Cary Living magazine September/October 2022

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022

FALL FASHION BEND THE RULES, BLEND THE ST YLES CONFECTION AFFECTION

CARY

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APEX

WHISKEY BUSINESS

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MORRISVILLE

CAPITAL CITY GHOSTS

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FUQUAY-VARINA

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MEET THE DOCTORS

HOLLY SPRINGS

WHERE CARY

comes alive

COLLETTA • CRAWFORD BROTHERS STEAKHOUSE • CRU FOOD & WINE BAR DOC B’S RESTAURANT • DRAM & DRAUGHT • HONEYSUCKLE GELATO M SUSHI • SPORTS & SOCIAL • SUPERICA • THE AGENCY BAR + SOCIAL WILLIAMS SONOMA • ARCHER PAPER GOODS • ARHAUS • ARULA • ALTAR’D STATE ATHLETA • BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY • MADEWELL • FREE PEOPLE • THE GATORBUG POTTERY BARN • SEPHORA • SOUTHERN TIDE • VESTIQUE • CLUB PILATES PARAGON THEATERS • FACE FOUNDRIÉ • ONE MEDICAL • FENTON NAIL BAR RADIANT WAXING • TRUIST • TRUSS VET • VON KEKEL SALON • ZEN NAIL BAR FENTONNC.COM

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E DITOR’S LET T ER

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ur annual fall fashion issue is here, and stylist Sofia Lujan has done it again! Her elegant ensembles reflect the latest fall trends—while accommodating our need here in the South to create an autumnal wardrobe that transitions from sultry September days to wintry December blasts. In “Bend the Rules, Blend the Styles” on page 20, discover eight outfits that work for any occasion— PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY busy workdays, dinner at your favorite restaurant or a stroll through town.

Each arrangement is exquisitely accessorized by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry.

We’re also serving up some sweet food and beverage content in this issue.

“Confection Affection” on page 28 spotlights confectioners who are creating the most delectable treats you could ever imagine. From cotton candy macarons to belgian chocolate strawberry jam, you’ll want to try it all!

Take your tastebuds on a tour of a different sort in “Whiskey Business” on page 32. Explore the world of crafting bourbon, gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, amaro and other botanical-based spirits, and find out how local distillers' tasting rooms are making a unique impact in each of their areas of expertise.

There are many ways to fill up your calendar with seasonal activities this time of year. “Pumpkin Patches, Autumn Festivals and Haunted Adventures” on page 36 is your one-stop shop for where to find fall fun in Western Wake and beyond. (Check out our sister magazine, Midtown, for additional sources of fall fun in Raleigh.)

Long before North Carolina State University and pro football stars Torry and Terrence Holt retired from the game, they began orchestrating their second act: turning their childhood challenges into a cause. Learn more about the good work they continue to do in “Building Beyond Football” on page 40.

Our fall issue wouldn’t be complete without a paranormal perspective on some of the area’s most historical figures and events. “Capital City Ghosts” on page 42 explores the stories behind 10 of Raleigh’s most haunted locations, and includes the lowdown on a new Cary ghost tour as well. (By the way, our October “Talk of the Triangle” podcast expands on these ghostly tales via conversations with four of the storytellers featured in this article.)

Our September/October department stories focus on cult punk rock band Electric Frankenstein (page 56), Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert and his role prior to becoming mayor (page 58), Cary athlete Ani Khachadourian’s gold-medal soccer performance (page 60), and a visit to Urban Angeethi for a contemporary Indian cuisine (page 62). Plus, don't miss our annual Meet the Doctors special advertising section, which starts on page 47.

I continue to feel great pride in each issue our dedicated staff, writers and photographers create for you. We work hard to deliver exclusive content that we hope enriches your life. Please keep sending your story ideas our way, and thank you for your loyalty!

Beth Shugg, Editor

2 | caryliving.com

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PUBLI S H ER Ronny Ste ph e ns EX EC UTI V E EDI TO R Be th Sh ugg A RT A N D WEB DI R ECTO R Sean Byrne G R A PH I C DES I G N ER D ath an Kaz suk GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND COPY EDITOR Ci nd y H untle y CO N TR I BUTI N G EDI TO R Jani c e Le w i ne S O C I A L MEDI A A N D COMMUN I TY EN G AG EMEN T MA N AG ER Me li ssa W i ste h uff ACCO UN T EX EC UTI V ES Ste fani e Mc Clary Sh e rry Brasw e ll DI STR I BUTI ON J oe L i z ana, Manage r D i stri b uTe c h . ne t CON TR I BUTI N G WR I TER S Elliot Acosta, Kurt Dusterberg, Janice Lewine, Bryan C. Reed, Charlotte Russell, Caitlin Wheeler, Melissa Wistehuff CO N TR I BUTI N G PH OTO G R A PH ER S Bruce DeBoer MASH Photography Jenny Midgley New Depth Creations Peyton Sickles

Cary Living magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Cary Living magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material becomes property of the magazine and is subject to editing. Cary Living magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

6 print issues (1 year) Available online at caryliving.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763

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CONTENTS

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 2

FEATURES

20 B END THE RULES, BLEND THE STYLES

Transitional trends are a must for Southern fall fashion

28 C ONFECTION AFFECTION

Surrender to your sweet tooth at one of these sweet spots

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32 WHISKEY BUSINESS

Explore distillery tasting rooms across the Triangle

36 P UMPKIN PATCHES, AUTUMN FESTIVALS AND HAUNTED ADVENTURES Where to find fall fun

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across Western Wake

40 B UILDING BEYOND FOOTBALL

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32 36

Terrence and Torry Holt’s

accomplishments aren’t limited to the football field

ON THE COVER

42 CAPITAL CITY GHOSTS

Kathleen Holmes, Julia Kasper and Katie Shugg are wearing ensembles styled by Sofia Lujan

Explore Raleigh’s 10 most

Styling and provided by Arrow Tree Boutique,

haunted places

The Gatorbug Boutique, Koket Boutique, Rangoni Firenze and Swagger Boutique.

Jewelry was provided by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry.

Hair and makeup by Bebe Ellis Salon. Photo taken at Fenton in Cary by MASH Photography.

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CONTENTS

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 2

DEPARTMENTS

56

MUSIC

Sal Canzonieri and

Electric Frankenstein

58 C ANDID CONVERSATION

Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert

60

SPORTS

Cary Athlete Ani Khachadourian

62

56

58

60

62

CHEF'S TABLE Urban Angeethi

IN EVERY ISSUE 10

64

ON THE SCENE

Social Scene Talk of the Triangle New Around Town Home Styler Sister Cities

OUT + ABOUT

Dine + Draft Foodie Focus Events Sightings Kaleidoscope

SPONSORED CONTENT

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

47

MEET THE DOCTORS

ON THE SCENE SOCIAL SCENE

The Minions came out to the July 2 grand opening of Paragon Theaters at Fenton in Cary.

Peck & Plume is offering an assortment of cocktails and refreshments at The Mayton in downtown Cary.

Grammy Award– winning guitarist and bluegrass musician Billy Strings sold out a three-night concert at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre in June.

Staff meetings are much more fun at TapStation in Apex! The Cary Living and Midtown magazines team met for a planning session that included burgers, milkshakes and brews.

Each July, the sunflower field at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh welcomes visitors who want to relax in the hammocks, take selfies with a stunning backdrop or simply take in the awe-inspiring beauty.

PHOTO BY TAPSTATION STAFF

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TE X T AN D PHOTO S BY ME LIS S A WISTE HUF F (Unless otherwise noted)

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O N T H E S C E N E TA L K O F T H E T R I A N G L E INTRODUCING A BRAND-NEW PAGE FEATURING YOUR COMMENTS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS! ALSO, CHECK OUT A SUMMARY OF OUR LATEST “TALK OF THE TRIANGLE” PODCAST EPISODES.

All photos by Melissa Wistehuff unless otherwise noted

It’s Minions Mania! Come celebrate the grand opening of @paragon_theaters at @fentonnc on July 2 with games, prizes, face-painting and entertainment! Best of all, it’s FREE to attend!

So cool! @fentonnc is amazing!

—@shopcorneliahome My little guy can’t wait!!!

—@alisonkwortman

Congratulations to Charlotte Ayers from @CaryChristianSchool, who won first place in our Kaleidoscope student art contest. Her winning submission can be seen in our July/August issue of Cary Living.

Great work!

—@RedLeaf

Switch up @nationalicecreamday and try gelato instead! @honeysucklegelato at @fentonnc is not only picture-perfect cute, its gelato is refreshingly delicious.

Photo by Katie Shugg Delish!!

—@transworldraleigh Had the key lime pie yesterday!

—@jenduck66 YUM. —@caryestateplanning

Recipe for making an ordinary meeting extraordinary.

Toss together an amazing team. Throw in a super cool atmosphere @tapstationapex. Add cupcakes from @edibleartbakeryraleigh. Order yummy food and drinks. Mix all together and it’s 100%!

Thanks Cary Living. After seeing this now I have to build me a truck table!

—@woods_to_water_adventures @DefinitelyNotVintage and @danksdiner y’all need to go!!

—@preciousgemsandjewelrync Happy National French Fry Day! Places like @mcdonalds, @wendys and @sonicdrivein are offering free fries today. Pic of some of the best fries everrr—crabby fries {crab dip + melted cheddar jack cheese on top of a plate of perfect fries}—found in Virginia Beach @watermansvb.

Wait, WHAT is this sorcery, this Crabby French Fries?!?

—@paulalauzonofficial Yum! —@wendyperrydesigns Does anybody in the Triangle do beef tallow fries?

—@andyjscott 12 | caryliving.com

​​ Have you heard the buzz about our brandnew “Talk of the Triangle” podcast? Available wherever you download podcasts, you can now listen to our first three episodes: “The Bees-ness of Pollen in the Triangle” “RV Life” “Baseball Card Comeback” Coming up: Meet an Italian cuisine chef and learn about the art of distilling bourbon in September, and listen to local ghost stories in October. You won’t want to miss one second of these conversations! Each episode drops the first Tuesday of the month. Listen to them one at a time, or binge them all at once! Either way, you’ll be glad you tuned in. Learn more at caryliving.com/podcast.

In this behind-the-scenes peek at the creation of our first podcast episode, co-hosts Adam Cave and Melissa Wistehuff (left) listen as Heather Rollins of Fairview Garden Center (right) discusses pollinator plants.

PHOTO BY JENNY MIDGLEY

Get Social With Us! caryliving.com

@ carylivingmag @ caryliving @ caryliving SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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ON THE SCENE NEW AROUND TOWN SODABOX POPS OPEN FOUNTAIN DRINKS IN APEX

SodaBox served craft fountain drinks and treats during its grand opening event July 8–10 for its new location near downtown Apex. Patrons can choose featured drinks like Pretty & Pink, Island Hoppin’, Glow Up and NC State of Mind, or make their own creations from a soda base, syrup and puree. SodaBox also offers chilled chocolate chip and confetti whoopie cookies.

The store is open daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

817 E. Williams Street, Apex sodabox.love PHOTO COURTESY OF SODABOX

KILWINS BRINGS FRESH SWEETS TO SALEM STREET IN APEX

Kilwins, which offers ice cream and freshly made confections like Mackinac Island–style fudge, “The Perfect” caramel apple, handcrafted caramel corn and brittle, homemade waffle cones, chocolate-dipped treats and more, has opened in downtown Apex’s historic Sellers Building on Salem Street. Kilwin’s confections are handcrafted in traditional copper kettles in the in-store kitchen. Patrons can watch as confections are made.

108-A N. Salem Street, Apex 919.367.6026 kilwins.com/apex PHOTO BY STEFANIE MCCLARY

APEX WELCOMES GUPTA PSYCHIATRY

Gupta Psychiatry hosted a ribbon cutting June 21 for its new Apex office. The event featured light hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and entertainment. Gupta Psychiatry treats individuals and families, and offers a holistic approach to psychiatric care, medication management and therapy. The practice also provides treatment for substance abuse disorders, evaluations for pre-bariatric surgery and hormone replacement, and Spravato ketamine treatment.

1011 W. Williams Street, Suite 102, Apex 919.870.8409 guptapsychiatry.com PHOTO BY SHERRY BRASWELL

ELEMENT REALTY GROUP LAUNCHES IN APEX

The purchase of a new home should be an exciting adventure and one that Element Realty Group is eager to assist with. A member of the well-respected Allen Tate Company, Element recently opened an office in downtown Apex to serve the Western Wake community. Its team of experienced realtors offers clients an unparalleled grasp of the local market and individualized attention.

1617 Center Street, Apex 919.389.9782 elementrealtygroup.net PHOTO COURTESY OF ELEMENT REALTY GROUP

ONE MEDICAL DELIVERS PRIMARY HEALTH CARE TO CARY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE MEDICAL

Conveniently located in Fenton, One Medical’s newest North Carolina location offers a welcoming in-office care experience as well as 24/7 virtual care via its mobile and web app.

The $199/year membership fee provides access to the app, which features on-demand video visits, secure provider messaging, “Treat Me Now” digital assessments for common health concerns, easy vaccine and medical record access, and prescription renewals. One Medical also offers primary care offices in Raleigh’s North Hills and Durham’s Brightleaf Square.

720 Fenton Market Way, Suite 140, Cary 888.663.6331 onemedical.com/locations/rdu/cary-fenton

BY JA N IC E LE WIN E

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OUT & ABOUT HOME STYLER

COLORFUL 1

KITCHENS PHOTO BY JENNY MIDGLEY

No matter how much care we put into decorating our homes, family and guests alike gravitate toward the kitchen. Why not give it the same classy touches as the rest of your home’s rooms? Present meals on a rustic charcuterie board and accent your space with a whimsical recipe box or colorful dishcloths.

