Cary Magazine March 2021

March 2021

FILLING STATION GREAT FOOD & MORE IN SAXAPAHAW

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in this issue

18

A

Spirted Adventure Plenty to do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

24 Road Trip to Pinehurst Leads to More than Golf 34 A View of North Carolina’s Historic Lighthouses 38 The Arts Shine in Downtown Sanford 47 Special Section:

Great Escapes

66

Rhythm and Clues

Latin music connects us all, says dancer Betto Herrera

74 84

Big Little Gardens

A bicyclist pedals the shoreline along North Carolina’s Sunset Beach.

6

MARCH 2021

Jonathan Fredin

Worth the Drive:

Saxapahaw General Store

Timeless design is reflected in a collection of treasures from a life well lived. southernstudio.com 919.362.5143

in every issue

C A R Y

A P E X

•

M O R R I S V I L L E

EXECUTIVE

73

On Trend: Writing Letters

82 91 93 104 106

Small Business Spotlight: Campbell Road Nursery

•

March 2021 • Volume 18, Number 2 Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher Kris Schultz, Publisher

Liquid Assets: The Grateful Dead from Mellow Mushroom Liquid Assets: Octo Pils from Vicious Fishes Brewery Nonprofit Spotlight: Chinese American Friendship Association Garden Adventurer: A Tale of Two Pretties

EDITORIAL

Amber Keister, Senior Editor Sarah Rubenoff, Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS

Mona Dougani Jack Frederick L.A. Jackson David McCreary Emily Uhland PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer DESIGN & LAYOUT

Lauren Earley, Creative Director PRODUCTION

ON THE COVER:

departments

A golfer practices his swing at Pinehurst Resort. See article, page 24.

10 12 94 108 114

Photo by Jonathan Fredin

Editor’s Letter

Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer Beth Harris, Graphic Designer Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer ADVERTISING

Maureen Powell, Senior Account Manager PUBLIC RELATIONS

Letters from Readers

CORRECTION: In the article “On Trend: Kangoo Jumps Boots,” which

Dining Guide

appeared in the January/ February issue, one of the owners of Bounce and Burn

Happenings

was omitted. The fitness studio is owned by Janine Cooper and Dakota Fox.

Write Light

S&A Communications Chuck Norman, APR ADMINISTRATIVE

Kristin Black, Accounting Marilu McQuilkin, Events Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager Lisa White, Circulation Coordinator Valerie Renard, Human Resources PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Ron Smith Cary Magazine © is published nine times annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.

in the next issue

CARY MAGAZINE

Westview at Weston 301 Cascade Pointe Lane, Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.carymagazine.com This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein.

Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.

Bouquets of Joy Flower Shuttle volunteers deliver blooms to hospitals and care facilities.

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MARCH 2021

Cary Magazine is a proud member and supporter of all five chambers in Western Wake County: the Cary Chamber of Commerce, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and Garner Chamber of Commerce.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

WINNER 2021 20 21

e d i t o r ’s l e t t e r SOMETIMES, no matter how you write or rewrite an article, you can’t figure out how to include That Great Quote or That Great Story. One of my writing coaches it “killing your children,” and that seems about right.

When I spoke with Betto Herrera for the article on page 64, our scheduled 45-minute Zoom call lasted more than an hour. It was impossible not to be moved by his passion for dance and music, but there was no way I could include all his stories.

One in particular was difficult to leave out, a story about second chances.

In December 2002, Herrera was a young Marine, driving back to Camp LeJeune from Raleigh.

He had been on a date, doing some dancing, and it was early in the morning, about 4:30 a.m. He was due back on base at 5:30 a.m.

“I was just like, 20 minutes away from base, and I fell asleep,” he said. “I crashed, and they found me a few hours later in a ditch. ... I woke up a few days later, finding out that I could barely move.”

He had broken his leg, knee, hand, wrist and jaw. His injuries were so severe that he was medically discharged from the military. After four and a half years of service, his career was over.

“The doctors told me that I was not going to be able to play soccer,” he said, “and also that I wasn’t going to be able to dance again. And that put me into depression; I suffered from PTSD for quite some time.”

While he was still recovering, his dance partner told him about an exhibition coming up in five months. She asked about finding a new partner, but Herrera, still in casts and a walker, insisted that he could do the show.

Despite his injuries, he began to dance again.

“I remember this day when my physical therapist was measuring the range of motion that I had in my joints, especially my hip and my knee. He said, ‘Wow! The doctor told you that you were only going to get back to 60% — right now you’re at 85%. … Whatever you’re doing right now, it’s working.’

Herrera kept on dancing, made the performance and found his calling “So that was good for me,” he said. “That’s what got me out, or helped me out of the depression that I had after the accident and after I got discharged from the Marines in 2004. It’s been a journey.”

Maybe I’m feeling the need for a reset after the winter we’ve had? Maybe spring has me yearning for stories of rebirth? Whatever the reason, this tale of perseverance touched me deeply. I hope that it inspires you as well.

Jonathan Fredin

Noelle Keister, left, and her mom, Senior Editor Amber Keister, pose for a personal photo after the Writing Letters photo shoot, see page 73.

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MARCH 2021

Thank you for reading,

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“We are grateful to have had this honor placed on our family, because my brother chose to live his life with such passion. Thank you again for this small spotlight on a life well-lived!”

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Monica and Taylor Derrenbacher, Premier School of Dance, re. “2021 Maggy Awards” “I just wanted to share how much I love Cary Magazine. As a mom who owns a small children's clothing shop in Cary, I have to say this magazine really represents this community!”

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Growing togather with him I saw his interest in arts and caring for others. His curiosity and detailed observations made him what he is today.”

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MARCH 2021

Editor’s note: Submitted comments may be edited for length or clarity, and become the property of Cary Magazine.

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A Spirted Adventure Plenty to do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

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MARCH 2021

Raleigh resident Sandi Gorham pens her thoughts and reads what others have written in one of several journals kept in the Kindred Spirit Mailbox at the end of Sunset Beach. For more than 30 years, thousands of visitors have made the 30-minute trek to the community mailbox to read and write their thoughts, hopes and dreams. The mailbox was the inspiration behind Nicholas Sparks’ novel "Every Breath."

For more information about the Brunswick Islands and its attractions, visit ncbrunswick.com.

SUNSET BEACH CARY MAGAZINE 19

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MARCH 2021

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WRITTEN BY JACK FREDERICK PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

A lap pool awaits guests of the Spa at Pinehurst.

IT’S NO SECRET that the quaint village of Pinehurst built its reputation upon one thing — golf.

Located an hour southwest of Cary, the Cradle of American Golf is a bucket list destination for fans of the game, boasting 10 courses nestled into the scenic landscape of the Sandhills. It is well-worth the trip just to experience the 1907 Donald Ross masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2, a course that few others in the world can rival.

“Everybody who is somebody has played Pinehurst,” said Ben Bridgers, director of golf and Pinehurst Country Club manager. “We get to walk around where all the greats have played and ma24

MARCH 2021

Road trip to Pinehurst Leads to More Than Golf

jor championships (held), so it feels a little bit like you’re back in time.”

The trek down U.S. 1 to Pinehurst leads to plenty of top-notch golf, but folks in the Triangle looking to get away for the weekend will find more than tee times and putting greens. A trip to Pinehurst is an adventure fueled by relaxation, fun activities and good food. continued on page 26

Early morning light bathes the scenic surroundings of Pinehurst Resort.

LEFT: Visitors will find rocking chairs and wide porches at the shops in the Village of Pinehurst.

CARY MAGAZINE 25

Pinehurst Resort guests and members pose for a photo next to the fist-pumping statue of 1999 U.S Open champion Payne Stewart. That year was the first time the U.S. Open was played at No. 2.

continued from page 24

Guests take photos of trophies memorializing the many golf tournaments that have been played in Pinehurst.

“It’s a nice way to get away from the traffic, the hustle and bustle, and come back to a quaint little village that puts you in a good mood,” Bridgers said.

Boston entrepreneur James Walker Tufts began turning dreams of a New England-style resort community into reality after purchasing nearly 6,000 acres of land in 1895.

More than 125 years later, Pinehurst Resort remains in touch with this history, sticking to the original framework and purpose of the land. As you approach the Carolina Hotel, tall, captivating longleaf pines create a sense of tranquility that builds excitement for what the trip could hold.

The largest of five lodging accommodations at the resort, the hotel is wrapped by long porches with rocking chairs that look out onto manicured grounds. continued on page 29

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MARCH 2021

It’s a nice way to get away from the traffic, the hustle and bustle, and come back to a quaint little village that puts you in a good mood.

— Ben Bridgers, director of golf and Pinehurst Country Club manager

The Carolina Hotel is the largest of five lodging accommodations at Pinehurst Resort.

CARY MAGAZINE 27

Golfers take a few early-morning swings.

IF YOU GO: PLAY THE CRADLE

a fan-favorite, accommodating both new

The course can be completed in an hour,

A full day of golf isn’t for everyone, espe-

players and the experienced.

leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of

cially during a quick trip to Pinehurst.

“People come here, and they want to play

what the resort offers. At a cost-effective

The Cradle, a par-three course, is the per-

the Cradle,” said Ben Bridgers, director

$50 per player, replay rounds are free all

fect compromise to enjoy golf when time

of golf. “It’s a little nine-hole course, 789

day if you have the time.

is precious. Added in 2018, the course is

yards. It's just so much fun.”

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MARCH 2021

I’m not a golfer, and I think it’s special.

Everyone is very friendly, and the town is very green.

— Ann Carter, resident

continued from page 26

Created in 1912, the iconic 2-foot statue known as Putter Boy is Pinehurst Resort's official logo.

Inside, the comfort of cozy rooms, walls of historical photos and the fine dining of the Carolina Dining Room makes it tempting to remain tethered to the hotel, but there is much more to explore, starting with the Spa at Pinehurst right next door.

The full-service spa is open daily for massage therapy, facials and body treatments to help you unwind.

The Resort Clubhouse, a hub for all golf needs, is the heart of the resort encircled by lush green grass and golf courses that have been sculpted and perfected over generations.

The clubhouse is also home to The Deuce, a soup and sandwich restaurant with a picturesque view of the sprawling landscape overlooking the 18th green of Pinehurst No. 2. While munching on a house made pastrami sandwich, an occasional stray ball may fly into the outdoor seating area.

When it’s time for a change of scenery, retail therapy awaits at the Village of Pinehurst, a walkable district located in the resort’s original continued on page 31

CARY MAGAZINE 29

The Carolina Dining Room at the Carolina Hotel serves inspired dishes, like seared sea scallops with saffron and sweet pepper, risotto, pancetta and shaved Brussels sprouts, trumpet mushrooms, caponata and preserved grapefruit aioli.

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A new day dawns on Lake Pinehurst, a 200-acre lake a few miles from the Village of Pinehurst.

Guests at this private lake can rent kayaks and boats, or relax at the beach area.

continued from page 29

ABOVE: While their husbands play golf, Raleigh residents Dorothy Donahue, left, and Denise Rinderer enjoy charcuterie and wine on the porch of the Carolina Hotel.

RIGHT: Lawn bowling at Pinehurst Resort.

buildings. Two blocks of cottage-style storefronts include restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and a cupcake shop.

The village is also a good place to meet locals who can share the best aspects of living in Pinehurst.

“I’m not a golfer, and I think it’s special,” said Ann Carter, a resident since 1946.

“Everyone is very friendly, and the town is very green.”

Carter has seen Pinehurst transform into the bustling tourism destination it is today. Just a few blocks from the village, the Pinehurst Brewing Company has added to the area’s draw since opening in 2018.

Housed in the historic steam plant that once provided power to the Village of Pinehurst, the brewery is a relaxing place to linger, sitting inside or out. The creations continued on page 32

CARY MAGAZINE 31

The Village of Pinehurst features charming boutiques, gift shops and restaurants. Visitors can also learn local history at The Tufts Archives or stroll through gardens at the Village Arboretum.

continued from page 31

of head brewer Eric Mitchell pair well with barbecue, pizza and other American classics from the kitchen.

When it’s dinner time, a barbecue sandwich and a frosty glass of beer might be your style. For a more formal dinner, the 1895 Grille and the Carolina Dining Room strut high-class experiences. Or check out one of the other dining options found around the resort, from Southern cooking to upscale pub fare.

“We want to make sure the guests are entertained, surprised and well fed, of course, during their stay,” said Thierry Debailleul, executive chef at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club.

Whether you’re in search of leisure or sport, a road trip to Pinehurst is the perfect escape from the Triangle, and a journey that will send you home relaxed and refreshed.

Learn more about Pinehurst Resort at pinehurst.com. t 32

MARCH 2021

Located in an historic steam plant building, the Pinehurst Brewing Company has maintained much of the original 130-year-old building.

Along with craft beer, the brewery serves lunch and dinner items like Caprese salad smoked chicken wings and brisket.

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A View of North Carolina’s Historic Lighthouses

WRITTEN BY AMBER KEISTER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WHILE THERE IS STILL plenty of uncertainty about travel this year, one thing is sure. Triangle folks will be heading to the beach as soon as it’s warm enough to dip a toe into the ocean.

Waiting for visitors will be plenty of sand and surf, but also a rich maritime history, if you know where to look. From Edenton to Bald Head Island, eight historic lighthouses dot the coast and the Outer Banks. Many of the lighthouses can be climbed, and those

who make it to the top are rewarded with breathtaking views. But even if the climbs are canceled this year, as they were last year, these beautiful structures deserve to be admired.

Taking a few days to see all the lighthouses is a fine reason for a road trip, but it’s also entertaining to visit them one at a time. Whatever the plan, it’s good to call or check the website before heading out.

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Nags Head

The first of three historic lighthouses located inside the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Bodie Island Lighthouse began operations in 1872 and is still in use.

