Main & Broad August/September 2022

secret spots

to beat the heat

tequila time at aye! toro

teen takeover

standout students

!

The Heart + Soul of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina

HOT DOG SUMMER SIZZLES to a close

make a splash at the pooch pad

k-9 cops on the job

feed the birds at sylvan heights bird park

Seafood Special

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

OUR LINEUP IS NUTS

It’s just not football without in-shell peanuts.

Find us in your grocery store’s produce department.

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• • • • •

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Primary Care-Fuquay-Varina 231 North Judd Parkway Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina 27526

Primary Care-Kildaire Farm 110 Kildaire Park Drive, Suite 305 Cary, North Carolina 27518

Primary Care-Holly Springs 101 Cotten Lane, Suite 2 Holly Springs, North Carolina 27540

Primary Care-West Cary 7560 Carpenter Fire Station Road, Suite 305 Cary, North Carolina 27519

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August/September 2022

CONTENTS

50

I also have three “young boys, so you

can count them as animals, too.

”

– Matthew Jeslis, K-9 Police Officer, Fuquay-Varina

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 SEE & DO

Live music, art on display, and cultural festivals abound.

14 DIG IN & DRINK UP

Strawberry Lemonade Boba Tea screams summertime.

16 MEET & GREET

Inspiring stories from two local students.

FEATURES

44 THERE & BACK

Feed the birds at Sylvan Heights Bird Park.

22 SECRET SPOTS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Indoor fun for every age sends summer off with a bang.

38

32 HOT DOG!

Local pups find paradise at The Pooch Pad’s swimming pool in Fuquay-Varina.

6 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

60 FUN & MEMES

64 SEEN & HEARD 66 IN FOCUS

22

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Community news and accolades.

Teamwork makes the dream work in Fuquay’s K-9 officer program.

Fresh and fast Mexican cuisine at Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila in Holly Springs.

Discover your new favorite restaurant in our dining guide.

The secret life of an off-duty teacher.

38 PARTNER IN CRIME 50 TEQUILA TIME

56 RISE & DINE

“ ”

reader

How do you take your margarita?

Letters

“Oh, this is just so fun! We love it! ... The photos did turn out great; I love the one of our family on the truck! And you did a great job on the article. Thank you for choosing to highlight Waves and our family! We sincerely appreciate it!”

– RACHAEL BOYLE, WAVES SHAVE ICE

August/September 2022 • Volume 4, Number 4 EXECUTIVE

Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher Kris Schultz, Publisher EDITORIAL

STRAIGHT TEQUILA

I WANT ANYTHING WILD OR UNEXPECTED — A LIQUEUR I’VE NEVER TRIED, A FUN RIM ... I GOT A RUBBER DUCKIE IN ONE ONCE

CONTRIBUTORS

Fuquay-Varina Memes David McCreary PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer PRODUCTION

I HAD A MARGARITA AT SOUTH BEACH THAT WAS AS BIG AS MY HEAD AND I FINISHED IT ALL ON MY OWN — DOING THE LORD’S WORK. IT’LL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART

I’M NOT A MARGARITA GUY, BUT I LOVE A FRESHSQUEEZED ORANGEADE OR LEMONADE

“​We are thrilled to have made the cover!

Thank you so much.”

Emily Uhland, Senior Editor Dena Daw SPICY, Erica Hinton ON THE ROCKS, Arlem Mora WITH SALT Tara Shiver

– NIKKI STAFFORD, THE BLIND PELICAN

Jennifer Casey, Senior Graphic Designer Lauren Earley, Graphic Designer Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer Beth Harris, Graphic Designer Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer ADVERTISING

Jill Newbold PUBLIC RELATIONS

S&A Communications Chuck Norman, APR ADMINISTRATIVE

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

Ron Smith I’M A CLASSIC MARGARITA KIND OF GAL. NO SALT, ON THE ROCKS, WITH AN EXTRA SHOT OF TEQUILA

Main & Broad is published six 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.

MAIN & BROAD Westview at Weston 701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 103, Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.mainandbroadmag.com

LET’S BE

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.

! s d n e i r F

@mbmagazinenc

@mbmagazinenc

@mbmagazinenc

ON THE COVER: IT’S PARADISE FOR PUPS AT THE POOCH PAD POOL IN FUQUAY-VARINA. THESE CANINES KNOW HOW TO KEEP COOL. SEE MORE ON PAGE 32.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN FREDIN

8 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

Main & Broad 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 Fuquay-Varina 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 equalopportunity basis.

Editor’s

Letter

EMILY UHLAND SENIOR EDITOR

10 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

This issue

BY THE

Numbers

6

Secret spots for summer adventures.

Jonathan Fredin

Here is a brief account of my family’s summer dialogue: Early summer: The pool’s open! Let’s go to the pool. Can we stay for five hours? There are so many friends here! Can I buy something from the snack bar? This is the best.

After the Fourth of July: Ugh. Do we have to go to the pooI? There aren’t any friends SENIOR EDITOR EMILY UHLAND, here. Can I buy something WITH 7-MONTH-OLD PEPPER. from the snack bar? I’m bored.

Can we leave?

If this chorus sounds in your home as well, then head on over to page 22 for unique summer adventures for all ages, air conditioning included, and nary a swimming pool in sight.

This year, negotiations about the pool are also intermixed with … we’ll call them “discussions” about whose turn it is to walk the puppy. Or play tug of war with the puppy. Or chase the puppy around the yard. Or become a human chew toy for the puppy (still working on that one).

My family welcomed a new fur baby in February (pictured above), and she is sweet and snuggly — and I can say with confidence, she will be our last puppy. Of all of my dogs, she loves water the most. So when I heard about the swimming pool at The Pooch Pad in Fuquay-Varina, I knew what a dream come true that must be for its canine visitors.

Main & Broad’s photographer Jonathan Fredin dove right in (literally) to capture these pups at play. The photos he came away with are amazing, including the shot on the cover and lots more — see them on page 32.

May we all dive into the final weeks of summer with enthusiasm equal to these dogs and their pool time.

Thanks for reading,

2

K-9 teams work at the Fuquay-Varina Police Department.

2

Inspiring students share their stories.

$23,000

Raised for the Holly Springs Food Cupboard.

2,000+ Birds live at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck

September 17th, 2022 12-9 PM 316 N. ACADEMY ST. CARY, NC

• FOOD TRUCKS • ARTS MARKET AERIAL ACROBATICS • FIRE SHOW

FREE ADMISSION FREE WORKSHOPS

AND MORE

CAROLINACIRCUSFESTIVAL.COM @carolinacircusfestival

See Do Local Events & Experiences to Enjoy

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

AUGUST 5–6 KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE

It’s a festival celebrating many of the pleasures that Southerners live by — beer, bourbon, barbecue, boots, bacon, biscuits, and bluegrass! This two-day event corrals more than 60 beers, 40 bourbons, wholehog barbecue, and lots of fixins’, informative seminars, lawn games, live music, and shopping. VIP and general admission tickets available for purchase.

art Extravaganza Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival AUGUST 27–28 9 A.M.–5 P.M. DOWNTOWN CARY

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4 NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES, RALEIGH

Step back in time 290 million years to the age before the dinosaurs. Explore vivid artwork, fascinating fossils, and lifesized models of a giant saber-toothed predator, saw-toothed shark, and many other bizarre creatures that dominated life on land and sea before the most devastating mass extinction the world has ever known.

The museum’s Research Curator of Paleontology, Dr. Christian Kammerer, has traveled the globe in search of Permian fossils, uncovering several rare specimens along the way.

12 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

Dancing with the Big Band

AUGUST 20 6:30 P.M. DANCE LESSON 7 P.M. CONCERT BEGINS FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER

The Gerald Parker Jazz Orchestra will set your toes to tapping as they bring the best tunes of the big bands to Fuquay-Varina.

Come early for a dance lesson and stay to listen to the lively swingera music.

Night Nation Run

AUGUST 27 6:30 P.M. PRE-PARTY BEGINS 8:00 P.M. RACE STARTS KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE

Part music festival, part fun run, the Night Nation Run 5K course has live DJs, light shows, bubble zones, and selfie stops along the way. Save some energy in those legs for the main stage after party — dancing, fog, confetti, giveaways, and a surprise headliner DJ.

