On fall break from college in the early 1980s, a writer and his loyal English setter took a road trip from Watauga County to the Qualla Boundary, accompanied by the sweet sounds of fiddles, banjos, and high-lonesome harmonies.
Carolina, Bottled: 7 Places to Sip Scuppernong Wine
At these seven wineries, time and a little bit of sugar transform our state grape, the scuppernong, into a beverage that’s a bit like us: sweetly Southern.
High on the Hog: 11 Delicious North Carolina Barbecue Joints
There’s no lack of incredible barbecue joints here, but you can begin to cover your bases with this tasty tour across the state.
The Spirit of the Mountains in Hendersonville
An artist with a taste for brandy has transformed an abandoned building into The Brandy Bar, a space where complex fruit flavors mingle with colorful art.
Young, Scrappy, & Hungry at Leah & Louise
At a restaurant in Charlotte, the award-winning owner and chef has taken preservation to a whole new level. In his kitchen, nothing — and we mean nothing — gets tossed in the trash.
A Sweet Legacy at Mickey’s Pastry Shop
For 75 years, a Goldsboro bakery has forged a special bond with its customers — one birthday cake, cream pie, cookie, and pastry at a time.
The Butcher Knows Best
An old-school butcher can tell you everything you need to know about meat and how to cook it. Across the state, these masters of the craft are passing their cleavers to a new generation — but they’re not hanging up their aprons just yet.
Working for the Weekend
Labor Day stirs memories of first jobs and inspires end-of-summer celebrations.
Reinventing the Wheel
A young woman and her mom started a school bus renovation business in Alamance County that pays homage to her late brother’s carefree spirit. Together, they transform old buses into tiny homes on wheels, encouraging people to live simply and cherish every moment.