When open, visitors can climb the 214 steps on selfguided tours. nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm

Lauren Earley

Lauren Earley

Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla

Completed in 1872, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse still guides passing mariners. The structure was left unpainted to set it apart from the other coastal lighthouses and to show off the roughly one million bricks used in its construction. obcinc.org 34

MARCH 2021

1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton

The decommissioned lighthouse once stood in Albemarle Sound, at the mouth of the Roanoke River. It was moved to its current location in 2012, after serving as a private residence for many years. The restored structure is believed to be the last remaining original screw-pile lighthouse in the U.S. historicsites. nc.gov/all-sites/historic-edenton

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Harkers Island

Located inside Cape Lookout National Seashore, this 1859 lighthouse is known for its distinctive diamond pattern. The different markings on each of the coastal lighthouses allow mariners to determine their location during the day, as light patterns enable them to do at night. Miles of undeveloped beach await visitors to Harkers Island, which is only accessible by ferry or private boat. nps.gov/calo/index.htm

Visitors to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse take in the view after climbing the 207 steps to the top. The climbing season is usually May to September, but COVID-19 restrictions could affect that schedule.

CARY MAGAZINE 35

Ocracoke Island Light Station, Ocracoke

Once a haven for Blackbeard the pirate, Ocracoke Island is home to the state’s oldest operating lighthouse. While the whitewashed structure can’t be climbed, the serene grounds are worth taking the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke. nps.gov/ caha/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm

Oak Island Lighthouse, Caswell Beach

The newest of the coastal lighthouses, the Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958. Its threestripe color pattern comes not from paint, but from pigmented concrete. Another unique feature is the climb to the top. Instead of a spiral staircase, a series of ship ladders with a total of 131 steps lead to the lantern gallery level. oakislandlighthouse.org

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MARCH 2021

Volunteer guide Bob Ahlers is a member of the Friends of Oak Island Lighthouse.

Bald Head Island Lighthouse (Old Baldy), Bald Head Island

The state’s southernmost (and oldest) lighthouse can be seen from Oak Island, but to get close, visitors must hop on a ferry to get to Bald Head Island. The octagonal brick tower, completed in 1817, is coated with stucco and stands 110 feet high. The restored structure normally welcomes visitors, who can climb its 108 steps or explore the keepers cottage. oldbaldy.org

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, completed in 1870, is the nation’s tallest and most recognizable lighthouse. It is located along one the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast, where hundreds of shipwrecks have caused the area to be known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The structure measures more than 198 feet from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the pinnacle of the tower, and the self-guided climb to the top is strenuous. nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm Lauren Earley

CARY MAGAZINE 37

Passersby can spin the wheel on the “Bringing the Arts Together” interactive mural.

The Arts Shine in

downtown sanford WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND

| PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

“Sanford Spinners” honors the local baseball team and pitcher Howard Auman, who led the Spinners to the Tobacco State League championship in 1946.

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“Fairview Dairy” graces the side of Yarborough’s Homemade Ice Cream & Grill.

Public art transforms downtown Sanford into a larger-than-life history book, and your next day-trip adventure.

“Silent Wings” honors three glider pilots who served during World War II.

CARY MAGAZINE 39

“Off to War” is a tribute to the area’s current and former armed forces members.

IT ALL STARTED WITH UGLY WALLS DOWNTOWN. Well, eliminating ugly walls downtown, that is.

In 2015, Liz Whitmore, a historic preservation planner for the city of Sanford proposed ideas for a series of murals and public art projects that would “polish a lump of coal into a diamond.”

WHEN YOU GO Along with the Otocast app tour, a printable map of the mural trail is available to download from the city’s website. sanfordnc.net, downtownsanford.com

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The goal was to “recognize historical figures and events that may have been forgotten,” Whitmore says, and in the meantime, turn those ugly brick walls into a dynamic destination.

The first building-sized mural to be completed highlights the Sanford Spinners, a baseball team in the Tobacco State League, which played during the late 1940s. Pitcher Howard Auman led the Spinners to their first league championship in 1946 and is memorialized on the mural pitching directly at onlookers. Completed in May 2015 on the edge of downtown Sanford, this mural paved the path for two more to come that same year.

In the next five years, 12 murals would be completed — all, except two, in the downtown area. The remaining are in nearby Jonesboro. More than $300,000 has been raised to fund the project, the majority through private donations and sponsors.

“It’s a town of 30,000 people,” Whitmore said. “Never did I dream the project would be so well received.”

“What sets us apart is all the murals tell the story in some way about the town or county. There is a historical foundation behind all of them,” said Kelli Laudate, executive director of Downtown Sanford Inc. “There is a lot of town pride and ownership here.”

The murals also serve as an educational opportunity to teach new residents and young people about the area’s history in a vibrant way.

North Carolina muralists Chris Dalton and Scott Nurkin have been the artistic drivers of the murals, completing all 12 between the two of them.

“So many people stop and visit while I’m painting. They’ll bring me lemonade in the summer,” said Dalton. “It’s been an

The area’s agricultural heritage is remembered in “Tobacco History.”

honor, honestly, to be a part of it because licas are then raffled off at the completed everyone has been so supportive.” mural’s dedication ceremony as a keepsake Many of her concepts have three-di- for the community. mensional elements incorporated into the “We have special dedication ceremodesign, like cow heads nies,” said Whitmore, as on the Fairview Dairy one of the ways to boost mural and a spinning excitement in the public. wheel on “Bringing “We had vintage planes the Arts Together” infly over at the first one.

It’s important teractive mural.

It’s really wonderful. for cities to “I like it when Despite impreshave their the kids go crazy,” sive progress, she isn’t histories told. said Dalton, a 10-year finished adorning resident of Sanford.

Sanford. Additional “Whatever makes murals are planned, as them happy and teachwell as more interac– Chris Dalton, muralist es them about art.” tive art, namely street Before painting pianos painted by lobegins, the artist submits a scale replica to cal artists for the public to play on. be approved by Sanford’s Appearance Com“I have a list of things we would like to mission, which Whitmore heads. The rep- have done, many of them reflecting history

“

”

and heritage — who we are and where we are going,” Whitmore said.

“There is so much more we want to do ... rich history that we haven’t even tapped.”

Visitors can access a special guided tour of the mural trail by downloading the free app, Otocast, which hosts a GPS-activated audio narration that details each mural’s history and contains behind-the-scenes progress photos and directions for locating the art.

The Otocast tour includes all the city’s public art, including sculptures and interactive displays. Two of the most popular attractions are located on Charlie Watson Lane, a pedestrian alley off of Steele Street. The “Before I die” wall allows observers to chalk in their goals and dreams. Nearby, the vibrant “Wings” mural, containing 15-foot high butterfly wings and three-dimensional mini butterflies, has become an iconic spot for photos. continued on page 42 CARY MAGAZINE 41

Other downtown highlights include “Wings,” a popular spot for Instagram photos, and the “Before I die” interactive wall.

The Railroad House Museum, right, is also nearby.

continued from page 41

Families can also participate in a train scavenger hunt to locate 12 miniature replicas of Sanford’s No. 12 Locomotive Engine, which is proudly displayed in Depot Park.

Pick up a scavenger-hunt passport at the Visitor’s Center (or download a digital version) to record your findings, then turn in for a prize when completed.

Also in Depot Park is the historic Railroad House Museum, a beautifully-restored building, regarded as the oldest home in Sanford.

The museum’s collection includes fossils and artifacts spanning millions of years of history.

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All of these attractions are located in the downtown district, an easily walkable handful of blocks. As you meander the mural trail, be sure to pop into boutiques and dining destinations.

Pizza at La Dolce Vita Pizzeria or barbecue at Smoke & Barrel might precede a cold treat at longtime Sanford favorite, Yarborough’s Homemade Ice Cream & Grill. Or opt for sweets and sips on Wicker Street with donuts at Sandra’s Bakery and craft beer at nearby Hugger Mugger Brewing Company. t

“

Never did I dream the project would be so well received.

”

– Liz Whitmore, City of Sanford

Double cheeseburger from Yarborough’s Homemaade Ice Cream and Grill

Along the mural trail, consider these additional Sanford stops, all without leaving downtown.

Shopping Stops

Downtown Restaurants

Sanford Antique Mall

Smoke & Barrel

Owned and operated by John Bane and Jenks Youngblood, the huge antiques mall features a whopping 75 dealer spaces within 18,000 square feet.

118 S Moore St., Sanford (919) 775-1969 sanfordantiquemall.com

120 S. Steele St., Sanford (919) 292-1374 smokeandbarrelsanford.com

Shops of Steele Street

Hugger Mugger Brewing

The emporium offers jewelry, clothing, books, Gund, household wares, handmade children’s and doll clothes, and unique boutique items.

102 S. Steele St., Suite 101, Sanford (919) 777-6959 facebook.com/shopssteelestreet

Southern Charm on Wicker Shop selling handmade goods from vendors all across Lee & Chatham counties.

218 Wicker St., Sanford (919) 584-7559 facebook.com/SouthernCharmOnWickerSt

High Cotton Couture

La Dolce Vita Pizzeria 226 Carthage St., Sanford (919) 777-5277

Company

Seven Continents ...One Stop

229 Wicker St., Sanford huggermuggerbrewing.com

Yarborough's Homemade Ice Cream 132 McIver St., Sanford (919) 776-6266 facebook.com/yarice35

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Sandra's Bakery 225 Wicker St., Sanford (919) 775-1467

Boutique featuring on-trend women’s clothing and accessories.

115 S. Steele St. Sanford (919) 292-2686 facebook.com/shophighcottonnc

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GREAT

escapes

WARM WEATHER is just around the corner — and so is your perfect getaway.

March winds may not have you thinking of flip-flops and sandy beaches, but it’s the perfect time to plan a trip.

What’s on your travel agenda? Enjoying a decadent dinner at dockside? Hunting for flea-market finds and antiques?

Traversing backwoods trails in search of wildlife? Or lounging on the beach with a cold beverage?

Whatever is on your vacation agenda, there are amazing destinations and new adventures waiting — just a few hours’ drive away. Not sure where you’d like to go? Turn the page for some vacation inspiration.

Jonathan Fredin

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CARY MAGAZINE 47

Currituck OUTER Tucked away on the northernmost slice of coastal North Carolina you’ll find the Currituck Outer Banks, a 24-mile salty strip of windswept remote beaches; and home to legendary wild horses, iconic historical sites, rich wildlife, fresh coastal cuisine and the finest family-friendly accommodations. The Currituck Outer Banks and mainland truly has something for everyone.

To do

Where the road ends in Corolla, wild Spanish mustangs have roamed the shores for centuries.

Many visitors set out to explore these remote beaches by taking a guided four-wheel drive tour. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat can be an unforgettable experience. Also, climb the 220-step Currituck Beach Lighthouse for an unbeatable 360-degree view of the area, and enjoy a tour of Whalehead, a 1920s-era mansion.

Relax

The Currituck Outer Banks beaches are some of the most tranquil on the East Coast and provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a good book, listen to the waves or simply close your eyes and breathe in the salty air.

Spend a relaxing afternoon sampling award-winning wine and beer from our local wineries and breweries, shop for treasures at eclectic boutiques, enjoy mouth-watering North Carolina barbecue and freshly caught seafood from a local restaurant, or enjoy an awe-inspiring sunset over the Currituck Sound.

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BANKS

Where to stay

Whether your vacation plans are for a week or a weekend, there are accommodations to meet your needs on the Currituck Outer Banks. Vacation rental homes offer amenities including swimming pools, hot tubs, in-home theaters, gourmet kitchens and pet-friendly options. Corolla also boasts an oceanfront hotel, a pair of inns and a luxurious bed and breakfast.

Hit the road

On your way to Corolla, or when it’s time to take a break from the beach, enjoy what mainland Currituck County

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has to offer. Explore the many unique shops and farm markets along US-158, as well as H2OBX Waterpark, a familyfriendly attraction featuring more than 30 exhilarating rides and slides.

For more information and to request a free Currituck Outer Banks visitor’s guide, call (877) 287-7488, or explore CorollaNC.com.

Simply Corolla, NC Far and Away, Only Closer

Find yourself here With spring upon us, many wise families are making their plans now to simply hit the road and find their way here.

It is good to know that awe-inspiring remote beaches, the legendary Corolla Wild Horses and storied historical sites await you, less than a day’s drive away, in Corolla, NC.

Call 877.287.7488 for information or yourSPECIAL free visitor’s guide ADVERTISING SECTION

Corolla • Carova • The Mainland

Visit us online at CorollaNC.com CARY MAGAZINE

49

Topsail Island & Pender Co. NORTH TOPSAIL ISLAND AND PENDER COUNTY IS YOUR DESTINATION FOR UNCROWDED BEACHES, FANTASTIC SEAFOOD, HISTORICAL SITES AND OUR FAMOUS SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL.

We are known for our destination beaches, blueberries and battlefields.

If you are destined for a vacation to unplug, visit us.

Relax on the beach. Dine at one

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of our many fine, locally owned and operated restaurants. Enjoy local entertainment, wine and craft beers.

Topsail Island and Pender County is your destination for a special occasion. We offer a wide array of locations for weddings, receptions, reunions and conferences. We are eager to gather again to celebrate special moments in our lives.

Celebrate with us on our spacious beaches, farms and historic sites.

If family time is your special occasion, bring the kids and play in the surf – or surf by catching a wave! Take a fishing excursion or a kayak tour on the Intracoastal Waterway. Hike a portion of the Mountainsto-Sea Trail, or walk our Hometown Hollywood Tour in the Town of Burgaw. Pick your own blueberries, and savor the area that is home to the annual NC Blueberry Festival. Visit our famous Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation

Center where endangered sea turtles are nurtured back to health.

Explore the critters of the sea with Ecological Marine Adventures. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with one of our charters, and watch the dolphin play where pirates once roamed.

Explore our history.

Visit Moores Creek National Battlefield, the only National Park in Southeast North Carolina. The site of the first North Carolina victory for the patriots in the Revolutionary War, Moores Creek offers picnicking areas, a historic walk of less than one mile and special events throughout the year. If you’re an Outlander fan, you’re destined to love Moores Creek!

On Topsail Island, visit Missiles and More Museum, and explore the top-secret Operation

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Bumblebee where guided missile technology was born.

Visit Topsail Island and Pender County. Our attractions, venues, and events will be a special occasion to remember.

