Tar Heel Traveler

Tar Heel Traveler logo

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.

  1. Self-taught painter makes name for himself in Durham
    Self-taught painter makes name for himself in Durham

    WRAL’s Scott Mason talks with a Duke University electrician with a hidden talent.

    1. Oct. 14, 2008
    2. Video
  2. state fair
    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.

    1. Updated at 3:04 p.m.
    2. Video
  3. Two-car ferries becoming a rare find
    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.

    1. Oct. 9, 2008
    2. Video
  4. Airborne ranger finds second career in art
    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.

    1. Oct. 8, 2008
    2. Video
  5. Villain of 'Deliverance' living in Haywood County
    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.

    1. Oct. 7, 2008
    2. Video
  6. Students go to class to learn about their school
    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.

    1. Oct. 6, 2008
    2. Video
  7. North Carolina twins held world record for decades
    North Carolina twins held world record for decades

    Billy and Benny McCrary were twin brothers from Hendersonville who shared the same fame and fate.

    1. Oct. 2, 2008
    2. Video
  8. ‘Old Man Traffic’ statue keeps commuters guessing
    'Old Man Traffic' statue keeps commuters guessing

    WRAL's Scott Mason travels to Charlotte for some answers to a riddle.

    1. Oct. 1, 2008
    2. Video
  9. Cabarrus County castle holds tragic history
    Cabarrus County castle holds tragic history

    Jim Sides spent 50 years building the castle until his own death in 2001.

    1. Sep. 30, 2008
    2. Video
  10. Grandfather Mountain
    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.

    1. Sep. 29, 2008
    2. Video
  11. Mayberry Days festival underway in Mt. Airy
    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.

    1. Sep. 28, 2008
    2. Video
  12. Traveling by mule to Mule Days
    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.

    1. Sep. 24, 2008
    2. Video
  13. The legend of the Rose Buddies
    The legend of the Rose Buddies

    WRAL's Scott Mason finds out why Elizabeth City is know as the Harbor of Hospitality.

    1. Sep. 23, 2008
    2. Video
  14. Lee County man builds the old-fashioned way
    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.

    1. Sep. 22, 2008
    2. Video
  15. Washington ate under Pender tree
    Washington ate under Pender tree

    In 1791, George Washington and his troops had lunch under a tree in Pender County.

    1. Sep. 19, 2008
    2. Video
  16. Mystery surrounds Robert E. Lee's birth
    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.

    1. Sep. 16, 2008
    2. Video
  17. A grand archway that actually weeps?
    A grand archway that actually weeps?

    WRAL's Scott Mason travels to New Bern to check out the story of a weeping arch.

    1. Sep. 15, 2008
    2. Video
  18. Teen's idea brings joy to hundreds of people
    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.

    1. Sep. 11, 2008
    2. Video
  19. Lee County man puts his television 6 feet under
    Lee County man puts his television 6 feet under

    WRAL’s Scott Mason pays a visit to the tombstone of TV.

    1. Sep. 10, 2008
    2. Video
  20. Tuba store is one of a kind
    Tuba store is one of a kind

    WRAL's Scott Mason visits the Tuba Exchange in Durham.

    1. Sep. 9, 2008
    2. Video
  21. Topsail Island home to turtle hospital
    Topsail Island home to turtle hospital

    WRAL’s Scott Mason travels to a Topsail Island hospital that caters to a different sort of patient.

    1. Sep. 8, 2008
    2. Video
  22. Johnnie B. Goode’s history
    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.

    1. Sep. 4, 2008
    2. Video
  23. Exhibit looks at Raleighmedia history
    Exhibit looks at Raleigh media history

    WRAL's Scott Mason takes a look at the exhibit which opens Friday at the Raleigh City Museum.

    1. Sep. 4, 2008
    2. Video
  24. Scotland Neck pharmacy stays in the family
    Scotland Neck pharmacy stays in the family

    McDowell's Pharmacy has been a family business for 90 years.

    1. Sep. 2, 2008
    2. Video
  25. duel
    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.

    1. Aug. 28, 2008
    2. Video
  26. roastgrill
    Landmark grill only serves up hot dogs

    The Roast Grill on West Street in Raleigh has been roasting hot dogs since 1940.

    1. Aug. 27, 2008
    2. Video
  27. Chapel made of chestnut
    Chapel made of chestnut

    The All Saints Episcopal Church in Avery County is made of the bark of an American chestnut tree.

    1. Aug. 26, 2008
    2. Video
  28. Looking back at the Great Flood of 1908
    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.

    1. Aug. 25, 2008
    2. Video
  29. Post office worker hits the ring for fun
    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.

    1. Aug. 22, 2008
    2. Video
  30. Man creates N.C. shaped garden
    Man creates N.C. shaped garden

    Sam Loflin cultivates his love for North Carolina and his passion for gardening.

    1. Aug. 20, 2008
    2. Video
  31. North Carolina athlete remembers the Munich hostage siege
    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.

    1. Aug. 19, 2008
    2. Video
  32. North Carolina has a connection to an Olympic-sized controversy
    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.

    1. Aug. 19, 2008
    2. Video
  33. State square dancing competition kicking up some fun
    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.

    1. Aug. 14, 2008
    2. Video
  34. Carolina Inn’s walls teem with history
    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.

    1. Aug. 13, 2008
    2. Video
  35. Tar Heel Traveler logo
    Older Tar Heel Traveler videos

    Check here for more Tar Heel Traveler stories.

    1. Sep. 10, 2008
    2. Gallery