Highlights of the Carolina Outdoors

Segment 1, September 23rd, 2023 All aboard the train called the Carolina Outdoors. Host Bill Bartee & Producer TJB bring us down the tracks. We’re celebrated over 65K downloads via the podcast, Highlights of the Carolina Outdoors. Earn credit for hiking the Appalachian Trail? You better apply to the Virginia college, Emory & Henry in Emory, VA. Listen in. Brought to you by our sponsor, the outdoor store of Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s.

Segment 2, September 23rd, 2023 New arrivals at the Charlotte outdoor store at Jesse Brown’s. Climb Mount Jesse Brown’s in the Sharon Corners Shopping Center that is located within the shopping district of Charlotte, Southpark. Getting the right footwear for your fall hikes is very important. Stop by the fly shop of Charlotte & the outdoor store of Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s, to get the right hiking boots. TJ Boggs speaks about his upcoming trip to Colorado for some hiking, music, seeing friends, & playing in a disc golf tourney. Host Bill Bartee celebrates the pants selection in Charlotte featuring Duckhead, Kuhl, & the twenty year old company Mountain Khakis. Jesse Brown’s was the first retailer that brought in this western inspired but southern cultivated brand.

Segment 3, September 23rd, 2023 A huge growth of people joining a sport that we talk about a lot on the Carolina Outdoors. The people? Women The sport? Fly Fishing According a report published earlier this year by the OIA, female participation in fishing grew from 16 million to almost 20 million from 2012 to 2022. They represent nearing forty percent of total anglers and forty-two person were first-time anglers. Linda Hickle was mesmerized the first time she saw someone fly fishing. She went on to help found & organize a Women’s Group of Anglers, called Women on the Fly. She joins the Carolina Outdoors to tell that story, inform everyone about the upcoming Wine-Women-Waders Event at Jesse Brown’s, & tell her favorite places to fish.  

Segment 4, September 23, 2023 We’ve hit over 65,000 Downloads of Highlights of the Carolina Outdoors. Whether you’re hiking the greenways or heading from Carolina to Colorado we’re glad you joined us. Thanks to TJ Boggs & WOTF organizer, Linda Hickle for joining us on the program. Shop at the outdoor store of Charlotte & the power behind the Carolina Outdoors, Jesse Brown’s.

Segment 1, September 16th, 2023 Here’s the quick breakdown of discussion topics this week: –Divine Intervention storyteller, Walter Bridgeman –Disc Golf chat with Tommy Fradenburg -a lyric change by Jimmy Buffet highlights Hushpuppies instead of hiking shoes Thank you for listening to the Carolina Outdoors

Segment 2, September 16th, 2023 What’s the background of a Charlotte-area businessman? He may work with a business that you know, maybe he works with your property, or your family. Maybe you grew up with him or went to his school. However- you probably don’t know one of his passions over his life and career & how the directions within those passions came about. Walter Bridgeman is the owner of Remedics Restoration Carolinas. He purchased that business in 2016. Although he takes care of properties that have had water, fire, mold, smoke damage he began a resume of adventure years before. Introduced to the outdoors growing up in Charlotte through Scouting & a NOLS course while attending UNC – Chapel Hill, it was a Boy Scout trip the introduced him to mountaineering. On this segment we’ll learn Bridgeman’s story of Divine Intervention. He’ll be telling this true, autobiographical account at Storyteller’s Night at Jesse Brown’s on Thursday, September 21st, 2023. Bridgeman will be joining Tom Blocker telling his story Fast Lane & Gracy Ly & Marty Ohlhaut with their family saga, Tent for Seven. We’ll learn about some of the mountains, the dangers, the fears, and the fun. A few of the mountains discussed & climbed are Ranier, Baker, Denali, Mt. Blanc, Grand Teton, Washington in the winter, & Pico de Orizaba. Note: Bridgeman has shopped in all the outdoor stores that Jesse Brown’s has had since 1971. In fact, Bridgeman thought the SouthPark-area was far away from Cotswold. Now it seems so close to get to Jesse Brown’s.