New Bern NORTH TRY ON THE OUTDOORS

Often, visitors come to New Bern from near and far to explore well known attractions like Caleb Bradham’s Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and North Carolina’s first state capitol building, Tryon Palace.

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However, it doesn’t take long for them to discover the hidden gems that are New Bern’s outdoor recreational activities.

New Bern is home to one of four national forests. The Croatan National Forest spans 159,000 acres of coastal landscape. It is here that visitors have the opportunity to hike on a variety of trails, bike and explore the best of North Carolina wildlife.

Just don’t spend too much time in the woods, if you decide to book a tee time at one of our five public golf courses.

Golf isn’t for everyone, so we have 25 parks that are strategically located around town that offer recreation like disc golf, volleyball, boat launches and other thrilling activities. Our 30 square miles of waterways provide guests with the prime opportunity to throw a line in the water and try their hands at fishing.

After participating in an outdoor adventure, there is no doubt that you will have worked up an appetite. Street cafes come to life this spring in downtown New Bern. Our locals have rallied together offering guests the opportunity to experience outdoor dining throughout our vibrant streets.

As the day comes to a close stop by Stand Up Outfitters and let Charley and Kate set you up with a paddleboard or kayak.

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Our locals say that there is no better place to watch the sunset than at the point where the Trent and Neuse rivers intersect.

For more information on booking your trip to New Bern, you can visit www. visitnewbern.com. Upon entering the website, our automated travel guide, Ellie, will greet you.

CARY MAGAZINE 51

Kinston NORTH COME EXPERIENCE SOUTHERN WITH A KICK.

As warmer weather brings life back to the Carolinas, you’re probably itching to get outdoors.

You’ve had months to binge watch all your favorite shows.

Your closets are immaculate.

It’s time for something new, something different. It’s time for Kinston.

This little town in Eastern North Carolina takes pride in being Southern with a kick. Here, chefs aren’t afraid to create giant hushpuppies filled with a quarter pound of hand-chopped whole hog barbecue laid under a mess of

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sweet coleslaw. Here, artists transform metal and glass into works of art for your home or garden. Here, history shares tales about civil war battles and a boat scuttled in a shallow river and inspire with the stories of music legends like Ray Charles, Chubby Checker and James Brown.

If this sounds like a place you’d like to visit, you are cordially invited to leave your house. Here are a few tour ideas to get things started: BEST OF KINSTON TOUR

Kinston is in the middle of a renaissance. Over the last decade this little town has claimed a place in the Scan to hearts of foodies, visit art lovers and history lovers.

If you find yourself headed our way, here is a quick list of attractions, shops, restaurants, and experiences guaranteed to give you a kick of Southern as only Kinston can.

BEST OF SHOPPING TOUR

Kinston is not the typical small town, so you shouldn’t expect the typical kind of shopping.

This tour highlights Scan to some of the visit best and most unique stores in our area. You’ll shop vintage goods and antiques. You’ll browse through pottery vases, jewelry, and stained glass in artist studios where creation is happening as you shop. You’ll find handmade quilts for your bed and all types of art to hang on your walls. What you won’t find is something you could’ve found anywhere else.

TASTE OF KINSTON TOUR

From pasture and farm to table Kinston has some of the best dishes to offer. Therefore, you should make it good.

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That’s why thousands of people follow the rumblings in their stomach to Kinston each year.

From farm-to-table freshness to barbecue that will make you believe in a higher power, Scan to prepare to expand visit your palate and put your bathroom scale away. It’s time for a Taste of Kinston.

VisitKinston.com

Brunswick Islands NORTH A UNIQUE AND BELOVED BEACH EXPERIENCE

In North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, six of the East coast’s best-loved beaches – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island – sprawl out for 45 miles, creating a sandy, blank canvas for making oceanfront memories. These island beaches and surrounding coastal towns have become a summer staple for families who return year

CAROLINA

after year, generation after generation. Every year, they discover coastal experiences they can’t find anywhere else.

North Carolina’s oldest and newest lighthouses both call the Brunswick Islands home. Plan a climb to the top for unsurpassed views of unspoiled shores, lush marshland and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.

The Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a truly storied landmark that bridges together one traveler to the next, is secluded and tucked between the dunes of Bird Island. Vacationers leave notes in the journals within for the next person to ponder, becoming part of what makes this simple mailbox so treasured.

Adventurous travelers delight in the thrills of ziplines, aerial courses, ATV excursions or eco-tours at The Swamp Park, a one-of-a-kind Brunswick Islands attraction.

For authentic Calabash seafood, a visit to picturesque Calabash is a must. Bring your appetite, and enjoy the signature style of lightly battered and fried seafood this small fishing village has been serving up for generations.

All these things and more make this southern corner of the Carolina coast such a special and beloved destination. And when you pair these unique attractions and activities with a host of summer fun, like outdoor movies and concerts, sea

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turtle hatchings, boating, kayaking or paddleboarding, these islands become the place your family will be buzzing about all year long.

The spaciousness of the beaches, the bounty of ways to enjoy the outdoors and private beach rentals for any size group give you everything you need for a family beach vacation you can feel good about. To learn more, visit NCBrunswick.com and request a free Vacation Guide.

CARY MAGAZINE 53

Wilson NORTH We invite you to explore our vibrant community.

Historic Downtown Wilson has brought the creativity of art to life with the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, a public park home to thirty large whirligigs created by folk artist Vollis Simpson. These kinetic, windpowered sculptures are North Carolina’s Official Folk Art. The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park also hosts the Wilson Artisan and Farmers Market on the weekends.

Following your visit to the park, find out more about the artist at the Vollis Simpson

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Whirligig Museum, located just across the street. The newly opened museum offers educational tours, displays of smaller whirligigs, facts about Simpson and how he created his art, a gift shop, and additional information about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this important artistic legacy. Visit www.wilsonwhirligigpark.org for more information.

Surrounding the park, numerous museums, art galleries, gift and antique shops, and locally owned boutiques showcase the history of the area and celebrate the growth and diversity of the Downtown Arts and Culture scene. Highlights include the Selkie, Artisan Leaf, the Barnes Corner Gallery “Art Ventures,” the Gallery Shop, the Imagination Station Science & History Museum, the Freeman Roundhouse Museum, the Wilson Arts Center, Iconstar Art Studio and the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. And you won’t

want to miss the internationally acclaimed photography of Jerome De Perlinghi, who established the Eyes of Main Festival.

Historic Downtown Wilson is also the home of the North Carolina Whirligig Festival, a celebration in the fall with more than 200 vendors. Locally owned breweries, cafes and bakeries are also conveniently located in Historic Downtown Wilson to satisfy all your cravings! For more information on Historic Downtown Wilson, visit www. historicdowntownwilson.org Come spend the day with us and enjoy the galleries, shops,

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delicious food and drink, and the whirligigs that make a visit to Wilson a unique experience!

Goldsboro NORTH Most people visit museums to experience a place’s heritage, but in Goldsboro, our heritage is one you just have to taste to understand.

For Goldsboro, Wayne County Barbecue is more than just food. It’s our heritage. The people here have smoke, fire, and vinegar running through their veins. From the farmland to the pits, barbecue is the product of the Goldsboro way of life. One that’s resourceful, resilient and

Images by Chelsea and Will Collins Photography

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takes patience, so that no matter what life throws at us, a culture of smoke and fire will remain.

Once European settlers introduced pigs to N.C. in the 1500s, it didn’t take long before Eastern NC Barbecue was born over a bed of hickory or oak coals and a vinegar-based sauce – bringing us the Easternstyle barbecue we know and love. Today, as one of the top pork-producing counties in the country, it makes sense that Goldsboro-Wayne County is home to some of the most legendary barbecue in the state.

The options in this historic spot are endless: Grady’s BBQ, an unassuming, family-run business turning out mouthwatering classic Eastern barbecue; McCall’s, with lines running out of the door for their barbecue buffet extraordinaire, and banana pudding famed for miles; Adam’s Bar-B-Q,

with a roadside and downtown location, for your fill of Texasinspired barbecue and brisket; and Stonewall’s, another hidden gem loved by the locals, serving game-changing fried chicken.

While barbecue restaurants all across the country are forced to close under financial strain, there is one place here in Wayne County that is more than just a barbecue restaurant.

It’s an institution, a legendary and unmissable stop for any barbecue fan. That place is Wilber’s Barbecue. Testimony

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to the resiliency of Goldsboro’s barbecue heritage, this adored institution is back to serving up savory, legendary ’cue.

To plan your barbecue adventure, check out visitgoldsboronc.com to download our map and passport.

CARY MAGAZINE 55

St. James Plantation NORTH Want it all? One visit to this beautiful gated community, and you will want to make it your home! Nestled near Historic Wilmington, along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in the charming seaside village of Southport, is St. James Plantation, the crown jewel of North Carolina’s southern coast.

Residents enjoy over $100 million of completed (and paid for) firstclass amenities: Oceanfront Beach Club, 475 ICW Slip Marina and Marketplace, $4 Million Wellness Center, 81 Holes of Golf, four Club Houses, Tennis, Dog Parks, Lakefront Amphitheater, Community Gardens, Biking and Walking Trails, Kayak Launch Ramp and much more. And if that’s not enough, there are over 100 social clubs to explore.

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To Do

Our private beach club on Oak Island greets you with an uncrowded, wide sandy beach, along with a covered cabana and swimming pool. Boaters and water lovers enjoy our waterway park on the Intracoastal with a full-service marina and marketplace, where there is also a waterside grill and tiki bar. We also boast four country clubs with upscale dining and diverse menus.

Our four signature golf courses are “Audubon-Certified Cooperative Sanctuaries” and created by some of the most celebrated designers including Jack Nicklaus, P.B. Dye, Tim Cate and Hale Irwin. If tennis is your game of choice, we have our championship courts. Active residents can also exercise their options in our state-of-the-art, $4 million Wellness Center or escape to the outdoors and enjoy community gardens and countless miles of walking, biking and nature trails.

Just outside St. James’ gates is a medical center for your convenience as well.

There are countless ways to stay active in this mild Carolina climate with four distinct seasons. It’s perfect for enjoying outdoor concerts at our lakefront amphitheater, cycling with the St. James Bikers Club, volunteering with the service club or taking a class at the local college.

You can always express your creative side through painting or sculpting at the Artisans Gallery on the waterfront.

Explore Southport’s antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and historical landmarks in the center of this quaint New England style

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village. You must also plan to attend the state’s largest 4th of July celebration!

Inside Scoop Homes range from the high $200s to $1 million plus, and home sites start from the $70s.

To learn more or to schedule a tour, call 800-245-3871 or visit stjamesplantation.com.

St. James Plantation …

A seatown, a hometown, a timeless way of life!

Downtown Waynesville NORTH Nothing beats the pandemic blues like a breath of fresh mountain air. There’s plenty for everyone in downtown Waynesville. This lively mountain town is a chance to escape without leaving anything behind.

Stroll the brick sidewalks of Waynesville’s vibrant Main Street against a backdrop of stunning mountain views that change with each season. Or step off the beaten path to

We are following the Governors guidelines for masks and social distancing.

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experience the quiet wonder of Waynesville’s outdoor surroundings.

Downtown Waynesville is bustling with fine shops and galleries, quaint eateries, awardwinning restaurants, acclaimed coffee shops, traditional street dances, year-round events and live mountain music. It’s a place where Appalachian culture is celebrated, and Southern hospitality is a trademark.

Specialty shops offer treats and treasures for everyone — from antiques to boutiques, fine art to local crafts, cashmere to cotton. Along Main Street, shoppers have access to fine furniture and fine jewelry, craft beer and fine wine, fresh baked goods and hand-dipped ice cream, baby clothes and designer fashion, home goods and rich chocolate. This quaint mountain retreat is home to historic bed and breakfasts and Mast General Store, complete with a dog bakery, local market and charming bookstore.

Hungry travelers and food connoisseurs can feast on goat cheese, champagne mustard, fresh mountain trout, homemade banana pudding and fried green tomatoes that can be paired with local cheeses, craft beer or fine wine.

But don’t get carried away and miss the memories waiting to be made in the great outdoors.

Nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains and resting on the edge of the Blue Ridge Parkway, downtown Waynesville is conveniently positioned with easy access to exquisite views and scenic hiking trails.

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CARY MAGAZINE 57

Edenton NORTH The beautifully preserved Colonial village of Edenton is known as the Prettiest Small Town in the South. All it takes is one visit to see why.

Seemingly around every corner is an Instagram-worthy view. For many, Edenton offers the ideal combination of historic charm and scenic beauty.

Edenton’s history is impressive. Established in 1712, it was North Carolina’s first Colonial capital, a place where signers of the Declaration of

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CAROLINA

Independence and U.S. Constitution lived and worked alongside one of the first justices of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, still in operation today, is considered the most preserved Colonial courthouse in America.

It was in Edenton, in 1774, that the first organized female political activity in the Colonies took place. Penelope Barker and 50 other women conducted the Edenton Tea Party to protest taxes on British goods.

A stroll through this bayside town showcases immaculately maintained homes, including Penelope Barker’s house, which sits on the bay and serves as a welcome center. A few steps away is the departure point for the Edenton Trolley Tour, a popular attraction for visitors.

From spring to fall, Edenton Bay Cruises provide daily

maritime excursions along the town’s coastline.

Another popular attraction is the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. One of the few remaining screw-pile lighthouses in America, it had been removed from its original river post and brought onshore for a private residence. A town effort about seven years ago restored the lighthouse and placed it in the bay near the waterfront park. It’s now open for regular tours.

Another nice aspect of Edenton is small-scale lodging. A half-dozen inns,

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Meanwhile, numerous vacation rentals are available for social distancing. Travelers arriving by boat can take advantage of boat slips that are free of charge for two nights.

To learn more about the Prettiest Small Town in the South, go to VisitEdenton.com or call (800) 775-0111.

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CARY MAGAZINE 59

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Rhythm and Clues

Latin music connects us all, says dancer Betto Herrera

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MARCH 2021

WRITTEN BY AMBER KEISTER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

WHEN NORBERTO “BETTO” HERRERA listens to contemporary pop music, he hears the echoes of ancient rhythms.

With roots in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, these rhythms are everywhere, he says, if you know what to listen for. Take for instance, the clave, traditionally played on two sticks.

