During this festival at Duke Homestead State Historic Site, visitors will learn all about the industry that fueled North Carolina’s agricultural economy for centuries. Observe costumed demonstrators harvesting tobacco, or grab a pair of gloves and join in on the work. Cheer for your favorite team in the tobacco-tying competition, and watch kids race hornworms. The “Tobacco Queen,” local craft vendors, and live music will also be at this event.
(919) 627-6990, dukehomestead.org
Mary Mack’s offers more than 50 Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavors. photograph by Matt Hulsman
Remember tasting a snow cone for the first time? How the cool crystals of cherry- or grape-flavored ice crunched between your teeth? Inspired by the memories of eating snow cones as a boy, Gary Mac Herring founded Mary Mack’s, Inc., in 1996, creating shaved ice syrups in his mom’s kitchen. Herring soon discovered that customers wanted to buy the leftover syrup from his snow cone stand at the end of each summer season. So in 2000, he expanded Mary Mack’s offerings online. Today, the business ships personal snow cone makers and more than 50 Hawaiian Shaved Ice flavors, from lemon-lime to Silver Fox — a blend of almond and vanilla — from its Newton Grove factory to locations around the globe.
To learn more about Mary Mack’s or to order Hawaiian Shaved Ice syrup, visit marymacks.com.
From beaches to amphitheaters, North Carolina’s outdoor music scene has something for everyone.
Enjoy a concert by award-winning mandolinist Sam Bush at this venue in the historic Montford neighborhood.
(828) 407-0388, hazelrobinsonamphitheatre.com
Watch local musicians perform at the Carolina Inn during its Friday on the Front Porch series. This historic inn, located on the west side of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is nearly 100 years old.
(919) 933-2001, destinationhotels.com/carolina-inn
The Circle, a popular public beach access, will host performances by North Carolina shag bands, including the Band of Oz, The Embers, and The Mighty Saints of Soul, during the Atlantic Beach Music Festival.
(252) 726-2121, atlanticbeach-nc.com/events/abbmf
To discover more live outdoor music across the state in August, visit ourstate.com/outdoormusic.
Find the Welcome to Carolina Beach mural in front of Town Hall. photograph by Terah Wilson
More than 50 volunteers ages 5 to 87 helped artist Susan Nuttall create Welcome to Carolina Beach — a colorful, 16-by-32-foot postcard that stands in front of Carolina Beach Town Hall. The mural is one of five that the nonprofit Carolina Beach Mural Project has completed so far. Maureen Lewis, founder and president of the organization, says, “We thought if we could tell stories about our town, it would add another dimension to people’s visit here.”
1. Welcome to Carolina Beach
Location: 1121 North Lake Park Boulevard
Artist: Susan Nuttall
2. Surf & See
Location: 608 South Lake Park Boulevard South
Artist: Carla Garrison-Mattos
3. Carolina Dreamin’
Location: 7 Harper Avenue
Artist: Jason Parker
4. Record Weekend
Location: 227 Carolina Beach Avenue North
Artist: Sharon Dowell
5. Summer on the Boardwalk
Location: 5 Boardwalk
Artist: Scott Nurkin
To learn more about the Carolina Beach Mural Project, visit carolinabeachmurals.org.
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, the residents of this Chatham County town start early.
Our editor in chief shares a few treasured memories from her childhood home, a Christmas Eve night being one of the very first.
We took some, ahem, creative liberties when we combed through Our State’s archives to find a few favorite stories that carry the tune of a Christmas classic.
From decades-old family recipes to a centuries-old Carolina cookie, we’re filling our holiday tables with dishes that have stood the test of time.
