like many of you, could not be more excited for the temperatures to drop this year. This summer has brought heat waves, flooding and fallen trees to our community –including one on my own roof at the end of June. Though it was pitch-dark and still raining, our neighbors rushed over to help, donning gloves and boots, grabbing ladders, flashlights and chain saws to help assess and alleviate the damage, both that night and the days that followed. As Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” We felt surrounded by so many helpers.
This is just one example of what makes our county such a beautiful place to live; others are all of the restaurants, businesses and service providers that make everything from our date nights to dental visits to home repairs running smoothly. We are thrilled to share the results of the eighth annual Best of Chatham poll in this issue, where a record number of readers made their voices heard! Your votes hightlight favorites across a wide range of categories, from dining and services to home & garden, retail, and arts & entertainment. Flip to page 29 to read features about some of the honorees – including Sabine Farer-Buers of SaBeans Coffee, who makes it her mission to brighten customers’ days – and find the complete list of winners on page 78.
Much like autumn itself, this issue is about the things that bring us together – whether around a table, at an arts festival or in support of the local businesses that add so much vibrancy to our county. Thank you for celebrating with us, for being good neighbors and for continuing to be part of what makes Chatham special. cm
Take good care,
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The Cover
Photo by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
PepperFest
Sept. 14
Turn up the heat at The Plant’s 18th annual festival celebrating sustainable agriculture, local farmers and inventive culinary professionals. Shop at the pop-up craft market or peruse the pepper patch and chat with farmers. Definitely don’t miss the hot sauce competition, where brave attendees put their taste buds to the test, then cool off from their trial by fire with food and beverages from local chefs and brewers. theplantnc.com
Mead Fest
Sept. 27
Celebrate all things mead at Starrlight Mead’s mini Renaissance fair of food, fanfare and, of course, meads. Sip samples from local brewers while watching swordfighting demos from the Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux or tutorials on how to make your own mead at home. Browse local artists’ handmade wares including jewelry, woodworking goods and more, plus try delicious bites from food trucks as you wander the grounds. starrlightmead.com
out&about
Goldston Old Fashion Day
Oct. 11
Embrace the rich history of Goldston with an all-day street festival hosted by the Goldston Lions Club Wander the Goldston Commercial Historic District and peruse local arts, clothing and jewelry. Be sure to grab a snack from one of the many food vendors, like roasted corn on the cob from Boy Scouts of America Troop 900 or dessert from Millie’s Mama Bakes. There’s fun for all ages from mining for gems and rock climbing to crafts like pumpkin painting and sand art. facebook.com/ goldstonoldfashionday
6
events you won't want to miss
Compiled by TAYLOR MOTLEY
Fall-O-Ween Trunk R’ Treat
Date TBD
Siler City Parks and Recreation invites every witch, ghost and pumpkin to its annual spooky fun event. Let the fall spirit fill the whole family during this night of inflatables, candy, games, activities and costume contests. silercity.org
PHOTO BY TAMI SCHWERIN
Pittsboro Street Fair
Oct. 25
Buy from local food vendors, sip craft beverages and enjoy a jam-packed lineup of live music at the Rotary Club of Pittsboro’s annual street fair. Follow the sounds of lively music downtown to find the expansive market of local artists sprawled out between Hanks and Salisbury streets, to shop for unique jewelry and decor. rotaryofpittsboro.org/ pittsboro-street-fair
Wren Halloween Fest
Oct. 31
Don a creative costume and gather the family for an afternoon of Halloween spirits at Wren Memorial Library. Now in its fourth year, the Wren Halloween Fest invites community members to sew their Frankentoys from stuffed animals parts, play a variety of carnival-style games and snack on candy while enjoying spooky movie screenings. chathamcountync.gov
Fall Arts Guide
Come Out and Play Sculpture Show
Sept. 6, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20, noon-6 p.m.
Head to the 17-acre homestead of JimGin Farm for a showcase of arts, animals and family-friendly activities. Shop with local vendors, listen to live music and enjoy free food and drinks while connecting with the artists behind the myriad of mixedmedia sculptures displayed across the Pittsboro property. comeoutandplay.info
Hoppin’ John Fiddlers’ Convention
Sept. 11-13
Hop on down to the fiddlers’ favorite fall event for a weekend of contests, workshops, showcases and community building. With 12 adult contest categories and $5,000 in prizes, this convention brings together droves of traditional music lovers to camp and dance at Shakori Hills Community Arts Center every year. hoppinjohn.org
Festejo Celebration
Sept. 20, 2-6 p.m.
fitness that feels good
The Hispanic Liaison/El Vínculo Hispano hosts this lively commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the organization’s 30th anniversary. Held at the NC Arts Incubator, the event features live music, dance lessons, great food and an art exhibit from Yholima Vargas. hispanicliaison.org
PHOTO BY TODD E. GAUL
North Carolina Poetry Society Reading
Sept. 28, 2-3
p.m.
Head to McIntyre’s Books for its engaging monthly poetry series featuring readers Claudine R. Moreau, Liza Wolff-Francis and Lola Haskins sharing some of their celebrated poetry and prose. mcintyresbooks.com
‘King James’
Oct. 2
PlayMakers Mobile brings Rajiv Joseph’s play to the Chatham Community Library for one night only, telling the story of two men whose friendship grows in parallel with LeBron James’ rise to basketball stardom. playmakersrep.org
Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance
Oct. 2-5
Celebrate the power of music, dance, art and education at this famous Shakori Hills Community Arts Center campout and music extravaganza. Enjoy live performances, interactive workshops, local vendors and vibrant cultural experiences for kids, teens and adults alike. Expect activities such as dance workshops, papier-mâché mask crafts and a lively parade led by the Bulltown Strutters and the Paperhand Puppet Project, plus a lineup of dozens of musicians and performance groups rotating through the Shakori Hills stages. shakorihillsgrassroots.org
The Mockernut Show
Sept. 27-28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Journey into the woods of Pittsboro for the 20th anniversary of this pottery sale at Doug Dotson Pottery Doug Dotson’s studio transforms into a gallery featuring Doug’s stoneware as well as earthenware, jewelry, ceramic sculptures and rock drawings from local artists.
Ancient Arts Festival
Oct. 10-12
Embrace the mysterious and macabre at this celebration of all things tattoos, arts and oddities. This event returns to Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center for its third year, complete with tattoo and costume contests, live music, parades by Paperhand Puppet Project, food trucks, art vendors and more. ancientartsfest.com
GreenWood Wrights’Fest
Oct. 17-19
Sharpen your skills and your carving tools at this celebration of traditional crafting methods, hosted at The Plant. Surround yourself with the community and enjoy days of demos and workshops bound to entertain and inspire every spoon carver, bowl turner, chair maker, basket weaver and toolsmith. greenwood wrightsfest.com
PHOTO BY JASON DOWDLE
PHOTO BY FANCY RONDO PROD.
PHOTO BY FANCY RONDO PROD.
PHOTO BY FANCY RONDO PROD.
PHOTO BY AMY DEYSTONE
Fall for Literacy
Oct. 30
Acclaimed journalist and author Steven Petrow speaks at this ninth annual event hosted by Chatham Literacy to raise money for the organization’s various educational programs, including English language tutoring, financial literacy training and citizenship preparation classes. Steven, who is known for his essays for The Washington Post and The New York Times, discusses his latest book “The Joy You Make,” a guide to finding joy even amid life’s most unexpected challenges. chathamliteracy.org
Death Faire
Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Explore grief, remembrance and wisdom at this 10th annual event at The Plant, and discover how the changing culture of grief can inspire reflection and community. Browse local vendors, listen to live music and enjoy food and beverages during this event inspired by the death positivity movement. theplantnc.com
Chatham Artists Guild Open Studio Tour
Dec. 6 and 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Dec. 7 and 14, noon-5 p.m.
Draw back the curtain and peer into the creative spaces of Chatham County’s many talented artists. Chatham Artists Guild facilitates scenic tours of artists’ workshops across the county, from pastoral farmlands to ceramic studios, during its 33rd annual event held across the first two weekends in December. Browse original, affordable art pieces, and learn about the processes and visions that created them on this intimate, muchanticipated tour. chathamartistsguild. org/studio-tour cm
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN MORENO
Experience fall at Kersey Valley Attractions in Archdale. Navigate their Corn Maize, buy a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch, get your haunts on at their awardwinning Spookywoods! winning Spookywoods! participating potters.
Find your perfect pottery pumpkin or gourd on the Potters’ Pumpkin Patch Trail along NC Pottery Highway 705 in Seagrove, weekends, during the month of October at participating potters.
From apple picking and apple slushies, to hayrides, pumpkin patches and more, Millstone Creek Orchards in Ramseur is the perfect fall excursion for families, friends and children of all ages!
Shop the Liberty Antiques Festival with 400 dealers from more than 25 states at the Pike Family Farm in Staley, Friday & Saturday, September 26th & 27th from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Admission charged, free parking.
shifting focus
‘luna moth bench’
Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Theresa Arico’s “Luna Moth Bench” shimmers with color, inviting passersby to pause, sit and take in the intricate design of high-fired tile and crockery, stained glass, millefiori and smalti mosaic tesserae arranged in the shape of a luminous moth, mirroring the vivid greens and purples of its namesake insect – a subject Theresa chose for its intriguing, allusive nature. “The color patterns of lime
green with purple outlines and purplish-pink ‘eyes’ upon the wings are almost otherwordly and magical,” she says. The bench is both sculpture and sanctuary, offering a moment of rest and reflection. “To encounter a bench that rhymes with nature as well as honors nature is something I strive for in creating public art.”
This vibrant installation is one of several that will be featured in a monthlong sculpture exhibition along a corridor that links downtown Pittsboro to The Plant – a bustling hub for food, drink and events that recently earned several Best of Chatham awards in categories ranging from group and family outings to event space to outdoor dining. The Plant serves as a key destination on this path, championing local artists and transforming a once-industrial corridor into a scenic, cultural experience. The trail itself is part of the broader Pittsboro Linear Park initiative, which aims to
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Pittsboro Sculpture Celebration at The Plant, 220 Lorax Ln.
SEPT. 19, 6-9 P.M.
Opening dinner and artist preview complete with live music, food from Kingston 99 Kitchen and drinks from Fair Game Beverage Company
SEPT. 20, NOON-6 P.M.
The free, outdoor event features more live music, food and beverages supplied by businesses at The Plant, and opportunities to meet the artists.
OCT. 16
Last day to view the sculpture trail.
connect the community through walkable greenways and public art. Additional works by Chathambased sculptors Hamidou Sissoko and Kevin Eichner join the pieces of 31 artists in total during this monthlong exhibition, which runs from Sept. 20 through Oct. 16. cm
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN SENIOR LIVING, IN CHATHAM COUNTY
Hills Assisted Living
Twin Rivers Independent Senior Living is a cozy, 31 unit community that feels like home. Residents lead an independent lifestyle, in their own apartments, while enjoying the social activities offered by our caring staff.
Theresa uses both new and recycled objects in her mosaic pieces.
who's who
in town & county government
Amanda Robertson District 2 commissioner, Chatham County
Photo by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
manda Robertson has long been a fixture in Chatham County’s civic and environmental landscape. A North Carolina resident for more than 30 years, she’s worn many hats – educator, small-business owner, volunteer and, since December 2024, county commissioner. Prior to this newest role, Amanda sat on the county’s planning board and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and she helped found the Chatham County Climate Change Advisory Committee. Amanda now champions its priorities from her seat on the board. Her deep commitment to preserving the county’s rural character and natural resources is matched by her focus on thoughtful growth, affordable housing and supporting local businesses. Amanda lives in Pittsboro with her husband, Tony Robertson, and three German wirehaired pointers – Beardsley, Rennie Mac and Moser. The couple’s adult son, Mike Robertson, lives in Miami. She owns educational media design firm The Farthest Pixel and draws on her background in collaborative design to bring a pragmatic, inclusive approach to public service.
*responses have been edited for length and clarity
What inspired you to run for county commissioner, and how do you define a commissioner’s role in growing a community like Chatham?* Growth. We’ve had a lot of growth. A lot of people are moving here. It’s understandable. It’s a beautiful place. … It doesn’t bother me that the population is increasing. I think it brings a lot of benefits for the people and the businesses that are currently here. But growth, just for the sake of growth, is not a good thing. It needs to be very thoughtfully done. There’s something that Chathamites know as rural character, and that defines and embodies a lot of different things about what makes Chatham “Chatham” and a great place to live. We need to protect that, and so, in large part, that’s why I ran.
How have your previous experiences as a business owner, educator and volunteer shaped your approach to public service?
I think it’s [all] very similar. When you’re a volunteer, you have to work with other people and collaborate. It’s important to communicate well – to talk to people and to appreciate different viewpoints on whatever it is you’re trying to achieve. It’s the same with teaching. There’s going to be different kinds of people in there, and one way of teaching isn’t going to be the solution for everybody. … And [it’s] certainly [the same] in my business as a designer. Design is, by its very nature, collaborative. It’s one of the big differences between design and art. We have to reach a solution that has a very similar meaning, if not the same meaning, for everyone. That’s tough. Whereas art can be different for everybody – you can look at a piece of art and feel very differently than I do, for example. Working together for the same end, you benefit from all those opinions, because I may create something and you may look at it and not see it at all. But if I work with you on it, together, we can create something that we both will say, “Yeah, this gets it.”
How has your work on the Chatham County Climate Change Advisory Committee and the planning board influenced how you approach county policy and priorities? [John Graybeal, Laura Lauffer, Sonny Keisler, John Bonitz] –residents in Chatham who care a lot about climate change – and I put together a proposal [in 2015] … [that we] put forth [before the commissioners] and said, “This is the need.”
That was hugely influential for the time and continues on today. They’ve now gotten three
studies on greenhouse emissions for the county and [have] presented on how emissions have changed over the years, where we are and what our goals are. … In January – to carry that to the next step – as a commissioner, [I] put forward [addressing climate change] when we set board priorities. It was voted unanimously that, yes, [responding to] climate change should be a board priority. I suggested we could do something like a climate retreat. The Climate Change Advisory Committee ran with that idea and put together a proposal that will be on the agenda in August for commissioners to review. I believe the retreat is being proposed for October. [That] will be done to establish what all we need to be working on. What are the goals? How can we support residents in areas of climate change and education, clean energy, agriculture … all the things that are in and around the impacts of climate change? … I’m excited about that.
[The planning board] was a really good experience for being a commissioner. I’m very glad to have served. The unified development ordinance (UDO) – a singular document that combines 13 existing ordinances, providing an outline of Chatham County’s revised zoning and land development ordinances – was in the last stages of being finalized [in 2024], and I got to be part of that and make final recommendations to the board of commissioners this past November when they voted to approve it. The Comprehensive Plan came before that in 2018 when I served on the Climate Change Advisory Committee. I was the liaison from the CCAC on the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. One of the things that I advocated for in that plan, loudly and repeatedly, was how important climate change was to include throughout that plan. It’s not just a mention – it got in there quite a bit more. It was also included in the UDO that was approved last November.
[Frustratingly], that’s on hold [due to a state bill that affects zoning]. So while we completed our UDO, all of a sudden, now we can’t really implement it because a lot of what was in the comprehensive plan and UDO was doing things with regards to zoning in the more rural areas of the county that would protect some of the natural spaces. So, we just have to see what happens.
How do you stay connected to residents and ensure a wide range of voices are heard in county decisions? I [went] out and met with a group of folks who live between Pittsboro and Siler City out in the country. [I’m] pretty sure everybody at the table was
Republican. I’m a Democrat, but they wanted to meet with me and get to know me. It was great that they did that. I think that’s one of the differences between state and national politics and local [politics]. [In] local [politics], you really do serve and meet with everybody. I met with them because they’re very concerned about how they see some of the farms being gobbled up by developers. They’re like, “We bought out here for a reason. We don’t want to have people right up on top of us.” So, we’re very aligned in a lot of ways. When these new [aforementioned] bills came out, I called them and let them know. Unfortunately, it passed, and then I called again and let them know about new bills coming through, so that they could rally the forces, let people know and call their representatives. I think it’s important to have those relationships. In a time like this, it’s nice to be a local servant to the people, because I can put my focus on local [issues]. I think it’s really important to focus on the things going on locally right now.
In a time like this, it's nice to be a local servant to the people, because I can put my focus on local [issues].
As a small-business owner, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for local entrepreneurs? How does the county support small businesses? Webb Squared is a great nonprofit that’s focused on the underserved community – primarily people of color – who continue to run into challenges in creating a small business. [I’m a] business owner, yes. I’ve actually done it three, four times now, with different businesses over the years. I’ve gotten to know pretty well, “What are the ropes?” and “What do I need to do?” But, boy, the first time, it’s scary. You don’t know what you don’t know going into that space, and it’s really hard to find answers. It’s even harder to get money to start up. [So] the county actually funds [Webb Squared]. Why can we do that as a county? … When it comes to nonprofits in our county that provide services that the county would provide anyway, we can fund them.
