In the fields of their century-old family farm in Rowan County, the Patterson brothers continue tending the land they love — and sharing its bounty.
watermelon
Fruits of Our Labor
From apples in the mountains to peaches in the Sandhills to blueberries on the Coastal Plain, there’s a bounty of North Carolina-grown fruit to enjoy.
8 Home Canning Recipes from the Our State Archives
From a 1951 recipe for watermelon rind pickles to a contemporary chowchow, these preserves are timeless — and delicious.
Working for the Weekend
Labor Day stirs memories of first jobs and inspires end-of-summer celebrations.
Cool Down with 8 Delicious Lemonade Recipes
This summer, when life gives you lemons, make a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade.
Make Your Own Luck with 24 Green Recipes
Don’t just wear green for good luck — eat it, too! Get a little green on your plate with these dishes.
Red, White, & Blueberries: Our Favorite Summer Fruits
Every heart beats true for the red, white, and blue — fruits! Deeply rooted in North Carolina soil, our favorite summer sweets offer an unmistakable taste of place. And lucky for us, they’re ripe and ready for the Fourth of July.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
This refreshing salad is sweet, salty, summertime perfection.
Watermelon Arnold Palmer
Lemon-melon ice cubes make this classic beverage even more refreshing. Add a straw, and sip.