Issuu

Celebrating the 5 Towns of Western Wake

HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST 24 Festive Things to Experience in the Triangle This Season A STROLL THROUGH ALEX ANDRIA , VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN TAMBURR BRINGS BIG JAZZ TO SMALL STAGES 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TALK IT OUT NC

THE HOLIDAY EDIT Inspired finds from the Triangle’s best boutiques, retailers, and destinations Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing’s Sippin’ Santa cocktail See page 44

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CARY

F U Q U AY!V A R I N A

H O L LY S P R I N G S

MORRISVILLE

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Awarded the 2025 "Apex Citizen of the Year!"

EDITOR’S LETTER Leave a Little Sparkle Wherever You Go

2026

2025

GOLD WINNER BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

DIAMOND

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2023

2024 SILVER WINNER BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

2022

2025 SILVER WINNER BEST REAL ESTATE FIRM

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Find out why Nancy Grace is the NUMBER ONE AGENT at Choice Residential!

Nancy and her team of professionals have been assisting Wake County buyers and sellers since 2007. Whether you are an empty nester ready to downsize or a new family looking for a dream home, they are here to help you achieve your goals. Give her a call today and see what all the talk is about!

I’m writing this on the heels of the news of Dolly Parton’s passing. By the time you pick up this issue, it will no longer be breaking news, and perhaps the initial sting of her loss will have softened. But I know plenty of us will still feel her absence. Dolly was adored in a way no public !gure has been in my lifetime. The world lost the rarest kind of star—someone who loved deeply, gave generously, and poured herself into her work and the causes she believed in. It’s hard to choose a favorite Dolly quote because there are so many gems. “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.” “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose.” And one of my favorites: “Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.” That one feels especially !tting this time of year, when the city itself seems to !nd a little more sparkle. "This issue celebrates that spirit with our Holiday Bucket List, featuring 24 festive things to experience across the Triangle this season. From the best holiday decor and tree lightings to artisan markets and seasonal cocktails, we’ve got plenty to help you make the most of this magical time of year. "Elsewhere in these pages, Jennifer Primrose takes us to Alexandria, Virginia and Kurt Dusterberg pro!les musician Christian Tamburr and his Icons of Jazz series. You’ll also !nd our Holiday Edit, a special section highlighting the gift items and experiences that make the season feel so bright. "As always, I hope this issue catches your eye, inspires you to get out and explore, and makes you feel a little more connected to the city we call home. Because so much of what makes a place special comes down to the people who !ll it with energy, creativity, generosity—and, yes, a little sparkle. "Maybe that’s part of what Dolly leaves us with. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, welcomed, and a little more hopeful. She reminded us to show up for one another, be generous with what we have, and leave things a little brighter than we found them. "So, cheers to you and your loved ones this holiday season. And if you follow the gospel of Dolly Parton, raise a glass, keep the laughter coming, and make everyone feel welcome at your table.

Nancy Grace - REALTOR

Choice Residential 225 N Salem Street, Apex 919.616.4139

nancygracehomes.com nancygrace.realtor

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F OU ND E R Ronny Stephens PUBLISHE R Joe Sanger EDITOR Taylor Bowler A RT DIRE CTOR Sean Byrne LIFESTYLE EDITOR Dathan Kazsuk G R A PH IC D E SIGNE R Fabrizio Bianchi COPY EDITOR Amanda Lea S OC I A L ME D IA M ANAGE R Jordan Daniels A D PR ODUCTION M ANAGE R Cyndi Harris DI R ECTOR OF SALE S Collin Pruitt ACCO UN T E X E C U T I V E Mackenzie Steiner STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jessica Bratton FASH I ON STYLI ST Sofia Lujan DI STRIB U TION Liam Fulkerson, Manager DistribuTech.net CO N T R I B UTING WRITERS Laura D’Onofrio Kurt Dusterberg Amanda Lamb Jennifer Primrose 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 2026. 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 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road Raleigh, NC 27604 Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763

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Wh at ’s work i n g i n Mi dt ow n a n d 5 We s t ? We w a n t t h e u n f i l t e re d v e r s i o n . Take o u r q u i c k rea d e r s u r v e y and h e l p sha p e w hat c om e s n ext . What c o u l d u s e s o m e f i n e - t u n i n g ? A nd wh at do y ou w a n t t o se e m ore o f ?

SCAN T H E Q R CO DE. SO UND O FF. EN TE R TO W IN.

Ta ke o u r q u i c k rea d e r s u r v e y and h e l p s h a pe w h at c om e s n ex t .

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A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

Dinner’s on us! Two lucky winners will each score a $200 gift certificate for dinner for two at Rey’s Restaurant.

Selected participants will also receive a complimentary home-delivery subscription to Midtown or 5 West magazine. C3 is offering 20% OFF any massage or facial service and a Salt Booth Session – 20 minutes

Prefer the direct route? Take the survey at www.midtownmag.com. No purchase necessary. Official rules and eligibility details are available on the survey website.

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CONTENTS FEATURES

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

26 ALEXANDRIA: ONE STEP AT A TIME A stroll through the city’s past and present

34 SMALL STAGES, BIG JAZZ Christian Tamburr brings world-class musicians together for an intimate concert

40 THE HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST 24 festive things to experience in the Triangle this season

DEPARTMENTS 14 LOCAL IMPACT Talk it out

IN EVERY ISSUE 2 8

FROM THE EDITOR

SPECIAL SECTION 18 THE HOLIDAY EDIT

TALK OF THE TOWNS

Dining Guide Social Scene The Buzz

48 THE SPACE BETWEEN

ON THE COVER

The Space Between

One of Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing’s annual Sippin’ Santa tropical tiki cocktails. Photo courtesy of Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing.

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YOUR GLENWOOD VILLAGE

SEASON STARTS H E RE

HOLLY PARK MARKET AT COLONNADE CENTER MIDTOWN EAST RIDGEWOOD SHOPPING CENTER SUTTON SQUARE VILLAGE DISTRICT

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BY TAYLOR BOWLER | PHOTO BY ALONZA MITCHELL

CITY SCENE | DINING GUIDE

BY TAYLOR BOWLER

WHERE TO CELEBRATE When the occasion calls for white tablecloths, exceptional food, and a little extra sparkle, these Triangle restaurants deliver. Here are 15 restaurants worth saving for a special occasion. Herons 100 Woodland Pond Dr., Cary With artful tasting menus, impeccable service, and a dining room tucked inside The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Herons turns dinner into an experience.

Brodeto 2201 Iron Works Dr., Suite 137, Raleigh Moody, intimate, and built for lingering, Brodeto blends Italian and Croatian in!uences into a meal that feels like a European escape tucked inside Raleigh Iron Works.

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern 330 Hillsborough St., Raleigh Set inside a restored 19th-century mansion, Second Empire delivers old-school elegance with modern Southern !air. Think candlelight, polished service, and a meal that deserves a celebration.