Segment 3, September 16th, 2023 What is Disc Golf and how do you get started? Producer Tommy Fradenburg grabs the mic and talks about his entrance into the sport. All it took was some basic instruction & investment & Tommy was invested in the sport. Fortunately Charlotte has a ton of places to play disc golf & Rock Hill, SC, is the center point of a lot of competition, including past, US and World Disc Golf Championships. Listen in and learn about some of the verbage, places, & minimal needs for you to take on the sport. One fact: Keen Footwear has often been cited as one of the best for playing disc golf. These rugged, walking shoes provide support and protection while you’re on any disc golf course. Fact two: L.L. Bean is the current World Championship title sponsor.

Segment 4, September 16th, 2023 When Jimmy Buffet passed away on September 1st of this year the entire music community mourned. This singer-songwriter, born in 1946, helped define something that’s been called tropical rock & “island escapism.” He sold over 20 million albums of his 30 released. Eight of them are certified gold and nine are platinum or multi-platinum. He was known as an outdoorsperson. His love of surfing, fishing, & living the outdoor lifestyle were a big part of his persona & music. In fact, it was a change to a lyric of his first Top 40 hit, “Come Monday” that helped shine a light on his love for the hiking. In fact, Buffet recognized “Come Monday” as a special song to him because of when it was written & to whom it was written. He told David Letterman in an interview that it was written to his girlfriend while he was “heading up to San Francisco for the Labor Day Weekend show.” At the time he had been away from loved ones, his dog was in the pound, & he didn’t have much money. He was staying in a Howard Johnson’s in Mill Valley, California, and opening for Country Joe McDonald in San Anselmo, CA. The song’s initial single release had the song’s third line, “I’ve got my hiking shoes on.” However, Buffet changed in to the now iconic, “I’ve got my Hushpuppies on” referring to the brand of leather, leisure shoes that began in 1958. The success of that single in 1974 helped bring money, fame, & adoration that lasted throughout his career. Inside the hiking shoe & hiking boot store, Jesse Brown’s, we think the lyric change was a good one. However, it is also nice to know that the sailor, angler, & performer, also like to wear his hiking shoes.  

Segment 1, September 9th, 2023 This segment covers -The History of the Carolina Outdoors that has been powered by Jesse Brown’s, home to Patagonia’s Better Sweater, Patagonia’s Nano Puff, & Blundstone Boots in Charlotte. -The genesis of Storyteller’s Night at Jesse Brown’s. The next time the storyteller stage is open is September 21st at 6 p.m. Admission is free to listeners of the Carolina Outdoors & clients of Jesse Brown’s.  

Segment 2, September 9th, 2023 For many getting outdoors means slowing down. However going slow never was in the cards for Tom Blocker. After graduating from NC State in the early 1970s with a degree in Economics, he continued adding to his resume by getting into racing motorcycles, cars, & then a career in the automotive industry. Tom can be heard each week via WBT Radio as a contributor with Bo Thompson (Storyteller alum, WHY BO TALKS) about cars & the automotive industry, but we’re going to shift the angle a bit. Blocker speaks on: -Getting his first motorcycle -His parents view of his pursuit -Growing up in Cary, NC -Developing skills as a form of safety, caution, & confidence -The Hemingway quote, ““There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games,” -Helping the new generation do it right? Tom Blocker will be on-hand at the local store Jesse Browns’ for Storyteller Night at Jesse Brown’s. He can still be found racing his beloved Porsche or motorcycle & enjoying the thrills of going fast, mixed with being safe & teaching others in his story, Fast Lane.

