Kathiey's World

  I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do in North Carolina, and May 2026 looks like a great month to get out and explore. Whether you’re seeking new experiences or just looking for something different, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season. Let’s take a look at a few highlights that could make your May 2026 special.   Living in the Raleigh/Durham area, I’ve been on the lookout for exciting events happening nearby this May, all within easy driving distance. Honestly, I’d love to attend them all!   The Links to Each Event… (Be sure to double-check event times and locations before you go, and keep in mind that some events may require a ticket.) Things to do in May 2026   in the Triangle Area   Holly Springs International Food Festival   May 1 in Holly Springs NC Apex PeakFest   May 2 in Apex NC Strawberry Festival   May 9 Morrisville NC Got To Be NC Festival   May 15-17 in Raleigh NC Artsplosure   May 16-17 in Raleig...

My Visit to Divine Llama and Vineyards in East Bend, NC.  This is a repost from 2020.   It was so much fun I wanted to post it again I have been talking about visiting Divine Llama Vineyards for years.  I knew there were llamas and wine, so it had to be a fun place for a new adventure.  The vineyard is located in East Bend, NC.  This was about a two-hour drive from where I live, so I decided it was close enough for a day trip.  The vineyard was started in 2007. It is Yadkin Valley had they have award-winning wines.  They are situated on 91 acres.   I enjoyed two glasses of Chardonel wine. I had to look up what this was, which I found on Wikipedia. "Chardonel is a late-ripening white wine hybrid grape which can produce a high-quality wine with varietal character. ... It is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with high productivity and cold hardiness superior to its acclaimed parent Chardonnay." You could see Pilot Mountain from the...

 Life throws many things our way that can spark fear. Fear has a way of catching us off guard, plunging us into a state of dread and uncertainty, often leaving us unprepared to face the challenge ahead. It can be truly paralyzing, leading us to deny reality and hide instead of moving forward. But hiding only prolongs the difficulty and doesn’t help us overcome it. I recently came across a quote by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant that really resonated with me during my divorce: “Bravery is not about the absence of fear. Bravery is taking action in the face of fear.” Inspired by this, I’ve gathered eight ideas to help us take action despite fear. Let’s dive in… Eight Steps To Help Us Face Our Fears Eight Steps To Help Us Face Our Fears Recognize your fear and allow yourself to feel it without judgment. Identify the root causes of your fear. Break it down into specific concerns rather than vague anxiety so you can address it effectively. Without understanding what’s causing your fear,...

    Life can get stressful, and sometimes we all need to hit the pause button and find a little fun or peace—even if only for a moment. I like to call this a mindful, positive distraction. That’s why I set aside Fridays to share something enjoyable, whether it’s a fun activity, a cherished memory, or just a little inspiration to spark joy. My hope is to give you fresh ideas that you can weave into your own life for a bit of extra happiness. I thoroughly enjoy watching cooking shows, competitions, and baking series—they’re not only fun but also spark my curiosity and inspire me to try new flavors and techniques. Recently, I watched   Chopped , a cooking competition hosted by Ted Allen, where four chefs face the challenge of creating extraordinary three-course meals from mystery ingredient baskets. With only seconds to plan and 30 minutes to cook, the pressure is on as contestants are gradually “chopped” until a single winner emerges. It’s always exciting to see skill, spee...

 Today is a travel day.  Let's take a look at an off-the-beaten-track adventure.  Shangri-Li Stone Village in Prospect Hill, North Carolina The stone village is located between Hillsborough and Yanceyville in Prospect Hill NC Visitors are welcome anytime at no charge. Click  here  for directions The first thing you see as you enter the stone village is the large welcome sign and a quote... "A retired tobacco farmer's pet project turned into a sturdy miniature city." Atlas Obscura The structures are made out of concrete, stone, and arrowheads. Henry Warren, a retired tobacco farmer, started his village in 1968. He worked on the village for 9 years.  He was working on a hospital for his village when he died in 1977. By the time Henry died, he had 27 structures, including a gym, bank, gas station, library, theater, and a hotel.  His wife is quoted as saying... "As long as he had a cigarette and a Coca-Cola, he'd keep building." If you walk through th...