Stanbury 938 N. Blount St., Raleigh The ever-changing seasonal menu and intimate atmosphere have made it one of Raleigh’s most beloved special-night spots.

The Capital Grille 4242 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh Savor dry-aged steaks, an extensive wine list, and the kind of attentive service that makes every occasion feel a little more special. Death & Taxes 105 W. Hargett St., Raleigh This downtown favorite brings drama to the table with smoky !avors, seasonal ingredients, and a serious bar program. Oak Steakhouse 417 W. Hargett St., Raleigh This steakhouse pairs prime cuts, seafood, and craft cocktails in a sleek dining room made for birthdays, anniversaries, and milestone dinners. Crawford Brothers Steakhouse 401 Fenton Gateway Dr., Cary Enjoy dry-aged beef, seafood towers, and a polished setting in Fenton. Come hungry; leave impressed. M Tempura 111 W. Orange St., Durham A chef-driven Japanese experience where precision is the main event. The intimate tasting format makes every course feel like a reveal.

The Fearrington House Restaurant 230 Market St., Pittsboro Expect re"ned, multi-course dining in an elegant house surrounded by Fearrington Village charm. Vin Rouge 2010 Hillsborough Rd., Durham With French classics, a thoughtful wine list, and a romantic garden patio, Vin Rouge is made for leisurely dinners and lingering conversations. Tamasha Modern Indian 4200 Six Forks Rd., Suite 130, Raleigh Forget everything you think you know about Indian dining. Tamasha brings bold !avors, creative cocktails, and a dramatic dining room to the special-occasion scene. Oakleaf 310 E. Main St., Carrboro Oakleaf’s chef-driven menus celebrate North Carolina ingredients with the kind of creativity that makes dinner feel like an occasion. Angus Barn 9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh With its rustic charm, legendary steaks, sprawling wine cellar, and decades of special-occasion memories, Angus Barn isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. East End Bistrot 2020 Progress Ct., Suite 110, Raleigh Part French bistro, part seafood destination, East End Bistrot serves elegant plates and a memorable atmosphere.

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CITY SCENE | SOCIAL SCENE

BY DATHAN KAZSUK

Basketball player and physician Benjamin Petty, M.D., recently opened Samaritan Sports Medicine, combining advanced treatments with a modern, evidence-based approach to care. Petty, joined by family and friends, celebrated the new practice with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 25, at 8300 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 110, in Raleigh. Joining Petty for the ribbon cutting was James Hucke, senior relationship manager with the Raleigh Chamber.

Patrick Shanahan, Midtown’s Collin Pruitt, Jake Mory and Jourdan Bethea hit the links at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary for Cary Christian School’s 26th Annual Golf Classic on September 28. The annual event brings together members of the community for a day of golf while supporting Cary Christian School and its continued investment in students, programs and the school campus.

Let’s be social! Follow us for all of the don’t-miss events in Raleigh.

Empire Properties founder Greg Hatem celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary October 2 at the historic Boylan-Pearce Building in downtown Raleigh. Guests enjoyed food from Empire Eats, cocktails and a reception highlighting three decades of downtown revitalization. Attendees included North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and former News & Observer publisher Orage Quarles III.

Midtown magazine welcomed guests to a Mix & Mingle event Sept. 10 at Arhaus in Cary’s Fenton development. Guests mingled with the Midtown and 5 West teams while enjoying bites from Rey’s Restaurant and visiting participating vendors, including Raleigh Denim, Rangoni, Bunbury Custom Clothiers and Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Throughout the evening, attendees explored the stylish Arhaus showroom and picked up copies of the September/October Fall Fashion Issue. Photos courtesy of Joseph William Interiors. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 9

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CITY SCENE | THE BUZZ

BY DATHAN KAZSUK

RETHINKING MIDLIFE Dr. Sarah Maddison on Women’s Health For more than two decades, Dr. Sarah D. Maddison has cared for women through nearly every stage of life, from pregnancy and postpartum to perimenopause and menopause. A North Carolina native, Maddison earned her undergraduate degree at UNC–Chapel Hill, attended East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine, and completed her OB-GYN residency at UNC before joining MidCarolina Obstetrics & Gynecology in 2002. Today, she is the practice’s managing partner, board-certi!ed in obstetrics and gynecology and obesity medicine, and increasingly focuses on menopause, metabolic health, and healthy aging through Raleigh’s Women’s Wellness Center. After more than 20 years in practice, how has your understanding of women’s health changed? I’ve come to appreciate how interconnected the stages of a woman’s life really are. Pregnancy, postpartum, contraception, perimenopause, and menopause don’t exist in isolation. I’ve also gone through many of these same transitions alongside my patients. Those relationships build trust and remind me that women’s health care is about listening, understanding the whole person, and helping women feel like themselves through every season of life. Why did you decide obesity medicine needed to become part of menopause care? I kept hearing women say, “I haven’t changed anything, but what used to work doesn’t work anymore.” They were exercising and eating well but gaining weight, particularly around the abdomen. At the same time, they were experiencing sleep disruption, declining muscle mass, and metabolic changes. It became clear that weight couldn’t be treated separately, which led me to pursue board certi!cation in obesity medicine. Women in midlife are big business for the wellness industry.How do you separate useful treatments from good marketing? My !rst question is: What does the evidence actually show? Terms like “natural,” “bioidentical,” “wellness,” and “anti-aging” don’t automatically mean something is safe or effective. I try to stay open-minded while remaining appropriately skeptical. There also isn’t a one-size-!ts-all answer. My job is to help patients sort through the noise and make informed decisions.

PHOTO BY JESSICA BRATTON.

What is precision nutrition teaching us about health in midlife? We’re learning that nutrition is much more individualized than “eat less and exercise more.” Genetics, hormones, muscle mass, sleep, stress, and metabolic health all in"uence how our bodies respond. In midlife, the goal shouldn’t simply be a lower number on the scale. What problems do women often accept as an unavoidable part of aging? Urinary leakage is a perfect example. Women may stop exercising or plan their lives around bathrooms without ever mentioning it to their doctor. The same is true of vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, decreased desire, and other sexual-health concerns. These symptoms may be common, but that doesn’t mean women have to live with them. There are often effective treatment options. What will we look back on in 20 years and wonder: Why did we treat menopause that way? I think we’ll wonder why menopause care was ever treated as a niche focused mainly on hot "ashes. Sleep, mood, sexual and urinary health, muscle, bone, metabolism, and cardiovascular health are all part of the picture. The future will be much more individualized and preventive—using better data and emerging tools to identify risks earlier and help women stay healthy for decades after menopause.