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PHOTO BY JENNY MIDGLEY

5 1. Rifle Paper Co. recipe box, $36 | Stylish Living 2. Wax wraps (set of 3), $19.95 | Inspirations Home Decor & More 3. Teal gurgle pot fish pitcher, $39.95 | NOFO @ the Pig

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4. Wharton counter stool in distressed brown, $637 | Steven Shell Living 5. Swedish dishcloths, $6.50 | Inspirations Home Decor & More 6. Charcuterie board, $115 (small), $145 (medium) and $185 (large) | Designed For Joy

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BY KURT DUSTE R B E R G Photos provided by vendors unless otherwise noted

ON THE SCENE SISTER CITIES

GHOSTLY GLIMPSES

Explore a North Carolina ghost town and haunted battleship

B R U N S W I C K TO W N

W I L M I N G TO N

The first successful European settlement built along the Cape Fear

One of North Carolina’s oldest towns, Wilmington is also said to be

River, Brunswick Town served as a thriving port city from 1726–1776.

one of America’s most haunted. As the site of a Revolutionary War

Located near a deeper channel of water than what Wilmington’s port

campaign and Civil War battle—as well as the slave industry and

offered, Brunswick Town was able to accommodate the passage of

pirate shenanigans—the town’s storied history makes it a haven for

larger ships. This attracted two successive royal governors—Arthur

paranormal activity.

Dobbs and William Tryon—making it the first de facto capital of the colony of North Carolina.

Nearly a decade before the Boston Tea Party in 1773, Brunswick

One mysterious apparition surrounds the battleship USS North Carolina. Sent to the Pacific soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, it took part in every major naval offensive for six years, earning an

Town colonists challenged the King’s tax stamps, revealing early

astonishing 15 battle stars. Throughout its years at sea, 10 of its

indications of a revolt against England. Historians believe it was the

soldiers were killed in action, including five who were killed in a

rebellion of the Brunswick Town colonists, as well as their valuable

Japanese torpedo attack.

port, that led to the town’s irrecoverable destruction by the British

Decommissioned in 1947, the battleship was permanently moored

army in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. Many residents had

across the riverfront of Wilmington in 1961. Ships that no longer have

already left town upon hearing rumors of an imminent British

crew are known as “ghost ships,” though the USS North Carolina

attack—some heading to Wilmington and others relocating to

takes that term to a new level, since there are numerous reports

New Bern, where Governor Tryon had built Tryon Palace in 1767.

of paranormal encounters and unexplained occurrences, such as

Today, remnants of stone foundations and brick walls hint at how

ghostly faces peering from portholes and footsteps in empty hallways.

the town once looked, and stories of colonial and Revolutionary War

Tales of these spirited sailors add to the one-quarter million visitors

ghosts haunting this lost city remain.

the ship attracts annually.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRENCH WEST VAUGHAN

BY M EL ISSA W ISTEHUFF

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2022

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE CHANGES?

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W

hen it comes to fall fashion in the South, transition is the name of the game.

September is hot down here, y’all. We’re talking 85-degree days through the end of the month.

While our New England friends are unboxing Fair Isle sweaters and L.L.Bean boots, we North Carolinians opt for lightweight knit tops with sheer sleeves or thin jackets over bohemian dresses to achieve a layered autumnal look tolerant of the sultry heat.

Temps start to drop in October, when knee-high boots paired with miniskirts wrap legs in fashionable warmth.

Oversized vests and sherpa sweaters warm up maxi skirts and lycra leggings as November approaches. We can finally dust off our leather jackets as the holidays arrive in December.

But fall trends still apply. To make it work, we have to bend and blend!

This fall, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Vogue and InStyle harken the return of staples like white tanks, classic blazers, baggy trousers and wide-legged jeans.

Trench coats, bomber jackets, miniskirts and head-to-toe leather are also making a comeback. The coveted little black dress remains timeless.

Black, in fact, is back in all your favorite formats, while caramel and hot pink are also turning heads this fall.

Metallic boots, sequins and rhinestones add zing to stately ensembles.

BENDTHERULES, Stylist Sofia Lujan blended these trends into eight outfits that work for any occasion—a casual outing, professional meeting, dinner party or downtown excursion. Studded boots with a rhinestone jacket over your favorite black dress create the perfect look for a night out on the town. A patterned lightweight jacket, sheer blouse and faux leather miniskirt facilitate an effortless transition from board meeting to happy hour. Animal print—or actual animals—on jackets and button-downs make a statement in the office.

Layered jewelry, vintage rings and chain links—whether in the form of a necklace or purse strap—add glimmer and shine to your favorite fall ensemble.

Anything goes—with a touch of restraint.

Bend and blend the rules to achieve the autumn looks that work for you.

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TRANSITIONAL TRENDS ARE A MODERN MUST FOR SOUTHERN FALL FASHION

BLENDTHESTYLES WRITTEN BY BETH SHUGG PHOTOS BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING BY SOFIA LUJAN HAIR + MAKEUP BY BEBE ELLIS SALON

KATHLEEN IS WEARING A BLACK PLEATED DRESS AND TAUPE STUDDED WESTERN-STYLE BOOTIES FROM ARROW TREE BOUTIQUE; A RHINESTONE FRINGE FAUX LEATHER JACKET FROM ENCHANTED ON MAIN BOUTIQUE; AND A CHAIN BELT PROVIDED BY STYLIST SOFIA LUJAN. SHE IS CARRYING A WHITE LEATHER CUOIERIA FIORENTINA HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING A DIAMOND NECKLACE; WHITE GOLD BANGLES, BRACELETS AND HOOPS; AND A DIAMOND RING AND “BIG GIRL X-RING” FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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KATIE IS WEARING A NUDE BLAZER, LEOPARD PRINT BLOUSE, JEANS WITH FRINGE AND CHOCOLATE BROWN BOOTIES FROM ARROW TREE BOUTIQUE. SHE IS CARRYING A BROWN LEATHER PRINT RIONI “KEIRA” HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING ELIZABETH LOCKE YELLOW GOLD NECKLACES, BRACELETS AND EARRING PENDANTS; AND YELLOW GOLD WIDE OPEN, BEADED, DOUBLE-ROW WIRE AND OPEN CLAW RINGS FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

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JULIA IS WEARING A SATIN LEOPARD PRINTED BLOUSE, GRAPHIC T-SHIRT, CROPPED DARK JEANS AND MILITARY GREEN COMBAT BOOTS FROM ARROW TREE BOUTIQUE. SHE IS CARRYING A MILITARY GREEN LEATHER CUOIERIA FIORENTINA HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING A PEAR-SHAPED DIAMOND NECKLACE; A CLUB COLLECTION DIAMOND TENNIS CHOKER, CROSS PENDENT, BRACELET, BANGLES AND HOOPS; A BEZEL BANGLE; A GEOMETRIC FILLIGREE SOLITAIRE RING; A BICOLOR GOLD AND EMERALD RING; AND AN ICON COLLECTION “WEAVER” RING FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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KATHLEEN (LEFT) IS WEARING A SAGE PAISLEY MAXI DRESS FROM KOKET BOUTIQUE, A FRINGE VEST PROVIDED BY STYLIST SOFIA LUJAN AND CHOCOLATE BROWN BOOTIES FROM ARROW TREE BOUTIQUE. SHE IS CARRYING A MILITARY GREEN LEATHER CUOIERIA FIORENTINA HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING A THREE STORIES YELLOW GOLD PENDANT ON A TURQUOISE BEADED CHAIN, OPEN BEZEL STACKER RING, TURQUOISE BAND RING, AND GOLD AND TURQUOISE BAND; AND JUDE FRANCES EARRING CHARMS WITH TURQUOISE AND DIAMONDS, A STERLING SILVER BRACELET, BANGLES, AND A PEAR STONE PAVÉ RING FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

JULIA (CENTER) IS WEARING A CREAM V-NECK SWEATER DRESS FROM KOKET BOUTIQUE, TEAL WOVEN VEST COAT FROM ARROW TREE BOUTIQUE AND CARAMEL WESTERN-STYLE BOOTS FROM SWAGGER BOUTIQUE. SHE IS CARRYING A BROWN LEATHER PRINT RIONI “KEIRA” HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING AN IPPOLITA STERLING SILVER PENDENT, CHAIN AND HEAVY SQUIGGLE PAVÉ BYPASS BANGLE; IPPOLITA YELLOW GOLD BANGLES, LOLLIPOP 3-DROP EARRINGS AND A TEARDROP RING; AND AN ICON COLLECTION YELLOW GOLD THIN BAND AND “BELLE RING” FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

KATIE (RIGHT) IS WEARING A CREAM SWEATER WITH PRINTED SLEEVES, BLACK PANTS AND WESTERN-STYLE GOLD BOOTS FROM THE GATORBUG BOUTIQUE. SHE IS CARRYING A BLACK LEATHER CUOIERIA FIORENTINA HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING MARCO BICEGO JAIPUR AND LUCIA NECKLACES, A MARCO BICEGO BRACELET, BANGLE, WIDE HOOK HOOPS, JAIPUR BANDS AND TWO-ROW RING; AND A BAILEY’S ICON COLLECTION “MAGGIE” RING FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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KATIE IS WEARING A BLACK BLOUSE WITH SHEER SLEEVES, A BROWN AND BLACK PRINTED LONG “SHACKET” AND A CROCODILE EFFECT FAUX LEATHER SKIRT FROM SWAGGER BOUTIQUE; AND CHOCOLATE BROWN BOOTIES FROM ARROW TREE BOUTIQUE. SHE IS CARRYING A BROWN LEATHER CUOIERIA FIORENTINA HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING YELLOW GOLD ITALIAN WOVEN AND LINK NECKLACES, A DIAMOND COMPASS NECKLACE, AN ITALIAN GOLD CUFF AND HOURGLASS DIAMOND MOTIF LINK BRACELET, A BAILEY’S CLUB COLLECTION DIAMOND FLEX CUFF BRACELET, ITALIAN DIAMOND EARRINGS, A FACAD’ORO ITALIAN BAND, A VINTAGE HORSESHOE RING AND JOSE HESS DIAMOND BAND FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

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KATHLEEN IS WEARING TAUPE STUDDED WESTERN-STYLE BOOTIES FROM ARROW TREE BOUTIQUE; AND A CORDUROY TOP, SWEATER VEST, AND GEOMETRIC PRINT BLACK AND WHITE PANTS FROM SWAGGER BOUTIQUE. SHE IS CARRYING A BLACK LEATHER CUOIERIA FIORENTINA HANDBAG FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. SHE IS WEARING A DIAMOND PEARSHAPED PENDANT; WHITE GOLD NECKLACES AND BRACELETS; A WHITE GOLD BANGLE, OPEN WRAP PAVÉ RING, THREE-ROW RING AND SINGLE BEZEL-SET DIAMOND RING; A GOLDMARK COLLECTION “TRINITY” RING; AND WHITE GOLD OPEN CIRCLE EARRINGS WITH DIAMONDS FROM BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY.

THANK YOU Midtown and Cary Living would like to thank the following people and businesses that made our fall fashion photo shoot possible.

Stylist Sofia Lujan | sofialujanstyling.com Models Kathleen Holmes, Julia Kasper and Katie Shugg MASH Photography | mash.photography Arrow Tree Boutique | arrowtreeboutique.com Bailey’s Fine Jewelry | baileybox.com (Find a full index of all jewelry shown in these photos at caryliving.com.)

Bebe Ellis Salon | bebeellissalon.com Carriage House Coffee | carriagehousecoffeenc.com Enchanted on Main Boutique | enchantedonmain.com Fenton | fentonnc.com Fenton mural artist Louise Jones | ouizi.art The Gatorbug Boutique | thegatorbug.com Koket Boutique | shopkbnc.com Rangoni Firenze | rangonistore.com Swagger Boutique | shopswaggernow.com

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Confection Affection surrender to your sweet tooth at one of these local sweet spots

BY KU RT D U ST E R B E R G

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M

ost of us enjoy

food. Of course there are some

folks, tedious as

they might be, who like to

remind the rest of us that

they only consume food for fuel. Poor misguided souls.

Those of us who take our

sustenance seriously don’t

have to listen to the scolds who remind us about the nutritional perils of our choices. In fact, the term

“foodie” arrived on the scene sometime in the 1980s,

bringing comfort to cuisine connoisseurs who value every chance they get to explore exciting new cooking creations.

More recently, foodie fads have veered into the magnificent land of

desserts. Whether you’re

addicted to chocolate, can’t live without ice cream or

have a sweet niche you need to itch, there’s a good

chance you can satisfy your craving somewhere in the

Triangle. A growing number of shops and e-commerce

sites sell homemade treats.

Many of these proprietors

have fashioned their edibles out of curiosity, perfecting tastes that make us proud

p

to have a sweet tooth.

SWEETS BY SHAYDA

sweetsbyshayda.com Shayda Wilson’s sweet tooth was so out of sync with everyday Americans, she had only one option: Leave the country. “I always loved French patisserie,” she says.

Her affection for the foreign pastry tradition was so strong that she enrolled at the Le Cordon Bleu culinary institute in France. “I moved to Paris in 2013 for a year,” Wilson says. “I had been working in accounting and I pretty much saved up all my money. I loved it. The program was nine months, then I worked two months in an éclair shop.”

In January 2021, she opened Sweets By Shayda at 105 West Morgan Street in Durham.

Her signature item, macarons, have a certain je ne sais quoi. “Macarons are a cookie made with almond flour, sugar and egg whites,” she says. “They’re filled with creams and ganaches.

It was a very odd concept to do mainly macarons for a business. I did a farmers market, and a lot of people hadn’t heard of them. They were wondering why they were so small and so expensive. So I was trying to introduce the demographic to this thing that was hard to do.”

Wilson offers 25 flavors of macarons, along with croissants and French pastries. She has found a way to make her trademark treat appealing to her audience.

“We make a lot of fun flavors that people like here,” Wilson says. “We have a red velvet flavor, a birthday cake flavor, cotton candy … a lot of fun, Americanized flavors.”

After years of renting a commercial kitchen for specialty orders, the bakery is catching on.

Modeled after a French patisserie, the shop offers eight tables and serves coffee and espresso drinks. New and seasonal macarons—key lime pie in the summer, pumpkin in the fall—give her customers reason to keep coming back. “We use the best ingredients; we’re not skimping on costs,” she says. “We don’t rely on people walking by all the time. People just happen to find us.”

ABOVE AND OPPOSITE PAGE

Sweets by Shayda makes macarons filled with

creams and ganaches, in addition to seasonal macarons: key lime pie in the summer and pumpkin in the fall.

