HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST 24 Festive Things to Experience in the Triangle This Season A STROLL THROUGH ALEX ANDRIA , VIRGINIA
IS THE CR AF T BEER BOOM OVER?
CHRISTIAN TAMBURR BRINGS BIG JAZZ TO SMALL STAGES
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Watts & Ward’s Espresso Martini Tree See page 92
THE HOLIDAY EDIT Inspired finds from the Triangle’s best boutiques, retailers, and destinations
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MASTERS of our CRAFT DANA CANTRELL
MARGARET SOPHIE
JAMIE MCGUIRE
KIMBERLY CONROY
LESLIE YOUNG
JOHN YOUNG
KATHY BEACHAM
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The Global Luxury Board at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston represents highest standard in luxury real estate. Comprised of the region’s most accomplished professionals, this elite group drives innovation, elevates the client experience, and shapes the future of luxury across the Triangle. When the prestige of the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® name aligns with the expertise and expansive reach of today’s leading luxury real estate masters, the extraordinary is possible.
Each office is independently owned and operated.
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- HPW.COM/LUXURY -
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2026
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EDITOR’S LETTER Leave a Little Sparkle Wherever You Go 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 figure 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 fitting this time of year, when the city itself seems to find 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. You’ll also find our Holiday Edit, a special section highlighting the gift items and experiences that make the season feel so bright.. Elsewhere in these pages, Jennifer Primrose takes us to Alexandria, Virginia; Kurt Dusterberg profiles musician Christian Tamburr and his Icons of Jazz series; and Dathan Kazsuk explores the Triangle’s brewery culture and asks the question: Has brewery culture peaked? 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 fill 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.
Taylor Bowler Editor 6 | midtownmag.com
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F OUND E R Ronny Stephens PUBL ISHE R Joe Sanger EDI TOR Taylor Bowler A RT DI RE CTOR Sean Byrne L I F ESTYLE E D ITOR Dathan Kazsuk G R A PH I C DE SIGNE R Fabrizio Bianchi COPY EDITOR Amanda Lea S O C I A L MEDIA M ANAGE R Jordan Daniels A D PR O DUCTION M ANAGE R Cyndi Harris DI R ECTO R OF SALE S Collin Pruitt ACCO UN T E XE CU TIVE Mackenzie Steiner STA F F PH OTOGRAPHE R Jessica Bratton FA S H I ON STYLIST Sofia Lujan DI STR I BU TION Liam Fulkerson, Manager DistribuTech.net CON TR I BUTING WRITE RS Grace Barker Kurt Dusterberg Beverly Hurley Amanda Lamb Jennifer Primrose Sarah Merritt Ryan CON TR IB U TING PH OTOG RAPHE RS Alonza Mitchell
Midtown 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. Midtown 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. Midtown 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 midtownmag.com 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road Raleigh, NC 27604 Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763
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CONTENTS FEATURES 62 IS THE CRAFT BEER BOOM OVER?
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
62
With growth slowing and tastes shifting, local brewers are adapting to a new era
70 ALEXANDRIA: ONE STEP AT A TIME A stroll through the city’s past and present
80 SMALL STAGES, BIG JAZZ
70
80
Christian Tamburr brings
world-class musicians together for an intimate concert
88 THE HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST
24 festive things to experience in the Triangle this season
88
ON THE COVER The espresso martini tree at Watts & Ward. Photo by Jessica Bratton
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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS 24
28
HOME + GARDEN
24
32
42
46
Deck your halls with festive plants
WELLNESS
Easy ways to support your health during the holiday season
32
SIP + SAVOR
37
LOCAL IMPACT
42
SPORTS
46
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026
A love letter to Piemonte
The Brady Valcho Autism Foundation
irls flag football programs soar in Wake County
COMMUNITY
A case for the lost art of correspondence
IN EVERY ISSUE 6
FROM THE EDITOR
14
CITY SCENE
18
Social Scene
SPECIAL SECTION
Book Recommendations
51 THE HOLIDAY EDIT
The Buzz
The Designer’s Eye Dining Guide
96
THE BACK PAGE The Space Between
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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 Oct. 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.
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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-certified 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 certification in obesity medicine. Women in midlife are big business for the wellness industry.How do you separate useful treatments from good marketing? My first 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-fits-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 influence 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 flashes. 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. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 15
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CITY SCENE | THE BUZZ
BY TAYLOR BOWLER
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 first 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 officially 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 first 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 first 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 first brick-and-mortar location in the Triangle.
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CITY SCENE | COVER STORIES
BY TAYLOR BOWLER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VENDORS
BOOK REVIEWS Great stories bring people together, and no one knows that better than a local bookseller. We teamed up with the experts at Quail Ridge Books to bring you five staff picks, from thought-provoking nonfiction to immersive novels worth adding to your stack.
A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee; $30
Wreck by Catherine Newman; $17.99
Chang-rae Lee’s new novel, A Tender Age, is a fascinating look into the mind of 11-year-old Jeon-Gi, the son of Korean immigrants living in America. We see the difficulties adolescents encounter: the consequences of questionable judgment, their burgeoning and often confusing sexuality, bullying, and the tests of their physical and emotional strengths and weaknesses. After getting into trouble at school, Jeon-Gi is sent to a summer camp where these challenges are brought to the forefront. This novel reads like a memoir, is beautifully written, and its ending will stick with me.