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CITY SCENE | THE BUZZ

BY TAYLOR BOWLER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VENDORS

RALEIGH’S NEXT WAVE LEVEL99 IS BRINGING ITS FIRST NORTH CAROLINA LOCATION TO CRABTREE If you’ve ever wished an escape room had more variety, Level99 might be your kind of place. The interactive entertainment venue is opening its !rst North Carolina location at Crabtree in 2027, taking over the former Belk Men’s space with a 40,000-square-foot playground designed for adults. Instead of a single experience, Level99 features more than 50 rotating physical and mental challenges for teams of two to six. Expect everything from puzzle-solving and interactive art hunts to obstacle-based games that test speed, strategy, and teamwork. Between rounds, guests can grab a meal, craft cocktail, or local beer at the on-site restaurant and bar, making it just as much a night out as a game destination. TWO ICONIC RALEIGH HOTELS NOW OPEN Raleigh has two noteworthy new places to stay— each with a story to tell. In Mordecai, The Gables has opened in a restored 1920s-era motel along the historic Route 1 corridor. Reimagined by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, developer Daniel Robinson, and designer Sarah Yarborough of Heyday Studios, the 18-room boutique property blends historic charm with thoughtfully designed guest rooms, gardens, gathering spaces, and the neighborhood bar, Alcove. Meanwhile, downtown’s unmistakable round Holiday Inn has of!cially entered its next chapter as Hotel Indigo Raleigh. Built in 1969, the 19-story landmark was nearly demolished before Tidal Real Estate Partners stepped in to restore and modernize it. One of only about a dozen circular hotels still standing in the U.S., the reimagined property preserves a beloved piece of Raleigh’s skyline—complete with a new bar and restaurant offering sweeping downtown views.

HILL HOUSE HOME HEADS TO NORTH HILLS Fans of the Nap Dress will soon have a new place to shop. Lifestyle brand Hill House Home is opening its !rst Raleigh location in the Main District at North Hills, across from Anthropologie and Alo Yoga. The boutique is expected to open in spring 2027. Founded by Nell Diamond in 2016, Hill House Home !rst became known for its wildly popular Nap Dress before expanding into apparel, accessories, home goods, and children’s collections. The new store will carry a mix of the brand’s signature fashion, home décor, seasonal offerings, and accessories, marking its !rst brick-and-mortar location in the Triangle.

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DEEPENING OUR ROOTS IN RALEIGH Growing for you and all your financial needs. More new branches coming soon! Personal | Business | Wealth | Home Loans

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D E PA R T M E N T L O C A L I M PAC T

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TALK IT OUT NC As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to talk to kids about the impact our drinking habits have on the next generation. STORY BY L AURA D’ONOFRIO PHOTOS COURTESY OF TALK IT OUT NC

is the season, festive and indulgent. Understandably. Our lives can be fast-paced, and the end of the year gives us some time to reflect and celebrate with our loved ones and good food and drink. But what impact do our adult drinking habits leave on the younger generation? Some of us may remember the “War on Drugs” campaign of the ‘80s and ‘90s. We watched commercials comparing our brains to fried eggs.

Nancy Reagan told us to “just say no.” And if kids were getting any education on alcohol and drugs, it was generally from uniformed police officers in large auditoriums. Cut to 2026, and the conversation around underage drinking has become more nuanced and compassionate. Funded by the NC Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (ABC), Talk it Out NC provides coaches, educators, faith leaders, and the rest of the NC

parenting community with tools and resources to encourage this open!dialogue. Launched in 2014, the group has a core team of eight regional ambassadors from the mountains to the coast. Ambassadors attended 369 events and reached over 106,000 people in just the first half of 2026!alone. Here are five things you need to know about the Talk it Out NC movement.

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Drinking is trending down. A!recent North Carolina survey showed that 81% of students across high school and collegiate level don’t drink alcohol. “This is something we highlight in all our talks, and the social norm prevention model is working better than scaring kids,” says Rodney Poole, the organization’s program coordinator.

The US is a drinking culture, especially during the holidays. The!holiday season can bring added stress, distractions, and big transitions. Talk it Out encourages parents to enjoy the season, but not to let their guards down with their kids. “Vagueness and ambiguity can be an issue,” Poole says. “Kids may push and take chances.”

Rodney Poole on the impact of underage drinking. (Be sure to check out their YouTube page.)

Talk it Out isn’t just about!alcohol. At its core, it’s about confidence, communication, and connection. Stacy Grier, director of Education Community Outreach, says many children returned to school after COVID unsure how to socialize or were hesitant to engage. “Some sought relief from alcohol as they looked for ways to fit back in again,” she says. To help, Talk it Out added some of their curriculum to Wake County Public School’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. Talk it Out NC is built on the idea that communication is a two-way street and tough conversations

can be simpler when addressed head on. Grier says their research reveals a disconnect: Parents often assume their kids are learning about underage drinking through school and social media. Kids, on the other hand, believe their parents will be the ones to start the conversation about alcohol. As we close out 2026, let’s take a moment to put our phones, drinks, and other comforts down, and talk with our loved ones with curiosity, presence, and care. OPPOSITE PAGE: In Raleigh, 9th and 10th graders hit the court for a basketball camp focused on building positive connections. BELOW: Drug prevention educator Rodney Poole takes prevention beyond the classroom with programs focused on responsible decision-making.

North Carolina is one of!17 “control state” systems in the country. NC ABC Commission Chairman Hank Bauer says their standalone agency, funded by the sale of alcohol, authorizes products that come into our state and holds bad actors accountable. “We give about $540 million to the state budget every year,” he says. “Talk it Out is part of our overall mission to educate on the responsible and legal use of alcohol.”

Conversations about underage drinking don’t!have to happen in!the classroom. In Charlotte, students learned about life, personal growth, and wellness while participating in baking lessons. In Raleigh, 9th and 10th graders enjoyed a basketball training camp with lessons on positive connection building. And students at Long Leaf School of the Arts starred in a “So Ready” commercial spot after hearing inspiring comments from

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S P O N S O R E D CO N T E N T LAW

The Marriage Is Ending. Should You Keep the House? By Richard Bruce Gantt

You can picture the kitchen where everyone gathers. The backyard where the children play. The neighbors who feel like family. Then comes the question that can stop a separation conversation cold: “Who gets the house?”

become a financial burden when the numbers leave no breathing room. At Gantt Family Law, we help clients look beyond who gets what. We ask what those decisions will mean after the agreement is signed.

For Triangle couples, the answer can carry a surprisingly expensive price tag. An existing mortgage may feel manageable. But refinancing to buy out a spouse’s share could mean trading a favorable interest rate for a higher payment—just as one household becomes two. Suddenly, keeping the keys looks different on paper.

Through our professional network, clients can explore refinancing with mortgage professionals, evaluate a sale with real estate professionals, and review financial tradeoffs with advisors. Could other assets fund a buyout? Would selling create more flexibility? Might spousal support be appropriate? Each option deserves careful evaluation.

Before saying, “I’m keeping the house,” ask: What will keeping it actually cost?

And then there are the children.

