We are affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR found at www.aanr.com) and The Naturist Society (TNS found at www.naturistsociety.com). Please check out their web sites to get a better understanding of nudism/naturism.

Spring cooperated so well that we were able to fling off our clothes at Bernie and Jerry's and enjoy the sunshine outdoors. We even took the ever plentiful food outside to eat. After lunch Bernie brought out bubble blowers of various sizes and bubble solution for us to play with (you're never to old to play). Eleven members and three prospective members thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Welcome Spring

We had hoped to welcome spring on Fred's outdoor deck, but Mother Nature decided to make it a chilly, drizzly day not conducive to outdoor enjoyment. Instead we celebrated spring indoors next to the warming heat from Fred's wood burning stove. An even dozen of us shared the warmth along with some yummy food and delightful company.

Super Bowl Party

Since folks preferred returning home before dark, it turned into more of a pre-game party. As usual, the pot luck provided food that was both plentiful and delicious. To get in a "game" mood, everyone sat down with Walt's Scrabble board. It may not have been as elaborate as the Super Bowl, but it was every bit as much fun!

Holiday Party

Our traditional holiday party at Bob N.'s in Charlotte provided, as always, a great time for all who came. Two prospective members added new faces to the group of old friends who gathered to share holiday cheer. Honey-baked ham was joined by an array of accompanying dishes brought to share. There was food aplenty.

Everyone had brought along his/her Christmas stocking to line up along Bob's fireplace. I'm not sure how he did it but St. Nick managed to sneak in and fill the stockings while we enjoyed a delicious meal. Our evening ended after we'd all emptied our stockings and ooo-d and ahhh-d over the contents.

Thanksgiving Potluck

A group of nine members and two prospective members gathered at Pam and Bob's house Saturday afternoon to break bread, enjoy fellowship, and share reasons for Thanksgiving. The consensus was that we were all fortunate to have so many blessings for which to be thankful.

Everyone was brave enough to try the Polish Pork and Dill Pickle Soup Pam had made before digging into the goodies others had brought to share. Taste delights included potato lasagne, curried chicken, old fashioned dressing, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes with kielbasa and onions, salad, brownies with cream cheese topping, and a savory casserole. The only thing better than the food was the friendship.

Nudestock

Not many of our members were able to make it to Cedar Creek for Nudestock, but those who went had a great time. The weather was pleasantly warm during the day and cool in the evenings. Saturday featured a petanque tournament. Baskets filled with goodies were raffled during the week-end. As always, the music was excellent, highlighted by a nude DJ on Sunday night.

Enjoy the Outdoors

The weather at Walt's outdoor haven (or is that heaven) didn't disappoint. The first part of the day it was plenty hot for those who like the warm weather. Then a brief rain shower cooled things down for those who prefer their weather a little less toasty. We had nine members, one guest, and two prospective members in attendance.

As usual, their was more than enough food to please every appetite. A highlight was the fresh tomatoes, something everyone agrees is one of summer's finest treats. The good company just enhanced the good food.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Carolina Foothills lived up to its reputation in providing a fun Fourth for everyone there. Free pizza to which you added your choice of toppings was served in the clubhouse at noon. At dinner, the meal of chicken or pork with baked beans, cole slaw, and a wide assortment of pies, puddings, and cakes was well worth the cost. Evening fireworks were spectacular, lasting almost an hour. It was proof that even though NCN doesn't have its own land, it certainly enjoys travelling to clubs that do.

Costume Party

The weather failed to cooperate yet again. However, the garden appreciated the much-needed rain and it stopped in time to give everyone a dry ride home.

The good news is that there was plenty of room on the host's deck for everyone to enjoy the outdoors despite the dampness. The yummy pot luck was served in the kitchen and included rotisseried chicken, pasta salad, and lots of other goodies. Costumes included a mechanic and Kilroy, who was definitely there. Congenial conversation made the afternoon pass all too quickly.

Annual Reunion

The weather just did not want to cooperate for our Homecoming gathering at Walt's, but the hospitality and comaraderie were as warm as ever! Friends started gathering early in the day; it was a wonderful mix of "old timers", new members and a visitor from Columbia.

As always, there was just too much food: Bob brought two boxes of barbeque (both beef brisket and pork), a bowl of dynamite sauce, two trays of macaroni and cheese and a healthy tray of cole slaw. Everyone else rounded out the menu with steaming crock pots and casserole dishes brimming with luscious side dishes. And, as always, there were the desserts!

Even though we barely could get outside, (yes, pun intended) we did have a great afternoon catching up on all the news from each other. We also started thinking about what kind of "costumes" we'd be putting together for our next event coming up in June. As folks begain leaving late in the afternoon, we all thanked Walt for another wonderful get-together...we look forward to seeing everyone in Troutman next month!