Segment 3 September 9th, 2023 How many of us remember that trip back before we were married, had a job, had a mortgage, had children? A part of life is going through these different periods & celebrating them with a part of us yearning to recreate & share them with others. Marty Ohlhaut worked for IBM for over thirty years & then as an independent educator, travelling around the world (44 countries, 50 states). In 1972 he and friends took on a big trip. He was single with buddies but had the self-described, “best time of my life.” Fast forward a dozen years, a job, a wife, and five children later-in 1994 & Marty decides begins to plan a multi-week, epic western Rockies trip for seven. He took notes & twenty-five years later his daughter, Grace Ly found them & began to piece it into the newly published book, “TENT for SEVEN.” They join the Carolina Outdoors to talk about the book, the trip, & its effect on each of them. You’ll learn about: The planning of a big, DIY trip. The difference between a”Buddy trip” (in your twenties) & “Family Trip” (with five children under 16). The potential tragedies that can ococur The beauties seen & the bonds made with people met along the way. The benefits of notes & keeping a journal Marty’s daughter, Grace Ly, worked for the White House, CIA, and has travelled to over thirty countries and lived in Europe, the Middle East, & Asia. She’ll speak on her view of her dad’s trip in 1972 & her participation as a teenager in 1994. She speaks about finding the journal notes that her dad had therapeutically written after his trips & turning it into the book, TENT FOR SEVEN. Her insight on: Teenage memories of the trip & the difference in her dad’s perspective The people that took them into their homes after accidents left them in need Passing on kindness after that trip as she moved forward into adulthood The importance of keeping notes or journal. Marty’s words within the book: “I am thankful for every adventure I have ever had, for every crazy story I can tell, for every mountain I have climbed, every stream I have crossed, and every night I have spent out in the woods. Most of all, though, I am thankful for my family, for the love they have shown, every laugh we have shared, every obstacle we have overcome, and every incredible experience we have had together. They have, by far, been my greatest adventure.” Marty & Grace will both tell their story, TENT FOR SEVEN during STORYTELLER’S NIGHT at JESSE BROWN’S, Sept. 21, 2023, at 6 p.m. Afterwards they’ll be signing their book of the same name. Storyteller’s Night at Jesse Brown’s is sponsored by Jesse Brown’s & the Carolina Outdoors program. Host Bill Bartee hangs his hat at the fly shop in Charlotte & the local Patagonia dealer, Jesse Brown’s

Segment 4, September 9th, 2023 Inspired by customers, clients, and friends dropping into Jesse Brown’s to tell tales of their adventures was Storyteller’s Night at Jesse Brown’s. Over ten years ago, the original Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s, opened up their stage & the community joined. Three at a time, the storytellers each take twenty minutes to share their adventure, life experience, & life-changing story. The ever-popular event continues on September 21st at 6 p.m. at Jesse Brown’s. So come hear your neighbor’s adventure…. Special thanks to our guests on this week’s Carolina Outdoors program. Marty Ohlhaut, Grace Ly, & Tom Blocker, who represent two of the first stories of the evening on September 21, 2023.

Segment 1, September 2nd, 2023 One of the rights of passage in saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall is Labor Day weekend & College Football. However a lot is changing in football but a lot stays the same. Ed Billick, host of Carolina Focus & a member of the WBT Sports Team joins us to have a look at the opening day of College football. Billick hails from one of the nation’s biggest sports communities, Pittsburgh, although he’s been in the Carolinas for decades. Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee, speaks to Billick about his view of the sports scene during this time of expansion*. The biggest conference that are making the most money are the BIG10 which is predominantly made up of Midwestern schools & the SEC which is made up of primarily southern teams (the closest to us is Columbia’s S. Carolina). The ACC organization recently moved to Charlotte & much is made about its continued expansion. *(following the interview the ACC announced that it was adding Stanford, Cal, & SMU) Besides the competitiveness of a game much is celebrated about the festivities of a football game. The environment of the schools, the cheerleaders, the band & the music, the alum, the tailgating, the food, night time versus day time are all apart of the discussion. Tommy Fradenburg, producer of the Carolina Outdoors this week, joins the chat. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Bartee told Billick that he’ll be watching the games from the Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s, during the Labor Day Sidewalk Sale.

Segment 2, September 2nd, 2023 One of the rights of passage in saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall is Labor Day weekend. That Saturday each year is a part of the southern tradition of opening day of dove season. Many across the Carolinas & other states are gearing up for a noon time open in the dove field of their choice. From the mothership & Filson dealer of Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s, Carolina Outdoor host Bill Bartee welcomes hunting & flyfishing contributor, James Buice, to share his memories of Opening Day of Dove season. Some things Buice mentions: Make sure that you’re not hunting over a baited field Have your HIP permit with your hunting license Keep your gun muzzle in a safe direction Wear lightweight clothing to be comfortable Keep your harvested birds in a shady spot to keep them cool These migratory birds have a daily bag limit of 15 in both Carolinas & check the dates from Opening Day & beyond in South Carolina & North Carolina. This segment was brought to you by the classic Sundowner Boot GTX available at local YETI dealer, Jesse Brown’s.  

