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If you're ready to trade in oak trees for palms for a weekend, it might be time to visit Charleston. 

Driving the news: Oyster season (for those who celebrate) is underway and temperatures have fallen to a degree that you can visit the city without evaporating immediately upon arrival.

If you've never been to South Carolina, this is where you should start. 

If you've only ever been to Myrtle Beach, there's a support group for that, I'd imagine.

Charleston is Savannah's older, classier sibling. It's OBX, but more photogenic (*ducks*). 

A visit to the Holy City is a must. But don't take it from me — take it from Travel & Leisure magazine, who have named it the best city in the U.S. for ten straight years.

Edgar Allen Poe wrote short stories about its shores; George Washington raved about its women; Bill Murray and Darius Rucker both call it home.

Getting here: Charleston is about 4-5 hours' driving distance from Raleigh. Flying might save you some time, but not much. Nonstop service between the two cities isn't currently offered.

Where to stay: Downtown, on the peninsula. If you're ballin' on a budget check out NotSo Hostel. If you're just ballin', go to Hotel Bennett.

Getting around: The peninsula is small enough that you can get around by foot, bicycle or rideshare. Don't worry about renting a car — we have limited parking spaces and a surplus of confusing, one-way streets.

Pro tip: Take a pedicab at least once. It's its own adventure.

Don't let lunch or dinner be an afterthought. Charleston is perhaps best known for its culinary scene, and numerous restaurants, chefs and bar programs have received national recognition.

Lenoir: North Carolina's own chef Vivian Howard, of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, opened two restaurants in Charleston in 2020. Lenoir, named for Howard's home county, offers Southern food that's elevated but in a way that doesn't stray too far from its roots. 

167 Raw: This oyster and raw bar is right in the heart of downtown. Small plates are the way to go. Order the space potato — trust me.

Fleet Landing: Downtown's only true waterfront restaurant, its something-for-everybody menu includes Charleston classics, like shrimp and grits.

Little Palm: This trendy, poolside cocktail bar opened last year, and this year was named one of the Best Bars in America by Esquire.

Eleve: Though you can't go wrong with any downtown rooftop bar, this one atop the Grand Bohemian Hotel stands out for its Alice In Wonderland-esque aesthetic. 

Yes, and: The wine blending class at the hotel's downstairs bar makes for a fun evening activity. You can take home your own custom wine with a custom label as a keepsake.

Carmella's: The silver lining of being a city beloved by wedding and bachelorette parties is that they can support a high quantity of late-night dessert bars. Carmella's is the tried-and-true choice for grabbing an espresso martini and a slice of cake before calling it a night. 

Tour: Take a harbor cruise, a walking ghost tour or visit one of our many museums.

Of note: The International African American Museum is set to open early next year and will be located on the site of where some 40% of enslaved African people first entered North America.

Explore on foot: The best way to take in the city's architecture and natural beauty is to immerse yourself within it. Start in the historic district to see some of the oldest still-standing buildings in the country, then make yourself to White Point Gardens or Waterfront Park for harbor views.

Or, walk up King Street for sights and shopping.

Hit the beach: I can't in good conscience recommend a trip to this little coastal city without a visit to its coast. 

Our closest beaches are within a 30-minute drive from downtown. 

Plan for at least a half-day there to have time to enjoy the beach, explore the island and grab a bite to eat.

For a no-frills, fried Lowcountry seafood dinner go to Bowens Island near Folly Beach. Avoid the line by getting there early. Stay for the sunset, if you can.

To pretend it's no-frills when there are actually plenty, go to Sullivan's Fish Camp on Sullivan's Island.

Its atmosphere is designed to appear unassuming but is professionally done by a team whose former clients include Wes Anderson. 

Yes, but: If you want to see the Lowcountry but don't like sand, skip the beach and go to Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant instead.

A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh

Here's how to spend a weekend in the Holy City.