As a sequel to the lovely family-centered novel, Sandwich, Newman’s Wreck drops us back into the midst of Rocky’s life a year after we joined them for their beach trip. We get to know the family more, learn what we missed over the last year, and how they all continue to manage everyday life and its constant surprises. Reading this felt a little bit like going home. — Christy
How to Find Love in the Cereal Aisle by Alissa DeRogatis; $17.99 A romance author who doesn’t believe in romance anymore? I’m in! This is a great slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance(ish) novel for readers who want a little more introspection from their main character. The humorous meet-cute mishaps and heartfelt family moments balance the despair and listlessness Ainsley feels as she struggles to write her novel following the end of her relationship. DeRogatis captures the feelings many people in their mid-20s experience while struggling to find their place in the world as they begin to move on different timelines from their friends. — Michelle
— Mamie
How to Fake It in Society by KJ Charles; $18.99
Land: A Novel by Maggie O’Farrell; $32
This hilarious and heart-warming historical romance is a pure delight. Come for the love story; stay for the French political schemes, mob threats, and in-depth histories of pigment (beware Scheele’s green). I was completely immersed in Titus’ broadening horizons while Nicholas found a sense of home. Fair warning: I canceled plans to finish this book. Begin at your own risk.
I was primed to love this already as a huge fan of Maggie O’Farrell and literary historical fiction, but Land knocked the wind out of me. It’s not meant to be a quick read, but I promise it’s worth taking the time to bask in O’Farrell’s revelatory writing, feel your heart break in the most gratifying way, and let this enchanting land–and the people it shaped–seep into the marrow of your bones.
— Maggie
4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road Raleigh, NC quailridgebooks.com
— Lily
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CITY SCENE | THE DESIGNER’S EYE
Hard Lines, Soft Landing
An urban-industrial approach balances raw architecture with contemporary polish Drawing on the raw, utilitarian character of industrial spaces while embracing the polish of contemporary urban design, Amanda Steinert Francfort shows how modern comfort and city sophistication can coexist. By combining the sculptural silhouettes of Ecuadorian-born furniture designer Adriana Hoyos with artwork by Lamar Whidbee and Jackie MacLeod, she creates a look that feels both grounded and refined.
With 20 years of experience and a fearless approach to design, Amanda Steinert Francfort transforms bland spaces into bold, personality-packed luxury interiors. 908.432.0987 | asfinteriors.com @asfinteriorsnc | @asfinteriors_nc
LUA Chaise Lounge Arena wood finish, Grey Spicy NE67 fabric, and Oyster Milan Portofino leather details. adrianahoyos.com
LUA Bench Palma wood finish and Oyster Milan Portofino leather. adrianahoyos.com
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BY AMANDA STEINERT FRANCFORT | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VENDORS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
Lamar Whidbee An interdisciplinary artist and licensed clinical mental health counselor, Lamar Whidbee uses oil, acrylic, charcoal, and graphite to turn emotional and personal inquiry into visual language. “Through painting and mixed media, I explore memory, fatherhood, Black identity, and mental health—creating work that invites reflection, emotional processing, and dialogue,” he says. That exploration has found its way into exhibitions including “Amygdala,” “Daddy’s Home,” and “Monday,” as well as public work like “Get Well Soon” at Dorothea Dix Park—bringing deeply personal questions into spaces where everyone can encounter them. lamarwhidbee.com
Photos courtesy of Anna Ward Photography
Photos by Alonza Mitchell
Rumba Chair Palma wood finish, Off White Gina 74 fabric, and diamond-quilted Oyster Milan Portofino leather. adrianahoyos.com
Jackie MacLeod From surgeon to anesthesiologist to metal artist, Jackie MacLeod has taken an unconventional path to the art studio. Today, she works in copper and brass, transforming sheets of metal into sculptural pieces for walls, patios, gardens, and workplaces. “The juxtaposition of strength and malleability in one medium is fascinating,” she says. “A decision to treat it one way can determine what can be created with it at a later stage.” jackiemacleod.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 19
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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 influences 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 flair. 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 flavors, 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 refined, 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 flavors, 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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Crawford Brothers serves an extensive selection of black Angus steaks and wagyu beef, including this 40-ounce prime porterhouse served with creamed spinach, tallow fries and truffle aioli. Photo by Jessica Bratton
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 21
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DEPARTMENT HOME + GARDEN
BEYOND THE POINSETTIA The holidays are here. It’s time to deck your halls with festive plants.
T
STORY BY BEVERLY HURLEY
and U.S. ambassador to Mexico. The
plant a holiday staple in the U.S. The rest is history. There is no doubt that the poinsettia is the signature plant of the holiday season, but have you considered other festive plants for your yuletide décor?
plant was named for him. Later, the
AMARYLLIS
Ecke family, pioneers in California’s
Many shy away from growing amaryllis for the holidays, concerned that they’re too finicky or that the bulb must be tossed once the bloom fades. But amaryllis are easy to grow
he story of the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) goes back to the ancient Aztecs, but
it wasn’t until 1825 that it was introduced to the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett, a Charleston native
flower industry, gained fame growing poinsettias in their fields in Carlsbad (near San Diego) and marketing these for indoor Christmas use, making the
and can be enjoyed for years in your home or garden. While traditional red or white varieties are beautiful, look for unusual types with stripes or double flowers. Local tip: Amaryllis are hardy in the Triangle, so plant these outside in spring and enjoy them for years. CHRISTMAS CACTUS
With vibrant blooms and easy-care charm, Christmas cactus brings warmth and color to your home during the holidays. Give it bright,
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indirect light, don’t overwater, and enjoy its beautiful flowers throughout the season. Christmas cactus can live and bloom for decades, so identify who will inherit your plant when you are gone. CYCLAMEN
Cyclamen may look like fussy houseplants, but they’re relatively easy to grow and have a long bloom time, often flowering through winter and into mid‑spring. To keep them thriving, water from the bottom by pouring water into the saucer rather than directly onto the plant’s crown, which can be prone to rot. They prefer cooler indoor temperatures, around 68 degrees, and bright, indirect light. Keep them away from household heater vents. PAPERWHITES
Paperwhites are among the easiest bulbs to force indoors for the holidays. Almost any container without drainage holes will work. Add two to three inches of pebbles, glass beads, or marbles, then place three bulbs, root‑side down, on top. Use more bulbs for larger containers. Add room‑temperature water until it reaches just below the base of the bulbs and replenish as needed. In about four weeks, fragrant blossoms will fill your home. NORFOLK ISLAND PINES
Bring holiday greenery indoors with a Norfolk Island Pine. Its soft, symmetrical branches give it the look of a miniature Christmas tree. Place it in bright, indirect light, keep the soil lightly moist, and avoid drafts. With proper care, it will stay green long after Christmas. A potted rosemary plant is another option, offering fragrant greenery indoors before moving it to the garden in spring.
