5 West magazine – September/October 2023

EDITOR’S LETTER

Since the dawn of the 21st century, the Triangle’s growing population has attracted ethnic eateries, craft breweries, small-batch distilleries, eclectic boutiques, successful corporations and international festivals. Modern neighborhoods coexist alongside resilient historic districts, and native North Carolinians welcome newcomers with friendly smiles and homemade treats.

As such, we have baked up a recipe for the good life that is luring celebrity influencers. In “Triangle Trendsetters” on page 18, get to know foodie influencer Aarti Sequeira— the woman behind the Food Network’s “Aarti Party.” Sequeira dishes on why she, her husband and their two daughters decided to leave LA for Raleigh, and she shares some of their favorite spots here. You’ll also meet Durham’s Joy Caracciolo, creator of the “Joy Eats World” blog and social media accounts; self-described “OG Influencer” Jenna Cooper Hudson, who now lives in Raleigh after appearing on ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” in 2018; “Meals She Eats” authors Tom and Rachael Sullivan, who also live in Raleigh and have appeared on “Today” and the “Rachael Ray Show;” and Cheyenne Levinson, creator of the Triangle Families Explore social media accounts and Little Oak Collective, a children’s clothing consignment boutique in Raleigh’s Village District.

We also spotlight a local small-batch distillery that is gaining national acclaim. Several members of our staff visited Mystic Farm & Distillery in Durham to quench our thirst on a hot July day. We sampled a bourbon flight, toured the facility and learned about Mystic Galactic, the distillery’s newest brand, which will be packaged in 900-gram European glass bottles and launched into Earth’s orbit for a year. Turn to page 28 for the full story.

Wake County will soon welcome three new parks. Cary’s 1-acre crown jewel, Downtown Cary Park, has undergone a $68 million, 6-acre expansion expected to open by the end of 2023. Pleasant Park, a 92-acre complex in southwest Apex, will make its long-awaited debut this fall. North Carolina Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh honors the African American experience and struggle for equality. Learn more on page 32.

The arrival of fall also brings a variety of events and attractions to the area. From pumpkin patches to Halloween festivities, discover 48 ways to enjoy the season on page 36. And if your favorite couple becomes engaged during this beautiful time of year, familiarize yourself with the concept of microweddings on page 40 to find out why this format has become so popular with today’s brides and grooms.

If you’ve been to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, you’re already familiar with renowned international sculptor Patrick Dougherty, whose “Out of the Box” sculpture perfectly represents how he pieces tree saplings together to create whimsical works of art. Learn more about Dougherty in “Intertwining Instincts” on page 52. Also in this issue: fall in Boone (page 54), UNC Field Hockey Coach Erin Matson (page 56), Pittsboro’s famed Cackalacky sauce (page 62), a tiny-house village being constructed for veterans and people experiencing mental illness (page 64), and our Meet the Doctors special section (page 45).

In each issue of 5 West, we strive to introduce you to the people, places and events that make Western Wake and the Triangle one of the country’s most amazing places to live. If you have suggestions for future stories, please email them to me at beth@5westmag.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Beth Shugg, Editor

PHOTO OF MELISSA WISTEHUFF, AARTI SEQUEIRA AND BETH SHUGG AT PRIME BARBECUE BY BRUCE DeBOER

PUBLISHERS

Ronny Stephens

Kent Braswell

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Beth Shugg

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Janice Lewine

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Melissa Wistehuff

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Sherry Braswell

Paige Gunter

Stefanie McClary

DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lizana, Manager DistribuTech.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Frances Deese, Dave Droschak, Kurt Dusterberg, Janice Lewine, Charlotte Russell, Kristen Schrum, Anita Stone, Don Vaughan, Melissa Wistehuff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bruce DeBoer, MASH Photography, Josh Manning, Jenny Midgley, New Depth Creations

5 West 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 2023. All rights reserved.

5 West magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material becomes the property of the magazine and is subject to editing.

5 West 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 5westmag.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone: 919.782.4710

Fax: 919.782.4763

Aarti Sequeira of the Food

“Aarti Party” at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale.

Photo by Bruce DeBoer.

Come on Barbie, let’s go party! Paragon transformed Cary’s Fenton Square into Barbie’s Dream House to celebrate the premiere of “Barbie” in July. Two fans show off their best impersonations for the event’s fashion show.

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG Photographer Bruce DeBoer and the 5 West staff got an inside look at how bourbon is made at Mystic Farm & Distillery in Durham during a July photo shoot.

Michael Ashman of MASH Photography photographs Apex High School seniors Anamie and Analiza Whittlesey, both members of the school’s state championship softball team, as they show off the sign announcing the win.

The newly relocated Barnes & Noble bookstore has set up shop in the Shoppes of Kildaire at 1311 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop in Cary’s Waverly Place presents a smorgasbord of delicious menu options.

HEAD WEST

BY BETH SHUGG

Tried-and-true Western trends remain as hardy as a cowgirl’s favorite pair of jeans. The recent addition of Tecovas in North Hills and PBR Cowboy Bar in Cary’s Fenton development brings authentic Western experiences and gear to the Triangle.

H eading out for a night of line dancing? Make sure you look the part! Pair a fringe suede jacket with boots from Tecovas. Add vintage turquoise or diamond-studded jewels, then wrap it up with a Western belt buckle and you’ve got an ensemble ready for the rodeo.

Various Tecovas products | prices vary Tecovas boots | prices vary

C attleman Straw Cowboy Hat | $145

F ROM THE BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE COLLECTION

1 4-karat yellow gold turquoise bead necklace | $19,200

M id-century twirl rope horseshoe motif pearl-and-sapphire bracelet in 14-karat yellow gold | $7,490

V ictorian 18-karat yellow gold turquoise-and-pearl drop dangle earrings with tassels | $4,000

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BAILEY’S FINE JEWELERY

F ROM THE FINK’S JEWELERS SABLE COLLECTION

Yellow gold round diamond bangle stack | $1,495–$5,750

Yellow gold princess-cut diamond bracelet with baguette accent diamonds | $11,650

Ye llow gold diamond link necklace | $ 36,150

F ROM TECOVAS

PHOTOS BY JOSH MANNING

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FINK’S JEWELERS

GET COZY

Fall brings to mind soft accents and welcoming accessories. It’s a good time to swap out a summer plant with a fall arrangement, or warm up your living space with a soft blanket.

1. Simply Southern puff beanie, $16 | The Pink Magnolia

2. Custom arrangement with wispy impressions of fall, $198 | Inspirations

3. Simply Southern blanket tote, $39 | The Pink Magnolia

4. Motli light, $44.95 | NOFO @ the Pig

5. Moss art, $80 | City Garden Design

MEDIA TREATED TO PREVIEW OF DOWNTOWN CARY PARK

On July 13, the Town of Cary welcomed members of the media for a behind-the-scenes look at Downtown Cary Park, which is undergoing its last phase of construction and will span 7 acres in the heart of downtown Cary along S. Academy, E. Park and S. Walker streets. The park, which is scheduled to open before the end of the year, has been intentionally designed with amenities and programming that all ages can enjoy. When completed, Downtown Cary Park will boast recreational green spaces, a performance pavilion, a kids play area, two dog parks and other unique features. More than 66,000 plants are currently being planted throughout the park and below a 17-foot-high scenic skywalk.

Now in its 15th year, the Farm to Fork Picnic is a showcase of North Carolina chefs, artisans and farmers paired together to create sips and nibbles of the region’s best flavors and seasonal ingredients. The event on June 4 attracted more than 500 attendees who enjoyed tasting stations throughout Fearrington Village in Pittsboro. Proceeds from Farm to Fork Picnic benefit the Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ agriculture and food systems training programs, which work to conserve natural resources, improve health outcomes and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond.

WESTERN WAKE FARMERS MARKET HOSTS DONATION DRIVE FOR BOOK HARVEST

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BRINGS LOCAL TALENT TO WAVERLY PLACE

Waverly Place, an open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination in Cary, hosted eight free music events during its Summer Concert Series, which took place May 10–August 23. The sounds of local bands—including Liquid Pleasure, SnapBack, Bounce! Party Band, North Tower Band, Tyson Brothers, Stone Age Romeos, Craig Woolard and The Embers, and The Amazing Lounge Lizards—filled Waverly Place in the Park, where attendees danced and connected with friends and family. The Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Johnson Automotive.

On August 5, patrons at Western Wake Farmers Market in Morrisville donated hundreds of gently used children’s and adult books at Amara and Sonia’s tent to benefit Book Harvest in Durham. Book Harvest is a nonprofit that provides books and ongoing literacy support to families and their children, and serves as a model for communities committed to ensuring that children are lifelong readers and learners. All donors received a $5 shopping pass to use at the market, and each book donated earned a raffle ticket for grand prize drawings, which included gift cards to Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant, Crumbl Cookies and more. The Western Wake Farmers Market is open Saturdays, April through November, 8 a.m.–noon.

PHOTO BY JANICE LEWINE | RENDERING COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF CARY

FARM TO FORK PICNIC PAIRS LOCAL CHEFS AND FARMS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL FARMING SYSTEMS

PHOTO BY JANICE LEWINE

TAYLOR MORRISON BRINGS LUXURY LIVING TO CARY

Taylor Morrison, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and developers, recently launched Young Farm, an upscale, single-family home community in Cary. Young Farm homes range from 2,700–3,500-plus square feet, with up to six bedrooms, two-story floor plans, standard first-floor flex rooms and second-floor lofts. Homeowners will enjoy a full range of amenities, including a multi-use field and sports courts, a community pool, a tot lot and more. Students can attend A-rated schools in Wake and Chatham counties. 404 Gilmore Bridge Drive, Apex (sales center) 919.289.4576

taylormorrison.com

VET EMERGENCY GROUP OPENS IN CARY

Veterinary Emergency Group, the only 24/7 pet emergency hospital nationwide that allows pet parents to stay with their pet during all phases of treatment, held a grand opening July 13 of its newest hospital at 2030 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary. Veterinary Emergency Group treats over 300,000 emergencies annually across 19 states and takes the stress out of pet emergencies by connecting pet parents with a doctor the second they walk in the door.

2030 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 984.345.3033

veterinaryemergencygroup.com

THE KÉKAY METHOD LAUNCHES PRESCHOOL ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM IN CARY

The joy of learning occurs effortlessly when it’s intertwined with fun experiences. The KéKAY Method’s educational philosophy embraces a holistic approach that extends beyond the confines of the classroom, enabling students to seamlessly integrate knowledge with real-life applications. Discover this new preschool alternative program that brings mindfulness, music appreciation, global awareness and skills development to young learners at Premier School of Dance in Cary.

305-A Ashville Avenue, Cary 984.255.8486

kekaymethod.com

CARY BARNES & NOBLE RELOCATES TO THE SHOPPES OF KILDAIRE

Barnes & Noble, one of the nation’s premier booksellers with seven locations in the Triangle, relocated its Cary store to the Shoppes of Kildaire at 1311 Kildaire Farm Road. The new location showcases the highly lauded bookstore design seen in the most recent Barnes & Noble store openings, as well as a B&N Café. A weeklong grand opening

July 5–12 featured author meet-and-greets, book signings and other surprises.

1311 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 984.208.5938

bn.com

THE BHATIA TEAM OFFERS A FRESH PERSPECTIVE IN REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Naveen and Ruchi Bhatia, a husband-andwife duo with more than two decades of experience in the Triangle real estate market, set up their own full-service real estate brokerage company, The Bhatia Team, this past spring. Naveen and Ruchi bring exceptional real estate services to customers achieving their life goals whether they buy, sell or invest in real estate.