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Life Before Dinosaurs: The Permian Monsters Exhibit

A Cary tradition since 1977, this juried craft show brings together nearly 300 artists from 16 states across the US. Stroll the streets of downtown Cary where artisans and crafters display their works. Enjoy a beer garden, interactive art activities, kids world, demonstrations from professional craftsmen, food vendors, and live entertainment.

See Do African American Cultural Festival

SEPTEMBER 3–4 1–7 P.M. DUKE ENERGY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS PARKING LOT

The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County is an annual celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, food, and community. For more than a decade, the festival has connected diverse people and families from across our region with local, national and international artists, performers, food vendors, and area business owners and local media outlets.

Festival highlights include the Art Gallery Walk, Creativation Station for kids, and vendor marketplace.

2022 Canine Con: “Harry Pawter” SEPTEMBER 17 9 A.M.–NOON SUGG FARM PARK

TOWN OF HOLLY SPRINGS

Bluegrass Live!

SEPTEMBER 30–OCTOBER 1 5–9:30 P.M. RED HAT AMPHITHEATER & DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

Don’t miss the world’s largest free urban bluegrass festival returning to downtown Raleigh. The International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual two-day festival takes over Fayetteville and the surrounding streets with live music, vendors, an art market presented

by Artsplosure, and an exhibit hall. Main stage performances at Red Hat Amphitheater begin at 5 p.m. each day and include Della Mae, Twisted Pine, Sierra Hull, and many other bluegrass legends.

Dress your four-legged friends for a magical day of witchcraft and wizardry to celebrate the end of summer’s dog days with agility course demonstrations, local animal rescues, pet-friendly businesses, food trucks, and microchipping opportunities.

Sathve datee

Peter & the Starcatcher

Casino Night

SEPTEMBER 23 7–10 P.M. 12 OAKS OUTDOOR TENT

Celebrate Fuquay-Varina

This wildly theatrical, Tony Award-winning adaptation retells the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (you know him as Peter Pan). From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair, and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love.

Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce hosts a roaring good time at 12 Oaks with Casino Night.

Mix and mingle with the local business community and take a chance on fun card and dice games.

Fuquay’s fall festival is back, with live entertainment, local vendors, craft beer, and a free kids zone. Don’t miss the Artist Village showcasing original work from local artisans and craftspeople.

SEPTEMBER 8–10 7:30 P.M. FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER

OCTOBER 1 10 A.M.–4 P.M.

Visit AT THE EVENT!

13

Dig in

Drink up

Strawberry Lemonade Boba Tea From Bep Vietnamese Kitchen

Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

Downtown Holly Springs newcomer Bep Vietnamese Kitchen serves a mouthwatering menu of traditional pho, noodle bowls, and banh mi; however, the impressive drink menu merits a visit all on its own.

Iced fruit teas, traditional milk teas, fruit smoothies, and Vietnamese coffee are thirst-quenching treats for hot summer days.

“The fruit teas are very refreshing,” says TK Nguyen, one of the owners of Bep. Green tea is the base of all fruit teas, then fruity flavorings like strawberry, mango, or green apple are added. Customers can select the amount of ice and level of sweetness.

Adding one of the three unique toppings — boba, jelly, or pudding — is highly recommended.

“The popping boba is the most popular,” says Nguyen.

Boba pearls are made in-house daily from tapioca starch in flavors including strawberry, mango, and lychee. The texture is slightly chewy, and the pearls burst in your mouth.

Imported green tea provides the base for the signature Strawberry Lemonade, to which strawberry and lemon flavorings are added. Top with strawberry popping boba and you’ve got summer in a glass. Boba teas are served with wide straws that allow the beads free passage.

Experiment with other signature flavors such as The Hulk, flavored with green apple and kiwi, or the Dirty Milk Tea with brown sugar syrup and a black tea base.

BEP VIETNAMESE KITCHEN The Block on Main 300 South Main St., Holly Springs (919) 285-2477 bepnc.com

14 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

THE FALL SERIES IS BACK!

Follow Me to Fuquay-Varina Concert Series Centennial Square, 102 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina | 6:30 – 9:00 pm The perfect blend of music, energy and local flavor make for great times in the heart of downtown Fuquay-Varina.

September 8 North Tower September 22 Sleeping Booty October 20 Jim Quick & Coastline

Celebrate

FUQUAY-VARINA

Saturday, October 1 10 am – 4 pm Downtown Fuquay Live Entertainment Artist Village Chili Cook-off Kid Zone Food & Beer Garden www.CelebrateFV.com

16 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

SPECIAL EDITION

Meet

Greet STANDOUT STUDENTS

Mo’Zari Bagley Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

About Mo Hometown: Fuquay-Varina High School: Fuquay-Varina High School Attending: Wake Technical Community College online Inspired by: Friends and fellow creators Kyler Lundy, Juhgah Kay, and Jahad Barrow Biggest cheerleader: His mom, who passes out keychains and buttons with QR codes that link to his music

“

It’s crazy to think nowadays that it could be one video you upload that could really change your path.

”

2020 was a pivotal year for most of us, but for Mo’Zari Bagley, the pandemic shutdown charted a course to a new future that includes record deals, viral videos, and plenty of hometown support.

A native of Fuquay-Varina, Mo’Zari, who goes by Mo, was an outstanding athlete growing up. He started Fuquay-Varina High School playing basketball, football and running track.

Also a member of National Honor Society, Bagley was selected by Principal Terrance McCotter and FVHS staff to the WCPSS Superintendent Student Leadership Council.

“Mo’Zari was recognized based on many factors to include his high academic achievement and commitment to learning, his strong leadership qualities, and his ability to advocate for a dynamic educational experience for himself and his peers,” says McCotter.

Then schools closed in March 2020, effectively halting Mo’s club involvements and sports endeavors.

“At that point I was just sitting at home,” says Mo. “I started making music.

It was just a hobby pre-Covid.”

Mo recorded his first song using an iPhone and Apple AirPods.

“I liked it. My friends liked it. I’m going to continue it and see where it goes,” he recalls.

Next came an equipment upgrade with a laptop, “real” headphones, and a studio microphone.

“I still record like that,” says Mo. “I mix and rap and do everything on my laptop.”

In January, Mo posted an original song called “Band Man” on TikTok. “It started getting plays and traction, and I got an audience — first tens of thousands of views, then hundreds of thousands of views. At that point I thought, ‘I could actually do this.’”

As a musician, Mo goes by the name FinEsseMo, and the songs he creates are rap and hip-hop tunes with — be forewarned — often explicit lyrics. When working on a new song, first he listens to beats or crafts melodies in his head, then starts getting words on paper.

“I used to write poems. That’s made it easier to turn poems into songs,” he says.

“I know some of the things I say in my songs may not be friendly. I understand that I have to play a character and sell that character.”

Mo amassed a following of 20,000 on TikTok, and some of his videos have millions of views.

In May, Mo received a direct message from the vice president of Quality Control, a record label based in Atlanta that is known for developing emerging artists.

Some back-and-forth negotiations between Mo, his parents, and Quality Control ultimately resulted in a record deal with the label and SoundCloud, a music streaming and distribution platform. continued on page 20

17

SPECIAL EDITION

Meet

Greet STANDOUT STUDENTS

Gracie Vaughan Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

Catching up with Gracie Vaughan during her last month of high school was tough. In between finishing her AP Capstone diploma, organizing the Holly Springs High School senior class prank (a makeshift, operational Waffle House in the school parking lot), and wrapping up several leadership roles at the school, we met up with Gracie at the Holly Springs Food Cupboard just before she completed an impressively full high school career.

So full, in fact, that Gracie’s parents urged her to “relax and stop signing up for things,” she says with a smile.

Student Body President; Mental Health Advocacy Club President; Purple Craze Leadership Board, National Honor Society, and National Math Honor Society member; and athlete in several varsity sports, to list a few examples.

“I am in everything, and … I thought it was really fun. It’s rewarding to do all these different things and try new things,” she says.

“Grace Vaughan has had a tremendous impact on our school,” says ​ Kristie Jones, school counselor at Holly Springs High School. “She is a servant to our community. … She has a hand in almost all the events that we host at our school. Grace’s contributions are valuable, impactful, and innovative.”

When the pandemic shut down schools (and everything else) in early 2020, Gracie’s schedule abruptly cleared.

18 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

“I had so much going on, then it was all gone,” she recalls.

