Cary Magazine May 2026

A DECADE IN SHIBUMI’S SHADE

THE VINTAGE TEAPOT: TRADITION MEETS TREND

REGIONAL READS ROUNDUP

2026 Movers & Shakers

PRIME LOCATION

• Spectacular 430-Acre Waterfront Peninsula –3.5 Miles of Shoreline!

• New Private Gated Community

• Less than 65 Miles from GSO & RDU Airports

• Gated with Paved Roads & Street Lights

• Live at the Lake and Work from Home!

THE ULTIMATE LAKE LIFESTYLE

• Fully Recreational Lake for Boating, Fishing, Waterskiing, Wakeboarding & More

• World-Class Bass Fishing

• Planned Community Docks* & Boat Launch*

• Community Waterfront Park with Pool, Pavilion & Fireplace

• Community Boat & RV Storage for Property Owners

WATERFRONT LIVING MADE EASY

• Dockable Estate-Sized Waterfront Homesites from .5 – 2.5 Acres

• Only 70 New Homesites Being Offered

• Buy Now, Build Later

• Choose from Several of the Area’s Finest Custom Home Builders

• Excellent Financing Available

• Ask How to Buy Property With Your IRA

• Properties Sold on a First Come, First Served Basis

Teacups come in all sizes, even this charm necklace, at The Vintage Teapot. Read about the business brewing on page 50.Photo

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EXECUTIVE

Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher Kris Schultz, Publisher

EDITORIAL

Erin McKnight, Editor

Tara Shiver, Digital and Copy Editor

Emily Uhland, Senior Editor

CONTRIBUTORS

Samantha Carson

Erica DeLong

Kimberly Gentry

L.A. Jackson

David McCreary

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer Bryan Regan

PRODUCTION

Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer

Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer

Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer

Beth Harris, Graphic Designer

Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO

Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer

Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer

ADVERTISING

Maureen Powell, Senior Account Executive

Paige Gunter, Senior Account Executive

SOCIAL MEDIA

Arlem Mora, Social Media Coordinator

PUBLIC RELATIONS

S&A Communications, Chuck Norman, APR

ADMINISTRATIVE

Kristin Black, Accounting

Lisa White, Senior Event Coordinator and Distribution Manager

Valerie Renard, Human Resources

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Ron Smith

Cary Magazine © is published nine times annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.

CARY MAGAZINE

701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.carymagazine.com

This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.

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editor’s

letter

This year, our Movers & Shakers serve as reminders that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. These 10 young professionals have contended with detours, unexpected turns, and in some cases breakdowns — but what sets them apart isn’t navigation or speed. It’s their personal resilience and unwavering sense of community. They come from every corner of the professional world: retail, banking, entrepreneurship, medicine, law, technology, development, hospitality, and beyond. Some lead teams in global corporations, while others have built something entirely their own. Yet they all share one defining perspective: Relationships — not résumés — are what carry us through when obstacles appear.

Collectively, they form a portrait of a region on the rise. Their stories celebrate not just what they’ve accomplished, but how they connect with the people around them. They have learned that progress happens through collaboration, communication, and care, this redefinition of leadership proving that success is sweeter, and more sustainable, when it’s shared. So here’s to our local dreamers and doers — the 2026 Movers & Shakers.

Thanks for reading!

Erin McKnight, Editor

EPISODE 52

Poppin’

PODCAST? What’s on the

Host Melissa Wistehuff takes you beyond the pages of

Rolling the Dice with That’s Spot On!

Designers Sue and Linda

EPISODE 53

EPISODE 54

Today in the Quay with Jason Wunsch

EPISODE 51

Chatting Collectibles with Adam and Tara of Triangle Area Trading Cards

The Big Cheese with Frank Yarborough of Frankie B’s

From Sgt. Pepper to Sasq’et with Storyteller Maxim Langstaff

EPISODE 55

A Rare Waterfront Opportunity Returns to Hyco Lake

Just 55 miles from the Triangle, a rare opportunity awaits: a private, gated waterfront community on one of North Carolina's most scenic lakes. With oversized homesites offering up to 300 feet of shoreline*, and the option for a private dock*, The Pointe offers the kind of lifestyle most families only dream of.

