Susan Stafford Kelly

Susan Stafford Kelly was raised in Rutherfordton. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College. She is the author of Carolina Classics, a collection of essays that have appeared in Our State, and five novels: How Close We Come, Even Now, The Last of Something, Now You Know, and By Accident. Susan has three grown children and lives in Greensboro with her husband, Sterling.

Home & Garden

Safe Harbor

A modern-day maritime village: At the mouth of the Neuse River, a cozy waterfront community unites around boating, architectural beauty — and “docktails.”

Home & Garden

Green House

At one couple’s dream vacation home on Lake Pinehurst, stunning backyard views — and fun — are par for the course.

Eastern

The Sweetest Stroll

Bring on the snickerdoodles. The lemon squares. The thumbprints and pinwheels. A cookie walk in New Bern boxes up Christmas magic.

Food

NC Primer: Proof of the Pudding

During the holiday season, these delightful desserts deserve a special place on our tables.

Arts & Culture

BluSail Golitz Studios in Morehead City

A husband-and-wife team crafts every piece of art by hand at their studio in Carteret County — and they’ll teach you how to do it, too.

Central

Ashten’s Restaurant & Pub in Southern Pines

For two decades, diners have found a warm welcome at Ashten’s Restaurant & Pub.

Arts & Culture

NC Primer: High & Low

One town is the state’s highest and the other is among its lowest, but more than elevation sets these communities apart.

Life

Sticking Together

If there’s one thing oysters like, it’s hanging out with, near, and on top of other oysters. So to make them comfy, volunteers are gathering up used shells and recycling them into new beds for bivalves.

Central

Southern Soul of Charlotte: Packed In

At The Packhouse, Deedee Hagner brings eastern North Carolina authenticity, and fantastic food, to the Piedmont.