“I was very bored, and still running a lot,” she says, so she piggybacked on a friend’s initiative to support the Holly Springs Food Cupboard by creating a 24hour marathon fundraiser.

“I started at midnight and ran 1.1 miles every hour until midnight the next night,” says Gracie. “I wasn’t expecting much. I set a goal of $1,000. We met that within the first hour of the fundraiser. It was crazy.”

Overall the marathon raised $14,000 for the Food Cupboard in 2020, and $9,000 the following year.

“I expected it to be easy. It’s only 1 mile per hour. I’m used to running 8 miles at a time,” says Gracie, a four-year runner on the HSHS cross country and track teams. Continually starting and stopping proved much harder than she anticipated.

“I ran a 1-mile loop around my neighborhood, Sunset Ridge. There is a really long and really slow hill. I’ll never run that hill again.”

Motivation came from knowing that food donations were sorely needed, especially during the shutdown since school lunches would not be available to fellow students who depended on them.

This fall, Gracie will attend the University of Alabama on a full academic continued on page 20

About Gracie Hometown: Holly Springs High School: Holly Springs High School Attending: University of Alabama on a full academic scholarship Unexpected: Holly Springs High School Homecoming Queen Inspired by: Her cross country coaches, Kimberly Henry and Scott Myers Motto: “Work hard — I’m convinced it will always pay off.”

“

It’s rewarding to do all these different things and try new things.

”

GRACIE VAUGHAN PICTURED AT THE HOLLY SPRINGS FOOD CUPBOARD COMMUNITY GARDEN. 19

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MO’ZARI BAGLEY continued from page 17

“It’s crazy to think nowadays that it could be one video you upload that could really change your path,” says Mo. Mo attributes much of his burgeoning success to consistent action.

“If you don’t actually do something every day to get closer to your goal, then it’s never going to come. Just wanting it bad enough isn’t gonna help you get it; you have to actually do something.

“My first attempt wasn’t working. I kept posting. As long as you are consistent and work toward your goal once every day, eventually you’ll reach it,” he says.

Mo plans to attend Wake Technical Community College online, while pursuing his music career.

“I’m focusing on artist development and building my social media right now,” he says, as he navigates the early stages of what a record deal entails.

Despite his rapid rise to stardom — “I’ll be out at the grocery store or gas station and people will say what’s up to me and I’ll be like, ‘I don’t know you, but what’s up’”— Mo would rather be remembered as the positive, funny guy at school who made everybody’s day feel lighter.

“It’s better to help someone else’s day get a little bit better.”

Listen to FinEsseMo on SoundCloud soundcloud.com/mobagley

GRACIE VAUGHAN continued from page 18

128 S. Fuquay Ave Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 Phone: (919) 285-4067

www.cultivate.coffee 20 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

scholarship studying civil engineering and construction management in their STEM Path to MBA program.

“The campus is so pretty. People were super nice and welcoming,” Gracie says of a campus visit she took with her family last year. “When it’s right, you kind of know.”

“I’m nervous and excited about moving to another state,” says the Holly Springs native. “I’m excited to establish myself and step out of my comfort zone.”

MB

FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER Peter and the Starcatcher A wildly theatrical Tony-award winning play with marauding pirates, lost boys, mermaids and more. Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair...and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

Visual and performing classes Take your creativity to a new level--now registering for Fall classes in the visual and perfomring arts.

On Stage Whether you love big band, jazz, hip hop, ballet, comedy..... we have it at the Arts Center Theatre. Single tickets and Community Theatre Subscriptions are now on sale at the Box Office tab in the Theatre listings at FVArts.org.

For more info, call the Arts Center at 919-567-3920 fvarts.org

21

Written by Emily Uhland and Dena Daw

Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

Secret Spots to Beat the Heat

22 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

Survive the waning weeks of sizzling summer with these indoor adventures.

For Kids

The Playhouse Children’s Museum Fuquay-Varina

Tucked in the Broad Street Market shopping center, The Playhouse Children’s Museum welcomes families to explore imaginative play in their themed “houses.” There’s a hospital, grocery store, construction zone, and farm, each outfitted with realistic props, such as crutches and a cash register, providing hands-on play opportunities.

The facility is bright, clean, cool, and small enough that caregivers can supervise children easily throughout.

“Children are engaged the entire time, but it’s not overwhelming or overstimulating,” says Challyndel Slaughter, mom to Victoria and employee at The Playhouse. “(Children’s) attention is on their imagination and their ability to play.”

The fun is geared toward youngsters ages 12 months to 8 years old, with the sweet spot being toddlers and preschoolers.

Visitors can build — and topple — their own structures in the construction area, or ride bouncy farm animal toys to and fro.

“Get away from electronics and nurture social-emotional skills making new friends,” says Ginny Iddins, the museum’s special events coordinator.

TWO-YEAR-OLD SOPHIA WOOD CHANGES TIRES AT THE PLAY MECHANIC STATION WITH MOM RACHEL, OF ANGIER. THEMED PLAY HOUSES, ABOVE, CREATE REALISTIC SETTINGS FOR IMAGINATIVE PLAY. OPPOSITE: TWO-YEAR-OLD NORA PAUTSCH, OF HOLLY SPRINGS, BUILDS A GIANT ICE CREAM CONE.

1520 Broad St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 902-7244 theplayhousemuseum.com

23

For Kids

Farm Play Area at Willow Oak Farms Fuquay-Varina

Just outside of Fuquay-Varina, Robin and Jeff Johnson are creating an agritourism destination that honors the area’s farming roots.

The third-generation family farm still operates growing primarily soybeans and small grain, but recently added an ice cream shop and indoor play area to cultivate a destination where visitors can experience an agricultural setting.

“The play area is all farm themed, to educate visitors about farm life.” says Robin. “To show people that food doesn’t always come from a grocery store.”

The centerpiece is a giant John Deere tractor replica. A lemonade stand, veterinarian’s office, chicken coop, grocery store, and universally popular Korn Krib surround it.

Everything was custom built, including the obstacle course and climbing wall positioned in the back corner, which appeals to elementary-age visitors.

The play area has been such a hit, Johnson plans to add a themed preschool class with farm chores, music, and play later this year.

Make sure to check out the outdoor play area, as well, including a playset, giant sand pile, and a few farm animals to say hello to.

The Scoop at Willow Oak Farms ice cream shop neighbors the play area, and caps off a visit with a sweet ending.

Editor’s note: The play area is in an indoor barn that is not climate controlled. Arrive early, when temperatures are cooler.

1530 Lafayette Road, Fuquay Varina (919) 285-5564 willowoakfarms.net

AGRICULTURAL-THEMED PLAY AREAS OFFER A CHANCE TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT FARM LIFE. AT LEFT, OWNER ROBIN JOHNSON WITH DAUGHTER JULIE AND GRANDSON JAX.

24 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

When you go, don’t forget The Scoop at Willow Oak Farms — next door to the play area — serves Hershey’s Ice Cream, monster milkshakes, unique sundaes, and waffle nachos.

PLAY OPTIONS ABOUND. TRY THE KORN KRIB, VETERINARIAN’S OFFICE, MARKET, LEMONADE STAND OR OBSTACLE COURSE.

25

“

It’s not about being smart or clever. It’s about communication and working as a team.

It’s really, really fun.”

”

- Heather Chandler, owner, Whole Brain Escape

For Teens & Families

Whole Brain Escape Apex

Apex residents Heather and Rafael Chandler opened Whole Brain Escape in 2019, transitioning out of careers in the video game industry to create a collaborative, in-person problem-solving experience.

“It’s a real-life adventure. You read clues and work together to solve puzzles and build relationships,” says Heather.

“It’s really fun to see how other brains think. There are many different ways of looking at puzzles,” she adds.

Whole Brain Escape offers four escape room challenges, as well as many at-home Escape Room in a Box experiences, which the couple created during the early months of the pandemic, when in-person adventures were closed.

Adventurers can choose to get locked in the 1980s, escape a supervillain’s lair, hunt for a mystic orb, or face down a mad scientist — each adventure dreamed up by Rafael.

For Groups

Private Theater Rentals at Paragon Theaters Cary AT WHOLE BRAIN ESCAPE TEAMS WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE CODES, RIDDLES, NUMBER GAMES, AND PUZZLES IN EACH ESCAPE ROOM ADVENTURE. OWNER HEATHER CHANDLER, AT LEFT.