“Have you heard of ‘Faith’ by George Michael?

So, the rhythm on the guitar in ‘Faith,’ is the clave,” said Herrera, a professional dance instructor and founder of the Mambo Dinamico Dance Company.

“I make it sound like this — toothbrushbrush-my-teeth, toothbrush-brush-my-teeth. I used to teach first grade, so I tried to explain things, as if I was teaching first-graders, so everybody could understand it."

Since 2004, when he started holding Salsa classes at Carmen’s Cuban Cafe in Morrisville, Herrera has always taught more than pretty steps and turns.

In his classes, pop music references, stories from Salsa’s heyday in the ’60s and ’70s, Cuban big band music, folktales from the Caribbean and Africa, are all woven together.

Last summer, his passion for cultural awareness took on greater resonance.

Just

moving itself, it makes you feel that

you’re alive.

— ‘Betto’ Herrera

continued on page 68

CARY MAGAZINE 67

Betto and Jenny Herrera live in Apex with their children Luna and Cruz. With his dance lessons canceled because of the pandemic, Herrera has been substitute teaching at his son's elementary school.

AUDIO ENCORE Listen in as Amber Keister chats with Betto Herrera on the Peak City Podcast, at peakcitypodcast. com/podcast.

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continued from page 67

“In the pandemic, when the Black Lives Matter movement started to happen, there was like this ‘woke’ sensation,” said Herrera, who lives in Apex.

“People started seeing the importance of the work that we have been doing for so long.”

With his classes canceled because of COVID, Herrera put together a dozen or so webinars, tracing the history and cultural traditions of Latin dance and music. Fellow dance professionals and his students tuned in, but he was also able to reach a wider audience. During one virtual program, he spoke with a group of human resource professionals from the North Carolina Office of Human Resources.

“They wanted to understand the importance of Latin culture, here in America. How Latin culture has impacted America,” Herrera said.

To engage these non-musical audiences, he describes Latin percussion elements in “Little Darlin,” sung famously by Elvis Presley, songs from The Jackson Five, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and even the theme from Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky” movies.

“It’s been there the whole time,” Herrera said.

“We have been connected the whole time, we just didn’t know it.”

The webinars are just the latest among his many outreach efforts over the years. Herrera has spoken to veterans at the VA hospitals in Durham and Fayetteville, created educational programs for schools, sponsored performances across the state, and recently cofounded AALDA, the African and Afro-Latin Dance Association, to address inequities and promote diversity in the dance community.

In November 2020, Herrera was honored for his many contributions to the arts and culture of North Carolina at the 25th Latino Diamante Awards, which are administered by the arts-focused nonprofit Diamante.

“It’s a well-deserved award, and I’m so happy for Betto,” said Dr. David Garcia, professor of music at UNC-Chapel Hill. “He’s made a tremendous impact on the teaching and education of Latin dance here in the Research Triangle area.”

The two men have been friends for many years, united over a common heritage and love of music.

Garcia’s parents are from Ecuador; Herrera himself was born there. Garcia’s student band, Charanga Carolina, would play at events where Mambo Dinamico dancers would perform. Garcia, whose spe-

Betto Herrera performs with dance partner Annie Velez.

The dance company he founded, Mambo Dinamico, has performed throughout the state and beyond.

cialty is ethnomusicology, would also point Herrera toward information on topics he was researching.

“With a dance like Salsa, being very popular across racial and ethnic groups, … the histories of these popular dances can often be overlooked in their significance, especially when these dance traditions are of groups of people who have historically been marginalized or oppressed,” Garcia said.

“To Betto's credit, he always makes sure that in addition to teaching his students the actual dances, he also teaches them about where all of this comes from and the groups of people that created these traditions.”

Herrera’s curiosity has taken him through the history of Latin and Afro-Caribbean dance, but also through his own family history. One of his greatgrandmothers was of indigenous heritage; another

was a Chinese immigrant who settled in Peru. From looking at old photos, he says it was obvious that his forebears were also of European and African descent.

“I have blood from everywhere. I’m like a United Nations on feet,” said Herrera, who eventually took a DNA test to satisfy his curiosity.

“There’s always been a calling for me to find out about the music, about the culture, but in a sense, I’ve always been trying to find out about myself.”

For now, he’s back in the classroom teaching elementary age children, as a substitute teacher for the Wake County Public Schools. While he appreciates the income, he misses the dancing and the work that has propelled him for more than 15 years.

“Just moving itself, it makes you feel that you’re alive, you know?” t

Betto Herrera and Dr. David Garcia collaborated on a music video in May 2020, a compilation with Charanga Carolina and dancers from Mambo Dinamico. youtube.com/ watch?v=M_652-yVyFs CARY MAGAZINE 69

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I enjoy your little stories — the hilarious search for toilet tissue and the frustration at teaching your children at home.

Your written descriptions will be vital for future historians, studying how ordinary people reacted during the pandemic.

Maybe that’s why it seems like everyone I know is writing letters? You’ve told me that you’ve had more time, fewer distractions with no places to go. But isn’t it fun to send letters?

A professor at Kent State University, Steve Toepfer, found that those who wrote thoughtful letters of gratitude were happier than those who didn’t. “The more letter-writing people did, the more they improved significantly on happiness and life satisfaction,” he wrote in 2011.

Whatever the reason, I hope you will continue to write even after this pandemic ends. Your letters always make me feel special and let me know that you value our friendship.

Warmly, C.M.

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GARDENS Space-saving tips for vegetable and herb growers WRITTEN BY L.A. JACKSON

LAST APRIL, as the COVID crud was completely crimping everyday lifestyles, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal expounding the therapeutic vibes of starting a vegetable garden. But I wasn’t too surprised in September when the WSJ ran another story about many homebound, newbie gardeners throwing in the trowel because results fell far short of their springtime hopes.

I suspect much of this disappointment came from backyard growers creating large gardens with little experience to maintain them through the long growing season. And then there were those who wanted to try their hand at growing edibles but didn’t have much room, so they just didn’t try.

Well, would anyone like to give ‘er another rip or start a veggie garden for the first time this spring? I’ll let you in on a secret: Size matters, because starting small is an easier path to success.

Allow me to share a few words of semi-wisdom for those of you who have little gardening experience or limited growing space.

CARY MAGAZINE 75

GOING TO POT

EVEN THOUGH I have over two acres of land at Casa Jackson to grow edibles, I’ve become a bit of a “pot head” because I like the portability. As long as I keep planters relatively small — 2- to 5-gallon containers is a good range in sizes — I can move heat-seeking edibles like peppers, chives, basil, mint and thyme into the sun when shade invades their growing space during the day. I can also slip such cool-season crops as lettuce, spinach and radishes to shadier spots during the heat of the afternoon to extend their harvest into possibly the early summer.

Buy ornate or colorful planters for visual aesthetics, if it fits your fancy, but old buckets, small office trash cans, wooden crates — anything that can hold dirt through at least one growing season will do. Just drill or cut plenty of holes in the bottoms for drainage.

Shutterstock

Tips

Use quality commercial potting soil for growing plants in containers.

Cheap bags of common garden dirt will usually result in a mucky, unproductive mess.

Want an even bigger potted garden? Although they won’t be very portable when full of dirt, small, plastic kiddie pools (with a heap of holes in the bottom) make great contained mini-gardens.

L.A. Jackson

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MARCH 2021

Shutterstock

BEDTIME STORY

Tip

Shutterstock

Create beds as long as Texas, if you want, but for easy access, don’t make them over four feet wide. This user-friendly width will ease your reach into beds, preventing foot traffic from compacting the soil as well as minimizing embarrassing faceplants in the dirt.

TYPICAL GARDENS for edibles are arranged in rows, which, while looking orderly with lines reminiscent of a West Point parade, waste space that could be used for more plants.

To maximize garden areas — no matter how limited — create beds instead. This simple step turns many walking paths between rows into usable growing ground.

What makes a garden bed work more efficiently is the trick of only using spacing recommendations per plant and forgetting about suggested distances between rows. This scrunches plants closer together, but not enough to create competition for ground nutrients and lower production potential.

Traditional colonial rectangles probably come to mind when garden beds for vegetables or herbs are mentioned; but, hey, this is the 21st century, and anything goes. This means 90-degree angles can be replaced by imaginative curves, swerves, bends or bows to fit better into a landscape layout, if necessary.

CARY MAGAZINE 77

SMALL WORLD

Tip

Shutterstock

Even compact versions of typically rangy, viny veggies such as green beans, cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelons, squash and cantaloupes can be easily found. Look

THE PHYSICS OF spatial constraints dictate that the size of many popular vegetable plants will easily overwhelm any planter or limited-space garden.

However, vegetable plant breeders, aware of this problem, have been busy developing smaller versions of standard plants that still have plenty of spunk to crank out decent crops.

Probably the best example of little plants yielding big results is the tomato. There are many Munchkin ’maters’ tagged with the operative adjective “Patio” that are long on production but short in

stature. ‘Early Wonder’, ‘Tiny Tim’, ‘Red Rocket’ and ‘New Big Dwarf ’ are some of the more popular cultivars. Keep in mind that most patio tomatoes are determinate, meaning they will produce all their crop over a stretch of a few weeks, rather than through the entire growing season.

Some small okra selections also deliver big. Productive cultivars like ‘Baby Bubba’, ‘Jambalaya’ and ‘Lee’ that reach around half the height of standard okra varieties are perfect petite plants for large containers or little gardens.

for the word “Bush” in cultivar descriptions.

Shutterstock

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MARCH 2021

Shutterstock

HANG ‘EM HIGH

ANOTHER WAY to maximize production in small spaces is to grow up. In other words, don’t let such standard-sized vine plants as cucumbers, watermelons, pumpkins and squash sprawl across the garden. Instead, cage or trellis them, so the vines will grow up, not out. Have a fence? You also have a perfect support for vining veggies.

While training cucumbers and squash vines up supports is nothing new, suspending large watermelons and pumpkins does seem problematic. However, there are watermelon cultivars —

Tip

Don’t be surprised if your vines in the sky look particularly healthy. Lifting these plants off the ground will increase

air circulation through the foliage, which reduces problems with soilborne diseases and viruses.

often called “icebox” varieties — such as ‘Sweet Beauty’ and ‘Sugar Baby’ that produce mini-melons only averaging about eight pounds apiece.

Pumpkins can also be found in petite forms (around seven pounds each) with selections like ‘Sugar Pie’, ‘Spookie’ and ‘Jack O’ Lantern’.

Although they are smaller, miniature pumpkins and watermelons will still put strain on their vines if they are trained up a support. This problem can be solved by hanging cloth or nylon slings off the supports and cradling the yummiesto-be as they mature.

Shutterstock

Cucamelon

CARY MAGAZINE 79

Shutterstock

BREAK OUT

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MARCH 2021

chard (in particular, flashy selections such as ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Ruby’) or any of the many dazzling hot peppers.

Herbs can also step up when you need more eyecatching plants in ornamental beds. Bronze fennel with its delicate, feathery, smoky foliage; the dramatic dark leaves of purple basil; creeping thyme’s low, colorful flow; the visual sass of ‘Tricolor’ sage; the impressive spiky presence of rosemary — these are just a few of the pretty herbal helpers for gardeners to play with in limited landscapes.

Shutterstock

WHO SAYS vegetables and herbs have to be restricted to a culinary garden? One of my well-worn mantras is that many growable edibles are very pretty plants. To save space, why not break out of this classic confine, and start showing them off in flower beds and perennial borders?

If you want colorful competition for zinnias, coleuses, petunias, lantanas and such, try okra (especially the handsome cultivar ‘Red Burgundy’), crimson-tinted loose-leaf lettuce (‘Red Sails’ or ‘Lollo Rossa’, for example), Swiss

Tip Be safe when mixing edibles with ornamentals.

If you use pesticides in flower beds, make sure they are cleared for use on vegetables and herbs too.

CARY MAGAZINE 81

small business spotlight

Campbell Road Nursery EDITED BY AMBER KEISTER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

PHIL CAMPBELL HAS A GREEN Campbell slowed down recently to talk THUMB -- not just for plants, which you about the business. might expect as the owner of Campbell Road Nursery, but for growing relationships. What are the advantages She and her staff have a reputation for of the new location? customer service and horticultural experThe traffic on Tryon was becoming a tise. Campbell herself is also known for her hazard for our customers, with impatient many acts of generosity, like giving away 600 drivers blowing horns and squealing their Easter lilies last spring when area churches brakes. So, in January 2019 we loaded up couldn’t hold services. all of our “stuff” — in“It is a blessing for me to cluding our cabin which be able to offer a child a vegetais over 100 years old — ble plant or flower and see their and moved a quarter mile face light up, or to take a senior down Campbell Road. We adult on a golf cart tour to pick are much like a small comout their flowers,” she said. munity in a more rural atCampbell has worked at mosphere. With the move, the business for three decades, we have also been able to buying it from the previous combine the efforts of our owner in 2003. In 2019, she House plants, like this bromeliad, wholesale and retail staff relocated the business, a move are also available at Campbell and equipment.

Road Nursery. she says was like coming home.

“It all started — retail and wholesale — Has your vision for the business here at 2804 Campbell Road. When I start- changed over the years? ed in 1991, we were doing both here, with a We purchased the wholesale division slot to put your money or check in,” she said. in 2003 and the retail in 2005. Since that

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MARCH 2021

In 2019, owner Phil Campbell, right, relocated her business, away from the busy intersection of Tryon and Campbell roads. The current spot is a more rural setting.

time I have shifted to being more retail-oriented, which allows us to have a wider variety of plant material with less volume. This vision also helps our wholesale customers locate plants for their special plantings.

What has been the best thing about owning the business?

I knew when I found out that the previous owner was selling the business, that I would have to purchase it. One of my biggest rewards from all of my labor of growing flowers is when I can give them away to my church, Cary Presbyterian, schools in the nearby area, children who come in with their parents, and to my friends. I knew if I did not own the business, I could not afford to purchase all of the plants that I would like to give to people.

What has been the biggest challenge as a small-business owner?