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REX BEGONIA
These beauties have it all—color, texture, shape, and patterns. Your biggest challenge may be choosing just one. Rex begonias do best in bright, filtered light, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Place them on a pebble tray with water to increase humidity, and allow the soil to dry between waterings. DIY ARRANGEMENT
I use a favorite blue‑and‑white ceramic container to create my own holiday arrangement. I combine holly snipped from trees in my yard, evergreen branches, white hellebore flowers blooming in my garden, white and green mums, and red or white roses from the grocery store, and any other festive plants I can find. Or you can browse the houseplant section of your local garden center to make an arrangement. Add colorful ornaments and holiday bows to transform almost any houseplant into a festive centerpiece. And if your heart is set on a poinsettia, there’s no need to settle for traditional red. Today’s poinsettias come in a rainbow of colors and styles, including varieties with stripes, speckles, dots, and unusual colors that are sure to make your holiday décor stand out. Beverly Hurley is the editor of Triangle Gardener and the website gardendestinations.com. OPPOSITE PAGE: Red and white amaryllis flowers. Photo by adobe.stock.com/wjarek THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Cyclamen persicum. Photo by adobe.stock.com/ Miroslawa Drozdowski Paperwhites. Photo by adobe.stock.com/Alabbas Abbasov/Wirestock Creators Norfolk Island Pine. Photo by adobe.stock.com/ Magdalena Bujak ‘Fireworks’ Rex begonia. Photo by adobe.stock.com/ Stramyk Igor
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DEPARTMENT WELLNESS
EAT WELL, FEEL WELL
Easy Ways to Support Your Health During the Holiday Season STORY BY GRACE BARKER
W
ith holiday demands piling up and indulgence around every corner, sticking to healthy habits can feel particularly challenging this time of year. But you don’t have to sacrifice your health goals for two months each year. With a few mindset shifts, you can maintain healthy habits and make the most of this special time. By focusing on balance and moderation, you can enjoy all of the flavors and activities of the holidays, while feeling your best, too.
STRIKE A BALANCE
Healthy habits aren’t built in a day or a single decision, but through consistency over time. Missing a workout, eating less protein than usual, or losing a few hours of sleep doesn’t erase those habits, or require starting over. The holidays call for flexibility. Consider what matters most to you, and let that guide where you make room for change. If a morning run relieves stress, keep it in your regular rotation. But if a workout takes time away from visiting family members, skip it. Or better yet, invite them to join you. Quality time can be just as valuable to your mental and emotional health.
The goal isn’t to maintain every habit perfectly, but to find a rhythm that makes sense for the season—and return to it when the holidays are over. INDULGE WITH MINDFULNESS
At just about any holiday party, a table is likely to be overflowing with tempting options. Enjoying the seasonal flavors and sharing them with friends and family is part of the joy of the holidays. This doesn’t mean you have to try everything. If there are 10 different desserts on the table, choose one that you genuinely love— perhaps a fudgy dark chocolate brownie or your grandmother’s famous pumpkin muffins—and savor it. When a tin of leftover cookies makes its way around the office, it’s just as reasonable to pass if they don’t hold the same appeal. Rather than approaching holiday eating as all or nothing, a little mindfulness can make room for both indulgence and balance. The goal isn’t to forgo the pleasures of the season, but to be intentional about which ones are worth savoring. PLAN FOR YOUR BODY
Only you know what’s best for your body, and your needs may be different
from your family or friends. Paying attention to what helps you feel your best can make it easier to navigate the season on your own terms. If you know appetizers alone won’t fill you up, have a nourishing dinner beforehand so you don’t overdo it on cheese and crackers and feel sluggish the next day. If you’ve chosen to stop drinking alcohol, request mocktails at the holiday work party, so you have something to sip while enjoying the company of your co-workers. The holidays don’t have to be a choice between health and enjoyment. With some balance, intention, and planning, you can spend less time worrying about what everyone else is doing and more time making choices that leave you feeling good—during the holiday season and beyond. Grace Barker is a holistic private chef, recipe creator, and the founder of Grace & Greens, where she shares nourishing recipes, weekly menus, and inspiration for living a well-nourished life. Through her community of 3,200+ readers, her goal is to help more people eat well and feel good. Learn more: graceandgreens.com or instagram.com/graceandgreens.blog
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D E PA RT M E N T S I P + SAVO R
A Love Letter to Piemonte: Raleigh wine director Jeff Bramwell spent five years traveling, cooking, and listening to the people behind one of Italy’s great food-and-wine regions STORY BY DATHAN KAZSUK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEFF BRAMWELL
S
ome books are designed to sit quietly on a shelf. Jeff Bramwell’s latest project practically requires its own table. At 1,008 pages, “On the Road in Piemonte: With Winemakers, Farmers & Chefs” is a two-volume journey through the vineyards, kitchens, villages, and culinary traditions of Piemonte, the northern Italian region known in English as Piedmont. Packaged in a slipcase and printed in Milan, the set includes more than 85 recipes alongside Bramwell’s photography and stories from the people who grow, cook, and preserve the region’s food and wine. Bramwell wrote the book with longtime wine importer Jay Murrie and included a foreword by food and travel writer Katie Parla.