520 Slate Creek Place, Cary 919.342.6669

thebhatiateam.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYLOR MORRISON

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARNES & NOBLE CARY

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BHATIA TEAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KÉKAY METHOD

PHOTO COURTESY OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY GROUP

Influencer

[ in-'flü-ǝn(t)-sǝr ]

1. A person who inspires or guides the actions of others

2. A person who has the power to influence many people, as through social media or traditional media

TRIANGLE TRENDSETTERS

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

The word “influencer” has taken on new meaning over the past decade—especially when applied to social media. The redefined concept’s origin actually goes back to 2005, when Google launched YouTube so everyday folks could share funny videos. A number of artists and musicians also started releasing music on YouTube as a way to kickstart their careers. By 2009, bloggers were using the platform, increasing its influence.

Then along came Instagram in 2010. This popular platform allowed influencers to expand their following—

and pick up new followers—via cross promotion. Since then, social media influencers have continued to build their reputation for knowledge and expertise on specific topics via YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and—beginning in 2017—TikTok.

Local influencers make regular posts on their preferred social media channel(s), and generate engaged followers. Restaurants, businesses and brands seek them out because they know these trendsetters have the power to encourage followers to buy the products they promote.

Influencers who spotlight a specific town or region can also quickly become local favorites of small business owners, because they help bring credibility to their products. It’s no surprise, then, that the Triangle has become a hotspot for countless social media influencers, each with their own focus on popular places to dine, shop or have fun.

We sat down with some of the region’s most prominent influencers to chat about their favorite brands, foods and hotspots. Needless to say, we quickly fell under their spell.

TRIANGLE AREA INFLUENCERS, PAGES 18–19, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

Tom and Rachael Sullivan, authors of “Meals She Eats”

Photo by Kelley Jordan Schuyle

Jenna Cooper Hudson

Photo by Glynnis Christensen Photography

Joy Caracciolo of Joy Eats World

Photo by New Depth Creations

Cheyenne Levinson of Triangle Families

Explore and Little Oak Creative

Photo by Glynnis Christensen Photography

Aarti Sequeira of the Food Network

Photo by Bruce DeBoer

Local influencers share the region’s hottest spots, eats and activities

Aarti Sequeira’s journey as an influencer began with her win on season six of “The Next Food Network Star” in 2010. That same year, she began hosting her own cooking show, “Aarti Party,” on the titular network. Now viewers can tune in to see her judge some of the network’s most popular contestant-based shows, such as “Guy’s Grocery Games.” She has written three books: “Aarti Paarti: An American Kitchen With an Indian Soul” (2014); “My Family Recipe Journal: With Prayers & Scriptures” (2021); and most recently, “Unwind: A Devotional Cookbook for the Harried and Hungry” (2023), which releases this month. Her QVC line comes out this fall.

Originally from Dubai, Sequeira lived in Los Angeles with her writer/actor/ director husband Brendan McNamara for two decades before moving with their daughters, Eliyah (9) and Moses (7), to Raleigh in early 2020. “We wanted a better lifestyle for our daughters, quite simply,” Sequeira says. “We’ve always loved visiting the North Carolina mountains and my husband has family nearby, so it seemed to be a good fit for us.”

Though moving cross country at the beginning of a pandemic posed challenges, Sequeira says she and her family fell in love with exploring the area. From trying out new restaurants to shopping at local farmers markets, Sequeira says Raleigh is starting to feel like home.

In the social media sphere, Sequeira has a broad fanbase with international followers. Producing top-notch content comes naturally for her—she trained as a reporter and started her career in 2000 by producing and editing her own segments for CNN. Facebook was just beginning to skyrocket when Sequeira won “The Next Food Network Star.” “I had 45,000 new ‘friends’ overnight,” she says. “I’d always dreamed of being in front of a camera as a reporter, which means delivering objective facts. It took me a while to get used to being able to express my own opinions, which is both good and bad, as far as social media goes.”

The popular TV host moderates the time she spends on social media by taking occasional breaks, and shutting down

AARTI SEQUEIRA

technology every Sunday. “It keeps me grounded,” she says.

Some of Sequeira’s favorite spots in the Triangle make frequent appearances on her Instagram account. She says her family’s perfect day might include coffee at Jubala, followed by visits to comic book stores, a walk around Lake Johnson and a slice of derby pie at Bittersweet. Other local favorites include the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, Logan’s Garden Shop in Raleigh, ice baths at Triangle Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, and dinner at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale. (She says Prime’s Triple Threat Wings are worth a weekly trip!) She also raves about the Carrboro Farmers Market, calling it “the quintessential small-town market.”

“Social media used to be the cherry on top for putting your name out there, but now it’s the cake that you have to invest in, because it’s a big part of brand-building, messaging and profits,” Sequeira says of the importance of social media as it relates to one’s personal brand management. She does, however, advise aspiring—and established— influencers to take occasional breaks.

“It’s imperative for your mental health to recharge,” she says.

THE HOLDERNESS EFFECT

In March, Triangle Family featured Raleigh’s Kim and Penn Holderness, internationally known influencers and winners of the “The Amazing Race” in 2022. You can read the story online at midtownmag.com/the-holderness-effect

TAKE STRESS OUT OF MEALTIME

On September 24, Food Network star Aarti Sequeira’s latest book, “Unwind: A Devotional Cookbook for the Harried and Hungry” (DaySpring, 2023), will be released. The book’s purpose is to bring rest and peace to meal preperation and the dinnertime rush. Learn more at aartisequeira.com

Michele Crowe/CBS ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Raleigh’s Aarti Sequeira won “The Next Food Network Star” in 2010. She is photographed here at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, one of her favorite places to dine.

Photo by Bruce DeBoer

JOY CARACCIOLO

Joy Caracciolo topped off her collegiate basketball career at Boston College and the University of Delaware with a master’s degree in strategic communications from Queens University of Charlotte. Entering the influencer realm seemed like a natural step for this self-proclaimed “big-time foodie.” Caracciolo, a single mother, saw an opening during the pandemic when some of her favorite restaurants were hurting financially. The Durham resident made it her mission to order takeout from as many small and minority-owned restaurants as possible. “It became a passion project for me,” she says. “I wanted to help as many places as possible, and it grew into a wonderful addition to my life.”

Her influencer gig comes in addition to her “day job” in public relations with a global tech company, making it necessary for her to carefully curate what she covers on social media. “I work remotely, so I am able to make restaurant visits during lunch hours, and when possible, I bring my son or my sister, Jasmine, to evening or weekend events,” she explains. Jasmine is behind the camera for many of the photos posted on Joy Eats World. “She knows my best angle,” Caracciolo laughs.

Caracciolo hosts annual events, such as a Juneteenth celebration featuring food trucks, and an ugly Christmas sweater party at Boxyard RTP. “I’d love to host more get-togethers so I can meet more people,” she says. As for life in

the Instagram spotlight, she admits that she has to set limits for herself, being careful to choose things that are the most meaningful to her. “If I could be a part of every restaurant or small business opening, I would—but there are only so many days in a week,” she says.

Caracciolo includes “world” in her blog name because she loves every type of food. Some of her favorite Triangle spots include Juju in Durham, Boricua Soul on the American Tobacco Campus, Taverna Agora in downtown Raleigh and TrySeafood in Cary.

Joy’s son, Julius (7), often accompanies her to kid-friendly events and restaurant openings. “He’s turning into quite the little foodie himself,” she says. Some of Julius’ favorite things to do and places to dine around the Triangle include eating pizza and ice cream on the Golden Belt Campus in Durham; and visiting Frankie’s Fun Park in Raleigh, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park in Raleigh and Morrisville, and Mezcalito Grill in Durham and Apex.

Joy Caracciolo, a self-proclaimed ”big-time foodie,” is photographed here at Mezcalito Grill in Durham, one of her son Julius’ favorite restaurants.

Photo by New Depth Creations

Fans of “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” might think Jenna Cooper Hudson’s time on both shows in 2018 came before her start as a social media influencer—but it’s actually the other way around. “I’m an OG influencer,” Cooper Hudson says. Her job title while on the popular shows was social media manager. “I actually signed up to go on the show as a way to increase my social media following,” she says. Looks like it worked!

Originally from Indiana, Cooper Hudson has lived in Raleigh with husband Karl and daughter Presley (3) for several years now. While she mostly focuses on fitnessrelated news at @jennacooperfit, her @ theraleighreview page is solely hyper-local, featuring reviews, giveaways and popular spots around town. Her sister, Peyten, helps make the videos and reels, and also engages with followers. “Social media can get really stressful as far as trying to maintain it, but having a team certainly helps,” Cooper Hudson says.

The Hudson family loves staycations. “We did one at The Mayton in Cary, which is so cute and unique,” she says. They also enjoy going to Pullen Park, or for a walk around Apex Community Park. “It’s so beautiful! It’s one of my favorite places to go for a relaxing walk and to watch the ducks,” she adds.

Tai chi and yoga at Body & Brain— perfect outlets for the fitness-minded influencer—are also on Cooper Hudson’s list of favorites. And her pet pig Pearl is also a social media influencer! “She’s just like a toddler,” Cooper Hudson says. “She’s moody, eats a lot and makes a big mess, but she’s sweet.”

HUDSON

Jenna Cooper Hudson, pictured with her 3-year-old daughter Presley, appeared on “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” in 2018.

Photo by Glynnis Christensen Photography

TOM + RACHAEL SULLIVAN

When Rachael Sullivan was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) a few years ago while hoping to become pregnant, her husband, Tom, decided to take a holistic approach by creating homemade gluten-, dairy- and refined sugar–free meals. The Raleigh couple wanted to avoid medications, which doctors were suggesting for PCOS—a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, and can cause missed or irregular periods and ovaries that are large or have many cysts—instead of focusing on foods with properties known to regulate hormones.

As a way to document his recipes, Tom created an Instagram page called @mealssheeats—unbeknownst to Rachael. Once she found out about the page, she made a TikTok about “how cute I thought it was,” which went viral. Shows like the “Rachael Ray Show” and the “Today” show contacted them about their story. And then? “We had no idea that this Instagram page would blow up the way it did,” Rachael says. “I think it just goes to show how many women were desperately looking for resources to help with their own PCOS journeys.”

Tom and Rachael say this is how social media can be used for good. “I love this side of social media—bringing together communities, whether it’s women with PCOS, specialists like dieticians, nutritionists or doctors,” Rachael says. “Our place isn’t to give medical advice. Our place is to share our experience and help others not feel alone.

Their first book, “Meals She Eats: Empowering Advice, Relatable Stories, and 25+ Recipes to Take Control of your PCOS,” was released in April. It quickly

rose to the top of the Amazon.com and New York Times bestseller charts. “It’s all mind-blowing,” Tom says. “Here I was, just wanting to keep track of recipes and pictures of the meals as a way to document what foods worked for her symptoms, as

well as what she liked or didn’t like, and now we’re authors,” he muses.

Now that Tom and Rachael have a daughter, Sutton (1), the Sullivans have added another title to their resumes: parents.

The recipes Tom Sullivan created for his wife Rachael, who has polycystic ovary syndrome, led to the couple publishing “Meals She Eats.”

Photos by Kelley Jordan Schuyle

CHEYENNE LEVINSON

Mom to Oliver (9) and Sawyer (4), Cheyenne Levinson saw the need for connecting parents to fun things to do around the Triangle. “I kept hearing people say, ‘There’s nothing to do with kids in Raleigh.’” So, she created Triangle Families Explore, a website and Instagram account. “Plus, I was looking for a creative outlet, and I didn’t see anyone else posting fun, engaging video content of family-friendly adventures,” she adds.

While Raleigh is home base for Cheyenne and her husband Caleb, the Levinson family frequents nearby towns like Carrboro and Hillsborough for family fun. Some of their favorite things to do are mountain biking around Harris Lake County Park, exploring Prairie Ridge Ecostation, hiking at William B. Umstead State Park and hanging out at kid-friendly establishments like Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard. “We love being outdoors, so we’re always searching for fun things to do outside,” she says.