Webb Squared is one area when it comes to supporting small businesses, but there’s a shortage [of support for smaller companies]. The balance [in the diversity of businesses]
is totally out of whack, but there is a lot of development here and a lot of opportunities. Pittsboro is growing. Chatham Park is growing. I think, as Disney starts coming in, we will see a lot of demand for space coming up in the business arena. I think it’s going to be probably more of a partnership, working with local folks to ensure that there’s a good balance – that affordability and opportunity are there.
What has surprised you the most in your first year as a commissioner? One of the things is the diversity of the people. And I don’t just mean race or sex. I mean, across the board, people and their life experiences – all of it. That’s why I love the county that I work in. Because it’s when they have different life experiences, and they come from different walks of life, [that] you get back to that design side [I mentioned earlier]. If we have all these different experiences and thought processes, we end up with a much better final product. It’s the same as a better county in the end.
Our community, when something matters to them, they get out. They raise their voices to the rest of the community, and they say, “Hey, guys, this is out there. The planning board [or] the board of commissioners is looking at this now, we need to get out and say something.” … I think participation of the citizens is critically important. But they can get very discouraged if they speak out [against a development], and it’s something you can’t deny [the developers]. We [can deny] rezonings, [but] if you have a prospective buyer on a property that’s asking for approval on, say, a housing development, and it’s already zoned residential, and they’re not breaking any of the ordinances with their development … [legally, we] have to approve it. [So we] have to look back at, “What do we need to do differently in the ordinances or in the area where this is zoned?” And make changes so that we don’t get saddled with something the community doesn’t want. That’s one of the biggest surprises. People don’t know that. They think that commissioners can just do whatever they want, and we can’t unfortunately.
Looking ahead, what are the most significant issues you believe Chatham County will face in the coming years, and what legacy do you hope to leave? Maintaining agriculture and farmlands [will be most important]. We do have a strong farmland preservation program that is fairly well-funded. We coordinate with farmers to help put their farms in trust, so it maintains that land as farmland. We’re at great risk, not just in the county, but as a society, of losing all our farmlands. Developers come in and offer an awful lot of money to farmers to buy their land, and a lot of farmers won’t sell, but [many] often do. They need the money, and they’ve got kids who don’t want to farm and don’t want to inherit their land. It’s a problem. One of the biggest things that I’m proud of is that our commissioners, even before I was there, started thinking about and putting things in place to try and maintain our farms in Chatham County. That’s something we’re going to have to continue to do and work really hard at going forward. There’s a lot of work to be done in that area.
I want to make sure [that people know my focus on climate change] is not all that matters to me. [It’s] probably the single most important thing, because it impacts all of us – but at the same time, we live in the most expensive county in the state to live in – shared with Orange County, back and forth – and it’s not where I want us to be. We have been a rural county. We’ve been an affordable county for a long time. … It is very diverse. It’s diverse in people who have lived here forever and people who have just discovered it and how wonderful it is. It’s diverse in the level of education people have, in what they do. There are farmers, executives, just all kinds of people, and it’s what makes this county so awesome. And yet, you think of how the cost of living and buying a home in this county has gone up so high. … That will impact our diversity. We have teachers and deputy sheriffs and police and a bunch of the basic workforce that is necessary for a county to be healthy [who] cannot and do not live here because it’s so expensive. … It is very important that we pursue all avenues to make living in Chatham more affordable. That, and supporting our entire community to manage the challenges we face from the impacts of climate change, are two of my top priorities as a commissioner. … [The county also] funds improvement of homes where people already live so they can stay in their homes [through a program called Housing Trust Fund, which awards $300,000 toward competitive grant applications]. … I’m thrilled by that. There are really good things happening, and I’m hopeful. – as told to Sharon Kinsella cm
CUP OF CHEER
Sabine Farer-Buers blends her care for people with rich brews at SaBeans Coffee, creating a welcoming pit stop for all.
photography by john michael simpson
transitioning to The Purple Bowl, where she started to imagine what it would be like to be her own boss.
Sips& Smiles
Sabine Farer-Buers pours her heart into SaBeans Coffee – brewing joy, one cup at a time
By REBECCA SAVIDGE
he passion and joy Sabine FarerBuers brings to work is palpable. She opened SaBeans Coffee, a roadside coffee cart located off U.S. Hwy. 15 501 N., in December 2024, and it’s quickly become a morning ritual for commuters and coffee lovers. What started with a handful of loyal regulars has grown into a bustling stop with picnic tables set up for customers to use on busy days.
Sabine’s worked in the coffee industry for about nine years, starting as a manager at Breakaway Cafe when it first opened in 2016 and later building out the coffee bar addition at The Purple Bowl on Franklin Street. But her love of serving people stretches back further. She worked as a nurse in Europe – she’s originally from Germany – before moving to the United States 18 years ago. When her degree didn’t transfer, she cycled through several other jobs including clinical trials, pharmaceutical work and integrated health coaching, but the work often left her feeling frustrated. That led her to Breakaway, where she worked for several years before
People appreciate the different and the positive, and they love to support small businesses.
– sabine farer-buers
The final push came after a serious case of COVID-19. Sabine realized she couldn’t wait any longer to chase her dream. She looked for a location between Southern Village and Breakaway Cafe, convinced the area needed better coffee. “I just knew there would be demand for it,” she says. After talking with the owner of Captain John’s Dockside, she set up her little flower-painted cart in front of the restaurant.
Most days, Sabine handles the cart herself, but occasionally she’ll have friends or her daughter, UNC sophomore Lya Farer, pitch in to help. Sabine committed to keeping the cart open on a daily basis for at least its first full year, so that her customers could reliably But first, coffee ... paired perfectly with a cream cheese danish from Ninth Street Bakery.
count on her. “I didn’t want anyone to have to look up when I was open,” she says. “I want them to know that, every day, it’s the same thing.” The shop’s current hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The schedule can certainly be tough, but Sabine’s philosophy with her business is not to stress, no matter what. She implements this mantra every day, greeting each customer with positivity.
Lya says she appreciates the effort her mom poured into this dream and jumps in to help whenever she can. “All the customers are so nice and know me now,” Lya says. “It’s very personal, like a little community.”
Favorites like the cinnamon roll latte and cookie butter latte keep customers coming back, along with rotating seasonal drinks. For now, Sabine hopes to stay right where she is, nurturing the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines SaBeans. Her infectious smile
alone has become part of the
and customers continue to return
and again to add a bit more brightness to their day – spreading that connection and joy is most important to Sabine. “I like to be able to give them that,” she says. cm
cart’s charm,
time
“It doesn’t really feel like work,” Sabine says of her award-winning coffee cart, which has already garnered widespread acclaim.
biscuit bliss
Sink your teeth into these award-winning, buttery layers baked with heart, consistency and community spirit
The ovens fire up at The Phoenix Bakery long before sunrise – by 3:30 a.m., bakers are already getting started – shaping biscuits, bagels, doughnuts, muffins and sweet rolls for the day ahead. Every recipe leans on fresh, whole ingredients, resulting in biscuits stacked with just the right amount of filling between soft, fluffy layers. Head team leader Jodi Hackney guides her crew with a focus on consistency, collaboration and community, delivering handmade biscuits that Pittsboro can’t get enough of:
*responses have been edited for length and clarity
What does being recognized among Chatham’s best biscuits mean to you and your team?* We already have a lot of pride about what we are doing, but it’s a boost to know that people actually voted to say how much they loved ours! I love all the biscuit options in our area, but it is really special to think that the people voting thought we were the best.
What inspires your approach to biscuits at The Phoenix Bakery? Not all biscuits are good after [they are] “just baked.” It takes size consideration, technique and a certain amount of moisture and fat to create a biscuit that can be just as good reheated after a couple of days as one that has been just baked. We want to be that bakery that is just as good in your kitchen as it is in ours.
Is there a specific recipe or secret to your prep that makes your biscuits so sought after? Our secret recipe is teamwork. We, as baking artists, are always interested in new, improved ingredients or finding more efficient ways of doing things without compromising quality and integrity. We all enjoy working at the bakery, so that energy always translates into what’s being created that day. When you love what you do, it shows up in the work!
What’s the most important part of the biscuitmaking process that people might not realize? There are lots of things customers enjoy [about our products] for reasons they may not even realize. The No. 1 thing often taken for granted is consistency without factory machines. The fact that all of our items are handmade in seasonal kitchen conditions and are almost the same, if not exactly the same, every time, is no short feat. Often it is the same person making batch after batch, day after day, week after week, to create that trustworthy favorite in the case. And usually the people making our biscuits are happy and have a lot of pride and pleasure in what they’re creating at the bakery. It’s biscuits, it’s cakes, but it’s also culture. When the team is consistently happy at the bakery, you can tell [by] the consistency of our products. It is our goal for you to love us over and over again.
How does being part of Pittsboro and the Chatham community influence what you do at the bakery? To be honest, before we started the bakery 12 years ago, we didn’t really know what community was or meant. It wasn’t until we realized there was nowhere else we’d rather be than Pittsboro, that we belonged to something more than just the bakery. Knowing at any given moment, if there were an emergency, personally knowing the police, fire department or sheriff deputies and
their favorite pastry and coffee means that we are more than just customers and coworkers. We spend so much time with members of our community at the bakery as they carry on their own lives, and we [are] so grateful for that. We share meals, moments, weekly triumphs and setbacks together without even realizing it sometimes. That is so much more than just a job in just a town. That is culture and a sense of belonging I wish everyone could know and make a conscious effort to sustain over changing
times. Having that sense of home and belonging makes us want to do the best we can every day with what we have and create an environment that feeds that thriving energy of relationship and renewal. It is the spirit of the phoenix that resonates with us as we use wisdom and bravery to recreate ourselves over and over again to be a better version of ourselves than we were before. Not just for us, but for the community and culture we’ve come to belong to as well. – as told to Libby Wakefield
Southwest Chorizo Biscuit buttered and grilled scrambled eggs crumbled Firsthand Foods chorizo sausage fresh, homemade pico de gallo homemade guacamole smothered with melted cheddar cheese
Knead to Know
Go-to orders & specials
Everyone loves a basic bacon, egg and cheese on a biscuit, but, for flavor enthusiasts, we have the Southwest Chorizo Biscuit. That is one of our homemade Cheddar Dill drop biscuits that’s been perfectly baked, topped with garlic and dill butter, then split and grilled on the flat top. It’s piled with Firsthand Foods pork chorizo sausage; fresh, scrambled Latta’s
eggs; and homemade pico de gallo and guacamole combined with melted cheddar for the finish. All of these flavors together in one bite equals one satisfying flavor combo that is generous enough in size to stick with you all the way to lunchtime.
Growing up during berry seasons, we always had biscuits and berries with cream instead of shortcake, so, during each berry season, we do a special and share our little family favorite with everyone while supplies last. This year, our strawberries came straight from the fields at T5-Farms in Liberty, North Carolina, and our blueberries [were delivered] from Dalton Mill Nursery in Bullock, North Carolina.
We also do a chicken-and-gravy biscuit combo special during those really cold winter months that will help keep you warm all morning.
I personally love a Cheddar Dill biscuit grilled extra dark where it crunches hard on the edge. Top it with as much melted butter as it can handle, and that one is for me! I also like to let it sit wrapped up for a few minutes to let all that buttery goodness get worked into the middle of the biscuit. – Jodi Hackney cm
That ooey-gooey, golden goodness; that mouthwatering, melty, umami magic; that beloved lactose-laden liquid lusciousness: that’s right, we’re talking cheese – and not just any cheese, but its dippable derivative: queso. Devotees of the ’due know that a good queso isn’t as simple as heating your favorite fromage. It’s a delicate craft that involves a winning mix of dairy, spices and heat. Our readers voted on their favorites, and we’re serving up the gratest of the bunch – trust us, these are nacho average apps. Whether you like it classic, kicked-up or piled high on your favorite dish, these quesos prove life is cheddar with cheese.
Melt With You
This dip delivers everything your little queso-craving heart desires: It’s rich and creamy, velvety smooth and boldly flavored. Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila’s masterful queso-crafters thoughtfully prepare a perfectly balanced proprietary blend of extra-melt cheese and spices in small batches to ensure quality and consistency, delivering comfort and complexity every time. Owner Carlos Llamas says their queso’s inspiration
just in queso
By SHARON KINSELLA
Stretching the limits of cheesy goodness – Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila’s signature queso turns a simple chip into a star-worthy bite.
We couldn’t be more thankful for the warm welcome we’ve had in our first year here. Being voted Best New Restaurant , Best Place for a Date Night, Best Place to Watch the Game , and Best Outdoor Dining is an incredible honor, but what means the most is how this community has embraced us. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your nights out, your celebrations, and your everyday moments. We’re grateful, we’re lucky, and we can’t wait to keep making memories with you!
reflects the Pittsboro restaurant’s culinary philosophy of devising elevated classics – taking familiar dishes and giving them a unique spin you won’t find anywhere else.
Pair this dairy delight with tortilla chips, of course, or the quesabirria tacos – traditional barrio tacos crafted with housemade corn tortillas, stuffed with shredded beef barbacoa and cheese, and topped with cilantro and onion – a real big cheese on the menu, if you ask us. Or, make it your own with a drizzle over any tacos, rice or elote for a cheesy twist. “It’s always a pleasant surprise when someone takes a simple dip and turns it into the star of their plate,” Carlos says. To make your taste buds really sing, try a smoky mezcal margarita or refreshing mojito – cutting your queso’s decadence with a perfect edge of acidity.
Carlos says their queso stands out not just for its flavors, but for the experience around it. “It brings people together, whether you’re sharing it with friends at the bar or adding it to your meal,” he says. “We’re proud that something so simple can carry so much joy and flavor.”
From the moment we introduced [our queso], guests have gravitated toward it. It’s become a staple at the table, whether they’re dining in or ordering to-go. We’ve even seen people come in just for the queso.
– Carlos Llamas
Grate Expectations
It may seem like a humble recipe: shredded American cheese, milk and jalapeno (for just the right amount of kick) – but brielieve us, Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant’s queso is dripping with bold, crowd-pleasing flavor that suits any queso lover. This unctuous, molten mix serves as a base for several offerings, including the Aderezo de Queso, a creamy dip topped with seasoned ground meat and garnished with a roasted jalapeno and a sprinkle of paprika. Peep a queso cameo when you order the ACP (arroz con pollo – or rice with chicken), a dish with your choice of
We are really grateful we were chosen as [one of the] best Mexican restaurants in Chatham County. We appreciate all of our customers.
– mi cancun owner Jose Torres
dinner – served with onions and peppers over a bed of rice and, you guessed it, drizzled with that delicious dip. Pair it with popular drink companion, the skinny margarita – the classic’s less-sweet sister – for a meal worth writing home about.
Cream of the Crop
It starts with a luxurious blend of cheeses, freshly shredded by hand. Mix a splash of milk for extra creaminess and a gentle sprinkling of spice for depth into small bubbling batches, and you’ve got a silky, melty queso sensation with just enough kick to keep you chasing the next chip.
and customers can tell. “Over time, we noticed it growing in popularity – we’ve had to start making it more often each week just to keep up!” says general manager Lukas Llamas. His father, Carlos Llamas Sr., owns the restaurant and its sister locations, including previously mentioned Aye! Toro; Lukas’ brother, Carlos Llamas Jr., manages alongside Lukas in the family business. Freshness, warmth and craveability are at the forefront of each gooey bite. It’s balanced enough to enjoy on its own, yet versatile enough to take any dish to the next level. Pro tip: Try it with the pork chorizo, which complements this queso’s richness with a robust tang. And don’t sleep on the San Felipe Dip: savory ground beef, homemade enchilada sauce and of course, queso. It also goes well on tamales, which Lukas says, “isn’t traditional, but it works!” However you dip it, wash it all down with housemade agua de Jamaica, which delivers sweet and slightly tart hibiscus notes
use your noodle
Satisfy your comfort-food cravings this fall with pasta dishes from three award-winning spots
By RENEE AMBROSO
Illustrations by LINDSAY SCOTT
Veg Out
my Coughlin and Andy Pignatora were on a weeklong cycling trip in Oregon when the concept for a community-focused cafe serving quality food, coffee, beer and wine took shape in their minds. That spark led the couple to open Breakaway Cafe in fall 2016 at Chapelton Court near their Briar Chapel neighborhood.
Breakaway Cafe’s vegetarian Bolognese linguini, topped with fresh herbs and shaved cheese, offers a colorful, hearty twist on the classic Italian dish.
Snowball Cookie Recipe
Instructions:
1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
In a large bowl cream the butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in flour, powder sugar, salt, pecans, vanilla and evaporated milk until incorporated.
4. Roll dough into golf ball size and place 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.
and roll them in
A second location, Breakaway Carrboro, opened in 2022 and serves a menu that differs from the Briar Chapel cafe but keeps the same roots: “American [fare] elevated with high-quality ingredients,” Amy says. “Everything is made from scratch, inhouse.” Breakaway’s dishes often feature “more vegetables and more color,” she says, than run-of-the-mill cafe food, earning it recognition as one of Chatham County’s best spots for vegetarians.
The restaurant serves well-rounded breakfast and brunch offerings all year – earning its place among the best breakfast and brunch spots as well as top coffee shops – alongside weekly specials and a rotating monthly pancake flavor. Dinner menus shift seasonally to highlight ingredients at their peak.
