About Where The Dogwood Blooms
Hey there! Thank y’all so much for stopping by. I’m Cassie Clark, and this site has been my home since March of 2021. I launched Where The Dogwood Blooms to help preserve the cultural heritage of North Carolina.
As an 8th generation North Carolinian, I witness the living traditions of NC every day. The patchworked culture I grew up in has Native American, European, and African origins. These cultural traditions blended to create a unique Southern subculture.
Here on the blog, I share North Carolina’s cultural heritage by talking about life as I know it in my home state. Through stories, photography, and dialect, I encourage others to explore the traditions, locations, and flavors that have drawn people to NC for over 300 years.
Meet the Family
Cassie
I’m a Carolina girl with deep roots in the Tar Heel State. Mama’s family is from Wilmington and the Uwharries, while daddy’s is pure Appalachian – making me a “coastal hillbilly.”
I spent my early years with Mamaw and Papaw in Canton, NC. The time I spent wandering the hills gave me a passion for history, nature, and strong family ties.
Like most Southern women, I love to garden, use my fair share of colorful language, and appreciate a good pig pickin’.
Brandon
Brandon is my husband. He’s put up with me since we were 18 years old (may the good Lord bless him for that!). He’s from here in the Sandhills, where we live and raise our two girls. He’s your classic Southern gentleman; he opens doors, waves at everyone, and has never met a stranger.
Bug & Belle
Bug and Belle are our daughters. They’re like night and day.
Bug, the oldest, is shy and quiet. She’s an old soul. Responsible beyond her years, she keeps the rest of us in line.
Belle is the baby. She’s the one who is making me pay for my raisin’. Fiery and opinionated, Belle will tell you exactly what’s on her mind.
Want to know more?
In September 2023, I launched the Where the Dogwood Blooms podcast. The show focuses on sharing North Carolina culture through the experiences of other North Carolinians – and features guests like Rob Cole from The Voice and 2023 National Mrs. US Agriculture Nicole Hall.
Features
Since the podcast launched, there has been a lot of interest in Where the Dogwood Blooms! You may have caught me in one of these places: Chats from the Blog Cabin | The Washington Post | The Carolina Journal | News Radio 570 WWNC | WRNN Hot Talk 99.5 FM | Liberty iNC.
Collaborations
I’ve also had the chance to collaborate with some incredible brands: Elkin Valley Trails Association | Old Groundhog Co. | NC/TN High Country WX | Elicit Sports Authority | Barber Communications.
Awards
Where the Dogwood Blooms has even won a couple of awards: 90 Best NC Blogs & Websites | 20 Best NC Travel Podcasts.
Still Curious?
If you’d like to know more about me, feel free to click around on Where the Dogwood Blooms! I’m an open book. You’ll find tons of stories about my family, upbringing, and adventures here in North Carolina.