Levinson recently opened Little Oak Collective, a children’s clothing consignment boutique in Raleigh’s Village District. She plans to keep the Triangle Families Explore Instagram page running seamlessly with the help of additional team members. “I’ll split my time between the new store, with my children being part-time shop kids, but I’ll keep exploring the Triangle with them as much as possible—both for fun and for Triangle Families Explore,” she says.

Cheyenne Levinson, her husband Caleb, and their children Sawyer (4, at left) and Oliver (9, at right), explore the Triangle and post their adventures on Triangle Families Explore.

Photos by Glynnis Christensen Photography

The owners of Durham’s Mystic Farm & Distillery have launched a mission of the highest order: sending their Mystic Galactic bourbon, literally, right into Earth’s orbit.

Bourbon aficionados love their spirits, and are always up for something new and different. Durham-based Mystic Farm & Distillery’s owners plan to give them exactly that by sending 10 barrels of their award-winning bourbon into space to age for a year. They call it Mystic Galactic, and it will be packaged in 900-gram European glass bottles laser-etched with metal insets upon its return. A total of 1,500 bottles will be produced, with 1,000 bottles available at a presale price of $75,000—each with a $15,000 deposit required to reserve a bottle.

Mystic Farm & Distillery’s owners—Jonathan Blitz; his wife, Marla Tuchinsky; and Mike and Katie Sinclair—have set up a special purpose entity called Mystic Galactic Mission One LLC, and have signed a letter of intent with The Exploration Company, a spacecraft manufacturer based in Munich, Germany, and Bordeaux, France. The Exploration Company has the capability to take the bottles of Mystic Galactic bourbon into Earth’s orbit aboard its Nyx orbiter—named after the Greek goddess of night. “The vehicle has a 4 metric ton capacity,” Blitz notes. “We won’t be using all of it, and intend to offer the unused capacity to universities and educational programs so researchers can use it for experiments in space.”

PREPARING FOR TAKEOFF

If all goes as planned, Mystic Farm & Distillery will launch the bourbon into orbit in 2026 on Nyx, which consists of service and orbiter modules. After a year, the orbiter will disconnect from the service module and return to Earth via parachute, protected from the intense heat of reentry by a heat shield.

Prior to the launch, oak barrels containing the bourbon will be recoopered to replace any problem staves, reassembled and sealed to prevent leaks. In addition, the barrels’ carbon steel hoops will be replaced by rustproof titanium hoops, and stainlesssteel baffles will be installed to keep the bourbon from sloshing around, which could dangerously destabilize the spacecraft. The barrels will also endure pressure-testing far beyond what they will experience in space.

Mystic Galactic purchasers will receive a non-fungible token as proof of ownership, as well as a fragment of one of the space-faring barrels and a 50-milliliter sample so they can taste the bourbon without opening their bottles. Each bottle comes with a tamper-evident composite nose cone over the top, which requires a special tool to remove. “Once you remove the top part of the fairing, you will never be able to reseal it again,” Blitz says.

Purchasers will also be invited to launch and recovery parties, and will receive an app that allows them to monitor Nyx’s telemetry in real time, so they will know when the orbiter passes over their position. They can even view a live video feed from inside one of the barrels.

HIGH STAKES

All of this, of course, comes with a hefty price tag. Blitz says the mission will cost upwards of $80 million, which will be paid through private financing. Bottle deposits are not being used to pay for the mission’s expenses. “None of that money will be spent on the mission,” Blitz says. “The intent is to establish for the financiers that there is sufficient demand to justify the expense. If the mission fails for any reason, we will be able to provide full refunds to our customers.”

As this story went to press, six bottles had been sold, with payments on four others pending. “We are also planning to auction off the rights to the first bottle, which will be extremely special because the bottle itself will actually orbit with the barrels,” Blitz says.

Blitz and the other owners have plenty of reasons for embarking on this pie-in-the-sky endeavor. One is

purely promotional: to highlight the quality of Mystic Farm & Distillery’s product. Blitz says he recognizes that many people believe bourbon can only be produced in Kentucky, despite the fact that conditions in the Tar Heel State are perfect for making highquality spirits. In fact, Mystic Farm & Distillery grows its own wheat and uses water from a natural aquifer under the distillery, and sources North Carolina oak for its custom-made barrels.

The distillery’s bourbon is turning heads in international competitions as well, winning consecutive gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 and 2022, and taking both a double-gold medal and the top honor of “Best Small Batch Bourbon Up to 5 Years”—unseating Kentucky distillers who have long held that title. “We only enter the competitions that are judged blind because that creates a level playing field for small producers like us, and it creates a big stir when North Carolina producers come out on top of hundreds of bourbons and 93 other medalists,” Blitz adds.

Another reason Blitz gets behind this passion project, he says, is because he is just a “space geek” with an interest in promoting manufacturing in space. “I was born in 1972, after the Apollo program, when things like Skylab and the Space Shuttle program were getting rolling,” he says. “I remember everyone telling us how space manufacturing was going to be important to humanity’s future. Well, there has never been a commercial spirits product manufactured in orbit, so this is an opportunity to create the first commercially manufactured spirits product in space. I want that to be our product.”

And then there’s the incredible opportunity to offer a product only a small number of people will ever get to taste. “It’s a selfish motivation,” Blitz admits. “I just wanted to know what a bourbon aged in space for a year would taste like.”

There are a lot of bottles still to be sold, but Blitz is confident the mission will be a success. “We’re the guys to do it,” he says. “This is something I think the world is ready for. We’ve gotten some pushback from others in the

industry who are treating it as just a gimmick. But spending a year in orbit will produce something substantially different from terrestrial bourbon. The naysayers joke, but the last thing they always say to me is, ‘Boy, I sure want to taste it!’”

In addition to six different bourbons, Mystic Farm & Distillery also creates Mystic Vision Vodka, Mystic 57 Navy-Strength Gin and the Soul of Mystic (a spirit distilled from corn and wheat grown on the distillery’s North Carolina farmland). You can purchase their products online at whatismystic.com or at the distillery. Many of these spirits are also available for purchase in local ABC Stores.

You'll also find information about distillery tours, bourbon flights and special events on the website, as well as venue rental information.

Ready to reserve your bottle of space-aged bourbon? Check out mysticgalactic.com to learn more.

WHAT ARE NFTs?

Non-fungible tokens are unique digital identifiers recorded on a blockchain and used to certify ownership and authenticity. These tokens can’t be copied, substituted or subdivided. Ownership of a token can, however, be transferred, allowing it to be sold or traded if the owner chooses.

Page 28–29: Mystic Farm & Distillery co-owner Jonathan Blitz enjoys a glass of the distillery’s Broken Oak Whiskey. Mystic Galactic bourbon will be packaged in a 900-gram European glass bottle laser-etched with metal insets upon its return. Blitz uses a whiskey thief to test a sample of bourbon. Mystic Farm & Distillery offers a full line of spirits, in addition to bourbon.

Pages 30–31: Blitz and Marla Tuchinsky enjoy a glass of bourbon in the special events room. The distillery’s Broken Oak Whiskey won consecutive gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 and 2022 The distillery’s spirits are handcrafted from grain grown on its North Carolina farm and with water from its onsite aquifer.

WHISKEY LABEL IMAGE BY OLEG - STOCK.ADOBE.COM ROCKET IMAGE BY ONYXPRJ - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

NEW WAKE COUNTY PARKS

BY JANICE LEWINE

DOWNTOWN CARY PARK

319

S. Academy Street, Cary

carync.gov

Cary’s 1-acre crown jewel, Downtown Cary Park, has undergone a $68 million, 6-acre expansion expected to open by the end of November. New features include an adventure playground for children, interactive water features, a dog play area with a Bark Bar for pet parents, and performance and recreational spaces. Centered between Academy, East Park and Walker streets, Downtown Cary Park will also enable nature-inspired play, live entertainment and robust, year-round programming.

HEART OF THE PARK

The Great Lawn & Pavilion is the park’s heart and soul, where visitors will gather to enjoy outdoor movie showings, festivals, large-scale concerts and four fire pits that can seat up to 12 people each. The lawn is fronted by an impressive entertainment pavilion that will include innovative and technologically advanced use of Western Red Cedar wood for the pavilion’s finishes and structure.

The Park Street Courts, an expansive recreational area near the park’s center, will feature a variety of lawn games, a putting green, table tennis, theatrical performances and a farmers market. Surrounding the park’s iconic fountain off S. Academy Street is Town Square, another recreational space with a multipurpose lawn that will host yoga, high-intensity interval training classes, educational programming like art and photography classes, and activity carts for all ages.

PLAY SPACES FOR ALL

Affectionately known as “The Nest,” Downtown Cary Park’s kids playground encourages imagination and exploration. A pair of 20-foot cardinals—one red and one yellow—will entice children to climb inside for a bird’s-eye view of the park. Four slides are surrounded by plants so kids can play in nature, and towering contrabass chimes facilitate a larger-than-life musical experience with sounds that children can both hear and feel.

Four-legged friends can enjoy their own play space in the Barkyard along Walker Street to roam, join obedience and agility classes, or take part in a pet parade. The adjacent Bark Bar will serve not only dog treats, but drinks and snacks for owners as well, and will also be a lively gathering place for live music and paint-and-sip events. A social district will encompass the entire footprint of the park and allow for purchasing and consuming wine and beer from 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

As the Triangle grows, new parks are in the works for some of Wake County’s fastest-growing areas.

Three spaces offer places for families to relax and reflect

A dramatic, elevated skywalk will enable visitors to see the 66,000 kinds of plants that will fill the park with lush beauty— from flowering varieties to native tree species.

Downtown Cary Park will offer over 500 annual public programs and events that fill General Manager Joy Ennis and her team with pride as the park nears its opening date. “We’re excited to share our excitement with the rest of the world,” Ennis says. “We want Downtown Cary Park to be a place where you can relax, have joy and make memories. That’s really what we’re hoping for.”

PLEASANT PARK

3400 Pleasant Plains Road, Apex apexnc.org

Pleasant Park, a 92-acre complex near the intersection of Interstate 540 and Old U.S. Highway 1 in southwest Apex, will make its long-awaited debut this fall. The amenity boasts six multipurpose athletic fields; 12 athletic courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball; a 5K cross country course; a field house; an “Enchanted Forest” featuring eight inclusive play areas; and “Splashlantis,” a dazzling water play facility.

In addition to hosting a variety of athletic tournaments, Pleasant Park offers plenty of space for large-scale community events, such as outdoor movie nights and food truck rodeos, as well as a variety of camps and classes organized by the Town of Apex.

ENCHANTING PLAY AREAS

The Enchanted Forest is a 1.5-acre themed playground inspired by fairy tales and fables with specialized equipment from seven manufacturers across the globe. Kids of all ages and abilities can explore the eight alluring play villages, including:

The Reading Nook. This ideal spot for starting an adventure in the Enchanted Forest is a quiet gathering space featuring toadstools that are perfect for storytime activities.

Discovery Dig. Shifting sands, buried treasure and archaeological finds are highlights of this play area that assists in developing gross and fine motor skills. A special sand table accommodates guests with mobility issues alongside other adventurers.

Gnome’s Hollow. Several larger climbing and rope structures provide two levels of play to develop body strength, flexibility and endurance. An accessible merry-go-round, climbing logs, a turf hill, a four-seat teeter-totter, a cozy cocoon and shaded benches highlight this play area, which also features a slide transfer station and adaptive equipment for children with physical and emotional disabilities.

Kingdom in the Clouds. This central village is home to Emerald Tritopia, a 35-foot climbing structure and artistic focal point of play surrounded by colorful and engaging components. Its multiple levels contain physical and sensory play nooks.

Melody Madness. This auditory area promotes music as a universal language that can be created, shared and enjoyed as multigenerational play.

