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TRIANGLE DOWNTOWNER ISSUE 183
Mailing Address: PO Box 27603 | Raleigh, NC 27611 www.TriangleDowntowner.com
Publisher & Co-founder Crash S. Gregg
Co-Founders Randall Gregg, Sig Hutchinson
Lead Designer Cyndi Harris
photojournalist Barringer Campbell
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10 Free Attractions to Visit this Spring
Often dubbed the “Smithsonian of the South” thanks to an abundance of free museums, historic attractions, and educational institutions, the greater Raleigh area has long been known as a perfect getaway destination for those in the Tar Heel State and beyond (Southern Living recently named the City of Oaks one of the seven best affordable Southern destinations for travel). The attractions below are perfect for checking the Raleigh area’s standout attractions off your must-visit list.
Spend a morning, a day, or a night at the North Carolina Museum of Art
One of the most cherished indoor and outdoor spaces in all of Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the premier visual arts museums of the South. Aside from two buildings filled with galleries, educational studios, and special exhibitions, the museum’s 164-acre outdoor park is the biggest of its kind in America, featuring walking trails, flexible seating and event spaces, a bikeshare station, and an amphitheater that hosts live music and movies in the warmer months.
Permanent collections at the museum include ancient Egyptian artifacts, renowned European Old Master paintings, African and Judaic works of art, and innovative contemporary art. In the West Building, you’ll find the Southeast’s most extensive collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin, the museum gift store, and NCMA Café. Also recommended: CAM Raleigh, Artspace
Tour the library of the future at Hunt Library
Said by some to be one of the most advanced libraries in the world, the James B. Hunt Library – opened in 2013 –was built to reflect North Carolina State University’s status as a preeminent technological research university. Bold and iconic, the library’s architectural design strikes a unique presence with its intriguing design of glass and zigzagging solar fins. Inside, be dazzled by technological wonders like curved digital display screens, touchscreen kiosks, and bookBot – a subterranean robot programmed to fetch books from the 1.5 million housed in
an underground storage facility.
Outdoor add-ons (just across the street): Lonnie Poole Golf Course, Lake Raleigh
Make time for playtime at Downtown Cary Park Downtown Cary Park – a seven-acre, state-of-theart playspace for all ages – opened in the heart of downtown Cary in late 2023.
From places for views (the elevated Skywalk) to places for brews (beer at The Bark Bar, coffee at Market 317)– plus a playground, performing arts pavilion, fire pits, a sports lawn, dog par, and so much more – the park now acts as the anchor of a fast-growing, easily walkable downtown area that has become a popular destination for visitors in recent years.
Check the park’s calendar for fitness classes, movie nights, free concerts, public art walks, and so much more (in addition to the year-round Cary Downtown Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings).
Make a weekend of it: Mayton Inn, La Farm Bakery, Cotton House Craft Brewers, The Cary Theater, Hank’s Downtown Dive
Explore 300,000 square feet of science and nature at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences delights, entertains, and educates nearly a million visitors annually with fascinating, featured and permanent exhibits about the natural world. The museum’s four floors are divided into two parts – the Nature Exploration Center (where you’ll find the Terror of the South) and the Nature Research Center, an unmistakable architectural icon that opened to much fanfare a decade ago.
The museum hosts lectures, discussions, classes, live scientific programs, and more. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly, educational movies inside the SECU Daily Planet – a 70-foot diameter globe that doubles as a three-story theater – and immerse themselves in 3D movie showings in the WRAL 3D Theater in the Nature
Exploration Center.
In the spring of 2024, the museum opened Dueling Dinosaurs, a groundbreaking permanent exhibit that puts one of the most significant dinosaur fossils ever discovered on full display.