For Bramwell, the book is the culmination of more than 20 years spent working throughout the wine industry. After studying photography in high school and film production in college, he pursued music before a part-time job at an Atlanta wine shop in 2004 redirected his career. He went on to work in wine retail and wholesale, helped open The Raleigh Wine Shop, and managed wine programs for several Triangle restaurants. Photography eventually became his preferred way to tell the stories of winemakers, chefs, and artisans. Today, Bramwell is the wine director at Figulina in downtown Raleigh, where his Italian-focused selections complement chef and owner David Ellis’ handmade pasta and ingredient-driven cooking.
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I spoke with Bramwell about the trip that started his fascination, the unexpected generosity of Piemontese chefs, and why he believes he has only scratched the surface. When did your fascination with Piemonte begin? I took my first trip there in 2012. We had opened The Raleigh Wine Shop a couple of years earlier, and it was the first had always wanted to do. Once I arrived, met the people, and began learning more about the wines, food, and regional culture, I left even more convinced that this was an area I wanted to understand. I returned the following year on a supplier trip, which only reinforced that feeling. How did photography become part of the way you approached wine? In 2016, I traveled through eastern France with Vintage ’59 Imports. It wasn’t a photography trip, but I brought a camera and began realizing that photography was how I preferred to help tell the story of wine. By late 2017, I had begun giving photography all of my time. You later returned to restaurant wine programs. How did that affect the project? In 2019, Chef Matt Kelly called to ask whether I would be interested in running the wine program at Mothers & Sons in Durham. I eventually took on Mateo and Saint James as well. That pushed photography farther onto the back burner than I intended. Then the pandemic arrived, and suddenly I could not do restaurant work or travel photography. After six or seven months at home, I needed something to work on. That was when the book began becoming a real idea. By the spring of 2021, I had talked myself into doing it. When travel restrictions lifted, I returned to Italy that July. Did you imagine from the beginning that it would become a 1,008-page book? Absolutely not. I originally thought it might be a 350- or 400-page book. One of the biggest reasons it expanded was the amount of cooperation I received from restaurants. I had connections in Piemonte, but to many of these restaurants, I was simply some random American asking for their recipes. I didn’t expect them to hand those over freely. Instead, they were incredibly generous. They invited me into their kitchens, showed me how they prepared dishes, and shared recipes that had real meaning to them. OPPOSITE PAGE: Lake Maggiore and its islands, framed by the Alpine landscape and the picturesque lakeside villages of Stresa and Baveno in northern Alto Piemonte. THIS PAGE, TOP: Vitello tonnato, a local delicacy of thinly sliced veal topped with a tuna-caper mayonnaise, at Vinoteca Centro Storico in Serralunga d’Alba, in the Barolo wine region. THIS PAGE, MIDDLE: Agnolotti del plin at Osteria Veglio in La Morra, in the heart of Barolo country. Filled with veal and pork, this iconic Piemontese pasta is gently tossed in a pan sauce, letting the rich, delicate egg pasta shine. THIS PAGE, BOTTOM: Author and photographer Jeff Bramwell in front of the local landmark Cappella delle Brunate in La Morra. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 33
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What was involved in adapting those recipes for the book? Sometimes a restaurant would email me a recipe with hilariously little detail. I would have to fill in the gaps based on my experience eating the dish and what I had observed in the kitchen. Other recipes were more complete but written for restaurant-sized quantities, so I had to scale them down to four to six servings for the home cook. About 75% of the food photography was done on location in Piemonte. The rest was photographed in my kitchen after I recreated and tested the dishes at home. How long did the complete process take? The concentrated research lasted around two to two and a half years. The writing also took about two to two and a half years, with quite a bit of overlap. Piemonte is most famous for Barolo and Barbaresco. How much did you want to explore beyond those wines? Nebbiolo and Barbera receive much of the attention, but Piemonte has an enormous number of lesser-known grapes and regional expressions. There is Grignolino, Ruchè, Pelaverga, and many others. Even Nebbiolo can be dramatically different depending on where it is grown. Someone whose only reference point is Barolo may expect Nebbiolo to be powerful, tannic, and highly structured. But in other parts of Piemonte, it can be remarkably light, fragrant, and elegant. How did your current role at Figulina develop while you were finishing the book? I met David Ellis when he and his team held a pop-up in December 2023. I was very impressed with what he
cooked, so I asked whether he had contacted anyone about running the wine program for the restaurant he was planning. He had spent years within the Ashley Christensen restaurant group, but he did not have a dedicated wine director in place. We immediately hit it off. I began helping in early 2024, and Figulina opened that February. Everyone there understood that once the book was released, it would have to be my top priority. They have been extremely supportive. What did Jay Murrie bring to the project? Jay and I have worked together in different capacities for years. When I began working professionally as a photographer, I traveled with him and photographed many of the producers he represented. Jay is also a great writer. When I had the idea for this book, I knew I wanted him in my corner. Why was it important to have the book printed in Italy? It needed to be an Italian-made book. It was printed in Milan, and the initial release began in Piemonte while copies were traveling across the ocean to the United States. That gave me an opportunity to learn whether Italian readers would have any interest in hearing an American talk about their region. After spending five years and more than 1,000 pages on Piemonte, do you feel you’ve covered the region? Even at this size, the book is only scratching the surface. That speaks to how much I love the region. Every answer leads to another person, another place, another grape, or another story.