ABOVE: The Downtown Cary Park 6-acre expansion is expected to open by the end of November. New features include an adventure playground, interactive water features, a dog play area, a performance area and recreational spaces. Images courtesy of OJB Landscape Architects

Reverie. Swinging and spinning with incorporated light play in this section of the park promotes the development of gross motor skills.

Sticks & Stones. Constructed from trees, logs, boards and rocks, Sticks & Stones enables guests to climb, balance, stack, hop and build. The area heightens children’s problem-solving, abstract thinking and creativity in a natural space.

Trollway Bridge. This bridge connects the two sides of the Enchanted Forest and features open wire railings for expansive views of the protected wetlands below, which are shaded by the branches of swaying trees above the area.

MAKE A SPLASH

Pleasant Park is also home to Splashlantis, the town’s first water park for all ages. Visitors can enjoy splashing activities, water spray features and buckets that dump water on guests standing under them. To add to the fun, visitors can find buried treasure with the help of shipwrecked pirates, or follow the water’s path as it collects from the spray elements into a rill.

Apex Parks Planning Project Manager Angela Reincke says her joy in creating Pleasant Park stems from “the ability to imagine an inclusive play space created from childhood stories and constructed into reality, and then being able to see joy and wonder on children’s faces as they experience those moments. Every piece of equipment was selected to provide a different type of play, and focus on a different physical or mental aspect, so that each visitor can become a part of the story.”

NORTH CAROLINA FREEDOM PARK

N. Wilmington and E. Lane streets, Raleigh ncfmp.nationbuilder.com

North Carolina boasts a rich heritage of African American participation in the development of the state’s culture, education and economics. North Carolina Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh honors the African American experience and struggle for equality here. The late internationally renowned architect Phil Freelon’s award-winning design encourages visitors of all ages to reflect upon the importance of full freedom for every citizen, and to learn about the contributions African Americans have made to improve life and society in North Carolina.

Freedom Park, which opened in August, features five diagonal walkways with walls that frame each path. Twenty notable African Americans with ties to North Carolina—including enslaved persons, soldiers and civil rights leaders—“voice” inscriptions on each wall. These paths also form the edges of the park’s three major components: the existing North Carolina Victims’ Memorial Garden, an area to reflect, and an area to gather. A grassy plateau forms the gathering area, which is ideal for small performances, poetry readings and outdoor film screenings. Located in the center of the park is a 40-foot-tall sculpture known as the Beacon of Freedom that will be illuminated at night and serve to inspire present and future generations.

LEFT TOP: Pleasant Park in Apex will include six multipurpose fields, athletic courts, an Enchanted Forest and Splashlantis, a water play area

Images courtesy of the Town of Apex

LEFT BOTTOM: Freedom Park in Raleigh pays homage to the African American experience and struggle for equality

Images courtesy of Holt Brothers Construction

FALL FUN

BY JANICE LEWINE

IN THE TRIANGLE AND BEYOND

Autumn is magical in the Triangle, and options for enjoying the season are nearly endless. Jump on a hayride, navigate a corn labyrinth or visit one of the area’s lively festivals. Looking for thrills and chills? Head to a haunted attraction where creatures of the night lie in wait.

DON'T MISS IT!

NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR

October 12–22

4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh ncstatefair.org

Rides, music, live entertainment, livestock competitions and every fried food imaginable highlight this annual fair and exposition at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Visit the website for hours and rates.

We’ve curated a robust selection of fall activities in the Triangle and beyond, and offer even more in our online roundup at 5westmag.com/fall-fun-roundup

At press time, not all venues had updated information for 2023, so be sure to check with event organizers before heading out.

PUMPKIN PATCHES AND CORN MAZES

Crossroads Corn Maze

5712 Watkins Road, Wendell crossroadscornmaze.com

October 6–29; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visit the website for hours. Enjoy hay and rope mazes, hayrides, lawn games and s’mores. Visit the website for admission fees. “When the Stalks Go Dark,” a haunted attraction, takes place Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7–9 p.m. and requires a separate entrance fee.

DJ’s Berry Patch

1223 Salem Church Road, Apex djsberrypatch.com

Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Purchase pumpkins, North Carolina apples and more.

The Family Farm on Avent Ferry

1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs thefamilyfarmonaventferry.com

Visit the website for hours. Shop for pumpkins and gourds. Take a family photo on a vintage John Deere tractor.

Gross Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

1606 Pickett Road, Sanford grossfarms.com

Visit the website for hours and ticket information. Enjoy a corn maze, pumpkin patch, pumpkin jump and more.

Hill Ridge Farms Fall Pumpkin Festival

703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville hillridgefarms.com

Open September 27–October 29; Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Experience a hayride, jumping pillow, train ride, gem panning, corn house and more. Admission is $19.95–$29.95 per person; free for ages 1 and younger.

Holder Hill Farm

4822 Holder Road, Durham holderhillfarmllc.com

Open daily September 22–November 5. Visit the website for operating hours and ticket information. Enjoy a corn maze, hay ride, farm animals, pumpkin patch and more.

Huckleberry Trail Farm

143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City huckleberrytrailfarm.com

Visit the website for hours and ticket information. Jump on a hayride, visit a pumpkin patch and navigate a corn maze.

Ken’s Korny Corn Maze

3175 Benson Road, Garner kenskornycornmaze.com

Open late September–early November; visit the website for hours. Experience a 10-acre corn maze, hayride, corn tunnel, mini golf and haunted attraction (on select nights).

Naylor Family Farm & Corn Maze

6016 U.S. 401 N., Fuquay-Varina naylorfamilyfarm.com

Visit the website for dates, hours and rates. Enjoy a hayride, visit farm animals, explore a pumpkin patch, navigate a barrel train and more.

Page Farms

6100 Mount Herman Road, Raleigh pagefarmsraleigh.com

Open September 23–October 29; Wednesday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Attractions include a corn maze, hayride, cow train, farm animals and pumpkins. Admission is $12–$15 per person.

Phillips Farms Corn Maze

6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary phillipsfarmsofcary.com

Open September 16–October 29. Visit the website for hours. Admission is $15–$17 for ages 2 and older. Enjoy a corn maze, wagon ride, haunted attraction (on select nights) and more.

Porter Farms & Nursery

7615 Ten Ten Road, Raleigh porterfarmsandnursery.com

Open through October 31; Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, noon–6 p.m. Shop for pumpkins, mums and more.

Ragan & Holly’s Pumpkin Patch 38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex jeansberrypatch.com

Shop daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., for mums, pumpkins and fall produce.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Carving Pumpkins With Goats

5306 Homer Ruffin Road, Chapel Hill springhaven.farm

Open select days September 20–October 31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Carve pumpkins as goats delight you with their antics. Tickets are $13.50 plus $10 for a pumpkin.

PAGE 22: Photo courtesy of the North Carolina State Fair; AT RIGHT: Photo of a child at Phillips Farms in Cary courtesy of Catherine Frye

Downtown Clayton Trick-or-Treat

348 E. Second Street, Clayton johnstoncountync.org

October 31, 1–3 p.m. Ages 10 and younger trick-or-treat on Main Street and play games in Horne Square.

Falling for Local

The Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park; 101 Blair Drive, Raleigh shoplocalraleigh.org

October 7, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Enjoy hay rides, inflatables, games, pumpkins and more.

“Frankenstein”

A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater; 2 E. South Street, Raleigh carolinaballet.com

October 12–29. Carolina Ballet’s interpretation is true to Mary Shelley’s original novel. The program also features “New Haunted Tale,” choreographed by Robert Weiss.

Fuquay-Varina Haunted Trails

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park; 301 Wagstaff Road, Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.org

October 21, 5–6 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. While in costume, interact with characters along the Family Trail, 5–6 p.m. Journey through the woods on the Full Fright Trail, 7–9 p.m.

Goblin’s Groove Dance

Halle Cultural Arts Center; 237 N. Salem Street, Apex thehalle.org

October 28, 5–7 p.m. Enjoy costume contests, games, dance contests and a haunted gallery. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 2 and younger.

Halloween Boo Bash

E. Carroll Joyner Park; 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest wakeforestnc.gov

October 26, 4-7 p.m. Attractions include a haunted obstacle course, ghostly games and more.

Halloween Food Truck Rodeo

Durham Central Park; 501 Foster Street, Durham eventbrite.com

October 29, noon–4 p.m. Enjoy 35-plus food/beverage trucks and international cuisine.

Magic and Mischief: A Wizard’s Market

Fred Fletcher Park; 820 Clay Street, Raleigh eventbrite.com

November 5, 10–3 p.m. Enjoy activities, crafts, live music, handmade goods and refreshments. Admission is free.

Marbles’ Kooky Spooky Halloween Party

Marbles Kids Museum; 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org

October 27, 6–8:30 p.m. Don a costume and experience the Mad Scientist Lab, Monster Mash Dance Party and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance ticket purchase is required online.

The North Carolina Symphony: “Halloween Spooktacular”

Meymandi Concert Hall; 2 E. South Street, Raleigh ncsymphony.org

October 28, 1 and 4 p.m. Enjoy frightfully fun music from classic movies and enter a costume contest.

October Storytime on The Roof at The Durham The Durham; 315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham thedurham.com

October 25, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Children can wear a costume and enjoy a free Halloween-themed storytime and hot cocoa.

Pumpkin Flotilla

Bond Park Boathouse; 801 High House Road, Cary carync.gov

October 28, 4–7 p.m. Take a carved pumpkin to Bond Park from 4–6 p.m. to sail it across the lake at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy boat rentals, live music and food trucks.

Spellbound at Mordecai 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh eventbrite.org

October 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Encounter mysterious creatures and magicians. Enter a costume contest and parade. Admission is free.

Photo courtesy of New Hope Valley Railway

Spooktacular

Sugg Farm Park; 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs hollyspringsnc.us/2524/spooktacular

October 14, 5–7 p.m. Enjoy candy stations, slime-making, costume contests and s’mores for ages 3-11.

Track-or-Treat Halloween Express

New Hope Valley Railway; 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill triangletrain.com

October 14, 21 and 28; 2:15, 3:30, 4:45, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Ride the Triangle’s Train to see flying witches, smoking cauldrons, Count Dracula and other creatures in the woods. Tickets are $16 per person.

Triangle Oktoberfest

Koka Booth Amphitheatre; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary triangleoktoberfest.org

October 6–7. Enjoy authentic cuisine, beer sampling and more. Tickets are $15–$25; free for ages 16 and younger.

Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Fuquay-Varina

Downtown Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.com

October 27, 2–5 p.m. Visit businesses for candy.

Trick-or-Treat the Trail Morrisville Community Park; 1520 Morrisville Parkway townofmorrisville.org

October 21, 3–6 p.m. Kids receive candy, coupons and more.

Trick-or-Treat the Trail White Deer Park; 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner garnernc.gov

October 31, 3-6 p.m. Trick-or-treat along a 1-mile trail.

The Witch’s Haunted Barn 4911 Hunt Road, Hillsborough fireflyfarmnc.com

October 7, 14, 21 and 28. Visit a witch in a haunted barn.

Zombiepalooza

Downtown Cary Park; 319 S. Academy Street, Cary thecarytheater.com/zombiepalooza

October 20, 7 p.m. Enjoy a costume contest and free movie.

HAUNTED ADVENTURES

Read additional details about these events online at 5westmag.com/fall-fun-roundup.

Clayton Fear Farm

1620 Loop Road, Clayton claytonfearfarm.com

Opening select nights October 6–31. Hours vary.

Darkside Haunted Estates

11959 N.C. Highway 222 W., Middlesex darksidehauntedestates.com

Open Fridays and Saturdays, September 22–November 4, 7–10 p.m. and October 31, 7–10 p.m.

Edward’s Battle Haunted House

9401 S. Mere Court, Raleigh facebook.com/edwardsbattlehauntedhouse Dates will be posted on Facebook.

Granville Haunt Farm Drive-Thru

4534 U.S. Highway 15, Oxford granvillehauntfarm.com

Open October 6–28, Friday–Saturday nights; October 29–31.