Stop by the Briar Chapel location this fall to tuck in to a vegetarian Bolognese linguini – a hearty yet healthy option mimicking the traditional sauce but substituting meat with mushrooms and other vegetables.
“[This dish] takes something people know and twists it a little,” Amy says. Breakaway further distinguishes itself from cafes that treat pastries or casual fare as an afterthought to the beverage lineup by thoughtfully crafting recipes that incorporate quality, fresh produce prepared with care.
“We spend a lot of time procuring ingredients we feel good about,” Amy says. “We prioritize bringing in proteins from vendors who support and practice ethical farming, and we support local as much as possible.”
Shaken, Stirred & Sauced
Tucked between a hair salon and a dance studio on Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro’s liveliest cocktail bar plays everything from mid-century jazz to ’90s hip-hop. The Beagle serves up “fetching” nofuss classics like the house martini, plus playful seasonal sips like “The Retriever,”
a whiskey punch with a kick from the addition of baking spices and citrus – in fact, our readers rank their libations among the best in Chatham.
If you fancy something to soak up your drink of choice, The Beagle’s food menu focuses on seasonal small plates and shareables, plus rotating specials Tuesday through Thursday.
About two years ago, owners Brendan Cox and Leslie Cox introduced Red Sauce Wednesdays – inspired by the northern Italian cuisine that takes center stage at their Carrboro restaurant, Oakleaf – as an opportunity to further explore a classic comfort dish: pasta.
“We love the retro feel of that checkered-tablecloth Italian food,” Brendan says. “The Red Sauce night is fun for us because it diverges from our regular menu by a good bit. … We like to highlight classics like lasagna, chicken and eggplant Parm, shrimp scampi and the like, but will go a little bit further afield with dishes like our potato gnocchi with sweet corn and spicy Calabrian sausage.”
The best way to keep up with weekly specials is to check The Beagle’s Instagram page, but Brendan says diners who visit this fall can look forward to tasting mezze rigatoni paired with a traditional Sunday Sauce made from braised pork shoulder, pancetta, sausage, San Marzano tomatoes, Montepulciano wine, pecorino and rosemary.
“Generally, we like to [serve this dish] as a baked pasta, so it will have a healthy dose of mozzarella and ParmigianoReggiano on top,” Brendan says. “Eat this with
We use highquality, bronze-die pasta from Pastificio Lucio Garofalo as a base. We make all of our own ragus to complement the noodle. We’re not pulling our own mozzarella, but we make up for that by using ridiculous amounts of it! I think the care and consideration we give to each week in deciding what to serve helps make it special.
– Brendan Cox
a glass of Italian red, a classic Negroni or ‘The Ferrari GT,’ which has Fernet Branca, Campari and Sazerac rye.”
Pasta
la Vista
Just north of The Beagle at 160 Hillsboro St., Elizabeth’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant offers hearty portions of pasta, pizza, salads and sandwiches in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
Grab a booth, open a menu, and ask your server for their recommendations. (Pro tip: You can’t go wrong with the garlic knots, or anything that comes with a side of the housemade ranch.)
The best thing about Elizabeth’s menu is its flexibility – gluten-free pizza crust, whole-wheat pasta and plenty of vegetarian options (we’re especially fond of the eggplant Parmesan, served over classic spaghetti) make it a spot worth trying for even the pickiest of palates and earning it a place among Chatham’s top pizza joints and Italian restaurants.
Each pasta dish comes with a choice of spaghetti, penne, fettucini or linguini, or, try a baked specialty like the Italian Tour to sample lasagna, manicotti and stuffed shells all on one plate. The restaurant also offers daily specials at both lunch and dinner (they are closed Tuesdays), on-site parking and a cannoli worth saving room for. cm
Style of the Season
Compiled by HANNAH POSNER
Chatham’s most fashionable shops – named best clothing stores in the county by our readers – showcase their signature fall style with curated, head-totoe looks that blend trend, personality and plenty of local flair. These outfits highlight a relaxed elegance with a mix of both warm and cool tones. See how each store fashioned an autumn fit – from bold evening ensembles to comfy and cute casual wear – and find inspiration to refresh your wardrobe for the cooler months ahead.
Cozy Chic
New Horizons Downtown
Shelly Joyce and Darlene Culberson bring a feel-good aesthetic to their shop, and this breezy fall look on Shelly captures it perfectly, creating an ideal balance between comfort and style. Shelly’s colorful handmade jewelry is especially striking when paired with a bold sleeveless red top and a flowing tiered maxi skirt in mocha. Earth-toned accessories and strappy leather sandals complete the ensemble, while Shelly’s vibrant statement necklace adds playful pops of color. Ideal for crisp afternoons and casual gatherings, this outfit blends seasonal warmth with
Zenana Sleeveless Top, $18
Vine & Love Tiered Maxi Skirt, $40
Accidity Rattan Bracelet and Earrings, $24
Hopes Unlimited Upcycled Sari Choker, $22
Handmade Wooden Flower Necklace by Shelly, $24
Handmade Beaded Wrap Bracelet by Shelly, $25
Hopes Unlimited Silver Bangles, $16
Embrace cozy season with a soft and effortless look. This ensemble from Kleen Jasper Mills Qvist features a plush 100% cotton fleece knit sweatshirt, elevated by a floral appliqué that adds a touch of whimsical charm. Paired with deep charcoal, wide-leg pants featuring unique contrast stitching, this outfit offers a polished yet relaxed silhouette. Grounding the look are the iconic Birkenstock Boston Clogs, providing down-to-earth comfort and style. Finishing it all off is a rich vegan oxblood bucket bag designed by Joy Susan, adding a deep, autumnal hue that perfectly embodies fall.
Kleen Flower Applique
Sweatshirt, $101
Kleen Wide Leg Pant
With Contrast Stitching, $96
Joy Susan Kayleigh Side
Pocket Bucket Bag, $78
Birkenstock Boston
Big Buckle Clog, $180
Everyday Essentials
Chatham Outfitters
Take a page out of Chatham Outfitters marketing manager Jennie Harris’ book and show off your favorite outfitter in a comfy sweatshirt paired with super-stretchy organic cotton wide-leg pants – the perfect fit for a cozy fall day. Slip-on suede clogs complete the look, letting you lounge in ease without sacrificing style.
Chatham Outfitters Sueded Fresh Terry Sweatshirt, $48
Toad&Co Earthworks Pant, $100
This practical, down-to-earth outfit on Chatham Outfitters co-owner and general manager Tyler Harris works for both crispweather adventures and relaxed days out. A lightweight, quick-drying nylon-poly long sleeve with snap-button closure provides versatility, while stretchy trail pants and durable waterproof boots complete this outfit, which is ideal for hiking through fall foliage or grabbing lunch with friends. LIVSN pants add peace of mind with a lifetime warranty and repair program, ensuring you’re dressed in quality pieces that are built to last.
Howler Brothers H Bar B Tech
Long Sleeve Plaid Button-Down, $119
LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants, $139
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Shoes, $200
Kavu Above Standard Hat, $40
Autumnal Allure
Second Bloom of Chatham
What’s better than a little black dress you can style up and down for any occasion?
This stunning Jessy B number Lisa Padgett gets an autumn upgrade with a structured, textured jacket, a vintage purse and classic black boots. Add faux pearls, and you’ve got a luxe look without breaking the bank.
Jessy B Dress, $12
Diane von Furstenberg
By Far Boots, $40
Leather School
$7 cm
The Chatham PTA Thrift Shop is Chatham County’s largest public school fundraiser. Every hour volunteered at the PTA Thrift Shop equals money that our schools use to fund band supplies, sports equipment, teacher grants, technology and more!
• Volunteer: Join an after-hours work session or help during business hours.
• Donate: Drop off new or gently used items at any of the store locations or in ‘drop boxes’ located at several school campuses.
• Shop: One-of-a-kind items are available every day! Clothing, furniture, toys, books and more.
forever home
Deep River Mercantile’s roots grow stronger in downtown Pittsboro
By MORGAN CARTIER WESTON
f you’ve visited Deep River Mercantile, you’ve probably only experienced part of what the shop offers. Maybe you stopped in for a candle or a piece of jewelry on its retail side, or worked with the design team on a kitchen renovation or a home furnishings project. “It’s funny,”
owner Hannah Brown says, “so many people know us from one side of our business and may never know the other exists.”
She says the company is built to accommodate a wide range of needs – from gifting and decor to full-service design – and now, it finally has a space that reflects that versatility.
The original storefront at 115 Hillsboro St. offered unique retail and home goods in the
front and custom cabinetry and other design services in the back. In 2023, the shop expanded next door with Deep River Home, where clients could touch, feel and customize furnishings, wallpaper, rugs and more.
Nearly a decade of growth and evolution led to its latest chapter: Deep River Mercantile has now officially consolidated its retail shop and design studio under one roof at 107 Hillsboro St. The move marks a significant milestone for the business, which has become a staple of downtown Pittsboro’s shopping and design scene – and a repeat Best of Chatham winner.
“We’re honored!” Hannah says of their accolades in the home accessories and interior designer categories. “It’s so wonderful to have the support and backing of your community.”
The transition to a single, unified space didn’t just involve logistics – it also carried personal meaning for Hannah. “[My] son, Easton, 5, took his first steps at our original 115
Hillsboro location, and my daughter, Emerson, 3, took hers during the renovation of 107,” she says. Both buildings hold many memories for her family. “It’s bittersweet to leave our original location, but I know that this next step is the right move for us.”
Hannah was hesitant to integrate the spaces at first. “I feel like so many people are intimidated by going to a design studio,” she says. “But design doesn’t have to be pretentious; design is just about surrounding ourselves with what we like.”
That philosophy encapsulates the genius of combining the two stores – and the staff’s shared expertise. “Our team is just as excited to help someone pick out a new candle or find the perfect piece of jewelry for a friend [as they are to] find a new rug for your bedroom or fully renovate your entire home,” Hannah says.
The new location is designed with that flexibility in mind. The layout flows naturally
ABOVE LEFT Hannah Brown, Emily Tinervin and Sam Hill collaborate in the design office.
ABOVE RIGHT The upstairs design space houses the studio’s extensive library of material samples.
RIGHT Hannah curates the retail shelves with one-of-a-kind home finds and gift ideas.
from the first floor retail area to the upstairs design studio, and every square foot reflects the team’s aesthetic: thoughtful, approachable and personal – with a touch of whimsy.
History runs deep in the building at 107-115 Hillsboro St. S. L. Johnson built it in 1923, and it has served several retail purposes over the past 100 years. According to documentation filed in 2000 for the National Register of Historic Places, “The two-story, seven-bay, double storefront commercial building features a common bond brick veneer, a corbeled cornice and brick pilasters.”
“We uncovered more of the original brick, and that makes me happy every time I see it,” Hannah says.
The same report notes the 107 storefront once operated as an appliance store in both 1940 and 1992; more recently, it housed late musician Tommy Edwards’ and his wife, Cindy Edwards’, shop, Edwards Antiques &
Collectibles – a business that was as beloved as the folks behind it.
“[Tommy and I] had always talked about renovating the second floor to accommodate another retail business,” Cindy says. “When Hannah decided to expand her design business, I knew she was the perfect person to assist with the renovation. I am so pleased with the new space that honors the bones of the 1923 building and highlights her design expertise.”
Hannah, likewise, is proud to continue the couple’s legacy. “Cindy and Tommy did so much for me when I was starting my business,” Hannah says. “I want to bring as much joy to this place as Tommy did.”
Hannah’s dedicated team helps carry that vision forward. Store Manager Sam Hill and Junior Designer/Studio Manager Emily Tinervin bring their energy and expertise to the new space, positioning Deep River to keep evolving without losing sight of its roots.
“We’re excited to be in a facility that truly represents us,” Sam says.
“We work better as a team under one roof,” Emily adds. “It’s more fun, and there is a unified feel.”
Hannah agrees. “It feels like we’re welcoming you into our house,” she says. That sense of home extends beyond the shop itself. Hannah’s husband, Hunter Brown, has supported her since the beginning, encouraging each step of Deep River’s growth. “I definitely couldn’t do it without him,” she says. “We’re a good team!”
The future looks bright for this smallbut-mighty squad. Hannah’s plans are to stay put, stay creative and continue building meaningful relationships with clients and the community. “We have poured ourselves into this building, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon,” Hannah says. “I’m looking forward to where we’ll be in the next 10 years. We have a real home now.” cm
BOLD!
CHATHAM IS
Thank you, Chatham County, for voting us
starting Strong
Inside our readers’ fave new Chatham businesses
By RENEE AMBROSO | Photography by LINDSAY METIVIER
Shape Up
You’ll never walk into an overcrowded class at Pilates at the Core. That’s by design.
“We want to be very careful about any growth,” says co-owner and instructor Judy McKenna. “We are intentionally small, and we’re going to keep it small.” Each class has six or fewer attendees who benefit from personalized instruction.
Judy operates the studio off Highway 64 near Pittsboro with co-owners Laura Bradley and Penelope Barrow. She crossed paths with Laura during a teacher training program Penelope led in Chapel Hill.
“I was taking Pilates at a local studio once a week, just to augment other physical activities that I do,” Judy says. “Then Penelope came there as an instructor. She teaches classical Pilates, which is very different from the more contemporary versions – more intentional, more mindful. Her approach [truly] resonated with me.”
Learning from Penelope had a lasting impact on Laura, too. “I started the training out of curiosity more than anything,” Laura says. “I didn’t initially plan to be a teacher; I just wanted to challenge myself more and really learn about the classical Pilates system. … As I began completing the required teaching practice hours, I realized how much I enjoyed working with clients.”
The trio eventually decided to open a studio to provide classical Pilates instruction to the growing Chatham County population, setting out “to create a community where we could offer small, highly personalized classes and private lessons,” Laura says.
Laura, Penelope and Judy initially hosted sessions at the Chatham Grove Community Center until their space opened Jan. 2. Pilates at the Core offers mat, reformer and tower classes at four difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced, each incorporating different equipment.
Studio newcomers must complete two private sessions before they can access group classes.
BELOW
Penelope Barrow, Judy McKenna and Laura Bradley lead small, personalized classical Pilates sessions at their
RIGHT Just as the studio aims to be a positive space for community members, the co-owners say Chatham has embraced them in return. “The Town of Pittsboro has been really supportive,” Laura says.
studio, Pilates at the Core.
“We feel that is the only way to stay true to the method and develop relationships with people, learn about their bodies and what they need,” Judy says, adding that this structure facilitates strong ties with clients who are committed to their training.
Pilates at the Core also hosts weekly Wednesday walks – 45 minutes with a stop at The Plant – which are open to anyone who wants to join and pair easily with a 7 a.m. or 9 a.m. class.
“It’s a social time to get to know one another, because Pilates is not an exercise form where you can chat with people,” Judy says. A meetup also takes place at a local restaurant every few months – a recent one was held at
Carolina Brewery – offering another chance to connect. “We want people to feel like they have friends in the studio,” Judy says.
Other events include quarterly workshops open to the public – no Pilates experience required – which cover various topics such as hand and foot strength and mobility. There are plans to offer teacher training courses by winter 2026.
Judy, Penelope and Laura listen closely to their clients and feedback from the wider community. “We realized pretty early on that we needed to have more [classes] available in the early morning and evening to accommodate working hours,” Laura says. “We’re already
looking at adding classes to make sure we meet that demand.” In July, the studio also launched a Saturday men’s class to highlight the strength and mobility benefits of classical Pilates.
Penelope stresses that the exercise form can benefit everyone. “Throughout my 30-year Pilates journey, this work has impacted so many lives in so many different age groups and fitness levels,” she says. Pilates at the Core clients range from teenagers to an 87-year-old. “It’s a welcoming environment, no matter your stage in life, the shape of your body or whether you’ve done Pilates before,” Judy says. “... No one in our space should ever feel that they’re not welcome.”
Bloom Where You’re Planted
Pittsboro native Alex Plummer and his wife, Crystal Plummer, graduated in the same Northwood High School class, but their romance didn’t blossom until they reconnected years later.
“We graduated in 2012, and we both went off to school,” Alex says. “She went to [Appalachian State University], and I went to Liberty [University] – then we both came back to our hometown. … And we found each other.”
Alex now works as a teacher for WinstonSalem/Forsyth County Schools, and Crystal is a nurse at UNC Hospitals Adult Oncology Outpatient Center in Chapel Hill. The couple married in 2019 and quickly settled into home life in Pittsboro with bloodhound, Darlin’, and dachshund, Whiskey, but the pair soon realized they harbored aspirations beyond their day jobs.
“We wanted to be part of the business community in our hometown that we love so dearly,” Alex says. “We got to thinking about what Pittsboro needed, and thought a plant shop would be a great fit for our small town.”
Alex followed in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps by launching Cactus Cowgirl Plant Shop: The Plummers owned and operated Al’s Diner on West Street for 25 years before selling it in 2022.
“I grew up being part of a family business, helping out and [building relationships] with locals,” Alex says. “I guess it’s our turn to start something and grow it.”