ABOUT THE BOOK “On the Road in Piemonte: With Winemakers, Farmers & Chefs” is a 1,008-page hardcover set presented in two volumes and a slipcase. The English-language book includes more than 85 recipes, original photography by Bramwell, and stories from winemakers, farmers, chefs, and artisans throughout Piemonte. It is priced at $125 and available directly through PiemonteBook.com and participating independent retailers.
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D E PA R T M E N T L O C A L I M PAC T
FROM DIAGNOSIS TO ADVOCACY
How the Brady Valcho Autism Foundation Began STORY BY SARAH MERRITT RYAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF GAILE VALCHO
A
fter moving from Florida to Holly Springs in 2016, Gaile Valcho saw a gap in autism resources—and in helping families navigate the ones that already existed. She and her husband, Matt, co-founded the Brady Valcho Autism Foundation, a nonprofit that now serves autistic individuals and their families throughout Wake County. Its signature event, Autism Acceptance Day, draws families from across the 5 West region and returns for its 10th year on November 7, 2026, at Sugg Farm at Bass Lake. We caught up with Gaile to discuss the work of turning awareness into acceptance.
You are highly connected with every autism organization in North Carolina and wear many hats in the 5 West community. What is your “why”? We moved here when Brady was 8 years old. Brady is a high academic achiever but has challenging behaviors that required a person to help him navigate his day at school. This accommodation he needs has never been a problem before, so I was shocked that the school he was districted to slid his whole file back to me without meeting him and said they don’t have a placement for him. I called our doctor, and he referred us to a family navigator who helped place
Brady at Holly Ridge Elementary. Along with having difficulty finding therapies, I’ve identified something in my community that was lacking: families not being able to find resources for their autistic children and loved ones. Tell us about Autism Acceptance Day and how it came to be. I was part of the Holly Springs Run Club and met Captain Patterson, now retired from the Holly Springs Police Department. I suggested an event or community day. He said that they would like to be more involved with the autistic community and families, but they just don’t know SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 | 37
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how. He ran the idea of my community day by the Chief, and he loved it. He said we could have the event in their facility. Explain the program you’ve developed to train police officers on sensitivity, understanding and accommodations for individuals with autism. I also asked him about the existing police training on how to understand and accommodate autism. I now perform a two-hour training seminar to police through a slide presentation and videos. I’m not a psychologist, clinician, or in law enforcement, but I try to go into more depth about the sensory system. To me, the five senses are very connected to autism and behaviors. I believe that in these two hours, officers will come away with some good pieces of information. My goal is that police will be able to identify signs and behaviors reflective of autism and employ deescalation techniques like shutting the lights off, lowering the sirens, lowering the temperature of the situation, and utilizing sensory bags. How does the foundation function as a reliable knowledge base of available resources, and why is that so important? Our foundation has become a really well-known resource fair in the community, where people can come and rely on good information and good community partners who I vet personally. I interview all tables to ensure our event gives good access and good information to families and that every vendor is there for the right reasons. OPPOSITE: Gaile Valcho (center) brings autism families, first responders, and service providers together to build a more inclusive Wake County. RIGHT: Holly Springs Autism Acceptance Day marked its ninth year in 2025 with food, fun, and music.
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We host a variety of resources, including but not limited to: how to enroll in Medicaid, intervention resources and evaluations, camps, schools, therapies, psychologists, mental health facilities, and recreational organizations. What is the most rewarding feedback to hear about your event? I love when parents say something like the following: “Oh, are you Gaile? This is my son’s favorite thing to do. It’s on his calendar. We all come no matter what’s going on. He wants to come because this is his thing. This is his event, and he knows this is for him.” Why do individuals with autism find this event meaningful? I think they finally feel seen and included. The title of the event says acceptance, and I put it there for a reason instead of awareness. Us parents have enough awareness. We’re totally aware, all day, every day, but it’s really acceptance that we want. We want our children to be accepted. Why should Autism Acceptance Day be every day? It shouldn’t be one day, right? It should be every day. Autistic people live here, they work here, and they belong here. My event is more a celebration of them being a vital part of the community. For more information or to donate, go to bva.foundation or email bvafoundation1@gmail.com. LEFT: Through The Brady Valcho Autism Foundation, Gaile Valcho (pictured with Matt and Brady) creates community through events like the annual Autism Acceptance Day.