Photos by Peyton Sickles

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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ELLA’S POPCORN

ellaspopcorn.com Ella’s Popcorn began as a simple birthday party favor. Jill Santa Lucia, owner of Catering Works in Raleigh, wanted a special popcorn for her daughter Ella’s safari-themed seventh birthday party. She came up with a recipe that included chocolate sandwich cookies and white chocolate drizzle. Zebra Pop was born.

“All the moms loved it,” says Ella’s Popcorn marketing specialist Savannah Patinka.

“It was a hit, and it really took off. So they started featuring it for weddings and parties and things like that.”

But Ella’s Popcorn didn’t become a business until years later in 2020. (Ella is now a student at Elon University.) Santa Lucia and her sister, Lorin Laxton, are partners in the company, and have built a following across the state. The company’s reach is growing after three appearances on HSN (formerly the Home Shopping Network). “Our audience is very local to North Carolina,” Patinka says. “We’re also very popular in California and in Brooklyn (New York). Our audience is a lot of women, as we are a woman-owned, veteran-owned and family-owned business.”

Ella’s Popcorn’s 20 flavors cover the spectrum of sweets, including Campfire, Sin-amon Bunz and Coconut Cream. Popping the corn is a long process that involves using a “mushroom” variety that produces big, billowy fluffs. “After we pop the corn, we add some different mix-ins,” Patinka says. “Then we bake it, depending on the flavor, three separate times, adding more mix-ins. Then you let it cool. It gives that nice artisan flair to it. We don’t like soggy popcorn—it really has that perfect crunch.”

And to think it all started from a birthday party idea. “Kids really enjoy it. It’s a perfect party snack,” Patinka says. “But it goes from kids to people who want it at their weddings as a party favor. Once you try it, you’re going to love it.”

Photos courtesy of Ella’s Popcorn

30 | caryliving.com

Photo by Linda Nguyen

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Ruth’s Jams

BIG LEAGUE WAFFLES + SCOOPS

MRS. RUTH’S JAMS

mrsruthsjams.com Ruth Taylor works her jam business every day, whether she’s cooking, labeling or shipping her goods. And to this day, she’s still a bit surprised by it all. “I never, ever intended to do this,” she says emphatically. “I spent 30 years in corporate.”

It sounds like the makings of a Hallmark movie plot, but it comes with a tug at the heartstrings. “I got into making jam for my late husband,’ says Taylor, whose business is located in Apex. “He loved strawberry jam.

His aunt would give him a few jars every summer, and we would run out. So I started making jam for him.”

Nevertheless, she was determined to master the craft. She and her husband frequently vacationed in Maine, where she befriended an innkeeper who made his own sweet spreads. “I would call him and say, ‘I’m stuck,’” she says. “And he literally taught me how to make jam over the phone.”

Even though she was never a big jam eater herself, she did enjoy good bread. And on her visits to La Farm Bakery, she did not live by bread alone. “So I would take my little Tupperware cup in my purse,” Taylor says.

“I finally told them what I was doing. They said, ‘If your jam is that good, bring us some.”

So now I’m selling there 13 years later.”

Taylor also realized her creations had a restorative effect. After years of product management and writing software at IBM, she found a reason to step up her game.

“Working in corporate, you never knew if you

made someone happy, but you knew if you made them mad in a nanosecond,” she says.

“But if you sell somebody jam, they’re going to smile and they’re happy. Kind of as a balance to the corporate world, I started making jam.”

After focusing on wholesale for years, Taylor found herself with plenty of time and inventory during the pandemic. That’s when her e-commerce site gained traction.

While Mrs. Ruth’s Jams sell especially well in North Carolina, her products are now finding folks across the country. “I just shipped to Fairbanks, Alaska,” she says. “How they found us, I don’t know.”

Mrs. Ruth’s—a nod to the way her Sunday school students used to address her—offers variations on berry flavors, but also offers pepper, fig and mint jams. Her Belgian chocolate strawberry jam won a 2020 Good Food Award.

“I’m very curious,” she says. “I’ll take the base flavor—let’s say strawberry—and I will scoop out a little bit in a bowl and add some flavoring to it. I tinker with it until I like the flavor.”

When it comes to topping your foods, Taylor suggests thinking beyond the biscuit.

The flavors make a good mix-in for yogurt or oatmeal, and they also work well as a rub for chicken.

So, which flavor does Mrs. Ruth like the best? Her eyes grow wide and she smiles.

“Well, that’s like asking somebody who their favorite kid is, isn’t it?”

bigleaguewaffles.com Ramy Bahgat thought it was a bad sign when his lone dessert competitor in Raleigh’s Morgan Street Food Hall closed down after the pandemic. His Raleigh Rolls ice cream was a hit, but he pushed management to find another tenant that would give sweets lovers a reason to visit the hall.

When they found no immediate takers, Bahgat took the space and came up with a concept of his own: Liege waffles. He figured they would make a nice warm, wintertime option. “They are very different from Belgian waffles,” Bahgat says. “They are not made out of batter, they are made out of yeasted dough.

They’re infused with pearled sugar that makes them nice and crunchy on the top but very moist on the inside. It’s more like a sweet brioche than regular waffles.”

It took a while to create the right recipe, but when he did, he had a receptive audience. On Valentine’s Day in 2021 he made the waffles, paired them with ice cream and passed out samples to Raleigh Rolls customers. “Everyone I tested it on said it was perfect,” he says. “I probably sampled it on 100 to 150 people.”

The only trick was the preparation.

“From the start of making the dough to actually serving, it takes two-and-a-half to three hours,” Bahgat says. “It takes time to pamper the dough to make sure it’s perfect.

Then we add the pearl sugar as people order it, and cook it right away. That’s how you get that nice crunch and pieces of sugar that haven’t melted all the way yet.”

While the waffles are a tasty treat on their own, patrons can pair them with ice cream, fruits and drizzles. Any way you like them, the owner says, will be a hit. “I personally love them the way they are without any drizzle on them,” Bahgat says. “Just a little powdered sugar and that’s it.”

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Whiskey label image by JDawnInk/GettyImages

T

hough North Carolina has welcomed a craft brewery boom in recent decades, distilleries have been a staple here since pre-Prohibition days. The Tar Heel State’s truly spirited history of manufacturing liquor has produced many a tale that harkens back to the days when these highly coveted concoctions were made under light of the moon.

Nowadays, distilleries are state-of-the-art facilities filled with high-tech, shiny copper and steel machinery.

Chemists are often at the helm, blending in added flair with hints of cinnamon, honey, chocolate, caramel or vanilla. Unlike the days of prohibition, however, they’re no longer forced to hide in back rooms or run from the law to taste or sell the creations—though they must often wait many years for these spirits to reach their peak.

The Triangle is home to dozens of distilleries—most of which host connoisseurs and newbies alike in their tasting rooms. Whether you like your drink up, neat, on the rocks—or perhaps with a bevy of vegetables or a colorful parasol—one needn’t go far to try some of the best booze on the market. Here we offer high-proof that the Triangle is a distillery destination.

YOUNG HEARTS DISTILLERY, RALEIGH COMPLEX ITALIAN AMARO, SCANDINAVIAN AQUAVIT AND OTHER BOTANICAL-BASED SPIRITS TROPHYBREWING.COM Trophy Brewing has become synonymous with the Raleigh craft beer scene. After opening its first taproom on Morgan Street in 2013, a second location and production facility on Maywood Avenue followed closely behind. With visions of expanding beyond the world of beer, Trophy Brewing branched into the craft distillery scene last year, opening Young Hearts Distillery in the heart of downtown Raleigh— making it the city’s first downtown distillery.

Featuring rooftop seating that shows off a cityscape view, Young Hearts Distilling isn’t your typical tasting room. Add in its location in the historic Busy Bee Café building and a mouthwatering scratch menu featuring elevated “bar” foods—like maitake mushroom lettuce wraps and gin-braised brisket—and it’s easy to see why Young Hearts Distilling can make its own rules on the distillery scene.

PICTURED: Max Murphy, Young Hearts Assistant Distiller

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: Max Murphy shares a toast with Head Distiller Willie Dale

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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OLDE RALEIGH DISTILLERY, ZEBULON BOURBON, WITH VODKA AND GIN ON THE WAY OLDERALEIGHDISTILLERY.COM

As owner, head distiller and master blender of Olde Raleigh Distillery, Brandon McCraney pours his heart into each barrel.

“This is my life’s passion,” McCraney says. “I believe people can taste how much care goes into each bottle.”

His latest limited-release—a honey cask-finished bourbon with local honey from North Carolina’s Baxter’s Bees—is a perfect example of the planning, thought and heart Olde Raleigh Distillery puts into conceptualizing blends. It’s much more than simply stirring honey and bourbon together. This five-month-long process utilizes six types of honey, which crystalize inside the barrel before being extracted from it. At this point, the bourbon-making process begins.

McCraney says Olde Raleigh Distillery’s food menu focuses on bourbon pairings such as candied bacon, chocolate bourbon pecan pie and honey bourbon cheesecake. While enjoying a front-row view of the stills used to create Olde Raleigh Distillery’s signature blends, tasting room visitors can also try craft brews from local breweries.

Olde Raleigh Distillery will soon partner with Workbench Roasters out of Wendell to sell a bourbon barrel-aged coffee.

“We have so many ideas for the future of Olde Raleigh, whether it’s recipes for our distilled products; partnerships with local businesses; or broader, more long-term goals, like eventually moving to our namesake city of Raleigh,” McCraney says.

“It’s exciting to think about the possibilities.”

ARISTOTLE SPIRITS, GARNER

BOURBON, GIN, VODKA, RUM AND WHISKEY ARISTOTLESPIRITS.COM Having recently celebrated Aristotle Spirits’ one-year anniversary, owner Jake Howland feels a renewed excitement about the future of his distillery. “We’ve seen such great interest in our habañero vodka that it makes me excited to test more flavors and roll out unique recipes in the future,” Howland says.

Having versatile equipment makes creating many types of liquor possible, since most varieties of alcohol use the same machinery. “It also adds to the fun of my job: Being able to try new ingredients and see what I can come up with is the fun part,” Howland says.

Housed in an old downtown Garner industrial building that used to manufacture cabinets, Howland has turned his hobby of distilling into a legitimate business—just in time for the post-COVID bar and restaurant revival. Aristotle Spirits’ tasting room offers a small patio for outdoor enjoyment, and the distillery partners with local companies like Carolina Popcorn Shoppe to sell snacks patrons can enjoy while relishing Aristotle Spirits’, well, spirits.

Like its famous namesake, Aristotle Spirits strives to take a balanced approach to its philosophy and product line.

“Overindulgence is not smart in any aspect of life,” Howland says. “We’d like to see a balance in the enjoyment of alcohol, a healthy work/life balance and a balance in our products.”

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DURHAM DISTILLERY, DURHAM GIN, VODKA, LIQUEURS AND CANNED COCKTAILS DURHAMDISTILLERY.COM

Melissa Katrincic may not be the only female distillery owner in North Carolina, but she was certainly one of the first. Paving the way for an influx of women to break into this male-dominated turf, Katrincic—co-owner and CEO/president of Durham Distillery—also happens to have a physics degree and was the first woman to be inducted into The Gin Guild. This prestigious organization works with gin distillers around the world to provide leadership and focus to the promotion of gin.

“I’m excited about the future of women and minorities entering the craft distillery scene in the Triangle,” she says. “I feel like there is more of a level playing field now, making it the perfect opportunity for that to happen.”

Katrincic and her husband, Lee—the other co-owner who is also head distiller and has a master’s degree in chemistry—decided to take a leap of faith and begin the adventure of starting a distillery in 2013. Less than a decade later, USA Today named Durham Distillery the No. 1 craft gin distillery in the U.S., and its Conniption Navy Strength Gin is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best, having been named “Best Navy Strength Gin” for four years in a row by the World Gin Awards. “We want to be a household name for gin within the next five years,” Katrincic says.

Constellation Brands is helping Durham Distillery grow its gin products into national brands, but the canned cocktails and Damn Fine Liqueurs will remain only in North Carolina. The tasting room is open for tours and tastings on Friday and Saturday afternoons. In addition, there is an onsite cocktail bar: Corpse Reviver Bar & Lounge, which opened in 2020. Pair a sumptuous bar snack, such as locally sourced deviled duck eggs or rosemary olive oil cake, with a signature martini.

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Pumpkin Patches, Autumn Festivals and Haunted Adventures Fall Fun Across Western Wake

T

BY JANICE LEWINE

he Triangle’s ideal weather offers enjoyment for every season of the year, but autumn is especially magical. Nature displays its glorious colors, pumpkins are eager to be picked, and local farms offer corn mazes, hayride adventures, festival fun and more. Halloween celebrations—ranging from the tame to hair-raising— are plentiful.

We’ve curated a robust selection of fall activities in Western Wake, and there’s even more in our online roundup at caryliving.com. Visit our sister site at midtownmag.com for events in Raleigh and beyond. (At press time, not all venues had listed updated information for 2022, so be sure to check with event organizers or visit the event websites before you head out.)

PUMPKIN PATCHES AND CORN MAZES CROSSROADS CORN MAZE Open October 1–31; Friday, 1–9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 1–7 p.m.

5712 Watkins Road, Wendell Enjoy mazes, hayrides, games and s’mores.

“When the Stalks Go Dark,” a haunted attraction, takes place Fridays and Saturdays, 7–9 p.m., and requires a separate fee. crossroadscornmaze.com DJ’S BERRY PATCH Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

1223 Salem Church Road, Apex

caryliving.com 36 | midtownmag.com

Shop for pumpkins of all varieties and sizes, North Carolina apples and other fall produce. djsberrypatch.com THE FAMILY FARM ON AVENT FERRY See website for operating dates and hours 1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs Disover pumpkins, gourds and photo-opps on a vintage John Deere tractor. thefamilyfarmonaventferry.com GROSS FARMS CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH Open September 17–October 30; Hours vary 1601 Pickett Road, Sanford Find a corn maze, pumpkin patch,

Tom’s Tunnel, pumpkin jump and more.

Tickets cost $18 for ages 3 and older. grossfarms.com HILL RIDGE FARMS FALL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Open September 28–October 30; Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville Discover a hayride, jumping pillow, corn house, farm animals, train rides and more. $15/person; free for ages 1 and younger. hillridgefarms.com HUCKLEBERRY TRAIL FARM September 24–October 31; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m.

