The February 2023 Issue

When demand for tobacco and cotton diminished, this one-square-mile Halifax County town followed suit. Now, one couple is revitalizing Littleton into a lively location once more.

The glazed, pillowy-soft doughnuts, invented in Winston-Salem in 1937, are a Tar Heel tradition.

In a state naturally rich in red clay, potters like the legendary Sid Luck carry on a long-held North Carolina tradition.

A home bar stocked with mementos keeps one writer connected to the people and places that have enriched his life.

A formerly enslaved Edenton woman became a real estate mogul, breaking barriers and making a name for herself in North Carolina history. A modern-day novelist shares her story.

When a modernist architect found a mid-century home in disrepair, he saw an opportunity to restore the original architect’s vision.

For only three days each week, a former hosiery mill building in the foothills becomes a barbecue destination powered by a hardworking family.

Listen to our curated Spotify playlist featuring a selection of tunes by homegrown jazz legends and the modern musicians they inspired.

A self-proclaimed minimalist with an eye for the nostalgic sifts through estates filled with thousands of belongings to find the treasures hidden within.

From decades of North Carolina fishermen, pitmasters, bakers, and creative home cooks, our state’s storied recipes are memorable markers of a rich history.

A quirky — and somewhat controversial — rock-a-bye baby contest was held in Washington in 1934.

The best part of a winter weekend? A big pot of chili or gumbo, cooked low and slow. For the Ramblin’ Man, February is the perfect time for a Sunday kind of stew.

From nostalgic treats in barrels at old-timey stores to brand-new inventions shipped across the country, North Carolina’s candy creators and connoisseurs make life a little sweeter.

Each month, we’re celebrating North Carolina’s official Year of the Trail by exploring amazing places to hike, bike, walk, and play across the state.

A Triangle-area family mixes positive messages with scents of lilac, myrrh, tobacco, and other fragrances. Their handcrafted candles illuminate the music and culture of the African diaspora.

When an alternative-energy entrepreneur turned to sheep as an eco-friendly way to help maintain the grass around panels, delicious serendipity struck in the form of lamb salami.

Jun is an ancient beverage shrouded in mystery. Made by fermenting honey and tea, its origin is uncertain. But today, a group of women near Asheville are writing their own chapter in its history.

Inspired by a long tradition among Appalachian farmers, a couple in Buncombe County transforms vintage tools and time-worn fabrics into handcrafted cutlery for modern kitchens.

The second-generation owner of a Surry County hosiery mill is helping keep a North Carolina legacy industry alive. His company’s 21st-century socks feature bold designs and high-quality fabrics geared to dedicated lovers of the outdoors.

The 10 honorable mentions in our Made in NC Awards impressed our judges — and us! — with their incredible creativity, craftsmanship, and stories showcasing the best that North Carolina has to offer.

Meet woodworker Roy Underhill, the host of how-to show The Woodwright’s Shop, which ran on PBS for 37 seasons, owner of The Woodwright’s School in Pittsboro — and a Craft category judge for this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet potters Chris Pence and Mark Warren, founders of Haand pottery in Burlington and Craft category judges for this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet Drink category judge Inez Ribustello, the owner of Tarboro Brewing Company.

Meet Sean Umstead, an imaginative mixologist and owner of Kingfisher Cocktail Bar in Durham — and a Drink category judge for this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet Cheetie Kumar, an innovative Raleigh chef and two-time James Beard finalist — and a Food category judge for this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, hosts of the NC Food & Beverage Podcast and Food category judges of this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet interior designer Kara Cox, the owner of her namesake Greensboro design firm and a Home & Garden category judge for this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet Danielle and Robb Stewart, owners of The Mustard Seed Market in Blowing Rock and Home & Garden category judges for this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet Viola Spells, an artist who crafts stunning crochet wire jewelry in Asheville’s River Arts District and a Style category judge for this year’s Made in NC Awards.

Meet denim designer Victor Lytvinenko, the founder of Raleigh Denim Workshop + Curatory and a Style category judge for this year’s Made in NC Awards.