by Susannah Richardson | Oct 28, 2024 | Do, November 2024
Cary’s Jennye Stirlen talks her thrilling journey on CBS’ The Summit.
You know the saying: “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you follow?” Usually a groupthink analogy or classic parental comeback, Cary local Jennye Stirlen experienced it as a call to real-life adventure.
No stranger to risk or adversity, The Summit star moved solo to NC nine years ago—not to mention overcame cancer and addiction. Now, on CBS’ new hit show, the ever-brave contestant competes weekly against 16 strangers on a 14-day trek through the New Zealand Alps facing Antarctic winds, intense physical challenges and surprise twists at the will of the “Mountain’s Keeper”—all with a cool mill (collective) on the line.
It was a profound experience of personal growth, the fierce competitor tells RM. Ahead of the series finale Dec. 4, Stirlen reveals what it was like to take on The Summit.
How did you get involved in the show?
A casting director reached out with minimal details (really just that it would be challenging) and asked if I might be interested in participating. Having faced significant challenges in my life—surviving cancer, overcoming addiction in my family and losing 120 pounds—I saw this as another chance for growth. So, I said yes!
What was your adventure tolerance
like before?
I enjoy being outdoors, but I lean more toward ‘glamping’ than traditional camping. This experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.
How did you prepare?
I train in boxing, Muay Thai and judo daily. Knowing we’d be filming in New Zealand, I used an elevation mask while rucking to prepare for the altitude. I also did obstacle-course training, as I had no idea what to expect.
What was the day-to-day experience like?
The New Zealand mountains are stunning but unforgiving. The terrain was brutal, especially for inexperienced hikers. We hiked for miles each day, facing daunting obstacles while trying to stay in the game. It was physically, emotionally and mentally grueling.
What are some of your key takeaways?
This experience was challenging and exhausting, but it taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. Extreme situations reveal parts of your personality you didn’t know existed. I discovered my ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and how deeply I can connect with people I’ve just met.
What have you been up to since?
As an MMA referee, I was eager to reconnect with my fight community here in Raleigh. I continue my education and training as an MMA referee, both locally and internationally. I’m also actively involved in the LGBTQ community, volunteering at local events to support and uplift others.
Watch Wednesdays at 9:30pm on CBS 17; Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
by Raleigh Magazine | Jun 29, 2023 | July/August 2023
Great Smoky Mountains
John Denver should’ve penned an additional backwoods ballad called “Smoky Mountain High.” … Sprawling along the Tennessee and NC border, this iconic Appalachian Mountain range is a must-see for the NC explorer. Camp near your car or out in the backcountry—and be sure to see the waterfalls and trek the trails while you’re there. Stay smoky!
Blue Bear Mountain Camp
Feelin’ in tents? No matter what type of outdoorsy person you are, you’ll get a kick out of this pristine mountain land, which features remote camping sites for the rustic and stargazer domes, car-accessible sites and cabin rentals for those who prefer a more glamping-esque experience—so even Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap might have a good time here. With its gorge location nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains (and only 8 miles from Boone!), this spot is a surefire way to grab a breath of fresh air.
Mount Mitchell
“Cause I’m on top of the world”—er, on top of the highest point east of the Mississippi River, that is! Pick your pitch among nine campsites built for backpackers and scattered throughout the elevated state park. And after you’ve caught all your Z’s, be sure to explore the 40 miles of hiking—from chill forays into the fir forest to more challenging explorations along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Happy hiking!
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Who needs fake ocean sounds when you have actual waves to lull you to sleep? For seaside sunsets and a snooze on the sand, Cape Lookout boasts miles and miles of beach camping opps—plus chances to explore nature trails, wildlife and roaming horses; practice those swimming strokes; perfect your paddle; and more. ’Tis the sea-sun, indeed.
Roanoke River
Landlubbers better stay ashore for this one. With some campsites only accessible by boat (!), overnight adventurers must paddle out to their sleeping arrangements linked along the rippling Roanoke River. The area has ~15 riverside camping platforms from which to pick, each with its own offerings (think screened-in platforms, group platform ops, fire pits and bathrooms). Alexa, play “Just Around the Riverbend.”
FIVE STARS!
Pitch, don’t kill my vibe. Here’s how NC camping stacks up in 2023’s Best States for Camping in America.
Number of campsites: No. 6
Number of campsites with toilets: No. 5
Number of camping supply stores: No. 7
Phone coverage: No. 28
Average nightly campground rate: No. 18
by Cameron Rhinehardt | Mar 28, 2023 | April 2023, Do
New luxe glamping experience on the Cape Fear River
Not an outdoorsy person, you say? Allow us to change your mind. Glamping is the ideal way to combine comfort and adventure—and skip a lot of the work normally associated with an overnight foray into the forest. And, P.S., camping in a fully equipped modern luxury wagon still counts as camping btw.
Enter The Cozy Heron, a new glamping resort from Cape Fear River Adventures (CFRA) in Lillington (a short hour drive from Raleigh), now open for bookings—with its grand opening slated for April.
Stacked with five handcrafted, made-in-the-USA wooden Conestoga wagons—each equipped with heat and air conditioning; a king-size bed; two bunk beds; and a kitchenette complete with a refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker—this slumber space has all the amenities and s’more (!). To boot, the wagons are nestled along the banks of the Cape Fear River, allowing campers to drink in
impeccable views.
“We wanted to create an environment where you can experience an outdoor adventure with all the comforts of home,” says The Cozy Heron owner Ilia Smirnov. “The wagons will encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy all the river and surrounding area have to offer.”
