LETTER FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
Seasons of Change
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CHATHAM MAGAZINE
utumn in North Carolina holds a special place in my heart. Amid the hustle and bustle of returning to school and busy schedules, there’s also a comforting stillness that settles over the trees. It’s a time for savoring quiet moments with bowls of chili and mugs of cider, embarking on scenic drives to hiking trails, pumpkin patches and county fairs – a tapestry of experiences that paints warm memories of my upbringing in this picturesque state. This year, the fall season brings an extra reason for excitement: the much-awaited unveiling of our Best of Chatham issue. Thousands upon thousands of votes were cast in this year’s readers’ favorites poll, and I’m incredibly honored that my first task as managing editor is to share the results – flip to page 48 to begin reading about several of the 2023 honorees. I hope these findings inspire you to explore more restaurants, neighborhoods and entertainment opportunities in our county throughout the year. In the same way leaves change their hues, our community undergoes its own transformations. The list of reasons to plant roots here grows by the day – take it from artists like Mark Hewitt, who found his muse in our region’s pottery heritage (page 96), and families like the Stalsbrotens, attracted to the exceptional quality of life found here (page 112). One narrative that particularly resonates with me is that of Chris Beal, a visionary who recognized the need for an improved distribution system for local meat farmers and built it himself. Discover the inspiring journey of Chatham Meat Company, chosen by our readers as one of Chatham’s best new businesses, and delve into Chris’ “pasture-to-plate” ethos on page 74. At its core, this issue is a celebration of what it means to call Chatham home; I’m so glad I do. CM Take good care,
morgan.weston@chathammagazinenc.com
THE COVER By Kevin Brown Illustrations by Lindsay Scott
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
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‘Tis the season for new exhibits, plays, live music and more.
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