South Carolina

If you&#x27;re ready to trade in oak trees for palms for a weekend, it might be time to visit Charleston. Driving the news: Oyster season (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for those who celebrate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.whitestoneoysters.com/blogs/an-oyster-life/r-you-crazy-oysters-are-in-season-year-round#:~:text=It&#x27;s%20a%20commonly%20held%20belief,in%2Dseason&#x27;%20year%20round." data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.whitestoneoysters.com/blogs/an-oyster-life/r-you-crazy-oysters-are-in-season-year-round#:~:text=It&#x27;s%20a%20commonly%20held%20belief,in%2Dseason&#x27;%20year%20round." target="_blank">for those who celebrate</a>) is underway and temperatures have fallen to a degree that you can visit the city without evaporating immediately upon arrival.<ul><li>If you&#x27;ve never been to South Carolina, this is where you should start. </li><li>If you&#x27;ve only ever been to Myrtle Beach, there&#x27;s a support group for that, I&#x27;d imagine.</li><li>Charleston is Savannah&#x27;s older, classier sibling. It&#x27;s OBX, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more photogenic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlasofwonders.com/2020/04/outer-banks-series-kildare-filming-location.html" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlasofwonders.com/2020/04/outer-banks-series-kildare-filming-location.html" target="_blank">more photogenic</a> (*ducks*). </li></ul>A visit to the Holy City is a must. But don&#x27;t take it from me — take it from Travel &amp; Leisure magazine, who have named it the best city in the U.S. for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ten straight years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-united-states-city-charleston-south-carolina" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-united-states-city-charleston-south-carolina" target="_blank">ten straight years</a>.<ul><li>Edgar Allen Poe wrote short stories <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="about its shores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.southerncultures.org/article/unburied-treasure-edgar-allen-poe-and-the-south-carolina-lowcountry/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.southerncultures.org/article/unburied-treasure-edgar-allen-poe-and-the-south-carolina-lowcountry/" target="_blank">about its shores</a>; George Washington <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raved about its women" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=47791#:~:text=%22there%20were%20at%20least%20400%20ladies%20%2D%20the%20Number%20and%20appearance%20of%20which%20exceeded%20anything%20of%20the%20kind%20I%20had%20ever%20seen.%22" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=47791#:~:text=%22there%20were%20at%20least%20400%20ladies%20%2D%20the%20Number%20and%20appearance%20of%20which%20exceeded%20anything%20of%20the%20kind%20I%20had%20ever%20seen.%22" target="_blank">raved about its women</a>; Bill Murray and Darius Rucker both call it home.</li></ul>Getting here: Charleston is about 4-5 hours&#x27; driving distance from Raleigh. Flying might save you some time, but not much. Nonstop service between the two cities isn&#x27;t currently offered.Where to stay: Downtown, on the peninsula. If you&#x27;re ballin&#x27; on a budget check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NotSo Hostel" data-vars-click-url="https://notsohostel.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://notsohostel.com/" target="_blank">NotSo Hostel</a>. If you&#x27;re just ballin&#x27;, go to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hotel Bennett" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hotelbennett.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hotelbennett.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Bennett</a>.Getting around: The peninsula is small enough that you can get around by foot, bicycle or rideshare. Don&#x27;t worry about renting a car — we have limited parking spaces and a surplus of confusing, one-way streets.Pro tip: Take a pedicab at least once. It&#x27;s its own adventure.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Eat:</h2><div><div class="instagram-wrapper"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="true" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg0BqBel0-G/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" data-instgrm-version="13"></blockquote></div><div style="display:none"></div></div>Don&#x27;t let lunch or dinner be an afterthought. Charleston is perhaps best known for its culinary scene, and numerous restaurants, chefs and bar programs have received national recognition.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lenoir:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dineatlenoir.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dineatlenoir.com/" target="_blank">Lenoir:</a> North Carolina&#x27;s own chef Vivian Howard, of Chef &amp; the Farmer in Kinston, opened two restaurants in Charleston in 2020. Lenoir, named for Howard&#x27;s home county, offers Southern food that&#x27;s elevated but in a way that doesn&#x27;t stray too far from its roots. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="167 Raw:" data-vars-click-url="https://167raw.com/charleston/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://167raw.com/charleston/" target="_blank">167 Raw:</a> This oyster and raw bar is right in the heart of downtown. Small plates are the way to go. Order the space potato — trust me.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fleet Landing:" data-vars-click-url="https://fleetlanding.net/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fleetlanding.net/" target="_blank">Fleet Landing:</a> Downtown&#x27;s only true waterfront restaurant, its something-for-everybody menu includes Charleston classics, like shrimp and grits.