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DEPARTMENT SPORT S
A NEW GAME IN TOWN Girls’ flag football programs soaring in Wake County STORY BY KURT DUSTERBERG
F
or generations, the arrival of fall has meant Friday nights beneath the stadium lights, where high school football brings classmates and communities together. This year, there’s a new reason to cheer: the girls are taking the field, too. Beginning this fall, flag football is officially sanctioned by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), making North Carolina the 24th state to recognize the sport. Interest has grown in recent years after the NFL began supporting pilot programs across the country. The Carolina Panthers helped launch the sport in Wake County in 2024,
giving 20 high school teams a chance to play the sport at a club level. Immediately, girls began showing up to tryouts with curiosity and skill. “Through older siblings or watching with their dads, a lot of them have been around the game or thrown the ball around a little bit,” says Wakefield High School coach Kyle Bayer. “A lot of them have been waiting for an opportunity. The hunger and the drive was there, so that was a part that I didn’t need to coach.” The game differs from tackle football in key ways. Teams play 7-on-7 without contact blocking, and there is no kicking game. Instead, the
offense can earn a 1-point conversion from the 3-yard line or a 2-point conversion from the 10-yard line following touchdowns. Flag football is not a contact sport, but the action is fast and competitive. “(The referees) let the girls play a little bit,” says Apex High School coach Grayson Finchem. “We have screen blocking and different adaptations to make it less of a contact sport, but there’s still contact that takes place. The football is a little bit smaller. We’re not hitting, we’re not in pads, but they’re capable of playing.” As a little girl, Sarah Fagerstrom loved throwing the football around
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with her father, brother, and twin sister. But without a way to join a team, she played soccer and ran track. Then came her senior year at Apex, where she took a chance on flag football. As a wide receiver, she caught 22 passes for 275 yards and five touchdowns. “Oh my goodness, it was like a dream come true,” Fagerstrom says. “You’d get the perfect pass over your shoulder, feel the ball in your hands, tuck in your arm, and run the rest of the way. After you get the touchdown, you look back at your teammates and you see how proud and excited they are.” Fagerstrom is typical of the players drawn to the sport, bringing
skills honed in another discipline. Coaches recruit from a pool of talent that spans the athletic spectrum. “We’ve had a lot of soccer players, softball players, basketball players," Bayer says. “We’re able to pick up on what they do well and find positions and roles that match their skill set – and then teach them the game along the way. From a skill standpoint, they are exceptional. We have a girl who can throw a perfect spiral and hit a receiver in stride. We have others who can make a one‑handed catch. The talent is there for sure.” High school flag football participation in the United States reached 102,000 this year, seven
times as many who played just four years ago, according to The National Federation of State High School Associations. “A lot of them, they just want to try something new,” Finchem says. “There’s no background or parameters you need, and it’s a low barrier to entry. They’re learning it at such a rapid pace because it’s not like they’ve had years of playing it. It’s new and shiny, so it’s fun." OPPOSITE PAGE: Wakefield High School’s Flag Football team won the 2025 North Carolina state championship, capping off a 27-0 season. Photo courtesy of Kyle Bayer. BELOW: Coco Lavielle (left) with Sarah Fagerstrom. Photo courtesy of Coco Lavielle.
A Girl and Her Football Dream Coco Lavielle got the bug in middle school. Soccer was her sport, but what she really enjoyed was tossing the ball with the boys on the flag football team. “We would go to the field after school and throw for hours and hours,” she says. But when she reached Apex High School, she wanted something more from the game. “I was a competitive dancer at the time, but I wanted something with a ball. I had played soccer all my life," she says. “As a freshman, I walked up to the athletic director and said, ‘hey, how about we start a flag football team?’” With help from her mother, Lavielle contacted the Carolina Panthers, who had previously sponsored flag football in Mecklenburg County. Lavielle’s pitch secured $50,000 in grant money for the Wake County Public School System. The donation funded uniforms and equipment to start a pilot program for 20 high school teams across the county. When the season kicked off with a weekend tournament in January 2024, Lavielle didn’t know what to expect. “My greatest fear was that the girls wouldn’t want to try out because it’s a new sport,” she says. “That jamboree when everyone tried on the jersey for the first game, there was so much joy and fruitful
energy. I would absolutely say there was talent. I was genuinely surprised.” Lavielle graduated in the spring, but her flag football career is continuing at Meredith College, a Division III program. Her Apex teammate, Sarah Fagerstrom, is playing at Barton College. The Division II school is a member of Conference Carolinas, the first NCAA Division I or II conference to sponsor women’s flag football. The sport was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program earlier this year for all three divisions, putting flag football on a path to achieve NCAA championship status in the next few years. “The availability of flag football was monumental to my college commitment at Meredith,” says Lavielle, who will play quarterback and major in business administration. “But I’m also planning for my future, and Meredith has such amazing programs for what I want to do." And the football? It's nothing she can't handle. “It’s not scary now because I have great coaches here, and I’ve had great coaches (in high school)," she says. "I’m more prepared because I’ve had the experience and preparation.” Playing at the college level will extend careers, but the introduction of flag football
in high school might change the path of some young students. That's why the NCHSAA embraced the game. “Any time there is an opportunity at the next level, we are interested in providing the avenue for those who have the skills to play at that level,” says Que Tucker, commissioner of the NCHSAA. “But we are keenly aware that not all of our young people are going to play at that next level. They play simply for the fun of it or to make friends. It satisfies that general desire that a student has to be a part of a team, so we’re excited about that.” —Kurt Dusterberg
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DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY
YOU’VE GOT (SNAIL) MAIL A love letter to the lost art of correspondence STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRANCES DEESE
M
any have claimed 2026 as the year of the analog—and for good reason. With screens filling more and more of our days, there’s something wonderfully human about returning to hobbies that invite us to slow down. Tactile, thoughtful, and personal, letter writing offers a meaningful way to
connect—especially during the holidays, when a handwritten note can feel like a gift in itself. And really, who wouldn’t rather find a letter in the mailbox than another bill? Sending mail isn’t about perfection; it's about connection. Here in the Triangle, a number of outlets offer inspiration and an entry
point for the mail-curious. From choosing paper and stamps to adding personal touches, there are endless ways to embrace creativity and the art of snail mail. At North Regional Library, letter writing has found a devoted following in the Snail Mail Society. Adult services librarian Elizabeth Findley
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founded the group after reflecting on the decline of letter writing and wanting to create a space where the tradition could thrive. The group combines the best of both worlds: the quiet ritual of putting pen to paper along with the simple pleasure of connecting with others. Findley sees a mindfulness in the act of letter writing and offers several tips for those interested in taking it up. Postcards, she says, are an easy introduction. And for those experiencing text fatigue, putting pen to paper is a great way to connect without reaching for your phone. With each note sent, the Snail Mail Society is proving that this oldfashioned ritual still has a place in the modern world. Triangle Book Arts, a regional collective operating across the greater Triangle region, hosts workshops on creating handmade books and paper goods, including one of the most mail-friendly formats: zines. For members, they also have the TBA Postcard Exchange that runs throughout the year.
