Located between Mount Jefferson and Paddy Mountain, Ashe County claims the nickname “the coolest corner of North Carolina.” In the early 1900s, the Virginia-Carolina Railroad brought development and a growing population to the area, which continues to draw people with majestic mountain scenery, ancient rivers and vibrant arts.

In the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, “the Great State of Wilkes” earned its nickname from the massive size of Wilkes County. From the hills and hollows to the towns and cities, the stories of today are as endless as the legends of yesteryear—stories of triumph, tragedy, and the strength of the human spirit.

The town of Hickory, North Carolina winds along the Catawba River nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountains and is full of rich history, art and culture. Starting off as only a small tavern, the town of Hickory and its surrounding areas have grown to a bustling market, while still preserving their history.

The Pasquotank River has provided life and leisure to the people of Elizabeth City for hundreds of years. From the heart of downtown to the winding country roads lined by waving crops, Elizabeth City has seen stories that plumb the depths of triumph, tragedy and the human spirit.

The mountains and hollers around Jackson County, North Carolina, have sheltered people for centuries. From Sylva, the county seat, to out-of-the-way backroads, the folks who occupy these mountains have roots as deep as the oldest oaks and stories as big as the tallest peaks.

The Roanoke River Valley runs along the northern border of North Carolina and embodies a history and culture as varied as its landscape. The area holds countless stories—of struggle and triumph, enduing and caring

From farmland to swamps, the lowlands along the southwestern edge of North Carolina’s Albemarle Sound share a rich history and a fascinating human landscape. One of North Carolina’s most beautiful areas, this region boasts a multitude of stories—of hope and caring, survival and family.

Rising from the banks of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington, North Carolina holds a rich past with a dynamic present. Since British colonists raised the town in the 1700s, its prominence as a major port shaped the lives of its varied residents and our nation. Today Wilmington boasts a vibrant culture full of fascinating characters—from ghosts to skaters, dancers to fishermen.

For five days in April, fifteen photojournalism students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explored the varied culture of Highlands, NC, through their own lenses. Students worked daily with seasoned editors brought in from various newspapers in the Southeast.

Amid the peaks and valleys of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, a town known as Little Switzerland is home to rich communities and culture. During the seventh Carolina Photojournalism Workshop, students uncovered the stories of the people who call this place home.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ride Mountains, Asheville, NC, is an eclectic city. Its off-beat nature draws Americans of all types each year. During the sixth annual Carolina Photojournalism Workshop, students explored the spirit of this city and its surrounding mountains.

Along North Carolina’s southern coastline lie the subtropical Brunswick Islands, which span five barrier islands and 45 miles of beautiful beaches. During the 5th annual Carolina Photojournalism Workshop, students from the University of North Carolina explored the culture and traditions of North Carolina’s rapidly-changing Brunswick Islands.

Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, western North Carolina is home to stories as diverse and dynamic as the local scenery. As part of the fourth annual Carolina Photojournalism Workshop, 13 students explored what makes this mountainous region unique—and shared locals’ stories with the world.

For centuries, the unique geography and rich resources of land and sea have drawn larger-than-life characters on North Carolina’s southern Outer Banks. “Stories from the Crystal Coast” were created during an intensive, six-day photojournalism and multimedia workshop and share the area’s rich culture.

For five days in April, fifteen photojournalism students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explored the varied culture of Highlands, NC, through their own lenses. Students worked daily with seasoned editors brought in from various newspapers in the Southeast.

Created by fourteen photojournalism students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this project is the first in the history of the Carolina Photojournalism Workshop—a program dedicated to telling important stories through a local lens.