My challenge has been and continues to be knowing when to stand back and take a deep breath. There are also challenges with finding employees, although I have been fortunate to

TOP LEFT: Dan Wakeley, retail manager, carries flats of annuals. In the foreground, the perennial Lenten rose or hellebore is in full bloom.

TOP RIGHT: Phil Campbell steps into a greenhouse holding roughly 4,000 pansies.

have supportive people along the way to help me to take a deep breath.

Interest in growing food seems to be increasing. How have you responded?

Food crop production is a small part of the wholesale division, however more of our landscape customers are installing gardens for their customers. We have shifted our resources to meet the interest of our retail customers and are offering a wide variety of vegetables, especially for the spring crop.

Food crops are much more time-concentrated compared to ornamental crops.

A water feature gurgles at Campbell Road Nursery, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Workers move pansies and violas out of the greenhouse, ready for retail customers eager for a bit of color in their yard.

Is there a secret to long-term success?

I can look back to 1991, which is when I started working at Campbell Road Nursery, and remember all of the hours I have spent walking the flowers and checking for problems, broken sprinklers, insect damage or disease. It has been a 24-hoursa-day, 7-days-a-week workplace.

My passion for growing a great quality plant for our customers and having the customer re-

The evergreen Blue Star juniper shows dusty blue before the spring growing season.

lationships with each person makes all the work worthwhile. At the end of the day, it is quiet at the nursery and I can walk, watch the bluebirds and enjoy seeing the fruits of all our labor. t Campbell Road Nursery 2804 Campbell Road, Raleigh (919) 854-9892

CARY MAGAZINE 83

worth the drive

The unassuming exterior of the Saxapahaw General Store opens to shelves of local honey and produce, assorted dry goods, eco-friendly products and standard convenience store items. There's also a really good restaurant inside.

Saxapahaw General Store WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

LET’S VENTURE OUT for a bucolic drive. Imagine a two-lane blacktop surrounded by grazing cows and fields covered in heirloom tomatoes.

For a while it may seem like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but before growing weary of sitting, the promised land emerges. Welcome to Saxapahaw General Store, an Alamance County outpost that serves as an eclectic restaurant, grocery 84

MARCH 2021

market and gas station. It doesn’t take long to realize that this is no ordinary gathering spot.

Right inside the front door, rows of neatly stocked shelves contain assorted dry goods, healthy snacks, fresh vegetables and eco-friendly cleaning products. If you’re seeking standard corner store fare, there’s no need to fret. You’ll find Spam and sardines right beside the canned sofrito mus-

sels. Dill pickles next to organic bread and butter pickles. Just don’t be afraid to expand your horizons and, for instance, pick up a bag of elk jerky.

A nearby reach-in commercial refrigerator is filled with locally sourced artisan cheese.

Thirsty? Grab a Pabst Blue Ribbon or a local craft beer, a can of kombucha or a jug of Gatorade. continued on page 86

Briskfast is a hearty morning meal consisting of braised brisket with tomato au jus, eggs, home fries and toast.

CARY MAGAZINE 85

“It’s a pretty unlikely success story.

Saxapahaw is a state of mind, mind and we have a really great culture and a loving sense of community here.” here.

- Jeff Barney, owner, Saxapahaw General Store continued from page 84

A wide variety of produce, grown in Alamance County and North Carolina, is on the shelves of the Saxapahaw General Store. When local produce is not available, the owners strive to bring in organic food from small farms that support their local communities.

You can also find small batch cheeses from around the world and just down the road.

But if you’re like most people, the primary reason for visiting isn’t the bottled elderberry extract or the bars of goat’s milk soap. The more likely scenario: You’re here for what’s made in the kitchen.

“We feel a tremendous responsibility to put out great food,” said owner and selftaught chef Jeff Barney, a one-time butcher who in 2008, along with his wife, Cameron Ratliff, breathed new life into the erstwhile convenience store.

Within five minutes of conversing with Barney, his ethos is evident: Practice good stewardship of locally grown food, provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, and find better ways of doing business so the entire community thrives.

What started simply with a limited menu, the restaurant soon became known for churning out refined dishes like panseared diver scallops served atop applewood bacon succotash, red wine-braised short ribs alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and duck confit salad with candied walnuts and organic apples. continued on page 88

86

MARCH 2021

In a signature salad, a confit duck leg quarter is served with blue cheese, organic apples or other seasonal fruit, and candied walnuts over mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette.

CARY MAGAZINE 87

In 2008, Jeff Barney and his wife, Cameron Ratliff, took over the convenience store and gas station that had served the community for several years. The butcher and self-taught chef launched the restaurant with a simple menu focused on quality ingredients.

“The menu’s complexity is what draws people to come from longer distances.”

- Jeff Barney, owner, Saxapahaw General Store

88

MARCH 2021

continued from page 86

People showed up in droves. Local media took notice. Then came the likes of Our State magazine, The New York Times, Garden & Gun and others. Ultimately, the store developed a clever slogan (“your local five star gas station”) and printed it on T-shirts.

Before long the tiny, distressed mill town situated on the Haw River resurrected into a thriving village with a butchery, a live music venue, a sustainable wares market and a charter school.

“It’s a pretty unlikely success story,” Barney said. “Saxapahaw is a state of mind, and we have a really great culture and a loving sense of community here.”

That communal foundation was vital when the coronavirus pandemic hit last year.

“We have a history of being resilient,” Barney said while sipping a steaming cup of

Carrboro Coffee Roasters java. “We opened during the Great Recession of 2008, so difficult times are part of our DNA.” Day-to-day operations pivoted to accommodate increased takeout orders plus offering curbside service and local delivery.

“We had a group of farmers who met here and were looking for ways to collaborate,” said Barney. “That group allowed us to provide a farmer’s box available for ordering online.”

The store also added a fresh fish market to provide healthy protein options for people to cook at home. A daily seafood menu includes everything from whole fish and fillets to shellfish and oysters.

The federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program also provided a muchneeded injection of cash.

“It enabled us to hold on to staff during such an extraordinarily unsure time,” Barney

said. “The staff has come together and supported each other and the community in an amazing way.”

While a considerable number of the restaurant’s food orders have shifted to takeout, patio dining is available. It’s best to call ahead to see if indoor dining is feasible. Most recently, there was limited indoor seating due to physical distancing protocols.

The eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Breakfast items like two- or three-egg omelets and biscuit & sausage gravy are served daily until 2 p.m. An elevated weekend brunch includes mushroom-infused shrimp and grits, hash du jour and house specialty “briskfast.” Barney describes the dish as “poor man’s steak and eggs,” but the fork-tender brisket is so flavorsome you’ll think you’ve discovered gastronomic gold.

“We really thought at some point we would have to narrow the menu, but culinarily we are very curious, so we’re constantly adding things,” Barney said. “The menu’s complexity is what draws people to come from longer distances.”

Signature burgers range from goat and lamb to bison, emu and beef, all of which are grass-fed and locally sourced.

Order the Duck Jam burger with blueberry ketchup, lemon garlic aioli, Black Diamond cheddar and smoked duck bacon on a brioche bun.

Gourmet pizzas come in 12-inch and “hunk of pizza for one” sizes. Try the Saxy White suffused with mozzarella, artichokes, prosciutto and roasted tomatoes or the Schmancy, laden with pesto, red onions and bacon.

Dinner entrees include beer-braised pork carnitas, fresh crab cake served with duck fat fries, and vegetable lasagna involving bell peppers, onions, roasted squash and zucchini.

Don’t ignore the chalkboard specials like the incomparable cilantro-tinged Banh-Mi sandwich with coconut milk braised pork shoulder, pork liver pate and pickled vegetables, or blackened scallop tacos with chipotle mayo and pepper slaw on corn tortillas.

“We serve sustainably grown whole food that’s wholesome, and thankfully people keep coming back for it,” said Barney. t 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road, Saxapahaw (336) 376-5332 | saxgenstore.com

Daily specials at the Saxapahaw General Store might include the cilantro-tinged Banh-Mi sandwich with coconut milk braised pork shoulder, pork liver pate and pickled vegetables.

CARY MAGAZINE 89

ometown H YO U R

R E A LTO R ®

L I V I N G

A N D

W O R K I N G

I N

F U Q U A Y - V A R I N A

Tracy Watson, Broker/Realtor

®

From breaking ground to closing day, every step of the way Commission rebate for teachers, nurses, active duty & retired military, and police & firefighters when buying, selling, or building.

919-761-0405 | tracy@missionfirstrealty.com | missionfirstrealty.com 90 MARCH 2021

n

liquid assets

The Grateful Dead

from Mellow Mushroom

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

THIS BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED beverage is a mellow version of a classic cocktail, says Scott Boyd, general manager of the Cary Mellow Mushroom. Featuring the restaurant’s fresh, house-made sour mix, the Grateful Dead is prepared with Smirnoff vodka, New Amsterdam Dry Gin, and Cruzan Light Rum, and topped with DeKuyper Blue Curacao, a splash of Sprite and a dash of Razmatazz love.

“The Grateful Dead has a nice blend of sweet and sour to entice the palate. It’s perfect for a nice sunny day on our patio, but also has enough liquor to warm you up on a chilly evening, without being overly boozy,” Boyd said.

The Grateful Dead 2 ounces sour mix ½ ounce Smirnoff vodka ½ ounce New Amsterdam Dry Gin ½ ounce Cruzan Light Rum 1-2 ounces Sprite ¼ ounce DeKuyper Blue Curacao ¼ ounce DeKuyper Razmatazz Lemon wedge to garnish Combine the first four ingredients (sour mix through rum) in a mixing glass with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a pint glass over fresh ice. Top with Sprite. Float the Blue Curacao and the Razmatazz. Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.

CARY MAGAZINE 91

The Moving Truck is Leaving!

Are you ready to learn about your new community?

Your local welcome team is ready to visit you with a basket full of maps, civic information, gifts, and gift certificates from local businesses. From doctors to dentists and restaurants to repairmen...we help newcomers feel right at home in their new community!

For your complimentary welcome visit, or to include a gift for newcomers, call 919.809.0220. Or, visit our website, www.nnws.org.

CARY | APEX | MORRISVILLE | HOLLY SPRINGS | FUQUAY-VARINA | GARNER ANGIER | WILLOW SPRING | CLAYTON | CLEVELAND

18

th

Annual

Cary Rotary Club Virtual

Chili Dinner

The Cary Rotary Club has raised over $510,000 for hunger relief in the last eighteen years

The Cary Rotary Club thanks the following sponsors for supporting our 18th Annual TowneBank Virtual Chili Dinner to fight hunger.

— PR E SE NTI NG SPO NSO R S —

CMC Hotels • Faulkner/Haynes & Associates, Inc. G.H. Jordan Development Company • Harold K. Jordan & Company, Inc. • S&A Communications The UPS Store Stone Creek Village Cary • WINFIELD & Associates Marketing and Advertising

Named Sponsor

— CO R PO R ATE SPO NSO R S—

BB&T now Truist • Jerry and Stephanie Bynum • The Cardinal at North Hills Christ Episcopal Church • DLJH Foundation • Fink’s Jewelers • Kent Thompson, Capitol Financial Solutions • Transworld Business Advisors of Raleigh

Event Sponsor

— B USI NE SS SPO NSO R S—

The Adcock Agency, Inc. Anonymous Ashworth Pharmacy Barringer Sasser, LLP Cary Family Dental Sally Cox and Ken Powell

Davenport & Co., LLC Duke Energy Glenaire Hendrick Cary Auto Mall J.M. Edwards Jewelry MacGregor Draft House

Tim Naehring Novus Resources Optimal Bio Rigsbee Consulting & CPA Services Shaver Consulting, Inc.

Stancil PC The Templeton of Cary Underwood & Roberts, PLLC Woodland Terrace Mack Wootton

—TAB L E SPO NSO R S— Alta Real Estate Advisors BB&T Scott & Stringfellow Nancy and Dick Blum Rod and Terry Brooks Tom Brooks, D.D.S. Lisa and Michael Butcher Campbell Road Nursery Capital Insurance & Financial Services Cary Christian School Cary Oil Company, Inc. David Coulter Crutchfield Advisors, Inc. Edmundson CPA, PLLC J. Spell Enterprises Margaret Evers, PA Shana Filter

92 MARCH 2021

First Bank Frankel Staffing Partners Robert R. Griffin, Jr. Paul Harris Hat Lady – Dorothy Schmelzeis The Hatchers Camille Hedrick Interstate Batteries of Central Carolina Howard and Patsy Johnson Art and Mary Kamm Lynn’s Hallmark Robert F. Lyerly, Jr. Mann ENT Clinic Massage 1 Metcalf Painting & Flooring Rhyne Management Associates, Inc.

Rising Sun Pools & Spas Roslyn Royster Schambs Property Management Group Scott Schneider Frank Shell Ben and Laura Shiver Joe Sturdivant Stylist Studios The Tar Heel Companies of NC, Inc. Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., PA Townsend Asset Management Corporation Ken and Patti Tyma Wake Funeral and Cremation Services Chris Walker Bill Zitek

liquid assets

Octo Pils

from Vicious Fishes Brewery

WRITTEN BY DAVE TOLLEFSEN | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED a beer of nobility? Doesn’t it sound awesome?

You may have already had the pleasure of enjoying a few of them.

There are a few hops that are known as noble hops, but unfortunately, they aren’t regal or aristocratic. The term “noble hop” actually comes from a 1980s marketing reference for select hops grown i n

the continental Europe. I brew with some of the noble hops quite often — especially in lagers and tripels. They are low in bitterness and offer light spicy/floral aromas.

There is a balance between malt and hops that affects the flavor experience of beer. All beers have hops, but you may not really taste them. IPAs and other hop-forward beer styles are meant to spotlight hops with hop flavor, aroma and bitterness.

Other styles use the hop bitterness to balance the malt, sparing you from imbibing a dull — and very malty — sweet liquid.

Vicious Fishes Brewery in Angier has quite a tasty Pilsner with their Octo Pils. Refreshingly

clean and crisp, this Bohemian Pilsner has a light malt character that is slightly sweet and robust in flavor.