Some puzzles require keys; others utilize numbers or symbols. Teams can work together or split up to tackle the clues.

“Whether you win or lose, people walk out energized, talking about how they solved each puzzle, and ‘wasn’t it cool when,” and ‘that was fun when …’” says Heather.

The escape rooms are designed to challenge adults and are recommended for ages 12 and up, but there are plenty of exceptions, Heather says.

“It’s a great three-generation activity: parents, kids, and grandparents. There is something for everybody,” she says.

Rooms are not dark or scary, and participants are never really locked in. Assistance is available via walkie talkie if needed.

410 Upchurch St. Apex (919) 355-2714 wholebrainescape.com

Paragon Parkside Theaters + Axis15 Extreme + Penny Lanes in Cary rents out theaters starting at $400, which might sound steep until you consider how easily that can be split among your friends, classmates, extended family, and more.

Prices depend on the date, time, movie, and number of people, but theater rental has no minimum attendee requirement.

“I believe that Covid has caused a lot of concerns in the community, and being able to know you can have a private theater rental, and only have your group of people in there to view the movie, gives a sense of protection from the outside,” says Ashley Dreps, sales/event manager at Paragon. “We clean and sanitize the theaters before and after (private rentals), so there is that part of the cleanliness that I believe also attracts the guests!”

After the movie, Paragon also offers bowling, an arcade with competitive games, a bar and restaurant serving craft beer, and more.

1140 Parkside Main St., Cary (919) 234-5200 paragontheaters.com

27

RESERVE A TABLE AT GAMER’S GEEKERY & TAVERN AND DIVE INTO ONE OF 500 AVAILABLE BOARD GAMES.

For Families & Friends

Gamer’s Geekery & Tavern Cary

Tucked away on the second floor of the MacGregor Village shopping center in Cary, Gamer’s Geekery has been harboring an extensive collection of board games since it first opened as a retail-only location in 2013. From the beginning, owner Lance Shrader dreamed of eventually adding a restaurant and a bar. In August 2019, the dream became a reality.

“Nowadays we’re all on our phones or focused on work or things like that, and when you come in here, you feel at home,” says Allison Laidlaw, the bar manager at Gamer’s Geekery. “You grab a board game. You play with your family. You get delicious food, a good atmosphere, and great bartenders. We like to get to know our regulars and what they order and things like that.”

For $10, customers can reserve a table for the day and play as many games as they want — and with approximately 530 board games on the shelf, the choices are endless. Popular games include Catan, Ticket to Ride, Terraforming Mars, Werewolf, and (of course) Monopoly.

On Wednesdays, parents can bring their small children in for a game of Connect 4 or Guess Who? while the older kids participate in the Youth D&D Adventures League (ages 8–14). Other themed nights include MtG (Magic) Commander Nights on Mondays, adult D&D on Thursdays, and Tuesday night trivia once a month.

“I just truly enjoy seeing people connect again, especially after Covid. Regulars come in all the time, and they light up when they walk in the door,” says Laidlaw.

107 Edinburgh S. Drive, #213, Cary (919) 650-2366 carygametavern.com

28 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

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29

For Adults:

Tapline Craft Beer and Wine Bar Holly Springs

JESSICA LIBECAP, ABOVE, FOUNDED TAPLINE CRAFT BEER AND WINE BAR TO BECOME HOLLY SPRINGS’ OWN VERSION OF “CHEERS.” TAPLINE BOASTS AN IMPRESSIVE BEER LIST, FRIENDLY VIBES, ARCADE GAMES, AND SHUFFLEBOARD.

110 Kentworth Drive, Holly Springs (919) 762-7329 taplinegrowler.com 30 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

A modern-day “Cheers” — that’s the vibe Jessica Libecap and her husband Justin wanted when they opened Tapline Growler in Holly Springs a half-dozen years ago.

“We hoped for lots of regulars and local people making friends when they are here,” says Jessica. The Libecaps sold the business to new owner Sean Powell about three years ago, but Jessica still works as the bar manager, stocking the establishment with a NC-centric lineup of craft beer.

“We always have five IPAs, a pilsner, a cider, a lager — all styles covered. We like to bring seasonal freshness; we rotate taps and do not like to repeat. But it’s not necessarily the beers you can find here in the backyard,” Jessica says.

Self-proclaimed “beer guy” Carlos Manriquez, from FuquayVarina, visits Tapline for its unique selection. “They get stuff I’ve never had before, and you can’t get it at the (grocery) store,” he says.

And he loves the “Cheers”-esque atmosphere: “Everyone is welcome.

Everybody talks to everybody,” he says.

About a year ago, Tapline expanded its footprint, adding more seating and entertainment options, including shuffleboard and arcade games.

“It’s brought in lots of new people,” says Powell, the owner.

A weekly running club (all paces welcome), music bingo, and frequent food trucks continue to entice in neighbors and friends.

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!

HOT DOG Owners Ryanne Jackson and Brandi Moore opened The Pooch Pad in 2010 in a small house on Fuquay’s Main Street. They’ve since expanded twice and now operate in a 6,000-sqare-foot facility offering grooming, boarding, doggie daycare, and training.

32 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

Jackson and Moore installed an in-ground pool for daycare and boarding guests to enjoy during the summer months — and boy, do they enjoy it.

Main & Broad ’s Chief Photographer Jonathan Fredin waded in with the pups to capture these sizzlin’ scenes from a pool day earlier this summer.

33

34 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

35

Go for a swim at THE POOCH PAD 211 Railroad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-9153 poochpadgrooming.com

36 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

37

FUQUAY-VARINA POLICE OFFICER MATTHEW JESLIS AND K-9 DASH TRAIN TOGETHER AT LEAST 16 HOURS PER MONTH.

Partner In

38 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

The Fuquay-Varina Police

Department added a dash more expertise this spring when a

second K-9 team joined Officer

Matthew Jeslis and K-9 Dash in the department’s K-9 program, which began in 2017 under former Police Chief Laura Fahnestock.

Officer Patrick Parker and K-9

Shadow graduated from Canine School at Ventosa Kennels in

March, ready to serve the town

alongside Officer Jeslis and K-9 Dash, who have been working together since October 2021.

The K-9 teams specialize in calls

that include tracking persons and objects, perimeter security, article searches, and drug detection.

Let’s meet them.

Crime

39

WHY DID YOU BECOME A K-9 POLICE OFFICER? Officer Jeslis: It was something I always wanted to do. I found joy in finding bad guys and guns, and getting drugs off the street. In doing that, I realized what a great tool the K-9s are. I also like animals, which is a plus!

Having a partner and best friend with you while you’re working to help fight crime — what else could you ask for?

Officer Parker: You are actively working with a dog that listens to you 100% of the time, obeying you, always with you.

He’s your second, silent partner.

As well as helping the community, finding a missing person or missing kid — there’s nothing more interesting or special that you can do in this job than helping out anybody else.

WHAT IS THE TRAINING LIKE?

Officer Matthew Jeslis & K-9 Dash FACTS ABOUT K-9 DASH Breed: German Shepherd From: The Netherlands Age: 5 Speaks: Dutch Handler: Officer Matthew Jeslis Date of Hire: 2017

Officer Jeslis: First we completed a six-week basic handler course. It’s a crash course in basic animal first aid and how to read your dog. You get the basics, then go back and fine-tune and practice and improve through other training and seminars.

The dog is a great tool, but you have to keep up with it. The skills are perishable. If they don’t do it enough, they forget.

Officer Parker: The program is only as good as the training provides.

If you have quality training, then the dogs are ready to work. We are very confident when we put (the dogs) in a car that they are working to the best of their ability.

Officer Jeslis: We train for a minimum of 16 hours each month in obedience work and narcotics detection. We train together every Thurs-

40 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

“

Having a partner and best friend with you while you’re working to help fight crime — what else could you ask for?

”

– Officer Matthew Jeslis

day. It’s great when you have someone else with another dog that knows what’s going on to help you.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST COMMON CALLS? Officer Jeslis: The most common deployments are narcotic searches, most coming from traffic stops. Next would be tracking and building search or perimeter support.

WHY DO YOU GIVE COMMANDS IN DUTCH? Officer Jeslis: Part of it is you don’t want the general public giving commands.

It’s an extra layer to make sure that he’s listening to us, and the suspect doesn’t know exactly what we are saying to him.

