Steer wrestling, a practice credited to legendary cowboy and rodeo star Bill Pickett, usually involves leaping onto a steer from the back of a specially trained horse. At the Madison

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

A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Cozy Critters Thousands of waterfowl migrate to North Carolina each winter. One spectacular species that spends the cold months here is the tundra swan, hundreds of which can be found

Eastern

Madison County Championship Rodeo

Cozy Critters Thousands of waterfowl migrate to North Carolina each winter. One spectacular species that spends the cold months here is the tundra swan, hundreds of which can be found

Food

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Cozy Critters Thousands of waterfowl migrate to North Carolina each winter. One spectacular species that spends the cold months here is the tundra swan, hundreds of which can be found

Quiz

Our State Quiz: Cozy Critters

While we’re gathered ’round the fireplace with blankets and hot cocoa, animals across the state are staying warm in their own ways.

by Alan Hodge

</p> <section> <h2>Cozy Critters</h2> </section> <section> <h2>Thousands of waterfowl migrate to North Carolina each winter. One spectacular species that spends the cold months here is the tundra swan, hundreds of which can be found at what national wildlife refuge on the coast?</h2> </section> <section> <h3>The eastern gray squirrel is North Carolina’s official state mammal. These squirrels typically reproduce twice a year, with their cold-weather litter arriving in what month?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>When winter comes, some of the 17 species of bats in North Carolina migrate south, while others hibernate. In 2002, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission acquired Cranberry Iron Mine property for a bat hibernation sanctuary in what mountain county?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>With their thick coats, elk are well adapted to living in North Carolina during the winter. Elk can be seen in several locations in our state, including close to what town near Great Smoky Mountains National Park?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>In the winter, a wood frog can survive even when up to 70 percent of its body freezes. Wood frogs in North Carolina are mostly found in the western region, but they are also sometimes seen in what two coastal counties?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Woodchucks are found in northern and western North Carolina and hibernate in burrows during the winter, usually emerging in February. Woodchucks are also called groundhogs and what other name?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>There are about 37 species of snakes in North Carolina. During the winter, they seek shelter in dens and slow their bodies’ metabolism in a process known as what?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Fishing for walleye is a year-round sport in North Carolina. In the winter, walleye swim deep — really deep — to reach more temperate waters. What lake, with a depth of around 400 feet, is especially popular for catching walleye?</h3> </section> <section> <h3>Honeybees, North Carolina’s state insect, take to their hives when it gets cold. Inside the hive, bees heat their bodies to as high as 110 degrees by eating honey and performing what other activity?</h3> </section> <section></section> <section></section> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>

Editors’ Picks

Recipes

Holiday Cookie Recipes From the Our State Staff

Treasured treats from beloved grandmothers, simple-but-delicious recipes that have been passed down for generations, and an almond biscotti that tastes like Italy — these are a few of our favorite holiday treats.

by Our State Staff

Bakery

14 Bakeries for Cakes, Cupcakes, and Cinnamon Rolls This Season

’Tis the season for sweets! If you’re too busy to bake your festive favorites this year, these local bakeries across the state have pastry cases brimming with delectable holiday treats.

by Our State Staff

Guides

5 Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks to Glide Around

This season, lace up your skates and take a spin in a winter wonderland.

by Rosa Stancil

Photo Essay

North Carolina Symbols of the Season

Make it a Carolina Christmas: From the mountains to the coast, we found our state’s icons — official and honorary — in their best holiday dress.

by Katie Saintsing

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Editors’ Picks