The shop opened off Sanford Road in February before moving to 19 Hillsboro St. in early August. Alex and Crystal leapt at the opportunity to situate their storefront among other shops and restaurants in the heart of downtown Pittsboro. “I think every small business owner dreams of having that little shop on [the main street in town],” Alex says. They also added boutique items like clothing, jewelry and candles to their existing inventory of houseplants, grow lights, fertilizer and pots in order to draw in more downtown shoppers.
“Of course, we carry cactuses because that’s in our name,” Crystal says. “We have cactuses and succulents – from 4- to 8-inch pots – and we also have a lot of tropical houseplant options, from pothos to philodendron, monstera, alocasia and begonia, in sizes ranging from 4 to 12 inches.”
Crystal credits her mother-in-law, Nikki Mason Plummer, for fostering her green thumb. “When we got married and moved into our first home, [she] gave me about five or six houseplants,” Crystal says. “I was doing good with those at home, and then started keeping
things alive that I bought off the sale racks at Lowe’s or Walmart. I learned from experience what would keep [a plant] alive and thriving.”
Crystal plans to share her expertise through workshops for small groups of 10-12 people. Keep an eye on Cactus Cowgirl’s Instagram profile for details on “Houseplant 101” sessions, which cover general plant care, as well as upcoming propagation courses.
The shop has already built connections with fellow local establishments – they provide tabletop floral arrangements for West End Kitchen on a weekly basis, for example (Alex says he and Crystal “dabble” in fresh-cut flowers) –and hope to collaborate with other businesses to host events at their new location, too.
Crystal says the pair are “pumped to be more involved” with community events like Pittsboro Business Association’s First Sunday Pittsboro as well as other street fairs and markets. “We’re both excited for the holidays,” she adds. “The [annual] tree lighting downtown – that’s going to be a fairy-tale moment for us – a chance to celebrate in our hometown while having a shop where we can do fun holiday things.”
Crystal Plummer and Alex Plummer turned their hometown love story into a downtown Pittsboro dream: At Cactus Cowgirl Plant Shop, lush houseplants, vibrant succulents and charming boutique finds await every visitor.
Make It Pop
An undecorated room is a blank canvas with endless possibilities in Jordan Frye’s eyes. Her creative mind constantly dreams up color schemes for party themes, carefully plotting each detail for every birthday celebration, graduation bash or retirement fete her friends and family host. This passion for orchestrating gatherings led the Chapel Hill native to study event planning at East Carolina University; in June 2024, she launched Bitty & Bug Event Creative Co., which offers custom balloon installations as well as helium balloons, backdrop rentals and grab-and-go balloon arches.
“I felt like this was something that was missing in Chatham, so I wanted to fill that void,” Jordan says. “With all of the growth, Chatham Park and all the new businesses, I felt like it was a great time to provide a service like this.” Jordan hopes that Chathamites will seek out Bitty & Bug’s offerings over party supply stores outside the county or national online retailers that can’t provide the same balloon quality, creative acumen and personalized experience. Many of her clients seek her services to take children’s birthdays to the next level, but Jordan emphasizes that balloon decor is “not just for kiddos’ parties. It’s also for corporate events and [organizations like] the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, which I’m a part of.”
Jordan says Bitty & Bug is her “5 to 9” gig, but that custom crafting balloon arches and drawing up invoices “doesn’t feel like work.” She currently balances the endeavor with her full-time job as a marketing coordinator and parenting sons Bryson, 3,
I am blown away by all the people I wouldn’t have met [had I not opened Bitty & Bug], and the businesses and other community spaces like the [Chatham Community] Library and Mosaic that are reaching out for balloons. There’s always an event happening, and every event needs balloons.
– Jordan Frye
and Hunter, 5, who began kindergarten at Pittsboro Elementary School this fall. The family’s roots in Pittsboro run deep – Jordan’s husband, Corey Frye, grew up here, and the couple built their own home in town in 2019.
Jordan named her venture after her biggest inspiration: her children. “My youngest, his nickname is ‘Bitty,’ and my oldest’s nickname is ‘Bug,’” she says, adding that she
purposefully chose the rest of the moniker to leave the door open for expanding the company’s scope. “Eventually, I’d love to do more – the invites, tablescapes and bounce houses, and really an entire event planning business. That’s where I see it 5 to 10 years down the road.”
That dream could become a reality sooner than Jordan anticipates if business keeps exceeding her expectations. “The response has been overwhelming in such a positive way,” she says. “We’ve grown more in the past six months than I ever thought we could at this stage, so I’m excited to see where the next years take me.”
Jordan Frye, owner of Bitty & Bug Event Creative Co., brings her balloon artistry to life from her home studio in Pittsboro.
Take Care
Drs. Carolyn Brookhart and Katharine Delgado worked together for the better part of a decade before deciding to launch their own practice together.
Dr. Brookhart earned her medical degree from UNC’s School of Medicine. Dr. Delgado, a graduate of Brown University and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, went on to complete her master’s in public health at UNC before training in pediatric and preventive medicine at UNC Hospitals.“We both come from community health roots,” Dr. Brookhart says. “Katie worked at Piedmont Health, and when I was in Boston, I worked for a community health center and a large safety net hospital there.”
The pair developed a close relationship based on their shared values and mutual commitment to providing health care to underserved populations. “Given our backgrounds … we’re just really similar,” Dr. Brookhart says. “We started talking about what we’d like to see if we were to have our own practice. Having agency is really how you [can make those changes], so we decided to branch out on our own.” Opening an independent workplace felt like a natural next step, and they didn’t worry much over how their professional bond would fare once becoming co-owners. “We worked collaboratively together for a long time, so we knew that we worked well together,” Dr. Delgado says.
The two opened Chatham Pediatrics in November 2024 at 501 Landing, minutes from Briar Chapel, Fearrington Village and other communities in Chatham and Orange counties.
Chatham Pediatrics’ patients range from newborns to young adults. Well care and acute visits are available Monday through Saturday, and the practice coordinates additional support for patients with chronic illnesses. “You meet the family where they are, the child where they are and you bring in the resources to help them reach their absolute potential.” Dr. Brookhart says. “Our underlying mission is to serve all kids and to have connections with the larger community, not just the kids we’re seeing in our office.” In service of this goal, Chatham Pediatrics takes part in events like ClydeFest and Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources’ Eggstreme Spring Fling.
Lucas Booker, 15 months, is all smiles during a visit with Dr. Carolyn Brookhart at Chatham Pediatrics.
“Chatham is just bubbling with activity; it’s really vibrant and a fun place,” Dr. Brookhart adds.
Dr. Delgado had long known she wanted to work in Chatham County, even before the idea for Chatham Pediatrics took shape. “[My career] started out here,” she says. “I love Chatham, I love the diversity and different community agencies and groups that work with kids, so I’ve always known that if I got the strength to start my own practice, this is where I’d want to do it.” With no independent pediatric practice in the county, the opportunity to open one felt perfect.
Chatham Pediatrics is poised to grow as the surrounding areas do, with access to add more exam rooms and offices as demand increases.
“The county is growing so fast, so we’re hoping to gradually add providers to serve the community,”
Dr. Delgado says. “We’ll be looking for other community-minded people. Most of our support staff and I speak Spanish, and we’re hoping [to hire additional team members who do as well], so that we can grow with the needs of the community.”
Building the business, which now employs 10 staff members, challenged Drs. Delgado and Brookhart to learn new skills and overcome unexpected obstacles, but they credit their network for helping them navigate those hurdles.
“We’ve had incredible support from friends we’ve known for a long time, but also community members we’ve just met and especially other women business owners,” Dr. Delgado says. “Every time we have a challenge, we seem to be able to find somebody who we can ask for advice, and they say, ‘Oh, I know just the person to help you out.’ The connections have been key.” cm
Drs. Katharine Delgado and Carolyn Brookhart stand outside their practice, which opened in November 2024 at 501 Landing.
weekend wonderland
Explore the best of Mosaic, downtown Pittsboro and Siler City, with bakeries, unique shops, craft breweries and family-friendly fun
By SHARON KINSELLA
Summer often calls for farflung escapes, but fall – with its crisp mornings and golden afternoons – is the perfect time to slow down and explore the treasures right in your own backyard. Whether you’re a local ready to see your hometown with fresh eyes or a visitor planning a laidback weekend getaway, we’ve gathered the best ways – all voted favorites by our readers – to enjoy a breezy autumn day in Chatham County, from the small-town charm of Siler City to the buzz of downtown Pittsboro and the modern verve of Mosaic at Chatham Park.
The Alphin family savors a global spread from Greek Kouzina, Mi Cancun and Cafe Root Cellar, while parents Nick and JoAnna raise a toast with drinks from House of Hops at Mosaic at Chatham Park.
Mosaic at Chatham Park
If you’ve only got a couple of hours – or a whole afternoon – to spare, make your way to Mosaic at Chatham Park, a lively mixeduse community where dining, shopping and entertainment meet. Sip craft brews and catch the game at Hops & Berry Taproom or House of Hops, or linger on the patio at Cafe Root Cellar, sister spot to The Root Cellar Cafe & Catering in Chapel Hill, for fresh seasonal fare crafted by chef Sera Cuni. Craving takeout? Order queso and tacos from Mi Cancun (trust us on the queso – see
page 41) or Mediterranean favorites from Greek Kouzina, then head to the Philip H. Kohl Mosaic Family Commons for a free outdoor film or concert as a part of the Moonlight Movie Series and QDR Homegrown Country Music Series, respectively, which take place on alternating Fridays through October. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy entertainment under the stars, then pop across Hwy. 15-501 to Northwood Landing and treat yourself to a scoop or swirl from Jeremiah’s Italian Ice for a sweet finale.
PHOTO BY KAYLA DAVIS
Concertgoers throw their hands up as they enjoy live music at the Philip H. Kohl Mosaic Family Commons at Chatham Park.
Siler City
While you’re mapping out your weekend in Siler City, consider making the most of your time away from home. Schedule Landa’s Landscaping to give your yard a refresh while you’re gone and come home to a manicured lawn. For an overnight stay, book a room at The Inn at Celebrity Dairy, a charming bed-and-breakfast perched on a gentle knoll beneath 250-year-old oaks and surrounded by a 300-acre goat farm. Going the staycation route? Tysor Veterinary Clinic offers pet boarding so you can unwind worry-free. Spend a quiet morning soaking up the inn’s pastoral views, or head into
ABOVE Hunt for unique treasures at Fragments in downtown Siler City, where pre-loved furniture and home decor find new life. RIGHT Sip and savor at FireClay Cellars, a local winery and vineyard where rolling vines set the backdrop for an afternoon of relaxation.
town for shopping, dining and a dose of Chatham County character.
Start your Saturday with a burst of energy at Dynamic Artistry Dance Co.’s Fly Dance Fitness class. Once you’ve got the endorphins flowing, fuel up at Crossroads Grill with a breakfast sandwich on award-winning biscuits, or choose from a hearty menu of other morning favorites. Need a coffee boost? Stop by The Chatham Rabbit for a specialty latte and a quick history lesson (ask about its name!), then wander next door to browse local art inside the NC Arts Incubator – and if it’s the third Friday of the month, come back from 6-9 p.m. for a free outdoor concert.
Just down the street, you’ll find several shops worth exploring: Hunt for pre-loved furniture and home decor at Fragments, pick up thoughtful gifts at Oh To Be boutique, browse craft supplies and handwoven goods at Twin Birch, and score your new favorite outfit at Periwinkle on Chatham (see page 46 for inspo!).
When it’s time for lunch, you’ve got plenty of options: Grab Japanese takeout from Akira Hibachi Express, load up on Southern comfort food at Bestfood Cafeteria’s all-you-can-eat buffet, keep it classic with burgers and fries from Chris’s Drive-In, or dig into a heaping helping of wings at The Boneyard. After lunch, pamper yourself with a fresh cut or style at First Impressions Hair Studio or Luna Barber & Beauty Shop. Feeling refreshed, head to FireClay Cellars’ winery and vineyard and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, glass in hand, while overlooking the rolling rows of vines.
For dinner, take your pick – a plate of pasta at Elizabeth’s Pizza, succulent steak at Hayley-Bales Steakhouse, vibrant flavors and a bowl of award-winning queso at San Felipe Mexican Restaurant (see page 41) or a plate piled high with tender North Carolina barbecue from The Broken Spit. Save room for dessert at Creative Creamery, where hand-dipped ice cream and homemade waffle cones are worth the indulgence. Cap the evening with a craft pint at Thirsty Skull Brewing before calling it a day.
ABOVE Nestled beneath centuriesold oaks, The Inn at Celebrity Dairy offers a charming bed-andbreakfast stay on a working goat farm. RIGHT Fuel your day with a pastry and specialty latte at The Chatham Rabbit, a cozy cafe that pairs great coffee with a touch of local history.
Downtown Pittsboro
If you’re looking to pick up the pace a little but keep it small-town, downtown Pittsboro is ready to deliver. Book your pup a spot at Green Beagle Lodge or Doggie Dude Ranch if you’re venturing out on a Friday, so they can enjoy their own day of play. While you’re at it, let the pros at Chuy’s Auto Repair, J & W Automotive, Performance Automotive & Tire or Sanders Automotive give your car a little TLC – you’ll return to a happy dog and a vehicle in top form – so you can venture around on foot. Start the morning with a centering mat session at Yoga Garden PBO or an energizing workout at Lifted Lagree & Pilates Studio Afterward, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast: Decadent French toast at Small Cafe B and B or a fluffy omelet from Virlie’s Grill will set you up for a busy day.
Then hit the shops. Deep River Mercantile (see page 50 to learn more about its expansion) offers beautifully curated home goods, while French Connections brims with eclectic antiques and imported textiles. Treasure
hunters will love Screaming for Vintage and Reclamation Home Furnishings, plus the bargain finds at Chatham Habitat for Humanity
ReStore, Chatham PTA Thrift Shop and Second Bloom of Chatham (check one of its stylish autumn fits on page 48). Green thumbs can browse the lush selection at Cactus Cowgirl Plant Shop (learn more about this new shop on page 56) or stock up on supplies at Country Farm & Home. For jewelry, gifts and local art, step into Show of Hands Gallery, or find fresh fall duds at Chatham Outfitters and New Horizons Downtown. Wine lovers can stop by Vino!! Wine Shop, where owner Anna Lange curates a thoughtful selection of bottles to take home or enjoy in the shop’s welcoming space. Need a caffeine break between shops?
Davenport’s Cafe Diem and Aromatic Roasters pour excellent coffee in cozy settings.
At lunchtime, build your perfect sandwich at S&T’s Soda Shoppe or The Phoenix Bakery, grab a slice of ’za from The Mod or Hoops Pizzeria, sink your teeth into Big Mikes BBQ, or enjoy fresh vegetarian options from Chatham Marketplace Co-Op Cafe
Spend the afternoon soaking in creative inspiration. Browse Pittsboro Gallery of Arts or pop into Katty Korner for unique finds. On Saturdays, you can even join open studio hours at
ClayWorx Studios to shape and mold your own ceramics.
Afternoon sweet treat calling your name?
Carolina Cravings Co. turns out irresistible cakes, pies and pastries while Circle City Ice Cream scoops up classic cones. If music and brews are more your speed, Havoc Brewing Company keeps the taps and tunes flowing with a spacious outdoor patio – perfect for groups and dog-friendly to boot.
Wrap up your day with a memorable meal –refined Southern flavors at West End Kitchen, fresh seafood at Postal Fish Company or steakhouse fare at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills. Or visit Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant for a warm, neighborhood pub ambiance featuring robust Irish-American dishes – from fish and chips and shepherd’s pie to savory boxty and Irish egg rolls – paired with an impressive lineup of Irish whiskeys (don’t forget to come back for Sunday brunch!). End the evening with a nightcap at The Beagle (learn more about its midweek Red Sauce nights on page 44) before heading home. cm
LEFT Vino!! Wine Shop owner Anna Lange enjoys a glass of rosé at her downtown Pittsboro storefront. ABOVE Seasonal sweets shine at Carolina Cravings Co. BELOW Build your own burger at The Mod – we recommend topping it with pimento cheese, which pairs perfectly with an iced tea and an outdoor table by the fire.
•
•
•
•
•
toast
of the town
Fearrington Village earns its place as a beloved backdrop for weddings and milestones
By ALEXANDRA LÓPEZ
Photography by KATHERYN JEANNE PHOTOGRAPHY
The decision to get married at the event venue’s Willow Oaks site felt like the perfect fit to groom Liam Finn:
My wife, Justine [Finn], and I met at UNC, so when it came time to choose a wedding venue, we naturally wanted to get married close to where our story began. I’m from Chapel Hill, and she’s from Raleigh, so the area holds special meaning for both of us. I had been to a Fearrington Village wedding years ago, and I still remembered how amazing it was – the setting, the food and the whole experience. That stuck with me, and when we started planning our own celebration, Fearrington was the first and only place we seriously considered. We were lucky to get engaged nearly two years before the wedding, so when we decided on a Sunday wedding over Memorial Day weekend, Fearrington was available. Once we toured the venue and met Gilda McDaniel, the in-house wedding planner, we both knew it was the right place. Gilda made every aspect of planning feel seamless and supported. Fearrington’s ability to integrate in-house and third-party vendors for flowers, lighting, food, cake and bar made everything easy.
