North Carolina in 50 Objects
6 Things That Taste Like Home
From a Krispy Kreme doughnut box to the barbecue chopping block, these tools of the trade are used to prepare and hold some of North Carolina’s most iconic flavors.
From a Krispy Kreme doughnut box to the barbecue chopping block, these tools of the trade are used to prepare and hold some of North Carolina’s most iconic flavors.
For Our State’s September 2026, we rounded up 50 iconic objects that tell the story of North Carolina. From colorful kites to spinning whirligigs, these show off the state’s playful nature.
From dulcimers to decoys, North Carolinians know that some of the pieces we’re most proud of are crafted by hand.
North Carolina’s story lives in objects made here, used here, treasured here, and sometimes transformed here. They carry the marks of work and worship, progress and protest, music and memory. Some built industries; others built traditions. A few changed the nation. Together, they tell us who we are, who we’ve been, and what we carry forward.
Our editor in chief marvels at the way everyday objects offer a reflection of place and craftsmanship, and how North Carolinians draw pride from the pieces that feel like home.
A relocated northerner explores how a nostalgic drink from New York found its way to Southern soda fountains.
A summery cornucopia of squash, okra, and peaches filled readers’ kitchens this month. See the desserts, fritters, and succotashes that made use of the season’s abundance.
After a year’s hiatus, the locally founded business reopened in a grand storefront where doughnut dreams come true.
Like many of the South’s sweetest offerings, this kitchen staple is worth the wait.
This spice cake is simple yet full of flavor, and it’ll steal the show the next time you take a sweet treat to a gathering or need to have something on hand for drop-in guests.
Tonight’s specials? Reruns and reheated classics, with a homemade twist. Claim your spot on the couch — it’s TV dinner time.
A jammy relish lends a sweet-tart pop to saucy gravies and meats, but we wouldn’t mind it with cheese and crackers or spread on a sandwich.
Make a TV dinner classic — with a homemade twist. A savory patty simmered in onion gravy offers a cozy end to the day.
Spiced apples bake under a rich cobbler topping to create a crowd-pleasing dessert that is easy enough for a weeknight.
Mill village history meets bustling storefronts along Durham’s Ninth Street, where its low-rise character is preserved by neighbors who have long remembered its roots.
Savor classic diner fare, browse repurposed shops, and grab a streetside pint along this historic mill-town corridor.
In a city known for pairing arts with innovation, old with new, find locally loved experiences to complement your stay across these storied properties.
From alpaca farms to rugged trails, all levels of adventure await across the state line.
In the walkable downtowns of Belmont, Mount Holly, and Gastonia, a local guide shares his favorite spots to grab a bite, explore outdoors, and settle in for a stay.
Hike scenic trails, paddle gentle waters, and embrace local festivals in this High Country haven that celebrates the mountains that shape it.
In downtown Greensboro, a historic house welcomes everyday gatherings and regional artistry with plenty of heart.
Located near a beloved summer camp, a collection of luxurious cabins welcomes future generations to make memories in McDowell County.
Explore where to stay, celebrate the arts, and savor a biscuit in downtown Boone.
Venture to one of America’s most spectacular red rock regions: the Grand Canyon and Sedona, Arizona.
Admire waterfront views, sip Limoncello, and learn to make pizza as we experience the dramatic towns of the Amalfi Coast and uncover the ancient wonders of Rome.
For the fabrics and clothes that capture North Carolina’s fashion identity best, read on for a selection from Our State’s September 2026 issue.
For generations, White’s bright blue awning has marked a familiar stop in Manns Harbor — home to a family-run store and grill built on service, tradition, and a deep sense of place.
After a Rocky Mount writer realized she couldn’t change how others perceived her, she changed the stories they read — and began telling her own.
From the theater to the dance hall, music and movement bring North Carolinians closer together.
In a chair, a bobbin, a hat ... our editor in chief marvels at the way everyday objects offer a reflection of place and craftsmanship, and how North Carolinians draw pride from the pieces that feel like home.
In this episode of North Carolina, Naturally, Dr. Eleanor Spicer Rice meets Peaches, a rescued possum at the Piedmont Wildlife Center. While these native marsupials often get a bad rap, they are actually unassuming superheroes that prowl our neighborhoods for insects, venomous snakes, and roadkill, cleaning up our yards and streets under the cover of darkness.
In a rural high school classroom, three students, one mentor, and a worn-out couch show a first-year teacher what school can mean.
A writer revisits a classroom rite of passage to see why so many musical journeys begin with a squeak.
North Carolina’s objects symbolize the stories, passions, and crafts that have shaped our state.
For longtime residents of West Jefferson, the largest building in town has been a constant companion. Following an extensive restoration, it’s the center of life once again.
The R.J. Reynolds Building in Winston-Salem symbolized the success of the country’s largest tobacco empire and inspired what was once the tallest building in the world.
In Winston-Salem, an Art Deco tower symbolized the success of the nation’s largest tobacco empire and served as the model for the Empire State Building.
Beat the summer heat with a sweet-tart punch that keeps your guests hydrated and cool at the picnic, cookout, or by the pool.
In the early 20th century, farm life schools flourished in rural North Carolina, instilling students not only with an education, but also a sense of community.
Western North Carolina sits at the heart of the Southern Appalachia bioregion, one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Here, up to 10,000 varieties of fungi flourish, and Dr. Eleanor Spice Rice meets with Asheville-based foraging educator Alan Muskat to learn more about identifying the food that’s found on the forest floor.
There’s no better time to cook with fresh produce than the height of summer, and a stovetop succotash turns fresh corn, peppers, field peas, and okra into a weeknight-worthy dinner.
Listen along to hear how our editor in chief finds inspiration in the kitchen, where familiar recipes and motions stir her creativity when words feel far away.
In this artsy Ashe County town, discover dozens of colorful murals and local galleries, try famous “squeaky cheese,” float down the New River, and more.
Whether on vacation or at home, this sparkling, tropical punch is your ticket to island time.
Want to test your North Carolina knowledge? With crosswords, word searches, jigsaw puzzles, and quizzes, you’ll become an expert on the state you love.