Last Chance to Own on One of North Carolina's Most Scenic Lakes—Just 55 Miles from RTP

Following a highly successful initial release last year—where Phase 1 sold out in just weeks—

The Pointe at Hyco Lake is preparing to unveil its final collection of homesites this June, offering a limited opportunity to secure property in this thoughtfully designed lakefront community.

Expansive Lakefront Homesites

Homesites range from half an acre to 2.5 acres, with 100 to 300 feet of private shoreline* - some of the most generous lake access in the region. Most lots are eligible for private, double-slip docks* up to 1,800 sq ft, making it easy to enjoy life on the water.

Set among rolling terrain and mature hardwoods, The Pointe was designed for those seeking a peaceful retreat and timeless natural beauty.

www.HycoPointe.com

Build on Your Schedule

One of the unique advantages of The Pointe is the flexibility it offers future homeowners. Buyers can purchase their homesite now and have up to six years to begin construction - an appealing option for those planning ahead. When ready, owners will work with one of the community’s top-rated, local custom home builders, ensuring a seamless process and a home that’s thoughtfully tailored to both the land and their lifestyle.

Designed for Family, Fun, and Connection

More than just a place to live, The Pointe is designed for gathering and recreation. Planned amenities include a lakeside pool, waterfront pavilion, private boat launch, and community dock. Onsite boat and RV storage adds an extra layer of convenience for property owners. "We're building more than a new community here—we're creating a place for generations to come," said one of the community's developers.

Life at The Pointe is about slowing down and soaking in the simple joys of lake life: coffee on the porch, mornings casting a line, afternoons on the water, and evenings gathered around the fire watching the sunset fade into night. It's a lifestyle that invites connection, adventure, and memories that last a lifetime.

Mark Your Calendar

Just 70 new homesites will be released during the Phase 2 Grand Opening this June, marking the final release of homesites at The Pointe. The limited offering represents the last opportunity for buyers to secure property within the community.

Schedule your private tour today at HycoPointe.com or call 844-778-0855 for more information.

“The Pointe isn’t just a place to live - it’s a legacy. We’re creating a place where families can reconnect with nature, with each other, and with what matters most.”

THINGS TO DO

Ritmo Latino Festival

Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtown Cary diamanteartsculturalcenter.org

Presented by Diamante Arts and Cultural Center — the longest standing Latino Hispanic arts and culture organization in North Carolina — this annual festival brings thousands of people for a celebration of music, food, dance, and art.

Wheels on Academy

Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Downtown Cary carync.gov/wheels

Roll down to North Academy Street for a showcase of all things automotive. Vintage classics and hot rods join electric vehicles and exotics, and kids can explore vehicles from Cary Public Works, Public Safety, and Fire departments. Live music and food vendors add to the fun.

Teddy Bear Picnic

Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to noon Cedar Fork Community Center, Morrisville bit.ly/4dgLyxD

Kids 4 to 10 are invited to bring their favorite stuffed friends to the Cedar Fork Community Center for a morning of fun. Decorate stuffed animal outfits, play games, enjoy snacks, and take home a special photo keepsake. $11 residents, $16 nonresidents; preregistration required.

Summer Sizzle

Sunday, May 17, 5–6:30 p.m. Downtown Cary Park carytownband.org

The Live & Local! series highlights the creative spirit of our community. Celebrate the start of summer with the debut Downtown Cary Park performance of the Cary Town Band, a hometown favorite since 1987.

The Soccer Tournament

May 27 to June 1 WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary tst7v7.com

Dubbed “the Coachella of soccer,” this one-of-a-kind tournament experience is back and bigger than ever. This year’s competition will award three $1 million prizes in men’s, women’s, and mixed divisions. Beyond the thrilling 7v7 showdowns on the field, the festival-like atmosphere includes live entertainment, meet and greets, professional youth clinics, a kids’ zone, and an impressive array of international food and drinks. Tickets begin at $30; bundles and VIP experiences available.

