Our State: Celebrating North Carolina May 2021
Through compelling narrative stories and jaw-dropping photography, Our State magazine celebrates everything that makes our state great! Each month, we reflect the beauty of North Carolina, tell the stories of its amazing people and its remarkable history, and suggest wonderful places to visit. We are unabashedly in love with the Tar Heel State, and every page is designed to be an inspiring tribute to where we live.
in this issue
you make my heart sing
It’s the first sound I hear in the morning, before the coffee maker clicks on and steam spatters against the hot burner, before a squirrel patters across the roof: the sharp, high, clear-whistled voice of an American robin, perched somewhere outside my window, just before sunrise. He’s there every day, his sweet song rising with the first light, his lilt nudging me awake, his bright, fluty notes lifting my heart. By the time I’m outside for my morning walk, the sky has lightened, and the robins have been joined by wrens, Carolina chickadees, and white-throated sparrows, these tiny birds trilling with their whole hearts and filling the morning with a symphony of sound, a full choral concert. Nature’s ode to joy. I’ve heard these songs all my life, familiar notes that never…
studying success
1 More than 700,000 students are enrolled in our state’s 58 public community colleges. This network was founded in which year by former Gov. Terry Sanford? ○ A. 1945 ○ B. 1955 ○ C. 1963 2 The award-winning radio station WSGE 91.7 FM plays rock, gospel, jazz, and other music genres out of a studio located on the main campus of Gaston Community College. In which city is this campus located? ○ A. Dallas○ B. Gastonia○ C. Mount Holly 3 Brunswick Community College’s athletic program competes in the Division I and II levels of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Which aquatic mammal — often seen off our coast — is the school’s mascot? ○ A. Orca ○ B. Dolphin ○ C. Walrus 4 The BioNetwork program in North Carolina’s community college system works with K-12 schools in STEM subjects.…
a french toast
WHAT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ABOUT staying at the Burke Manor Inn is that you literally do not have to leave (“Piedmont Meets Provence,” March, page 132). The rooms are so beautiful and well-appointed, breakfasts are divine, the pool and grounds are spectacular, and, of course, lunch and dinner are amazing. Don’t forget about the veranda — a perfect place to sit and read with your morning coffee or afternoon glass of champagne. Lil and Lori Lacassagne are consummate hosts who aim to make your stay in their little oasis utterly perfect. Colleen Bogner VIA INSTAGRAM A TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY Thank you for the sweet article (“A Warm Community,” March, page 32) that will now help keep the spirit of our little old general store, West Rowan Farm, Home, and Garden, alive. My mentor at the…
the hills are alive
to-do list
pick FRESH STRAWBERRIES Grab a bucket or a basket: It’s strawberry season. In May, farmers across our state prepare for a flurry of visitors with sticky, red fingers and smiles to match. BERNIE’S BERRIES, GREENSBORO James and Bernice Kenan planted a small strawberry patch when they started farming in 1982. Today, Bernie’s Berries grows seven acres of strawberries in addition to watermelons, zucchini, and many other crops. Don’t miss: Grab the recipe for “Bernie’s Dip” — a mixture of cream cheese and marshmallow creme that’s perfect for berry dipping. (336) 852-1594, berniesberries.com DARNELL FARMS, BRYSON CITY Nathaniel Darnell and his sister, Afton Roberts, have made their family farm a destination. Pick strawberries, shop for other fresh produce, and listen to live music. Don’t miss: The strawberry and goat cheese empanadas sold at the on-site food truck. (828) 488-2376,…
southport
COUNTY: Brunswick POPULATION: 3,900 MOVIES & TV SHOWS FILMED ON-SITE: 13 ORIGINAL NAME: Smithville At their gallery in Southport, Ricky and Debbie Evans showcase the beauty of their coastal town. All of the artists featured in the shop live within 60 miles, and many pieces reflect the landscapes, seascapes, and colorful culture of the area. “It seems like Southport attracts that talent in people,” Debbie says. “With the retirement communities here, there are so many people who have worked in other areas and always wanted to pursue their artistic careers, and they just found the perfect spot, like we did, to let that grow.” Debbie was working for a frame shop in Wilmington when she was hired by Ricky, a watercolorist and photographer, to help him in his galleries in Laurinburg and…
