It takes more than April showers to bring on the beauty of spring. As waves of yellow coat everything in sight, our Ramblin' Man stocks up on tissues and allergy medicine. Welcome to pollen season.
North Carolina, Naturally: Crown Shyness
03/18/2026 | 5 mins.
While nature might seem competitive, mature pine forests offer a lesson in coexistence — a natural phenomenon known as crown shyness.
From Elizabeth: Long May It Wave
03/18/2026 | 5 mins.
As the country's 250th birthday nears, our editor in chief reflects on the way star-spangled sightings across North Carolina provide her with a moment to pause and appreciate the place she calls home.
A Taste of Our State: Fatback
03/18/2026 | 5 mins.
In the South, we happen upon fatback in our stores and well-seasoned sides. This month, fatback finds its way, finally, into columnist Sheri Castle's kitchen.
Hidden History: Fort Dobbs
03/18/2026 | 10 mins.
In Iredell County, one of North Carolina's state historic sites provides a window into pre-Revolutionary War life at the edge of North Carolina's western frontier.
Listen as the pages of the magazine come to life in the Storytellers podcast, a new series featuring the voices of six Our State writers, including Editor in Chief Elizabeth Hudson. Each podcast episode features a writer reading their column aloud, allowing each distinct voice to shine. You can experience Our State wherever you go — in the car, on your walk, or while cooking dinner.