The reading room

All stories

Browse articles on Southern places, foodways, craft, music and seasonal pastimes. Each piece takes one subject at a time and leaves room for readers to make it their own.

Garden path beside a pond with a fountain, bench, flowers, trees, and a distant gazebo under a cloudy sky

Places

Why a Garden Visit Feels Different at Each Turn

A garden visit feels richer when you follow its paths at an unhurried pace, notice changing views and choose one…

Nov 4, 20267 min read

People serving food from a cast-iron skillet and baking dish on a checkered tablecloth

Foodways

Cast-Iron Skillet or Baking Dish for a Shared Supper?

Choose a cast-iron skillet or baking dish for shared supper by matching the vessel to the dish’s texture, cooking…

Oct 30, 20266 min read

Woven basket, wooden tray, broom, and jars on a rustic wooden table with warm lighting

Craft

From Useful Basket to Regional Craft

Learn how to read a Southern basket through its materials, construction and intended use, and ask better questions at…

Oct 25, 20267 min read

Group of six people sitting on a front porch playing guitar and violin during a sunny day

Music

The Front Porch as a Place for Making Music

A front porch music gathering can feel welcoming with thoughtful seating, a considerate time and simple ways to join…

Oct 21, 20265 min read

Cozy autumn scene with tea, soup, bread, sketchbook, basket of vegetables, and rainy window view

Seasons

A Rainy Autumn Saturday with No Fixed Schedule

Plan a rainy autumn Saturday with one indoor pastime, an unhurried meal and a loose pocket of free time, without…

Oct 18, 20267 min read