Officer Parker: We use commands for drug search, lay down, sit, stay, heel — we’re constantly using all of the commands.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING CALL? Officer Parker: We’ve only been on the street since March. At one traffic stop we seized a trafficking amount of heroin and a second stop which yielded cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

Officer Jeslis: K-9 Dash and I were called out to do a search for a gun. Officer Parker stopped a car (his truck was in the shop, so he didn’t have his dog with him) and the guy took off with a gun on foot into the woods. (The man) came out and surrendered without the gun.

We knew the gun was in the woods; it was a matter of finding it.

By the time K-9 Dash and I got there, it was two hours after the initial call was started, and we were able to find the gun together.

It was very satisfying that no one found the gun and it can’t be used in crimes.

Officer patrick Parker & K-9 shadow FACTS ABOUT K-9 SHADOW Breed: Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix From: Hungary Age: 2 Speaks: Dutch Handler: Officer Patrick Parker Date of Hire: 2022

CAN THE PUBLIC INTERACT WITH THE DOGS? Officer Parker: If they are out of the car, we are probably actively working with them. They are in a different mindset than when we’re continued on page 42

41

OFFICER JESLIS AND K-9 DASH PRACTICE A VEHICLE SEARCH. BELOW, TRAINING WITH POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT INCLUDES PRAISE AND K-9 DASH’S FAVORITE BALL AS A REWARD.

continued from page 41

at home. Most of these dogs are trained to bite, and accidents do happen. We don’t want someone to come up and surprise the dog.

Officer Jeslis: We welcome visitors to the police department for a tour and meet-and-greet with the dogs. Part of our role is interacting with the public, doing K-9 demos at schools and churches and events. We love to do that. We definitely want people to interact with us, but we might not always be able to do it right then on the street.

Call the department for demos and events and to schedule a tour. We want people to know we have the dogs here; we want people to know there is a need for the dogs in the community.

WHAT DO THE DOGS DO TO RELAX OFF THE JOB? Officer Parker: (Shadow) loves to run and play fetch. On days off, we play a little; mostly he’s chillin’ at home. He’s earned his time off and needs to decompress.

He knows when I come out in uniform that we’re going to work. He gets super excited, goes to the door, and starts jumping up and down. He’s ready to go. MB 42 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

THE K-9 TEAMS TRAIN TOGETHER ONCE A WEEK. OFFICER PARKER WEARS A BITE SLEEVE WHILE K-9 DASH PRACTICES SUSPECT APPREHENSION.

“

We are very confident when we put (the dogs) in a car that they are working to the best of their ability.

”

– Officer Patrick Parker

OFFICER PARKER AND K-9 SHADOW HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED IN THE FUQUAYVARINA POLICE DEPARTMENT TOGETHER SINCE MARCH.

To meet the K-9 teams and schedule a tour, call the Fuquay-Varina Police Department at (919) 552-3191.

43

There

Back

Sylvan Heights Bird Park Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin Entering the Sylvan Heights Bird Park means walking into a world where pink flamingos eat out of your hand, parakeets perch on your shoulders, and a scarlet ibis flies by an arm’s distance away.

The park, in Scotland Neck, NC, boasts the world’s largest waterfowl collection and the second largest bird collection in the US. “We are a facility that focuses on the conservation of birds, particularly waterfowl. And we are an education facility that teaches how important birds are and how

important saving their habitats is,” says Katie Lubbock, media and communications coordinator for the avian refuge.

“We are home to more than 2,000 birds from around the world. And at any given time we have 15 to 20 endangered species that we’re working with on site as well.”

“There’s definitely a lot of interaction.

That’s the goal for us — to get people engaged with the birds,” she says.

Visitors can meander the park’s winding pathways on self-guided tours, while

the birds surround them in the air, on the ground, or perched in vegetation.

“There’s nothing separating the birds and the visitors, so they can get really up close with (the animals),” she says. “We want you to feel like you’re in the jungle with the birds.”

The intention of this up-close-andpersonal experience is to cultivate an interest that leads to compassion for conservation.

“Birds and the habitats that they live in serve as an indicator of overall environmental continued on page 48

DRIVE TIME From Holly Springs & Fuquay-Varina:

2 hours

44 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

THOUSANDS OF BIRDS REPRESENTING HUNDREDS OF SPECIES LIVE AT SYLVAN HEIGHTS BIRD PARK. EAST AFRICAN CROWNED CRANE, SEEN HERE. WOOD DUCKS SEEN OPPOSITE. 45

“

People are just completely amazed at how pink (flamingos) are, how big they are. They are kind of amazing for people who have never experienced them before.

”

– Katie Lubbock, Media and Communications Coordinator, Sylvan Heights Bird Park AMERICAN FLAMINGOS

SCARLET IBIS

TWO-YEAR-OLD CALLIOPE HADALTON FEEDS BIRDS WITH MOM JAMIE.

“

Visiting the park is a good way for people to learn how diverse the world of birds is and see all the different shapes and sizes and colors.

PARAKEETS

SADDLE-BILLED STORK

”

– Katie Lubbock 46 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

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EXPLORE THE PARK’S WINDING PATHS AT YOUR OWN PACE, VISITING BIRDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

GREEN-WINGED MACAW

continued from page 44

health. If bird populations aren’t healthy, that’s going to have a major impact on humans as well,” says Lubbock.

Park exhibits are laid out according 48 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

to continents, with special sections for endangered species and Birds of Paradise, among others. The Landing Zone, near the park entrance, is especially popular.

“You get seeds, and we have a flock of friendly parakeets that you get to feed. We also have a flock of friendly flamingos that people really love to feed as well,” says Lubbock.

“We also have nature trails where people can go into the wetlands and see a lot of species that are native to North Carolina.”

Expect to spend at least two hours or more touring the park. Picnics are welcome, or try Duck Landing Cafe on site. Sylvan Heights Bird Park welcomes about 60,000 visitors per year, and is open year round, with each season offering unique opportunities to witness different stages of avian life, such as breeding or wintering cycles.

“It’s just really fun to watch all of that unfold in front of you. (Park staff loves to) share our enthusiasm for birds with visitors,” says Lubbock, who has worked for the park for 19 years, first as a wildlife biologist before moving into communications.

Next door, an Avian Breeding Center operates in partnership with Sylvan Heights Bird Park, caring for more than 1,000 hatchlings each year and providing a training site for avian biologists. The facility is not open to the public, except for special guided tours, but a live incubator camera offers a peek into the process.

Make a day of it with local favorite Italian restaurant La Cassetta for a postpark meal and a visit to the nearby Rock Museum, also in Scotland Neck, to explore fossils, minerals, and gems.

SYLVAN HEIGHTS BIRD PARK 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck (252) 826-3186 shwpark.com

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Restaurant Spotlight:

Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila Written by David McCreary | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin Situated in a busy strip shopping center between a burger joint and a pizzeria, Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila has hit its stride after just one year of business in Holly Springs.

From the outside, you might be fooled into thinking the spot holds a small, jewelbox sized dining room. But upon entering, you’ll find a spacious eatery with a high ceiling and plenty of space to accommodate anyone seeking first-rate Mexican cuisine.

The restaurant’s original location is in Sanford, NC, but more recently it branched out to Holly Springs and Wilmington.

Consider it an informal, full-service outpost with a friendly, efficient staff.

“We are really pleased that business 50 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

has been good since we opened, and we’re getting busier all the time,” says General Manager Alfonso Llamas, who hails from Mexico.

Locally sourced ingredients convey a commitment to freshness and agricultural sustainability.

An extensive menu features an impressive array of enchiladas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, salads, seafood selections, and more.

Once orders are placed, it doesn’t take long for piping-hot food to emerge from the kitchen.

“The tacos are definitely the most popular menu items,” Llamas says. “We have excellent fajitas as well.”

Start your meal with some pork belly bites, Mexican street corn, or quechorizo (chorizo and cheese dip served warm). Tableside-prepared guacamole is available on the weekends, and it’s well worth the price of admission.

Tacos range from straightforward grilled chicken to the more extraordinary quesabirria style stuffed with shredded beef barbacoa, cilantro, cheese, and onions. For a surefire winning option, try the Toro tacos featuring chorizo and carnitas along with onions, cilantro, and fresh guacamole.

Among the half-dozen satisfying burritos, order the overstuffed California, which is filled with your choice of steak or continued on page 54

TACOS, WITH HOUSEMADE TORTILLAS, ARE THE MOST POPULAR ENTREES.