For those who don’t mind stepping outside their comfort zone (read: the comforts of luxe wagons), CFRA also hosts several outdoor adventures—from kayaking and paddleboarding rentals, classes and excursions to river tubing and canoe trips—and Raven Rock State Park is nearby, if hiking is your thing. After all that activity, you can nosh on a slice of pizza and sip a craft beer or two at the on-property Lost Paddle Tavern.
No doubt an in-tents experience, Smirnov says “glamping is unique because it combines the joy of the outdoors with the comforts of modern homes. You get to experience the feel of nature all around you while enjoying the conveniences of everyday living.” Sounds like the perfect recipe for happy campers, no? capefearadventures.com
Let’s Go Glamping
More luxe camping outfitters in NC
Glamp Raleigh
There’s no place like home—so bring the glamping experience to your backyard by transforming your lawn into a stylish, magical outdoor oasis complete with gorgeous decor, lush bedding and romantic lighting. … The best part? You don’t even have to lift a finger! Now that’s our kinda camping. glampraleigh.com
Smoky Mountain Glamping
Roughing it not your style? Serve up some self-care a la fresh mountain air via this comforting and glamorous “camping” excursion (think linens, robes, local soap, coffee, fruit—the list goes on). This mountainous retreat might just make you say goodbye to “regular camping” forever. How’s that for a peak experience? smokymountainglampingnc.com
Southern Nights
Camping is easy! Well, if you
(gl)amp it up a little (!). Based in Wilmington—with an added op to travel up to 25 miles away—this slew of glamping selects promises to match your vibe, from romantic to family-friendly. NTM curated luxury picnic setups on the beach, in your backyard or at your fave park. Yes, please! southernnightsglamping.com
by Lindsey Hyde | Nov 1, 2022 | Do, November 2022
RVers are shifting gears on where to park it.
Looks like life is about the journey and the destination—and that destination is a host of dreamy spots to slumber. Say, the grounds of a gorge golf course in South Dakota, a serene farm in Iowa or a scenic winery in California.
Enter Harvest Hosts, a company capitalizing on—and upgrading—the RV rage by giving members access to nearly 7,400 atypical “camp” sites in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Exploding during the pandemic (hey, safe way to travel), home became where the van is in record numbers, with the RV Industry Association reporting the industry produced a record 600,240 wholesale shipments in 2021 (up nearly 20% from its last record set in 2017).
While the pandemic clearly drove up interest and hip factor in RVing, Harvest Hosts CEO Joel Holland says it’s a way of life that, beyond being long popular with the older demographic, was already gaining traction. “National parks and state parks were becoming really popular even before the pandemic—going to small towns, buying local…” he says. “So I think trying to find these authentic experiences—that is what drove the initial interest in RVing by the younger demographic.”
Adventuring Triangle couple Mark and Beth Haskell joined Harvest Hosts back in 2015, just eight months after they started RVing. Since then, they’ve stayed at 40 host sites.
Locales include the likes of golf courses, farms, churches, wineries, breweries, distilleries and museums. So, essentially, you can cruise without a care in the world with the bonus of, say, a few rounds of golf or glasses of red—and no need for a DD.
“They’re an alternative to crowded campgrounds, introduce you to new experiences and can be great fun,” says Mark, noting that one of Beth’s favorite experiences has been meeting a 12-day-old alpaca on a Colorado farm. “Financially, we often spend as much as we would for a campground, but go away with [things like] a jug of maple syrup, full bellies, a good bottle of wine and often a little bit of new knowledge.”
While host sites don’t charge overnight fees like campgrounds, Mark explains those stops are still an essential part of the ride, as host sites don’t provide water, electricity or disposal facilities. Still, Harvest Hosts gets rave reviews, and its membership has jumped from 6,000 to 244,000 since Holland took over as CEO in May 2018.
“I think the really big growth is coming from the younger end,” says Holland—“and we’re not seeing that slow down. We survey our members a lot… and our net promoter (NPS) scores are in the mid to high 70s.” Translation: members dig Harvest Hosts more than Apple, Starbucks and the like. Looks like it’s time to roll out… Annual plans from $99, harvesthosts.com
Park Locally
RVing doesn’t mean you have to travel far from home. Explore these six Harvest Host locations (for members!) in and around Raleigh.
by Lauren Kruchten | May 2, 2022 | Do, May 2022
Oak City Shred Fest is rollin’ into Raleigh.
Raleigh, start your engines—er, electric skateboards! Oak City Onewheel’s Oak City Shred Fest—the only head-to-head Onewheel racing event on the East Coast—is coming to town May 13–15 for a stoke-filled weekend of Onewheel (a self-balancing single-wheel electric board-sport) races, live music, camping and much more. Riders from all over the nation will be flocking to Raleigh to compete in the race, which covers two FloatTracks (aka quarter-mile, dirt, triple-track loops) just outside of Downtown. “As a 100% disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, I am so grateful for the medicinal properties of the Onewheel and the Onewheel Community,” says Oak City Shred Fest and Oak City Onewheel Director and President Josh “Supremo” Christensen. “Thanks to the power and capabilities of the Onewheel and Oak City crew, I’m regularly transported to new incredible places, meeting wonderful new people, and discovering new places and possibilities for the future.” More than just Onewheel, the event also allows off-road electric skateboards, unicycles and bikes on the track—or you can ditch the wheels altogether and enjoy brews, food trucks and stand-up paddleboarding at Lakeside Retreats. No matter how you shred it, it’s bound to be a wheelie good weekend. oakcityshredfest.com