The mortgage is only the beginning. Add taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, and the inevitable broken air conditioner. Then consider what remains for groceries, childcare, retirement, and enjoying life. A beloved home can

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Stability includes familiar bedrooms, but also school routines, manageable drives between homes, friendships, and nearby support. Sometimes staying makes sense. Sometimes a different home creates room for a healthier, more sustainable chapter.

Before you fight for the house, understand what you are taking on. The goal is a home you can afford, a plan you understand, and a future with room to breathe. That begins with asking the right questions before making a decision that will shape your family’s next chapter for years.

Richard Bruce Gantt is a board-certified family law specialist with over 20 years of experience. He has been elected by his peers to the “Legal Elite Hall of Fame” of Business North Carolina magazine as well as to Super Lawyers, and is rated 10 out of 10 on avvo.com.

Gantt Family Law Offices in Raleigh, Durham, Apex and Sanford ganttfamilylaw.com

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

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THE

HOLIDAY

EDIT From standout gifts to memorable experiences, our 2026 Holiday Edit is packed with inspired !nds from the Triangle’s best boutiques, retailers, and destinations. Consider it your shortcut to giving well, celebrating in style, and sharing a little local love this holiday season. Note: Some items are available for online purchase only.

COVER PHOTO BY STOCK .ADOBE.COM/OLHA AFANASIEVA UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, PRODUCT PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF VENDORS AND MAKERS

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JEWELRY & APPAREL

Breast Friend Necklace | $138 Kenda Kist kendakist.com

MTM Suit Gift Card | $1,000 Bunbury Custom Clothiers bunburysuits.com

Three Stories Shine Bright Blue Sapphire Bangle in 14K Yellow Gold | $3,510 Bailey’s Fine Jewelry baileybox.com

Beepbeep Newsprint Frame Bag | $205 Main & Taylor mainandtaylorshoes.com

Photo courtesy of Megan Kime

Three Shirt Package Gift Card | $500 Bunbury Custom Clothiers bunburysuits.com

Numerology Personalized Number Necklace | $176 Kenda Kist kendakist.com

Rivoli Lace Fur Boots | $410 Rangoni Firenze Shoes, Village District rangonistore.com JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | 19

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FOOD & D RINK

Gift Sample Pack (5 coffees) | $40 Peak City Coffee peakcitycoffee.com

All American Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee $25 bag, $35 bottle Peak City Coffee peakcitycoffee.com

2021 Champagne Marguet Les Crayères | $149.99 2023 El Nido Red Blend | $134.99 Prism Fine Wine prismfinewine.com

Wine & Food Experiences Prices Vary Vitis House Wine School vitishouse.com

HOME

Art Glass Vase by Tim Lazer 21” tall | $2,300 Colorful Concepts Interior Design colorfulconceptsinteriordesign.com

No. 1 Care Package $35 per month, including shipping North Left: A Modern Mercantile northleftmercantile.com

Customizable Gift Boxes Personalized Scent Options As Shown $115 Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. mymagnoliasoap.com/raleigh

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E XP E R IE N C ES

BE AUTY & WELLNES S

Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Toothbrush | $202 Renaissance Dental Center renaissancedentalcenter.com

Candid Documentary Family Photo Session or Year in the Life Collection $495 - $1,195 Light Creative Photography lightcreativephoto.com

Zima Ultrasonic Cleaning Pod | $100 Renaissance Dental Center renaissancedentalcenter.com

Opal to Go Take Home Whitening Trays | $89 Renaissance Dental Center renaissancedentalcenter.com

Raleigh’s Premier Photo Booth Rental Triangle Twirl Photo Experience $300+ triangletwirl.com A C3 Wellness Spa Day Gift Card | $25- 500+ C3 Wellness Spa C3wsr.com 24 | 5westmag.com

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Alexandria’s historic King Street stretches through the heart of Old Town, offering dozens of independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars before leading visitors toward the city’s waterfront along the Potomac River. Photo by Visit Alexandria.

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!lexandria: One Step at a Time A stroll through the city’s past and present

STORY BY JENNIFER PRIMROSE

ravel hasn’t always meant researching every stop, building an itinerary, and capturing the perfect photo. There was a time when discovering a new place meant walking, wandering, and talking with the people who called it home. During a recent visit to Alexandria, Virginia, I embraced that old-fashioned approach. I left the car behind, put the phone away when I didn’t need it, and spent much of my time walking through Old Town, looking at the buildings, listening to the stories, and seeing what was around the next corner. Nearly three centuries after its founding, the city continues to evolve without losing sight of its past. Along the brick sidewalks of Old Town, colonial architecture and familiar names from American history sit alongside working artists, independent shops, restaurants, and businesses that keep the city moving forward. “One thing I love about Alexandria is that it’s historic, but not static,” says Andrew Postal, director of communications for Visit Alexandria. That may be the best way to understand it: History is everywhere, but it isn’t the only story being told.

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Getting there from Raleigh is easy, with several options. Travelers can fly into nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, take Amtrak directly to Alexandria’s Old Town station, or drive north. Once there, you don’t need a car to explore the historic district. The free King Street Trolley connects the King Street–Old Town Metro station with City Hall and Market Square, while Alexandria’s DASH bus system is also fare-free. My home base for the weekend was The Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria, located on King Street. With restaurants, shops, historic buildings, and the waterfront all nearby, I could step outside the hotel and start walking. Alexandria also benefits from its proximity to Washington, D.C., without feeling like an extension of the nation’s capital. “We do have that access to D.C. and all that it has to offer, but we also have our own kind of vibe here,” Postal says. That independent identity becomes more apparent the longer you stay.

OLD TOWN: THE FIRST CHAPTER Old Town is the natural starting point. A walking tour with Visit Alexandria provides a good introduction. Rather than simply checking off historic sites, the tour highlights details that are easy to miss when walking through the district on your own. The tour begins at the Ramsay House Visitor Center, named for Scottish merchant and Alexandria founder William Ramsay. The building is a re-creation of his circa 1724 home. “Alexandria is a place where you can find deeply historic buildings, but inside and throughout the city, there’s also a very modern experience—transportation, restaurants, maps, things to do,” says Karishma Singh, communications specialist with Visit Alexandria. “It’s a place where history and modern life really connect.” Alexandria blends centuries of history with a lively, walkable modern city. In and around Old Town, brick-lined streets and historic architecture sit alongside public art, independent shops, restaurants, and local breweries, while waterfront paths offer plenty of opportunities to explore by foot or bike. Just outside of town, George Washington’s Mount Vernon adds another layer to an easy getaway !lled with history, food, culture, and time along the Potomac River. Photos by Visit Alexandria.