Good eats nearby: Centro, Element Gastropub, Taverna Agora, Longleaf Swine
Dix Park Cary Park
North Carolina Museum of Art
NC State James Hunt Library
Take part in skyline picnics and sunrise yoga classes at Dorothea Dix Park
At a whopping 308 acres in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park offers beautiful rolling hills, massive shade trees, and top-notch city skyline views. Open to the public from dawn to dusk, the park hosts a range of outdoor activities – sunset watching, hammocking, bike riding, soccer matches, picnics, yoga, and more (including a schedule of regularly held events
Housed within a restored 100-year-old cottage, a visitor center was opened in 2024, and in the spring of this year, an 18-acre adventure playground and picnic area is planned to open to the public as one of the state’s best new family-friendly attractions.
Date-night add-ons: Vita Vite, Wine and Design, Barcelona Wine Bar
Visit one of the world’s oldest amusement parks at Pullen Park
Established in 1887 and designated as the first public park in N.C., Pullen Park sits nestled between downtown Raleigh and the campus of North Carolina State
University. Among the world’s oldest amusement parks, Pullen is known for terrific recreational opportunities, particularly for kids and families. The park includes an operating carousel built in 1911, a miniature train you can ride through the park, pedal boats to move around Lake Howell, plus tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, an arts center, and an innovative performing arts venue, Theatre In The Park (Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre).
More family-friendly attractions: John Chavis Memorial Park and Community Center, Historic Oak View County Park
Tackle hikes or ride bikes at William B. Umstead State Park
One of N.C.’s most-visited state parks, William B. Umstead State Park, remains a peaceful getaway thanks to its sheer size – more than 5,000 acres of forest, trails, and lakes sit on the edge of Raleigh, Cary, and Morrisville. With 13 miles of multi-use trails that follow a series of rolling hills (perfect for horseback riding, jogging, and cycling) and 22 miles of dedicated hiking trails, this is a must-hit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pro tip: Begin your spring afternoon stroll at the park’s entrance off U.S. 70 and then head to the nearby Lonerider Brewing Company to toast to good weather and good times with a Shotgun Betty hefeweizen.
Also recommended: Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, Lake Crabtree County Park, Neuse River
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Pullen Park
Greenway Trail, The Angus Barn
Discover new history at the North Carolina State Capitol
Located in what was originally the exact middle of Raleigh, this National Historic Landmark was first built in 1796. A catastrophic fire destroyed the building in 1831, and the structure that stands today was completed in 1840. Today, the governor, lieutenant governor, and their staffs occupy offices on-site, and the building continues to be used for official state business, including bill signings, press conferences, and historic commemorations.
Each year, more than 100,000 visitors take part in free tours, educational programs, and events at the Capitol in downtown Raleigh.
Also recommended: City of Raleigh Museum (COR
Museum), Pope House Museum, Joel Lane Museum House, Historic Oakwood Cemetery
Stop and smell the flowers
at JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University
Stroll through 10 acres of floral beauty at this nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants. With more than 5,000 plants collected from all over the world on display, you can catch blooms any time of the year. Nearly 20 different gardens can be explored, each with a unique theme and space – a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden, a rooftop terrace filled with heat-tolerant plants, and more. The arboretum is also a popular spot to host an affordable wedding (or a pretty backdrop for engagement photos, bridal portraits, etc.).
THE PRODUCE PROJECT
Order a $20 share of fresh produce (a $50+ value!) Take what you can use. We’ll donate what you leave. Eat good. Do good. We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Sign up or order your share now at www.produceproject.org.
Also recommended: Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden next to Raleigh Little Theatre, WRAL Azalea Gardens
Earn your ice cream with an active day at Historic Yates Mill County Park
At the 174-acre Historic Yates Mill County Park, more than 250 years of history waits to be explored. Yates Mill, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, was restored to working order through a grassroots community effort in 2005 and today stands as the area’s last operating water-powered gristmill. The park also features approximately three miles of hiking trails, winding through hardwood forests and using footbridges and boardwalks to cross wetland areas. Bring the family and tackle a hike, then head just a couple hundred yards up the road to Howling Cow Creamery, a North Carolina State University-owned farm producing some of the area’s best ice cream right on site. Also recommended: State Farmers Market, Juniper Level Botanic Garden, The Raleigh Market
Portions of this article and images originally appeared on the visitRaleigh.com website and are featured here through a collaborative partnership with Visit Raleigh and Triangle Downtowner. The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (aka Visit Raleigh) is the official and accredited destination marketing organization for all of Wake County. For more things to do in the Raleigh area, check out www.visitraleigh.com.