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Drink: </h2><div><div class="instagram-wrapper"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="true" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Car_oUiOdsp/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=" data-instgrm-version="13"></blockquote></div><div style="display:none"></div></div><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Palm:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.littlepalmbar.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.littlepalmbar.com/" target="_blank">Little Palm:</a> This trendy, poolside cocktail bar opened last year, and this year was named one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Bars in America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a40253934/best-bars-america-2022/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a40253934/best-bars-america-2022/" target="_blank">Best Bars in America</a> by Esquire.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eleve:" data-vars-click-url="https://www.elevecharleston.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.elevecharleston.com/" target="_blank">Eleve:</a> Though you can&#x27;t go wrong with any downtown rooftop bar, this one atop the Grand Bohemian Hotel stands out for its Alice In Wonderland-esque aesthetic. <ul><li>Yes, and: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wine blending class" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kesslercollection.com/bohemian-charleston/experiences/wine-blending/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kesslercollection.com/bohemian-charleston/experiences/wine-blending/" target="_blank">wine blending class</a> at the hotel&#x27;s downstairs bar makes for a fun evening activity. You can take home your own custom wine with a custom label as a keepsake.</li></ul><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carmella&#x27;s:" data-vars-click-url="https://carmellasdessertbar.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://carmellasdessertbar.com/" target="_blank">Carmella&#x27;s:</a> The silver lining of being a city beloved by wedding and bachelorette parties is that they can support a high quantity of late-night dessert bars. Carmella&#x27;s is the tried-and-true choice for grabbing an espresso martini and a slice of cake before calling it a night. <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Do:</h2>Tour: Take a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harbor cruise" data-vars-click-url="https://charlestonharbortours.com/tours-cruises/daily-harbor-tours/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://charlestonharbortours.com/tours-cruises/daily-harbor-tours/" target="_blank">harbor cruise</a>, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="walking ghost tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bulldogtours.com/tours/ghost" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bulldogtours.com/tours/ghost" target="_blank">walking ghost tour</a> or visit one of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="many museums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlestoncvb.com/plan-your-trip/tours-attractions~204/museums~1370/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlestoncvb.com/plan-your-trip/tours-attractions~204/museums~1370/" target="_blank">many museums</a>.<ul><li>Of note: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The International African American Museum" data-vars-click-url="http://iaamuseum.org/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://iaamuseum.org/" target="_blank">The International African American Museum</a> is set to open early next year and will be located on the site of where some 40% of enslaved African people first entered North America.</li></ul>Explore on foot: The best way to take in the city&#x27;s architecture and natural beauty is to immerse yourself within it. Start in the historic district to see some of the oldest still-standing buildings in the country, then make yourself to White Point Gardens or Waterfront Park for harbor views.<ul><li>Or, walk up King Street for sights and shopping.</li></ul>Hit the beach: I can&#x27;t in good conscience recommend a trip to this little coastal city without a visit to its coast. <ul><li>Our closest beaches are within a 30-minute drive from downtown. </li><li>Plan for at least a half-day there to have time to enjoy the beach, explore the island and grab a bite to eat.</li></ul>For a no-frills, fried Lowcountry seafood dinner go to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bowens Island" data-vars-click-url="https://bowensisland.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bowensisland.com/" target="_blank">Bowens Island</a> near Folly Beach. Avoid the line by getting there early. Stay for the sunset, if you can.To pretend it&#x27;s no-frills when there are actually plenty, go to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sullivan&#x27;s Fish Camp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sullivansfishcamp.com/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sullivansfishcamp.com/" target="_blank">Sullivan&#x27;s Fish Camp</a> on Sullivan&#x27;s Island.<ul><li>Its atmosphere is designed to appear unassuming but is professionally done by a team whose former clients <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="include Wes Anderson" data-vars-click-url="http://basicprojects.us/about-2" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://basicprojects.us/about-2" target="_blank">include Wes Anderson</a>. </li></ul>Yes, but: If you want to see the Lowcountry but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="don&#x27;t like sand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tLf1JO5bvE" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tLf1JO5bvE" target="_blank">don&#x27;t like sand</a>, skip the beach and go to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shem Creek" data-vars-click-url="https://experiencemountpleasant.com/waterfront-at-shem-creek/" data-vars-content-id="1e201c52-e783-4f9b-b790-f59278a1bbf9" data-vars-headline="A guide to Charleston, S.C., 4.5 hours from Raleigh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://experiencemountpleasant.com/waterfront-at-shem-creek/" target="_blank">Shem Creek</a> in Mount Pleasant instead.

