Book excerpt: What is it about North Carolina that makes our state so special? See for yourself in "Our North Carolina," a stunning pictorial tour through every beautiful corner of our popular state—a tour that captures our unique character and landscape. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy Atlantic beaches and the Outer Banks; from Civil War battle sites and vivid hues of autumn foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway to cities, farmland, and much more, renowned local photographer Kevin Adams showcases the people and places that make North Carolina such a splendid state in which to live and visit. About the Author/Photographer: Kevin Adams is the photographer of "North Carolina Waterfalls," "Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians," "Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia," "Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park," and "North Carolina’s Best Wildflower Hikes." A member of the North American Nature Photography Association, Adams has received many awards, including one from the North Carolina Zoological Park, 1998; the North Carolina Year of the Coast Award, 1995; and the North Carolina Year of the Mountains Award, 1996.