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The connection becomes obvious on the streets. Cast-iron fire plaques are attached to historic buildings. Star-shaped anchors help hold old brick walls together. Architectural details tell pieces of the story without requiring a museum visit. Carlyle House is one of the larger examples. Begun in 1751 for Scottish merchant John Carlyle and completed in 1753, the Georgian mansion offers a glimpse into the lives of Alexandria’s prosperous merchant class during the city’s colonial years. Some of Old Town’s stories are considerably smaller. The Hollensbury Spite House is hard to miss— unless you know where to look. At just 7 feet wide, this tiny, bright blue house is said to have been built in 1830 by John Hollensbury to keep wagons and noisy loiterers out of the alley beside his home. “You can walk by something in Alexandria and not necessarily know there’s this whole story and history behind it,” Singh says. “When you see it all in person, it brings history to life.” A few blocks away, Gadsby’s Tavern provides another window into Alexandria’s past. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette were among the notable figures who visited, but the tavern’s story also includes the enslaved workers whose labor kept the business running. Nearby, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum offers a different glimpse into Alexandria’s past. We first heard about it during our walking tour, when our guide called it one of her favorite spots and encouraged us to return. The guided tour took us through both floors, largely unchanged from the building’s days as a working apothecary. I was amazed by how many original items remain, from glass bottles and prescription books to the tools and furnishings the pharmacy used. The tour also included a look at the role apothecaries played in everyday life during the 1800s and early 1900s. The additional fee was well worth it, adding another layer to the history we were discovering throughout Alexandria. Old Town Alexandria offers plenty to explore beyond King Street, from restaurants and waterfront attractions to some of the city’s more unusual pieces of history. Union Street Public House occupies a historic brick building near the waterfront, while the Torpedo Factory Art Center gives visitors a look inside one of Alexandria’s best-known creative spaces. Nearby, waterfront dining, including the Chart House, overlooks the Potomac River, which also serves as a backdrop for seasonal events and fireworks. Walking tours reveal some of Old Town’s smaller surprises as well, including the Hollensbury Spite House, a bright-blue home built in the 1830s that measures just 7 feet wide. Photos by Visit Alexandria.

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Alexandria offers plenty of ways to experience the city beyond its historic streets. The Old Town Farmers’ Market dates to 1753, while the Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac for biking and waterfront views. Visitors can round out the day with riverside dining or Turkish coffee, baklava, and other traditional treats at Turkish Coffee Lady on King Street. Photos by Visit Alexandria.

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Established in 1753, the Old Town Farmers’ Market is recognized as the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market at the same site. During renovations to City Hall and Market Square, it was temporarily relocated to nearby North Royal Street and Tavern Square. HISTORY GETS A NEW USE Alexandria has a knack for giving old buildings new lives, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center may be its best-known example. Built in 1918 as the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station, the waterfront complex served various federal purposes before the City of Alexandria transformed it into an arts center in 1974. Today, three floors house working artists, with studios, galleries, and exhibitions turning the former industrial complex into a place where creativity happens in real time. “Visitors can watch artists working in their studios, talk with them, and purchase original artwork directly from the artists,” Postal says. The history is still there—you just experience it through a different lens. MORE TO EXPLORE Along the Potomac, the waterfront is lined with walking paths, public docks, river views, and several places to eat.

Chart House overlooks the water, while nearby Ada’s on the River, BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, and Vola’s Dockside Grill offer their own takes on waterfront dining. Here, the river is part of the experience. Elsewhere, Alexandria’s personality shows up in less expected places. Continues Arcade brings classic pinball machines and newer games into the mix. With more than 50 original arcade cabinets, pinball machines, and other games spanning decades, the Old Town North spot is built around playing the games themselves rather than collecting prizes. Visiting The Turkish Coffee Lady felt like coming full circle: years earlier, I’d written about the brand’s Apex café for Midtown Magazine’s sister publication, 5 West, and now I was in Alexandria, where the brand established its brick-and-mortar presence, enjoying an iced Turkish coffee. Alexandria’s food-and-drink scene extends beyond Old Town. We stopped at Aslin Beer Company for a beer, then enjoyed a cider flight at Lost Boy Cider. Much of Alexandria, though, is best experienced without a plan. Walk King Street. Ride the trolley. Join a walking tour. Step inside a building that catches your attention. Stop for coffee. Look up at the architecture. History is everywhere, but Alexandria isn’t stuck in the past. You just have to know where to look.

Celebrate the Season in Alexandria Santa Railway Express Climb aboard a seasonal train ride with Santa, traveling round-trip between Alexandria and Manassas. Scottish Christmas Walk Parade Dozens of Scottish clans, pipe and drum bands, terriers, hounds, and community groups !ll the streets for this longtime Alexandria tradition. Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Watch dozens of brightly lit boats cruise along the Potomac River, with waterfront festivities, food, drinks, and family activities adding to the celebration. Santa on the Potomac On Christmas Eve, head to the waterfront to see Santa and his friends cruising along the Potomac. Event dates and times can change. Check out visitalexandria.com for the latest schedule and details. TOP: Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. Photo courtesy of Joy Asico/Visit Alexandria. BOTTOM: Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Photo courtesy of Evan Michio/Visit Alexandria.

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SMALL STAGES,

BIG JAZZ

Christian Tamburr is creating intimate concert experiences with some of the genre’s most accomplished musicians STORY BY KURT DUSTERBERG | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN TAMBURR

hristian Tamburr occupies a well-traveled lane in the music industry. He’s performed alongside legends and played in more than 60 countries, but unless you’re a jazz aficionado, you probably don’t know his name. So when the renowned vibraphonist meets people who have seen him perform with his quintet, he’s amused by their reaction. “They just assume you should be so famous," Tamburr says, before letting out a laugh. "I'm like, I totally agree, I should be super famous. But I'm really happy doing what I do.” In a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Tamburr has served as the musical director and pianist for Las Vegas magicians Penn & Teller as well as Spanish singer-songwriter Julio Iglesias. But since becoming an Apex resident in 2019, he’s poured his energy into developing a curated series of jazz performances in the Triangle. His guest artists are much like himself, accomplished musicians with elite musical credentials—but perhaps with more name recognition.

Christian Tamburr plays the piano in his home music studio. Photo by Jessica Bratton.

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For the past five years, Tamburr has hosted sold-out shows at The Cary Theater and Fuquay-Varina Arts Center as part of the Legacy of Jazz series, backed by his quintet. He’s recently broadened his musical offerings to include an ambitious concert series that extends his reach across the Triangle and takes performances on tour throughout the Southeast. The Icons of Jazz shows take place in small, suburban concert settings, where the fit feels natural for jazz performances. “These artists are creating the music right in the moment based upon what the other people around them do,” Tamburr says. “And to be that close and to be that intimate, you really get to see the subtleties of how that all comes together when presented in a beautiful space, in an intimate environment. The audience has the opportunity to really appreciate that high level of artistry.”