September 2nd, 2023, Segment 3 Over 115 years ago an organization began in the UK. Twenty boys between the ages of 11 to 18 participated in this experimental camp. Organizer Robert Baden-Powell then published “Scouting for Boys” which has since sold over 100 million copies. Then in 1910, the organization Boy Scouts of America was formed. Fast forward to 2023 and Scouting now has programs for young people aged 6 to 20 & continues to educate & build adventurers, skilled outdoorspeople, & most importantly citizens & leaders into our future. Mark Turner, CEO of the Mecklenburg County Council, has been a professional part of the Boy Scouts of America for over thirty years & was the recipient of NC’s highest award, Long Leaf Pine in 2018. He joins the program & shares the benefits of Scouting. Turner mentions that what Scouting does for our community & families. Character, value, morals, leadership training and friendships that last a lifetime built through an outdoor program are part of what propels the Scouting organization. “Families are hungry for these things, right now”, Turner tells Carolina Outdoor host, Bill Bartee. When asked about the recent affects on organizations like church’s, fraternal & civic organizations, & others due to the Pandemic & shifting interests of people, Turner says the popularity of being outside tends to benefit BSA. It also celebrates families spending time with youth & being mentors while building a community. Although Scouting has grown, it & other organizations have taken hits- many aren’t joining groups as much these days—churches, civic organizations, fraternal organizations are all trying to maintain membership. One of the ways BSA added to membership was expanding females into dens, packs, & troops. Reportedly this has been met with wild success locally with many successfully obtaining the prestigious Eagle Scout award. The longtime CEO of the Mecklenburg County Council speaks on the celebration & success of females in Scouting. He mentions the girl dens within Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA female troops, & the new female Eagle Scouts, that are representing Scouting so well. Turner speaks about one of the most special aspects of the Mecklenburg Scouting programs which is the Belk Scout Camp & the ever popular Camp Grimes. These places are close to Charlotte & enables young people to have a place to pursue badges, activities, & build upon the successes that are offered within Scouts. Listen to his take on technology, teaching how to be a positive influence & citizenship during a time of civil discourse. For more information on local Scouting options and programs head over to the website. This Segment was Sponsored by Mountain Khakis in Charlotte & Charlotte’s Fly Shop, Jesse Brown’s.  

Segment 4, September 2nd, 2023 You’re invited to Storyteller’s Night at Jesse Brown’s on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, to hear a neighbor’s adventure. Also, thanks to Ed Billick, James Buice, Mark Turner, & Tommy Fradenburg for joining us all on this week’s edition. For questions, comments, & reviews give host Bill Bartee an email: [email protected], at the home base, Charlotte’s outfitter store, Jesse Brown’s

August 26th, 2023 Segment 1 The Carolina Outdoors is intended to help you learn, escape, & be inspired to join into our Carolina Outdoors (& Beyond). This week: Lee Clinton, Grounds Crew at the Little League World Series & Joe Marusak, The Charlotte Observer’s Breaking news journalist talks Lake Cornelius. In the News: A Minnesota fourteen year old fishing for Walleye in Lake of the Woods caught a $2,000 wallet. The wallet was returned to its owner, Jim Denney, after drying the money. Denney lost the wallet fishing the same lake one year ago. Halsa only accepted a cooler and a dinner from Denney, as reward.

August 26, 2023 Segment 2 North Carolina has a state law that declares that public schools don’t start class until after August 25th. There are several school districts that are rebelling against the state law & starting a bit earlier. This has lengthened the time that we speak on the Back-to-School time period including speaking with Langston Wertz, Jr., about high school football. It’s a time to celebrate one of the heritage sports of America, Baseball. The Little League World series takes place in Williamsport, PA each August and our friend & local man, Lee Clinton, always takes his place as part of the grounds crew for this annual event. An event that has been going on for the past 76 years. The 2023 Little League World Series is taking place August 16 to August 27 with ten teams from the United States and ten teams from other countries competing. Clinton’s regular job when back home in Clover, SC, is working for Clover School District #2. However he heads to Williamsport to take care of the multiple practice fields & the Historic Bowman Field located at the Muncy Bank Ballpark. During his time there in the past week, two Major League teams showed up. The Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies played on August 20th within Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field for the MLB Little League Classic game. The Nationals won 4-3. Clinton stated that although the MLB utilizes their own ground crews, his crew & the Little League Players all get to sit and watch the MLB game. Fans of the ground crew (like Clinton’s interviewer, Bill Bartee from local Charlotte outfitter, Jesse Brown’s) haven’t gotten to see the grounds crew as much. This is due to the lack of rain this year & the less time to cover the field during air time on ESPN. Another Carolinian that was a part of the 2023 LLWS was the late ESPN personality, Stuart Scott (1965-2015). Scott was a part of the Northwest Forsyth (N.C.) Little League as a youth & is being posthumously enshrined as the 62nd person Little League® Hall of Excellence. Get ready for tailgate season at Jesse Brown’s. Camp Chairs, Yeti coolers & drinkwear, & the best looking selection of Duck Head Clothing in Charlotte.