For additional inspiration, look to Blam Studio, next to Rebus Works, where book artist Kathy Steinsberger leads a number of classes and workshops centered on books. Using her letterpress and printing press, she creates cards, collages, and marbled paper, among other projects. When visiting local makers or galleries around town, keep an eye out for postcards, as they are always a good conversation starter for those on the receiving end. At Crazy Alan’s Emporium, a staple in Chapel Hill for more than 20 years, shelves brim with writing instruments, ink, and paper for the ultimate personalization of your correspondence. Even small artistic touches can bring joy to both the sender and recipient. In Raleigh’s Village District, If It’s Paper sells bold prints, embossed and monogrammed cards, raised ink stationery, and fully customizable designs. For anyone hosting events this season, their custom invitations can set your celebration apart while keeping guest lists organized.
In Durham, Parker Paper Company brings a playful sensibility to the world of paper goods. The shop carries greeting cards, notecard sets, rubber stamps, stickers, and a host of art supplies to put the flair and fun back into your correspondence. A favorites subscription box offers a rotating selection of new finds, while the thoughtfully curated collection turns otherwise practical stationery into small opportunities for creativity. For those interested in another facet of mail, the Raleigh Stamp Club offers a window into the longstanding hobby of philately, or stamp collecting. Active in the Triangle since the 1920s, the club hosts monthly meetings that include educational programs and guest speakers. As a member of the American Philatelic Society, a non-profit dedicated to stamp collectors, the club connects local enthusiasts to the broader world of stamp collecting. Meetings are held the first Monday of every month, with visitors welcome.
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THE
HOLIDAY
EDIT From standout gifts to memorable experiences, our 2026 Holiday Edit is packed with inspired finds 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
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SPIRITS NEW & OLD, GIFTS PLATED & POURED Distillery Tours Jazz Nights Daily Specials
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Unexpected & Uncanny, Departure Awaits:
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FOOD & D RINK
All American Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee $25 bag, $35 bottle Peak City Coffee peakcitycoffee.com
Gift Sample Pack (5 coffees) | $40 Peak City Coffee peakcitycoffee.com
Broken Oak Straight Bourbon Whiskey | $219.99 Mystic Farm & Distillery whatismystic.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
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E XP E R I EN 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 $295 - $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 56 | midtownmag.com
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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
STAFF PIC KS
Hot Chocolate Mix | $12.99 Videri Chocolate Factory viderichocolatefactory.com
Star Membership at The Carolina Theatre of Durham | $200 - $5,000 Carolina Theatre of Durham carolinatheatre.org
Peanut Butter, Apple & Carrot Dog Biscuits | $13 Ella & Bella Pet Company ellabellapetco.org
Signature Shaved Country Ham Rolls $16.80/ dozen Ladyfingers Market & Eatery, Raleigh ladyfingersofraleigh.com 58 | midtownmag.com
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C re ating Sophisticated Family Living WI TH A
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PERFORMED WITH A LIVE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
December 10–24 RALEIGH MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
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Beer glasses by stock.adobe.com/chones
The Craft Beer What
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Boom is Over. Comes Next? With growth slowing and tastes shifting, local brewers are adapting to a new era STORY BY DATHAN KAZSUK PHOTOS BY ALONZA MITCHELL UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
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Sean Lilly Wilson helped change the game for North Carolina beer. As the force behind the “Pop the Cap” movement, he helped lift the state’s ABV limit from 6% to 15%—paving the way for the craft beer boom of the mid-to-late 2010s.
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F
or years, covering craft beer meant chasing an industry that refused to slow down. Another brewery opened. Another taproom expanded. Another industrial building filled with stainless steel tanks. Now, the brewery-closing announcement has become its own depressing social media genre. It begins with a heavy heart. It thanks the staff, regulars, and community. Then come rising costs, slower taproom traffic, and, finally, an invitation to share one last pint. In 2025, the Brewers Association counted 481 brewery closures and only 300 openings. That followed 2024, the first year in roughly two decades that closures outpaced openings. Craft production dropped 4% in 2025, compared with a 5.7% decline for the overall beer market. During the first half of 2026, craft volume fell another estimated 4%. Sean Lilly Wilson has watched nearly the entire arc. Before opening Fullsteam Brewing in Durham, Wilson helped lead Pop the Cap, the grassroots effort that convinced North Carolina lawmakers to lift the state’s restrictive 6% alcohol-by-volume limit on beer in 2005. Twenty-one years later, a generation of North Carolina drinkers has grown up with access to the full range of craft beer.