143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City Enjoy a hayride, pumpkin patch and corn maze. Admission is $10 adult, $8 child. huckleberrytrailfarm.com NAYLOR FAMILY FARM AND GIANT CORN MAZE Visit the website for dates, hours and rates 6016 U.S. 401 North, Fuquay-Varina Hayride, farm animals, pumpkin patch, barrel train and more. naylorfamilyfarm.com

competitions and fried food highlight this annual fair at the state fairgrounds. ncstatefair.org

PHOTO BY TIM PLATT/GETTY IMAGES

TRIANGLE OKTOBERFEST September 30, 5–10 p.m.; October 1, noon–8:30 p.m.

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Koka Booth Amphitheater delivers live music, authentic food, weiner dog races, a German car show and a KinderPlatz. Tickets are $20–$25/ person and free for ages 15 and younger. triangleoktoberfest.org

PHILLIPS FARMS CORN MAZE Check website for hours and fees 6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary Experience a corn maze, wagon ride, cow train and sunflower field. phillipsfarmsofcary.com PORTER FARMS & NURSERY Open through October 31; Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, noon–6 p.m.

7615 Ten Ten Road, Raleigh Find pumpkins, mums and fall produce. porterfarmsandnursery.com RAGAN & HOLLY’S PUMPKIN PATCH Open late September–late October.

38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex Shop for mums, pumpkins and fall produce. facebook.com/jeansmarketapex

FALL FESTIVALS FESTIFALL ARTS MARKET & MORE October 8, 15 and 22; 1–6 p.m.

140 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill Explore three markets featuring interactive art experiences and entertainment. chapelhillarts.org/festifall-arts-market-more HOLLYFEST October 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs Food vendors, children’s activities and local entertainment highlight this Sugg Farm event. hollyspringsnc.us/356/HollyFest NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR October 13–23; see website for rates and hours 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh Rides, music, live entertainment, livestock

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS FALL FESTIVAL AT PARK WEST VILLAGE October 27, 4–8 p.m.

3400 Village Marketplace, Morrisville Enjoy trick-or–treating, hayrides, costume contests, Imagine Circus, food trucks, and “Despicable Me” at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. parkwestvillage.com GOBLINS GROOVE FAMILY DANCE October 28, 7–9 p.m.

237 N. Salem Street, Apex Join in costume and dance contests, games and a haunted gallery at Halle Cultural Arts Center. Admission is $5/adult, $2/child. etix.com THE GREAT PUMPKIN CARVE October 29, 2–8 p.m.

310 S. Academy Street, Cary Pick out the perfect pumpkin and carve it at a station. Pumpkins will be lit and put on display. Halloween specials include “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Pumpkins are for sale: all other activities are free. townofcary.org HERBERT’S HAUNTED HOUSE October 28, 7–9 p.m.; October 29, 7–10 p.m.

101 Wilkinson Drive, Cary Walk through the Cary Teen Council’s House of Horrors at the Herb Young Community Center.

Parental discretion is advised. $5/person. townofcary.org MARBLES KOOKY SPOOKY HALLOWEEN PARTY October 28, 6–8:30 p.m.

201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh Wear a costume and experience Mad Scientist Lab, Monster Mash Dance Party and more.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. marbleskidsmuseum.org MUMMY & SON BALL October 27, 6:30–8 p.m.

301 W. Lochmere Drive, Cary

Mummies and sons ages 5–10 wear costumes and compete for prizes at Ritter Shelter.

Dance the Monster Mash, play games and roast a ghost for a s’more treat. $15/child and guardian pair. Registration required online. townofcary.org “THE MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER” October 28, 8 p.m.; October 29, 3 p.m.

2 E. South Street, Raleigh The North Carolina Symphony performs music from the Harry Potter movie series at Meymandi Concert Hall. ncsymphony.org PUMPKIN FLOTILLA October 28, 4–7 p.m.

801 High House Road, Cary Take a carved pumpkin to Bond Park from 4–5:30 p.m. and sail it across Bond Park Lake at twilight. Enjoy a discounted boat ride (if you wear a Halloween costume) and a snack. townofcary.org TRACK-OR-TREAT HALLOWEEN EXPRESS October 15, 22 and 29; rides depart at 2, 3:15, 4:30, 6 and 7:15 p.m.

3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill Hop aboard to see flying witches, smoking cauldrons, Count Dracula and other creatures on a train ride through the New Hill woods. triangletrain.com TRICK-OR-TREAT THE TRAIL October 28, 2–5 p.m.

Downtown Fuquay-Varina Visit the businesses in both downtown districts for candy. fuquay-varina.com TRICK-OR-TREAT THE TRAIL October 22, 3–6 p.m.

1520 Morrisville Parkway, Morrisville Venture down a trail for candy, vouchers and coupons from local businesses. townofmorrisville.org TRICK OR TROT 5K October 30, 9–11 a.m.

940 E. Chatham Street, Cary Wear a costume in a 5K race. Grab a bag of candy after your run. Entry fees are $23–$40/person. trickortrot5k.itsyourrace.com ZOMBIEPALOOZA October 28, 7 p.m.

122 E. Chatham Street, Cary Local filmmakers and hobbyists tell zombie stories using cameras and smartphones. townofcary.org

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HAUNTED ADVENTURES CLAYTON FEAR FARM Open September 30–October 31 Visit website for times and rates 1620 Loop Road, Clayton Creatures haunt the Slaughterhouse, Farmhouse, Fear Forest Haunted Hayride, Fear Farm Academy and Black Hole. claytonfearfarm.com EDWARD’S BATTLE HAUNTED HOUSE 9401 S. Mere Street, Raleigh Drive past a haunted yard filled with ghosts, goblins, vampires and other ghouls created by a Raleigh teen who has battled cancer.

Donations benefit Give Kids the World. facebook.com/edwardsbattlehauntedhouse FUQUAY-VARINA HAUNTED TRAIL October 15, 5–6 p.m. and 7–9 p.m.

301 Wagstaff Road, Fuquay-Varina Wear a costume and interact with characters along the Family Trail, 5–6 p.m. The Full Fright Trail, 7–9 p.m., is a scary journey through the nighttime woods (not recommended for children under age 10). Children ages 10–12 should be accompanied by an adult. Park at the Fuquay-Varina Community Center and take the shuttle bus to the Carroll Howard Johnson Park. fuquay-varina.org

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HAUNTED HISTORY WALKING TOUR 200 N. Blount Street, Raleigh Learn about the history of some of Raleigh’s most important landmarks as tour guides tell a ghost story at each stop. Admission is free, but online registration is required and tips are appreciated. Tour departs from the North Carolina Executive Mansion. eventbrite.org THE HISTORY THAT HAUNTS CARY TROLLEY TOURS Downtown Cary The History That Haunts Cary Trolley Tours is where haunted history meets paranormal mini-investigations. Go inside Cary’s historic homes and locations where paranormal activity has been reported. The exact meeting location and tour stops will be shared closer to when the tours begin. thecitydoctorproductions.ticketspice.com/ the-history-that-haunts-tour OAKWOOD CEMETERY SERIES September 30, October 1–2; 6:30 p.m.

Burning Coal Theatre Company takes you into Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood Cemetery to deliver a series of short plays based on the lives of the people buried there. Admission is $30/adult, $10/student. burningcoal.org/oakwood-and-history-plays

RALEIGH AREA’S BEST HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS Locations vary Using the Built Story app available for iOS and Android, tour takers can purchase access to the best Halloween decorations in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Morrisville, Apex and Holly Springs with turn-by-turn driving directions. You’ll also find a walking tour of “Raleigh’s Most Terrifying Ghosts, Spirits and Haunts.” app.builtstory.com/agent/1027 SPOOKY STORIES AT THE PAGE-WALKER October 29, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary Professional storytellers share hair-raising stories about the former hotel. Suitable for ages 12 and older. Tickets are $10 and available beginning September 16. etix.com XTREME HAUNT Visit the website for dates and to purchase tickets 7460 N.C. 98, Wake Forest Face your fears in the Containment Zone, Xtreme Haunt Walk and the Laser Zombie Simulator. xtremeparkadventures.com

SPONSORED CONTENT FINANCIAL FOCUS

Dealing With Surprise Medical Bills

By James M. Richardson, CFP, ChFC, APMA Since early 2020, millions of Americans have been infected by COVID-19. Many individuals subsequently needed significant medical care and were hit with surprise medical bills for the treatment they received.

We all need to be ready for potential out-of-pocket medical expenses, whether it is to cover treatment for the virus or another ailment.

The Realities of Today’s Medical Coverage Medical events can occur out of the blue. It’s important to make sure you have the right health insurance in place to manage the potential financial consequences of a health crisis.

Whether you have coverage through your employer, through an individual policy or as part of a government program such as Medicaid or Medicare, you may face copays or deductibles when you need care. Depending on your policy, you could easily face out-of-pocket expenses costing thousands of dollars.

You can manage these costs by paying attention to whether you work with “in-network” or “out-of-network” providers. Typically, your personal financial liability is limited with in-network providers, but your coverage may be lacking if you use out-of-network services. In emergency situations, you may not

have control over who provides your care. These circumstances can result in particularly large bills.

Insurance Isn’t Enough Health insurance may mitigate much of the cost risk, but it doesn’t eliminate it. Sudden or unexpected medical bills fall under the heading of “emergency expenses,” like surprise home or car repairs. You should have money saved in an emergency fund to help cover these expenses.

A general recommendation is to set aside threeto-six months of household income in a readily accessible emergency fund, held in a bank savings account or money market funds. Cash in place provides a necessary cushion while protecting savings devoted to other goals, such as retirement or college savings accounts.

Other Steps to Consider Here are other steps to consider if you find yourself in a pinch: • Talk to your medical provider to alter the charge or set up a payment plan.

• If you need more guidance, consult with a credit counselor who may be able to structure a solution to deal with your financial challenges.

Planning ahead is your best defense against the impact of surprise medical expenses. Also be sure you understand what is and isn’t covered under your health insurance policy. Your financial advisor can work with you to make sure you are properly prepared.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

James M. Richardson, CFP®, ChFC®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner with Richardson Private Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 210 Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 919.670.3355 richardsonprivatewealthadvisors.com

The information on this page is provided to the public by the advertiser mentioned above.

BUILDING BEYOND FOOTBALL

T

Terrence and Torry Holt made their names on the football field at North Carolina State University, but that was just the start.

BY KURT DUSTERBERG | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HOLT BROTHERS FOUNDATION

orry and Terrence Holt are best known for their accomplishments on the football field. The brothers from Gibsonville were stars at North Carolina State University before embarking on successful careers in the National Football League. Torry played wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams for 10 of his 11 seasons. Terrence played six seasons as a defensive back, mostly with the Detroit Lions.

But long before they retired from the game—Terrence in 2008 and Torry in 2009—the siblings began orchestrating their second act, turning their childhood challenges into a cause. When Torry was 10 and Terrence was 6, their mother, Ojetta, was diagnosed with lymphoma. To honor her memory, they founded the Holt Brothers Foundation to serve children who have a parent or guardian with cancer. The foundation’s main program, KidsCAN!, provides activities and emotional support.

In the business world, Torry and Terrence have grown Holt Brothers Construction into a thriving management and development company. Their firm has worked on the City of Raleigh Central Communications Center as well as the Innovation Center at Wake Tech’s technology campus at RTP. The brothers sat down with Cary Living magazine recently to talk about their lives after football. And while their days on

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the field are behind them, their love for the game burns brightly.

Torry has been voted a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame the past three years, but has yet to earn a gold jacket. He shares his thoughts on the Hall waiting game, while each of the brothers takes a look back at life in the NFL.

Not only did your mother have cancer, but your family dealt with this over a 10-year period.

What were those 10 years like for you?

TORRY: We didn’t fully understand what was going on either.

The routine was the same. Mom still got up and went to work, Dad still got up and went to work. They wanted it that way.

That’s why they didn’t share it with us a lot. They wanted us to act and feel as kids normally do, not to carry the burden of their mom having cancer. We had a very good childhood. We had good Christmases, we had outdoor activities, we played video games. It wasn’t until later on that we actually saw the decline and we really understood what was going on.

TERRENCE: As a 6-year-old all the way up until I was 14 or 15, I did not know my mom had been diagnosed with cancer, and that it was cancer coming out of remission when she got sick in 1995 and ultimately passed in 1996. It correlates well with why we started

the foundation—the protective nature that my mom operated with.

It speaks oftentimes to the way African American households operate, where it’s very hush-hush. There’s not a lot of discussion around something that’s severe and painful, how fearful we all are.

So we oftentimes ignore it and pray it away. My brother could tell you, and my sister certainly could, that it was something I don’t think we thought about. All we knew was our mom and dad here at home.

This is a happy home, and we love our parents and expect that they will be here with us as long as we’re here on this earth.

What specifically do kids need when a parent has cancer?

TORRY: It’s everything you think about when you were a kid. You need your parents to talk to, to come to your games, to help you with your homework, to cook. But when a mom or dad or guardian has cancer, some of those things are taken away. That’s where we come in with the hospitals and try to fill those voids. One of the things we’re proud of is our memory-making events. Bowling, football games, basketball games. We hang out. It’s those things that a kid misses out on when a parent or guardian is diagnosed, because a lot of the resources go toward the parent or guardian getting healthy.

And they don’t have the energy to go and entertain a kid.

TERRENCE: Kids need to be kids, and cancer forces kids to grow up. That’s one thing we did experience, even as 24-, 20- and 16-yearolds, when our mom ultimately passed away. The things she had done for us, we had to then do. My dad could only do so much, and he was coping with pain and loss.

I want to ask about Holt Brothers Construction. How did you develop your expertise and grow the business?

TERRENCE: We had great business mentors. We started off around 2005 and 2006 very interested in real estate. It was more on the residential side. We were lucky to be surrounded by people who knew a little about a lot. In turn, we developed an interest in the commercial side of real estate. Then 2007 happened and the market tanked. Me, on the latter end of my career in 2008, this interest was sparked and we got with these business mentors—folks like [Durham entrepreneur] Farad Ali. Farad was telling us about commercial construction, and not just the opportunities there, but about potentially creating a strong minorityowned firm. It comes from our prior sport, and our ability to put a team together and be coached, that we could put a great company together.