The upcoming schedule includes a performance by Durham couple Kate McGarry and Keith Ganz. The Grammy-nominated artists will perform at the Halle Cultural Arts Center in Apex on November 20. In December, the Christian Tamburr Trio will team up with vocalist Shana Tucker for “My Favorite Things: Swinging the Songs of the Season” for two shows in Cary and another in Garner. “We do all the classic holiday favorites and some new arrangements, with a good bit of audience participation and jingling of passed out jingle bells," he!says. "Then I read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.' It's like a variety hour.” The series reflects a reality about jazz and other genres with niche audiences: Talented artists and dedicated fans are willing to support them, but making! a living can still be a challenge.

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OPPOSITE PAGE: Christian Tamburr !rst started performing jazz at age 14 and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues around the world including The Kennedy Center, Ravinia, and L'Olympia. THIS PAGE, TOP: Danny Sinoff is an acclaimed jazz pianist and vocalist, bringing the Great American Songbook to life through swing, bebop, and classic vocal jazz. THIS PAGE BOTTOM: Wendy Moten is a powerhouse vocalist whose career has taken her from the top of the Billboard charts to a runner-up on Season 21 of NBC’s The Voice.

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“It is a hustle,” Tamburr says. “I think we signed up for that on day one. Maybe not. I feel like, day one, we were enamored by the art. But now that I have this sort of network of venues, I can offer these artists an opportunity to come here and play across a couple different venues. It’s lucrative enough for them to make the trip, and then I get the added benefit of getting to perform or collaborate with them.” This spring, the series will feature Wendy Moten, whose musical imprint includes a runner-up finish on NBC’s The Voice in 2021. The 62-year-old has made a career as a touring musician, most recently with country star Vince Gill earlier this year. “In those smaller venues, they come there to listen," Moten says. "That makes a big difference, especially if not everybody knows your name. Ninety percent may have never heard of me. But they'll get to know me and hopefully we'll make a connection. And I love that. I love being the underdog and winning them over.” Tamburr feels the same way. The payoff is big for both the musicians and the audience. “It's important to me that all these venues are presenting it at a very high level and giving the audience the ability to experience this,” Tamburr says. “Being able to hear the breath of the audience when that last note of the ballad just fades into the room. Everybody's just waiting until that applause moment. The audience becomes as much a part of the performance as the musicians on the stage.”

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Triangle couple still nurturing a life in music

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Shana Tucker, Kate McGarry and Keith Ganz, Sachal Vasandani, and Sister Moon’s Grace Kelly and Chrissi Poland.

Keith Ganz and Kate McGarry (pictured on left) met at a gig when they lived and worked in New York City. Keith, a guitarist, needed a vocalist and asked his bass player for a recommendation. Kate, it turned out, hit all the right notes. “We did the gig and we just hit it off musically,” Ganz says. They married a year later. That was 23 years ago.! “When you’re playing with someone and you feel like you have the same kind of values in the music, it’s easy for that to translate into life,” McGarry says. In the years since, both have been nominated for multiple Grammys, the result of a life’s work in jazz. For decades, they recorded, toured, and played in New York clubs. “We were both there for 10 or 11 years and were very successful,” McGarry says. “We played at all the great clubs and started our recording careers and did a lot of great things. It was all the best things about New York.” But making ends meet in New York was no easy task. “So many of the musicians we knew down here, they owned their own homes, and they were doing "ne,” McGarry says. “They weren’t scrapping the same way they were in New York.” Ganz had grown up in Greensboro and attended UNC-Chapel Hill. After visiting friends in Durham in 2009, they jumped at the chance to move to the Triangle. “Because we had established a certain reputation in New York, we were able to continue touring and we could set up our own tours when we wanted to,” Ganz says. “In jazz, there’s numerous different ways that you work. There’s booking your own gigs, which is mostly touring. Then there’s other people calling you; you’re playing as a sideman, which we both do. Then there’s local gigs and there’s teaching.” Today, they’re more selective about their opportunities but continue to perform and record together whenever possible. “I think we’re kind of seen as a nexus of where folk and jazz and singer/songwriter stuff meet,” McGarry says. “We use the in#uences of a lot of those and interweave them into songs that feel relevant for this moment in our lives.” Their jazz careers have created a lifetime of memories, including McGarry’s nomination for best jazz vocal album for “If Less Is More… Nothing Is Everything” in 2009. Ganz served as the album’s producer, arranger, and guitarist. Other recollections remind them that a life in the performing arts comes with challenges. Years ago, Ganz and McGarry were scheduled to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of a State Department program to send jazz abroad. But when unrest broke out in the country, they were hastily rerouted. “They sent us to Mongolia in December, where it’s -37 degrees during the day,” Ganz remembers. “There’s snow everywhere, you can’t see the road. There’s plumes of smoke from everyone burning stuff for heat.” But at the end of it all, there was jazz. “That night, they had us play at a big party with dignitaries,” McGarry says. “We ended up being background music. It was the most demoralizing thing.” Still, Ganz and McGarry will gladly accept the occasional international mix-up. On balance, a career in music has been its own reward. “More than whatever successes I’ve had and what fun gigs I’ve had, the most important thing feels like an almost lifelong meditation practice,” Ganz says. “There’s just something my brain likes about it, and I’ll always keep doing it even if I don’t have a gig to practice for.” —Kurt Dusterberg

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HOLIDAY 24 Festive Things to Experience in the Triangle This Season STORY BY TAYLOR BOWLER

CATCH THE RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE Cue the marching bands, floats, and Santa. The annual parade returns Saturday, November 21 at 9:30 a.m. Grab a coffee, find your spot on Fayetteville Street, and celebrate the unofficial start of the holiday season. grma.org/christmas-parade

EXPERIENCE MOONLIGHT IN THE GARDEN Step into a winter wonderland at JC Raulston Arboretum and experience one of the area's most magical fall traditions. A preview night is Thursday, November 5, followed by November 6–7, 13–14, and 20–21. Grab your tickets early—they sell out every year. jcra.ncsu.edu

GET YOUR CRAB GRITS FIX Make the Tuesday-before-Thanksgiving pilgrimage (this year it falls on November 24) to Durham’s Saltbox Seafood Joint, where James Beard Award-winning chef Ricky Moore hosts his annual Lobster Roll & Crab Grits Social. The signature crab-andsherry ragout over creamy garlic grits routinely sells out within an hour, so get there early. saltboxseafoodjoint.com

The Raleigh Christmas Parade will be held on November 21. Photo courtesy of Michael Robson.

