Our State Magazine

06/05/2026

An Oak Island resident scours the shoreline in search of driftwood, creating larger-than-life sculptures that inspire awe, just like the crashing waves nearby. To read more about this artist’s work, click the link below.

What washes ashore in Oak Island, North Carolina, can become something more: the unexpected artistry of a creative beachcomber, Dean Russell.

06/05/2026

Whether you’re looking to get outdoors, play, shop, or dine, fill the day with fun in downtown Huntersville and beyond:

Carolina Raptor Center 🦅 See birds of prey up close in a center dedicated to rehabilitation, education, and conservation.
Lancaster’s 🍔 Savor pulled-pork barbecue, hush puppies, and other Southern delicacies in this cozy joint.
Frankie's Fun Parks 🏎️ Seek thrills and challenge your friends to games, like bumper cars and bowling.
Birkdale Village 🛍️ Shop top brands and enjoy dining and drinks at the beloved Birkdale Village.
Primal Brewery 🍺 Catch up with friends, play arcade games, and relax with a cold craft brew on the patio.

What will you do in Huntersville? In partnership with Visit Lake Norman.

06/05/2026

The oldest hotel in North Carolina was saved from the wrecking ball and has returned to its former glory on the square in downtown Burnsville.

06/05/2026

Check out our guide to June events happening across the state — from the Historic Rotary Road Race in Beaufort to the Marshall Muse Gallery Paint-Along in Greensboro — in our Carolina Calendar.

Check out our guide -- it's updated monthly -- to discover events happening across the state in our Carolina Calendar.

06/05/2026

This stunning pound cake needs little more than a garnish of mint and lemon, but we encourage you to try a slice as Chef Lynn Wells suggests: toasted in the morning for a sweet start to the day.

This stunning pound cake needs little more than a garnish of mint and lemon, or try toasting a slice in the morning for a sweet start to the day.

06/04/2026

In this episode of Our State Supper Club, join Chef Lynn Wells in her kitchen to make a summertime crab pie. Simply seasoned and baked until bubbling, its flavors can carry you to the coast — wherever you might be. — With Lynn Warlick Wells, in partnership with Pinehurst Resort.

06/04/2026

Once the youngest commercial fisherman on Ocracoke Island, one man returned to his village to continue a legacy that’s been honored for generations.

Once the youngest commercial fisherman on Ocracoke Island, one man returned to his village to continue a legacy that's been honored for generations.

06/04/2026

From appetizers to desserts, the menu at Vicki B’s reflects dedication to eastern North Carolina’s farms, fisherfolk, and everyone in between. Housed in a historic Manteo residence, even the space is full of regional touches, from the bar top made with wood from East Lake to a wooden table made of pilings from the original Jennette’s Pier. Read more below about Basnight’s ode to the coast, then plan your trip. — Vicki B’s

A new café and market in downtown Manteo celebrates coastal traditions with a modern mindset.

06/04/2026

Granville County hoisted the first official county flag in North Carolina more than 60 years ago. The popularity of county flags has been on the rise ever since.

06/04/2026

This cool and crisp salad is a cheese lover’s delight, with chunks of salty feta cheese tossed into the salad and whisked into the tangy dressing.

This cool and crisp salad is a cheese lover's delight, with chunks of salty feta cheese tossed into the salad and whisked into the tangy dressing.