This style of beer pairs really well with seafood and shellfish. Vicious Fishes offers Vicious Fish and Chips featuring fish dipped in batter made with the Pilsner. This is a great example of a beer that complements the food — a light beer with the light flavors of the fish. The two balance each other and is a win-win for your palate!

Vicious Fishes has three locations to enjoy in the Triangle: The Brewery in Angier, the Apex Taproom and Biergarten, and the Fuquay NC Tap & Kitchen. At the Fuquay location you can enjoy not just the beer and food pairing above, but a lot more you can discover for yourself.

Dave Tollefsen is one of the NCBeerGuys – they have promoting North Carolina craft beer and breweries on their website, ncbeerguys.com, since 2012. He is an avid homebrewer for more than 10 years and is also part of the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild.

CARY MAGAZINE 93

Dining Guide A SELECTION OF RESTAURANTS, BAKERIES, BISTROS AND CAFES

IN CARY, APEX, FUQUAY-VARINA, HOLLY SPRINGS, MORRISVILLE AND RALEIGH Advertisers are highlighted in boxes

CARY

Bellini Fine Italian Cuisine “Everything is made fresh from scratch in our kitchen.”

107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Suite 119, Cary; (919) 552-0303; bellinifineitaliancuisinecary.com

Abbey Road Tavern & Grill “Great food … outstanding live music.”

1195 W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 481-4434; abbeyroadnc.com

Big Dom’s Bagel Shop “Serving bagels, B’donuts and sandwiches” 203 E Chatham St., Cary; (919) 377-1143; bigdomsbagelshop.com

Alex & Teresa’s Italian Pizzeria & Trattoria “Authentic Italian recipes and homemade pasta.”

941 N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 377-0742; alexandteresastrattoria.com Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream “Premium quality ice cream and sorbet.”

10120 Green Level Church Road #208, Cary; (919) 901-8560; andiasicecream.com

Ashworth Drugs “Quintessential place for freshsqueezed lemonade, old-fashioned milkshakes and hot dogs.”

105 W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 467-1877; ashworthdrugs.com

ASHWORTH DRUGS 94

MARCH 2021

Academy Street Bistro “A fresh take on Italian-American cuisine in the heart of Cary.” 200 S. Academy St., Cary; (919) 377-0509; academystreetbistro.com

Big Mike’s Brew N Que “Beers on tap to compliment locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.” 1222 NW Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 799-2023; brewnquenc.com Bonefish Grill “Fresh is our signature.”

2060 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-1347; bonefishgrill.com

Annelore’s German Bakery “Authentic German pastries, breads and pretzels” 308 W. Chatham St., Cary (919) 267-6846 anneloresbakery.com

Bosphorus Restaurant “Traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.”

329-A N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 460-1300; bosphorus-nc.com

Asali Desserts & Café A gourmet sweet shop crossed with a refined coffeehouse.

107 Edinburgh Dr., Suite 106-A, Cary (919) 362-7882 asalicafe.com

BottleDog Bites & Brews “A casual place to relax and enjoy unconventional food and craft beer” 8306 Chapel Hill Road, Cary (919) 390-1617; bottledogcary.com

Awaze Ethiopian Cuisine “East African eatery showcasing vegetarian and vegan options.”

904 Northeast Maynard Road, Cary (919) 377-2599 awazecuisine.com

Bravo’s Mexican Grill “Extensive menu raises the ante considerably above the typical Tex-Mex.” 208 Grande Heights Drive, Cary (919) 481-3811; bravosmexicangrill.net

Dining Guide Brewster’s Pub “Open late, serving a full food and drink menu.” ​ 1885 Lake Pine Drive, Cary (919) 650-1270; brewsterspubcary.com Brig’s “Breakfast creations, cool salads and hot sandwich platters.”

1225 NW Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 481-9300; 1040 Tryon Village Drive, Suite 604, Cary; (919) 859-2151; brigs.com Chanticleer Café & Bakery “Family-owned restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and specialty coffees.”

6490 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 781-4810; chanticleercafe.com Chef’s Palette “Creative flair and originality in every aspect of our service.” 3460 Ten Ten Road, Cary; (919) 267-6011; chefspalette.net Cilantro Indian Café “Northeast Indian cuisine with fresh ingredients and halal meats.”

107 Edinburgh S. Drive , Suite 107, Cary; (919) 234-1264; cilantroindia.com CinéBistro “Ultimate dinner-and-a-movie experience.”

525 New Waverly Place, Cary; (919) 987-3500; cinebistro.com/waverly Cinnaholic “Over-the-top, decadent cinnamon rolls.”

1209 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 650-1407; cinnaholiccary.com City Barbeque “Barbeque in its truest form.”

1305 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (919) 439-5191; citybbq.com Coffee & Crepes “Freshly prepared sweet and savory crepes.”

315 Crossroads Blvd., Cary; (919) 233-0288; coffeeandcrepes.com Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar “Good old-fashioned burgers and bottled soda.”

126 Kilmayne Drive, Cary; (919) 466-0055; corbettsburgers.com

Craft Public House “Casual family restaurant.”

1040 Tryon Village Drive, Suite 601, Cary; (919) 851-9173; craftpublichouse.com Crema Coffee Roaster & Bakery “Family-owned and operated.”

1983 High House Road, Cary; (919) 380-1840; cremacoffeebakery.com Crosstown Pub & Grill “A straight-forward menu covers all the bases.”

140 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 650-2853; crosstowndowntown.com Danny’s Bar-B-Que “All slow-cooked on an open pit with hickory wood.”

311 Ashville Ave. G, Cary; (919) 851-5541; dannysbarbque.com Doherty’s Irish Pub “Catch the game or listen to live music.”

1979 High House Road, Cary; (919) 388-9930; dohertysirishpubnc.com Enrigo Italian Bistro “Fresh food made from pure ingredients.”

575 New Waverly, Suite 106, Cary; (919) 854-7731; dineenrigo.com Five Guys Burgers and Fries 1121 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 380-0450; fiveguys.com Fresca Café & Gelato “French-styled crepes … gelato made with ingredients directly from Italy.”

302 Colonades Way #109, Cary; (919) 581-8171; frescacafe.com Goodberry’s Frozen Custard 1146 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 467-2386 2325 Davis Drive, Cary; (919) 469-3350; goodberrys.com Great Harvest Bread Co. “Real food that tastes great.”

1220 NW Maynard Road, Cary (919) 460-8158; greatharvestcary.com

J&S Pizza Authentic Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza since 1995.

Locations in Apex, Cary and Fuquay-Varina. jandsnypizza.com

Gonza Tacos y Tequila “Award-winning Colombian-Mexican cuisine.”

525-105 New Waverly Place, Cary; (919) 653-7310; gonzatacosytequila.com Herons “The signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa.” 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary; (919) 447-4200; theumstead.com/dining/restaurants-raleigh-nc JuiceVibes “Made-to-order juices from locally sourced produce.”

1369 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 377-8923; juicevibes.com Jimmy V’s Steakhouse & Tavern “Certified Angus Beef … fresh seafood, Italian specialties, homemade desserts.”

107 Edinburgh South, Suite 131, Cary; (919) 380-8210; jimmyvssteakhouse.com Kababish Café “A celebration of deliciousness and creativity.”

201 W. Chatham St., Suite 103, Cary; (919) 377-8794; kababishcafe.com

CARY MAGAZINE 95

Dining Guide LemonShark Poke “The finest poke ingredients and local brews on tap.”

2000 Boulderstone Way, Cary; (919) 333-0066; lemonsharkpoke.com Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.”

110 SW Maynard Road, Cary; (919) 460-8757; lostresmagueyescary.com

Duck Donuts “Warm, delicious and just the way you like them.”

100 Wrenn Drive #10, Cary; (919) 468-8722; duckdonuts.com/location/cary-nc

Tribeca Tavern “Local craft beers, gourmet burgers and American grub in a casual setting.”

500 Ledgestone Way, Cary; (919) 465-3055; tribecatavernnc.com

KIDS EAT FREE!

La Farm Bakery “Handcrafted daily … only the freshest ingredients.”

4248 NW Cary Parkway, Cary; 220 W. Chatham St., Cary; 5055 Arco Street, Cary; (919) 657-0657; lafarmbakery.com

ko•än “Upscale, contemporary Southeast Asian dishes.”

2800 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-9229; koancary.com

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

201 20 16

201 20 17

201 20 18

201 20 19

MAGGY AWARD WINNING

2020 20 20

MOST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT - 6 YEARS RUNNING BEST PIZZERIA BEST OUTDOOR DINING BEST APPETIZER

WWW.RUCKUSPIZZA.COM 96

MARCH 2021

WINNER 2021 20 21

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen “Exceptional renderings of classic Southern dishes.”

7307 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 233-1632 lucky32.com/cary Lucky Chicken “All of our beautiful Peru, with every dish.”

1851 N. Harrison Ave., Cary; (919) 338-4325; luckychickennc.net Marco Pollo “Peruvian rotisserie chicken.”

1871 Lake Pine Drive, Cary; (919) 694-5524; marcopollocary.com

Dining Guide Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar “Global cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.”

8314 Chapel Hill Road, Cary; (919) 465-2455; maximilliansgrill.com Mithai Indian Café “Bengali-style sweet and savory selections free of preservatives and artificial flavors.”

744-F East Chatham St., Cary (919) 469-9651; mithaius.com MOD Pizza “Serving artisan style pizzas, superfast.”

316 Colonades Way Suite 206-C, Cary (919) 241-72001; modpizza.com/locations/waverly Noodle Boulevard “Ten variations on the ramen theme, covering a pan-Asian spectrum.”

1718 Walnut St., Cary; (984) 222-3003; noodleblvd.com Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Café “The fast track to sweet tooth satisfaction.”

115-G W. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 319-6554; bluemoonbakery.com

more than just juice

Pizzeria Faulisi “Simple foods from a simple way of cooking: a wood-burning oven.”

215 E. Chatham St., Suite 101, Cary; pizzeriafaulisi.com Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café “Gourmet market, café and wine bar.”

211 East Chatham Street, Cary; (919) 377-1788; prosepicurean.com Pure Juicery Bar “The Triangle’s only all-vegan juice bar.”

716 Slash Pine Drive, Cary; (919) 234-1572; purejuicerybar.com

Ricci’s Trattoria “Keeping true to tradition.”

10110 Green Level Church Road, Cary; (919) 380-8410; riccistrattoria.com Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits “Great food always, with a side of good times.”

8111-208 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary; (919) 851-3999; ruckuspizza.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House “Cooked to perfection.”

2010 Renaissance Park Place, Cary; (919) 677-0033; ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/cary Serendipity Gourmet Deli “Discovering the unusual, valuable or pleasantly surprising.” 118 S. Academy St., Cary; (919) 469-1655; serendipitygourmetdelinc.com

Rally Point Sport Grill “Lunch and dinner food in a pub atmosphere.”

837 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (919) 678-1088; rallypointsportgrill.com Red Bowl Asian Bistro “Each distinctive dish is handcrafted.”

2020 Boulderstone Way, Cary; (919) 388-9977; redbowlcary.com

Sophie’s Grill & Bar “Traditional pub fare along with Old-World cuisine.”

2734 NC-55, Cary; (919) 355-2377; sophiesgrillandbar.com

LIMITED TIME AVAILABILITY

Cheesecake FLAVORS ARE HERE!

Clean Juice Park West 3035 Village Market Place 919-468-8286

WINNER 2021 20 21

VISIT OUR LOCATIONS!

CARY | RALEIGH | DURHAM

OPEN 6AM - 7PM DAILY

OPEN 6AM - 7PM DAILY

OPEN 7AM - 7PM DAILY

CARY MAGAZINE 97

Dining Guide Sugar Buzz Bakery “Custom cakes … and more.”

1231 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 238-7224; sugarbuzzbakery.com Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea “Globally influenced coffees and teas.”

726 Slash Pine Drive, Suite 280, Cary (919) 377-2505; sweetwaterscafe.com

Mellow Mushroom “Beer, calzones and creative stonebaked pizzas.”

4300 NW Cary Parkway, Cary; (919) 463-7779 mellowmushroom.com Spirits Pub & Grub “Wide variety of menu items, all prepared in a scratch kitchen.”

701 E. Chatham St., Cary (919) 462-7001; spiritscary.com

Famous Toastery “Top-notch service for breakfast, brunch and lunch.”

Waverly Place Shopping Center, 316 Colonades Way, Suite 201C, Cary; (919) 655-1971 famoustoastery.com Stellino’s Italiano “Traditional Italian favorites with a modern twist.”

1150 Parkside Main St., Cary; (919) 694-5761; stellinositaliano.com

• Fresh Salads • Sandwiches • Kabobs

Catering Available For All Events!

s u m m u Y e h T

e t s a T #

Taipei 101 “Chinese and Taiwanese. Serves lunch and dinner.” 121 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 388-5885; facebook.com/carytaipei101 Tangerine Café “From Thai to Vietnamese to Korean to Indonesian.”

2422 SW Cary Parkway, Cary; (919) 468-8688; tangerinecafecary.com A Taste of Jamaica “A Jamaican food outpost” 600 East Chatham St., Suite B, Cary (919) 461-0045

ASHWORTH DRUGS 105 W. Chatham St, Cary NC

WHERE YOUR GOOD HEALTH IS OUR BUSINESS Rx’s Filled Promptly & Professionally Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain Medical Equipment Sales & Rentals Therafirm Compression Hosiery FLA Orthopedic Supports Most Insurance & Med D Plans Accepted Rx Delivery Available

2021 Paul Ashworth, R.Ph. Curbside, delivery and takeout op�ons available!

1347 Kildaire Farm Road • Cary • 919-300-5586 9650 Strickland Road • Raleigh • 919-847-2700

Cori Strickland, R.Ph.

919.467.1877 Mon.- Fri. 8:30 – 6:00 Sat. 8:30 – 3:30

98

MARCH 2021

Dining Guide Tazza Kitchen “Wood-fired cooking and craft beverages.”