Haunted Forest at Panic Point

2808 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville raleighhauntedhouse.com

Open September 16–November 4 on select nights.

Haunted History Walking Tour

200 N. Blount Street, Raleigh eventbrite.org

September 2–October 28; Fridays and Saturdays.

Haunted Trail at Sugg Farm Park

Sugg Farm Park; 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs hollyspringsnc.us/1610/haunted-trail

October 13, 7–10:45 p.m.

Myrtle Grove Haunt

3510 N.C. Hwy. 86 N., Hillsborough myrtlegrovehaunt.com

October 1–31; Friday–Saturday, 8–11 p.m.; no-scare, 6–7 p.m.

Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour tobaccoroadtours.com

Friday–Sunday nights; tours depart at 7:30 p.m.

Xtreme Haunt

7460 Wake Forest Road, Durham xtremeparkadventures.com

October 20–21 and 27–28, 7–11 p.m.

Herbert’s Haunted House

Herbert C. Young Community Center; 101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary carync.gov

October 27–28, 7–10 p.m.

Ghostly Legends at the Old Hotel Page-Walker Arts & History Center

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary etix.com

October 28, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

THE

MOVE ME NT

BY KRISTEN SCHRUM

The 2020s introduced a new trend to the world of weddings—one enchanting couples with the promise of a more meaningful and intimate experience between family and friends: the microwedding.

Since the pandemic, microweddings have transformed the traditional notion of a grand celebration to prioritize quality over quantity and customization over conventionality. These small, private affairs appear to be catching on thanks to the everincreasing costs of planning a traditionally large event.

Many Triangle couples are noticing not only how scaling down the celebration offers a unique and more personalized experience, redefining what it means to tie the knot—but also that reducing the size of their guest list results in significant savings. A 150-person wedding costs the average couple around $30,000, according to brides.com, so taking that number down to 50 or fewer guests can save the happy couple $20,000 or more.

CURATED DETAILS

According to Brooke Everhart with Mad Dash Weddings in Holly Springs, which specializes in elopements and microweddings, many couples desire a more personal and meaningful wedding experience. “People have gained a lot more perspective since the pandemic,” Brooke says. “Microweddings allow them to focus on what truly matters.”

By reducing the guest count to 50 or fewer, couples can ensure that every person present is someone truly important to them. They can infuse each detail with a personal touch that speaks to their desires, and curate an experience that reflects their unique personalities and tastes.

Sarah Chung, owner and lead coordinator at The Matthews House, a downtown Cary wedding venue that has seen its fair share of micro occasions, says a microwedding allows couples to actually “hang out with their closest friends and family.”

This intimacy is often lost at larger weddings, where couples briefly pass by crowded tables, snap a photo, cast a quick embrace and thank those in attendance. “I have seen a lot of people doing intimate sit-down dinners where everyone is at one table,” Everhart says, adding that microweddings are “more family-focused, and the wedding turns into this celebration of family and love.”

THIS PAGE: The Matthews House in Cary offers a beautiful outdoor space for couples who are interested in a more intimate wedding ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Morgan Caddell Photography

THIS PAGE: A fragrant bouquet of baby’s breath with eucalyptus and lavender in a glass jar makes for the perfect wedding centerpiece. Photo by adobe.stock.com/cmirnovalexander

ON RIGHT: A local couple celebrates their wedding at The Matthews House in Cary

Photo courtesy of Rose Trail Images

ELEVATED EXPERIENCES

Microweddings also facilitate a high degree of flexibility and customization options. “With smaller weddings you can really focus on design and make them really beautiful,” Everhart says. Mad Dash Weddings couples have displayed decorative colored glass centerpieces and floral arrangements featuring unusual combinations, like baby’s breath and eucalyptus. They have chosen to serve food on antique china or, for a unique twist, via food trucks. Other couples have offered guests intimate catered meals with companies like Southern Harvest Catering, which puts an elevated spin on Southern cuisine.

“One of the reasons microweddings have become so popular is because they tend to be cheaper and can be planned on a shorter timeline,” Chung acknowledges. However, that doesn’t mean couples have to compromise. Rather, they can actually include the features they want and experience it with the people who mean the most to them.

“Many microweddings we’ve seen love to stay local,” Everhart says. This helps avoid the expense of a destination wedding, and ensures the presence of family and loved ones. Other microwedding trends place more emphasis on the ceremony— and couples aren’t afraid to think out-of-the-box. The Matthews House has hosted tree-planting ceremonies, during which a couple plants a tree together during their ceremony to symbolize their marriage. Wine ceremonies involve the bride and groom pouring their respective wines into a single glass, from which they both drink.

REDEFINING NORMS

Merriam-Webster defines elopement as “running away secretly with the intention of getting married, usually without parental consent.” ElopeNC’s definition is a little different: “A vow exchanged between two people who are in love, with an intimate guest list.” This definition puts elopements in the same category as microweddings.

Stephanie Milosh, co-founder of ElopeNC and Beauty & the Budget Events, clarified this definition during a 2021 interview for a Honey & Hustle video podcast. “‘Elopment’ is kind of an icky word, and the first thing we are doing is getting rid of that,” she said during the episode. “A couple can go to the courthouse and call it a day. They can also spend the entire day doing their favorite things with their favorite people and do whatever they want. And so, we are really excited to just encourage that.”

ElopeNC allows clients and vendors in North Carolina to connect with one another in order to plan their elopement or microwedding on a limited timeline and budget, no matter how small the guest count. Milosh had her own microwedding in the “backyard of our church with 40 guests in attendance,” and has always loved the “intimate and more personal details” she incorporated into her special day.

As couples embrace the concept of microweddings, they are redefining how to celebrate love and marriage. These intimate affairs are filled with an abundance of charm. They allow couples to focus on what matters most, and offer flexibility and forgiveness if something goes wrong, since couples are surrounded by friends and family who are simply there to celebrate the cherished union.

“We had a microwedding recently where the power was on and off,” Everhart recounts. “And then of course the power went completely out. We ended up having to do a candlelight dinner.” Everhart says it only added to the wedding’s charm because the dinner proved to be even more magical and intimate in the flickering candlelight.

Microweddings give couples an opportunity to rest easy and enjoy their day without the stress and anxiety of catering to a large guest list. “There’s a different perspective with microweddings,” Everhart says. “Clients are always so grateful, and they focus on what really matters.”

MEET THE DOCTORS

The Triangle 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.

PHOTOS BY NEW DEPTH CREATIONS AND JENNY MIDGLEY

BOVENIZER & BAKER ORTHODONTICS

When Should Your Child Have an Orthodontic Consult?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child see an orthodontist at age 7.

Your child will start to lose his or her baby teeth at around age 6 and the last baby tooth is normally lost around age 12. Many times, younger patients will come into our office and will not be ready to begin treatment as their teeth need to grow and

develop more. Observing your child until he or she is ready is very important as we monitor the exfoliation and eruption of teeth to prevent impacted teeth, and to see if your child needs early intervention treatment.

We tend to be some of the most conservative in the area for start times. This approach means we are honest about when your child actually needs treatment, so there is no pressure to put braces on immediately.

We advocate for letting the natural growing process run its course first, so if your child is

not ready for braces he or she can be observed in our Kid’s Club program. This free program allows your child to come to our office to be routinely checked to determine the best plan and time of treatment.

2625 Green Level West Road, Cary 919.303.4557

bovbakerortho.com

Dr. Chris Baker, DDS, MSD; Dr. Keri Kenning, DDS, MSD; and Dr. Todd Bovenizer, DDS, MS

GENERATIONS FAMILY PRACTICE Dr. Justin Glodowski, DO

At Generations Family Practice, our team of family medicine providers offers complete health care to people of all ages living in Cary and throughout Wake County. Generations is conveniently located and provides high-quality medical care for the entire family by taking a comprehensive approach to primary care. This includes focusing on quality, value and cutting-edge technology to ensure individuals have access to the most appropriate care they need.

Our staff includes family medicine providers trained in osteopathy, such as our medical director, Dr. Justin Glodowski, who regularly performs osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in addition to complete primary care. Adults can access an array of health services, including men’s and women’s health, medically supervised weight loss, annual physical exams and preventive medicine. Children and teens can access various pediatric services including school physicals, immunizations, support for anxiety and depression, and same-day appointments. We also provide chronic care management and a variety of other services. Our team makes time to understand each individual’s symptoms and concerns, then our providers use their knowledge and expertise to develop care plans that result in optimal health and vitality. Make an appointment by calling the office at 919.852.3999 or scheduling online at generationsfamilypractice.com.

1021 Darrington Drive #101, Cary 919.852.3999

generationsfamilypractice.com

LANE & ASSOCIATES FAMILY DENTISTRY

Dr. Brandy Herring

Meet Dr. Brandy Herring, a passionate and knowledgeable general dentist practicing at Lane & Associates Family Dentistry who brings her patients joy by transforming their smiles with cosmetic dentistry. “It’s always my primary goal to help patients reimagine the way they see their smile,” she says.

Knowing that even the healthiest teeth can suffer the effects of age, lifestyle, misalignment and discoloration, Dr. Herring is able to provide patients with noninvasive cosmetic dentistry called Smile Transitions.

Smile Transitions are removable appliances used to aesthetically and functionally enhance a person’s existing dentition by closing gaps, replacing missed teeth, covering discoloration or worn teeth, improving the appearance of overcrowding, and enhancing teeth with a brighter and more polished look.

With the comfort, convenience and affordability of Smile Transitions, patients can experience easy “aesthetic dentistry” that positively impacts their lives and confidence.

Smile Transitions can also be used as a transition for a permanent, fixed option to give patients a test run of proposed rehabilitation. This can be completed with just two quick and easy visits, and does not involve any alterations to the natural tooth structure. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Herring.

12450 Cleveland Road, Garner 919.772.9927

lanedds.com

ONE80 COUNSELING

Sarah R. Coates, LCMHC

Founder and CEO Sarah R. Coates, LCMHC, established One80 Counseling in 2007 with a vision to “turn lives around.” The mission: Help anyone of any walk of life find a therapist to meet their mental health needs. The company achieves this mission through its diverse providers. With over 115 licensed clinical social workers, clinical counselors, marriage and family therapists, substance abuse providers, and psychologists, One80 Counseling can provide individual, couples and family therapy to all ages of children, adolescents and adults.

Why the name One80 Counseling? “If someone does a 360 they land right back where they started!” Sarah says. “I’ve never been a math genius but I do know that if we want to change in life, we have to make a 180!”

After successfully serving the Triangle and its surrounding towns for 16 years, One80 Counseling has expanded again and is now “turning lives around from the Triangle to the coast” with a new office now open in Wilmington. One80 Counseling offers seven locations, as well as in-person and telehealth appointments, and accepts most major insurances.

Locations in Cary/Apex, Cary/Morrisville, Garner, Clayton, Raleigh, Holly Springs and Wilmington one-eightycounseling.com

PARKWAY SLEEPHEALTH CENTER

Dr. Singar Jagadeesan and the team at Parkway SleepHealth Center are committed to providing high-quality diagnosis, management and treatment of sleep disorders. Parkway SleepHeath 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 and 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 2004. 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

Dr. Singar Jagadeesan, ABPN, ABSM, ABIM

PRIME IV HYDRATION & WELLNESS

Erin Monico, a registered dietitian specializing in holistic nutrition, and Kimberly McDonald, MD, opened the first Prime IV Hydration & Wellness in North Carolina because many of their clients were deficient in vitamins and minerals, which was slowing their progress in healing. IV micronutrients bypass the GI tract, where many micronutrients can be lost or poorly absorbed, but 100% of what is given via IV is delivered to the body. This allows clients to improve their health, support healing of chronic health conditions, lose weight, have more energy, and perform better at sports and workouts.

