After surviving a long strain of rainstorms throughout most of May, the temperatures are rising and that summer feeling has returned. 

Summer is officially here and you can really feel it if you spend any amount of time outside! As an adult, can I just say that the summer months still hold a special place in my heart? 

Despite the humidity, the bugs and, in some cases, the sudden flash rain storms, summers in North Carolina really are something special. 

Living in North Carolina means we get the best of everything: mountains in the east and the coast on the west. It also means we get a lot of interesting weather in the summer months including rain, sleet, hail, sunshine, sometimes all in the same day depending on what side of the state you’re on. 

As a kid I always looked forward to summer. With no school, no buses, no homework, no worries, the question was always: Do I want to put on real clothes today? Now as an adult, and after experiencing something similar during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am glad to say that that magic is still somewhat there. 

While I can’t take three whole months off of work (I don’t think anyone can, not in this economy) there is still a rush when it comes to planning summer activities. 

As we continue on with our County by County series, I am racking up a laundry list of things I want to do this summer! In this issue exploring Harnett County, I learned more about Aloha Safari Zoo, a local exotic zoo that is less than an hour away (page 12). With our last few issues (now available to read online) exploring some of the new and exciting things to do in the area, I am officially ready to allow my summer experience to go from sleeping in all day and watching cartoons to weekend getaways with friends and family to some of the wonderful attractions right here in our area! 

In this issue, the second of our 2023 county focused issues, we explore the latest developments in Harnett County, including their ten-year plan for development and growth, a new fiber optic internet provider moving into the area, and First Bank Regional President Rob Patterson reflecting on a year of growth following a merger and acquisition in recent years. 

Our next County focus will be on Bladen County for our July 14 issue, and I can’t wait to see how they’re growing and expanding. 

I wish all of you a happy and blessed summer! As always, it is a pleasure to be able to tell your stories, and I look forward to connecting with your communities