Fields of Dreams

These working farms produce fruits, vegetables, herbs, and livestock — and set the stage for unforgettable life celebrations. This month, we trade the ballroom for the barn with nine inspiring places for a party.

Lake Norman: Town-Hopping by the Water

Lake Norman is the big one. Our “inland sea.” The anchor for a region. Its 520-mile shoreline is a thread that knits together the surrounding communities — so much so that many visitors think of the area as a whole, one town flowing into the next. But we can see what makes each one special.

Photo Essay: Summer by the Scoop

Some places stay with you forever — especially the ones that offer a cool escape on a sunny day, and happiness in a cup or cone. Ice cream parlors, dairy bars, and creameries across the state serve up more than sundaes and banana splits — they’re places of pure joy.