Who's the Fool??

There were staggered arrivals as folks came from far and near to join us outside Winston-Salem. After all the expected members had arrived bearing their pot luck contributions, we sat down at two tables to enjoy a sumptuous repast.

Since it was April Fool's Day, the plan was to see who could fool their friends best with a story from either their recent or distant past. There were stories of a former girlfriend on a "snipe" hunt, a trip to foreign beaches that involved injury to one of our members, a missed cruise ship, a subway (the New York kind, not the sandwich kind) meeting with a former Attica prisoner, unusual names, and more. Everyone told his story with such a straight face that it was hard to decide who was pulling our legs and who wasn't. In the end, John won the prize for fooling more people than anyone else.

Wearing o' the Green

Although we were officially gathered to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, the real celebration was for another reason. Everyone was very happy for Derek and Hazel who recently were awarded U.S citizenship. Congratulations and way to go!!!

Other highlights included the delicious grilled chicken and salmon that Bob N. prepared as well as the yummy side dishes provided by everyone present. The food must've been good since another new couple who were there decided to officially join NCN. Welcome to them!

Palate Pleasing Potluck

Fred had a roaring fire ablaze in the fireplace so we were all toasty warm despite the chill outdoors. The warmth of the fire was matched by the warmth of the fellowship shared around that fire. We were joined by three visitors, two of whom joined our club that very evening. They're a wonderful couple and will be a great addition to our group.

The food at our potluck lived up to the event's title. Everything was indeed palate pleasing from the shrimp creole prepared by Fred to the meatloaf made by Walt to the five different dessert choices. It was another delightful evening spent in the comfortable company of friends.

Everyone had a great time at Kim and David's house...enough food to feed an army, as usual. After eating (way too much) folks broke into two groups for games. One table played the Mexican Train Game while the other table played Apples to Apples. While the first table had great fun keeping Derek from cheating at the Train Game, the other table kept erupting in laughter at Apples to Apples. The Mexican Train table had to ask them to hold it down and try not to have so much fun. In retaliation, they "tooted" the train horn as often as possible.

Information about Walt's recovery from back surgery was shared. Although Walt feels recovery is going well, it was still a little soon for him to be traveling so he had to miss the party. We all hope he continues so smoothly on the road to recovery that he'll be able to join us at our next event.

"All the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...." and sure enough lots of St. Nicholas's were there! At Bob N.'s holiday party, that is. It's always fun to see what goodies have been deposited in those stockings arranged around his fireplace for the evening. This year was no different from previous ones in the pleasure that the shared fun, food, and fellowship provided.

The hot tub party was a huge success. A total of 28 people showed up to enjoy the fun. There was everything to eat from a baked ham to chicken to various pies and a Death By Chocolate cake. There was even a new grape salad which everyone raved about. The evening was spent with good friends talking and taking a breather before diving into the rush of the holiday season.

Crisp autumn weather succumbed to the bright sunshine as members gathered around Coventry's large outdoor hot tub, the focal point of daytime activities. A complimentary dinner of Ghoulish Stew and sundry other devilishly delicious dishes began the evening at 6:00. With our bellies full, we were ready for the Haunted Hayride with old Uncle Jesse driving the tractor. We encountered all kinds of monsters as we drove through the deep, dark woods, but I have to admit they caused more laughter than screaming. After the hayride folks changed into their Halloween costumes for the dance and costume contest.

Although there were just a few NCN members in attendance, there were many folks from all over enjoying the music, vendors, and warm weather at Cedar Creek. Fred had been very lucky at last year's Nudestock and had won his admission in a drawing then for this year's festival. The rest of us had to pay our way, but it was well worth it. Both the music and the fellowship were great!

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces at Walt's Haven. We had a total of 22 members and 7 visitors plus one reporter from "Creative Loafing" who spoke with those members wishing to converse with him. The reporter, Jared Neumark, will be writing an article on his experience as a participant at a naturist get-together. He was unintrusive and quite pleasant. He expressed his appreciation for allowing him to join us and commented on how nice everyone had been. He was certainly right-on with that one because it was, as always, a very congenial group. Former President Richard and his lovely wife Laura were especially welcome. It had been the first time most folks had seen them since their move to Florida.

You can imagine how much good food we had with so many folks bringing tasty tidbits to share! The club provided delicious barbecue, brisket, and mac & cheese. That was suplemented by several varieties of potato salad and baked beans, devilled eggs, broccoli casserole, fresh vegies and dip, and a whole tableful of desserts. It is certainly true that nobody went away hungry. The perfect accompaniment to all that good food was the good conversation. All who attended were glad they'd made time to attend despite busy schedules.

