Where Trails Meet Tradition: Insider Lily Hauser’s Summer in North Carolina

Hey there — Lily Hauser here: Raleigh native, intern at Visit NC, lifelong dancer, outdoors lover, proud Southern foodie and all-around North Carolina enthusiast. I’ve spent all 21 of my years in the Tar Heel State — and fun fact: I’m a descendant of the very first Hauser to settle in the US. We still visit his gravesite in Old Salem! Growing up in Raleigh and spending my time dancing, hiking, exploring and eating across the state, I’ve racked up more highlights than I can count. These are just a few of my favorites.

The thrill of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games 

I spend at least one week in the Grandfather Mountain area every summer, and we usually go to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in mid-July. It’s just so much fun! It’s this huge festival up on top of a mountain, and it’s packed with Scottish athletics, dance and food. There’s even a stage tucked into the woods where they play music constantly. Here’s some more info and pro tips if you ever want to go:

• In addition to the athletics, dance competitions take place all weekend as well — I've even competed six times! When I took up Scottish dance in middle school, I didn’t realize I'd love it so much. I first competed at the Laurinburg Highland Games — it's smaller and so there’s a lot less pressure — before competing at Grandfather.
• You can camp! There are two different campsites, one on top of the mountain and one by the creek. The creek campsite is more family friendly, and everyone goes to bed by 10:30 p.m. definitely fun but quieter and more relaxing. But if you stay on the top of the mountain, you're going to hear bagpipes until 3:30 a.m. It’s genuinely a big party up there — you can walk outside your tent and people are grilling, passing around food, playing games and taking part in marshmallow wars. So choose your site accordingly!
• There’s a lot of Scottish people in NC — these Games are the largest gathering of Scottish clans in the US! — and this weekend draws in some of the most interesting people you’ve ever met with the best stories (and accents). If you have any interest in Scottish heritage or if you’re Scottish even a little bit, you’re going to have a blast here.

When I'm not dancing, I'm ...

Hiking 

• Lake Johnson, Lake Raleigh & William B. Umstead State Park: These are my go-to spots when I’m home in Raleigh — great for a peaceful hike or afternoon recharge.
• Occoneechee Speedway Trail: This trail in Hillsborough is unique — it leads you through a forest and past an old racetrack. It’s got that hidden-history vibe I love.
• Stone Mountain State Park: Pro tip — park at the upper lot and take the Loop Trail to the right. You’ll still get those big mountain views, but without the intense stair climb that you get if you head left!
• Carolina Beach State Park: Hike the Sugarloaf Trail out to the marina, then reward yourself with an ice cream bar and some dockside time. It’s one of my favorite low-key beach day combos.

On the water 

• Falls Lake: This is where I go paddling in the Raleigh area. There’s a little beach by the kayak and canoe docks — no motorboats, so it’s calm and safe. Plus, there’s a picnic area and bathrooms, which makes it great for a whole afternoon.
• Kerr Lake: My family came here a lot when I was younger, so I have so many memories here. The water’s great for boating, and there are sandbars where you can anchor and swim. It’s also a really special place historically — you can still find arrowheads along the shore, a reminder of the Native communities that once lived here.

... Which means I'm always refueling

High Country

• Banner Elk Cafe in Banner Elk: This spot is a sleeper hit. Their chicken pasta? Shockingly good. It’s a solid dinner after a long festival day.
• Stickboy Kitchen in Boone: I’m obsessed with their turkey and cheese panini — it’s classic and perfect. Plus, the soup of the day is always amazing.
• Maws Produce stand in Boone: Blueberry peach pies. Enough said.

Raleigh

• Sir Walter Coffee: My order? A dirty chai latte — that’s a chai with an espresso shot — and it hits every time.
• Gringo A Go Go: One of my all-time favorites. The chicken enchiladas, potato quesadilla and strawberry margarita are all 10/10. And don’t skip the horchata.
• Gym Tacos: Both the food truck and the brick and mortar are solid. I order the veggie quesadilla, but if I’m with a group, the trashcan nachos are a must.
• Amedeos: If you’re an NC State fan at all, they cover the walls in memorabilia. I personally am a big fan of pasta (fettuccine alfredo), but my parents love their pizza.
• Relish: I go here for classic Southern food. I’m ordering their Southeastern mac ‘n’ cheese, plus pimento cheese (it comes with pita chips).

Plan more summer getaways with insiders Reid Lorenz and Bernadette Peters. And visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state, and plan more summer getaways here.