51

THE EXTENSIVE MENU INCLUDES TACOS, BURRITOS, QUESADILLAS, CHIMICHANGAS, SALADS, ENCHILADAS, AND MORE.

52 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE. OTHER DESSERT OFFERINGS INCLUDE TRES LECHES CAKE, FLAN, AND CHURROS.

53

AYE! TORO DELIVERS A VIBRANT INTERIOR AND PIPING-HOT FOOD, LIKE THE FAJITAS, SEEN BELOW.

continued from page 50

chicken, beans, cheese, grilled onions, and sour cream. It’s crowned with a tasty mole sauce, queso, and pico de gallo.

If you’re in the mood for fajitas, you can’t go wrong with the standard variety, or you can shake things up with Texas-style comprising chicken, steak, and shrimp with grilled onions, tomatoes, green and red bell peppers. The dish is served with sour cream, salad, rice and beans, and it’s plenty of food for two people or leftovers for another meal.

Shrimp cocktail fans will find much to savor with the Aye! Toro version, which involves house-made cocktail sauce brimming with crustaceans. Let’s just say it’s one of the best we’ve sampled in recent memory.

Prefer vegetarian? Check out the grilled quesadilla loca pervaded with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, and nopales (also known as prickly pear). Then there’s the Perez plate featuring a refried bean burrito, a cheese enchilada, and a cheese quesadilla.

54 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

More adventurous diners will appreciate the mojarra frita, which translates to whole fried tilapia served with cucumber, lime slices, avocado salad, rice, and flour tortillas.

Or perhaps the menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with tripe (beef stomach) in a red chili pepper-infused broth.

Pro tip: Ask your server for a side of scratch-made mango habanero sauce to add to your entrée.

If you’re looking for something sweet to top off the meal, choose from among tres leches cake, traditional flan, churros, or the molten chocolate cake.

Nothing goes better with Mexican food than a margarita, mojito, or cerveza, and Aye! Toro has all the bases covered.

“The house margarita is the top seller,” Llamas says with a smile.

A large, well-stocked bar features Mexican and domestic beer on tap and in bottles. In addition, there are curated vari-

eties of tequila and mescal, whiskey, vodka, and other spirits. White and red wine is available by the glass or bottle.

Glass bottles of Jarritos brand Mexican soft drink are available in nearly a dozen flavors.

Décor at the restaurant integrates a polished cement floor, vibrant red walls with floor-to-ceiling murals, and strings of lights hanging from the ceiling. An assortment of four-top tables is interspersed among rows of high-back banquettes.

Aye! Toro is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner plus weekend brunch. Reservations are accepted, but only on weekdays.

AYE! TORO TACOS & TEQUILA Sunset Lake Commons 303 Matthews Drive, Holly Springs (919) 367-6233 ayetoronc.com

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rise

Dine Unsure where to eat today? Look no further than this selection of local eateries & cafes.

FUQUAY-VARINA Abbey Road Tavern and Grill “Signature Beatle burgers and live entertainment.”

711 N. Main St.; Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-7731; abbeyroadnc.com Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering Italian food.” 138 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-2497; annaspizzeria.com Aviator Pizzeria & BeerShop “Brick oven pizza & craft beer.”

601 E. Broad St., Fuquay Varina (919) 346-8206; aviatorbrew.com Aviator SmokeHouse BBQ Restaurant “All of our food is made in-house.”

525 E. Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-7675; aviatorbrew.com Assaggio’s Pizzeria Ristorante “Top quality ingredients go into every dish.”

941 East Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-9505; assaggios-fuquay.com Bluegrass Bagels “Quality food, fast.”

100 Dickens Rd, Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-4980; bluegrassbagels.com

Brus on Main “Quaint cafe serving New York coffee, bakery treats and breakfast.”

135 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @brusonmain

Daddy D’s BBQ “Slow cooked with love.”

1526 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-6464; daddydsbbqnc.com

Cellar 55 Tasting Room “Chef specials Friday and Saturday nights.”

1351 East Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 446-1156; cellar55.com

Drive Bru “Drive thru coffee shop with N.Y. coffee & Carolina charm.”

1013 E Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @drivebru

Cleveland Draft House “Great food, great service, at a great price.”

1420 East Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 659-5500; clevelanddrafthouse.com

Eggs Up Grill “Breakfast favorites served all day.”

1436 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-4463; eggsupgrill.com

The Corner Biergarten “Bar & bottle shop.”

1625 N. Main St., Suite 133, Fuquay-Varina (919) 246-6649; tcbiergarten.com

El Dorado “Enjoy the most delicious Mexican food amongst family.”

112 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-0287; eldoradomexicanrestaurant.com

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

128 S. Fuquay Ave., Fuquay Varina (919) 285-4067; www.cultivate.coffee Culver’s of Fuquay-Varina “ButterBurgers and frozen custard made fresh every day.”

1860 Cinema Dr., Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-2360; culvers.com

Garibaldi Trattoria Pizza & Pasta “Authentic Italian cuisine and quality service.”

900 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-8868; garibalditrattoria.com The Healthy Spot “Meal replacement smoothies and energizing teas.”

961 East Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-5373; @healthyspotfuquay HWY 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries “All-American diner experience.”

3419 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-3007; hwy55.com

INVENTIVE TEA SANDWICHES AT PIMIENTO TEA ROOM.

J&S New York Pizza “Family-owned and operated Italian restaurant.”

500 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-6921; jandsnypizza.com

Joyce & Family Restaurant “Home cooked Southern favorites.”

129 N Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-1717; @joyceandfamily

56 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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Photos by Jonathan Fredin

Johnny’s Pizza “An amazing array of different NY-style pizzas.”

722 N Judd Parkway N, Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-6322; johnnyspizzafuquay.com

rise

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

509 North Broad St, Fuquay Varina (919) 396-5588; juicehaus.org Kumo Sushi Hibachi “Traditional Japanese menu in a chic setting.”

2916 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 986-0983; kumosushi401hwy.com Little Portugal NC “Market and eatery celebrating traditional Portuguese dishes.”

736 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 586-7144; littleportugalnc.com Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.”

401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-3957; lostresmagueyes.com 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 The Mill “Coffee. Beer. Wine. Community.”

146 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-2123; themillfuquay.com

Dine Nil’s Cafe Mediterranean Cuisine “Mediterranean cuisine and a creative menu.”

513 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina (984) 223-2928; nilscafefuquayvarina.com Pints Ice Cream & Beer “Homemade ice cream and craft beers.”

512 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina @pintsicecream Stick Boy Bread Co. “Handcrafted baked goods from scratch … all natural ingredients.”

127 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-2237; stickboyfuquay.com Tio’s “Pizza. Empanadas. Wings.”

2916 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina 919-762-0095; tiosnc.com Triple Barrel Tavern “Restaurant, sports bar & billiards.”

2221 N Grassland Drive, Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-0940; @triplebarreltavernfuquayvarina

Vicious Fishes Tap & Kitchen “Eclectic twists on comfortable bar food.”

132 South Fuquay Ave., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-7876; viciousfishes.com/fuquay-nc Wingin’ It Bar and Grille “Family-friendly neighborhood pub.”

1625 N. Main St., Suite 109, Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-0962; winginitbarandgrille.com Zaxby’s “Indescribably good.”

1341 N Main St, Fuquay Varina (919) 552-3981; zaxbys.com Zeera Indian Restaurant “Authentic goodness in traditional Indian food.”

1311 E Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-6215; zeeranc.com

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

204 Village Walk Dr, Holly Springs (919) 552-8800; acmepizzaco.com

New Rainbow Chinese “Classic and popular Chinese favorites.”

3427 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-8272; newrainbowchinesefood.com

SIGNATURE SPECIAL CHICKEN APPETIZER AT ZEERA INDIAN RESTAURANT

FUQUAY-VARINA 1341 N. MAIN ST.

FB: @ZaxbysFuquayVarina IG/Twitter: @zaxbysfuquaync

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57

Ashley’s Harvest Moon Bakery – Cafe “Breakfast and lunch cafe with scratch-made bakery and locally roasted coffee.”

128 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs (919) 586-7005; harvestmoonbakerycafe.com Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila “Crafted with love using traditional Mexican recipes passed down through generations.”