Cary | 1388 Kildaire Farm Rd.

Raleigh | 4516 Falls of Neuse Rd.

* Coming soon!

Chapel Hill | 4416 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd.

Cary | 2025 Renaissance Park Place

Raleigh | Transfer Co. Food Hall 500 E. Davie St., Suite 108

2026

This year’s Movers & Shakers embody the spirit of a region on the rise. These 10 young professionals — spanning industries and forging their own paths — speak individually to strength and success. Together, they celebrate connection and community, proving that purposeful leadership is paved by passion and persistence.

Kayla Brown

CEO

& Founder, My Roar Speech Therapy

Helping children find their voices is Kayla Brown’s calling. She always wanted to work in healthcare with kids but says, “I’m too squeamish to be a doctor.”

Her path became clear during an undergraduate internship at a pediatric therapy clinic. “They had speech, OT, and PT, so I got to observe all three, and I immediately fell in love with speech therapy,” she recalls. “It was something about being a part of the experience of seeing the parent’s face when their child says their first word.”

After earning her master’s degree in 2021, Kayla worked at an interdisciplinary clinic, but she soon felt something was missing. “Healthcare just seemed very transactional,” she says. “It was all about productivity: ‘Next patient, next patient.’” She was losing track of her personal why, and she felt the industry was “losing the fact that we’re interacting with parents and their children.” So, in 2023, just two years into her career, she launched her own practice.

know if I want to do it,’” she says with a laugh. “And then here I am — just doing it.”

The vision for My Roar Speech Therapy is heartfelt. From the front desk to the billing coordinator to the intern, the goal is for every family to feel warm and welcome. “I joke that we’re the Disney World of pediatric therapy,” Kayla says. There are snacks for

more underserved areas. “We have families driving from Fayetteville, Mebane, and Wendell,” she says. “Those communities shouldn’t have to travel an hour for care.”

Though she now focuses on running the business full time, she still finds joy in connecting with her “pride,” as she calls them. “I may not do the daily sessions anymore, but I still go out, play with the kids, greet families. They’re all my kids.”

“I’m trying to learn that pausing and resting and resetting isn’t weakness, but it’s actually going to be my strength that’ll help me continue to grow.”

Kayla admits entrepreneurship “wasn’t the initial plan,” although she was inspired by her father, an engineer and entrepreneur. “I always said, ‘That’s a lot of work. I don’t

siblings, essential oils for parents, and even if a child isn’t there for therapy, she says, “we’ll go out and play with them.”

This attention to detail and compassion has earned Kayla the community’s loyalty. One mom told her that she’d trust leaving her child with anyone on the team — and that’s exactly what Kayla is striving for.

The clinic already serves about a hundred families, and Kayla dreams of expanding to

Kayla’s leadership philosophy centers on empathy and empowerment, especially as a young woman.

“There’s definitely been imposter syndrome,” she says about walking into a room and often being the only person of color, the youngest person, and a woman. But she has learned that she wouldn’t be in the room if she wasn’t meant to be there.

Faith and family keep Kayla centered, as she attributes her success first to God. “And my parents,” she adds. “They’ve always believed in me.” Her husband and an ever-expanding circle of mentors also form part of her support team.

Kayla’s future goals unsurprisingly extend beyond business growth. “I want to keep speaking to students, mentoring young women, and giving back,” she says — because everyone should have a voice.

Avi Grewal

Director of

Development, Singh Development

For Avi Grewal, development isn’t just about construction — it’s about connection. As part of his family’s real estate and construction business, started in 1973 by his father and uncles, Avi sees every community built as an expression of legacy and trust.

After being raised in Michigan, on Singh Development construction sites, Avi spent years in Los Angeles and New York before moving to Cary in 2019. “A few of us came back,” he says about returning to the family business, which has had an office here since 2005, when the recession was over and he’d gained experience doing general contracting in LA. “We were kind of recruited to come back,” he says with a laugh.

“We live in the communities that we actually build,” says Avi, “which is rare, especially in a place like the Triangle.”