“That’s overwhelmingly positive,” Wilson says. “But it also brings familiarity, and dare I say what familiarity can sometimes breed?” That familiarity is now part of craft beer’s challenge. A brewery can no longer assume people will show up simply because beer is being made on the other side of a glass wall. “The days of opening an industrial brewery and expecting people to support you have come and gone,” Wilson says. “The breweries that are going to survive— and perhaps thrive—must offer a combination of amazing food, gracious hospitality, diverse beverages … and top-notch beer.” In the Triangle, recent closures include Hatchet Brewing, Southern Pines Brewing, Mordecai Beverage Co., Cotton House, Funguys, and Ancillary Fermentation. Proximity closed its east Durham taproom but planned to keep producing. Vicious Fishes went from multiple locations to no regular taprooms, while Durty Bull closed its Durham taproom in September. Thomas Vincent, who has brewed at several North Carolina breweries and most recently worked at Hatchet, left about three months before it closed. He says his explanation is an inference, but describes the ending as a “death by a thousand cuts.”
The breweries that are going to survive—and perhaps thrive— must offer a combination of amazing food, gracious hospitality, diverse beverages … and top-notch beer. — Sean Lilly Wilson, Fullsteam Brewery
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Vincent believes funding likely ran out. A planned kitchen required a commercial hood that may not have been in the budget, the Selma location was losing money, and the brewery carried too many year-round beers. The specifics belong to Hatchet. The larger story doesn't: too many brands, too much space, costly expansion, and fewer customers walking through the door. “We’re finally admitting the old model is gone,” says John Szymankiewicz, owner of Raleigh’s Beer Law Center. “Most breweries make their money from over-the-bar sales. That’s where the margins are. And people simply aren’t drinking the way they were before COVID.” Grocery store cans rarely replace that income thanks to thinner retail margins. Real estate can be equally unforgiving. “The landlord raises rent 40 or 50 percent at renewal,” Szymankiewicz says. “You can’t raise beer prices 40% overnight.” Wilson believes breweries also need to reconsider what they actually have to own. When Fullsteam’s original Durham neighborhood shifted toward denser housing and street-level retail, the brewery faced a choice. Rather than recreate its old production model, Fullsteam looked at brewing capacity at other facilities.
“Customers don’t seem to care about necessarily seeing a brewery behind glass like they used to,” Wilson says. That doesn’t mean every brewery should shrink. Fullsteam is preparing to open a 9,000-squarefoot space at American Tobacco in Durham—almost defiantly large in an era of contraction. But Wilson is building less around production and more around giving people reasons to walk through the door. American Tobacco had been missing a gathering place since Tyler’s Taproom closed, Wilson says. Fullsteam spent six months listening to what people wanted and adapting the space. The result combines a restaurant, event space, and a 100-seat theater. “We decided to go big,” he says. “A lateral move wasn’t in the cards. After all, the brand is called Fullsteam.” More importantly, the new location lets Fullsteam lean into hospitality in a way its original home could not. “I’m a product of the hospitality industry,” Wilson says. “I really wanted a space where we could host, welcome, and serve the public.” That may be the clearest glimpse of what comes next. Wilson is quick to point out there is no universal blueprint. A traditional brewery can still thrive in a smaller town. A neighborhood
The industry isn’t collapsing... it’s correcting. — John Szymankiewicz, Raleigh’s Beer Law Center
brewery with great beer and loyal regulars can work. A highly focused niche brewery can become a destination. What no longer works is being generic. “The days of a generic warehouse and a few Edison bulbs is probably really difficult,” Wilson says. He also cautions against throwing events at the wall just to drive traffic, noting that the approach can exhaust both staff and customers. The demographic is changing, too. Vincent says Untappd’s data skewed older, though he couldn’t tell whether that reflected Hatchet’s audience or a broader trend. “I think the break was COVID,” he says. “A generation of people turned to their screens instead of face-to-face interaction.” Consumers also have more alternatives, from THC beverages and gummies to nonalcoholic drinks. Vincent sees lower-alcohol beer as one possible bridge, though producing nonalcoholic beer safely can require specialized equipment— another investment when breweries are trying to spend less. Vincent is now trying to become one of the industry’s cheerleaders. Following Dave Tollefsen’s retirement, he received Tollefsen’s blessing to continue the NC Beer Guys name. “There isn’t really another cheerleader for craft beer in the region,” Vincent says. “Given the market, it can use one. So I’m media now, evidently.” Craft beer is not dead. But opening a brewery is no longer an automatic invitation to success. “The industry isn’t collapsing,” Szymankiewicz says. “It’s correcting.” Corrections still hurt when the names that disappeared helped
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build the culture around us. But Wilson, who helped create the conditions for North Carolina’s great craft beer expansion, isn’t ready to write its obituary. “People told me 20 years ago not to open a brewery,” he says. “I ignored them.” And if somebody still wants to try it now? “Sounds like you’ve got balls of steel,” he says. “And I bet you’re going to be successful.” THIS PAGE: Fullsteam’s new 9,000-squarefoot brewery and restaurant brings craft brews and pinball to Durham’s American Tobacco Campus. Just steps from Durham Bulls Athletic Park, it’s a natural stop for a pregame pint or postgame round of pinball.
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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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Alexandria: One Step at a Time A stroll through the city’s past and present
T
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 filled 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 fill 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. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 77
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SMALL STAGES,
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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
C
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. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 81
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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 first 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 fine,” 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 influences 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 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 | 85
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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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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?” 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. Before saying, “I’m keeping the house,” ask: What will keeping it actually cost? 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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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. 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. And then there are the children. 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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HOLIDAY 24 Festive Things to Experience in the Triangle This Season STORY BY TAYLOR BOWLER
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
KōMANA Brewing Company — Cary: Cary’s KōMANA 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
I
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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Modern Luxury Meets Tranquil Living in Laurel Hills | 4210 White Pine Drive, Raleigh, NC
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