A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

For every weekend you’ve spent perusing a quiz in our magazine, Alan Hodge has dedicated hours to writing carefully crafted questions. From native carnivorous plant species to country-style diner staples

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

For every weekend you’ve spent perusing a quiz in our magazine, Alan Hodge has dedicated hours to writing carefully crafted questions. From native carnivorous plant species to country-style diner staples

Top Chefs

For every weekend you’ve spent perusing a quiz in our magazine, Alan Hodge has dedicated hours to writing carefully crafted questions. From native carnivorous plant species to country-style diner staples to iconic sports championships, he has covered the gamut of North Carolina themes — and was even awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his excellent contributions.

In his 35 years as a contributor, Hodge has bore witness to the magazine’s evolution. He reflects on his time as a contributor, saying, “When Bernie Mann bought the magazine, it was just a thin, black-and-white publication. His leadership and vision helped make it what it is today. I have to say, without a doubt, my work with Our State has been one of the most — if not the most — influential things in my life. Everywhere I mention the name of the magazine, people’s eyes light up, and they say ‘I love that magazine!’ and I say ‘So do I!’ A lot of the credit for the magazine’s success has to go to Elizabeth Hudson, who I believe shares my passion for Our State, and who I love very much!”

That love and admiration goes both ways. “One of my first duties at Our State, all those years ago, was to edit the Our State Quiz, which Alan mailed in on a sheet of paper, and I manually retyped into our layout. (We didn’t have email back then.)” says editor in chief Elizabeth Hudson. “I guess I was his very first quiz-taker each month! Even to this day, he has the knack of surprising me with some bit of obscure North Carolina knowledge. I can’t imagine this magazine without his byline.”

“Oh, and one more reason to love Alan?” she adds. “In all these years, he’s never once missed a deadline.”

In honor of our resident quiz curator celebrating his 35th year contributing to Our State in 2024, we put together 15 additional questions on North Carolina chefs this month. Time to put your knowledge to the test!

 

This story was published on Dec 19, 2023

Alan Hodge

Alan Hodge was raised in Belmont and Charlotte. He has written Our State’s monthly quiz for 35 years. He is a freelance writer based in Gaston County with four first and second place statewide awards from the NC Press Association and the NC Press Club for community news reporting. Hodge is also a recipient of the Order of the Longleaf Pine.

Hannah Lee Leidy

Hannah Lee is a born-and-raised North Carolinian and the digital editor for Our State magazine. Her contributions have appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Bon Appétit, Epicurious, Culture, and the Local Palate. When not parenting her Bernese mountain pup named Ava, she's visiting the nearest cheese counter.

Cailyn Domecq

Cailyn Domecq is Our State's Newsletter and Social Media Coordinator and a freelance writer.