It was actually July 1st rather than 4th when we gathered at Carolina Foothills to enjoy their planned holiday festivities. Althouth the day was hot, there was plenty of shade under the shelter by the pool. Volleyball in the pool was a big hit, for obvious reasons.

At 6 PM, the progressive dinner began with drinks at the home of one of the residents. We moved from home to home, eating a different course at each venue. Appetizers were varied and delicious. The main course was hot dogs with all the trimmings. Dessert topped it all off with lots of tasty choices. You know how we all love to eat so you know we enjoyed every bite!

At 9:30 the fireworks show began. A golf cart had been rigged with fireworks loaded on wood covering the back of the vehicle. As it drove around the area where spectators were gathered, you could hear the gasps. It was a sight to see. The rest of the show was just an impressive. It was a fantastic display.

A dance in the clubhouse followed the fire works. A 70's theme was set by both the decorations and the musical selections. Some of the get-ups worn by dancers were just as entertaining as the dance itself. What a great way to end the evening!

Food In The Nude
Picnicking with the NC Naturists

Before deciding on a club for your first visit, be sure to check out their web site (we have links to area clubs on the left side of this web page). Is attendance restricted to people who belong to one of the two national nudist organizations, AANR or TNS? What facilities are offered? Does the tone of the resort, rustic or luxurious, fit with your tastes? Are any special activities planned for the dates of your anticipated visit? What are their admission and singles policies? What are the costs? Are pets allowed? Are rooms or campgrounds for overnight stays available? Are reservations required? Remember to plan your day out, get-away weekend, or vacation as you would any other. The more you know, the more comfortable you'll feel when you arrive.

Although some clubs allow visitors to remain clothed while touring the club as a first timer, most clubs expect guests to be "clothed when practical, nude when appropriate." Visitors, as well as members, are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that would be considered acceptable at any other public social gathering. There will be people of all ages and backgrounds - families, couples, children, young and old - and they will all have one thing in common… they decided to participate in nude recreation. As a first timer, please make this important observation, even though you might anticipate it, a nude environment does not have any special sexual connotation.

"On my first visit, must I be completely nude right away?" At a clothing optional club the answer is no. At this type of club you can ease into it slowly. At a full nudist club, once you've toured the grounds, you're expected to be nude. At either style club you'll find yourself wanting to shed your "second skin" sooner rather than later. Why? Because people all around you are nude, quite relaxed, and enjoying their day. Here, being nude is the norm and it's more comfortable.

The benefits of nude recreation are based on acceptance of self and respecting the individuality and freedom of others. Experience the nudist lifestyle and you liberate your mind and body, you rediscover the joy you knew as a child… the spirit deep inside you.

"One of the healthiest things I did for myself was to try nude recreation. I quickly learned that being nude is actually quite natural, what you might call a life enhancing experience. Why? Because having gone nude in a social setting, I now accept who I am and feel comfortable with my own body. Experiencing who I am on the inside has become more important to me than what I look like on the outside. Sure, I still enjoy being well groomed, but I no longer feel the stress associated with trying to wear trendy clothes or that I'm not living up to fashion magazine images of what my body is supposed to look like.

When I'm at an AANR club, I'm in a relaxed community. It's a very supportive environment. Being nude has become the most normal thing in the world. I sometimes wonder, you'll pardon this well-worn phrase, what took me so long. The people I've met are courteous and friendly, there are no pressures, no daily hassles. At a club it's easier to relate to people on the basis of who they really are, not by the image their clothes say they are. And I feel a sense of respect for me as an individual. It feels fabulous to be judged by who I am and not by the physical condition of my body or the style clothing I'm wearing. Now, whether I'm at a nudist club or at my job, my self esteem says, 'Hey, I am a beautiful person!' My whole being is more relaxed; I've never been this confident."

Whether you're married and you and your husband decide to go to a nudist club, or you're single and your friend extols the virtues of being nude, you may still have reservations. It's normal. Once you're there, you'll quickly overcome your concerns.

AANR clubs maintain ethical standards of behavior in a wholesome, family friendly atmosphere. Everyone accepts each other as they are. It doesn't matter if you have a surgical scar, had a mastectomy, have large breasts or small breasts, wide hips and a flat belly or a little belly and narrow hips. No one expects you to have a perfect body. Nudists are secure in who they are and they create environments that make you feel safe and comfortable. From the moment you remove your clothes, you will feel safe and comfortable, and free…free from your restrictive 'second skin', free to truly relax, and free to just be you.

For whatever reason you decided to try nude recreation, you will soon realize that it is something you are doing for yourself. Indulge yourself in a luxury only nature can provide.