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 ...

“A Farmer’s Life” Story and photos by Meredith Bernard Some of the best lessons I’ve ever learned in life I owe to cattle, crops, a farmer and a piece of dirt. As unpoetic as that may sound, it’s birthed from a life I never dreamed I’d be living and, as I now know it, a life I wouldn’t have any ...

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 by Meredith Bernard Some people go their whole life never really finding or following a passion, and then some people like V. Mac Baldwin realize their passion early and work their whole life fulfilling it. Some people might also let circumstances keep them from following their dreams, but V. Mac didn’t do that either. When he was just 10 ...

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 ...