NC State Capitol
Umstead Park
Fromthe Publisher
s the flowers bloom and temperatures rise, our calendar is beginning to fill with exceptional charity galas and fundraisers. As we do each year, we’re proudly sponsoring many of these upcoming events, so please flip through this issue to discover opportunities where you can make a difference while enjoying unforgettable experiences.
Behind the scenes, we’re putting the finishing touches on a much-needed new business publication. Want to connect with over 100,000 business owners, managers, and professionals each month? If you’re interested in being a sponsor or advertisers, we welcome you to join us on this venture. Reach out to publisher at welovedowntown dot com to learn how your business can benefit from coming on board.
Calling all storytellers and sales professionals! Help us showcase local businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, community leaders, nonprofits, and folks in the arts scene. Drop us a line at writers at welovedowntown dot com with a bit about yourself, and let’s collaborate!
We’re excited to partner with you in celebrating the remarkable people and organizations that make greater Raleigh thrive. Together, we can craft compelling stories that highlight why our business community is truly something special. Cheers,
Crash S. Gregg
Publisher, Triangle Downtowner Magazine • 919.828.8000
Residential & Commercial Realtor. Sotheby’s • 919.828.8888
I proudly donate 10% of listing commissions to my clients’ favorite local charities. I would be honored to help sell your home, search for a new one, or work with you on any commercial real estate needs. Join me on Facebook and Instagram at @crashrealtor and LinkedIn at @crashgregg.
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A Feast for Recovery
How One Chef’s Loss Sparked a Culinary Movement Against Addiction
By Crash Gregg
Steam rises from cast-iron skillets as knives dance across wooden boards. In this open-air kitchen set against the backdrop of a beautiful venue, something more profound than cuisine is being created. Here, a community of chefs transforms raw ingredients into weapons against an epidemic that continues to claim thousands.
The story begins with personal tragedy. In 2014, Chef Blake Gotliffe watched helplessly as heroin addiction claimed his best friend Reece Byrd’s life. Gotliffe knew the beast intimately – he had wrestled with opiate addiction himself before achieving what is now over 13 years of sobriety.
“Losing Reece changed everything,” says Gotliffe, his eyes reflecting both loss and purpose. “I couldn’t bring him back, but I could honor him by trying to save others.”
From this crucible of grief emerged the Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic. The event’s name carries special meaning – the inaugural gathering featured local farmers donating root vegetables that participating restaurants transformed into memorable dishes.
What started as intimate dinners co-hosted by Gotliffe and fellow culinary talents Sean Fowler (Mandolin) and Eric Montagne (Locals Seafood) has expanded into a significant gastronomic celebration. Today, the event marshals an impressive coalition of regional chefs, breweries, bars, and distilleries united in support of the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHRC), which works tirelessly to prevent opiate overdoses through education and direct intervention.
Standing alongside Gotliffe is Kelli Pfitzner, whose journey includes her own struggles with prescribed opioids and
the heartbreaking loss of friends to addiction. With expertise in event coordination and nonprofit administration, Pfitzner has become instrumental in amplifying the fundraiser’s impact and extending support to those battling substance dependence.
“This isn’t just about raising money,” Pfitzner explains. “It’s about reducing stigma and showing people suffering that an entire community stands with them.”
The 7th annual Roots for Reece Chef’s Picnic will transform Landon Estate in Clayton on April 27th into a celebration of resilience and possibility. Attendees will sample culinary creations from more than 25 local purveyors, representing everything from rustic barbecue traditions to sophisticated fine dining innovations.
Beyond the culinary attractions, the event features live music performances, family-friendly activities, and a silent auction – all designed to create an atmosphere of community healing while generating crucial funds. Every dollar raised helps purchase Naloxone, the life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses, and supports NCHRC’s broader mission.