Quality micronutrients are important at Prime IV Hydration & Wellness. All IV ingredients are synthesized from plant sources that are free of soy, gluten, corn and dairy. In addition to offering clean, safe IV components, Prime IV Hydration & Wellness provides a relaxing, spa-like experience. While receiving treatments, members relax in zero gravity 4D massage chairs, receive oxygen treatment, and take time out of their busy life for relaxation and self-care. All IV therapists are licensed paramedics or registered nurses who create an experience that is free of pain and discomfort.

Schedule a complimentary consultation today and find out how IV nutrition and hydration can improve your life.

2034 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex 919.267.6989

primeivhydration.com

Erin Monico, RDN (pictured) and Kimberly McDonald, MD

INTERTWINING INSTINCTS

Patrick Dougherty brings sticks to life

BY K R ISTEN SCH R UM

Ialways thought I’d build a log cabin,” says renowned international sculptor Patrick Dougherty, who pieces together tree saplings to create whimsical shapes that appear as if they’re being blown by whirling breezes. “I like to think my house was my first foray into art.”

This house in Chapel Hill launched Dougherty’s long career dabbling in timber and carpentry. Old barn wood and dug-up stones provided the foundation for his first “masterpiece” that would become his home. Upon its completion, Dougherty made his way back to the University of North Carolina, his alma mater, to complete two years of art courses. From there, Dougherty felt the tug to become a sculptor. “I only had one house in me, but I had a lot of sculptures in me.”

Since the early 1980s, Dougherty has experimented with saplings thanks to their plentiful nature in North Carolina. But his work is not limited to the Tar Heel State. He has also created sculptures in all other U.S. states and a dozen foreign countries.

To gather the materials he needs for each masterpiece, he follows behind loggers to cut down new maple and sweetgum sprouts, knowing the loggers eagerly want them gone since the sprouts compete with new pine crops. “Once I got going with that material, I realized there was a deep history of using saplings for basket making and all indigenous work,” Dougherty says. “And that’s really our past, too. People had to use whatever was available.”

Transforming native North Carolina saplings and brush into sculptures establishes Dougherty as an expert in using the land to breathe life into its landscape and scenery. Growing up in Southern Pines, Dougherty spent much of his childhood exploring the verdant countryside, building forts in the woods, and fantasizing about mazes and houses in the bushes. This imagery resurfaces in Dougherty’s artwork, which intertwines nature and imagination to create enchanting worlds where mesmerizing sculptures captivate the eye and soul.

CONNECTING VIEWERS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Guided by instinct and a deep understanding of natural materials, Dougherty weaves and molds sculptures into large-scale installations that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Twigs, branches and saplings become the building blocks of his creations, which seem to grow effortlessly from the earth, as if they were always there. Dougherty carefully selects the locations for his sculptures within the Triangle’s urban and natural landscapes, transforming public spaces, parks and gardens into ethereal realms. His art not only adds aesthetic beauty, but sparks a profound connection between viewers and the environment as well.

A defining aspect of Dougherty’s work is his collaborative approach to the creative process. Before he begins, he makes a site visit to discover what is available so he can draw inspiration from the land. “Oftentimes a word or feeling

comes to you, and you begin to go off that,” Dougherty says. “Each time I come up with an idea.”

In Happy Valley, a rural site in Lenoir north of Charlotte, Dougherty constructed a windblown creation, titled “Southern Comforts,” from North Carolina maple and willow. It resembles a cluster of Japanese jars leaning into each other beneath a tall grove of pine trees. The project’s purpose was “reinvigoration” of the Patterson School Foundation, an historic

agricultural school founded in 1909. He accomplished this by creating a symbolic image representative of the school’s rich history with the surrounding landscape.

Similarly, Dougherty’s consideration of the community largely influenced his “Fly Away Home” sculpture at Carpenter Park in Cary. The project, featuring 10,000 pounds of willow saplings carefully woven together like tumbleweed, focused primarily on evoking personal associations that call forth the viewer’s nostalgic feelings of childhood and youth.

“We knew a lot of kids would play in it because the work was going to be situated in a public park,” Dougherty says. This influenced his decision to build the whimsical structure of winding rooms with large open doors and windows— establishing the work as a natural playground for both the young and old.

IMAGINATIVE INSPIRATIONS

Dougherty embraces a community spirit by often inviting volunteers to assist in the construction process. By involving others in the creation of his whirling sculptures, he fosters a sense of ownership and collective pride, nurturing a deeper connection between people and art. “I want to build something that’s going to cause people to come running,” Dougherty affirms. “Everyone knows this material and can connect with it.”

When reflecting on his sculptures as a whole, Dougherty fervently desires for his work to reflect nature and the world within which they are built. “When you use the sticks as though they are tapered lines, like you see in a drawing, you get a

sense of motion and animation there,” he says. “And that makes you feel like you know what nature is like. It’s about flow and movement. So it gives a sense of enlivenment to the sculptures.”

Furthermore, he hopes these works “stir the imagination.” While Dougherty is fueled by the shapes, textures and patterns he encounters in nature, he is also eager to inspire the public. “We never had a time where the work failed to resonate with the community in which it sat,” Dougherty says proudly. Intricate networks of branches mimic the complexity of human relationships, while graceful arches evoke a sense of wonder and invitation. His sculptures capture the fleeting beauty of the natural world, reminding viewers of the impermanence and resilience of life itself. Dougherty’s artistic genius intertwines enchantment with diverse landscapes across the state, country and world. Through his imaginative use of natural materials, he creates sculptures that speak to the inherent beauty of the environment and our connection to it. By blending art with nature, Dougherty invites onlookers to pause, reflect and appreciate the wonders that surround us. His legacy as a sculptor and advocate for the harmony between art and the environment will continue to inspire generations to come.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Patrick Dougherty’s “Out of the Box” (2009) sculpture at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh took three weeks to complete and included sticks and twigs from Durham’s Duke Forest.

BELOW: Dougherty and his son, Sam, stand in front of “Southern Comforts” (2021) in Lenoir, which was sponsored by the Patterson School Foundation

PHOTO BY ALISTAIR BURKE

PHOTO BY BRUCE D e BOER

FALL IN LOVE WITH BOONE

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

Autumn in North Carolina’s high country delivers spectacular beauty, breathtaking colors and endless opportunities for adventure. With its cool temperatures and vivid views, it’s no wonder fall is one of Boone’s most-visited times of year. Although peak fall foliage times differ each year, the best bet when planning to see the stunning change from green to yellow, orange and red is in October. We’ve compiled a list of must-dos while visiting Boone and its surrounding towns this fall.

Appalachian State University Football Games

appstatesports.com

Fall in Boone is not complete without attending an Appalachian State University home football game, when fans flock to the town’s quaint downtown area to cheer on the Mountaineers. Tailgaters expand from the stadium into most sections of town, giving weekend visitors a glimpse at how serious fans in this mountain town are about their football team.

High Gravity Adventures

highgravityadventures.com

Experience high climbing excitement at High Gravity Adventures, a zip line and aerial park. Unleash your inner Tarzan on the ropes course, zoom between valleys on the zip line, traverse the sky bridge and buckle up for a four-story, three-seater swing. This family-friendly park has something for every age—and thrill-seeker—in your group.

RiverGirl Fishing Co.

rivergirlfishing.com

Nestled beside the New River in Todd, a little over 12 miles northeast of Boone, RiverGirl Fishing provides all necessary gear for a day on—or in—the water. From bike to kayak and canoe rentals, you’ll find something to suit everyone in your group. Learn to fly fish in the troutfilled water with an experienced guide, or relax on a tube while the current carries you down the river. RiverGirl Fishing’s ecotours and equipment rentals ensure you’ll experience an unforgettable mountain day.

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

exploreboone.com/things-to-do/attractions/rocky-knob-park

The pinnacle of fun for mountain bike riders, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park provides the ideal setting for all

PHOTO BY SEANPAVONEPHOTO — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIAM MORONEY

Enjoy a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain

levels of experience. You’ll find four skill areas with five trails, plus more than a dozen side trails and connectors, each offering exceptional scenic experiences. Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park also contains a playground for younger members of the family.

Sky Valley Zip Tours

skyvalleyziptours.com

Journey through the High Country on an electric four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle at Sky Valley Zip Tours’ Mountain Cat off-road adventure tour in Blowing Rock. Conquer challenging inclines and rocky paths as part of this exciting experience for all skill levels. The 140-acre property features several miles of thrilling trails to explore.

Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train

September 22–October 28

tweetsie.com

The Wild West transforms into a Ghost Town each night during Halloween season at Tweetsie Railroad. Daytime guests can enjoy all of the usual attractions, but once the sun goes down, the park undergoes a full makeover complete with costumed characters, decorations, music and Halloween-themed wonders. Younger children will love the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations and Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular show. Braver guests can dare to take an ominous journey on the Ghost Train, trek through the Haunted House and explore the Freaky Forest.

Viaduct Views and Terrific Treks

blueridgeparkway.org and smokymountains.com

Travel 20 miles southwest of Boone to the Linn Cove Viaduct, a 7-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge in Newland that hugs the face of Grandfather Mountain and offers quintessential fall foliage views. Revelers can park at the visitor center and follow one of many trails that offer breathtaking scenery of the viaduct and its stunning surroundings. Boone is home to countless hiking trails, many of which lead to magnificent waterfalls. Laurel Creek Falls, which are 30 feet tall and located near the Watauga River, are easy to reach and offer several swimming holes. For a moderately challenging hike, take the Boone Fork Trail in Julian Price Memorial Park to the 25-foot Hebron Falls, which is surrounded by enormous boulders.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com

Take your trip to the next level on the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk. Tucked into the mountainside, North Carolina’s first alpine coaster follows the natural curves and ridges of the surrounding terrain. Race down a 3,160-foot track featuring three circular loops, a series of waves and several twists and turns, where you can reach a top speed of 27 mph if you’d like. If you’d rather coast a little slower, don’t fret! You control the speed with your own hand brake.

Wooly Worm Festival

October 21–22, 2023

woollyworm.com

One of the area’s most attended—and unique— festivals, Banner Elk’s Woolly Worm Festival is Western North Carolina’s version of Groundhog Day. Nearly 1,000 racing worms vie for the honor of predicting the region’s upcoming winter weather. The position of the longest dark bands on the winning worm supposedly indicates which dates of winter will be coldest. If the head end of the caterpillar is dark, the beginning of winter will be severe. If the tail end is dark, the end of winter will be cold. You read that right: Instead of Punxsutawney Phil seeing shadows, the markings of a fuzzy worm tell winter sports aficionados when to expect the best snowfall. In addition to the main woolly worm attraction, attendees can find all the trappings of a successful festival: food, vendors, music and rides.

Ready to plan your trip? Learn more about Boone at exploreboone.com

PHOTO BY TIMOTHY — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO BY SEANPAVONEPHOTO — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY BOYLES — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

—French philosopher Albert Camus

‘LIKE I HIT THE LOTTERY’

BY KURT DUSTERBERG | PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNC ATHLETICS

When Erin Matson led UNC–Chapel Hill to the NCAA field hockey national championship last November, it was the finishing touch on one of the sport’s most remarkable careers ever. The Tar Heels’ national title was the fourth for Matson, a three-time recipient of the Honda Sports Award as national player of the year.

But instead of taking her public relations and marketing degree out into the working world, the fifth-year senior was presented with an unlikely opportunity. Head coach Karen Shelton stepped down after 42 years and 10 national championships, so Matson applied for the job. She was introduced by UNC Athletic Director Lawrence “Bubba” Cunningham as the new coach on January 31.

At age 23, Matson is the youngest collegiate coach in the country, a high-risk situation in the world of college athletics. “That’s part of the reason that I was hired, that I am so young,” Matson says. “I’m so relatable. I know exactly what the kids want because I think the same way.”