600 Ledgestone Way, Cary; (919) 651-8281; tazzakitchen.com/location/stonecreekvillage Thai Spices & Sushi “Freshest, most-authentic Thai cuisine and sushi.” 986 High House Road, Cary; (919) 319-1818; thaispicesandsushi.com The Big Easy Oven & Tap “Modern, Southern kitchen with New Orleans roots.” 231 Grande Heights Drive, Cary; (919) 468-6007; thebigeasyovenandtap.com

Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits “Great food always, with a side of good times.”

Visit ruckuspizza.com for area locations.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries “Fresh ingredients, hand-prepared.”

Visit fiveguys.com for area locations.

The Original N.Y. Pizza “Consistent every visit.”

831 Bass Pro Lane, Cary; (919) 677-8484 2763 N.C. 55, Cary; (919) 363-1007 6458 Tryon Road, Cary; (919) 852-2242 theoriginalnypizza.com

Tribeca Tavern “Handcrafted burgers, homegrown beer.”

500 Ledgestone Way, Cary; (919) 465-3055; facebook.com/TribecaTavern

Totopos Street Food & Tequila “A walk through … Mexico City.”

1388 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 678-3449; totoposfoodandtequila.com/cary

Udupi Café “Authentic south Indian vegetarian cuisine.”

590 E. Chatham St., Cary; (919) 465-0898; sriudupicafe.com

Recognized

by Cary Magazine Readers as Best House Date-Night Restaurant!

Recognized

by Cary Magazine Readers as Best SteakSteak House and and Date-Night Restaurant!

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER 2006

Hours: Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5-10pm Mon-Thurs: 5-10pm Fri-Sat: 5-11pm Fri-Sat: 5-11pm Sun: 4-9 pm Sun: 4-9 pm

HONORABLE MENTION 2007

HONORABLE MENTION 201 20 13

HON HO NORABLE MENTION 2015 20 15

HON HO NORABLE MENTION 2016 20 16

THE MAGGY AWARDS

THE MAGGY AWARDS

WINNER

WINNER

201 20 18

1130 Buck Raleigh, NC, 27606 1130 Buck JonesJones Rd., Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27606 919.380.0122 \ ReysRestaurant.com 919.380.0122 \ ReysRestaurant.com

201 20 19

2020

WINNER 2021 20 21

5 private 5 private roomsrooms seating guests! seating 6-2006-200 guests!

Contact: Christina Reeves Contact: Christina Reeves at Christina@ReysRestaurant.com at Christina@ReysRestaurant.com

CARY MAGAZINE 99

Dining Guide Verandah “Southern casual environment in a modern, boutique hotel.”

301 A. Academy St., Cary; (919) 670-5000; verandahcary.com

APEX Abbey Road Tavern & Grill 1700 Center St., Apex; (919) 372-5383; abbeyroadnc.com

Daniel’s Restaurant & Catering “Pasta dishes, hand-stretched pizzas and scratch-made desserts.” 1430 W. Williams St., Apex; (919) 303-1006; danielsapex.com V Pizza “True Neapolitan pizza, made with the absolute best ingredients.”

1389 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary (919) 650-1821; vpizza.com

Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering Italian food.”

100 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 267-6237; annaspizzeria.com Apex Wings Restaurant & Pub “Time-tested eatery serving up chicken wings and craft beers.”

518 E. Williams St., Apex; (919) 387-0082;apexwings.com Bonafide Bakeshop & Cafe “A blend of Northern classics and Southern comforts.”

1232 W. Williams St., Apex 919-372-5000; BonafideBakeshop.com

GO WILD

Big Mike’s Brew N Que “Beers on tap to compliment locally sourced, farm-to-table BBQ.” 2045 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex; (919) 338-2591; brewnquenc.com Brooklyn Bakery “Wholesome, scratch-baked.”

101 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 362-8408; buttercreamsbakeshop.com Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts “The highest-quality, locally roasted coffee.”

219 N. Salem St., Suite 101, Apex; (919) 387-0873; commongroundsapex.com Doherty’s Irish Pub “Catch the game or listen to live music.” ​​5490 Apex Peakway, Apex; ​(919) 387-4100; dohertysirishpubnc.com Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1075 Pine Plaza Drive, Apex; (919) 616-0011; fiveguys.com

with

NC Oysters

Visit the NC Oyster Trail to tour a working shellfish farm, savor the coast’s distinct flavors and discover local oyster lore.

NCOysterTrail.org 100

MARCH 2021

nc-seafood.org

Dining Guide Mamma Mia Italian Bistro “A taste of Italy in every bite” 708 Laura Duncan Road, Apex; (919) 363-2228; mammamianc.com Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits “Great food always, with a side of good times.”

1055 Pine Plaza Drive, Apex; (919) 446-6333; ruckuspizza.com Rudy’s Pub & Grill “Comfortable and familiar, just like home.”

780 W. Williams St., Apex; (919) 303-5061; rudysofapex.com Salem Street Pub “Friendly faces and extensive menu.”

113 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 387-9992; salemstreetpub.com Scratch Kitchen and Taproom “Asian-influenced American cuisine” 225 N. Salem St., Apex; (919) 372-5370; scratchkitchenandtaproom.com

Daniel’s

Sassool “Serving authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine.”

1347 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary; (919) 300-5586; sassool.com Skipper’s Fish Fry “Homemade from our own special recipes.”

1001 E. Williams St., Apex; (919) 303-2400; skippersfish.com

Clean Juice “Organic juices, smoothies and acai bowls.”

3035 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 468-8286; cleanjuice.com The Provincial “Fresh. Simple.”

119 Salem St., Apex; (919) 372-5921; theprovincialapex.com

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CARY MAGAZINE 101

Dining Guide Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.”

401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina; (919) 552-3957; lostresmagueyes.com Stick Boy Bread Co. “Handcrafted baked goods from scratch … all natural ingredients.”

127 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 557-2237; stickboyfuquay.com

Lugano Ristorante “Italian dining in a comfortable and casual atmosphere.”

1060 Darrington Drive, Cary; (919) 468-7229; luganocary.com

The Wake Zone Espresso “Your special home away from home.”

6108 Old Jenks Road, Apex; (919) 267-4622; thewakezone.com Vegan Community Kitchen “Meatless with a Turkish spin.”

803 E Williams St., Apex; (919) 372-5027; vegancommunitykitchen.com

FUQUAY-VARINA

The Mason Jar Tavern “All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.”

305 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 762-5555; themasonjartavern.com Wingin’ It Bar and Grille “Serves lunch, dinner and drinks.”

1625 N. Main St., Suite 109, Fuquay-Varina; (919) 762-0962; facebook.com/ winginitbarandgrille

HOLLY SPRINGS Acme Pizza Co. “Chicago-style deep dish pizza.”

204 Village Walk Dr, Holly Springs (919) 552-8800; acmepizzaco.com Los Tres Magueyes 325 North Main Street, Holly Springs; (919) 552-6272; lostresmagueyes.com

Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering Italian food.”

138 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 285-2497; annaspizzeria.com

Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream “A unique spin on a timeless dessert.”

304 N. Main St., Holly Springs; (919) 762-7808; mamabirdsicecream.com

Aviator SmokeHouse BBQ Restaurant “All of our food is made in-house.”

525 E. Broad St., Fuquay-Varina; (919) 557-7675; aviatorbrew.com

My Way Tavern “Freshly made all-American foods.”

301 W. Center St., Holly Springs; (919) 285-2412; mywaytavern.com

Cultivate Coffee Roasters “Modern industrial twist on a small town coffee shop.”

128 S. Fuquay Ave., Fuquay Varina (919) 285-4067; cultivate.coffe

Rise Biscuits & Donuts 169 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs; (919) 586-7343; risebiscuitsdonuts.com

Juicehaus “Made-to-order fresh, raw juice.”

509 North Broad St, Fuquay Varina (919) 396-5588; juicehaus.or

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MARCH 2021

Thai Thai Cuisine “Fresh authentic Thai food.”

108 Osterville Drive, Holly Springs; (919) 303-5700; thaithaicuisinenc.com

The Butcher’s Market “Premium meats and specialty grocery.”

4200 Lassiter Rd, Holly Springs (919) 267-919); thebutchersmarkets.com The Mason Jar Tavern “All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.”

114 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs; (919) 964-5060; themasonjartavern.com The Original N.Y. Pizza 634 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (919) 567-0505; theoriginalnypizza.com

MORRISVILLE Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken “Unforgettable rotisserie chicken.”

9575 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 378-9259; alpacachicken.com Another Broken Egg Café “A totally egg-ceptional experience.”

1121 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 465-1079; anotherbrokenegg.com Babymoon Café “Pizzas, pastas, seafood, veal, steaks, sandwiches and gourmet salads.”

100 Jerusalem Drive, Suite 106, Morrisville; (919) 465 9006; babymooncafe.com Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar “The quality of the beef and the toppings make our burgers stand apart.”

3300 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 297-0953; baddaddysburgerbar.com Capital City Chop House “Perfect place for a business lunch or dinner or a quick bite before catching a flight.”

151 Airgate Drive, Morrisville; (919) 484-7721; chophousesofnc.com Clean Juice “Organic juices, smoothies and acai bowls.”

3035 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 468-8286; cleanjuice.com

Dining Guide Crumbl Cookies Super-sized treats with a rotating menu of classic and unusual flavors.

1105 Market Center Drive, Morrisville (919) 364-1100; crumblcookies.com

Neomonde “A wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary Mediterranean menu items.”

10235 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 466-8100; neomonde.com

Desy’s Grill & Bar “Straightforward pub grub at a relaxed sports bar.”

10255 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 200, Morrisville; (919) 380-1617; desysbar.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes “Cakes are baked fresh daily, in a variety of flavors and sizes.”

2008 Market Center Drive, Unit 17130, Morrisville; (919) 694-5300; nothingbundtcakes.com

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill “Steaks, seafood, chicken and ribs, all seared over local hickory, oak and pecan wood.”

3200 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 653-0111; morrisville.firebirdsrestaurants.com Fount Coffee + Kitchen “Coffee and a menu that is 100 percent gluten-free.”

10954 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (984) 888-5454; fountcoffee.com The Full Moon Oyster Bar & Seafood Kitchen “Homemade recipes handed down over the years.”

1600 Village Market Place, Morrisville; (919) 378-9524; fullmoonoysterbar.com G. 58 Modern Chinese Cuisine “Master chefs from China create an unforgettable fine dining experience.”

10958 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 466-8858; g58cuisine.com Georgina’s Pizzeria & Restaurant “Mouthwatering homemade Italian dishes.”

3536 Davis Drive, Morrisville; (919) 388-3820; georginaspizzeriaandrestaurant.com HiPoke “Fresh Fun Poke.”

9573 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 650-3398; hipokes.com Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant 9605 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 481-9002; micancunmx.com

Rise Biscuits & Donuts “Old school, new school, and specialty donuts.”

1100 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 377-0385; risebiscuitsdonuts.com Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits 1101 Market Center Drive, Morrisville; (919) 388-3500; ruckuspizza.com Saffron Restaurant & Lounge “Gourmet Indian dining experience.”

4121 Davis Drive, Morrisville; (919) 469-5774; saffronnc.com Smokey’s BBQ Shack “Meats are dry rubbed with love and slow smoked with hickory wood.”

10800 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville; (919) 469-1724; smokeysshack.com

Taste Vietnamese “Prepared with passion and perfected through generations.”

152 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville; (919) 234-6385; tastevietnamese.com Village Deli & Grill “Wholesome homemade foods.”

909 Aviation Parkway #100, Morrisville; (919) 462-6191; villagedeli.net ZenFish Poké Bar “Guilt-free, healthy, fast-casual dining.”

9924 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville (919) 234-0914; zenfishpokebar.com

Rey’s “Fine dining with a French Quarter flair.”

1130 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh (919) 380-0122; reysrestaurant.com

RALEIGH Angus Barn “World-renowned for its service.”

9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh; (919) 781-2444; angusbarn.com Annelore’s German Bakery “Pastries using the finest local ingredients.”

1249 Farmers Market Drive, Raleigh (919) 294-8040; facebook.com/AnneloresGermanBakery Barry’s Café “A restaurant that honors firefighters.”

2851 Jones Franklin Road, Raleigh; (919) 859-3555; barryscafe.com The Big Easy Oven & Tap “Modern, Southern kitchen with New Orleans roots.”

222 Fayetteville St., Raleigh (919) 832-6082; thebigeasyovenandtap.com Flying Biscuit Café “Southern-inspired menu of comfort food made with fresh ingredients.”

2016 Clark Ave., Raleigh (919) 833-6924, flyingbiscuit.com/locations-2/Raleigh The Pit “Authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue.”

328 W. Davie St., Raleigh; (919) 890-4500; thepit-raleigh.com CARY MAGAZINE 103

nonprofit spotlight

Contributed photos from CAFA

Last year, the Chinese American Friendship Association purchased masks from China and distributed them to Triangle healthcare workers. In this event from April, CAFA members Hui Hu, left, Cary Council Member Ya Liu, center, and CAFA Vice President Xilong Zhao, right, show their appreciation for doctors and nurses.

Chinese American Friendship Association WRITTEN BY MONA DOUGANI

THE CHINESE AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA was created so Chinese Americans in the Triangle would have a space to support one another and build a strong community.

With more than 2,000 members, CAFA aims to foster friendships among Chinese and Chinese Americans, help members succeed in American society and promote Chinese culture through hosting community events.

“We are unique because we have this unique culture,” said Jianping Yang, president of the nonprofit. “We need this organization to help the Chinese community organize and help contribute to our [local] community.”

104 MARCH 2021

The nonprofit was founded in 1996 following the opening of the Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language, founded to pass on the Chinese language. The CAFA provided a community space for its members and sponsored various events highlighting Chinese culture.

“Our biggest event is the Taste of China event,” Yang said. “I mean everybody loves food, so that seems to be an event that easily attracts people to come.”

Held in October, the one-day event typically attracts over 20,000 people in the area with 50 restaurants, food vendors and about 30-50 other business vendors, with activities such as arts and crafts.

The nonprofit also hosts the Chinese

New Year Gala, an event that has been held every spring for more than 20 years, showcasing dance and other cultural performances. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization was forced to cancel this and other cultural events.