For participating chefs and volunteers, the picnic represents something greater than a typical food festival. Each plate served becomes an act of defiance against addiction’s toll, each beverage poured a toast to recovery’s possibility.
“Food brings people together,” Gotliffe reflects. “When we gather around a table, barriers come down. Suddenly we’re not talking about ‘addicts’ – we’re talking about our neighbors, friends, and family members who need our support.”
New friends will be made, plates passed, and stories shared. In these moments, the essential ingredients of the event become clear: compassion, resilience, and unwavering
commitment to saving lives – one meal, one conversation, and one person at a time
Participating chefs: Sean Fowler – Mandolin, Bill Hartley – Postal Fish Co, Luis Zouain – LaGana, Justin Wright – Julep Contemporary Kitchen, Lucas Owens –Native Fine Diner, Nick Chavez – Dram yard, Eric Montagne – Locals Seafood, Tie Whittaker – Buttermilk Boutique, Kevin Ruiz – Cuya Cocina Latina, Katrin Sydnor – the Umstead Hotel and Spa, Alex Constantinou – Brodeto, Jake Wood – Lawrence Barbecue, Serge Falcoz-vigne – Bodega Tapas and Wine Bar, Kyle Teears – Under the Oak Catering, Blake Gotliffe – Landon Estate, Stephanie Love – the Umstead Hotel & Spa, Bobby McFarland – Glasshouse Kitchen, Theresa Norris – M POCHA, Chad Blackwelder – Got to Be NC.
Beverage vendors: Neuse River Brewing, Trophy Brewing Company, Deep River Brewing, Revival 1869, William and Company, Landon Estate, Groove Wagon Seltzers.
QR code Landon Estate (2035 Indian Camp Rd, Clayton, NC 27520), Sunday, April 27th, 1pm to 6pm (VIP early entry begins at noon). For tickets, sponsorship info, and more details, visit www.undertheoakcatering.com/ rootsforreece or IG: @rootsforreece. Editor’s note: If you’re a foodie, this event is 100% don’t-miss.
Landon Estate
Last year’s chefs and volunteers group photo
An interview with Maria Cervania
NC State Representative, District 41
By Shilpa Nagaraj
Why don’t you start by telling our readers about your background, experience, and what got you here.
Like many people in North Carolina, I’m not originally from here. I was born in Oakland, California, and raised in Sunnyvale, the heart of Silicon Valley. I went to undergrad in science and biology and then graduate school in epidemiology via statistics. As a representative, a lot of people assume that I was a poli-sci major or a lawyer. We need other perspectives because our people come from different walks of life. I’m very honored to be a scientist and present and represent that viewpoint here.
Wonderful. A bit of fun trivia, you went to the same high school as Steve Jobs in California?
Yes, I did, and it was amazing because we had technology early in my educational experience. Having that great foundation was so helpful, and I’m very excited that Apple will expand its business here.
What motivated you to get into public service?
gave me this opportunity. I have a lot of support from people who suggested that I represent. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the support of the people in my community.
My parents. My father served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years and my mother served in the National Water Service in the Philippines, so public service has always been foundational in our family. For me, giving back to my community was always something like a hobby. I never imagined that one day I would be a public official, and it was just happenstance that
That’s amazing. Tell us about your experience as Wake County Commissioner. What are some of the initiatives you oversaw?
What an unprecedented time. It was COVID, and as I mentioned, I’m an epidemiologist.
This was what we say, a perfect match – or, as we say in my profession, our Super Bowl. Taking what we learned in
the lab and books at school to implementing them. I was so proud that we were able to control the deaths and infections, and we were one of the leading communities to have a robust vaccination and public education effort towards COVID.
The other thing that I’m really, really proud that we accomplished was our language access. I wanted to make sure people recognize that there are so many different people in our community –families, friends, and neighbors – who speak English as their second language. We knew it would be helpful to have services explained and resources identified in people’s native language. As a commissioner, I was very fortunate to have staff at Wake County government who understood that and were committed to it, too.
That’s incredible. Can you tell us if you serve on any specific committees right now and what are some of the initiatives you’re working on?