Field hockey programs don’t make o r break athletic departments, but the eyes of the sport are on Chapel Hill, where UNC has won the most championships since the NCAA sanctioned the sport in 1981. So Matson had to make the transition from player to coach quickly.

“I’m still myself. I’m not changing,” she says . “Bubba doesn’t want me to change, but at the same time, I have the responsibility of a program and other young women to empower and manage. When we’re in

the office, let’s flip the switch. I always have to have the coaching hat on.”

Matson has come a long way since her mother, a former field hockey goalie at Yale University, signed her up for a clinic when she was 6 years old. As the years passed, Matson was always the youngest kid at camps—the petite girl issued the extra-small jersey with No. 1 on the back, the same number she wore at Chapel Hill. “I just fell in love,” she says. “I couldn’t get enough of it once I picked up a stick.”

You’ll be coaching the same athletes you played with last season. I’m sure you’ve given that some thought. How do you prepare for that transition?

From the day I got the job [I said], ‘Hey, we need to be open and honest to get through this. It’s unique, it’s different. Let’s not make it weird.’ I really think

transparency and support of each other has helped. It’s the role of any coach to be that consistent person and have that open-door policy for your players. It’s the only reason this is possible. How has North Carolina built such a dominant field hockey program?

We’ve always had a really good balance of those high standards, that we’re not going to accept anything that’s mediocre or average. We’ve also taken time to really enjoy what we’re doing and enjoy each other. Yes, we want to get better and have that killer mentality, but at the same time, we really love the people around us and want to do it together. We really do take the time to understand each other. We’re pretty drama-free. Let’s all look out for each other. Then on the field, we will do anything for each other.

Months after graduation, UNC field hockey star Erin Matson takes over the powerhouse program

From UNC field hockey player to coach, Erin Matson is currently the youngeset collegiate coach in the country.

Let’s talk about your career. You’re the all-time leading scorer in the Atlantic Coast Conference and in NCAA tournament play. You’re the three-time national player of the year. There’s a case to be made that you’re the best player who has ever played your sport. Do you ever think about that?

Well, thank you for the kind words. I think I’d be lying if I said that thought didn’t cross my mind, but I never let myself ponder about it. I was fortunate to be able to accomplish a lot and set a lot of records. But I felt as a student athlete, it’s my job. Let’s perform, let’s set those records, let’s get exposure to our sport. I hope one day another person comes along and sets a new standard. I’ve never really dwelled on what I’ve do ne. I’ve always taken the mindset of, what’s left to do? It’s cool to think about, and it’s an honor. That’s great, but it’s in the past. There’s still plenty to accomplish.

Field hockey has always been a niche sport. Are there barriers to entry in the sport? Is there a path to making it more accessible for girls to play?

It is an expensive sport. The equipment is expensive, especially for goalies. Another hurdle is it can’t be played on grass, it can’t be played on multipurpose turf. It needs the true astroturf to be the true game. You don’t see milliondollar fields put up everywhere. It’s been a primary focus for USA Field Hockey for years to get it in the inner city. There are so many sports for kids to choose from, but it’s not a sport that’s very easily understood. There are a lot of subjective rules, so it makes it tricky for people to understand it and buy into it. It’s an exciting game and people get pumped for the immediate time they see it. But then it’s like, ‘Wait, I actually have no idea what’s going on.’ So, getting people to understand it is another hurdle.

What kind of expectations do you have for your tenure at Carolina?

The obvious one is bringing a trophy back to Carolina, but we can only do that one game at a time. I think the team knows that. It’s something I’ve always had throughout my career. As long as we’re taking care of the

job that we need to take care of right now, things will fall into place. We have our end goal in mind and we know what it will take. If I can just do my job and be the best coach that I can for this program, then the domino effect will take care of itself.

How is the job going so far?

I’m not in a job that’s just planning practice every day. I’m having fun because, yes, it’s that, and it’s something I care so deeply about and love. My whole life I’ve been a field hockey player. But I love marketing and branding. How is the university doing that? What maybe in promotions can we do?

I love organizing and scheduling, so let’s schedule a season. Let’s watch the budget. And I think everyone thinks I’m crazy because I really am enjoying everything. Coaching is 5% of what we do. I think that’s why I’m in heaven, because I still have a taste of that. Yeah, I’m not out there still as a player, but I’m still involved in the game. I really feel like I hit the lottery for myself.

Matson tells her team, many of whom she used to play on the field with, “It’s unique. It’s different. Let’s not make it weird.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

A WHOLE LOT OF CACKALACKY

BY DAVID DROSCHAK

Aton of gumption more than two decades ago by a young Triangle couple—plus a catchy name—has resulted in one of North Carolina’s most recognizable brands. In addition to OBX, Cheerwine, Bojangles and Krispy Kreme, all of us here in the Tar Heel State should add Cackalacky—a Pittsboro-based company that has recently taken branding to an entirely new level—to the list.

In addition to Cackalacky’s award-winning barbecue sauces, hot sauces and seasonings—and recent designation as a Certified Woman Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council— owners Page and Caroline Skelton have branded such popular items as

snack nuts, specialty coffees, lip balm, clothing, outdoor gear, hats, glassware, craft beer, bitters and those iconic Cackalacky bumper stickers. The company’s lineup of grocery retailers is beyond impressive, with products currently stocked in Harris Teeter, Publix, Lowes Foods, Food Lion, Wegmans, Piggly Wiggly, Carlie C’s IGA, KJ’s Market, Mast General Store, specialty retailers and the state’s international airports in Charlotte and Raleigh. “But we still nerd out whenever we see one of our stickers on a car bumper,” Page says.

A HOT MESS OF MAKERS

The Cackalacky brand launched 23 years ago in Chapel Hill while Caroline was earning her masters

at UNC–Chapel Hill and Page was doing the same at North Carolina Central University. “I recall at that time there were very few local craft foods and beverages available in our neighborhood grocery store,” he says. “There were a lot of national and even international brands, but very few things that reflected this awesome part of the country. We set out to change that—starting with our first hot sauce. It was something that we could all be proud of.”

Cackalacky has now become somewhat of a national brand, with products being sold in a dozen states. But the couple has never wavered from their commitment and ties to North Carolina. “We have a running joke

Page, Harry and Carolina Skelton have created a line of popular North Carolina products featuring their Cackalacky brand. Photos courtesy of Cackalacky.

that our mission is to ‘make the things that we like for the people you love,’” Caroline says. “We tend to gravitate to the things that we are most passionate about. It’s a real joy to partner with some of the amazing and talented ‘makers’ here in North and South Carolina to bring our product ideas to life, and help create and keep jobs here in the local economy.”

Like many small business startups, success was not immediate for the Cackalacky crew, which now includes Page and Caroline’s 16-year-old son and budding business whiz Harry. “In the early days, I think our business strategy was strictly ‘by the seat of our pants,’” Page says. “And some days, it still is a lot of trial and error. But over time the Cackalacky brand started getting a toehold in the local marketplace, and grocery buyers and distributors slowly but surely started returning our sales calls.”

Everything tipped for Cackalacky when it partnered with Cheerwine to produce Cackalacky Cheerwine Sweet Sauce in 2013. Biscuitville soon followed by adding the sauce to its lineup nationwide, and that very sauce is packaged with heat-and-serve pork ribs and sold at every Food Lion in the country.

Most recently, Cackalacky partnered with UNC–Chapel Hill athletic supporters and created the Carolina Tar Heels BBQ Sauce. This new product is offered at UNC concession stands, and there’s even a Cackalacky BBQ sandwich that includes the sauce collaboration on the menu at Kenan Stadium for football games and the Dean E. Smith Center for basketball games.

“That brought us full circle to realizing our vision to make local products that we can all be proud of, right where the Cackalacky brand was born—in the shadow of the university,” Page says.

FIRED UP FROM THE START

Caroline, Page and Harry are a tightknit team, and aside from two dozen ambassadors across the country who help spread the good word, keeping the company’s

leadership small works well for this group. “We play to our strengths,” Page says. “Caroline is the business sense behind the Cackalacky brand— always has been, and thank goodness for that. I’m more of a promoter personality. So, I handle our social media and product development. I’m the gas. She’s the brakes. And we recently discovered—much to our surprise—that our teenage son absolutely loves selling our products. And he’s a budding business nerd, too.”

In fact, Harry runs the company’s retail shop at the warehouse in Pittsboro. “Like most folks, I think the global pandemic changed things for us—brought us even closer together and even more focused on the family business,” Caroline says.

Looking back on Cackalacky’s humble beginnings, the couple made a wise move to press forward with trademarking the product’s name. “The name Cackalacky is alliterative and has a certain ‘of the people’ quality to it—and almost always makes people smile or giggle when they say it for the first time. It’s really magic,” Page says. “When we did some checking, it turned out no one had ever used the Cackalacky name in commerce. So, we trademarked it. The internet was still in its relative infancy back then, too. So we registered the cackalacky.com domain.

And more trademarks followed, such as Famously Original and Beer B-Q. We didn’t think it was a very big deal at the time. Boy, has that changed.”

The Skeltons still manage to maintain a grassroots approach as Cackalacky nears a quarter century in business. There’s a good chance you might run across Caroline, Page and Harry sampling nuts and sauces at a local event as they talk up the product line. “We have many sayings that help us get through our day,” Caroline says. “One of them is, ‘No customer too small, no account too large.’”

Those humble beginnings that started with attending local events and making personal connections have paid off. “We launched the Cackalacky brand more than two decades ago by going to local beer festivals, barbecue competitions and farmers markets. If there was a crowd, we were there! It’s our way of staying close to our customers and remaining relevant in the marketplace,” Caroline says. “Marketing is not a mouth. It’s an ear. And we love meeting our customers and getting their feedback in real time.”

So, what’s next for Cackalacky?

“We are working on a few fun ideas and collaborations where we see new opportunities to serve our Cackalacky customers,” Page says. “But our lips are sealed.” Stay tuned, Cackalacky fans.

When Cackalacky partnered with Cheerwine to make a sweet sauce, everything changed for the company.

CONSTRUCTION CARE

new tiny home village in Pittsboro offers support and stability

BY FRANCES DEESE

In this vastly growing world, with housing parallel to it, it’s easy to forget that many citizens don’t have a place to call home. A local partnership has come up with a unique solution for a specific group of people among them.

XDS, a Chatham County nonprofit founded in 2004 that is also known as Cross Disability Services, has joined forces with Morrisville-based Garman Homes to build a community in Pittsboro for veterans and people experiencing mental illness. The Tiny Homes Village will be part of a 40-acre alternative therapeutic farm called the Farm at Penny Lane. It will consist of 15 well-designed, affordable and permanent homes that are roughly 400 square feet and cost $50,000 each. Veterans with chronic health conditions will be given priority for five of the homes, and the village will offer all residents a path to growth and recovery through healthy initiatives and community-building programs.

Work on this project began over a decade ago when XDS founder Thavagunan Mahadevan observed that individuals living with mental illness still faced significant challenges, even after medical intervention. As UNC’s director of operations for the Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, Mahadevan realized that there was a vital need for social support as part of mental health patients’ overall care. In 2016, he partnered with the UNC School of Social Work to pilot the Tiny Homes Village project. Garman Homes Founder and CEO Alaina Money-Garman and Product Manager Emily Bosman helped make the project a reality. The North Carolina State University School of Architecture’s Design + Build program also put their stamp of approval on the project by helping the team erect the very first Tiny Homes Village building.

A

THE PLAN

XDS and Garman Homes put a lot of thought into the Tiny Homes Village floor plan and considered who was not in the room when having important conversations about how to design the units, so they could include and amplify those voices. They laid the units out in a horseshoe shape to allow for privacy, so each home faces a different direction. This ensures that residents feel they are part of a community, but still have access to solitude and introspection when they desire it.

