There is a lot of excitement going on in Garner right now. Actually, the excitement started months ago when many of us small business owners were asked, “Would you be interested in talking to a writer from Our State Magazine?” My response – and I am sure from others – was “Absolutely!” Now our excitement for Garner has become a reality and the feature is real and in print. (see November 2023 issue out now) I’ve been reading Our State Magazine for years now. It’s one of those magazines that I actually read front to back. Our State Magazine (ourstate.com ) is truly about the people, places, and events that give us an identity unique to North Carolina. They know how to celebrate this state.
Charles Harris, photographer.
Soon I received a call from Chloe Klingstedt, assistant editor for Our State Magazine. She was ready to start gathering information and Curtis and I got ready for her scheduled June visit. Well, as ready as you can be when you are being interviewed by a top magazine. It was fun to share Banks Bed and Breakfast with the hope that someone else would love it as much as we do. July seemed like such a long month wondering if our place was going to make it in the article. In reality the writers were working hard to put all the town has to offer into one cohesive story. In August we received an email from photographer, Charles Harris, relating that he had been asked to photograph for the issue about Garner. Being a bed and breakfast, we were able to host him during his stay and get to know a little about his very busy life as a photographer. You should check his Instagram at charles_harris_photo or go to his website charlesharris.com. Oh, the places he’s been! In Garner, Charles went in and out of the house for two days trying to catch the best shots all over town with the goal of representing the town and people who live and work here. Finally, the day came for the fact checking conversation with Lara Ivanitch prior to the article’s release. Lara picked out parts of the article to ask specific questions about without revealing the whole piece. It was like a teaser of what was to come while still giving some artistic license to the writers.
It’s an honor to be a part of something so exciting. Not just for Banks Bed and Breakfast, but for all of the wonderful places in Garner represented along with us. I mean, it’s Our State Magazine! Just like Our State is about “Celebrating North Carolina” we in Garner are celebrating being a featured small town. Oh, and please, please, please re-post this blog and all of the social media around the article, so everyone knows about this edition and the chance to learn about our amazing and vibrant town.
Mary