I’m a second-year legislator, and during my first year, I was very fortunate to get every committee I wanted to be on. I was on Appropriations, Health, and Human Services; Energy and Public Utilities; Health; and Oversight.
What’s a typical week like for you?
It’s never the same, and I like that because it reminds me that our community has different needs with different solutions. Now that we’re starting a long session, we have meetings or events that start at 7:30 or 8am, and sometimes we’re there until 8 in the evening. It’s usually 12-hour
days, especially during sessions. Usually, on Mondays and Fridays, you’ll see me in the community at La Farm or at Fount, talking to constituents, asking about their concerns, and helping to connect people to the right resources. I fashion myself as an open door, and I may not be able to solve every problem, but our office is committed - be it a visa or a passport to be expedited, to a pothole in the ground. We’ll connect you to the right place, and we will walk with you to the point where we can hopefully bring it to fruition. If it’s a federal concern, we usually connect people with their congressperson or senator, and then we make sure that they respond in a timely manner to get the issue resolved.
Can you talk about some of the initiatives you’ve worked on or plan to work on?
We like to do a broad range of things when it comes to authoring bills, and hopefully, they will pass here in the House and then cross over to the Senate to become law. An example of an issue that I’ve worked on for our community involved H-1B families who have H-4 visa students. And of those who get accepted to a public university, they get in-state tuition until they’re 21. Most people don’t graduate
by the time they’re 21. So, I created a bill to have in-state tuition from the time they start college until graduation. That’s whether it takes four years, six years, and if they’re enrolled in law school, they would still receive in-state tuition for the entire seven or eight years. That’s one example. On the other side, as a scientist, I am committed to wildlife. So, we created a bill protecting endangered sea turtles, which are also pivotal to the economic development and tourism along coastal North Carolina. The bill revolved around using amber lighting near the shores because a lot of the little turtles think that white lights are the moonlight, and they crawl toward inland
lights instead of towards the ocean, where they need to go. People travel from all over the world to see our sea turtles hatch and witness that experience. Their survival rate is already so small, so we need to do everything we can to make sure they get their best chance at life.
Those are surely two important bills. Can you tell us about your economic development initiatives?
When I was in the Wake County Commission, I was head of the Economic Development committee. I was very fortunate to be at the table to negotiate deals with Apple, Fujifilm, Amgen, and so many other multinational companies that have committed to Wake County. We recognized that small businesses are 80 to 90 percent of our businesses here in North Carolina. So, I’m very much committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive, including capital acquisition, traffic to increase customers and clients, and other important factors like benefits, childcare, etc. There are so many challenges for a small business. I’ve been putting together forums and empowering
sessions for people who are at the beginning stages of filing for an S Corp or LLC, who need help from experts to go from being a micro business to a small business in definition, or becoming a large business and even seeing their dream of being a world headquarters here in Wake County. Those are the types of things I’ve been working on.
As a state legislator, we have conversations like these too, just from a different perspective. We talk about corporate mega sites and making sure that they have the resources
they need. Setting up public utilities, making sure those businesses have infrastructure in place, so they don’t have to worry about water and electricity, similar to what happened in Texas when there was a bad freeze. We don’t want companies to feel any trepidation if there’s a storm and worry that they may lose all their power, causing their business to come to a halt. We really try to look at the whole picture for anyone who may be interested. We want people to come and start a business here and I’m committed to that.
Shilpa runs Localista, a marketing firm that helps promote and connect small businesses, nonprofits, and artisans, as well as hosting community events. One of their promotional avenues is via their 2800+ member community on Facebook, which utilizes business threads, ads, and interview spotlights. Visit www.localista.biz for more info.
RALEIGH N.C. MAY 18TH
ELLIOTT’S
CELEBRATING 6 YEARS
of the Frankie Lemmon School
FEATURING BITES & BEVS FROM:
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FORK GROVE BBQ
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KUYA BEAR FOOD
LONGLEAF SWINE
N. SEA OYSTER CO.
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CUYA COCINA DOUNOU CUISINE
HEFF’S BURGER CLUB
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