303 Mathews Dr, Holly Springs (919) 367-6233; ayetoronc.com Bass Lake Draft House “34 beers on tap.”

124 Bass Lake Rd, Holly Springs (919) 567-3251; basslakedrafthouse.com Bellini Italian Cuisine “A real taste of Italy through authentic Italian Cuisine.”

7256 GB Alford Hwy, Holly Springs (919) 552-0303; bellinitaliancuisinehollysprings.com BEP Vietnamese Kitchen “Traditional Vietnamese cuisine and boba teas.”

300 South Main St, Holly Springs (919) 285-2477; bepnc.com

COMING

rise

Dine Bestow Baked Goods “Life is too short for grocery store desserts.”

4208 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs (919) 473-9225; bestowbakedgoods.com Blaze Pizza “Fast fire’d, perfectly crisp perfection.”

316 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 261-5950; blazepizza.com The Blind Pelican “Creative seafood and boat drinks.”

120 Bass Lake Road; Holly Springs (984) 225-2471; blindpelicanseafood.com The Butcher’s Market “Premium meats and specialty grocery.”

4200 Lassiter Rd, Holly Springs (919) 267-919); thebutchersmarkets.com Cristo’s Bistro “Hand tossed NY style pizza.”

5217 Sunset Lake Rd, Holly Springs (919) 363-8852, cristosbistro.com

Eggs Up Grill “Breakfast favorites served all day.”

4216 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs (919) 495-4530; eggsupgrill.com Fera’wyn’s Chocolate Cafe “Forget love, I’d rather fall in chocolate.”

652 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (415) 758-3296; ferawyns.com Fiesta Mexicana “Authentic. Hot. Fresh.”

428 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 346-1330; fiestamexicananc-hollysprings.com First Watch “Traditional and innovative creations for breakfast, brunch and lunch.”

304 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 808-4603; firstwatch.com Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers “Great food without a long wait.”

221 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 557-3475; freddysusa.com Greek Basma “Greek food that is fresh, healthy and delicious.”

7272 GB Alford Hwy, Holly Springs ((919) 285-080; greekbasma.com Hickory Tavern “Something for every appetite.”

401 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 557-2064; thehickorytavern.com

SOON!

Homegrown Pizza “Pizza, calzones and sandwiches.”

4928 Linksland Drive, ​Holly Springs (​919) 577-5575; homegrownpizza.com

PIZZA AND BEER ON THE CAPE FEAR!

BEERS ON TAP The best selection of German and craft beer in the area!

Check our Facebook page for weekly events @TCBiergarten

Dogs are Welcome!

100 S. Main St. | Lillington | 910-984-1411 facebook.com/LostPaddleTavern

lostpaddlepizza.com 58 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

JT’s Creamery “Hand-crafted ice cream.”

300 S Main Street, Suite 112, Holly Springs (984) 268-6321; jtscreamery.com Kobe HIbachi and Sushi 515 North Main Street, Holly Springs (919) 557-1437; kobehollyspringsnc.com Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream “A unique spin on a timeless dessert.”

304 N. Main St., Holly Springs (919) 762-7808; mamabirdsicecream.com Mamma Mia Italian Bistro “Pasta runs in our family.”

300 S Main Street, Suite 200, Holly Springs (919) 766-8000; mammamianc.com

1625 N. Main St. #133 Fuquay-Varina 919.246.6649 | tcbiergarten.com

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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 MediTerra Grill “Delicious ingredients. Old world recipes.”

108 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 762-7851; mediterranc.com Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant 324 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 552-9979; micancunmx.com Michelangelos Pizza “Pizza buffet for lunch and dinner.”

7280 GB Alford HWY, Holly Springs (919) 557-4992; michelangelospizza.com My Way Tavern “Freshly made all-American foods.”

301 W. Center St., Holly Springs (919) 285-2412; mywaytavern.com Niche Wine Lounge “Tranquility by the glass.”

109 Main St., Holly Springs (919) 552-2300; nichewinelounge.com The Nutrition Fix “Healthy fast food alternatives.”

424 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 341-5554; @thenutritionfixnc The Original N.Y. Pizza “Bringing a taste of New York to North Carolina.”

634 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (919) 567-0505; theoriginalnypizza.com

rise

Dine

Town Hall Burger & Beer “Neighborhood beer and burger joint.”

301 Matthews Dr, Holly Springs (919) 335-5388; Townhallburgerandbeer.com

Skrimp Shack “Casual seafood cuisine.”

7244 Alford Hwy, Holly Springs (919) 335-3924; theskrimpshack.com

Vieni Ristobar “The newest Italian restaurant from the Cinelli family.”

242 South Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 225-1134; vieniristobar.com

Sweetberry Bowls “Beautiful and delicious bowls, wraps and salads.”

150 West Holly Springs Rd, Holly Springs (984) 225-2656; sweetberrybowls.com

Zaxby’s “Indescribably good.”

101 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 762-0432; zaxbys.com

Sweet Southern SnoBalls “Shaved ice and Hershey’s Ice Cream.”

527 N. Main St., Holly Springs (919) 291-3355; @sweetsouthsnoballs

SMOKED COCKTAILS FROM THE BLIND PELICAN IN HOLLY SRINGS

Thai Thai Cuisine “Home cooked Thai food.”

108 Osterville Drive, Holly Springs (919) 303-5700; thaithaicuisinenc.com Thanks A Latte “Coffee and gift boutique.”

1118 Kentworth Drive, Holly Springs (919) 577-0070; thanksalattegiftsnc.com

MAIN & BROAD

Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi “Authentic Thai cuisine: well-balanced dishes bursting with flavor.”

242 S Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 538-6742; oshathaikitchennc.com Pimiento Tea Room “Not your mama’s tea room.”

200 North Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 225-4213, pimientotearoom.com Rise Southern Biscuits & Chicken “The best dang biscuits.”

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

From our family to yours.

Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen “Creative cafe by day. Full restaurant at night.”

242 S Main St. Suite 118, Holly Springs (919) 390-2150; sirwaltercoffeekitchen.com 9 0 0 N . M a i n S t r e e t | F u q u a y Va r i n a , N C | 9 1 9 - 5 5 2 - 8 8 6 8 | g a r i b a l d i t r a t t o r i a . c o m

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59

fun

memes

The Secret Life of a Wake County Teacher Written by Fuquay-Varina Memes Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

FUQUAY-VARINA MEMES (also known as FVM) is a freelance writer, meme guru and an anonymous resident of Fuquay-Varina.

She is the creator and manager of the FuquayVarina Memes Facebook page and has a talent for making people laugh and always taking the joke too far. Check out her blog at fvmwrites.com. fuquaymemes thefvmemes

Let me begin this dumpster fire of an article by saying that I’m not a teacher and I’ve never been a teacher, unless I was in a previous life — but I’m pretty sure I’ve been a memelord childbed linen warehouse keeper in every century (look it up, that’s a thing).

My point is, I don’t have a lot of expertise in what teachers do when they’re not educating Satan’s little helpers, but I do happen to have 40K followers on Facebook to hit up for information when I need it.

Yes, that’s the extent of my research.

No, I will not be revealing the names of my sources.

Yes, I asked them all of the things you never thought to ask because, unlike me, you mind your business. Our local educators had a lot to say, so I’ve broken it up into sections (CliffNotes, if you will) because we’re all students at heart, and too many words is literally the worst. You’re welcome.

WHAT DO TEACHERS REALLY DO DURING THE SUMMER? Do teachers lead secret lives when they’re outside of the classroom? The answer is yes.

60 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

Obviously. When they’re not fighting demogorgons in Russia and starting super-secret fight clubs, teachers can usually be found doing domestic crap that they never had time for during the school year, because our kids need to learn and stuff.

“I catch up on reading, plan to do DIYs and closet clean outs, start closet clean outs and buy all things for DIYs, and then remember I’m supposed to be on break and decide to ignore it until next year,” said one Wake County teacher, who obviously can’t even focus because your loin fruit sucked out their life force over the past nine months.

Other teachers chimed in and said they drink, go to the pool, drink, travel, drink, and cry in the arms of their therapists. You know, normal stuff.

FUN FACT! The vast majority of teachers agreed that the school year is like labor — you forget how bad it was, and before you know it, you’re doing it again. And again. And again. Like Mama Duggar. And no, they didn’t use an epidural, and there was a fourth-degree tear. Nothing will ever be the same down there, ever again.

