episcopal Church in Avery County is made of the bark of an American chestnut tree.
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Looking back at the Great Flood of 1908
WRAL’s Scott Mason talks with Marvin Gaster about a devastating flood that swept through Lee County, wiping out an entire community.
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Post office worker hits the rink for fun
WRAL’s Scott Mason met a Topsail Island woman who works at a postal counter by day and roller skates at night.
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Man creates N.C. shaped garden
Sam Loflin cultivates his love for North Carolina and his passion for gardening.
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North Carolina athlete remembers the Munich hostage siege
WRAL’s Scott Mason has the second part of his interview with Tommy Burleson, as he remembers those horrifying moments in Germany.
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North Carolina has a connection to an Olympic-sized controversy
WRAL’s Scott Mason sat down with Tommy Burleson of Newland who was part of one of the most controversial moments in sports history.
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State square dancing competition kicking up some fun
This weekend is the state Square Dance Convention in Raleigh with 800 dancers expected to kick up their heels.
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Carolina Inn's walls teem with history
The Tar Heel Traveler takes a look at the story behind the wallpaper at Chapel Hill’s Carolina Inn.
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Older Tar Heel Traveler videos
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