October 17, 2011 is when we put everything together and got our general contractor license and began trying to procure work. Now, 11 years later, we’ve been able to be successful with our alma mater, North Carolina State University.

TORRY: He’s right; what we learned in the sport we try to bring to the industry of construction, that culture. I played for Hall of Famer [and St. Louis Rams coach] Dick Vermeil, and he always stressed to us, if you can find good people, knowledgeable people who want to put in the work and who believe in your cause, people will extend themselves just as you do. So we try to live by that.

Torry, you have been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame each of the past three years. You are 16th alltime in receiving yards in just 11 seasons, you had the most receiving yards in the decade of the 2000s and you won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2000. Do you feel like you deserve to be in the Hall of Fame?

TORRY: I certainly feel I belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and in due time. I’ve been a finalist three times in a row now. What I’ve learned is to continue to exercise my patience and lean on my faith, and it will happen. I’m in the mix, I’m in the game. I’m considered a pro football hall of famer. It’s a representation of the best who ever played the game. I go all the way back to my childhood, playing in Gibsonville on Homestead Street. I just loved playing the game of football. I would have been a hall of famer in any era. I was blessed with the talent and the ability to do it. So, yeah, it matters.

Now that you’re retired, do touchdown passes or interceptions still roll through your mind?

TERRENCE: It is so much a part of me. I cannot, even if I tried, bottle it up. During the football season, it resonates more. Come July and August, I get that smell of grass in the early morning, I get that training camp buzz and feel. I get antsy around the house. To get a chance to play against [Hall of Fame quarterback] Brett Favre two times a year in the NFC North playing for the Detroit Lions was both a treat and a nightmare. He chewed you up. We’d always play at Green Bay in December. The weather was quite awful and the fans were very rowdy. But I do remember picking him off.

TORRY: I often think about the game. I’m around it so much. I’m part of the NFL Legends Community, and I visit the Rams often for games. When I’m sitting around on the weekends or even when I’m in the office, sometimes a play comes to mind. Occasionally, I have those flashbacks. One thing that often comes to mind is at CarterFinley [Stadium] the day we beat Florida State. (The Wolfpack defeated the second-ranked Seminoles 24-7 in 1999.) That changed the trajectory of our entire university the day that we beat them.

It gave us, it gave [N.C.] State fans, it gave everybody confidence when we beat Florida State. We were no longer being bullied. I just remember that sea of red, I remember the high school kids who were there as recruits. It was an amazing day. And obviously, winning the Super Bowl. Nothing beats that.

Torry and Terrence will host “An Afternoon with the Holt Brothers” on Sunday, November 13, 4–7 p.m.

OPPOSITE PAGE AND ON LEFT The Holt brothers, Terrance (left) and Torry (right), started their football careers at North Carolina State University, then went on to play in the pros for different teams.

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CAPITAL CITY EXPLORE RALEIGH’S 10 MOST HAUNTED PLACES

BY CAITLIN WHEELER PHOTOS BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

#1 OAKWOOD CEMETERY

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A

s Raleigh remodels itself to suit a burgeoning population and ever more sophisticated wealth of restaurants and shops, the city can’t hide from its ghosts. Partly because the spirits manage to seep through renovations—like the ghosts that keep showing up at Death & Taxes on W. Hargett Street. Mostly because we are looking for them.

“It’s thrilling,” says Nelson Nauss of the paranormal investigations he leads as executive director of The Ghost Guild, a registered Raleigh-based nonprofit paranormal research organization. The guild, selected by Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources to conduct investigations at Mordecai Historic Park, has also partnered with Theatre in the Park to investigate the old National Guard Armory building in Pullen Park and, most recently, with the North Carolina Museum of History for an investigation that took place in August. Nauss and the guild take a skeptical approach by observing and gathering data, forming hypotheses, and imagining possible solutions that explain their observations. “Every ghost sighting or legend is a mystery,” Nauss says. “Who doesn’t love trying to solve a mystery?”

Raleigh resident Al Parker has created a collection of “ghastly” ghost tours of the Triangle— available on the Durham-based Built Story app—that peel back layers of history to rediscover Raleigh’s legends. “One clue leads to another,” he says. “Ghost stories tell you a lot about a community and its history. They are a part of what makes a place unique.” Al is also the most recent volunteer to join The Ghost Guild organization.

SOUL SEARCHING The Civil War’s traumatic aftermath set Raleigh up for hauntings from souls who linger. Ernest Dollar, executive director of the City of Raleigh Museum, has written “Hearts Torn Asunder,” which focuses on the Civil War’s final campaign in North Carolina. “Raleigh is a particularly good city for ghost stories,” Dollar says, noting that toward the end of the war there was intense fighting in Raleigh and the city was nearly destroyed. “All that grief and emotional energy swirling around— it’s not surprising that these troubled souls might return to haunt the city.”

Kara Leinfelder, creative director for the North Carolina Museum of History and member of The Ghost Guild, notes that cities across the country are using ghost stories to add a zing to historic preservation. “The word ‘history’ isn’t as compelling to this generation, so historic towns and sites have incorporated this paranormal spin to appeal to new and younger audiences,” she says. “Ghost stories have an oral history relevance that can be culturally rich; and are often passed down from generation to generation. Putting a spotlight on them leads to deeper conversations like preservation and conservation.”

Tricia Sabol, creator of Raleigh Walking Tours, says most of Raleigh’s ghosts aren’t angry.

“Sometimes a spirit just gets stuck and can’t transition to the other side,” she says. So mysterious voices, footsteps or lights being turned on and off might just be evidence of ghosts going about their business. “Which might happen at a place like Death & Taxes,” she notes. It served as a coffin house and funeral home before becoming a bank, and finally a restaurant.

On a more personal level, searching for ghosts offers an opportunity for introspection. “We love ghosts because their stories provide a safe way for us to peer into the unknown,” Parker says.

“People like to face their fears—and explore things they’re a little afraid of. Ghosts are safe. Some days you believe in them and some days you don’t.”

With that said, here are our favorite Raleigh haunts for those days when you want to believe.

Whether you have a soft spot for legends or a fascination with the macabre, Raleigh’s unique history makes it the ideal spot for paranormal investigations.

1. OAKWOOD CEMETERY: THE SPINNING ANGEL Sabol has a soft spot for friendly ghosts, like the Civil War ghost that haunted the old Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast (now an Airbnb rental). “‘The colonel’ likes to play tricks,” she says. “He switches things around in a room, or jumps out to surprise people. One guest was taking a bath when he appeared and perched on the edge of the tub as if he wanted to chat.”

But the best place to visit on Halloween night, Sabol says, is Historic Oakwood Cemetery, where you might see the “spinning angel” statue. Legend has it that on Halloween at midnight, the angel’s head spins around 12 times. But there’s a bit more to it than that, Sabol says. The angel protects the grave of Etta Rebecca White Ratcliffe, whose family had her committed to Dorothea Dix Hospital.

But a month after she arrived, she died of a cerebral hemorrhage, suggesting she suffered from a brain tumor rather than a mental disorder.

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2. THEATRE IN THE PARK: FOOTSTEPS AND VOICES The Ghost Guild also enjoys investigating Pullen Park’s Theatre in the Park, Nauss says, where voices and strange sounds—such as footsteps across the bleachers—have been reported. “We’ve had some very interesting experiences there since 2016,” he says of the guild’s visits to the one-time armory. “We enjoy learning about every location we investigate, and every time we visit the Theatre we find out something new. We’ve discovered the building has an opening for a telescope and that it used to serve as an observatory,” he says.

Both the public and academics made use of it, including the Raleigh Astronomy Club and the well-known astronomers who were associated with it.

3. HECK-ANDREWS HOUSE: GIRL POWER Darci VanderSlik leads the “Haunted History: Oakwood” tour for The Great Raleigh Trolley, and has been passionate about ghost stories since spending the early part of her career in Colonial Williamsburg. “These are the stories that don’t make the history books—stories about everyday life and people like us,” she says.

VanderSlik likes to lead her tours as close to nightfall as possible, preferably with a lantern. Her favorite stop is the Heck-Andrews House, now owned and recently renovated by the North Carolina Association of Realtors. It looks exactly as a haunted house should— even with fresh paint. Visitors there have sensed the ghost of the home’s last resident, Gladys Perry. “Gladys is not always painted in a good light,” VanderSlik says. “But when I read the whole history, my heart broke for her.”

VanderSlik describes her as an independent, educated young woman in the 1940s, a time when such women were considered enigmas and generally ostracized. When Perry’s career reportedly began to flounder, she moved into the Heck-Andrews house with her mother. “She stayed after her mother died and let her love and energy soak into that dilapidated house,” VanderSlik says. Even when the city offered to buy it, then tried to condemn it, Perry refused to leave.” Perry has yet to leave her beloved home—more than two decades after her death. “It’s my girl-power ghost story,” VanderSlik says.

4. WILLIAM POOLE’S WOODS: SHADOWS AND ROTTED WOOD Of the 21 stories on Al Parker’s “Most Terrifying Ghosts” tour—from the graveyard spirits at Dorothea Dix Hospital to “the smokestack ghost” on North Carolina State University’s campus—his favorite is the legend of William Poole. According to Parker, Poole was a vehement conservationist during the 19th century and enjoyed riding his beloved white horse throughout his vast property, while admiring the pine trees. When Union soldiers came to his mansion during the Civil War demanding gold, Poole refused to reveal where he had buried it, then watched in horror as the soldiers killed his horse and burned down his home. “In a fury, Poole made a pact with a demon to rise from the grave to protect his land,” Parker says.

Poole’s will insisted that the land remain undeveloped, though 30 years after his death, his family sold the tract to a logging company.

Poole had his revenge when the trees were cut open to reveal rotted wood. “People have seen a shadowy white horse where Poole’s

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forest used to be,” Parker recounts, “sometimes with a rider.” Parker recently explored the area, which constitutes a section of the Capital Area Greenway System by Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. “What was crazy was that someone had written on the greenway path in chalk: ‘Turn back,’” he says.

5. MORDECAI HOUSE: RALEIGH’S OLDEST HOME ON ITS ORIGINAL FOUNDATION The centerpiece of Mordecai Historic Park, Mordecai House is not only the oldest home in Raleigh still on its original foundation (built in 1785)—it may also be the most haunted. After numerous reports from visitors and staff recounting mysterious piano music and sightings of a shadowy woman wearing a long, black skirt, the City of Raleigh began keeping tabs on these activities by making The Ghost Guild Mordecai House’s official paranormal research team.

Mary Mordecai Turk, who lived in the home during the 19th century, enjoyed socializing, playing the piano and receiving visitors.

Nauss says many believe it could be her spirit that has returned to watch over her beloved family home.

Mordecai Historic Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary on September 10, noon–4 p.m. The Ghost Guild will be on site during the celebration, which will include special presentations and performances; free 30-minute trolley tours of downtown Raleigh; free crafts and activities; free entry to Mordecai House, Allen Kitchen and other historic buildings; food trucks; cultural displays, and more.

6. ANDREW JOHNSON’S BIRTHPLACE Nauss recommends continuing your exploration of Mordecai Historic Park by visiting the tiny house where the 17th U.S. president, Andrew Johnson, had his humble start. Don’t expect a glimpse of President Johnson, but Parker says there have been numerous sightings of Jacob Johnson, Andrew’s father.

“It’s a good story,” Parker says, adding that Jacob was known to be friendly and honest. He took care of horses at an inn, served as the town constable and sexton, and ironically died a hero’s death in winter of 1811 while ringing the funeral bell at the North Carolina State Capitol building just a few weeks after saving two men from drowning in Walnut Creek. His death was attributed to exertion and exposure to the icy water. He’s buried at the historic City Cemetery of Raleigh. “He wasn’t fulfilled in life, and died with unfinished business,” Parker says. “Look out for a candle moving in the upstairs window.”

7. DEATH AND TAXES: NOTHING IS CERTAIN This early 20th century building, originally home to the HJ Brown Coffin House and later the Raleigh Industrial Bank, now accommodates a contemporary restaurant created by Chef Ashley Christensen. It served as a coffin shop during the Spanish flu epidemic that began in 1918, then later a mortuary before opening its doors as a bank. Patrons claim they have heard footsteps and even a full conversation between a young girl and man, according to a blog post Dollar wrote for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. Whether these sounds stem from Spanish flu victims or mortuary inhabitants— nothing is certain, just like death and taxes.

#3 HECK-ANDREWS HOUSE

#5 MORDECAI HOUSE

#6 ANDREW JOHNSON’S BIRTHPLACE

#8 NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

8. NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY: HAUNTED ARTIFACTS? “I’m a paranormal nerd,” says Leinfelder, the North Carolina Museum of History’s creative director. “I grew up with old folklore tales and stories of legend in my family, plus both of my parents are history buffs; paranormal investigation and study has just amplified my interest in history.”

Over the course of her six years with the museum, several stories about strange occurrences have been reported by staff in the ground level and third-floor office space. After becoming a volunteer member of The Ghost Guild, Leinfelder suggested a paranormal investigation of the museum. Nauss was perplexed at first. “The museum was built in 1986, which is pretty new,” he says.

“Then we had to ask ourselves if it was possible that the reported activity is tied to one or more of its over 150,000 artifacts spanning more than six centuries. This was a great chance to learn.”

Leinfelder thinks it makes sense that some of the museum’s artifacts might have retained some paranormal energy—though nothing has ever been proven. “We have some pretty interesting things in the collection and with the number of centuries it spans, there’s just no telling really!”

9. THE NORTH CAROLINA EXECUTIVE MANSION: KNOCK, KNOCK “I’d love to do an investigation at the [Governor’s Mansion],” says Alex Matsuo, a paranormal investigator and founder of the Raleighbased Association of Paranormal Study. Gov. Daniel G. Fowle was

the first to live in the mansion. As a widower with four young children, he had an extra-large bed made to accommodate nighttime visits from his youngest son. “In 1891, partway through his term, he died in that bed,” Matsuo says.

In 1969, Gov. Bob Scott moved Fowle’s large bed into storage, only to be repeatedly bothered by knocking noises behind the wall.