“We are not able to do as many events as possible. We are not able to do a membership promotion. Typically we go to different kinds of cultural events and try to increase our membership. We do these events to get our members and our community more engaged,” said Ya Liu, Cary Council member and an active participant in CAFA. “But we canceled all these events, and we do not know if we will be able to host any of these kinds of events this year.”

Contributed photos from CAFA

Community outreach efforts hosted by CAFA members in 2020 include dropping off masks and other supplies at UNC Medical Center, above and top right, and donating food from local restaurants to a local homeless shelter, right.

Though CAFA has had to halt many of its staple events this year, the pandemic has given the nonprofit an opportunity to help those affected by COVID-19. Initially, the organization provided equipment and donations so doctors in Wuhan, China, could purchase personal protective equipment.

As the virus worsened in the United States, members of CAFA used their connections in China to supply PPE to doctors, nurses and hospitals in the Triangle.

“There was a severe shortage in masks, and we realized we have the connections to get equipment, because we

Contributed photos from CAFA

had experience. ...We are in a unique position to buy the masks and PPE and ship it here,” said Yang. “We felt like it was a good thing to help others. The richest country should not be in shortage of masks; it is ridiculous.”

Along with providing PPE to the local community, the organization realized there was a need for food distribution and donations to the food bank and local homeless shelters.

“On top of donating and distributing PPE, we also tried to help local restaurants that, because of the lockdown and regulations, were declining sharply. We tried to help those local restaurants by buying food, but we also donated the food to those who needed it,” said Xilong Zhao, current vice president and incoming president of CAFA. “It was kind of like killing two birds with one stone.”

In total, CAFA collected $105,600 donations; $75,000 in cash donations allocated towards purchasing surgical masks, face shields, KN95 masks and disposable masks for the Triangle community, and $30,600 for food and more PPE. While the group is nonpartisan, it aims to promote civic engagement through education, voter registration drives and candidate forums. Members of CAFA have been more interested in local politics and ener-

gized to become civically engaged following the election of Liu to the Cary Council and fellow Chinese American Hongbin Gu to the Chapel Hill Town Council.

“As an organization, we found it important to provide a platform for our members to know more about the candidates when they vote. We hosted the forums to connect the candidates to the voters and the voter registration drive because, in the Asian community, we know that traditionally the voter registration rate is low, so that was an effort to increase our voter turnout,” Liu said.

With COVID-19 continuing to be a concern, the nonprofit plans to hold its spring events virtually, including voter registration sessions, and forums on college planning, real estate, tax returns and photography.

For more information about the group and upcoming events visit nccafa.org. t

Masks and other personal protection equipment from China are packaged for shipment to North Carolina.

CARY MAGAZINE 105

garden adventurer WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON

A Tale of Two Pretties

‘Amethyst Falls” wisteria

106 MARCH 2021

IN THE WIDE, wide world of plant selection appellations, rare is the occasion when two names are not only the same but are also tagged to top-tier introductions quite capable of adding dependable, elegant interest to any garden setting.

So, sit back and let me tell you the tale of ‘Amethyst Falls’ and the two pretties linked by name. Both have the pleasing potential of being eye-catching additions to your garden this spring.

‘Amethyst Falls’ wisteria. Wisteria gets a bad rap for being invasive. True, this botanical brute of a vine can quickly cover trees, houses, cars or even the family cat if he isn’t fast enough, but such aggressiveness comes from two imports, Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) and Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis). There is another kinder, gentler wisteria: Wisteria frutescens, which is actually native to the Southeast.

Commonly called American wisteria, it can stretch to lengths of 15 feet plus, but this is modest compared to the apocalyptic swaths of the Asian imports. Plant breeders, realizing the potential of a restrained wisteria, began to introduce improved selections from the species, and the popular ‘Amethyst Falls’ was one result.

Dripping with light purple, slightly fragrant racemes up to 12 inches long in late spring, ‘Amethyst Falls’ is a deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, sun-loving beauty that can add grace to a clunky fence or bare trellis. In addition, it is sterile, meaning no weedy seedlings will invade your landscape.

And, no, it won’t be hard to find — I have spotted it at many local nurseries.

‘Amethyst Falls’ oregano. To many gardeners, when it comes to eye candy, oregano is generally considered a cute herb but not necessarily pretty. However, a new breed tagged “ornamental oregano” has made its fancy way into gardens with the selection ‘Amethyst Falls’ leading the charge.

This iteration of ‘Amethyst Falls’ kicks oregano’s visual show up a few notches in the late spring with flowing sweeps of small purple flowers contrasted by unusual, hop-like bracts.

Its leaves are typically oregano-scented, meaning they can be used in the kitchen, and although we like the smell, deer don’t, so they won’t bother this herb.

‘Amethyst Falls’ is a tough plant that will take all the sunlight you can ‘Amethyst Falls’ oregano give it. Good drainage is essential, but this can be provided in a container or raised garden setting, where its cascading blooms can be displayed to full effect.

You might have to call around to locate ‘Amethyst Falls’ oregano locally. I got mine from Big Bloomers in Sanford, but it’s an easy find online.

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Want to ask L.A. a question about your garden? Contact him by email at lajackson1@gmail.com.

To Do in the GARDEN

Flowering Quince

TIMELY TIP To prune or not to prune? At this time of year, that is the question.

12 9

3 6

For woody ornamentals such as clethera, vitex, beautyberry, pomegranate, crepe myrtle, abelia, rose of Sharon and buddleia that flower in the late spring and summer on new branches formed in the current growing season, prune at the beginning of this month.

Early blooming woodies such as camelia (Camelia japonica), weigelia, mock orange, kerria, witch hazel, forsythia, flowering quince, deciduous magnolia, viburnum, spirea and Carolina jessamine blossom on established branches, so wait until their fancy flower shows are finished before snipping them into shape or down to a desired size.

March

• Mint is a versatile culinary herb, but you should think twice before adding it to your spring beds, as it can easily crawl away and overwhelm planting areas. Containment makes for behaved mint — grow it in pots instead.

• Row, row, rowing your veggies again this year? For more efficient use of growing space, consider converting from rows to rectangular growing beds. To make them easier to reach into, don’t construct the beds more than four feet wide.

• Before garden chores get into full spring swing, start doing a moderate amount of stretching exercises to be limbered up for all the pushing, pulling, bending and stooping to come.

• Migratory garden friends on the wing should be returning now, so give them a great big welcome by cleaning up bird houses and washing the bird bath.

CARY MAGAZINE 107

happenings JON FREY, a Raleigh ultramarathoner, raised more than $76,000 in December during the third annual Oakwood24, a 24-hour run that benefits Healing Transitions. The nonprofit offers peer-to-peer, recovery-oriented services to homeless, uninsured and underserved individuals with alcoholism and drug addiction. healing-transitions.org

Jon Zwinski, in January, became the new general manager and CEO of

Chiesi

USA, the U.S. affiliate of Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., an international

research-focused healthcare group. Zwinski succeeds Ken McBean, who became president and CEO in September 2011. chiesiusa.com

NORTH CAROLINA RESTAURANT & LODGING Association was The

awarded a $172,115 grant from the Economic Development Administration.

The grant will fund in-house positions at NCRLA to provide technical support, Gab Tuggle

Amy Galloway

Preston Dental Loft, and founder Meenal Patel, celebrated the winners of its fourth annual Cary Cares Makeover Campaign with a day of pampering on

resources and assistance directly to restaurants and hotels and their employees that have been adversely impacted by Covid-19. ncrla.org

Dec. 11. Winners Gab Tuggle and Amy Galloway received gifts and services from Nails R Fun Salon, Triniti Salon, Mylina Russell Photography, Preston Dental Loft, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa and Swagger Boutique.

At its December 2020 Bluebird Ball,

3 BLUEBIRDS FARM raised more than $32,000. The funds will

Tuggle is a volunteer coordinator for the MS Society and was furloughed for 12 weeks due to

support the nonprofit’s mission to create

the pandemic. During her furlough, she volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club in Zebulon.

an agricultural community, where adults on

Galloway was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of the pandemic. Luckily the

the autism spectrum can live dignified and

cancer was caught early and responded to treatment that ended in June. prestondentalloft.com

meaningful lives. 3bluebirdsfarm.org

108 MARCH 2021

TBM Consulting, a Morrisville-based operational advisory firm,

CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY PRESCHOOL PRESTON in Cary recently donated 200 pounds Students at

of food to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's BackPack Buddies program, which supports local children from food-insecure homes. In December, students held a food drive and collected nonperishable food items, an initiative that helped students learn about spreading kindness and helping others. ChesterbrookAcademy.com

recently appointed John Ferguson as CEO. He succeeds Bill Remy, who will retire from the CEO position but remain on the company’s board of directors. tbmcg.com

FAMILIES TOGETHER, a Raleigh-based nonprofit, in December received a $1.25 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. Launched in 2018 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations doing meaningful work to connect families with shelter and support.

The grant will allow Families Together to expand its family shelter and short-term housing programs and build six to eight permanent homes for homeless families.

FamiliesTogetherNC.org

Jimmy Reese, 68, an Apex resident who grew up in South Hill, Va., has written about his life

Ann Bailey, a gingerbread artist from Cary, won second place in the adult category at the 28th annual National Gingerbread Competition for her creation, “This Place Called Home.” Hosted by the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., the annual event was staged online, with winners announced in early December. The top prize was awarded to the Merry Mischief Bakers of Phoenix, Ariz., for “St. Nick’s Christmas Decor Shop.” instagram.com/omnigrovepark

in the rural community as the son of a sharecropper who farmed tobacco.

“Streak of Lean,” which spans roughly 1958 to 1970, is the first in a series of three planned books. amazon.com CARY MAGAZINE 109

happenings

Park West Village in Morrisville welcomes several new tenants. CAVA, expected to open this year, is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in Mediterranean fare. Elite Core Studio, which opened Jan. 2, is a fitness studio using the Lagree Method –– a patented full-body, high-intensity, low-impact, 45-minute workout for all levels. Other recent additions include retailer Five Below and bakery Crumbl Cookies. parkwestvillage.com

GREY RICH, a High Point University Student from Cary, recently finished his the story of two children who dream about going into space and find a way to make that

COASTAL CREDIT UNION was recognized by Global

dream come true.

Finance magazine as one of its 2020

movie about space travel, “Dream, Above and Beyond.” Now available on eBay, the film is

Outstanding Crisis Leadership honorees.

The program recognized financial institutions and other businesses that went above and beyond in their response to the COVID-19 crisis. The magazine cited the Coastal Credit Union Foundation’s support of local nonprofits which have been assisting people through the economic fallout of the pandemic. The foundation made more than $1 million in grants in 2020. coastal24.com

Athletic Republic is expected to open in Cary this spring in

Shane Jacobson is the new chief executive officer of the Cary-based V

the Greystone Shopping Center at 607 Mills Park Drive in Cary. The new sports

Foundation for Cancer Research. He takes over from Susan Braun, who retired in January.

performance training center is owned and

Jacobson, formerly president and CEO of the University of Vermont Foundation, brings

operated by Cary resident Alen McKnight.

with him two decades of record-breaking fundraising experience. v.org

cary.athleticrepublic.com

110 MARCH 2021

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book, “America, Here I Come!” The book, which tells the story of a brother and sister who move to Raleigh, was written with the help of actual students who recently moved to the United States from other countries. amazon.com

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This new rating, the highest available, puts Apex Fire Department in the top 1% of fire departments in the nation for Public Protection Classification. Among other things, the routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of a water source. apexnc.org/262/Fire-Department

Finding an office is easier than you think. Get what you want, where you want it, in one of Towerview’s 4 prime Cary locations. Office solutions tailored to your business needs—with as much or as little space as you need. And we’re flexible when your needs change.

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The process is easier than you think too.

Visit towerviewoffice.com (or call 919-651-4460) to find out more and schedule a tour.

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CARY MAGAZINE 111

happenings

Martha Bader and Niya Hooks, associates at Waltonwood Cary Parkway, created the National Family Caregivers contest to recognize the unsung heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In November, nominations were accepted, and five people won prizes donated by local

H ave you recently made

companies including Legacy Healthcare Services, Move Elders with Ease, and Homewatch Homecare. waltonwood.com

a move?

Whether you’ve moved across the country, across the state, or across town, we want to meet you to say hello & to help you with tips as you get settled.

Our basket is loaded with useful gifts, information & cards you can redeem for more gifts at local businesses.

The

JEWISH FEDERATION OF RALEIGH-CARY

recently hired Phillip Brodsky as its new executive director. Through its agencies The Raleigh-Cary Jewish Community Center and Raleigh-Cary Jewish Family Services, the federation continues to serve the needs of the community. Last year, Jewish Family Services provided financial and food assistance to over 80 households, and served over 400 clients through counseling, therapy and case management. shalomraleigh.org

Women's Giving Network of Wake County in December announced $123,000 in local grant awards.

The members of the

• $36,500 to Alliance Medical Ministry

• $25,000 to Communities in Schools of Wake County

• $36,500 to Haven House Services

• $25,000 to PLM Families Together Inc.

A giving circle of the North Carolina Community Foundation, the Women’s Giving Network supports charitable organizations serving women, children and families in Wake County. nccommunityfoundation.org

ANN BATCHELOR 919-414-8820 BETH HOPPMANN 919-302-6111

Mark Dill, of Cary, recently published his first book, “The Legend of the First Super Speedway, the Battle for the Soul of American Auto Racing.”

The historical novel, set in the world of early auto racing, introduces readers to racing champion Barney Oldfield and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Founder Carl Fisher. markgdill.com

112 MARCH 2021

S

!

E T A D E H T E V A

Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce

MAY 7 & 8, 2021

KINSTON, NORTH CAROLINA THE LARGEST WHOLE HOG COOK-OFF IN THE WORLD! Due to COVID 19 The 2021 BBQFON will limit the number of cook teams and vendors.

KINSTONBBQ.COM CARY MAGAZINE 113

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Snow Day! Cary’s recent snowfall was perfect for making snowmen. Slightly moist and a degree or two above freezing, the snow stuck together for kids like 4-year-old Thea Buffet, who rolled a heavy snowball while playing at Downtown Cary Park.

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MARCH 2021

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