Justine had a vision for the day that was lush, ethereal and romantic, something like an English garden brought to life. Fearrington absolutely delivered. From the vibrant peonies and hydrangeas to the whimsical lighting throughout the venue, everything felt exactly as we imagined. We held our ceremony at the Willow Oaks site in the gardens, and the photos from that day look like something out of a storybook.
We were both deeply involved in the planning process, but the Fearrington team made it very manageable. They offered us plenty of well-curated options but were just as happy to accommodate personal requests.
LEFT Liam Finn and Justine Finn celebrated their reception at The Fearrington Barn. BELOW Justine and her bridesmaids, holding peony bouquets from West Queen Studio, gather in front of The Fearrington House Restaurant.
I studied in Ireland and have Irish lineage, so Guinness holds a special place in my heart. Even though it’s not a beer they usually carry, the Fearrington team special-ordered it just for our wedding. That small but meaningful gesture meant a lot to me.
We also loved the flexibility they provided when it came to food, decor and layout. We were able to customize everything, from table arrangements to more than 30 different hors d’oeuvres. Some of our favorites included fried chicken with celery chutney, grilled cheddar cheese sandwiches with tomato chutney and truffle potato fritters. Choosing the cake was just as much fun. There were more than 10 flavor and filling combinations. We went with a custom strawberry shortcake,
On the Clock
Fearrington Village stands out not only for the stunning setting but also for the team’s meticulous attention to detail, thoughtful touches and flawless coordination – all reasons our readers named the Englishinspired village a top event venue. “This recognition means the world to us and inspires us to continue delivering exceptional hospitality in everything we do,” says Gilda McDaniel, Fearrington’s event and wedding planner.
Gilda says she’s recently noticed an uptick in more intimate celebrations that still highlight the charm and elegance of the stunning location. “We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all experience; we take pride in creating meaningful, memorable moments that reflect each client’s vision,” she says. Offseason dates – winter weddings and summer celebrations – also often come with special pricing and greater availability. Here’s a sneak peek at how her team brings a couple’s vision to life in any season:
8 a.m. – Venue Prep Begins
Our events team arrives early to begin preparing the ceremony and reception spaces. Tables and chairs are placed, linens are steamed and floral decor begins arriving.
9 a.m. – Spa Appointments and Hair & Makeup Begin
Many wedding parties start the day with hair and makeup in one of our Inn suites or in the Spa. It’s a relaxing, pampering way to kick things off.
Noon – Lunch Delivered for Wedding Party
A light lunch from The Belted Goat or custom catering is delivered to the wedding parties.
2:30 p.m. – First Look / Pre-ceremony Photos
Many couples opt for a “first look” in the gardens, followed by wedding party and family photos. This helps maximize time later for guests and dancing.
3 p.m. – Final Venue Styling
Florals, signage, favors and personal details are placed, and the reception and ceremony spaces are finalized.
5 p.m. – Guest Arrival & Seating
Guests begin to arrive and are guided to the ceremony site by our staff. Music begins playing, and refreshments like flavored water or sparkling wine may be offered.
5:30 p.m. – Ceremony Begins
The wedding ceremony typically lasts 20-30 minutes and is followed by a joyful recessional into the gardens or cocktail area.
6 p.m. – Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, often in the gardens or Belted Goat patio. Meanwhile, the newlyweds may sneak off for a few golden hour photos.
7 p.m. – Reception Begins
Guests are invited into the reception space. The couple is introduced, followed by dinner service (either plated or buffet, depending on the package).
8:30 p.m. – Toasts & Cake Cutting
Toasts are made, and the cake is cut – often followed by dessert and/or a coffee bar. Additional sweets can be passed or set up buffet-style.
9 p.m. – Dancing Begins
First dances lead into an open dance floor. A band or DJ keeps the energy up, while guests enjoy cocktails, lounge areas or late-night bites.
11 p.m. – Grand Exit / Send-Off
Sparklers, bubbles or vintage getaway cars are often used for a memorable farewell. Our team assists with coordinating a seamless exit.
11:30 p.m. – Vendor Breakdown & Cleanup
Vendors pack up, and our staff begins the cleanup process. Personal items are gathered and placed for the couple to retrieve.
THE FEARRINGTON WEDDING EXPERIENCE: A SAMPLE TIMELINE
Liam and Justine embraced a soft palette of blush and blue, highlighting lush pink peonies and classic blue and white hydrangeas throughout their floral design.
PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
and the tasting was one of the highlights of the planning process.
Fearrington’s aesthetic already matched our vision, so we didn’t need to bring in much. The venue’s natural charm, the gardens, ivy-covered walls and the iconic Belted Galloway cows all contributed to the relaxed-yet-elegant atmosphere we were hoping for. Our guests were in awe of the setting, and the photos we captured around the grounds are some of our favorites.
Beyond the wedding day itself, Fearrington made our entire weekend feel special. Justine hosted a bridal luncheon on-site the day before, and her bridesmaids stayed at the Inn. We also did our cake tasting there, which felt like a special event in itself. The entire property feels like a retreat – peaceful, picturesque and tucked away in the best possible way.
Looking back, Fearrington added so much more than just a venue to our wedding. It brought peace of mind, beauty, joy and an effortless elegance that allowed us to be fully present on one of the most meaningful days of our lives. I would recommend it to any couple. They helped make our day not only perfect but also fun to plan – and that is no small feat. cm
A Decorated Destination
The Fearrington House Restaurant continues to be one of the best, securing top titles in this year’s Best of Chatham poll, including best overall restaurant and best upscale restaurant. The restaurant, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, also earned recognition in the poll for its exceptional seafood and steaks. Both The Fearrington House Inn and The Fearrington House Restaurant recently received national recognition – four stars on this year’s 2025 Forbes Travel Guide’s annual Star Awards and one of the 15 Most Beautiful Places in North Carolina, according to Southern Living. These accolades affirm their team’s dedication to excellence and creativity, as their goal has always been to create a memorable experience.
Paul Gagne, executive chef of the restaurant, recounts some of his favorite seafood dishes and steaks to make for guests: “I love preparing our seared red snapper with jicama, mango and tomato coulis,” he says. “It’s bright [and] fresh. I also enjoy working with North Carolina flounder when it’s in season, [and] I take a lot of pride in our perfectly cooked beef tenderloin.”
Guests this fall can look forward to ingredients such as tender kale gnudi, aged Rohan duck, red cabbage and celery root to stand out in “comforting, elegant plates that embrace the essence of fall,” Paul says, plus a variety of fun wine and Champagne dinners.
PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
ABOVE The newlyweds share a moment straight out of a storybook among West Queen Studio’s artful floral arrangements in Fearrington’s Willow Oaks garden.
BELOW Dr. Sue Ellen Cox, Liam, Justine, Kelly Vandermel and Tamra Finn.
2025 winners
*All results listed in alphabetical order
**The presence of five or more winners is the result of a tie
DINING
Asian Food
Akira Hibachi Express
China Inn Restaurant (Pittsboro)
New Japan
Szechuan Village
Barbecue
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que
Big Mikes BBQ
The Boneyard
The Broken Spit
Biscuits
Al’s Diner
Crossroads Grill
The Phoenix Bakery
Virlie’s Grill
Breakfast/Brunch
Al’s Diner
Breakaway Cafe
Small Cafe B and B
Virlie’s Grill
Burger and Fries
The Boneyard
Carolina Brewery
Chris’s Drive-In
Town Hall Burger & Beer
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice earned a spot among the winners in the frozen treats category with its crowd-pleasing ice cream and signature Italian ice flavors.
Catering
39 West Catering
Cafe Root Cellar
Cowboy Cafe & Catering
Scurlock’s Catering
Chef
Benjamin Guaman, Governors Club
Chad Hardin, West End Kitchen
Sera Cuni, Cafe Root Cellar
Bill Hartley, Postal Fish Company
Cocktails
The Beagle
Fair Game Beverage Co.
The Mod
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills
Coffee Shop
Aromatic Roasters
Breakaway Cafe
The Chatham Rabbit
Davenport’s Cafe Diem
Comfort/Southern Food
Al’s Diner
Bestfood Cafeteria
S&T’s Soda Shoppe
Virlie’s Grill
David T DeVries, MD Medical Dermatology
Anne Casperson, PA-C Medical Dermatology
Danielle Dunning, LPN Medical Aesthetics
*All
**The
Craft Beverage Producer
BMC Brewing
Carolina Brewery
Havoc Brewing Company
Thirsty Skull Brewing
Desserts/Pastries
Carolina Cravings Co.
The Phoenix Bakery
S&T’s Soda Shoppe
Willy’s Cinnamon Rolls, Etc.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Cafe Root Cellar
Carolina Brewery
Havoc Brewing Company
Thirsty Skull Brewing
Frozen Treats
Circle City Ice Cream
Creative Creamery
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
S&T’s Soda Shoppe
Italian Food
Capp’s Pizzeria & Trattoria
Elizabeth’s Pizza (Pittsboro)
Elizabeth’s Pizza (Siler City)
Tarantini Italian Restaurant
Sydney Decker and Jennifer Larrimore savor a date night at Postal Fish Company, which won in four categories: overall restaurant, upscale dining, seafood and chef, thanks to the culinary talents of Bill Hartley.
*All
Kid-Friendly
S&T’s
Virlie’s
Mexican/Latin American Food
Aye! Toro
Compadres
Mi Cancun
San Felipe Mexican Restaurant
Ta Contento
New Restaurant
The Boneyard
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Hoops Pizzeria
SaBeans Coffee
Outdoor Dining Cafe Root Cellar
Carolina Brewery
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
The Mod
The Plant
Overall Restaurant
Cafe Root Cellar
The Fearrington House Restaurant
Postal Fish Company
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills
West End Kitchen
Pizza
Capp’s Pizzeria & Trattoria
Elizabeth’s Pizza (Pittsboro)
Hoops Pizzeria
The Mod
General Tso’s chicken is a popular dish at Szechuan Village, voted one of our readers’ favorite spots for Asian food.
What
Makes Sophia Stand Out?
Business-Savvy Estate Planning
Sophia’s
Team-Based, Personalized Care
Sophia
Empathy Meets Clarity
Whether
Deep Local Roots
A
Global Insight, Local Focus
With
•
*All results listed in alphabetical order
**The presence of five or more winners is the result of a tie
Place for a Beer
Carolina Brewery
Havoc Brewing Company
Hops & Berry Taproom
Thirsty Skull Brewing
Place for a Date Night
The Beagle
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills
West End Kitchen
Place for Vegetarians
Breakaway Cafe
Cafe Root Cellar
Chatham Marketplace Co-Op Cafe
West End Kitchen
Place to Watch the Game
Carolina Brewery
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Havoc Brewing Company
Hops & Berry Taproom
Queso
Aye! Toro
Compadres Tequila Lounge (Pittsboro)
Mi Cancun
San Felipe Mexican Restaurant
Sandwiches
Allen & Son Bar-B-Que
The City Tap
The Phoenix Bakery
S&T’s Soda Shoppe
Seafood
Cafe Root Cellar
Capt. John’s Dockside
The Fearrington House Restaurant
Postal Fish Company
Steak
The Fearrington House Restaurant
Hayley-Bales Steakhouse
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills
Virlie’s Grill
Takeout
Cafe Root Cellar
Greek Kouzina
Hoops Pizzeria
The Mod
Group pic from back row (Left to right): Edward Oboyle, Leroy Soule, Lee Gordiano, Antonio Carreño & Ian Rodgers. Front row (Left to eight): Elizabeth Carreño, Jesus (Chuy) Gordiano, Jennifer Gordiano & Abigail Gordiano.
Photo by Lee Callicutt
Ta Contento’s quesabirria – loaded with slow-cooked beef and melty cheese –helped the restaurant land top honors in the Mexican/Latin American food category.
We’re proud to be recognized as:
#1 Best-In-State Bank in North Carolina Forbes, 2025
#5 Top Performing Bank in the Nation American Banker, 2025
5-Star Rating for Financial Strength BauerFinancial, 3rd Consecutive Year
These honors reflect our dedication to strong performance and personal, community-focused service. Our expert bankers are right here in the community, ready to help you thrive with tailored personal and commercial banking solutions.
Looking for a better banking relationship? Stop by to meet our Pittsboro team. They can’t wait to show you what it means to be Right By You.
*All results listed in alphabetical
of
Upscale Restaurant
The Fearrington House Restaurant
Hayley-Bales Steakhouse
Postal Fish Company
The Sycamore at Chatham Mills
West End Kitchen
Wine, Beer and/or Spirits Shop
580 Craft Beer
FireClay Cellars
House of Hops
Vino!! Wine Shop
RETAIL
Clothing Store
Chatham Outfitters
New Horizons Downtown Periwinkle on Chatham
Second Bloom of Chatham
Consignment/Resale Store
Chatham Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Chatham PTA Thrift Shop
Fragments
Second Bloom of Chatham
Home Furnishings
Chatham Habitat for Humanity ReStore Fragments
Holt’s Interiors
Reclamation Home Furnishings
Screaming for Vintage
French Connections invites shoppers to explore vibrant textiles, African baskets and whimsical yard art, earning it recognition among the top home accessories destinations.
•
•
Katie Delgado, MD Carolyn Brookhart, MD
*All results listed in alphabetical order
**The presence of five or more winners is the result of a tie
Jewelry Store
JG McLaurin, Goldsmith
New Horizons Downtown
Periwinkle on Chatham
Show of Hands Gallery
Locally Made Product
Carolina Cravings Co.
The Phoenix Bakery
Rocky River Hemp
Southern Supreme Fruitcake
HOME & GARDEN
Architect
Hobbs Architects
Lindley Architecture
Paces and Roehm Architecture
Steven Clipp Architecture
Construction Business/Builder
Bold Construction
Dunning Custom Homes
Intrepid Build
Travars Built Homes
Florist
Bennett Florist
Blossom Floral Artistry
Floral Expressions and Gifts
Heart Song Farm
Chris Ehrenfeld and Jana Ehrenfeld’s Governors Club home was designed by award-winning firm Paces and Roehm Architecture and built by Chris’s own company, Bold Construction, named one of the best construction businesses/builders in the county.
PHOTO BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
Intrepid Build works across corporate campuses in every sector. We safely and discreetly upgrade the workspaces this region depends on. From labs to office suites to high-security sites — we serve some of the Triangle’s most advanced facilities.We build with care, because these spaces shape the lives of families, teams, and the communities we serve. We Build differently and it shows.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SYDNEY CHAPPELL
*All results listed in alphabetical order
**The presence of five or more winners is the result of a tie
Interior Designer
An Acquired Style
Deep River Mercantile
First Impressions by Julie Wagner
Fresh Air Designs
Home Maintenance & Repair
B & T HVAC
Bud Matthews Services
Full Stack Plumbing Company
Trogdon Heat and Air, Inc.
Landscaper
Arbor Enterprises
Hubbard Landscape Management
Landa’s Landscaping
O’Mara Landscaping and Lawn Care
Travis Thurber Landscaping
Landscaping & Garden
Supply Store
B & L Supply
Bennett Farm Supply & Hardware Co
Country Farm & Home Pittsboro Feed
Neighborhood Briar Chapel
Downtown Pittsboro
Fearrington Village Governors Club
Real Estate Agent
Dana Harshaw, Bold Real Estate
Dana Wicker Cantrell, Coldwell Banker HPW
Larkin Willis, Julie Roland Realty
Scott Kelley, Governors Club Realty
Real Estate Company
Bold Real Estate
Coldwell Banker HPW
Chatham Homes Realty
Julie Roland Realty
SERVICES
Automotive Services/Repairs
Chuy’s Auto Repair
J&W Automotive
Performance Automotive & Tire
Sanders Automotive
Bank
Fidelity Bank
First Citizens
State Employees’ Credit Union Truist
Child Care
Pasitos Felices
Pittsboro Baptist Preschool
Primrose School of Chapel Hill at Briar Chapel
Write Beginnings Christian Preschool
Chiropractor
Carolina Spine Specialists
Chatham Chiropractic Center
Circle City Chiro
Integrative Functional Medicine
Dental Care
Dr. Karen Tiwana, Chatham Dental Arts
Chatham Family & Implant Dentistry
Dr. Laura Collatz, Enchanting Smiles Family Dentistry
Triangle Family Dentistry
Dermatologist/Skincare Clinic
Anne Casperson, Central Dermatology Center
Dr. Chris Adigun, Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill
Dr. Dawn Kleinman, Sanford Dermatology
Family Medicine
Bailey Coy Allen, UNC Health
Family Medicine and Pediatrics at East Pittsboro
Woodward D. Burgert, UNC Family Medicine at Pittsboro
Kristy Su, Avance Care Briar Chapel
Donna Whitt, Avance Care Briar Chapel
Financial Advisor/Investment Firm
Edward Jones
Millennium Planning Group
Opus Financial Advisors
Shanklin Wealth Management
Hair Salon
Eric Michaels Salon
First Impressions Hair Studio
Luna Barber & Beauty Shop
Magnolia Roots Salon
Hotel/B&B
The Fearrington House Inn
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Pittsboro
The Inn at Celebrity Dairy
Small Cafe B and B
*All results listed in alphabetical order
**The presence of five or more winners is the result of a tie
Insurance Agent/Firm
Harris & Company
Jack Dixon, North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Group
Sara Donaldson, State Farm
Jennifer McLaurin, Bowen Insurance Agency Inc.
