On the Outer Banks, descendants of the Wright brothers and those who saw them fly imagine what it was like to soar into the wild blue yonder for the first time.
The Cardinal
When the days darken and the natural world seems to slow, these crimson creatures offer a symbol of hope and love, serving as a harbinger for lively times ahead.
Fir & Feather
Hailing from a family of creatives and avid birders, Mocksville artist Christopher Poplin crafted his first cardinal figurine in 2023 and has since watched it soar in national popularity.
Pecans
No matter how you pronounce them, North Carolina’s hyperlocal pecans yield a flavor, texture, and backstories you’ll rarely find beyond state lines.
Built by Cotton
Come November, folks gather in Harnett County to learn about a crop and a way of life that shaped this land and the people who toiled over it.
Elliott Daingerfield: Painter of the Hills
A world-renowned North Carolina artist found success in the Northeast, but his inspiration came from the time he spent in Blowing Rock.
Linville Caverns
Underneath Humpback Mountain, a stalactite-riddled cave serves as a shelter, habitat, and source of awe with its near-ethereal ecosystem.
Mush to Celebrate
In the Foothills, livermush sustained families when times were tough. Now, locals pay tribute to the dish — lovingly nicknamed Piedmont pâté — at an all-day event.
Andy Griffith
On his namesake show, the Mount Airy native shared the spotlight with a fictional version of his hometown.