A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Season 2 Winston-Salem Take a trip to the city of arts and innovation to visit local shops and restaurants in the historic West End neighborhood, stroll through Reynolda Gardens, and

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Season 2 Winston-Salem Take a trip to the city of arts and innovation to visit local shops and restaurants in the historic West End neighborhood, stroll through Reynolda Gardens, and

A Local’s Guide: The Complete Series

Season 2

Winston-Salem

Take a trip to the city of arts and innovation to visit local shops and restaurants in the historic West End neighborhood, stroll through Reynolda Gardens, and stay at a cottage in Tanglewood Park.

Durham

Take a trip to this modern Southern city to wander through the butterfly house at the Museum of Life and Science, take a hike in Eno River State Park, and explore the local food scene downtown.

Pinehurst & Southern Pines

Venture to the Sandhills to look for wildlife on a walk through the longleaf pines in Weymouth Woods, discover charming boutiques and pubs, and meander along the pathways of a beautiful garden.

Raleigh

On a visit to our capital city, discover the North Carolina State Farmers Market, explore incredible art museums, and take a stroll through nature on a peaceful, lush greenway.

Greensboro

In the Gate City, let little ones have a ball on the one-of-a-kind playground at Keeley Park, discover local history and world-class art on a trip to the museum, and save a round of applause for the performing arts scene.

Charlotte

During a trip to the Queen City, shop, eat, and sip at Camp North End; explore museums and cheer on your favorite team in Uptown; and relax among the sculptures and blooms in Romare Bearden Park.

Chapel Hill

Former Tar Heel basketball player Marcus Ginyard shares his top recommendations for exploring this quintessential Southern college town and campus — including his favorite restaurants, outdoor spots, and more.

Lake Norman

Spend the day on the water, then dock and dine, explore lively downtowns, and see amazing birds soar in the quaint small towns surrounding the state’s largest man-made lake.

Cary

Take a trip to this Piedmont city with a small-town soul, where you can savor award-winning ice cream, explore a peaceful, shady nature preserve, go restaurant- and brewery-hopping downtown, and more.


Season 1

Greensboro

Greensboro local Melissa Norman, founder of Girl CHARGE, shares three of her favorite places to explore around the city.

Charlotte

Charlottean Alyssa Wilen, owner of Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, shares three of her favorite places to explore in the Queen City.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem local Bryan Ledbetter, owner of Airtype and Camel City Goods, shares three of his favorite places to explore around the city.

Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach

Set up your umbrella for a day of sun and fun in Wrightsville Beach or stroll cobblestone streets and eat at stylish restaurants along the Cape Fear River in Wilmington — or do both! You can have it all in these neighboring coastal towns.

Weekend Getaway in Pinehurst and Southern Pines

Relaxation abounds — along with delicious farm-to-table food, local shops, and golfing galore — in the Sandhills.

Blowing Rock and Boone

Head to the High Country to find the beauty of the Blue Ridge on the parkway, at the top of Grandfather Mountain, and in charming local shops.

This story was published on Aug 01, 2019

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.