In a state shaped by kindness and hospitality, our editor in chief reflects on how simple gestures, from pound cake to a warm welcome at the door, imbue North Carolina with a sense of home.
Ramblin' Man: Common Grounds in North Carolina
1/14/2026 | 8 mins.
Wherever he travels, T. Edward Nickens finds comfort in a cup of joe.
Hidden History: U.S. Navy B-1 Band
1/14/2026 | 11 mins.
In 1942 at UNC Chapel Hill, young musicians marched into history as the Navy's first all-Black unit band.
A Taste of Our State: Cornmeal
1/14/2026 | 5 mins.
When food writer Sheri Castle discovers her grandfather's old mill, she and her family set out to revive a Southern tradition fueled by grits and grist.
North Carolina, Naturally: Fossils
1/14/2026 | 6 mins.
A paleontologist uncovers the ancient lives still hidden in North Carolina's rocks and coastline.
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.