Lawyer/Law Firm
Ben Atwater, Moody, Williams, Atwater and Lee
Hopper Cummings PLLC
Sophia Munson, Munson Law Firm
Norma Perdomo, Perdomo Law Firm PLLC
Nail Salon
1st Nail & Spa
501 Nail Spa
Lux Nail.Bar.Spa
Mi’s Nail Spa
New Business
Bitty & Bug Event Creative Co.
Cactus Cowgirl Plant Shop
Chatham Pediatrics Pilates at the Core
Optometrist/Eye Clinic
Dr. Allen Hager, Siler Crossing Vision Center
Heather O’Mara, Triangle Visions Optometry
Pittsboro Family Eye Center
Dr. Mark Wesoloski II, New View Eyecare
Orthodontist
Dr. Jess Arbon, Carolina Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry
Dr. Ashley Morgenstern, Morgenstern Orthodontics
Pittsboro Smiles Family Dentistry
Dr. Tammy R. Severt, DDS, PA
Pediatrician
Chatham Pediatrics
Kimberly Kylstra, North Chatham Pediatrics & Internal Medicine
Heather Williams, UNC Health Family Medicine and Pediatrics at East Pittsboro
Sally Wood, North Chatham Pediatrics & Internal Medicine
Pet Boarding
Doggie Dude Ranch
Dogwood Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort
Green Beagle Lodge
Tysor Veterinary Clinic
Adriana Espinosa gets an early start on lessons at award-winning Pittsboro preschool Pasitos Felices, which means “happy little steps” in Spanish.
Cindy
919-265-4559
CDoanProperties@Gmail.com
DoanC@HPW.com
Jodi
919-407-1285
WashburnJ@HPW.com
JodiWashburn.HPW.com
PekalaB@HPW.com BillPekala.HPW.com
ButtaJ@HPW.com JanButta.com Dianne
GrayD@HPW.com
DianneGray.HPW.com
KaneC@HPW.com ClaireKane.HPW.com
ThomasD@HPW.com
DonnaThomas.HPW.com
EricaBerry@HPW.com
EricaBerryRealtor.com
*All results listed in alphabetical order
**The presence of five or more winners is the result of a tie
Pet Grooming
Doggie Dude Ranch
Green Beagle Lodge
Hair of the Dog Grooming Studio
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Pittsboro
Physical Therapy
Chatham Hospital Physical Therapy
Chatham Rehabilitation Services at Pittsboro
Kenny, Reynolds & Associates Physical Therapy
Results Physiotherapy
Spa
Chloe Mae Esthetics
Edge Salon & Wellness
Spa at Bell House
The Spa at Fearrington
Sports Club/Fitness Facility
Chatham Park YMCA
Cor4 Fitness
CrossFit HTS Pittsboro
Duke Center for Living at Fearrington
Veterinarian
Haw River Animal Hospital
Hill Creek Veterinary Hospital
Hope Crossing Animal Hospital
Pittsboro Animal Hospital
Yoga/Pilates Studio
Chatham Park YMCA
Lifted Lagree & Pilates Studio Pilates at the Core Yoga Garden PBO
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Art Gallery
Katty Korner
NC Arts Incubator
Pittsboro Gallery of Arts
Show of Hands Gallery
Artist’s Studio or Workshop
ClayWorx Studios
Crafter’s Heart Studio
Golden Fiddles Violin Studio & Music School
Hannah Grace Studios
Mark Hewitt Pottery
Dance Studio
7 Dance Centre
Chatham Social Club
Dynamic Artistry Dance Co.
Renner Dance Company
Get your sweat on during an engaging group exercise class at Duke Center for Living at Fearrington, one of our readers’ favorite fitness clubs.
Event
Fearrington
Governors
The
Family
Carolina
Carolina
The
S&T’s
Group
Crafter’s
S&T’s
Summer
Chatham
Clapping
Crafter’s
Campers ages 2 and older enjoy fun and games at Clapping Hands Farm, named one of Chatham’s best summer camps.
Photo by Shana
ABOVE Volunteers helped distribute more than 2.3 million pounds of food during this past fiscal year, ensuring nutritious meals reached thousands of households. BELOW LEFT Chatham Magazine’s Morgan Cartier Weston helps neighbors shop for items at CORA’s food pantry. BELOW RIGHT Michelle Williams began volunteering with CORA in March and can often be found helping to load cars with groceries.
hunger heroes
By CHLOE SNOW
CORA is the inaugural recipient of Chatham Magazine’s social impact award
ew to our Best of Chatham issue this year is the honor of presenting Chatham Magazine’s first-ever Social Impact Award to CORA. This distinction recognizes people and organizations doing good in our communities. CORA’s dedicated work to serve our neighbors facing food insecurity, in our view, goes above and beyond in that worthy endeavor.
CORA began as a firewood ministry in 1989, but participants quickly realized the real need was food, not firewood. The organization served its first families in 1990 – 253 people in total, according to Development and Communications Director Rebecca Hankins
Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Yvonne Daniel has devoted more than 300 hours to CORA since she started volunteering in 2023.
Last fiscal year, CORA provided 1.9 million meals, serving 12,604 neighbors and fulfilled 109,429 requests for food assistance – a new record. “CORA has evolved a lot, but I think the one thing that has stayed true is our mission to feed people,” Rebecca says.
CORA Executive Director Melissa Driver Beard says the nonprofit continues to adapt to meet the needs of our community. “One of the big things that has augmented that mission is our focus on nutrition,” she says. “We changed [our mission statement] from feeding people to making sure people get nutritious food,” Melissa says.
CORA’s work relies on a strong collective effort; it depends on a network of volunteers and community partners such as churches, schools, local businesses and PORCH neighborhoods. PORCH Chatham, one of many chapters nationwide, fights food insecurity through food drives and fresh produce distribution. “Collaborating with our partners means we’re not just distributing food; we’re also building a stronger, more connected community,” says Travus Viera, CORA’s transportation warehouse manager. “That’s what makes every early morning, late delivery and long day worth it. It’s not just about moving food, it’s about supporting people.”
Despite its strong volunteer and partnership base, CORA is seeing more and more neighbors requesting assistance, even as federal resources shrink. “It’s so important for people to understand the severity of the issue here and the reality of it,” Melissa says. “With everything that’s been happening at the
the underpinning of everything CORA does is that our neighbors are treated with dignity and respect.
– Suzen bria
federal level, so many people are being impacted.”
CORA plans to meet growing demand through strategic budgeting and fundraising as well as by forging new partnerships. One exciting initiative is its expansion to Siler City with a new pantry at 2535 Old U.S. Hwy. 421 N., which opened July 7. Like the Pittsboro pantry, the new site offers neighbors flexibility
and dignity when accessing nutritious food. “We’re going to work very hard [to ensure] that – whether you come to Siler City or Pittsboro – you get the same amount of food and you have very similar choices,” Rebecca says.
Creating a welcoming environment matters as much as the food itself. Suzen Bria, president of CORA’s board of directors, has witnessed the transition from pandemic-era drive-throughs to in-person choice shopping. Even among transitions, changes and expansions, Suzen says “the underpinning of everything CORA does is that our neighbors are treated with dignity and respect.”
Mackie Hunter, CORA’s systems director, succinctly highlights what it would take to bring the organization’s vision of a hungerfree Chatham even closer to reality: “Poverty relief efforts; living wages for everyone; [and] affordable housing, health care [and] child care.” But until broader systemic changes take hold, CORA continues to fill the gap for thousands of Chatham County families, proving that, when a community comes together, everyone has a seat at the table. cm
ABOVE Chatham Magazine’s Chris Elkins and Amanda MacLaren stock shelves with bags filled with toiletry items that were donated by a local church. LEFT Volunteers like Kaio Cowherd donated 17,721 hours of service during the past fiscal year – the equivalent of eight full-time staff members.
BUILD YOUR DREAM, REFRESH YOUR SPACE
Whether you’re searching for the perfect new build, planning a kitchen transformation or simply need trusted experts to tackle your next home project, the following pages are here to inspire. The builders, renovators and home service professionals featured in this section are ready to help bring your vision to life.
Quality Craftsmanship
ole Restoration Services is a trusted familyowned business serving the Triangle area for more than 25 years. Owner Michael Cole, a master carpenter with unmatched expertise, brings passion for quality craftsmanship to every project—from framing and roofing to custom bathrooms and outdoor living spaces.
Michael and his team understand that your home is your biggest investment. Mike personally oversees every job, tool belt in hand, ensuring each project meets the company’s above-average quality standards.
Their comprehensive services include framing, painting, flooring, roofing, cabinets, countertops, decks, additions, siding, windows, doors, and much more. They proudly serve prestigious residential areas like Governors Club and Fearrington Village. Choose Cole Restoration for craftsmanship that exceeds expectations.
The Life you have always wanted
estled just north of Pittsboro within the Triangle, The Estates at Laurel Ridge is a new luxury-home community offering an ideal fusion of rural tranquility and suburban convenience. With sweeping views of rolling hills, mature foliage, and the tranquil Dry Creek, this enclave boasts 51 expansive estate-sized home sites across more than 300 acres, each ranging from 3.5 to more than 10 acres.
Half of the properties border the creek, offering scenic water views, and several lots are specially designated as equestrian-friendly. Despite its peaceful, secluded ambiance, the community is fully equipped with modern infrastructure—including natural gas, public water and sewer service, and high-speed CenturyLink fiber internet.
Laurel Ridge is accessed through two mature, beautifully landscaped entrances that reinforce its serene, residential character. The community emphasizes spaciousness, natural beauty, and privacy while maintaining convenient access to Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and surrounding Triangle amenities—schools, shops, restaurants, and more.
Custom Builder Team
Laurel Ridge features a custom builder team comprising six highly regarded organizations, each with more than 25 years of experience creating homes in the $1 million to more than $4 million range in Chatham County and other Triangle locations.
• Cotton Custom Homes Inc.
• Poythress Construction Company Inc.
• Dunning Custom Homes
• Sadler Construction
• Triple A Homes
• J.P. Swain Company Inc.
Community Highlights
• Estate-sized residences: A rare opportunity to live on 3.5 to more than 10-acre lots with creek access and equestrian options.
• Fully serviced large lots: Municipal water and sewer, natural gas, and fiber internet support modern living while preserving the feel of country life.
• Scenic environment: Mature landscaping, laurel brush, and views over Dry Creek and the Haw River watershed define the setting.
• Proximity with privacy: Residents enjoy peaceful seclusion while being just minutes from Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and the rest of the Triangle.
Whether you’re seeking wide-open space, creek views, equestrian potential, or simply a luxurious custom home in a serene setting, Laurel Ridge offers a compelling vision—with expert builders standing ready to bring it to life. Sales and marketing by Fonville Morisey Barefoot.
well framed
Every detail tells a story at this custom lakeside retreat
By MORGAN CARTIER WESTON | Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
irginia Kline approaches interior design like a conversation among architecture and interiors, light and landscape, structure and soul. Her work reveals not only how people live, but also how they feel within a space, how they gather, how they move and how they connect to their surroundings. “If it looks easy, then I’ve done a good job,” she says.
living room, where antiques and sculptural contemporary pieces create a stylish yet cozy gathering space.
RIGHT The cantilevered roof is just one of the home’s striking architectural details.
ABOVE Bold Construction’s Christine Weise, Kyra Kline, pup Claude, Virginia Kline and Abbie Lee Roehm of Paces and Roehm Architecture relax in the
Virginia’s journey to her dream home in the northeast corner of Chatham County began far from North Carolina. Originally from London, she moved to the United States 35 years ago after accepting a job as a wine buyer in upstate New York. Life took her to Baltimore, where she loved the history – but not the snow. An online quiz led her to Chapel Hill, and she visited soon after. “It just felt right,” Virginia says. History, art and low-maintenance materials were the touchstones for her own home. Virginia collaborated closely with two Best of Chatham award winners: Bold Construction, a local builder known for its
Virginia’s sister-in-law, Kyra, Virginia and her three-legged rescue pup, Claude, sit in the dramatic entryway.
craftsmanship, and Abbie Lee Roehm of Paces and Roehm Architecture, whose expertise helped shape the bones of the project. “Bold has such a great reputation, and they did a good job by me,” Virginia says. “I was very particular – I selected every molding, every light fixture; I even agonized over the door hardware. But they listened.”
Abbie Lee’s support and vision were critical every step of the way: “The entry for the home was designed with cantilevered steel beams that expand from the front porch into the grand foyer,” Abbie Lee says. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light and create a connection to the landscape beyond.
“Collaborating with Virginia, an interior designer, made the project especially rewarding,” Abbie Lee adds. “The blend of our disciplines brought a layered creativity to the process. We thoughtfully designed many of the spaces around her exceptional art collection and sculptural pieces.”
The result is a 3,700-square-foot home that balances grandeur with livability. The entryway makes a dramatic first impression with vaulted ceilings soaring nearly 18 feet, double doors and a 6-foot John Richard chandelier that perfectly fits the scale. Yet the layout remains purposeful: two bedrooms, a gym, an office and a reading room,
ABOVE The kitchen shines with thoughtful details, including a cloud tray ceiling that mirrors the island below.
BELOW Bright, feminine, and Parisian-inspired, the guest room’s light, airy charm was designed by Virginia with visits from her daughter, Elizabeth Kline, in mind.
plus thoughtful storage throughout, including clever details like a wrapping paper station tucked into the laundry room.
Once construction was complete, Virginia filled her interiors with warmth and depth, weaving in textiles, finishes and furnishings that honored both the clean architectural lines and the natural world framed beyond the glass. Though it is only 10 minutes from downtown Chapel Hill, Virginia’s 4-acre
ABOVE The back patio – with heaters, fans and a fire table – makes outdoor living a yearround pleasure.
RIGHT A view from the backyard highlights the home’s modern lines and expansive glass windows.
property features views of Jordan Lake, and her neighbors include a horse, a donkey and dozens of lush trees. Every choice was thoughtful: Walls became backdrops for bold canvases inspired by artists like Picasso and Dali, while sculptural furniture echoed the design’s intent. A perfect example is the living room. Its location at the center of the house helps it feel equal parts entertainment
The dining area blends mid-century and contemporary furnishings with global finds, reflecting Virginia’s love of art and travel.
zone (the custom bar is steps away) and conversation pit. The television is embraced (“Many designers avoid them, but the truth is, we all watch TV,” Virginia says) by a mix of contemporary furnishings and antique accents, including her father’s treasured desk, which she had shipped from England.
That balance continues throughout the home, reflecting Virginia’s life and travels. In the kitchen, a mid-century dining table shares space with Japanese art. A warm walnut-topped bar crafted by longtime collaborator and cabinetmaker Mike Davis is offset by gleaming hardware and fluted glass cabinet doors. “If it’s made of wood, Mike can do it,” Virginia says. The pair planned the molding, millwork and
MORE WORKING
Residents collaborate with leadership to shape the community.
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fun in our healthy, active community
MORE LIVING
Quality of life is paramount, from a home designed your way to a vibrant culture.
decorative beading that tie the whole house together. A cloud tray ceiling mirrors the exact dimensions of the island, a detail Virginia dreamed up herself. Down the hall, the natural fibers and metallic motifs in her office are in comfortable conversation with a lithograph by North Carolina artist Ernie Barnes.
Virginia and team gave the outdoor spaces just as much consideration. A 10-foot glass slider opens to a large covered patio with porcelain tile flooring, heaters, ceiling fans,
A dramatic sculpture appears to dive into the freestanding tub in the owner’s bathroom.
ABOVE
LEFT Virginia’s glam yet functional office layers natural textures with metallic accents and frames views of the wooded property.
a fire table and year-round seating. The siding, a fibercement product suggested by Bold, is durable enough for commercial use, checking the low-maintenance box. There are quirky touches, too, like a vulture sculpture Virginia picked up in Wilmington. And for Claude, her three-legged rescue dog, there’s a gated yard where he can roam. For Virginia, the joy of design lies in creating spaces that feel alive. “I don’t want my home, or any of my clients’ homes, to look like any other,” she says. “It’s not about decorating just to decorate – it’s about surrounding ourselves with things we love.” cm
Virginia and Claude greet houseguests at the striking entryway framed by geometric wood doors and soaring symmetrical windows.
pet Shop
Meet the fluffy ‘empawlees’ at a few of Pittsboro’s top locales
By PAYTON WILKINS
hen you step into some of our local businesses, you may be surprised to discover you’re not only greeted with a kind voice and a friendly smile, but also with a wag instead of a wave, a bark instead of a “hello” and the soft pad of paws across the floor.
These Best of Chatham award-winning companies have earned our readers’ favor with their standout products and exceptional services, but their “empawlees” – beloved pets who serve as mascots, morale boosters and unofficial greeters – have also captured their hearts. And yes, they’re paws-itively adorable.
Tricks & Treats
Workdays at Finders & Seekers Emporium start with one simple question from shop owner Zed Henry: “Time for work?”
