Our editor in chief reflects on the legacy of North Carolina’s classic coastal retreats.
outer banks
The 1970s: Managing Our Treasured Coast
As developers discover North Carolina’s beautiful shorelines and beachfront communities, lawmakers make a plan to protect their splendor for generations to come.
Tales From the Ghost Coast
When the sun sets on long days at the beach, families still reach for Charles Harry Whedbee’s beloved Outer Banks legends and spooky stories, years after the raconteur of Nags Head put them to paper.
Quiz: Sound State of Mind
For generations, the calm waters of North Carolina’s sounds have shaped the landscape, history, and culture of the communities they border.
Design in the Dunes: A Photo Essay
Not your average beach house: From the clean lines of a flat-top cottage in Southern Shores to the extravagant opulence of an Art Nouveau icon in Corolla, landmark architecture defines our coastal villages — and chapters of our history.
Dining on (Oak) Island Time
No rush: The clocks on the walls of Oak Island Restaurant are just for decoration. All you really need to know is whether it’s Chicken & Dumplings Thursday or Fried Fish Friday.
The Crab Shack is Here to Stay
More than 45 years ago, a fishing family started a seafood market to sell their catch. The market expanded into a mainstay restaurant in Salter Path whose varied menu includes a seasonal special that celebrates coastal resilience.
Our State Knows Best: Surfing
Hang 10! Find out what three North Carolina surfing experts have to say about catching waves and their most memorable rides — plus, their best advice for beginners who want to get their feet wet.
4 Flower Arrangements Inspired by North Carolina
These flower arrangements inspired by Biltmore, Reynolda, Duke, and Elizabethan gardens are proof that blooming where you’re planted can be truly awe-inspiring.