“He believed it was Fowle’s ghost,” Matsuo says, expressing his wish to restore the bed to its original location. Later, Gov. Pat McCrory claimed he would jokingly say goodnight to the mansion’s “friendly” ghost. Current Gov. Roy Cooper has returned the bed to its original location—and has not been bothered by any knocking noises. “My sense is that the spirits in Raleigh are pleasant, and they each have a story to share if you are willing to listen,” Matsuo says. “Ghosts are people too, after all.”

10. THE OLD PINE STATE CREAMERY Looking for a spooky place to have dinner on Halloween night?

Try any restaurant in Raleigh’s Pine State Creamery building, which was a focal point of a series of Jack the Ripper–style murders during the 1980s. When Matsuo investigated the Creamery, she detected screams that she believes belonged to the murderer’s female victims.

The now-closed Xoco Mexican Bar & Grill, which was located in the Creamery, announced numerous reports of hauntings via a sign on its door that read: “To Our Patrons: It has been confirmed by ASAP Paranormal that our location is haunted. We are not responsible for the actions of any ghosts/spirits on the premises. Thank you.” Xoco may be gone, but it is doubtful the ghosts are!

THANK YOU TO OUR STORYTELLERS Shown from left to right at Historic Oak View Park: Tricia Sabol, creator of Raleigh Walking Tours; Ernest Dollar, author of “Hearts Torn Asunder” and executive director of the City of Raleigh Museum; Al Parker, creator of 21 walking tours via the Built Story app and member of The Ghost Guild; Kara Leinfelder, creative director for the North Carolina Museum of History and member of The Ghost Guild; Nelson Nauss, executive director of The Ghost Guild; and Darci VanderSlik, who leads the “Haunted History: Oakwood” tour for The Great Raleigh Trolley.

Be sure to tune into Midtown and Cary Living’s “Talk of the Triangle” October podcast, which will air in two parts, on October 4 and 11. You don’t want to miss our fascinating and ghostly conversations with Dollar, Nauss and Leinfelder.

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MEET THE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Our area offers some of the highest quality health care in the country. Here’s your chance to meet local providers and learn more about their services.

THANK YOU TO NEW DEPTH CREATIONS AND JENNY MIDGLEY FOR TAKING SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THIS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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BOV ENI Z ER & BAKER ORT HOD ONT I C S ⅼ MEET THE DOCTORS

BOVENIZER & BAKER ORTHODONTICS Dr. Todd Bovenizer, DDS, MS, and Dr. Chris Baker, DDS, MSD What makes Bovenizer & Baker Orthodontics different from other practices? We stand for three things: Providing an amazing patient experience and results, offering the

connections, we want our office to feel like your second home.

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CAROLINASDENTIST CARY Dr. Christopher Steddum, DMD, and Dr. Lauren Steddum, DMD At CarolinasDentist Cary, Dr. Lauren

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GU PTA PSYC HI AT RY AND W EL L NESS ⅼ MEET THE DOCTOR S

GUPTA PSYCHIATRY AND WELLNESS Dr. Mona Gupta, DO Dr. Mona Gupta is a board-certified psychiatrist and director of Gupta Psychiatry and Wellness. This amazing group of providers are passionate about serving those who suffer from mental health and substance use issues.

Since the pandemic, a surge in alcohol sales, opioid overdoses and mental health concerns have risen. Dr. Gupta’s practice offers pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for patients seeking treatment for complicated and drug-resistant psychiatric conditions such as esketamine, intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) ketamine treatments, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

The practice also has an intensive outpatient treatment center, which falls between a more restrictive inpatient/residential level of care and less restrictive outpatient level of care; as well as a partial hospitalization program, which is optimal for individuals needing an outpatient detox or step down from residential or inpatient care.

The goal for Gupta Psychiatry and Wellness is to normalize getting help for alcohol and drug addictions, and to make it a simple process for those who are ready to heal.

Dr. Gupta and her staff provide a safe and peaceful space for patients to receive the help they need. They want people to know that it’s not only acceptable, but encouraged to ask for help. Dr. Gupta and her team are here when you need them.

8304 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh 1011 W. Williams Street, Suite 102, Apex 919.870.8409 guptapsychiatry.com

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NORT H CAROLINA ORAL SURGERY + ORTHODONTICS

During his two-year residency at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Edwards developed an even stronger passion for the patient experience. He makes it a point of emphasis to relate to each patient who visits, and helps them feel comfortable and confident in their

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Dr. Travis Edwards, an orthodontist with North Carolina Oral Surgery + Orthodontics, worked as a general dentist for several years.

After seeing many of his patients complete orthodontic treatment and leave with new confidence, he was inspired to seek further training to specialize in orthodontics. “I love seeing the transformation in each patient as they finish treatment,” he says. “It’s a very rewarding aspect of work!”

M EET THE DOCTORS

NORTH CAROLINA ORAL SURGERY + ORTHODONTICS

PARKWAY SL EEPHEALT H C ENT ER ⅼ MEET THE DOCTORS

PARKWAY SLEEPHEALTH CENTER Dr. Singar Jagadeesan, ABPN, ABSM and ABIM Dr. Singar Jagadeesan and the team at Parkway SleepHealth Center are committed to providing high-quality diagnosis, management and treatment of sleep disorders. Parkway SleepHealth Center takes pride in offering a comprehensive approach—sleep studies, consultations, and CPAP machines and supplies all in one convenient location in Cary.

“Dr. Jag” is board-certified in neurology and sleep medicine. He has been actively diagnosing and treating sleep disorders for over 15 years. Dr. Jag practices conventional medicine but also understands the importance of lifestyle modification with proper diet, exercise, and

how carefully selected natural therapies can enhance the efficacy of pharmaceuticals and conventional care. He is passionate about bridging the gap between natural and conventional medicine.

Parkway SleepHealth Center has been locally owned and operated since 2005.

Our sleep center is designed to make you feel at home during your sleep study.

We want you to feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way.

If you are suffering from snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs or another sleep issue, Parkway SleepHealth Center can help. We are accepting new patients and invite you to schedule an appointment with us.

130 Preston Executive Drive, Cary 919.462.8081 parkwaysleep.com

52 | caryliving.com

M EET THE DOCTORS

PRESTON DENTAL LOFT Dr. Meenal Patel

ⅼ

Preston Dental Loft provides a luxurious, relaxing and tech-savvy approach to dentistry. Since opening in June 2016, Dr. Meenal Patel and her dental team have provided clients with a relaxing dental experience surrounded by friendly faces in an environment where clients receive top-notch, technologically advanced care.

PRESTON D ENTAL LOFT

Dr. Patel and her team have created a highly personalized, relaxing and extraordinary dental

experience designed to leave you rejuvenated and looking forward to seeing them again.

The Preston Dental Loft team stays up-to-date on modern smile technology and transformational techniques to provide the best and latest options available to their clients.

140 Preston Executive Drive, Suite 200, Cary 919.467.6111 prestondentalloft.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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T RI ANGL E PHYSI C I ANS FOR WOM EN ⅼ MEET THE DOCTORS

TRIANGLE PHYSICIANS FOR WOMEN Dr. Casey Cooper, DO Dr. Casey Cooper is the newest physician to join Triangle Physicians for Women.

Dr. Cooper grew up in southwestern Virginia, attended medical school at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Virginia campus) and completed her OB-GYN residency training at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga. She enjoys the variety that working as an OB-GYN provides, including seeing a wide age range of patients, performing surgery and being a part of deliveries. Outside of taking care of her patients, Dr. Cooper loves trying new restaurants, exploring the outdoors and cooking. She is excited to settle into the Cary community with her husband (a Raleigh native and North Carolina State University graduate), daughter and two golden retrievers.

600 New Waverly Place, Suite 310, Cary 919.678.6900 tp4w.com

midtownmag.com 54 54 || caryliving.com

2023

DIAMOND AWARDS Coming in our January/February 2023 issues

WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE BEST OF

RALEIGH and WESTERN WAKE

Stay tuned for details about this year’s prize packages! We will host drawings for each magazine for all eligible voters who fill out our voting forms. Those who vote in at least 15 categories will be eligible for the prize drawings, which will take place after publication of the January/February 2023 issues.

VOTE SEPTEMBER 1–30

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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D E PA R T M E N T S M U S I C

New to the Triangle, Sal Canzonieri and Electric Frankenstein look to reanimate their raucous rock ‘n’ roll

BY BRYAN C. REED

S

“It’s refreshing to basically build it up

al Canzonieri can thank a bone tumor

to kung fu and the more internally focused

for setting the course of his life. Back

qigong, which he now teaches to others

again from the ground up,” Canzonieri says.

in 1975, at 15 years old, Canzonieri

interested in Chinese traditional martial arts.

“We went back to the original albums and

underwent surgery to remove the growth,

Recently settled in Cary, Canzonieri is

we re-learned the songs the way the

and his mother, looking to comfort her

ready to start yet another chapter in his life

albums are. The speed of the records,

son, offered to support him in any activity

of rock ‘n’ roll zen. His brother Dan, who

and the intensity.”

he chose. “I was like, I want a guitar, and I

plays bass, lives in Apex; and drummer

want to learn kung fu,” Canzonieri recalls.

Wheez Von Klaw lives in Carrboro,

founded Electric Frankenstein in 1989,

Soon he was practicing Shaolin kung fu and

officially making Electric Frankenstein a

it was an outgrowth of the same

learning power chords.

Triangle band. Lead guitarist Ed Warner,

childhood obsessions that turned

Later, Canzonieri would go on to tour the

of longtime Raleigh rock ‘n’ rollers KIFF,

Canonieri onto rock ‘n’ roll and martial

world as the founding member of cult punk-

stepped in to play lead guitar, helping the

arts in the first place. “We all grew up

rockers Electric Frankenstein, and turn his

band re-energize its old material—and start

on Famous Monsters magazine, Rat Fink

martial arts practice into a holistic approach

work on new songs, as well.

[comic books], hot rods, ‘The Munsters,’

56 | caryliving.com

When the Canzonieri brothers

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTI RHODES

FAMOUS MONSTERS

IMAGE COURTESY OF DIRTY DONNY

principles of his martial arts practice, learning “how to be happy in the world without being a part of the world,” he says.

“You’re enlightened, you’re awake. Your brain is seeing insights. That further augments the fact that you like cool PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK HOUDEK

movies, foreign films, indie films, cool art— everything that’s really interesting.”

For more than 30 years, Electric Frankenstein has provided a platform for visual artists like Basil Gogos, Mad Marc Rude, Dave Burke, Coop, Emek, Ron English, Dirty Donny and Frank Kozik, among many ‘The Addams Family,’” he remembers.

But the early years found the band

As far as kung fu was concerned, he says,

looking to reanimate a scene that had gone

“1973 was ‘Enter The Dragon,’ so that was

stale. “New York was real sleepy when we

the original inspiration.”

started,” Canzonieri says. “We were like, oh,

But while the early 1990s saw the explosion of “alternative” rock, tastes for old-school punk rock had receded from

we gotta wake everybody up and jump-start things. So we did.”

A blend of influences on Electric

others. Two collections of the band’s album and poster art have been compiled and published; a third book offers illustrations accompanying the lyrics to 125 Electric Frankenstein songs.

Musically, the band has proven influential not only in their performances and prolific recorded output, but in the platform

the public view. Often described as a

Frankenstein provided the foundation

“punk revival” act, Electric Frankenstein

for this wake-up call. “We said, ‘Let’s put

embraced the aesthetics of lowbrow art

together a band that could inspire people the

and pop culture, and took inspiration

“Life can be really fun and great and

way we got inspired by other bands.’

from high-octane rock bands like

inspiring,” Canzonieri says. “And punk does

We were looking at The Damned, and so

The Stooges, the Ramones, AC/DC

that. It lets you wake up to an inspiring life.

many bands, he says. “We were influenced

and the New York Dolls.

You want to be inspired and you want to be

by so much stuff: ’50s stuff, ’60s stuff,

inspiring to other people.”

For more than 30 years, with scores of singles, compilation appearances and studio albums to the band’s name, Electric Frankenstein has honed its dynamic fusion of old-school punk and

’70s stuff. It’s a lot of influences, and

Canzonieri has provided for other bands with his “A Fistful of Rock & Roll” compilations.

Whether that inspiration comes from

that’s the reason we’re called Electric

music or meditation, movies or monster

Frankenstein. All the body parts are all

magazines—or martial arts—Canzonieri

the kinds of rock, and when you put them

makes a clear connection: “It all narrows

together, it’s something bigger.”

down to making life worthwhile.”

with loyal fans across the U.S., Europe and

INSPIRED AND INSPIRING

sources, Sal Canzonieri has constructed a life

Japan. Even now, Canzonieri says, “We’re as

For Canzonieri, that merger of disparate

that, like the avatar of his band, often seems

intense as we always were because we never

elements is, ultimately, the point. It’s an

larger than life. Fitting, then, that it all started

stopped playing.”

extension of the Daoist and Buddhist

with a bit of surgery.

garage rock, building a global audience

By pulling elements from disparate

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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D E PA R T M E N T S C A N D I D C O N V E R S AT I O N

THE PEAK OF PUBLIC SERVICE Jacques Gilbert never imagined himself as mayor, but it wasn’t his first surprising role in the town of Apex

BY KURT DUSTERBERG | PHOTO BY NEW DEPTH CREATIONS

J

acques Gilbert is sipping on an acai smoothie at the counter of Mission Market in downtown Apex when a group approaches. A mom says hello, then turns to the three teenage girls she is with and asks, “Do you know who this is?”

The girls offer sheepish smiles before the woman says, “This is the mayor of Apex!”

She suggests the girls take a photo. Gilbert laughs and shoots back, “They’re like, who are you trying to make me take a picture with?”

He asks the girls where they go to school before obliging the photo-op. “Enjoy your summer!” he says as they leave. It is a very mayoral moment for the town’s most visible citizen, particularly one who knows so many of his fellow residents. “It’s very cool,” Gilbert says with a smile.

The role is not one he could have imagined while growing up in his quiet town, but neither was his first act in public life.

58 | caryliving.com

After graduating from Apex High School, Gilbert decided to become a police officer. As an African American man, he faced resistance in his neighborhood. “It was a challenge for the first 5–10 years because people were like, I can’t believe you betrayed us.”