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SHOP LOCAL AT A HOLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET Browse handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, and artwork while supporting Triangle makers during their busiest season. Visions of Sugarplums Holiday Art and Gift!Show: Skip the mall and the crowds and start your Christmas shopping early at the Quail Hollow Swim Club November 5-7. visionsofsugarplumsraleigh.com Christmas Carousel Holiday Gift Market: Head!to the Jim Graham Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds November 27–29 and see hundreds of boutiques and artisans showcasing arts, crafts, and specialty foods. christmascarousel.com

Jolly Raleigh Holiday Market: Hosted by Shop Local Raleigh on Saturday, December 5, this free event at Raleigh Iron Works features local artisans, live music, and festive drinks. shoplocalraleigh.org Holiday Market at The Durham Hotel: Gather in the lobby and mezzanine on Wednesday, December 9 for an evening of holiday cheer, seasonal drinks, and gift shopping from local vendors, all in support of the Y Learning Program at the Durham YMCA. thedurham.com Moore Square Winterfaire: This multi-day event, held December 11–13 in downtown Raleigh, transforms Moore Square into an artisan holiday festival with food trucks, a beer garden, and local vendors. makrs.com

Diwali Sweets at Tamasha. Photo courtesy of Tamasha.

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CELEBRATE DIWALI AT TAMASHA When Diwali arrives on Sunday, November 8, Tamasha lives up to its name: "a grand performance." The restaurant marks India's Festival of Lights with glowing décor, celebratory menus, and an atmosphere that invites guests to experience one of the country's most beloved traditions. tamashanc.com

WANDER THE NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL The annual festival kicks off November 21 and runs through January 20 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. See more than 40 handcrafted, larger-than-life illuminated lantern displays and nightly performances. boothamphitheatre.com

CHECK OUT THE ANGUS BARN'S HOLIDAY!TRANSFORMATION Whether you stay for dinner or simply stop in for a drink in the Wild Turkey Lounge, seeing the restaurant dressed in thousands of ornaments is a Triangle rite of passage. The award-winning steakhouse starts putting up its massive Christmas display in mid-October and keeps them up until late January. angusbarn.com

RING IN THE SEASON AT NORTH HILLS TREE!LIGHTING CELEBRATION Head to North Hills Commons on Saturday, November 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. for live entertainment, family activities, Santa, and the lighting of the district's iconic Christmas tree. visitnorthhills.com

HEAR THE NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY'S HOLIDAY POPS The headline event, Holiday Pops with Cirque, takes place in Raleigh's Meymandi Concert Hall November 25, 27, and 28 and December 12, with additional performances in Chapel Hill’s Memorial Hall on December 8 and New Bern’s Riverfront Convention Center on December 9. ncsymphony.org

CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE AT BOYCE!FARMS Head to this charming northern Wake County grower for fresh-cut and choose-and-cut trees, garlands, and popular wreath-decorating workshops. boycefarms.com TOP TO BOTTOM: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. Photo courtesy of Michael Robson. | North Hills Tree Lighting. Photo courtesy of Kane Realty. | Holiday Market at the Durham Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Durham Hotel.

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RUN BEFORE YOU FEAST AT THE RALEIGH!TURKEY TROT Start Thanksgiving with a little friendly competition at Raleigh's longtime Turkey Trot, an 8K, and Kids Dash that brings families and runners together before the big feast. The 2026 race is set for Thanksgiving Day, November 26. ridgewoodturkeytrot.itsyourrace.com

SIP ON HOWLING COW EGGNOG NC State’s beloved Howling Cow Creamery brings back its seasonal eggnog for the holidays, made with fresh milk and cream from the university’s own dairy farm and processed on campus. Look for the 2026 batch at the creamery and select Triangle retailers. howlingcow.ncsu.edu

BE THE HERO OF YOUR CHRISTMAS!GATHERING Let Hummingbird do the heavy lifting with meal kits, sides, desserts, hors d’oeuvres, and breakfast treats. Place your order by December 20. hummingbirdraleigh.com

RIDE THE HOLIDAY EXPRESS AT PULLEN!PARK From twinkling lights to train rides through a festive wonderland, this Triangle tradition is magical for every generation. The event runs December 1–17, with nightly rides from 5 to 9:30 p.m. raleighnc.gov

TAKE A HOLIDAY LIGHTS DRIVE Map out a route through neighborhoods known for over-the-top displays—and be sure to have a proper holiday playlist. Happyland Lights — Raleigh: A beloved familyrun display near Penny Road and Huntingwood Drive, famous for its huge, colorful residential setup and community feel. Woodstone Lights — Raleigh: A North Raleigh residential display featuring lights synchronized to music—a popular stop for families creating their own holiday light tours. Gebhardt Family Lights — Cary: A West Cary home display that’s become a go-to stop on local holiday light routes. Lake Myrna Christmas Lights — Wendell: Created by the Williams family, this drive-in style show features more than 400,000 total lights synced to holiday music.

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COZY UP AT A LOCAL BREWERY OR COCKTAIL BAR Many Triangle taprooms and bars go all-in with seasonal brews, festive décor, and fireside seating—perfect for a fun night out. The Haymaker — Raleigh: This perennial holiday!favorite transforms into a festive pop-up experience with over-the-top décor, themed cocktails, and seasonal glassware. thehaymakerraleigh.com Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing — Raleigh: Wye!Hill’s annual Sippin’ Santa celebration pairs tropical tiki cocktails with holiday flavors like gingerbread, chai, nutmeg, and mulled wine— plus!plenty of festive décor overlooking downtown Raleigh. wyehill.com Conniption Bar & Lounge — Durham: Located!inside Durham Distillery, Conniption leans into creative, spirit-forward drinks and rolls out seasonal and holiday-themed cocktails. durhamdistillery.com Burial Beer Co. Raleigh Taproom — Raleigh: For!craft beer fans, Burial is a great stop for creative seasonal releases, bold winter beers, and a lively downtown setting. burialbeer.com Wolfe & Porter — Raleigh: A homey, neighborhood spot for a holiday gathering, with an!extensive wine and beer list, as well as holiday cocktails and an atmosphere that feels special enough!for a festive night out. wolfeandporter.com Fair Game Beverage Company — Pittsboro: Every year, Fair Game turns fresh chestnuts harvested!from a tree at The Plant into its seasonal Chestnut Rum Cream Liqueur. Grab a bottle at The Plant’s annual Chestnut Carnival on November 15, then find!it throughout December for festive cocktails and holiday gifting. theplantnc.com Watts & Ward — Raleigh: Raise a glass to the espresso martini tree, the star of its “A Dickens Christmas” pop-up. Expect Victorian-inspired décor, A!Christmas Carol-themed cocktails, and flights of original, peppermint, cinnamon, and gingerbread espresso martinis. wattsandward.com

K!MANA Brewing Company — Cary: Cary’s K!MANA offers a relaxed taproom experience with rotating craft beers, hard kombucha, and plenty of options for groups with different tastes. komanabrewing.com Cafe Royalé — Raleigh: Don’t miss the festive dessert cocktails at this new all-day café from Patrick Shanahan, the designer and owner behind Capulet Cocktail Club and Rosebud Cocktail Lounge. theexchangeraleigh.com Trophy Brewing — Raleigh: This brewery with three Raleigh locations is converting The Bend into a holiday pop-up this year for the first time. trophybrewing.com

THIS PAGE: Fair Game Beverage Company's Chestnut Rum Cream Liqueur. Photo by Sean Byrne. OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Wye Hill Kitchen's Sippin' Santa. Photo courtesy of Wye Hill Kitchen. Watts & Ward's espresso martini tree (also pictured on our cover). Photo by Jessica Bratton.

