From camping on the Outer Banks to practicing yoga on stand-up paddleboards to kayaking down Piedmont rivers, Jo Proia believes in the healing and empowering qualities of the outdoors. After eight and a half years spent working in outdoor recreation and education for women, Proia created Outdoor Women in January 2020, teaching activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and plant identification throughout the state to women of all experience levels. “Nature heals — mentally, emotionally, and physically,” Proia says. “We specialize in allowing an empowered, educated, and supportive environment for women to reconnect with that love of adventure and the outdoors.” — Liz Johnson
To learn more about Outdoor Women by Jo Proia, visit outdoorwomenbyjp.com.
At the Cherokee Heritage Festival, attendees can purchase handmade goods — like baskets created by Davy Arch, a nationally recognized Cherokee storyteller and artist — and watch performers like Cherokee hoop dancer Eddie Swimmer. photographs by Jennifer Callahan
Watch members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians perform dances and demonstrations, browse handcrafted jewelry and art, and indulge in tasty fry bread at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit.
(828) 415-1623
cccra-nc.org
Antique tobacco tins add a pop of color to a kitchen shelf. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel
Looking for a one-of-a-kind North Carolina treasure? Start your search at one of these spots across the state.
Find antique pottery, quilts, folk art, furniture, jewelry, and a variety of other items at the 100-acre Pike Family Farm during this two-day festival in Randolph County. About 400 vendors from 25 states will sell authentic items at this event — no crafts or reproductions allowed.
(800) 626-2672
libertyantiquesfestival.com
Julie Horton, owner of The Owl’s Nest, describes the style of her downtown Lincolnton store as “Southern eclectic.” The shop has traditional antiques like furniture and china, plus newer items like an assortment of farmhouse-style decor.
(704) 740-2083
facebook.com/theowlsnestlincolnton
Owned and operated by Jenny Sellars and her mother, SuzAnna’s has served customers for 17 years. “I seriously learn something new every day working at the shop,” Sellars says. SuzAnna’s sells Ball and Mason jars, garden tools, salt and pepper shakers, and much more.
(919) 844-2652
facebook.com/suzannasantique
Shoppers can find everything from earrings to guitars at this 15-acre flea market, which features more than 70 vendors. Grab a snack while shopping and pick up some fresh produce from the on-site farmers market.
(252) 442-2597
tarriverfleamarket.com
— Jordan Schultz
For more North Carolina antiques shops, click here.
Flaky buttermilk drop biscuits, creamy potato and sausage casserole, and soul-warming chicken and cabbage soup were among your favorite recipes in January. Find out what else made the list.
For only three days each week, a former hosiery mill building in the foothills becomes a barbecue destination powered by a hardworking family.
When demand for tobacco and cotton diminished, this one-square-mile Halifax County town followed suit. Now, one couple is revitalizing Littleton into a lively location once more.
Each year, Our State celebrates the very best in North Carolina craftsmanship with the Made in NC Awards. Meet the talented artisans who won top honors in 2022 — and watch them at work.
