Katie Schanze

2 weeks ago | ourstate.com | Katie Schanze

Murphy to Manteo: Finding new adventures, historic detours, and the soul of North Carolina on the state’s longest highway: U.S. Route 64. Read the series. Just by lounging on the lawn at High Hampton Resort in Cashiers, you become part of a century-long tradition. But as I recline on an oversize chaise next to my lifelong best friend, Brooke — whom I can always count on to be up for an adventure — I can’t shake my thoughts of responsibilities back home.

1 month ago | ourstate.com | Katie Schanze

Murphy to Manteo: Finding new adventures, historic detours, and the soul of North Carolina on the state’s longest highway: U.S. Route 64. Read the series. As we coasted over Croatan Sound on the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, my husband, Alex, sat up straighter. On Roanoke Island, we turned off U.S. Route 64 to head south, and he began to tap his fingers on the steering wheel.

2 months ago | ourstate.com | Katie Schanze |Rebecca Woltz |Tamiya Anderson |Lynn Wells

Murphy to Manteo: Finding new adventures, historic detours, and the soul of North Carolina on the state’s longest highway: U.S. Route 64. Read the series. I’m bobbing and weaving through a crowd as I chase after my toddler, who is surprisingly quick, despite his general lack of coordination or understanding of gravity.

Mar 18, 2025 | ourstate.com | Katie Schanze

Murphy to Manteo: Finding new adventures, historic detours, and the soul of North Carolina on the state’s longest highway: U.S. Route 64. Read the series. At the bottom of a big hole in the middle of the woods in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, the only sounds are the scrape-crunch of a steel shovel and the muffled thump of soil and rocks hitting the ground. Suddenly, a sparkling glint flashes, catching my eye in the mess of red dirt. “There!” I yell, and Alex freezes.

Feb 18, 2025 | ourstate.com | Mark Kemp |Lauren Eberle |Billy Warden |Katie Schanze

North Carolina, Noted: Tune in as Senior Editor Mark Kemp immerses readers and listeners in the roots and rhythms of North Carolina, discovering how gospel choirs and radio shows, beach music and bluegrass, mariachi and marching bands all contribute to the soundtrack of our state. Click here to read the story from our March 2025 issue. Click below to hear Mark read his column aloud. Our Storytellers podcast brings the pages of the magazine to life, featuring the voices of six Our State writers.