Residents enter each home through a brightly colored front door into a living room and full kitchen with an island. Each unit has a master bedroom, full bath and vanity. Natural light filters in through six windows, with some serving as transoms above a doorway or higher on a wall to allow for privacy. This forward-thinking design, combined with the farm’s tranquil landscape, make these homes optimal spaces for rest and recovery.

Residents will receive support from doctors, social workers and peer support specialists who have also

experienced recovery programs. Transportation and community-based programming will encourage residents to work toward self-sufficiency. They will have access to weekly nutritious meals from local restaurants, fresh fruits and vegetables, and visits from UNC PAWS (Peer Assisted Wellness Support), which provides emotional support dogs residents can interact with.

Money-Garman, Bosman and Mahavadevan have persevered through typical construction obstacles and setbacks to meet their goal, choosing to learn from them and lead by example. Their mission to create a community that offers support, stability, friendship and inspiration is coming to fruition, and will ensure that each resident of the Tiny Homes Village at the Farm at Penny Lane will be able to construct a new chapter in their lives.

Learn more about the Tiny Homes Village at the Farm at Penny Lane at xdsinc.org/tiny-homes-village

The Tiny Homes Village in Pittsboro will consist of 15 affordable and permanent homes for veterans and people experiencing mental illness. Photos and renderings courtesy of Tiny Homes Village

Each home will consist of 400 square feet and include a living room, full kitchen with an island, bedroom, full bath and vanity.

This list represents the Western Wake restaurants that have advertised with us since the start of 2023. Looking for our comprehensive Dine & Draft directory? Check out 5westmag.com/dine-draft for a detailed foodie guide to Western Wake. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find.

ABBEY ROAD TAVERN

1700 Center Street, Apex 919.372.5338

1195 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.481.5383 abbeyroadnc.com

ACME PIZZA

204 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs 919.552.8800

2101 Grace Park Drive, Morrisville 919.650.2902 acmepizzaco.com

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 BRECOTEA

1144 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.234.1555 brecotea.com

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP

302 Colonades Way, Suite D209, Cary 919.932.8882 order.capriottis.com/store/6386

COLLETTA

1 Fenton Main Street, Suite 170, Cary 919.766.0062 collettarestaurant.com

DI FARA PIZZA TAVERN

111 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.678.5300 difarapizzatavern.com

KWENCH JUICE CAFE

772 W. Williams Street, Apex 984.214.1763 kwenchapex.com

PEAK OF THE VINE 301 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.267.9828 peakofthevine.com

PHOTO OF BRECOTEA PASTRIES BY BETH SHUGG

1. COLLETTA C hicken P armesan at Colletta in Cary.

PHOTO BY ANDREW CEBULKA

2. ASALI DESSERTS & CAFE P each mousse at Asali Desserts & Caf e in Cary.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASALI DESSERTS & CAFE

3. MEZCALITO Mezcalito t aco s with a margarita on the rocks

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

4. SOBOL B uild-your-own acai bowls from SoBol in Cary.

PHOTO BY KATIE SHUGG

News for Western Wake foodies compiled by the 5 West staff, with contributions from TriangleFoodGuy Sean Leonard, who blogs at trianglefoodblog.com

NOW OPEN

1 The Peach Cobbler Factory opened in June at 8105 Fayetteville Street in Fuquay-Varina Home to 12 warm, delicious cobblers with ice cream, the restaurant also offers banana pudding, sweet cinnamon rolls, Pudd-N Shakes, Big Cobbler cookies, in-house Sweet Peachy Tea and cold brew coffee. Visit peachcobblerfactory.com to learn more

2 In July, Back Then Bar and Grill opened at 107 Edinburgh South Drive in Cary The menu offers burgers, sandwiches, wings, tenders, salads and a variety of appetizers. The restaurant also offers a large bar and dance floor, and welcomes local bands. Learn more at backthenbar.com.

3 Also in July, Sweet Talk Cafe & Desserts, a new Asian-inspired dessert and specialty beverage cafe, opened at 2008 Creekside Landing Drive in Apex. Indulge in sweets like Strawberry Hearts, Mango Sunshine and Churro Creme Croffle. Specialty beverage options include the Vanilla Lavender Latte, Pacific Coast Mint Tea and Lychee Sparkling Lemonade, among other choices. Learn more at sweettalkcafenc.com.

COMING SOON

4 Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken is coming to 575 New Waverly Place in Cary this fall, according to Triangle Business Journal. The breakfast and lunch restaurant brand was founded in Durham in 2012.

5 In addition to Southern Peak Brewery, Fratelli’s Delicatessen and Sushi Yaki, four more food and beverage tenants will join Sweetwater Town Center, currently under construction in Apex at 2775 Core Banks Street: Mama Bird’s Ice Cream, Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant, SoBol and a yet-to-be named Indian restaurant The shopping center will be anchored by a Harris Teeter. Learn more at sweetwaterapex.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RISE SOUTHERN BISCUITS & RIGHTEOUS CHICKEN

MUSIC IN THE PARK

September 8, 6:30–8 p.m.

280 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville

Enjoy live music from the band Jives and healthy cuisine from Ty’s All Natural food truck. townofmorrisville.org

CENTERFEST ARTS FESTIVAL

September 16, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; September 17, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Durham District

CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with local performers. Kids can unleash their inner artist in the Creative Kids Zone. durhamarts.org/centerfest

“KAREN ROSE: MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL”

September 20–November 10

Town Hall Gallery

316 N. Academy Street, Cary

See Rose’s series of paintings based on North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Having hiked, biked and kayaked many portions of the trail, she simultaneously painted a series of landscapes that showcase the propensity for intense color as a byproduct of her half-Mexican heritage. carync.gov

FARMERS FALL FESTIVAL

September 23, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Academy Street, Downtown Cary

Celebrate local farmers’ bounty and enjoy live music, a kids performance area, interactive exhibits and a midday pie-eating contest on Academy Street. caryfarmersmarket.com

PARTY IN THE PEAK

September 23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Apex Town Campus

73 Hunter Street, Apex

The Town of Apex celebrates its 150th anniversary of incorporation. The Apex Town Campus will be transformed into an interactive museum with exhibits and activities showcasing the town’s past, present and future. Enjoy a stage lineup full of Apex personality, a GovLove kids area with games, and food trucks serving up special 150th menu items. apexnc.org

TRIANGLE BARKITECTURE

September 30, 1–5 p.m.

21 Fenton Main Street, Cary

View creative pet architecture in this design competition that benefits Triangle Beagle Rescue and Friends of Wake County Animal Shelter. Meet canines and felines up for adoption.

fentonnc.com/event/triangle-barkitecture

HUM SUB DIWALI

October 14, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

Take a voyage to the Indian subcontinent at Hub Sub Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of lights. Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, authentic cuisine and a fireworks display. Abby V and his band perform on the main stage at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free; parking is $7. humsub.org

HOLLYFEST

October 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Jefferson L. Sugg Farm Park at Bass Lake

2401 Gribsby Avenue, Holly Springs

Food vendors, kids activities and local entertainment highlight this celebration of Holly Springs at Sugg Farm. hollyspringsnc.us/356/hollyfest

Before you head out, be sure to check the websites for the events listed here to ensure they are still taking place.

The CenterFest Arts Festival will take place in Durham September 16–17.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE RANDY BASS

Top: Dancers entertain attendees of Hub Sub Diwali.

Bottom: The Town of Apex celebrates its 150th anniverary September 23.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUM SUB DIWALI, TOWN OF APEX

BRATWURST, BIERGARTENS AND BAVARIA

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Sugar Mountain and Hickory

SUGAR MOUNTAIN

Raise your beer stein at Sugar Mountain Resort’s Oktoberfest. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Banner Elk and Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain salutes all things Bavarian at its 33rd annual festival October 7–8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. each day.

Discover mouthwatering foods like knockwurst, sauerkraut, strudel, glazed nuts, soft pretzels and ample supplies of Spaten beers from Munich. See the Harbour Towne Fest Band proudly performing oompah music and enjoy performances by the Avery County Cloggers, a team dedicated to preserving traditional folk dance. Shop local craftsmen displaying jewelry, woodworking, Christmas ornaments and other handmade goods, or purchase artisanal foods from nearby farms.

Don your lederhosen or dirndl and take part in the Oktoberfest costume contest. In festive fashion, the winner will be determined by crowd response with prizes awarded to the winners in various age groups.

No visit to Sugar Mountain is complete without a journey to its 5,300-foot peak to admire the breathtaking views and spectacular fall foliage. Summit Express chairlift rides operate from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. each day, and cost $20 for a one-time excursion. Rides are free for ages 4 and younger with a paying adult. Admission, parking and shuttle service are free at Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest. Learn more at oktoberfest.skisugar.com

HICKORY

One of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in North Carolina attracting over 100,000 visitors, Hickory Oktoberfest transforms downtown’s Union Square into a lively German-inspired village. Festivities take place October 13–15 and include three stages of nonstop musical entertainment and authentic cuisine, such as sausage, dumplings, pretzels and pastries. Try seasonal selections from local craft breweries at two large beer gardens. Be serenaded by an accordionist playing Bavarian tunes as you shop a juried arts and crafts show. The Steubenville Tootlers, an oompah band, performs each day of the festival on the CommScope Stage. Young festivalgoers can enjoy pint-sized fun at KidsFest, which features games, rides and face painting.

German immigrant Adolphus “Dolph” Shuford was one of the first settlers of Hickory Tavern, a village that welcomed a railway in the late 1850s and officially changed its name to Hickory in 1873. Although it has grown since then, Hickory continues to sport a proud German heritage and serves as the national headquarters of several German companies. This spring, the four Hickory Metro counties of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba celebrated their 30-year, region-to-region partnership with Altenburg, Germany. This year’s Oktoberfest will be the city’s 36th annual festival Hickory Oktoberfest hours are 5–11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday; and noon–5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at hickoryoktoberfest.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BUSHPHOTO.COM AND PAT APPLESON STUDIOS INC.

Oktoberfest in Hickory (at left and this photo)

Oktoberfest in Sugar Mountain (at right and this photo)

TRIPLE THREAT

Clarence Heyward, William Paul Thomas and Charles Edward Williams are three artists at the forefront of a new generation of Black painters. They are featured in “Triple Threat: New paintings” at Craven Allen Gallery in Durham, guest-curated by artist Beverly McIver, a significant presence in contemporary American art. In this exhibit, McIver highlights each artist’s different approach to portraiture. The exhibition will be on view September 9–October 28, with an opening reception taking place September 9 from 5–7 p.m. Craven Allen Gallery is located at 1106 ½ Broad Street in Durham. Learn more at cravenallengallery.com

CLARENCEHEYWARD.COM

TELVIN, 2023

ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 48 X 36 INCHES

“Using painting as my primary tool of communication, I make works examining my identity as a Black American man, husband and father; compositions documenting my life experiences, and how the media and historical documentations contribute to the perception of Black Americans and our collective culture.”

“I choose specific models as a way of recognizing their significance in my life’s path. I relish being able to honor everyday people through making images. We regularly celebrate women and men of prominence in mass media, so I take advantage of the opportunity to highlight the people who impact me on a more direct level than any untouchable celebrity or distant historical figure could.”

CHARLESEDWARDWILLIAMS.COM

REFINE: SWIM, 2023 OIL ON WATERCOLOR PAPER 30 X 22 INCHES

“With each brush stroke I seek to express, in a more perfect way, a response to the complexities within our culture, history and my own internal struggle. Water is where I am most vulnerable—it’s a place to intersect with my authentic self. I encourage others to self-examine, question the false boundaries that separate us, and view the interconnectedness of our common existence.”

CLARENCE HEYWARD

CHARLES EDWARD WILLIAMS

WILLIAM PAUL THOMAS WILLIAMPAULTHOMAS.COM BEAUTY CONTEST, 2023

OIL ON CANVAS 36 X 72 INCHES

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF CRAVEN ALLEN GALLERY