Sunday, November 30, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1944, Dian Parkinson was born Dianna Lynn Batts in Jacksonville. The former model and Miss World USA 1965 runner-up also starred as a "Barker's Beauty" on The Price Is Right from 1975 to 1993.

Do you spend about the same amount on holiday gifts each year? See Around North Carolina for a ranking of cities across the U.S. based on the average holiday budget per household, and check out our roundup of North Carolina's top holiday shopping destinations in Top Stories.

Today's edition of Flyover North Carolina is running a bit shorter as our team takes time to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. We'll be back with our regular lineup tomorrow.

Discover clever products that actually make life easier with this list of 37 viral gadgets from today's sponsor, Consumer Gift Guide.

Don't feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily—watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

Top NC Trails to Hike

If you enjoy a good holiday hike, the North Carolina Division of Tourism lists more than 20 trails statewide where you can capture late autumn views and waterfall vistas—from Mount Mitchell to Carolina Beach. Routes range from short loops to multi-mile paths through hardwood forests and lakeside perimeters.

Looking for a challenge? The 30-mile Art Loeb Trail winds through Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, crossing the Shining Rock Wilderness and offering stunning Blue Ridge views.

Crabtree Falls, known for its steep terrain, features a moderate 3-mile loop in the Blue Ridge Parkway that descends to a stunning 60-foot waterfall through rhododendron and slippery rocks.

Find a full list of 25 North Carolina waterfall hikes here, from easy-access Dry Falls to swimmable Looking Glass Falls.

NC's Top Holiday Shopping Destinations

Ready to finish up your holiday gift list? For those of you who prefer in-person shopping, here are North Carolina's top-ranked shopping destinations.

Tripadvisor ranks SouthPark Mall in Charlotte No. 1, followed by Concord Mills in Concord at No. 2, and The Streets at Southpoint in Durham at No. 3. Charlotte Premium Outlets and Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh round out the top five.

Visit North Carolina's recommendations include the North Hills shopping district in Raleigh, as well as Asheville's Biltmore Village and River Arts District.

If you're shopping for handmade artisan gifts, check out holiday markets in Charlotte, the Triangle, the Triad, and the Outer Banks.

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Everyone's Talking About These Gadgets, Here's Why

Why is everyone talking about these 37 gadgets? Simple: they work. These aren't random impulse buys... they're the smart solutions people keep recommending to friends and family.

Each one delivers on its promise, whether it's decluttering your space, upgrading your tech setup, or just making daily tasks easier. The reviews speak for themselves, and so do the empty shelves.

These top picks are moving fast, with several already on backorder.

(LEARN MORE)

➤ Triangle: In rivalry weekend football matchups, Duke forced four turnovers to beat Wake Forest 49-32 in Durham. Meanwhile, NC State routed UNC 42-19 in Raleigh, wrapping up a 4-8 season for the Tar Heels and clinching a winning record for the Wolfpack. (See Duke-Wake Forest and NC State-UNC recaps)

➤ Statewide: Applications are open for the 2026 North Carolina Governor's Volunteer Service Awards. Residents can nominate outstanding volunteers in categories including youth services, disaster response, and environmental work. The deadline is Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. (More)

➤ Cary is No. 27 among U.S. cities for average holiday budget per household at $3,094. Budgets range from just over $200 to more than $4,000 across the country, based on residents' income, existing debt obligations, and cost of living. (See Rankings)

➤ Raleigh is No. 8 among the most affordable U.S. winter destinations, thanks to affordable flights and hotels, mild weather, art at CAM Raleigh or the North Carolina Museum of Art, craft breweries, and Southern fare at Poole's Diner. (See Rankings)

➤ Greensboro: A group of moms with children attending North Carolina A&T State University founded the Aggie Moms Scholarship and Resource Foundation, which supports students with food, essentials, scholarships, and mental health services. (More)

➤ Leland: The Cape Fear Fish Sticks, a new summer collegiate baseball team in the Old North State League, will begin play in 2026. They join the Shallotte Shallywags and Oak Island Loggerheads, who had their inaugural seasons this year. (More)

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Everyone's talking about these 37 gadgets—and for good reason. They actually work. From clever home upgrades to everyday problem-solvers, each one delivers real results and rave reviews. People can't stop sharing them, and shelves are clearing fast. See why these genius finds are selling out nationwide. (LEARN MORE)

Husbands approach holiday shopping quite differently from their wives!

Did you, or do you, watch The Price is Right?

Yesterday's Results:

How do you typically spend the weekend after Thanksgiving?

Decorating for Christmas: 23%
Watching football: 22%
Other: 22%
Holiday shopping: 17%
Hiking: 16%

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