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GET SWEPT UP IN THE NUTCRACKER Experience the magic of the holiday season as Triangle ballet companies present the beloved Christmas classic. City Ballet Raleigh: The Nutcracker comes to life with lavish costumes, stunning staging, and professional guest artists in principal roles. Catch the holiday classic December 4–5 at NC State’s Stewart Theatre. cityballet.com/nutcracker Carolina Ballet: The holiday classic returns December 10–24. Dress up and make a night of it at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. carolinaballet.com

EXPLORE BUBBLES FROM ALL OVER THE!WORLD Join chef and wine educator Doreen Colondres for a sparkling adventure at Vitis House Wine School on December 2 at 6:30 p.m. Learn the art of opening, pouring, pairing, and cooking with bubbles during this 90-minute class. Book your spot early! vitishouse.com

HIT THE ICE AT FENTON SQUARE Lace up beneath the holiday lights at Fenton Square’s outdoor ice rink, then stick around for festive shopping, dining, and seasonal fun. The rink is open November 6–February 7. fentonnc.com/events

TREAT A LOVED ONE"OR YOURSELF"TO SOMETHING SWEET From creative cakes to freshly baked pastries and festive confections, Triangle bakeries and sweet shops offer plenty of delicious ways to indulge. Edible Art: Forget the wrapping paper—Edible Art’s festive Gift Box Cakes come complete with a bow. Made with the Raleigh bakery’s beloved pound cake and buttercream recipes, each one can be customized with your choice of flavors, colors, and holiday-worthy details. Just order early: these sweet gifts tend to disappear fast. edibleartbakery.com

STEP INSIDE HISTORIC OAKWOOD’S CANDLELIGHT TOUR Tour Historic Oakwood’s beautifully decorated homes during its 55th annual Candlelight Tour, December 12–13. Check in at the historic Tucker House for warm apple cider and cookies before setting off on the self-guided tour, with docents sharing stories along the way. Advance tickets are required. historicoakwood.org

MAKE ROOM FOR A LITTLE BAH, HUMBUG! Don’t miss Theatre in the Park's annual production of Ira David Wood III's “A!Christmas Carol,” December 16–20 at Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC). theatreinthepark.com

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Union Special: Holiday dinner dessert? Morning coffee companion? Why not both? Union Special’s limited-run seasonal panettone is naturally leavened with a carefully tended lievito madre starter and comes in festive flavors like Triple Chocolate and Candied Citrus & Raisin. unionspecialbread.com Lucette Grace: Bring home a Chocolate Bûche de Noël—a chocolate cake layered with pecan pie mousse. Pre-orders open in late fall and fill up by midDecember, so plan accordingly. lucettegrace.com

HOST YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY AT CAPULET COCKTAIL CLUB Step into this moody, Italian-inspired cocktail bar where hand-painted murals and dramatic lighting set the scene. Host your office party, gather your favorite people for a holiday celebration, or go all out on New Year’s Eve. capuletclub.com

RING IN 2027 AT FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH Raleigh’s signature New Year’s Eve tradition returns with live music, rides, and the People’s Procession across 20 blocks of downtown Raleigh. The night is capped off with the iconic Acorn Drop, followed by midnight fireworks. Little ones can celebrate early with a 7 p.m. Acorn Drop. artsplosure.org/events

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Oakwood's Candlelight Tour. Photo courtesy of Tom Bagby. First Night Raleigh. Photo courtesy of Chris Facey. Skate the Square at Fenton. Photo courtesy of Fenton. OPPOSITE PAGE: Edible Art’s seasonal Gift Box Cake. Photo courtesy of Edible Art. | Theatre in the Park’s “A Christmas Carol.” Photo courtesy of Theatre in the Park.

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THE SPACE BETWEEN

SHE WEARS IT WELL Why the best boutiques still sell something you can’t buy online BY AMANDA L AMB

needed a festive outfit for the annual holiday party we host at our Raleigh home. I had recycled my sparkly holiday wear more than twice and wanted a new look. When I walked into Revolver, a consignment store on Hillsborough Street, and told owner Liz Johnson what I was looking for, she disappeared into the back room. Moments later, she returned with a black jumpsuit she hadn’t even put on the floor yet. It had a tight, bejeweled bodice and spaghetti straps. My immediate reaction: No way! I imagined myself trying to unzip and rezip the clingy top every time I needed to go to the bathroom. But Liz was insistent that I try it on. And when I did, I felt transformed into the belle of the ball. No one is better at creating connection and community than small business owners. Not only is it their lifeblood, but for merchants like Liz, it’s their raison d’être. Most customers know Liz, her employees, and her big cuddly dog named Lucy who greets everyone when they come into the store. The clothing may be the draw, but they’re also coming for something that feels like it’s slowly disappearing from the very fabric of our retail shopping experience—the human touch. Recent statistics show that about 45% of clothing is purchased online instead of in person.

Consignment and vintage shopping have exploded in the past few years as people become more conscious of recycling gently used clothing. My adult daughters, who live in New York City, are always eager to check out Liz’s shop when they come home. We love to find unique pieces that are made to last. And as a writer, I love knowing that a garment has a story. How many parties has it been to? Was someone wearing it on the best day of their life, or on their worst? Articles of clothing, like homes, embody their history in ways that we can never truly know. But what I especially like about shopping at small consignment boutiques is not just the thrill of the hunt, but the personal greeting you get as you walk in the door, and the feedback you get from the owner, employees, and other shoppers as you try on potential purchases and twirl in front of the full-length mirror. Small businesses are the foundation of our neighborhoods, and by supporting them we keep our communities thriving, not just economically but on a personal level. When my mother was a teenager, she worked at a familyowned children’s clothing store in Concord, N.C. Later in life, she owned a clothing boutique, and then a small gift store in Pennsylvania. I’ll never forget watching my mother

interact with customers when I was a little girl. She knew them by name, asked about their families, and offered thoughtful advice on what to buy. It showed me that retail is about more than the transaction. Today’s small businesses are the general stores of yesteryear. They’re places where people gather, even if it’s just for a brief moment in time to be heard, to be seen, to connect. My mother understood this. Liz does, too. She didn’t just help me find the right outfit that day. She helped me believe I could pull it off. Judging by the loyal community she’s built, I doubt I was the only one.

Amanda Lamb is an award-winning journalist, author, and podcast host best known for her decades covering crime and courts in North Carolina. A longtime reporter at WRAL-TV, she has written 13 books and now focuses on storytelling through podcasts, public speaking, and her media company, Stage Might Communications. Follow her at facebook.com/ stagemight or visit alambauthor.com.

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