Gilbert never saw betrayal in his life’s work. Instead, he spent 29 years in the Apex Police Department learning the importance of communicating well, building relationships and solving problems. Most notably, he was the driving force behind Rodgers Family Skate Plaza. After years of chasing skateboarders away from public sidewalks and parking lots, the police captain sat down with Apex teen Tracy Stallworth, determined to help both parties find an answer. In the two years it took to complete the park, he earned more street cred with the skaters, hosting skateboard events in the Compare Foods parking lot.

In 2017, Gilbert launched Blue Lights College, a first-of-its-kind academy for prospective law enforcement officers that offers a two-year program for young adults and a seven-week police-prep program for adults who want to change careers. Nearly 140 students have come through the two-year program, with many now serving in law enforcement or security. The seven-week program has a 95% success rate helping students become police officers.

Gilbert is the ceremonial head of the municipality in Apex’s council/manager government with no vote on the council unless there’s a tie. But the mayoral duties are what interested him in the job. He brings together the ideas of the citizenry, advocates for policy development and facilitates communication among those interested in the town’s future.

“You have a tremendous opportunity to influence decisions with the council and the

manager but also with community members, getting them to trust and understand the process,” Gilbert says. “I have the trust of a lot of individuals in town that they may not have.”

Gilbert and his wife of 26 years, Meshara, have two children. Kalabria, who serves as his director of communication, married her husband Josh in 2020. Logan, 20, is a student at Wake Technical Community College.

You grew up in Apex. What stands out about your childhood?

It was a really slow and boring time because there wasn’t much to do here, although it was a really tightknit community. Everybody knew each other. You would literally see the same people and you could predict where they were going to be on a certain day of the week and time of the day. I grew up in the Justice Heights area, which was a predominantly black part of town. I didn’t really leave there a lot. It wasn’t that I was prevented from leaving there, we just had a really tight bond in that community. I spent a lot of time at West Street Park, which is still there, playing basketball. It kind of kept us focused on something positive.

Were you an athlete growing up?

When I graduated from Apex High School, believe it or not, I was 5-foot-6 and I weighed 95 pounds. I loved basketball, but I never made the team. I got cut my final year. That really devastated me because my dream was to become an NBA basketball player. But that wasn’t my destiny. I had a young man who shared with me, why don’t you become a police officer? I was like, “I can’t do that.

Our community members, we don’t do that.

We don’t become police.”

Was that difficult to overcome with your family and friends?

Some people just know what they know, and they don’t know anything outside of that. It’s just the way, generation to generation, things are passed on. I wanted to see something different for my life. I understood there would be resistance from my community. Historically, there was always a disconnect between the black community and police. I knew it wasn’t personal.

It was just not what people were used to.

Your legacy will always be tied to the skateboarders in Apex and Rodgers Family Skate Plaza. What did you learn from trying to solve that problem?

It may not be important to you, but it’s important to that individual. I think there are a lot of people with ideas and they have the

solution to problems, but they don’t believe anyone is willing to listen, or they think their voice doesn’t matter. It was a matter of myself and the skateboarders sitting down and having a one-on-one conversation. I heard his pain, and he heard my frustration. That’s when we learned that we’ve got to work together.

How did your police work shape your adult life?

It showed me consistency. If you have your eyes locked into something and you know what you want, you stick it out, day by day. That allowed me to get to where I’m at today ... to interact with so many different people and form relationships, which are really a critical component of success. It helped me understand how to look at challenges and find a solution.

But I looked at every call as, I’m going to rescue someone and help them solve a problem.

How did you make the decision to run for mayor?

At the time, I knew my time at Apex Police was at an end—my 29th year. I was looking for my next thing. I knew I wasn’t ready to just sit down at 48. My daughter, Kalabria—it was her really encouraging me. I had to get over my own thought process of limitations: I have no political background. I’d never been on a planning board or anything like that. I would say it was a spiritual connection. Loving this town and having my roots here and being a town staff member for that long, I felt I had a pretty good understanding of what direction we wanted to go in, both from the staff side and the community.

Tell me how Blue Lights College came about.

I was trying to join a community that historically had not had a good relationship with the police. If you want to change something, you have to be at the table. You have to be on the inside. We wanted this school to prepare young men and women for the police academy. It gives them a pretty strong career. We have a lot of life skills in our curriculum, and they have come back and said, “You have really helped shape me in becoming an individual who is really giving to society,” which is really what we’re excited about.

Some of the Blue Lights College curriculum is faith-based. Why is that important to your mission?

I confidently say—and I know it can offend some people—that I’m a man of faith. My parents raised me that way. Without God, I wouldn’t be here. When I go to a call, what I want them to see is this: I’m a person that’s giving hope. That’s what they’re looking for.

The way I present hope is, I’m being guided by values and the principles of my faith, even when we have to arrest them. It’s my opportunity to share with them that they’re loved. So our curriculum has a faith foundation.

Seeing that transformation is incredible.

You’ve said the Apex of tomorrow must be even better than the Apex of today. What needs to happen in order to make that come true?

In 2015, Apex was ranked the best place to live in America (ranked No. 1 in Money magazine’s Best Places to Live list). We can’t go back. That opened the doors, and people are still trying to get here. We can look at best practices, but it has to be what’s important for our residents and what they think is right for the future. Also, working from a regional standpoint; Apex can’t figure this out alone. We have to speak with Cary, Holly Springs, and those communities around us. It’s a regional concern that people have about affordability and transportation. If we can all operate off the same plan, we will be in better shape.

There is a lot of messaging out there that suggests the country faces division along racial lines. What does your experience tell you about the way people get along?

I always say, “love your neighbor.” If you do that, you will clearly see that we get along more than what people believe. What we get so hung up on is an opinion on social media, and we get locked in. And it appears that this is what the majority believes in, but it’s not the case. Our communities have been polarized for the past three years. We all want the same thing. We want what’s best for our community. It’s when we move toward agendas and taking care of groups of people—that’s when we get lost.

This is the fight for any mayor. Groups want you to be their mayor, and I’m like, no, I’m everybody’s mayor. We talk about inclusion all the time, but inclusion can’t be contingent upon what I’m comfortable with.

I’m willing to understand you, but at the same time, I want you to understand me as well.

Would you consider running for higher office someday?

There’s something special about being the mayor of your hometown and really seeing the transformation. This is my 32nd year serving the town. I would never rule out a calling, and I’m just not sure what that next one is. I would say my calling is from God and what he wants me to do. If that calling comes, it’s going to be something I never thought I could do.

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D E PA R T M E N T S S P O R T S

60 | caryliving.com

SOUND AND SOCCER

Cary athlete Ani Khachadourian overcomes hearing loss in a gold-medal performance

BY KURT DUSTERBERG | PHOTO BY NEW DEPTH CREATIONS

A

ni Khachadourian has loved soccer for as long as she can remember.

Her parents signed her up at Lil’ Kickers in Morrisville at age 3, and the game has been her constant companion through the years.

But even before she found the game, Khachadourian lived with a difficult everyday reality. From birth, she has been hearing impaired. “I’ve never known anything different,” she says. “There are certain sounds I can’t hear. Lower pitches I can hear pretty well, but higher pitches are harder for me to hear. When there’s a lot of sound, it’s hard for me to differentiate different sounds, so it’s just a lot of noise.”

Her parents sought early intervention in the UNC Hospitals system, helping her adapt with speech therapy and hearing aids.

At the same time, she grew her game, starting competitive soccer at age 9, before joining travel and club teams. Today, the Cary resident is a sophomore midfielder at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. While she missed out on her freshman soccer season due to a broken toe, she recovered in time to add an unexpected highlight to her athletic career. This past May, Khachadourian won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team at the Deaflympics in Brazil. The U.S. defeated Poland 4–2 in a penalty shootout following a 2–2 draw in regulation to win the championship. “That was definitely at the top in terms of my soccer experiences,” Khachadourian says.

“It went all the way to [penalty kicks]. It was the most intense game you could have for a finals. It was so memorable.”

She had six goals in the four tournament wins, including two against Kenya, drawing rave reviews from U.S. coach Amy Griffin.

“Who she is as a player is phenomenal, but it’s more what she brings as a person,” says Griffin, a goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s World Cup team in 1991. “You can tell the players who think, ‘Whatever it takes to come

together as a team, I’m willing to do.’ She was that person. She’s super fun to coach, a really respectful kid. She respects the people who have come before her and she’s willing to add to the program.”

Khachadourian’s association with the team happened by accident. She was taking part in a local practice in 2016 when a coach noticed her hearing aids and put her in touch with the deaf national team. “I didn’t even know that was a thing,” she says. “I was never part of the true deaf community.

There’s really no one here I know that’s hard of hearing or deaf.”

While hearing ability differs among the national team players, no one can wear hearing aids during international competition.

“I can hear certain sounds, but I can’t really distinguish speech,” she says. “A lot of people are completely deaf and they can’t hear anything without their aids. You have to use a lot of sign language and body language, physical and facial expressions. We’re all very close, so that helped a lot in terms of us playing better together. But the person who has the ball has to be checking their shoulder all the time, and when you want to get the ball, you have to make a lot of motion and get their attention on you. It’s very hard, though.”

THE NEXT LEVEL

Now the former Panther Creek High School player will focus on making her college debut.

“The level of the deaf soccer compared to college is actually a little less because it’s a niche population,” Khachadourian says.

“We meet maybe two times a year, so it’s not the highest level. But in terms of confidence and going into my first college season with a little success behind me, it is going to help me. That was a very hard part for me, coming into college as a freshman wanting to play soccer and not being able to,” she says. “That was definitely a very low [point], at least to start. But the team is amazing. The girls are very supportive, the coach is awesome. It’s a

very welcoming environment, and I guess that ties into the hearing part.”

Lafayette College coach Mick Statham admires Khachadourian for overcoming her challenges, but he also believes she can play a key role in helping the Leopards improve on a 5–10 record in 2021. “All these great qualities she has as a human being are critical, but when you go out there and play, it’s still about your ability and competing athletically against Division I players,” Statham says. “She’s a very capable soccer player. She is highly technical. She’s also a very good shooter of the ball. We’re hoping she develops into somewhat of a regular goal scorer for the team. She’s also pretty competitive. I think she takes herself seriously. It’s critical for any player to take themselves seriously before they ask anyone else to take them seriously. She does that.”

EQUAL ROLES

Khachadourian feels ready for what comes next. She is studying engineering, making for a busy college career. “I like having that structure,” she says. “It gives me more motivation to finish my work on time and get it all done. I like being able to play soccer and have that regimen.”

But when there is down time with friends and teammates, she plays to her strengths.

She knows what it’s like to sit through a team dinner and not keep up with the laughter and the back-and-forth. “I think trying to include people is huge for me,” she says. “I know what it’s like not to feel included because I might not hear everything.”

Khachadourian agrees, soccer and hearing loss have defined her life. And she is just fine with that. “I think both have played an equal role,” she says. “I think soccer has helped me become a more confident person because of my hearing, and my hearing has helped me succeed in soccer. I think they both blend in helping me become who I am today.”

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D E PA R T M E N T S C H E F ’ S TA B L E

URBAN ANGEETHI

MODERN INDIAN CUISINE

BY ELLIOT ACOSTA

T

PHOTOS BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

he Agrawal and Mummidi families arrived in the Triangle eight years ago, attracted by the region’s booming information technology sector.

It was then that these neighbors formed a connection over their love of cooking Indian cuisine. As they surveyed the Triangle’s Indian restaurant scene, they surmised a need for a restaurant that focused on the genuine flavors and spices of India. Although the families had no previous experience running a restaurant, their bond over creating dishes with exotic and authentic Indian flavors spurred them to open Urban Angeethi in Morrisville.

“Urban Angeethi is a culinary experience of comfortable elegance named after the traditional brazier that is used for cooking in India,” says co-owner Chakshu Singh Agrawal.

“It is a name that takes us back to our roots and reflects the beauty in traditions that we hold so dear.”

CONTEMPORARY CHARM

The Urban Angeethi team envisioned a menu of traditional Indian dishes that were touched by, as Agrawal describes, “a dash of contemporary charm.” To bring the vision of a marquee Indian restaurant to life, the team turned to Paras Singh, who took the reins as co-owner and head chef. Singh’s journey to becoming a head chef started during his teen years, when he learned how to cook regional dishes at home alongside his mother in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. These lessons ignited his passion and pursuit of cooking. Singh spent over a decade cooking at various restaurants throughout India and the U.S. His pursuit of culinary knowledge even led him to a stint at Cracker Barrel so he could learn about American cooking.

A TWIST ON TRADITION

URBAN ANGEETHI’S HEAD CHEF PARAS SINGH

62 | caryliving.com

Singh has leveraged his extensive experience to “add some unique dishes that were missing on the menu of other Indian restaurants,” he says. The avocado samosa, for example, reveals a different side to the popular appetizer, and the lobster shrimp masala showcases Singh’s skillful touch with seafood. A house specialty is the karara palak chaat, a native dish from Singh’s home that highlights texture contrasts of fried battered spinach with yogurt, balanced by layers of sweetness and spice from the green and sweet chutneys.

Pomegranate arils offer bits of brightness and freshness.

Urban Angeethi’s drink program pairs nicely with the authentic Indian dishes. The owners and chef put as much care into their cocktails as they put into their entrees, blending together bar classics with Indian flair. “Our cocktail program was developed keeping in mind the Indian taste and tweaking the standard cocktail recipes into our own with a twist of Indian flavor and spices,” Agrawal says. The fusion of this mixology results in cocktails such as a tamarind whiskey sour and a masala margarita, which blends Thai spices and chat marsala into the classic margarita.

Urban Angeethi’s crafted mocktails provide patrons with an alternative to alcoholic beverages. The jamun shot—an Indian blackberry drink—has become a favorite among restaurant regulars.

“There is a saying that if you go to Urban Angeethi, then you must have jamun shots. Otherwise, your visit is incomplete,” Agrawal says.

MAINTAINING MOMENTUM

The backdrop to Urban Angeethi’s cuisine is a sleek dining room adorned with modern touches. A living accent wall and indoor dining huts elevate the ambiance to fine dining luxury. But opening its doors during a global pandemic meant Urban Angeethi had to endure unprecedented challenges in order to reach this level of elegance, such as navigating supply chain challenges and labor shortages.

But, Agrawal says, the “pandemic was unable to stop Urban Angeethi in meeting its dream of becoming the best Indian restaurant in the Triangle area.”