Segment 3, August 26th, 2023 There are many places in the Carolinas that are hidden in plain sight. One of which was recently written about by our friend, Joe Marusak, from the Charlotte Observer. He’s been working at the Charlotte Observer for over thirty years and covers a ton of stories. We’re going to learn a little about one of North Carolina’s smaller lakes that hugs up next to NC’s largest manmade lake, Lake Norman. Joe recently wrote about Lake Davidson & the query of it being a part of Lake Norman. That story led to an invite to meet Lake Cornelius & this August 22 article. During this chat with host Bill Bartee from the local Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s, Marusak gives us his first hand experience of adventuring one recent Sunday on Lake Cornelius. He also let’s us know that all the lakes were formed by Duke Energy when they created the 32,475 acre, Lake Norman. For this reason & the management of the Lake under federal license, both Cornelius & Davidson are considered part of Lake Norman by Duke. Marusak let’s the listeners of the Carolina Outdoors know about the wildlife, the quietness, & the community of people that seek escape on Lake Cornelius. Also, that Lake Cornelius is accessed at a YMCA that is located in Davidson, NC. Just to keep all visitors on their toes. Oh yes! Lake Cornelius’s 125-acres is a lot cooler if you’re escaping the heat. Joe described the shade & breeze that made his Sunday paddle trip pleasant. This segment of the Carolina Outdoors was powered by the Sonic Fly Rod available in Charlotte at Jesse Brown’s.    

Segment 4, August 26, 2023 There’s still time to go for a swim this summer or a hike. Although if you do head out for a hike, stay in the shade & take plenty of water. Lee Clinton from the Grounds Crew at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA, gave us his breakdown of this annual tradition. Joe Marusak from The Charlotte Observer for joining us on the Carolina Outdoors. His articles on Lake Davidson & Lake Cornelius have helped us find places to escape in plain sight in the Charlotte outdoor scene. Thanks to both guests & TJ “the DJ” Boggs for helping make the Carolina Outdoors happen!  

Segment 1, August 19th, 2023 All aboard this train called the Carolina Outdoors. Whether an early riser, late comer-in, or listening via the podcast–we’re glad you are here. This week: Raz Reid with Sage Fly Rods & Fishpond joins us to talk about the health of the fly fishing industry. Langston Wertz, Jr from the Charlotte Observer talks Charlotte-area high school football. with: Host Bill Bartee, from Charlotte fly fishing outfitter, Jesse Brown’s. Plus, upcoming events happening with & at the brick & mortar, Jesse Brown’s

Segment 2, August 19th, 2023 The Outdoor Industry Association recently released the report that over fifty-four million people over the age of 6 went fishing during 2022. This was a four percent increase from 2021. The same report also noted that the Hispanic population going fishing has increased 45% over the past decade. Also, the number of female anglers increased nearly by 4 million people since 2012, from 16 to 19.8 million. Raz Reid of Reid & Associates has travelled the southeast purveying fly fishing goods to fly shops like Jesse Brown’s. He’s done this for the past thirty-five years & joins the Carolina Outdoors to share his insights. He’ll report on the influx of fly anglers from the movie, A River Runs Through It, released in 1992 & it’s comparison to the number of the fly fishing public that entered into the sport during the Pandemic. Reid has worked through the sport since its perceived time as a tweed sport coat-sport to the growth of the sport on the coasts of the world with Saltwater fly fishing. The sport continues to grow but there is literally still space for more. He speaks on the places to fish. You may see more people fishing but you can always find a place to escape. Take a listen to this world record-holding angler, personality, & business person in the fly fishing industry. Bill Bartee, from Charlotte fly shop Jesse Brown’s, interviewed Raz Reid. Reid has been a long-time contributor to the Carolina Outdoors & represents one of the best fly fishing brands, Fishpond, available at Jesse Brown’s  