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The vast majority of teachers agreed that the school year is like labor — you forget how bad it was, and before you know it, you’re doing it again. And again.

And again.

”

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WHAT DO TEACHERS ACTUALLY DO WITH ALL OF THE END-OFTHE-YEAR TRINKETS GIVEN BY ALL THE BREEDERS AND THEIR CRIB LIZARDS? By and large, teachers enjoy a good scented candle to burn away their memories of middle school dances, but hold off on the mugs — at this point, cabinets are collectivly bursting. Plus, how many WORLD’S GREATEST TEACHER mugs do you really need? (The only way a mug is redeemable is if it’s filled with the devil’s juice.)

One teacher in particular had a creative use for candles: Light the candles all at once and hold a séance reaching out to the spirits of teachers past.

I’m not really sure what wisdom the spirits might impart other than RUN, but it’s worth a try.

Lotions are a shoo-in for re-gifting — there’s only so much moisturizing one can do.

513 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Open Tuesday- Saturday 11AM-8PM Come on in or schedule your next event with us!

continued on page 62

61

FREE Pickup and Delivery Fuquay-Varina • Holly Springs Apex • Angier • Willow Spring

EMPTY SCHOOL BREEZEWAYS MEAN SWEET SUMMERTIME FUN FOR TEACHERS.

continued from page 61

Visa gift cards or cold hard cash — the Holy Grails of year-end gifts — are always appreciated, since the purchasing power extends beyond a cup of froyo or the $25 special at Texas Roadhouse.

What would YOU need to get through a year of teaching 25 or 30 versions of your own kid? That’s right, give the gift of all your SkyMiles so the dear teachers can catch a flight to Europe and start a new life.

HOW DO EDUCATORS FEEL ABOUT SEEING STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM?

1290 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC 27526

(919) 552- 8381 goodwinsglamorama.com

62 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

If I was a teacher all year and the blessed days of summer had arrived (praise be to He), I can guarantee you that I would throw my entire body in the ice cooler at Food Lion if it meant avoiding Cayden and his celebrity soccer mom, Trish.

Apparently, not all teachers agree with me.

When I asked if off-the-clock educators avoid students at all costs, the majority of these weirdos said they actually ENJOY seeing students outside of the classroom — which might explain why these are the chosen few who have dedicated their lives to teaching pint-sized human turds who forget to wear deodorant and brush their teeth.

It takes a special person, I guess.

One teacher said he equates it to par-

enthood: You swear you need a break, but a few days later you miss them.

Teach never said she misses the parents, though. If Ms. Jones sees your face and promptly hurls herself into a bush, it’s safe to assume you’re the reason she’s hiding liquor in her monogrammed beach tumbler (gifted by the room parents, of course).

DO TEACHERS START PREPPING FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR IMMEDIATELY? I got a lot of different answers to this one, so I’ll leave you with a myriad of quotes from anonymous teachers wanting nothing to do with this article because THEY ARE PROFESSIONALS (and parents are crazy).

“No. I spend the first few weeks denying that August will ever come.”

“I teach at a year-round school, so I basically have three weeks of summer.

Because of the year-round schedule, I’m already preparing for next year while finishing out this year.”

“I do not check my work email over the summer. Nor do I work. That’s a mistake you only make in the beginning of your career. You need the summer mental break so you’re ready for next year.”

“I teach a traditional schedule. I actually do a lot of professional reading and planning over the summer so I can head into the school year somewhat prepared.”

“I do NOT do schoolwork. I’ve learned to put it aside until August.”

“Teacher couple here! Prepping doesn’t take place until August, and we just try to soak up the time together.”

“Since I’m year-round, planning doesn’t end, and I’m stuck doing it even on our breaks, because there isn’t enough time in the day once we go back.”

DO YEAR-ROUND TEACHERS EVER GET A BREAK? When I first moved to NC, it was hard for me to get my head around the concept of year-round school. I really think they should rename it — the word “year-round” gives the impression that both teachers and kids are locked in an eternity of teaching/learning with no breaks ever until the day they die.

That’s not really how it works — year-round school essentially takes the traditionally long summer break and separates it into three-week chunks throughout the year.

One year-round teacher admitted to drinking wine and tequila and hiding in the bathroom for solitude, so yes, it’s long enough to spend an entire week drinking and forgetting your students’ names.

No, it’s not long enough to EAT, PRAY, LOVE your way through Tuscany while pretending to be Canadian.

Ultimately, year-round teachers have to make the most of every three-week break, even if it’s happening in January and they have nothing to do but drink by the fire and research higher-paying jobs.

At the end of the school year, yearround teachers are already prepping for the next year, which in some cases starts the next week.

So if you see them asking a Ouija board for guidance, no you really didn’t.

Oh, you like Fuquay-Varina Memes’ irreverent sense of humor?

There’s more where that came from.

Follow Fuquay-Varina Memes on Facebook or Instagram

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

63

Seen

EmergeOrtho

The new clubhouse facility at

Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve

opened in May, featuring more than 3,200 square feet of multipurpose space to be used for town Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources programs and an exterior restroom for park users. The facility is available for rentals.

Seqirus

SEQIRUS

completed a $156 million expansion to its manufacturing facility in Holly Springs.

With this expansion, the Holly Springs facility now has two state-of-theart fill-finish lines, supporting more efficient production of Seqirus’ cell-based influenza vaccines.

The expansion, which began in 2018, will support more than 80 additional highly skilled jobs in the Holly Springs community.

Fuquay-Varina has again been recognized by the North

Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center as a 2022 Accredited Main Street America™ city. This accreditation status is Main Street America’s top-tier recognition and signifies a commitment to revitalization and a proven track record of successfully implementing an economic development strategy.

Main Street America recognizes communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic places and cultural assets.

64 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

opened a new office in Fuquay-Varina, located at 7608 Purfoy Road.

EmergeOrtho Fuquay-Varina provides walk-in orthopedic urgent care, ideal for treating sprains, strains, fractures, and unexplained muscle, joint, and back pain and as an alternative to the emergency room.

The location also offers advanced diagnostic imaging, joint replacement surgeries, and physical and occupational therapy for rehabilitation.

The Hope Center

, a crisis intervention facility, nears completion in the former Southern Wake Hospital building in Fuquay-Varina. A collaboration between Alliance Health and KidsPeace, a nonprofit focused on treating behavioral and mental health of children and young adults, the center is designed to help families with children and teens ages 6 to 17 with behavioral health urgent care services, walk-in access to same-day clinical assessments, psychiatric evaluations, necessary medications, and 24/7 access to assessment, stabilization, and treatment planning.

The facility is slated to open in late August.

SHARE WITH US

Share business news, upcoming events, and town gossip with editor@mainandbroadmag.com

EMERGEORTHO

TOWN OF FUQUAY-VARINA

Heard

LaunchHOLLYSPRINGS

A neighbor, someone you know, someone you can trust and respect. Call today and speak with a real person who cares about your family’s protection and security.

“Where Satisfied Customers Refer Their Friends”

512 WEST WILLIAMS STREET | APEX 919-362-8310 INFO@ROGERSINC.NET

HBA OF RALEIGH-WAKE COUNTY

celebrated the graduation of its fifth cohort in May. The program, chartered by Holly Springs Rotary Club, supports entrepreneurs through training, networking, mentorship, and funding to build successful businesses that enhance the local economy.

Previous LAUNCH graduates include Holly Springs favorites Fera’wyn’s Artisan Chocolates, Baked by Billie, Our Moments in Time, Holly Springs Deep Dive Podcast, and many others.

LAUNCH is holding information sessions and accepting applications for its next cohort in early August.

More information can be found at launchhollysprings.org.

BROOKS R. BARBEE

Abigail Elizabeth Morse, of Holly Springs, received a

2022 Family Scholarship from the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County. Abigail attended Apex Friendship High School and plans to attend Cape Fear Community College in the fall. Abigail is the daughter of Valerie and Dan Morse of Triple A Homes.

The HBA Family Scholarship recipients must be the child or grandchild of a current HBA member, planning to attend a public college or university in NC, and have shown leadership capabilities in their school and community.

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In Focus

Winged Feet 66 August/SEPTEMBER 2022

By Jonathan Fredin Parakeets peck at the shoes of a visitor to The Landing Zone, a free-flight aviary at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, NC, where visitors can interact with hundreds of friendly parakeets.

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