Central
The Concord House of 10,000 Santas
What began as a hobby to help Judy Barnhardt out of a rough patch became a house full of jolly ol’ St. Nicks — and a way to say thank you.
Katie King
Features
Making a Masterpiece
On a six-acre campus of renovated barns and an old covered bridge, The Bascom gives people from the rural western part of the state a chance to experience the awe of seeing fine art and the satisfaction of bringing their own creations to life.
Eastern
Downtown: Edenton
Climb aboard: A trolley offers a unique vantage point from which to explore this waterfront town. But as a seasoned tour guide can attest, a great ride is about much more than names and dates — it’s about making connections.
Downtown
Downtown: Rutherfordton
Historic inns, innovative restaurants, fun for all ages: Exciting things are happening in this small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just as they have been for centuries.
Downtown
Downtown: Highlands
A posh downtown and abundant natural beauty offer plenty of ways to relax and reset in this quiet mountain retreat.
Eastern
The Shack in Corolla
Coffee shop by day, beer garden by night: For beachgoers in the northern Outer Banks, The Shack is an all-day affair.
Downtown
Downtown: Greenville
A revitalized Uptown district is helping this college town become a trendy city that stands on its own.
Downtown
Downtown: Kinston
In its parks and its art, its food and its beer, this former tobacco hub embodies the spirit of local.
Features
The Chicken Champs
Each year, nearly 600 chickens (and their proud owners) flock to the Rowan County Fairgrounds to compete for the heady title of Old English Game Bantam Champion of the World. When global poultry dominance is at stake, it’s hard not to ruffle a few feathers.