Green-thumbed readers rejoice to find a new column: “Tar Heel Gardener” by L.A. Jackson. From the first entry — on saving seeds from this year’s harvest for next year’s garden — “Tar Heel Gardener” is a hit, and it continues to run for 20 years. Jackson joins a growing chorus of beloved voices, including longtime contributor Billy Arthur, food columnist Edie Low, and quiz author Alan Hodge, then a reference assistant for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library. “Like the dozens of people he helps every day,” we write, introducing Hodge in February 1991, “we’ve found him to be a walking fountain of information.”
In busy workshops and bright stores, our state’s toymakers and purveyors keep wonder alive. Dolls, trains, and games remind us: The joy of play never grows old.
Whether it’s secret Santa or the company cookie swap, sweet gatherings get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Among dazzling lanterns, silk creatures, and twinkling lights at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, one little boy leads his parents straight to the heart of the holidays.
Sparkling streets, local traditions, and the cozy charm of a city wrapped in holiday wonder — Asheville offers merriment for every age of visitor.