Segment 3 August 19th, 2023 We love heading into this part of the year that brings us all back together. One of the places that people unite is in local high school football fields. The players have been pumping iron, running drills & working through summer practice. Langston Wertz, Jr. has had an upfront view of Charlotte-area high school athletics for over thirty-years. He is the host of the Talking Preps podcast & journalist for the Charlotte Observer. On this segment of the Carolina Outdoors, Wertz speaks on the health of high school football in this area & what to expect in the upcoming 2023 season. He provides some insight on the preseason players of the year, Jadyn & Jaden, offensive & defensive, respectively. Jadyn Davis, QB of the Providence Day School squad, is one of the top players in the country, & PDS is one of the top teams. Jaden Smith is also an acclaimed player as linebacker for West Charlotte & a lot of excitement is with that team. Wertz breaks down the addition of York & Lancaster County (SC) in the Observer’s coverage & shouts out the Talking Preps team that covers the area each Tuesday. In addition there is now the Top 25 for NC & the Top 25 for SC, as well as the iconic Sweet 16. Where to go watch a game, what players to watch, & the best names for players are all covered during this interview. Langston gives insight on his belief that the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district may be Follow Wertz on Twitter, YouTube, & read his article in The Charlotte Observer. The Carolina Outdoors is powered by the outdoor store in Charlotte, the fly shop in Charlotte, & the Patagonia dealer in Charlotte: Jesse Brown’s Outdoors Bill Bartee’s radio wardrobe is provided by Mountain Khakis available at Jesse Brown’s.

Segment 4, August 19th, 2023 Great conversation with: Langston Wertz, Jr., the host of Talking Preps & senior journalist from The Charlotte Observer. His conversation with Bill Bartee from Charlotte outdoor retailer, Jesse Brown’s, gave us some great insight on the teams, players, & games that are upcoming this high school football season in the Charlotte area. Raz Reid of Reid & Associates represents some of the finest fly fishing brands that are found in the fly shop of Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s, & other fly shops around the country. Brands like Sage, Tibor Reels, Rio Fly Line, & Redington are a few. He lets us know what he’s seeing with the fly fishing business around the southeast in recent months. The Carolina Outdoors is brought to you by WBT Radio & Jesse Brown’s Outdoors. The host, Bill Bartee & producer, TJ Boggs.

Segment 1, August 12th, 2023 Bill Bartee & TJ Boggs bring you the Carolina Outdoors. Powered by local Charlotte outfitter, Jesse Brown’s, this week program covers local & international with Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, NC & Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada.  

Segment 2, August 12th, 2023 The Carolina Outdoors is going international with a call to Ontario. Randy Mitson has enjoyed working, playing & being close to Algonquin Park. This natural lake setting north of Toronto has some of the most fantastic scenery and canoe paddling opportunities. Whether it is a day trip or a multi-day trip. this is one of the best sightseeing places in the world. Mitson provides a peek into this wonderful nature world and offers advice on how we can enjoy it and what we can expect. Bill Bartee from Charlotte’s Patagonia dealer, Jesse Brown’s, leads the discussion. Jesse Brown’s has operated as sponsor of the Carolina Outdoors and has been a local, Charlotte outfitter for travel and outdoor things for the past 53 years.

Segment 3, August 12th, 2023 An area Mooresville farm played a part in the building of Interstate 77. It’s a 5th generation family-owned farm that specializes in fresh fruits & vegetables but also acts as a special event venue, escape for those looking to be outdoors, & has one of the most beautiful swimming quarries in the Carolinas. The answer is Carrigan Farms Owner Doug Carrigan shares his ever-evolving passion of bring the farm to the public & specializing in fun. He speaks on the educational opportunities that occur with school tours & field trips. Here they learn about honey bees, crops, food production, & eating it. Carrigan returned to the farm after graduatiing from NC State in 1975. The Carrigan children & grandchildren are a part of the farm now. Hearing Carrigan describe a wedding beside the quarry with a waterfall on demand will make you ready for a wedding on the property. We hope you enjoy learning about Carrigan’s favorite produce to grow & sell. Host Bill Bartee from Jesse Brown’s Outdoors conducted the interview.