That’s all it takes to send Miso, his 5-yearold feist, into an excited frenzy. She can’t wait
to get to the shop, greet customers and make new friends.
Zed adopted Miso in Texas before they moved across the country in 2020. Three years later, he and his husband, Chris Postlewaite, took over Finders & Seekers Emporium, and Miso settled right in.
“It’s a wonderful thing to have your companion with you at work,” Zed says. “She’s a constant reminder of why we work
hard and our responsibilities of caring for those we love. Every time you look at her, you remember what it’s all for.”
Miso can be timid at times, but a flash of her cheerful, toothy grin charms visitors the moment they walk in. She’s sweet-natured, but also not above a little mischief – she’s known for hiding her treats around the store, leaving customers to discover her stashes in unexpected places.
“We feel really grateful to have our own store and that we can be so privileged to have her with us every day,” Zed says. “Most people don’t get that opportunity.”
Zed and Chris also co-own West End Kitchen, a Best of Chatham winner recognized in multiple dining categories including best overall restaurant and best upscale restaurant. But it’s Miso who steals the spotlight at Finders & Seekers – one crooked smile and hidden treat at a time.
pawperty pup
Walk into the office of the Fitch Creations real estate team in Fearrington Village, named one of the best neighborhoods in Chatham, and there’s a good chance you’ll meet Luna before you meet her owner, Real Estate Sales & Construction General Manager Laura Morgan
Luna became part of the team 15 years ago – Laura spotted the stray pup darting across roads and weaving through the neighborhoods of Fearrington Village. Determined to rescue her, Laura set a trap with pieces of chicken. Luna was
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZED HENRY
caught within five minutes – and soon after, she became part of the family.
It wasn’t long before Luna settled into her role as Fitch Creations’ four-legged ambassador. Now 16 years old, she still greets visitors, naps on Laura’s office couch and soaks up every sunny spot she can find.
“It’s kind of bittersweet, because we all know one day she won’t be here with us,” Laura says. “But the team is more tuned in to what her needs are as she’s gotten older.”
Clients and employees alike often swing by just to see what Luna’s up to. The staff delights in dressing her up in new outfits and watching her strut through the office. She even joins Laura on site visits, charming future residents along the way. Indeed, Luna herself has become part of what makes the Fearrington community feel like home.
Bouquets With a Little Bark
Clients are greeted by more than fragrant blooms when they walk in the door at Blossom Floral Artistry, named one of the best florists in Chatham. They’re welcomed by a trio of tail-wagging pups who’ve become beloved fixtures of the shop.
Leading the pack is Baxter, a 7-yearold English cream golden retriever with a gentle demeanor who belongs to Blossom owners Julie Williams and Leon Williams. Baxter makes his rounds throughout the day, checking in on staff, curling up in sunny spots and offering a quiet presence during the busiest floral rushes. He’s even been known to supervise floral design – from a respectful distance, of course.
Baxter has a knack for reading the room. He offers quiet solace during somber moments, such as when the team works on funeral arrangements, and helps keep spirits calm during the whirlwind of wedding season.
“The pace of floral work can be intense, and having Baxter around helps
The Fitch Creations real estate team: Nathalie Condoret, Luna, Carolyn Wilson, Laura Morgan and Minerva Lambert.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA MORGAN
us stay grounded,” says Julie Pollard, Blossom Floral Artistry project coordinator. “It’s hard to be overwhelmed when there’s a golden retriever snoring softly nearby.”
Then there are Baxter’s trusty sidekicks: Levi, a goofy English cream golden retriever new to the Williams family who’s closing in on a year old, and Ollie, a scrappy, curious rescue mix who’s just
In Memoriam
Before Baxter, Levi and Ollie, there was Stella Rose. She, too, was a golden retriever like Baxter and Levi – but the similarities ended there. “She had a bossy personality and the bark to match it,” Julie says.
“She definitely knew she was the queen of the shop, and we all adored her for it.”
Stella Rose’s charm and sass made Blossom feel like home for 15 years. She passed away in February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and light.
“She was truly the heart of the shop in those early years,” Julie says. “Having her nearby brought comfort on the hardest days and joy on the best ones. She set the tone for what Blossom would become: not just a flower shop, but a safe haven.”
a couple months younger than Levi.
The pair – who are still growing into their paws –bring unfiltered puppy energy, racing through the shop, swiping flowers when no one’s looking and collapsing into naps once they’ve tired each other out.
“It’s the best kind of chaos,” Julie says. “Baxter brings calm and stability, while Levi and Ollie bring the fun and play. Together, they create a space that feels warm, welcoming and full of life. They remind us to laugh, stay present and enjoy our work.” cm
Puppy pile with the Blossom Floral Artistry Greeting Committee: Baxter, Ollie – who belongs to floral designer Danielle Crowley – and Levi take a break in the shop.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE POLLARD
PHOTO BY VESIC PHOTOGRAPHY
“THANK
“
CONNIE
DAVID D.
A.
“ALWAYS AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE. I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT YOU WORK TIRELESSLY TO MAKE SURE MY PUP GETS THE RIGHT CARE FOR THEIR NEEDS. SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS ARE HARD, AND YOU ALWAYS FIND A PATH.”
creature comforts
veterinary services
Dr. Adriano Betton Mobile Veterinary Care
Serves Chatham, Orange and Durham counties drbetton.vetstreet.com; 919-602-4291
Dental care
Chatham County Mobile Veterinary Services
chathamcountymobilevet.com; 919-239-9362
Equine and farm animal care
Chatham Veterinary Service 1114 Greensboro Ave., Siler City chathamveterinaryservice.com; 919-742-4441
In-clinic diagnostics and digital radiography
Cole Park Veterinary Hospital 55 Woodbridge Dr., Chapel Hill coleparkvet.com; 919-929-3352
Acupuncture, laser, Chinese herbs, dental care, wellness and grooming. Boarding and day care
Dogwood Veterinary Hospital & Pet Resort 51 Vickers Rd., Chapel Hill dogwoodvethospital.com; 919-942-6330
Dental care, laser therapy, boarding, day care and grooming
Fearrington Veterinary House Calls fearringtonveterinaryhousecalls.com; fvhc.doctor@gmail.com 919-548-8413
Senior pet care, annual exams and vaccinations, home euthanasia and pet hospice, skin and ear problems and much more
Friendship Mobile Veterinary Services
Serves eastern Chatham and western Wake counties friendshipmobilevet.com; 919-267-3572
At-home euthanasia
Haw River Animal Hospital 40 Ramseur Rd. Suite 103, Pittsboro hawrivervet.com; 919-726-3088
Dental care, injury and illness, wellness, fear-free handling and surgery
Hill Creek Veterinary Hospital 75 Old Graham Rd., Pittsboro hillcreekvet.com; 919-542-1141
Dentistry, general & orthopedic surgery, laser therapy, ultrasound, acupuncture, spinal manipulation (chiropractics), preventative and wellness care, senior and hospice care and grooming
Jordan Lake Animal Hospital 50-B Chatham Corners Dr., Pittsboro jordanlakeanimalhospital.vetstreet.com 919-542-5424
Dental care and limited boarding and bathing
Kindred Heart at Governors Village 50150 Governors Dr., Chapel Hill kindredheartvet.com; 919-756-7680
Veterinarian care
Compiled by TAYLOR MOTLEY
by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Pittsboro Animal Hospital 1065 East St., Pittsboro pittsboroanimalhospital.com; 919-542-5712
Acupuncture, cold laser therapy, wellness visits, sick visits, dental care, ultrasounds, echocardiograms and routine surgeries
Nina, the beloved cat of Joan Cunningham, finds comfort at home while Joan helps other animals through her work with Chatham Animal Rescue & Education, a nonprofit dedicated to the health and safety of dogs and cats.
Photo
Polaris Equine Mobile Veterinary Clinic
Serves multiple counties within a onehour radius of Pittsboro polarisequine.com; polaris.equine@gmail.com 919-429-9492
Equine and other farm animal care
Tysor Veterinary Clinic
1401 N. Second Ave., Siler City tysorvet.net; 919-742-3646
Dental care, cold laser therapy, routine and specialized surgeries
boarding & grooming
Companion Camp
3408 Castle Rock Farm Rd., Pittsboro companioncamp.net; 919-545-2267
CARE is a county leader fostering animals and helping them find their forever homes since 1975. The organization works extensively to make spay/neuter surgeries available for pet owners who need assistance and is dedicated to bettering the lives of cats and dogs in Chatham County.
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office – Animal Resource Center
The Animal Resource Center is a welcoming space where adoptable pets are cared for with compassion and professionalism as they await loving homes. In addition to adoptions, the ARC offers meaningful volunteer opportunities that support the wellbeing of animals.
For 20 years, this nonprofit animal sanctuary has provided cage-free care for cats of all ages and medical needs, finding them loving families or offering lifelong refuge.
Turtle Pants Farm Pittsboro turtlepantsfarm.org
This nonprofit rescue provides a safe haven and potential adoption for a variety of species, including dogs, cats, chickens, donkeys and cows. The farm takes in, rehabilitates and rehomes animals with a focus on ensuring that every creature has a chance to survive and thrive. cm
fields of dreams
A
multigenerational family farm thrives by letting nature lead the way through sustainable, regenerative practices
By ALISON GRAU
by LINDSAY METIVIER
Neill Lindley learned early on not to put all his eggs in one basket.
His family’s farming roots run deep. A generation of forestry and sawmill work by his great-grandfather and grandfather laid the foundation for Lindale Farms. Neill’s father, Darryle Lindley, launched the Snow Camp farm’s dairy operation in the late 1960s. When
Darryle grew tired of milking cows about 20 years later, Neill and his wife, Cori Lindley, stepped in to take the reins.
“Since then, it’s been a wholesome life, a very busy life,” Neill says. “Lot of ups and downs – but mostly ups.”
Neill and Cori live in an idyllic white farmhouse just down the road from the brick home where he grew up, and where Darryle still lives, now with grandsons running through the yard and a fridge that’s always stocked with sweet tea.
Photography
LEFT Neill Lindley with his grandson, Julius Lindley III. BELOW Content in the pasture: Lindale Farms’ cows enjoy the fresh air and healthy grass nourished by generations of care.
“I spent most of my time [growing] up here getting in the manure and playing, staying dirty all the time,” Neill says.
Today, Lindale Farms spans 400 acres and supports four farming operations – dairy cows, goats, chickens and crops including hay, silage and grain to feed the animals – all managed by family. You’ll often find the Lindleys’ eldest daughter, Morgan Lindley, hauling hay and grain across the farm; their youngest, Alison Lindley, managing the farm’s website and social media; and their son, Neill Lindley II, oversees the chicken houses, helping diversify the farm and keep the business resilient. If one operation falters, another picks up the slack.
About 25 years ago, the elder Neill reached a breaking point. He’d grown weary of buying more and more weed and pest control agents for the farm because of fluctuating price commodities. It felt impossible to keep up.
“We kind of just dropped back and punted and said, ‘OK, we’re just going to quit with all the salt-based fertilizer, pesticides [and] herbicides, and just go get the whole farm certified organic,’” Neill says. “And so we did.”
That shift required patience. Neill dove into learning about soil biology and how to nurture crops without chemicals (and without weeds taking over) – a practice he says he’s still figuring out to this day. He even began using reverse osmosis water to mix and apply natural minerals like calcium and magnesium to his fields.
“It’s so exciting to me to try to balance nature and see what nature can do, rather than just going out and punching it in the lips, saying, ‘You’re gonna grow this, and you’re gonna do it this way,’” he says.
One of the first things he noticed once he made the switch was that, when they successfully rotated cows, the pastures produced better and more productive grass with manure than it had with the use of herbicides and fertilizers.
LEFT Future farmer in action? Mason Lindley climbs the steps of a tractor on the family farm.
ABOVE Small hands, big curiosity: Little Silas Lindley gets up close with the goats, who are likely hoping he’ll have some food to share.
“The best combination is soil and animals,” Neill says. “Animals are the best fixers, biologically, and in return, you get better milk production.”
The organic certification process itself is straightforward: Three years without synthetics or herbicides, and you’re organic. The real job, Neill says, is keeping all the records, which is why this year, for the first time since their transition to regenerative practices, Lindale Farms won’t renew its certification.
“It came to a point where it was just a label,” Neill says. “When it first started, it was a great thing, because it took all the poisons away. But after a while, people were just producing to get the extra premium for organics, and they’re not looking at nutrient density, protein, the stuff that’s really good for you. We tell people [we’re] ‘going beyond organic,’ and we’re working more on producing healthy food.”
The Lindleys have long been a part of Organic Valley, a national farmer-owned co-op, but are now moving toward selling more of their milk locally.
“That’s a lot more exciting because it stays right here, close,” Neill says. One of their new customers is nearby Ran-Lew Dairy.
Neill is gradually handing more responsibility to the next generation and finds much joy in passing along his knowledge, especially to his grandsons, Julius Lindley III, 8, Mason Lindley, 5, and 1 ½-year-old Silas Lindley. The older boys eagerly run to help treat calcium-deficient cows and herd goats, absorbing the rhythms of farm life just like Neill once did.
“I think my goal, even as a child, was, ‘I’m going to run this farm one day and just be able to step out the back door and watch it all happen,’” Neill says. “And my dream came true.” cm
MOO-VING UP IN THE WORLD
At Fearrington Village, an orphaned calf finds love, purpose – and possibly a blue ribbon.
Laura Morgan, Fearrington Village’s general manager for construction and real estate sales, has worn many hats around the bucolic community over the past 40 years. So when a newborn calf, Bess, lost her mother last fall, Laura didn’t hesitate to step in. She bottle-fed Bess by hand and made sure someone was always there when she couldn’t be.
Laura and her team weaned Bess off her warm milk bottles eight months later, shortly before introducing her to a new pasture companion, another young calf named Buehla, to help Bess learn how to, well, be a cow.
“Up until that point, she’d only been around people and goats and chickens,” Laura says. “We wanted her to be able to hold her own in a herd.”
Now both calves are in halter training for the North Carolina State Fair, which takes place Oct. 16-26. Laura and Farm Manager Bob Strowd think Buehla might win some awards for her visual characteristics, but Laura says she’s “holding out for Bess to get Best in Show for Miss Congeniality.”
With her long, 3-inch eyelashes, curly blackand-white coat, round belly and affectionate spirit, Bess is a crowd favorite during the daily 4:30 p.m. public feedings. Children and families gather to watch as Laura and her partner, Newt Heilman, wash, brush and feed her. Little hands reach out to pet the gentle calf, who soaks up every moment.
“All she’s known is love,” Laura says. “Wouldn’t that be nice to say that about all animals?”
Meet a few members of the Lindley clan: Mason Lindley, 5, Katie Lindley, Julius Lindley III, 8, Neill Lindley II, Silas Lindley, 1 ½, Cori Lindley, Darryle Lindley, Neill Lindley and Nancy Lindley with pup, Jake.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATHALIE CONDORET
people &places
ladies who lead
Chatham Magazine, Chapel Hill Magazine and Durham Magazine hosted Triangle Media Partners’ annual Women of Achievement event at The Carolina Inn on May 29. The occasion celebrates the outstanding community leaders featured in our publications. Guests enjoyed networking over cocktails and a bourbon tasting featuring Five Springs Bourbon while exploring sponsor booths from Cat French Design, Aesthetic Solutions, Hamilton Hill Jewelry, Gonzalez Painters & Contractors and Edward Jones. Highlights included a raffle from Pinnacle Financial Partners, complimentary headshots by Fancy This Photography, fun snapshots at the ZimZoom Photo Booth, on-the-spot bespoke poems from The Poetic Experience and a stylish vehicle display by Hendrick Subaru Southpoint. Triangle Media Partners’ President Rory Gillis welcomed attendees, and editors Morgan Cartier Weston, Jessica Stringer and Amanda MacLaren recognized the 2025 magazine honorees. cm
Photography by JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Laura Woodham, State Farm’s Pam Herndon, Jean MacDonald and Chapel Hill Toffee’s Karen Graves.
UNC’s Ronit Freeman, singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer and Old Apex Bee Company’s Julia Kopacz.
Lili Englehardt and Shari Becker of Edward Jones and Armacell’s Betsy Harris.
Melissa Crane, Wegmans’ Katie Duchnowski, The Plant’s Tami Schwerin and Catherine Hobbs of Chatham Homes Realty and Chatham Arts Council.
Chatham Dental Arts’ Traci Overbay and Dr. Karen Tiwana.
Ta Contento’s Nora Anaya and Terry Woodfin of Interiors by Terry.
a lawn legacy
Photography by MELISSA CRANE
James O’Mara and Kate O’Mara, the owners of O’Mara Landscaping & Lawn Care, honored the roots they’ve planted and the future they continue to grow at their 25th anniversary celebration in July. Employees, their families and longtime clients of the company gathered at the O’Mara company grounds in Chapel Hill to commemorate this quarter-century accomplishment. James and Kate’s nephew, Ari Noble, a Chapel Hill-based musician and writer, provided the tunes for guests enjoying Southern Harvest Hospitality Group’s comfort food, including a mouthwatering smoked brisket with barbecue sauce. cm
Nephew Ashlen O’Mara, James O’Mara, Kate O’Mara and son Connor O’Mara.