Things to Do

The Bachman's warbler has tweeted its last song.

Driving the news: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared 21 species extinct this month, including the Bachman's warbler, a migratory songbird that once had its breeding grounds in the Carolinas.

Why it matters: The new additions to the list of 650 extinct U.S. species underscores both the heroic and catastrophic impacts humans can have on the natural world.

The agency says that the Endangered Species Act, now 50 years old, has saved more than 99% of listed threatened species.

On the other hand, human-driven "habitat loss, overuse and introduction of invasive species and diseases" are often the driver of extinctions.

Context: Most of the newly-declared extinct species had been listed under the Endangered Species Act for several decades, and it's possible some have been extinct for quite some time.

The intrigue: The FWS also proposed declaring the ivory-billed woodpecker, whose habitat ranged into North Carolina, extinct, but now says it won't give up on the species.

The last "commonly agreed upon sighting" of the woodpecker was nearly 80 years ago in Louisiana, according to the agency.

But some experts and birdwatchers insist they've seen the species in more recent years and have submitted grainy photos and videos they believe to be proof to the FWS for review, the Washington Post reports.

Bird once found in Carolinas declared extinct

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared 21 species extinct this month

North Carolina

The Bachman&#x27;s warbler has tweeted its last song.Driving the news: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declared 21 species extinct" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/17/us-declares-21-endangered-species-extinct" data-vars-content-id="556ae4e5-069b-48ea-9adc-606a869dd19b" data-vars-headline="Bird once found in Carolinas declared extinct" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/17/us-declares-21-endangered-species-extinct" target="_self">declared 21 species extinct</a> this month, including the Bachman&#x27;s warbler, a migratory songbird that once had its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="breeding grounds in the Carolinas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/bachmans_warbler_map.htm" data-vars-content-id="556ae4e5-069b-48ea-9adc-606a869dd19b" data-vars-headline="Bird once found in Carolinas declared extinct" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sdakotabirds.com/species/maps/bachmans_warbler_map.htm" target="_blank">breeding grounds in the Carolinas</a>.

News

Climate

Two Durham parks are partially closed after city-hired contractors found dangerous levels of lead in the soil.

Why it matters: Chronic lead exposure is dangerous, especially for children. It can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system.

Driving the news: Contractors found eight soil samples with lead levels higher than the EPA threshold in East Durham Park, and seven in Walltown Park. All affected areas have been fenced off.

Dangerous levels of lead were also found in the old Sign & Signal shop area of East End Park that isn't accessible to the public.

None of the lead contamination was found in playground areas. 

Catch up quick: The city hired a contractor after a Duke graduate student's research identified high levels of lead in East Durham, East End and Walltown parks due to the historic presence of trash incinerators. 

The big picture: All three parks are located in predominantly non-white and/or low-income neighborhoods, INDY Week reports.

What's next: Further analysis of the soil. It's expected to be completed by Aug. 21 and after that, the city of Durham says it will hold public meetings to share the findings.

Lead contamination found in three Durham parks

Lead contamination was discovered in the parks as part of a Duke graduate student's research

Durham

Two Durham parks are partially closed after city-hired contractors found dangerous levels of lead in the soil.Why it matters: Chronic lead exposure is dangerous, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="especially for children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/health-effects.htm" data-vars-content-id="737f428e-75bf-471d-931d-84ea904fa96e" data-vars-headline="Lead contamination found in three Durham parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/health-effects.htm" target="_blank">especially for children</a>. It can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system.

Data: Raleigh Police Department; Map: Thomas Oide/Axios

An off-duty police officer on his way to work, a woman just shy of her 35th birthday, and a 16-year-old boy were among the five people killed in Friday's mass shooting along the Neuse River Greenway Thursday night.

Police say a 15-year-old white male, who is in custody, opened fire in a shooting spree that started in the Hedingham neighborhood and continued onto the popular greenway, leaving a crime scene nearly two miles long.

City officials have not released the name of the suspected shooter. 

The latest: Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman told Axios Friday petitions have been filed against the suspect, but her office is seeking to have the case transferred to superior court, where the teen would be tried as an adult. 

That all depends on the suspect's condition, however, which her office is closely monitoring. 

The victims: At a press conference Friday morning, police chief Estella Patterson the deceased victims were identified as: 52-year-old Nicole Conners, 34-year-old Mary Marshall, 49-year-old Susan Karnatz, 29-year-old Raleigh Police Department officer Gabriel Torres, and 16-year-old James Roger Thompson. 

One woman is still in the hospital in critical condition. 

33-year-old senior officer Casey Joseph Clark was also hospitalized with an injury, but was released later last night.

Police say the suspect, a 15-year-old male, began shooting people in the Hedingham neighborhood near before fleeing onto the greenway and shooting more people there.

At 9:37pm Thursday police said the suspect was in custody. Patterson said this morning the suspect was hospitalized and in critical condition, but did not indicate how he was injured.

