Meredith Bernard

Caswell Mercantile – Yanceyville, North Carolina Story by Meredith Bernard Sometimes taking a step back is the first step in moving ahead, and one foot into the new Caswell Mercantile on quaint Main Street of Yanceyville, N.C. is the epitome of both. With a fresh mix of old traditions, rich Caswell County culture, and trendy -- as well as functional ...

Story and photos by Meredith Bernard Having grown up in the south, I know there’s some things that can always be counted on. Sweet tea on the menu. Homemade biscuits at Granny’s house for Sunday lunch. Leaving Granny’s and hearing “watch for deer” as a term of endearment. Hot humid summers with a side of flies and their biting cousins ...

Story and photos by Meredith Bernard “Can’t never could.” Three words my husband says often to our children that have left an indelible mark on me, as well. Three words that sum up so much of how I’ve gotten where I am, at the same time keeping me grounded to move forward. I mean, really -- can’t. never. could. But ...

Story and photos by Meredith Bernard Sometimes the best things in life don’t come from well-laid plans, but instead from taking chances and following where they lead. When Rich and Liz Mason decided to quit their international development careers that took them around the world and back again, they weren’t sure exactly where they would land or what they would ...

A Lifetime Contributing to our Community Story and photos by Meredith Bernard After being greeted with a firm handshake and hearty smile, I recently sat across a table from Person County native Melvin Hamlett and began hearing his life story. It didn’t take long to realize how this man has garnered a respected reputation that’s left a mark on his ...

Gunn Memorial Public Library in Yanceyville, NC Story and photos by Meredith Bernard Like the stitching on the thousands of book bindings housed on row after row of its shelves, the new Gunn Memorial Public Library in Yanceyville, NC is binding together a community deeply devoted to sharing the love and benefits of its new shining star. The library’s director, ...

Story and photos by Meredith Bernard Sometimes we let pre-conceived notions keep us from getting out of our comfort zones or learning new things. Driving into Foss Recycling Yard in Providence, NC was the first step in helping me let some of those notions go, and by the time I left, replacing them with a mind full of possibilities. Maybe ...

Story and Photos by Meredith Bernard Driving through present day Milton, North Carolina it can be hard to imagine the bustling center of commerce it was two-hundred some odd years ago, but a stop by the Thomas Day House/Union Tavern will take you back and open wide the doors of history. A stone’s throw from the Dan River, Milton became ...

Story and photography by Meredith Bernard Some people have the gift of making you feel like you’ve known them forever the first time you meet and some places immediately feel like home. Both of those are true of Nikki Bettis, her family and their “home away from home” at Busy Bee Coffee and Creamery Company, Yanceyville and Caswell County’s first ...

Story and photography by Meredith Bernard As a child, Hosanna Blanchard knew that her most favorite times were spent with her Grandmother crafting old treasures into new ones. What she didn’t know then is that she’d now be doing the same thing, thirty-some years later, in the same exact building her Grandmother once ran a quilt and craft shop, in ...