Michelle Benfield and Chatham Magazine’s Khadijah Weekes-Nolan.
heart, history and harmony
Community Organizing for Racial Equity, a nonprofit focused on advancing racial equity and community empowerment, hosted its annual Juneteenth Black Arts Festival June 21 at Chatham County Fairgrounds, offering a welcoming space for neighbors to come together and celebrate the diversity of our area.
Attendees shopped from local Black-owned businesses, grabbed food truck bites and connected with community organizations providing resources and volunteer opportunities. The celebration featured live music by Sir Smith, an opening performance from vocalist Eddrineá and spirited line dancing. Festivalgoers also packed a Juneteenth lecture by Natalie Rodriguez, associate director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission at the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources cm
Photography by JAMELL MUMFORD
Sanaa Davis, Jakari Blue, 17, Stefon Enzlow, Tarja Nettles, Ky’berry Nettles, 16, and Toya Fox, founder of Toya’s Sweet Treatz & More.
Leon Frazier Jr., Annie Reaves, Jeanette Frazier and Maya Frazier, 6.
Whispers of Love founders David Ellerby and Dale Ellerby with Desireé Lockhart.
Lamont Bobbitt and Angela Bobbitt.
Gay Iglesias and Dr. Dana Iglesias.
Aysha Baker, Akayah Crutchfield, 5, and Alicia Evans.
Through our Bold Goal pilot program, we’re coordinating cross-agency support around entire households, helping families create long-term plans to move out of poverty We’re also deepening housing partnerships through the Chatham Housing Collective and investing in high-impact programs through our annual allocations process Together, these efforts are changing how Chatham County supports families, and Lisa’s story is proof that it’s working
A single mother of a teenager, Lisa had just 10 days to find a new home after her rental was deemed uninhabitable She was overwhelmed, but while her son was at school, she explored every avenue for help She reached out to a few organizations, who reached out to more
Finding affordable housing in Chatham was challenging, but a friend told Lisa about a rental and convinced the landlord to accept her housing voucher While the house was being inspected, United Way’s partners helped put Lisa and her son in a hotel Five days later, they moved into their new home
Ten organizations, coordinated through United Way, came together to support Lisa’s journey from eviction to stability Weeks later, Lisa found a job in Pittsboro, paving the way for a fresh start
Michael Smith, President of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation, will share insights on the future of Chatham County’s growth and how United Way’s Bold Goal initiative ensures that progress includes everyone
“I just kept the faith,” she said “Once you see the potential in yourself, others see the potential as well ” www.UnitedWayOfChathamCounty.org
Wayof Chatham County
starts and crafts
Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources held a grand opening for the county’s new Arts Center in Pittsboro May 17. After a ribbon cutting, families watched demonstrations in oil painting, block printing and stained glass making, and enjoyed hands-on crafts and tasty bites from local restaurants. The Arts Center currently offers a variety of arts classes for all ages. cm
Photography by CAITLIN CLIVE TOOMEY
Ann Lawtey begins an oil painting demo.
Addi Headen, 1, Ashley Headen and Christopher Headen, 5, use their imaginations at The Scrap Exchange’s crafting booth.
Penny Crocker Wasmund paints a portrait of Giren Harvey-Moreno, 3.
Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Administrative Support Specialist Jenny Clark, Director Tracy Burnett and Arts and Cultural Program Supervisor Leigh Babcock with Chatham County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Katie Kenlan and Assistant County Manager Carolyn Miller.
pride & joy
By REBECCA SAVIDGE
The Plant came alive with color, music and jubilation during the twoday Pittsboro Pride Festival June 6 and 7. The celebration, held in honor of Pride Month, kicked off with an energetic drag show and dance party featuring performances by Stormie Daie, S.S. Byrdie, Jean-Belle Bleu and several other local artists. Festivities continued the following day with live music from Bear Roots and Emily Musolino, among others; a drag story hour by Princexx Peritwinkle; multiple drag shows; a vendor marketplace highlighting local LGBTQIA+ businesses and allies; and a pride parade. The weekend wrapped with an after-party at Havoc Brewing Company, featuring tunes from Shaken & Stirred. More than 1,400 people attended the festival throughout the weekend, with close to $18,000 raised through donations and sponsorships from community partners like Davenport’s Cafe Diem, The Local Church and others. All proceeds support Chatham Pride’s year-round programming, including next year’s Pittsboro Pride Festival. cm
Victor Dronzek aka AmanDuh Barron and Alexandria Webb aka Alex Thee Rabbit.
Juliet Quigley and Augie Quigley.
Jean-Belle Bleu.
notes of remembrance
Friends, family and neighbors gathered on a sunny May afternoon for American Legion’s Memorial Day commemoration in downtown Pittsboro. The event opened with the presentation of colors and the playing of taps to honor those who died serving the United States, presented by the American Legion Chapel Hill Post No. 6 Honor Guard. George Chall, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, spoke about remembrance and resilience. Local musicians Jordan Pickett and Jason Damico and bands Free Eagle and Thorns of Fire performed lively sets as attendees relaxed on the lawn and at picnic tables. Vendors including Red Moose Brewing Company, Thirsty Skull Brewing, The City Tap and Dan’s Dogs offered cold beer, hot dogs and barbecue sandwiches for the hungry crowd. Guests also took part in an oyster boil fundraiser hosted by Postal Fish Company and a silent auction, raising a total of $2,325 for the American Legion. cm
Photography by EMILY GESSNER
Jordan Pickett performs.
Cherry Hilliard serves barbecue sandwiches from The City Tap to attendees.
Dan’s Dogs’ Jimmie Vaughn and Blane Warrene.
Jason Damico performs for the crowd.
American Legion’s Stephanie Briggs, Michael Akridge, Michael Maddox, Tony Thomas and Bob Schmidt.
Thirsty Skull Brewing owner Eric Stevens and Joe Wagner.
American Legion Memorial Day event organizer Dan Augustine.
Postal Fish Company’s Bill Hartley and Jaime Hartley.
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stories that speak volumes
Photography by MORGAN CARTIER WESTON
Chatham Literacy hosted its 14th annual Spring for Literacy Luncheon May 15 at Governors Club, raising $42,300 to support its adult literacy programs. The event featured an inspiring speech from award-winning Pittsboro author Marjorie Hudson, who discussed her novel, “Indigo Field,” and reflected on one of its main themes – the transformative power of storytelling and community. Marjorie spoke about how books offer comfort and foster connection and belonging and how a supportive community such as Chatham County can do the same when people come together. The program also spotlighted the remarkable journey of Laura Valdez Escalante, a Chatham Literacy learner originally from Mexico, and her dedicated tutor, Joanne Caye. Laura shared how the organization’s classes helped prepare her for the U.S. citizenship process and gave her a sense of belonging, and Joanne emphasized the far-reaching impact of literacy on adult learners’ lives. cm
Guest speaker and local author Marjorie Hudson.
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Vice President of Development & Communications Carrie Rogers and Homeowner Selection Coordinator Esther Carrillo.
Patricia Stokes, Elizabeth Lapadula and Cynthia Frost.
Chatham Homes Realty’s Catherine Hobbs, Hobbs Architects’ Krista Millard and Mary Honeycutt.
Roz Smith, Galloway Ridge Library Manager Jennie Minor and Chatham Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Doris Krepp.
Maria Ocampo and Telesforo Ocampo.
raising the bar
Chatham Chamber of Commerce members gathered at Starrlight Mead in early June to recognize this year’s nine exceptional Women of Achievement highlighted in Chatham Magazine’s Spring issue. The event – which was presented in part by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sharon A. Dickens and Munson Law Firm, in addition to our publication – recognized Claire Coffey, Norma Jisselle Perdomo, Julia Kopacz, Eva Green, Samantha Brykailo, Joan Cunningham, Karen Tiwana, Lesley L. Landis and Jean MacDonald for their vision, resilience and commitment to making a lasting impact in the community. Guests enjoyed light bites from Cafe Root Cellar and sipped drinks courtesy of Cozy Quarters Management while connecting with fellow women in business and leadership. The evening also highlighted Feed-Well Fridges, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity and reducing commercial food waste, and honorees received special gifts from Southern Supreme Fruitcake & More. cm
The Place to Be This Fall
Concerts, festivals, markets, races and so much more–it’s all happening at ATC! Explore our full line-up of Fall events at AmericanTobacco.co/events
Photography by MORGAN CARTIER WESTON
Munson Law Firm’s Sophia Munson and Chatham Chamber President Rebecca Dickenson.
2025 Women of Achievement honorees Jean MacDonald, Claire Coffey, Karen Tiwana, Eva Green, Norma Jisselle Perdomo and Julia Kopacz.
Realtor Larkin Willis of Julie Roland Realty, Cafe Root Cellar co-owners Sera Cuni and Susan White, and Professional Women of Chatham and Orange Counties Vice President Erica Singleton.
Outdoor gear shop Chatham Outfitters relocated its downtown Pittsboro storefront from 674 West St. to 106 Hillsboro St. in July.
development
Compiled by TAYLOR MOTLEY
commercial news
Sensory gym Minds of Every Kind opened in May in Governors Village, offering an inclusive space where children can explore and play. The gym blends therapeutic tools with fun activities to encourage learning and engagement.
Checkered Tulip Sewing & Craft Studio relocated to 35 W. Chatham St., moving closer to downtown Pittsboro, in June.
Splendour Estate, a new 7,000-square-foot event venue nestled on 19 acres of land in Siler City, held its grand opening in June, offering an elegant setting for weddings, birthday parties and other special events.
PHOTO BY JENNIE HARRIS
LET HOME BE HOME
PRIVATE OFFICES • CO-WORKING • EVENTS AND MEETING ROOMS
The 79°West Innovation Hub is a 22,000 square-foot office + 8,500 square-foot storage space situated in MOSAIC, a 44-acre mixed-use gateway to Chatham Park, a rapidly growing Live-Work-Play-Learn community just north of historic downtown Pittsboro. Featuring a strong community of tenants, including:
Shanklin Wealth Planning • Riithink Digital Marketing
Dunning Custom Homes • Chatham Economic Development Corporation
Munson Law Firm • Frank Land Design • OCHAR • e3 Diagnostics
Rose Group, CPA • BOLD Real Estate • The Results Company
Greener EHS Solutions • Eller Therapy • EKI Consulting
Great Neck Realty • McDevitt Law • Millennium Planning Group
WEBB Squared • April Jones Insurance • Lee-Moore Capital Company
Truentity Health • Landmark Design and Build
Chatham Chamber of Commerce
Mosaic at Chatham Park continues to draw new businesses. In July, the Chatham Chamber of Commerce opened a new office at the 30,500-square-foot coworking and innovation hub 79°West to better serve the county’s growing business community. Stephanie Nielson (pictured center) opened Barre3 in the same building, marking the national barre studio’s first location in Chatham County. Radiance Rx Skin & Aesthetics also joined the mix at Mosaic, offering injections, dermatology and cosmetic services. a Tavolo will open at Mosaic this fall, serving wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas and drinks from a full bar. The Italian eatery is the newest venture from Yolo Entertainment Group, which operates other locales including The Sycamore at Chatham Mills and Forest Hall at Chatham Mills
Pittsboro’s second ABC Store opened in June at 65 Ramseur Rd., Ste. 110.
Cactus Cowgirl Plant Shop moved from 200 Sanford Rd., Ste. 9, to 19 Hillsboro St. in downtown Pittsboro in August.
Paddlers on the Haw River will now spot road name signs on the U.S. 64, U.S. 15/501 and Chicken Bridge Road bridges. Designed by the Haw River Safety Collaborative – a partnership of Chatham and Alamance county officials – and funded by a Duke Energy Resilience Accelerator Grant, the project is focused on improving safety for paddlers and emergency responders.
Semiconductor technology company Wolfspeed laid off 73 employees from its Siler City facility in June. The company entered a restructuring
support agreement with key lenders to reduce debt by 70%, or about $4.6 billion, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late June.
residential real estate
Asteria, a 4,000-home Storyliving by Disney community, began initial construction and clearing in May. In June, the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary plat for the first phase of the development.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2025 STATE OF CHATHAM BREAKFAST
& DATA BRIEFING Sept. 26, 8:15-11 a.m.
Explore business, government and education trends shaping Chatham County at the Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s annual event at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center. Hear data-driven presentations, gain practical advice from local leaders and collaborate with peers to better understand the county’s evolving landscape.
2025 GOLF CLASSIC Oct. 27
Tee off at Governors Club for a day of friendly competition, networking and community spirit, all while supporting the Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s mission.
Anfield Estates, a new custom home community located just minutes from Jordan Lake in New Hill, features 11 homesites that range from 1.5 to 3-plus acres. Dunning Custom Homes, Bold Construction and Hearthstone Luxury Homes will each build homes of at least 3,200 square feet. Custom builds start at $2 million.
future projects
This spring, the Town of Pittsboro and Chatham County approved an interlocal agreement allowing the two governments to collaborate on pre-development plans for downtown Pittsboro. Over eight months, they will evaluate the market, review selected sites and create a development strategy aimed at creating more convenient, community-focused spaces downtown.
Chatham County received a $350,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, funded by the federal government and administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office, in May. The county will use the funds to audit 15 county-owned buildings, including the Chatham County Public Health Department administrative building and the Siler City Center for Active Living, to identify ways to improve energy efficiency.
The North Carolina Department of Information Technology awarded Chatham County three grants through the state’s Completing Access to Broadband program. In the coming months, the county will work with Brightspeed, Spectrum and Windstream to raise the total number of homes and businesses with broadband internet access in its borders to 10,450.
Chatham County’s $288.3 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year focuses on education and supporting future development. Budget allocations include funding for expanding vocational education classes, increasing county staff pay by 4% and adding new administrative roles. The tax rate is set at 60 cents per $100 of property value, down from 72.5 cents last year and 7.04 cents above the revenue-neutral rate. cm
PHOTO BY LAURA HACKNEY
RENDERING COURTESY OF DUNNING CUSTOM HOMES
2025 Upcoming Signature Events
#ThisIsChatham Bus Tour State of Chatham Date Deep Dive 2025 Gold Classic at Governors Club
Join us and Leadership Triangle for a one-day immersive tour of Chatham’s people, places and progress
Thursday, Aug 28
Join us for a look at the powerful data and key insights shaping Chatham’s story
Friday, Sept 26
Deep relationships, grow your brand, and invest in the work of the Chatham Chamber
Monday, Oct 27
Leadership Chatham Deadline to Register - Friday, Sept 5
Join us for these high-value connection points that bring local leaders together to solve problems, seize opportunities, learn from experts, and grow your network. You’re Invited!
Thank you to our community investors!
Ask us how you can join them in support of your Chatham Chamber's mission.
Monthly Professional Development
90-min Workshops followed by 30-min Lunch & Networking at 79° West, With lunch brought to you by Hoops Pizzeria
• Aug 15 - With Joel Harper, Center Director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center
• Sept 12 - StoryBrand, Clarify Your Message & Grow Your Business with Flying Car Strategies
• Oct 10 - Productivity in the Workplace with Paradox Consulting Partners
• Nov 14 - Profit First with Vista Advisor Group
Networking
• Aug 19 - Women's Social at Deep River Sporting Clays
• Sept 16 - Business After Hours
• Sept 18 - Chatham Young Professionals at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
• Oct 7 - Meet Chatham County Authors
We’ve Moved to 79° West!
barth & burns
By KATE LOEFFEL
Photography by
DANIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY,
The stars aligned for Chatham County natives Kayla Burns and Cory Barth when their parallel lives finally intersected in April 2022. They’d grown up in neighboring towns: Kayla in Pittsboro and Cory in Silk Hope. Kayla graduated from Sage Academy while Cory attended Jordan-Matthews High School about a mile away. Despite their proximity and sharing many mutual friends, the two didn’t meet each other until a friend introduced them.
The pair got engaged while vacationing at Sugar Mountain this past April. On May 2, 2025, they honored Kayla’s late father, Randall Burns, by tying the knot on his birthday at the Historic Chatham County Courthouse. The celebration continued at downtown Pittsboro’s Red Moose
Brewing Company. “I love the hometown vibes [Red Moose] has,” Kayla says. “I didn’t have to do much decorating, which was what I wanted – to keep it all simple.” The event was an intimate one, with close family friend Holly Fogleman arranging the bridal bouquet, while Kayla’s best friend, Raul Manuel, orchestrated the ceremony music. The couple’s 1-year-old son, Dylon Barth, walked down the aisle with the bride; Kayla’s sister, Jessie Burns Kemper, Cory’s sister, Abbie Barth, and several other family members were also in attendance.
Guests enjoyed fare from Pittsboro establishments, with Marcel’s Pizzeria providing delicious pies and Tashia’s, a homebased bakery, offering mouthwatering cake and cupcakes.
The wedding party, dressed in shades of dusty blue and gray, gathered for pictures outside the Thompson Street home of Kayla’s grandmother, Sandra Womble. Kayla lived there throughout her teenage years, making the garden a sentimental backdrop for portraits.
The couple resides in Coleridge, North Carolina, where Kayla is a direct support specialist and Cory works at the Chatham County Department of Transportation. cm
