Our State Magazine

01/06/2026

A sprawling 19th-century estate near the Eno River tells the story of some of Orange County’s early residents and their Federal-style flair.

Named for owner William Kirkland’s hometown of Ayrshire, Ayr Mount Estate was among Hillsborough’s first sizable brick residences in 1815.

01/06/2026

This rich combination will satisfy any craving for sweets.

The combination of chocolate, caramel, and shortbread will satisfy any craving for sweets.

01/06/2026

From tundra swans to snow geese to bald eagles, these three trails ofter tranquil landscapes to spot our feathered friends.

01/05/2026

Georgia Bonesteel’s lifelong passion for teaching innovative quilting techniques and creating patchwork masterpieces influences her Hendersonville community and beyond.

The legendary Georgia Bonesteel continues her lifelong passion for innovative quilting techniques and creating patchwork masterpieces.

01/05/2026

Instead of warning sailors, this towering lighthouse replica along I-95 is a welcome to weary travelers who need a break from the interstate.

The towering lighthouse replica at Kenly 95 Petro is a welcome to weary I-95 travelers who need a break from the interstate.

01/05/2026

Simple is best, especially when it comes to a classic baked potato. Inspired by the fireside potatoes Sheri Castle would roast with her grandparents, these russets have a crackly, salted skin and pillowy interior.

Inspired by the fireside potatoes Sheri Castle would roast with her grandparents, these russets have a crackly, salted skin and pillowy interior.

01/05/2026

Writer Ben Fountain has traveled all over the world, but he always longed to return to North Carolina. Now, he writes from his home in New Bern, taking his readers on adventures near and far. To read more about the Our State Book Club’s January author, click the link below.

Writer Ben Fountain’s fascination took him to another part of the world, and decades later, back to a familiar place with his book Devil Makes Three.

01/04/2026

From the late 1870s to the late 1890s, the Gilded Age marked a period of opulent architecture and economic growth in North Carolina.

In the late 1800s, the Gilded Age marked a period of opulent architecture and economic growth in North Carolina. How well do you know its contributors’ legacies?

01/04/2026

When one stream flows into another, the two chart a new course for the future — together.

Writer T. Edward Nickens muses about confluences. How, when one stream flows into another, the two chart a new course for the future — together.

01/04/2026

In the doldrums of winter, Our State recipe developer Lynn Wells remembers a pot of her father’s spaghetti sauce simmering all day on the stove. Her re-creation of it doesn’t take nearly as much time, but the flavors take her back those childhood winters.

This ultimate spaghetti sauce calls for a two-plus hour simmer on the stove to develop deep flavor and a deliciously tender result.

01/04/2026

Nothing beats escaping the cold with a warm beverage and good book — and these eight cozy nooks from Highlands to Harkers Island provide a place to pause and turn the pages. Click the link below to discover all the spots.

From mountain reading nooks to coastal shelves, discover inviting — and sometimes unexpected — winter sanctuaries for your next story.

01/03/2026

When the weather outside is frightful, one chef serves loved ones dishes so delightful.

When the weather outside is frightful, one chef serves dishes so delightful. Read Chef Lynn Wells’ story and watch her video for how to make fireside stew.