Hikers visit Dry Falls in Franklin County.

Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to

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A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Food 4-Pack Holiday Package, Piedmont Pennies Cheese Straws Piedmont Pennies A Carolina family recipe turned crowd-pleasing snack, Piedmont Pennies are sharper, crunchier cheese straws. In festive red-bow packaging, they make

Food

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Food 4-Pack Holiday Package, Piedmont Pennies Cheese Straws Piedmont Pennies A Carolina family recipe turned crowd-pleasing snack, Piedmont Pennies are sharper, crunchier cheese straws. In festive red-bow packaging, they make

Gift Guide

Our State Gift Guide 2025

Our Holiday Gift Guide makes shopping local easy. Find gourmet goodies, fine crafts, and curated experiences for everyone on your list (and maybe even some for your wish list, too).

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Food

4-Pack Holiday Package, Piedmont Pennies Cheese Straws

Piedmont Pennies
A Carolina family recipe turned crowd-pleasing snack, Piedmont Pennies are sharper, crunchier cheese straws. In festive red-bow packaging, they make holiday gifting deliciously easy!

Mrs. Hanes’ 14 oz. Tin of Ginger Crisps

Mrs. Hanes’ Hand-Made Moravian Cookies
For over 100 years, our family has made these delicious Moravian Ginger Cookies. We still make them BY HAND, using only rolling pins and cookie cutters. NEW this year! FREE SHIPPING for orders over $99.00 (Per address.)

Hubs Gift Duo

Hubbard Peanut Company
This team of our signature Hubs Salted peanuts and our wildly popular Choco Covered creates the perfect combination for peanut lovers. Featured in a festive gift box, these two 20 oz. tins are a merger of two of our finest products.

Sweater Box Cookie Trio

Sweater Box Confections
Our trio of award-winning flavors makes a festive holiday treat or gift for any cookie lover. Includes best-selling Lavender Lemon cookies, Chai Shortbread, and Confetti Bites. Handcrafted by Sweater Box Confections on the Outer Banks in Kitty Hawk.

The Peanut Sampler

Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts
The Peanut Sampler contains a 12 oz. sampling tin each of our Honey Roasted Peanuts, Country Style Peanuts, and Aunt Ruby’s Chocolate Peanut Clusters. The Peanut Sampler is ideal for gift giving, fundraisers, specialty shops, and other retail outlets.

Mike’s Farm Gourmet Jam Trio

Mike’s Farm
Spread holiday cheer with our trio of gourmet jams! Each jar is bursting with seasonal flavor and is the perfect gift for food lovers. Includes F.R.O.G. Jam, Christmas Jam, and Jalapeno Pepper Jelly all packaged in a holiday gift box!

Shipley Farms Curated Gift Box

Shipley Farms Beef
Give the gift of better beef this Christmas with Appalachian-grown, pasture-raised beef. Curated by Thomas the Butcher, the Shipley Farms Curated Gift Box — available in 5–6 or 9–10 lbs — is the perfect gift for someone special.

Holiday Trio Gift Box

Ella’s Popcorn
Ella’s Holiday Trio Gift Box features exclusive holiday popcorn flavors — rich Hot Cocoa, sweet Peppermint Cookie ‘O, and spiced Gingerbread. A deliciously sophisticated gift for the season.
$32.99 — ellaspopcorn.com

NC Hoop Cheese

Stone Brothers & Byrd
Since 1910, Stone Brothers & Byrd has been satisfying hungry Carolinians with NC-made Hoop Cheese and other goodies. We’ll send you a few slices or a whole hoop. This Tar Heel staple of the dinner table is sure to please.

Reid’s Original Cocktail Crackers

Reid’s Fine Foods
Our Reid’s Original Cocktail Crackers are full of flavor; you’ll want to eat them by the handful!
$12.99-22.99 — reids.com

 

 

 

Beverages

NC State Wolfpack Gift Package

Shelton Vineyards
Celebrate the season with the NC State Wolfpack Gift Package, featuring Wolfpack Red and Wolfpack White in a festive gift box with a personalized card. The perfect holiday gift for NC State fans who love bold wine and team spirit.

Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon

BHAWK American Whiskey Ko.
This 93-proof 5+ year bourbon, produced by Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko., BHAWK, a destination distillery in Southern Pines, honors the giants Brad served with in Blackhawk Down and signals BHAWK’s mission of Gratitude. Available at BHAWK and NC ABCs (66904).

Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay 2022

Biltmore Estate Winery
Handcrafted from grapes grown at Biltmore’s estate vineyards, this Chardonnay features notes of honeysuckle, baked apple, and vanilla. Aged in oak for a creamy mouthfeel and lingering finish, it pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and decadent desserts.

 

Experiences

The Magic of The Homestead Package

The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa
Discover the magic of The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa. Soak in the mineral rich Warm Springs Pools, explore the fascinating Cascades Gorge with one of our knowledgeable naturalists, and savor a delicious breakfast in the American Audubon Dining Room.
Starting at $506 per night, plus taxes — omnihotels.com

A Family Beach Vacation

Williamson Realty, Inc.
This Christmas, surprise your family with the ultimate gift — time together at Ocean Isle Beach. From charming cottages to oceanfront retreats, Williamson Realty helps you celebrate with ocean breezes, shared laughter, and memories wrapped in love.
Varies by property — williamsonrealty.com

North Carolina Zoo Membership

North Carolina Zoo Society
A Zoo membership provides free, unlimited year-round visits, sneak peeks at new habitats, and free or discounted admission to more than 150 participating zoos and aquariums nationwide. Join our WILD family today and enjoy unlimited adventures!
Starting at $69 — nczoo.com

Your Pass to Worlds of Wonder

Biltmore
Save $90 while enjoying Biltmore in every season with unlimited visits, exclusive discounts, and much more. Purchase your new Annual Pass now for $209 plus tax, just in time for Christmas. Offer online only for a limited time.

 

 

 

Home, Garden, & Outdoors

Wilmington Grill Deluxe Gas Grill

Wilmington Grill
Our flagship stainless steel grill is designed for years of grilling pleasure. The highly durable Deluxe comes with 10″ heavy-duty rubber wheels, two large side shelves, a front shelf, a warming rack, and features our seven-sided cooking chamber design.

So.CachePot

South 23rd
This patent-pending planter cover instantly upgrades any plastic pot into a design-forward accent. No repotting, no hassle — just slide it on and elevate your seasonal greenery in seconds. Available in multiple sizes and patterns.
$49.99 — south23rd.com

100% Cotton Loose Weave Old Fashion Dishcloths – Set of 4 – Various Colors Available

Carolina Cottons
Our 100% cotton dishcloths feature an open weave for absorbency, quick drying, and natural odor resistance. With a range of classic color options, these best-sellers will have you ditching your sponge for authentic cotton-crafted durability.

Oekibe Electric Bicycles

Oekibe
North Carolina-based rides built for adventure, comfort, and eco-friendly travel. The perfect gift for explorers who want power, freedom, and fun on every journey.

BIG ROCK: History of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Celebrate one of the world’s most iconic fishing tournaments with The History of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Packed with breathtaking photos and inspiring stories, this keepsake captures a tradition of big fish, big hearts, and its legacy of charitable giving.
 

 

Clothing & Accessories

Radial Hammered Disc Stud Earrings

Jewelsmith
Add a little sparkle to someone’s day with these petite 14K rose gold stud earrings. Hammer textured in a radial pattern and handcrafted individually in our shop in Durham, NC by goldsmith, Cameron White.

18K Secret Garden Diamond Necklace

Schiffman’s
Designed by Gumuchian for those who appreciate the beauty of nature’s secrets. Perfect to wear alone or layered. Featuring approximately 0.47ct. in diamonds at $4,200.00.
$4,200 — schiffmans.com

Black Hole® Mini MLC® Pack 30L

Great Outdoor Provision Co.
This travel-savvy backpack has tuck-away shoulder straps, plus a quick-stash hip belt. For use as a duffel bag or briefcase, tuck away all the straps and carry with one of the grab handles. The Mini MLC meets strict carry-on requirements.

 

 

This story was published on Oct 13, 2025

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.