These towns are buoyed by their proximity to water — river, sound, bay — yet they’re far enough from the ocean that you won’t find sand in your shoes. Here, 11 quirky places claim their fame in boats and bears, local characters and history.
Pearls of the Coastal Plain:
Keep on Truckin’
It's food truck season in North Carolina, and we'd follow these five local trucks wherever their wheels take them.
Roasted Blueberry and Gorgonzola Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This sweet and savory grilled cheese is perfectly balanced with creamy Gorgonzola and juicy blueberries melted between warm, crusty bread.
Blueberry Coffee Cake
This mouthwatering coffee cake is made even more scrumptious with the addition of fresh, ripe blueberries. You’ll never want to make coffee cake without blueberries again.
10 Casserole Recipes from the Our State Archives
We've collected a selection of tried and true casserole recipes that have been featured over the decades -- some of which were published when we were still called The State. You'll want to bookmark this page for your summer potluck dinners.
Bob Garner’s Livermush Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is reimagined with the help of livermush, a staple in some North Carolina communities. This casserole is comfort food at its finest and was featured in the August 2008 issue of Our State.
Asparagus Au Gratin
This cheesy dish from the June 1999 issue of Our State is a perfect alternative to your usual green bean casserole.
Carefree Chicken Casserole
It’s called “carefree” for a reason: It’s likely that all of the ingredients are already in your cupboard or refrigerator, and you can easily have it ready in less than 30 minutes. It was originally featured in the August 1980 issue of The State.
Turkey Rice Casserole
This simple but satisfying turkey rice casserole from the November 1978 issue of The State is sure to become a favorite weeknight meal that your whole family will enjoy.
