DINING IN NC - Cardinal & Pine

Apr 2026 6

The best Mexican markets in North Carolina

By Karishma Desai | FOOD AND DRINK, EVERGREEN, Karishma Desai

These highly rated Mexican markets in North Carolina carry heaps of tasty Latin treats and groceries.

If you can’t imagine missing out on authentic Mexican food, though, the good news is that there are plenty of Mexican markets in North Carolina.

Mar 2026 30

Loch Norman Highland Games in April bring Scottish competition to the Carolinas

By Vanessa Infanzon | THINGS TO DO, COMMUNITY, Vanessa Infanzon

Celebrate Scottish culture with dance, food, music, and ancient strength events featuring 56-pound stones and 22-pound hammers at the Loch Norman Highland Games.

Since 1994, nonprofit Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville has been hosting the Loch Norman Highland Games, a two-day event featuring an ancient Scottish competition of strength.

Mar 2026 23

All about the Barn Dinner Theatre in NC, the oldest dinner theater in America

By Britteny Dee | LOCAL HISTORY, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

Enjoy dinner and a show at Barn Dinner Theatre—the country’s longest-running dinner theater. Learn more about the iconic dinnertainment establishment.

Mar 2026 19

An off-season beach trip to Wrightsville is good for the soul and the wallet

By Vanessa Infanzon | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Vanessa Infanzon

Plan a trip to Wrightsville Beach when the weather is cooler, beaches are less crowded, and rooms are priced to sell.

An off-season beach trip with friends and family will shake off the winter blues and reset you for the new season ahead.

Mar 2026 11

How a Charlotte cafe is building a sustainable model for employing people with disabilities

By Vanessa Infanzon | LOCAL BUSINESS, EVERGREEN, Vanessa Infanzon

Cakeable operates a training program for people with disabilities to be employed in businesses in the Carolinas.

Mar 2026 9

‘Top Chef’ comes to North Carolina for Season 23

By Vanessa Infanzon | LOCAL NEWS, COMMUNITY, Vanessa Infanzon

The Carolinas, including two chefs from NC, are featured in “Top Chef” Season 23.

Feb 2026 25

Pay-what-you-can cafés: How they uplift underserved communities in NC

By Vanessa Infanzon | FOOD AND DRINK, EVERGREEN, Vanessa Infanzon

Community cafés with a pay-what-you-can model bring together people from all different backgrounds through dining experiences and volunteer opportunities.

Feb 2026 12

Greensboro Sit-Ins: Learn about the protest that sparked a movement

By Dorothy Scott | LOCAL HISTORY, COMMUNITY, Dorothy Scott

The Greensboro Sit-Ins started in North Carolina in 1960 before going nationwide. Here’s everything you need to know about this important series of protests.

Jan 2026 21

Treasures await at these 9 indoor flea markets across North Carolina

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

From upcycled furniture to vintage clothing to action figures, discover all the unique items these indoor flea markets in North Carolina have to offer.