The December 2015 Issue


Photography by Dan Carmichael; Matt Hulsman; Charlotte & Johnny Autry

Want to see inside this issue?

Buy the digital edition and start reading now. Then, subscribe to save money on the cover price and not miss the next issue.



Editor’s Welcome

Change Gonna Come

by Elizabeth Hudson

Our State Great 8

A Tree by Any Name

by Jeremy Markovich

Carolina Classic: Forever Green

by Susan Stafford Kelly

Our State Quiz

Custom Christmas

by Alan Hodge

Family Tradition

And to All a Good Night

by Drew Perry

History

A Whirl of Song and Dance

by Bryan Mims

Food

The Truth About Gingerbread

by Daniel Wallace

Recipes: Wintry Mix

by Lynn Wells

Restaurant: Follow the Starlight

by Susan Stafford Kelly

Travel & Culture

A Place to Land

by Wendy Brenner

City Portrait: Raleigh

by Scott Huler

Studio Tour: Lauren Jones Worth

by Susan Stafford Kelly

Books & Music

by Katie Fennell

Photo Essay

Queen City Christmas

The brilliance of an urban Christmas in Charlotte.

Ramblin’ Man: Christmas Tree Hunting

In search of tradition — not perfection.
by T. Edward Nickens

Features: A Christmas to Remember

Postmark: Bethlehem, NC

A childhood fantasy of the town known for Christmas.
by Eric G. Wilson

Christmas All Year Long

The Hoggard brothers’ Windsor light display is a 12-month affair.
by Kevin Maurer

A Gift From Across the Globe

World War II Christmases aboard the USS North Carolina.
by Susan Stafford Kelly

Sweet Season

The heirloom candy of a homemade Christmas (recipes included).
by Sheri Castle

Every Ornament Tells a Story

Trimming the tree with family memories.
by Duncan Murrell

The Tall Tale of the Christmas Flounder

On the printing of Wilmington’s oft-told legend.
by Paul Stephen

Bonfire of the Christmas Boxes

A father-son Christmas requires empty packages and a Zippo.
by T. Edward Nickens

Noche Buena, North Carolina

A Cuban Christmas meal is the language of love.
by Drew Perry

When the Turkey is Takeout

Catastrophes, hilarity, and the epiphanies that accompany tradition.
by Scott Huler

Jazz Nativity

In Greensboro, tap shoes and trumpets join Mary at the manger.
by Susan Stafford Kelly

The Night Before Christmas (NC-Style)

A new North Carolina take on the classic poem.
by Susan Stafford Kelly

Game On!

When hockey came to Raleigh: the story of the Carolina Hurricanes.
by Shane Ryan

Carolina Calendar

The View from Here: Mount Holly

Nature

Forest Bones

by T. Edward Nickens

Tundra Swan

by T. Edward Nickens