What's still unclear: Police did not indicate any possible motive, or whether the suspect is related to any of the victims. 

Details: Just after 5pm Thursday, police reported an active shooter situation near the greenway. For hours, police closed sections of Hedingham and warned residents to stay inside. 

A visibly shaken Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin was joined by Gov. Roy Cooper and Raleigh police officials at a 10:45pm press conference Thursday. 

Officials said at that update that one person remained in the hospital in critical condition.

A second officer, one who was responding to the shooting, was also hospitalized but had since been released.

What else we know:  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Charlotte confirmed it was among the multiple law enforcement agencies responding to the shooting.

What they're saying: "Tonight terror has reached our doorstep," Gov. Roy Cooper said at last night's press conference. "The nightmare of every community has come to Raleigh." 

"All of us have many questions, but as we seek answers to those questions, let's all pray for these victims, their families, the communities that have been shocked by this, and that we all depend on each other and help each other during this difficult period of time."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

15-year-old charged in Raleigh shooting to be tried as adult, DA says

Police said the victims included an off-duty police officer and a 16-year-old boy

Mass shootings

An off-duty police officer on his way to work, a woman just shy of her 35th birthday, and a 16-year-old boy were among the five people killed in Friday&#x27;s mass shooting along the Neuse River Greenway Thursday night.<ul><li>Police say a 15-year-old white male, who is in custody, opened fire in a shooting spree that started in the Hedingham neighborhood and continued onto the popular greenway, leaving a crime scene nearly two miles long.</li><li>City officials have not released the name of the suspected shooter. </li></ul>The latest: Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman told Axios Friday petitions have been filed against the suspect, but her office is seeking to have the case transferred to superior court, where the teen would be tried as an adult.

Jen here. Last weekend, my dad and I ventured across Western North Carolina in search of a creature rare and mystifying, at least in this part of the country: elk.

Flashback: Overhunting and habitat loss drove elk to extinction in the state by the late 18th century.

In the early 2000s the National Park Service reintroduced the animal into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to see if they could stage a comeback.

So far, it's worked. According to the state Wildlife Resources Commission, the population has passed 200.

Flashforward: Our elk-watching expedition began in the Cataloochee Valley, which is about 40 miles west of Asheville and accessible via a long, narrow and winding road.

There were no elk around that morning, but there were spectators. Tailgaters pulled out lawn chairs and coolers, ready to wait all day for a glimpse of the herd.

We drove another hour along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee, where elk are known to roam the surrounding valleys. No dice. Until…

As we were driving away, a car stopped in front of us and a small child poked his head out of its sunroof. I followed his line of sight, and there they were: two female elk, or cows, lying peacefully in the grass.

Then, we came across at least 25 more, including several calves and at least one antlered male elk, or bull.

One by one, cars on the Blue Ridge Parkway stopped. A crowd formed along the roadside, but still a safe distance from the animals, to witness with quiet amazement the elk of North Carolina.

From afar the elk seemed quiet, docile and unbothered. They were no doubt aware of the presence of people but were more concerned with snacking on the grass and bathing in the late afternoon sun.

The bottom line: To behold the elk was neat. To do so alongside a hodgepodge group of humans — the same species that once wiped them out, now rooting for their return — was really special.

A journey to see elk in Western North Carolina

Elk in Cherokee, North Carolina. Photo: Jen Ashley/Axios

Animals

Jen here. Last weekend, my dad and I ventured across Western North Carolina in search of a creature rare and mystifying, at least in this part of the country: elk.Flashback: Overhunting and habitat loss drove elk to extinction in the state by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late 18th century" data-vars-click-url="https://ncwf.org/wildlife/elk/" data-vars-content-id="94f68ed0-1eea-4e1c-96ee-05371618eb4f" data-vars-headline="A journey to see elk in Western North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ncwf.org/wildlife/elk/" target="_blank">late 18th century</a>.<ul><li>In the early 2000s the National Park Service reintroduced the animal into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Smoky Mountain National Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/07/07/north-carolina-national-parks-economic-impacts" data-vars-content-id="94f68ed0-1eea-4e1c-96ee-05371618eb4f" data-vars-headline="A journey to see elk in Western North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2022/07/07/north-carolina-national-parks-economic-impacts" target="_self">Great Smoky Mountain National Park</a> to see if they could stage a comeback.</li><li>So far, it&#x27;s worked. According to the state Wildlife Resources Commission, the population has passed 200.</li></ul>

Jen Ashley

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A journey to see elk in Western North Carolina

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