Agrawal’s confidence in Urban Angeethi’s status as a standout among the Triangle’s Indian restaurants comes from her interactions with customers. “We have many happy, satisfied and repeat customers who bring their extended family members to our restaurant to have the best experience of Indian food,” she says. “Those customers, visiting us from all over the U.S., and their parents, visiting from India, say that this is the best authentic Indian food they ever had in the U.S., and they can’t find this taste and flavor in any other Indian restaurants in the U.S.” Urban Angeethi serves lunch and dinner, and is open seven days a week. Explore the menu at urbanangeethi.com.

KARARA PALAK CHAAT

INGREDIENTS* Spinach leaves (palak) Gram flour 1 onion, finely chopped 1 bowl of yogurt 1 bowl of green chutney 1 bowl of sweet chutney Vermicelli, fried in gram flour ¼ cup of pomegranate arils (optional) Chaat masala, as desired ½ teaspoon of red chili powder

½ teaspoon of roasted cumin powder, or more as desired ½ teaspoon of coriander powder, or more as desired Coriander leaves, chopped Red chili powder, as desired Salt, as desired 1 or 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional) Sev noodles Cooking oil

* Urban Angeethi did not provide exact amounts of certain ingredients since the amounts can vary based on how much spice or flavor the person making it desires.

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING PALOK PAKODA Wash the spinach leaves (palak) under running water to remove any dirt, then transfer them to a colander to drain the excess water. Finely chop the spinach leaves and transfer them to a large bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, red chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt and gram flower. Mix all ingredients well with a spoon. The mixture, which creates the crispy pakodas when fried is moistened by the spinach leaves, but add 2–3 tablespoons of water as needed, a little at a time, and continue mixing.

Heat the cooking oil in a deep frying pan over a medium flame for deep-frying the pakodas. When the oil is medium-hot, use a spoon to drop a small portion of the batter into the hot oil to make each pakoda. You can drop 5–7 portions of the batter in a single batch, depending on the size of the pan. Deep fry them until they turn a light golden color and become crispy.

Remove the pakodas with a slotted spoon and drain the excess oil. Transfer them to a plate lined with a paper napkin.

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING PALAK CHAAT Place the fried palak pakodas on a serving plate. Top each one with the green and sweet chutney as desired. Sprinkle on some chopped onions. Add dollops of yogurt (a total of 2–3 tablespoons).

Sprinkle on additional chaat masala, cumin, red chili powder and salt as desired.

Top the palak chaat with sev noodles. Lastly, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and pomegranate.

Serve the palak chaat immediately.

KARARA PALAK CHAAT

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OUT & ABOUT DINE & DRAFT

This list represents the restaurants that have advertised with us since the start of 2022.

Looking for our comprehensive Dine & Draft directory? Check out caryliving.com/dine-draft for a detailed foodie guide to Western Wake.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find.

THE AGENCY BAR & SOCIAL Inside Paragon Theaters at Fenton 21 Fenton Main Street, Suite 110, Cary 919.473.9676 paragontheaters.com/agency-bar-and-social BAD DADDY’S BURGER BAR 3300 Village Market Place, Morrisville 919.297.0953 baddaddysburgerbar.com BUOY BOWLS Food truck serving Western Wake County 919.520.7748 buoybowls.com CHOCOLATE SMILES 312 W. Chatham Street, Suite 101, Cary 919.469.5282 chocolatesmiles.com

CILANTRO INDIAN CAFE 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Cary 919.234.1264 cilantroindia.com DI FARA PIZZA TAVERN 111 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.678.5300 difarapizzatavern.com FLUENT N’ FOOD CATERING Serving Wake County 919.533.8398 fluentnfood.com KWENCH JUICE CAFE 772 West Williams Street, Apex 984.214.1763 kwenchapex.com

S MO OT HI E S JUI CES ACAI BOWL S CLEANS ES & MO RE!

772 WEST WILLIAMS STREET, APEX 919.267.6337

kwe n c h j u i ce a p ex .co m

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY 302 Colonades Way #204, Cary 984.232.8325 rmcf.com TASTEFULLY SERVED Serves Raleigh, Cary, Apex and RTP 919.760.5134 tastefully-served.com URBAN ANGEETHI 5033 Arco Street, Cary 919.234.5555 urbanangeethi.com WASABI SUSHI & THAI RESTAURANT 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Cary 919.460.7980 wasabicarync.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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OUT & ABOUT FOODIE FOCUS

COME HUNGRY

Compiled by the Cary Living staff with contributions from Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard, who blogs at trianglefoodblog.com

NOW OPEN

Red Hot & Blue held its grand opening July 16 at 1000 Market Center Drive in Morrisville’s Park West Village. The menu features Southern-style barbecue and sides.

Honeysuckle Gelato has opened in Cary’s Fenton development at 7 Fenton Main Street. It began as a food truck and serves up scoops, pints, gelato sandwiches and milkshakes in Southern-inspired flavors like Brown Butter Pecan, Lemon Raspberry Crumble and Watermelon Sorbet. Also at Fenton, The Agency Bar & Social has opened at Paragon Theaters. This craft cocktail bar and restaurant offers a 100-foot-long bar with certified mixologists, handheld bites, appetizers and more, and is open to theater guests and any other patrons who want to pull up a stool.

PHOTO BY STEFANIE McCLARY

Whether you’ve moved across the country, across the state, or across town, we want to meet you to say hello and to help you with tips as you get settled. Our basket is loaded with useful gifts, information, and cards you can redeem for more gifts at local businesses.

919-302-6111 919-414-8820

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Kilwins, which offers ice cream and freshly-made confections like Mackinac Island-style fudge, “The Perfect” caramel apple, handcrafted caramel corn and brittle, homemade waffle cones, chocolate-dipped treats and more, has opened in downtown Apex at 108-A N. Salem Street.

Kilwin’s confections are hand-crafted in traditional copper kettles in the in-store kitchen.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is now open at 115 Parkside Valley Drive in Morrisville. Order a variety of homemade flavors in cups or cones, or try a Handel Pop for the wooden stick variety. Hurricanes, shakes and sundaes are also on the menu.

The getREEF Virtual Food Hall is now open at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in Terminal 2 near Gate C9. Travelers are able to order meals via their smartphones then pick up their food from a cubby after passing through security. The menu features burgers, pizzas, wings with a variety of sauces, Asian cuisine, coffee, tea and quick snacks.

Oaklyn Springs Brewer y opened its taproom July 18 at 505 Broad Street in Fuquay-Varina. And just down the street, BOLT Drinks and Coffee hosted a ribbon-cutting and grand opening at 400 Broad Street on June 16. The new coffee shop specializes in signature energy drinks as well as coffee, thanks to a partnership with Raleigh’s 321 Coffee. The store also offers bagels and muffins.

Glasshouse Kitchen, an upscale American eatery with global flare, opened at 5 Laborator y Drive in Research Triangle in August. The latest project by Raleigh restaurateurs Chris Borreson and Sara Abernethy will feature Executive Chef Savannah Miller and Pastry Chef Ava Broadwell.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HONEYSUCKLE GELATO AND GLASSHOUSE KITCHEN

COMING SOON

Six restaurants, a food and wine bar, and a cocktail bar are in the works at Fenton, although opening dates had not been announced as of press time. Colleta, Crawford Brothers Steakhouse, Doc B’s Restaurant, M Sushi, Sports & Social, Superica, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, and Dram & Draught will round out the dining scene at this popular new mixed-use development in Cary. Cary will also welcome RBF Champagne Bar at 210 E. Chatham Street this fall, according to the Triangle Business Journal. The bar will be located on the bottom floor of the restored Williams House, and offer indoor and outdoor seating options.

The Arboretum at Weston off North Harrison Avenue will soon welcome a First Watch and La Victoria Cocina Mexicana.

No opening dates have been announced.

The Perfect Piece Your Home Decor and Gift Store!

/ ThePerfectPieceCary

DIAMOND

AWARD

BEST FURNITURE AND HOME DÉCOR STORE/FIRM

2022

200 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.460.9841 Mon—Sat 9am—6pm

2022

GIFTS JEWELRY FURNITURE HOME DECOR VENDOR BOUTIQUES GARDEN DECOR CONSIGNMENT

DIAMOND

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BEST RESALE AND CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING STORE

OUT & ABOUT EVENTS

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER BANDS, BITES AND BOATS

CELEBRATE FUQUAY-VARINA

September 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; October 7, 5–7 p.m.

801 High House Road, Cary Spend a Friday evening floating on Bond Lake while listening to live music from Paige King Johnson on September 2 and Jake Potter on October 7. Food trucks, cold brews and afterhours boat rentals round out the event. Take a blanket or chair if you prefer to stay on land.

October 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Downtown Fuquay-Varina Fuquay-Varina celebrates its rich heritage, strong business atmosphere and growing social scene with live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, museum tours, a kids zone, local craft beer and the always-popular Downtown Chili Cook-off.

celebratefv.com

townofcary.org

HUM SUB DIWALI

“ROCK-N-ROMANCE”

September 9, 7:30 p.m.

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Travel back to the ’70s as Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett perform soft rock hits like “How Much I Feel,” “Biggest Part of Me,” “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Nights are Forever Without You,” “Baby Come Back” and more at Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE

boothamphitheatre.com

boothamphitheatre.com

CANINE CON 2022: HARRY PAWTER

September 17, 8 a.m.–noon 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs Dress yourself and your fur baby in Harry Potter finery to enjoy dog-themed professional demonstrations, agility course demos, local rescues, pet-friendly businesses, food trucks and microchipping opportunities at Sugg Farm Park.

“JAMES CAMERON: CHALLENGING THE DEEP” PHOTO BY JUSTIN BURCHAM

hollyspringsnc.us CENTERFEST

September 17, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; September 18, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Downtown Durham Durham Arts Council’s signature arts festival showcases the creations of juried artists in a variety of mediums, including jewelry, fiber art, glass, woodwork and photography. CenterFest features live music, street performers, food vendors and an area for kids to explore their creativity.

DARE TO SCARE 5K RUN, WALK AND RUCK

FARMERS FALL FESTIVAL

caryfarmersmarket.com/fff-2022

October 15–May 7 11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh Trace explorer and filmmaker James Cameron’s deep-sea voyages, including his record-breaking dive to the Mariana Trench, in an exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences that displays cinema-scale projections, artifacts and specimens from his expeditions. Discover the shipwrecks of the Titanic and German battleship Bismarck. See original film props and costumes from “The Abyss” and “Titanic,” including the iconic Heart of the Ocean diamond. Tickets are $12–$16 online and free for museum members.

naturalsciences.org/thedeep

durhamarts.org/centerfest

September 24, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Downtown Cary Celebrate the harvest season as local farmers offer fresh produce, meats and dairy products.

Live music on the main stage, interactive exhibits, local food, craft beer, kids activities and a pie-eating contest cap off the event.

October 8, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Diwali is the most widely celebrated religious and cultural event in India that marks the victory of good over evil and the beginning of the new year.

Enjoy dance, music and theater performances, authentic cuisine, a handicraft bazaar, and an exhibition of Indian art and culture at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Parking is $5.

PHOTO BY GEORGE RANDY BASS

October 29, 6–7:30 p.m.

The race begins at 750 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs Don a Halloween costume and be cheered on by law enforcement officers and fire department personnel while running, walking or “rucking” through downtown Holly Springs. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics athletes and coaches in North Carolina.

runsignup.com

BY JA N IC E LE WIN E

Be sure to check the websites for the events listed here before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.

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Fall is a great season to find a new home!

Mary can help.

Dependable, trustworthy and kind with deep ties to the Cary community—give her a call today.

MARY CARRENO REALTOR® 919.244.9473 carrenom@hpw.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

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OUT & ABOUT SIGHTINGS TRIANGLE AQUATIC CENTER EXPANDS WITH OLYMPIC-SIZED POOL

Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary held a grand opening celebration July 11 for its outdoor, Olympic-sized 50-meter pool. The amenity enables the Titans, the center’s top-ranked year-round swim team in the country, to increase their capacity by twenty 25-yard lanes and nine 50-meter lanes. The new pool also includes heating and chilling technology to allow swimmers to train year-round and is complemented by a 2,800-square-foot pool building, pool deck, and canopy for coaches and swimmers. Triangle Aquatic Center now offers four pools for the community’s enjoyment.

Photo courtesy of Triangle Aquatic Center

BEBE ELLIS SALON CELEBRATES ITS CARY LIVING DIAMOND AWARD

Pink champagne flowed July 23 at Bebe Ellis Salon’s celebration for having been named a 2022 Cary Living Diamond Award winner in the Best Hair Salon category. The event also featured hors d’oeuvres, cake and Aveda product giveaways. Bebe Ellis Salon serves more than 3,300 clients and is located at 7750 McCrimmon Parkway in Cary. In the annual Diamond Awards, readers throughout the community vote for their favorite businesses, services and venues, showcasing the best of Western Wake.

Photo courtesy of Bebe Ellis Salon

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D E PA R T M E N T S K A L E I D O S C O P E

“I have worked with natural stone from a very young age, exploring North Carolina and its beautiful natural stone resources.”

— Phil Hathcock

P R E S E R V I N G N AT U R A L B E A U T Y

PHIL HATHCOCK

CORE, 2020 NATURAL STONE SCULPTURE 48 X 48 X 72 INCHES

BY CHARLOTTE RUSSELL

Nestled in the landscape of North Carolina State University’s JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh is “Core,” a natural stone sculpture by Cary-based artist and landscape designer Phil Hathcock. Constructed with the help of Omar Llanos, Hathcock uses the drilled-out part of stone known as the core. He uses stones sourced from the North Carolina mountains, balancing cores of varying sizes and colors within black Mexican stone pebbles to highlight the stone’s natural beauty and color. A treated wood structure lifts this sculpture to eye level, enabling the viewer to fully appreciate the stone’s preserved natural beauty.

Hathcock is also the founder of a landscape design company, Natural Stone Sculptures in Cary. His work has been exhibited widely in universities, galleries, and numerous public and private arenas, and is on permanent display at Duke University; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; WakeMed Cary; and the cities of Cary; Pinehurst; Wilmington; Charlottesville, Virginia; and North Charleston, South Carolina. Visit philhathcock.com to view his work.

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