A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Twelve drummers drumming, [caption id="attachment_176303" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Photo Credit Enabled[/caption] Ludwig Drums: The Beat Goes On During their historic 1964 debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles instantly made

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Twelve drummers drumming, [caption id="attachment_176303" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Photo Credit Enabled[/caption] Ludwig Drums: The Beat Goes On During their historic 1964 debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles instantly made

The 12 Days of Christmas, Reimagined

Terry Braswell with chickens, Goat Lady Dairy cheese, and Partridge Nest cabin.

Drummer drumming from the 12 Days of Christmas

Twelve drummers drumming,

Drum set

photograph by Jerry Wolford & Scott Muthersbaugh

Ludwig Drums: The Beat Goes On

During their historic 1964 debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Beatles instantly made Ludwig the world’s most recognizable drum brand, inspiring a young musician in Charlotte to form his own fab four. At a factory in Monroe, Ludwig is still making those same drums.

STORY BY BRAD CAMPBELL

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Piper piping from the 12 Days of Christmas

Eleven pipers piping,

Bagpipes

The Scottish Heritage Center in Laurinburg has many noteworthy artifacts, including a bagpipe that is the only known musical instrument produced by a Scottish immigrant in North Carolina. photograph by Matt Ray Photography

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

North Carolinians of Scottish descent have celebrated their heritage at Grandfather Mountain since 1956.

STORY BY KATIE KANE

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Lord a'leaping from the 12 Days of Christmas

Ten lords a-leaping,

Illustration of people shag dancing on the beach

illustration by Kyle T. Webster

Shag, You Say? Oh, Behave!

Our state dance will get your feet moving — just add beach music.

STORY BY KEITH FLYNN

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Illustration of lady dancing for the 12 Days of Christmas

Nine ladies dancing,

Carolina Ballet members perform dance from The Nutcracker

Whether performed by Carolina Ballet in Raleigh or Charlotte Ballet (pictured), The Nutcracker is a magical Christmas tradition. photograph by Emily Chaplin

In Praise of the Tar Heel State

Here’s to the talented North Carolinians whose fancy footwork propels them to great heights, nimble speeds, and feats of creativity.

STORY BY KATIE SAINTSING

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Illustration of milk maid for the 12 Days of Christmas

Eight maids a-milking,

Goat Lady Dairy cheese and farmhouse

Goat Lady hosts monthly dinners featuring its cheeses — like Providence (left) — along with locally raised meats and produce. photograph by Stacey Van Berkel

The Goat Lady’s Legacy

North Carolina’s godmother of goat cheese left behind a lasting Piedmont landmark.

STORY BY BRYAN MIMS

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Illustration of swan swimming from the 12 Days of Christmas

Seven swans a-swimming,

Flock of swans at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

At Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, lines of tundra swans push through the sky like long-distance swimmers, their flanks flashing silver in the sun. photograph by Chris Hannant

A Pungo Homecoming

A coffee shop in Raleigh is a world away from the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina. But a writer discovers that they have something in common: love.

STORY BY ELEANOR SPICER RICE

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Illustration of goose and an egg for the 12 Days of Christmas

Six geese a-laying,

Terry Braswell and chickens

Trey Braswell, president of his fourth-generation family business, grew up around chickens. Now, they grow up around him. Photography courtesy of BRASWELL FAMILY FARMS

The Caretakers of Egg Land

Behind the second-largest franchisee of Eggland’s Best is a fourth-generation family business in Nash County known for its generosity and carefully tended flock.

STORY BY REBECCA WOLTZ

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Illustration of golden rings from the 12 Days of Christmas

Five golden rings,

Underground shaft with ore cart inside Reed Gold Mine

John Reed created the first underground shaft at Reed Gold Mine in 1831. Portions of the mine are restored and open to the public. photograph by Travis Dove

North Carolina: The Golden State

Two centuries ago, a young boy’s accidental discovery in Cabarrus County led to the first gold rush in the United States. For 50 years, North Carolina led the nation in gold production and gave a young country a new kind of wealth.

STORY BY CARON MYERS

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Illustration of a songbird, in reference to 4 calling birds in the 12 Days of Christmas

Four calling birds,

Two turkeys

Our spring woods would be a lot quieter today if not for a North Carolina conservationist who was devoted to wild turkeys. photograph by Ralph Hensley

Return of the Thunder Chicken

Our spring woods would be a lot quieter today if not for a North Carolina conservationist who was devoted to wild turkeys.

STORY BY T. EDWARD NICKENS

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French hens from the 12 Days of Christmas

Three French hens,

Plate of smothered chicken breast with green beans and carrots

This dish is perfect for your holiday table — even if you don’t actually use French hens. photograph by Matt Hulsman

Apple-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Apples, creamy feta, and rosemary: three flavors that were made for each other. Together, they elevate the everyday baked chicken supper.

STORY BY LYNN WELLS

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Illustration of turtle dove from the 12 Days of Christmas

Two turtle doves

Man wearing Santa hat in a field of sunflowers

illustration by Patrick Faricy

’Tis the Season

The Ramblin’ Man heads into Labor Day weekend with a twinkle in his eye and a song on his lips: For many North Carolinians, dove hunting season kicks off the most wonderful time of the year.

STORY BY T. EDWARD NICKENS

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Illustration of partridge with pear

And a partridge in a pear tree.

The Partridge Nest cabin in Brevard, North Carolina

During a stay at The Partridge Nest, a classic novel is the perfect fireside companion. photograph by Tim Robison

A Storied Stay in Brevard

When Thomas Wolfe finally came home again, he found his way to Partridge Hill in Brevard, where his literary friend Hamilton Basso lived and wrote nine novels. Now, you can pay a visit, too.

STORY BY LOUISE JARVIS FLYNN

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Illustrations by Ed Fotheringham

This story was published on Nov 14, 2023

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.