Little Sally Troll in North Carolina: A Birthday Adventure Worth Taking

How a birthday adventure reminded me that the best gifts are experiences—and that old things often have the most incredible stories to tell.

I’ve discovered that birthdays look a little different as I’ve gotten older. Gone are the days when I wanted to celebrate with a pile of presents. These days, I’d much rather collect memories than things. Give me a road trip, a small-town café, a walking trail, or an off-the-beaten-path attraction, and I’m a happy girl.

That’s exactly why I’ve started a birthday tradition of exploring a new place somewhere in North Carolina. Even though I’ve lived here most of my life, this state continues to surprise me. Every year I find another hidden gem that makes me appreciate North Carolina just a little bit more.

This year’s adventure? Visiting Little Sally. If you’ve been following me on instagram for a while, you might remember that Raul and I celebrated our anniversary by visiting Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh to find the five giant trolls hidden throughout the park. It felt like a real-life scavenger hunt as we wandered the trails, map in hand, searching for each whimsical sculpture. ( I promise I will share that post soon.)

We had so much fun that I knew I wanted to continue our troll-hunting adventures for my birthday. And Little Sally did not disappoint.

Standing beneath this towering wooden sculpture is one of those moments that makes you stop and simply admire someone’s creativity. Pictures don’t quite capture the scale—or the craftsmanship. Every angle reveals another detail, another carefully placed board, another reminder of the incredible amount of work that went into creating her.

What makes these sculptures even more fascinating is the story behind them. They are the work of Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo, who has become known around the world for creating giant trolls from reclaimed materials. Instead of using freshly cut lumber, he builds his sculptures from old pallets, discarded fence boards, scrap wood, and other materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

It’s amazing to think that something many people would consider trash can become artwork that draws visitors from across the country. I’ve always been drawn to that idea. Maybe that’s why I love wandering through antique stores and thrift shops so much.

I don’t just see old furniture or vintage dishes—I see history. I see craftsmanship. I see stories.

I love imagining where an old rocking chair once sat or who gathered around a farmhouse table for Sunday dinner decades ago. There’s something special about giving old things a second life instead of letting them be forgotten.

The trolls capture that same spirit. They’re more than just sculptures.They’re reminders that creativity doesn’t always begin with something brand new. Sometimes the most remarkable creations start with materials that already have a story to tell.

As we walked around Big Salley, I found myself thinking about how much joy simple adventures can bring. There wasn’t an expensive admission ticket. There wasn’t a packed itinerary.

It was just the two of us with our middle daughter and her friends in tow, spending time together, exploring somewhere new, taking pictures, laughing, and enjoying a beautiful North Carolina day.

Those are the birthdays I remember most. Not because of what I received. But because of how I felt.

I’ve learned that experiences have a way of staying with us long after the wrapping paper is gone. Years from now, I may not remember every birthday gift I’ve ever opened, but I have a feeling I’ll remember hiking through the woods searching for giant trolls. I’ll remember laughing when we finally spotted one peeking through the trees.

I’ll remember standing beneath Big Salley, marveling at what can be created from reclaimed wood and a little imagination. Most of all, I’ll remember sharing the adventure with Raul.

If you’re looking for a unique day trip in North Carolina, I highly recommend adding the trolls to your travel list. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just looking for an excuse to get outside, they offer something a little different—and a lot of fun.

Sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones that cost the most. Sometimes they’re the ones that invite us to slow down, explore somewhere new, and see familiar things from a different perspective.

And if you’re anything like me, you might just leave with a new appreciation for old things, creative minds, and the memories made along the way.

Have you gone troll hunting yet?

I’d love to hear about your favorite North Carolina adventure—or the most unexpected place you’ve discovered. Share it in the comments. You just might inspire my next birthday trip!