Among his current projects, Morrisville Town Center stands out as particularly exciting. “There’s a lot of communication and coordination that needs to happen … a lot of problem-solving required.”

“Whenever we do something, we want to put our name on it and really stand by it.”

built on trust, accountability, and longterm relationships. “We’ve always believed in standing by our word,” he says. “If we commit to something, we follow through. That’s how we’ve built lasting relationships over the past five decades.” That integrity shows up in the deals and the details. Take the Griffin Weston apartments, where Singh commissioned internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter Thomas Sayre to create a landmark sculpture. “We could have taken a simpler approach,” Avi says, “but creating something meaningful, something that adds character and identity, was important to us. That’s what makes a place feel special.” Balancing business and family is a project still under construction for Avi.

Today, Avi heads up Singh’s development arm, guiding projects that stretch from Michigan to Virginia and include commercial real estate, upscale apartments, senior living facilities, and more. “We do everything kind of vertically integrated,” he says. “Everything we build, we manage ourselves. It’s unusual in the industry to do that, and it’s also unusual to not have outside equity partners, which we don’t have either.”

Singh also doesn’t build anything to sell.

That’s just the nature of the development business, Avi says. Throughout a project’s seven-year lifecycle, “You’re always putting out fires and trying to focus on the positive things that are happening,” he shares. “We celebrate finishing a community, high five, and then an hour later, what’s the next problem for the next project?”

Problem-solving, in fact, has become second nature to Avi. He credits much of his resilience to growing up in a family culture

Growing up in a family business often meant blending work and life. “Vacations looked a little different for us,” Avi recalls with a laugh. “Trips were often centered around exploring new markets or checking on projects.”

Yet he insists the newer generation is trying to do it differently. “Those of us in the business now are trying to make a conscious effort to have balance and a life outside of the business” — fortunately, with the support of the generation before them.

Dr. Martyn Knowles Vascular Surgeon, UNC Rex Hospital Chief Medical Officer, OpFlow

Medicine forms the perfect intersection of humanity and science for Martyn Knowles, who “was always enthralled with it on TV” and who, as a teen, trailed his older cousin for a day at a hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg. “It looked like such an interesting way to put humanity and science together,” he says. “You’re figuring things out. It’s engineering, sociology, psychology. … It’s dealing with people. It’s the service industry at the max level.”

That fascination has carried him through a career in vascular surgery — a specialty he calls “technically difficult.” In fact, he chose it for that very reason: “I picked vascular surgery because it was the hardest rotation I did in general surgery. It’s very fine skills where you’re working with tiny things and sewing things together. And if you make one little mistake, it bleeds, and it’s problematic … all the way to some of the most dangerous, life-threatening things that happen to people.”

Martyn admits that he’s drawn to action over deliberation. “I knew I wanted to be a surgeon because I like fixing things,” he says. “But I like fixing them with an act

or an action. … I like immediate results.”

Unlike other surgical fields, vascular medicine keeps Martyn connected to his patients through longitudinal care. He has been at UNC Rex Hospital for 12 years and says, “I have patients that I’ve taken care of for 12 years — and now I’m taking care of their kids or their parents.”

“There was never a doubt that medicine was going to be the thing that I did.”

But, he says, “something always comes up,” so he considers himself fortunate to have a fantastic group of partners. “There’s always someone able to help,” so patients are cared for and physicians have quality of life. Rex has always been what Martyn describes as “very pro-physician … hiring good people because that’s what drives care.”

His entrepreneurial streak emerged after he earned an MBA through a Rex-UNC program. Along with two partners — a fellow surgeon from medical school and a neighbor who specialized in tech startups — he launched a company to improve efficiency in the operating room. “We built a platform that tracks what’s used and what’s not, and it has saved hospitals millions.”

As Medical Director of Surgery at UNC Rex and co-founder of AI-powered surgical efficiency company OpFlow, Martyn balances multiple roles by keeping his focus simple. “I think that the mistake people make is that they try to do too much when they’re away from work,” he says. “For me, it’s family and it’s work — and that’s it. If I’m playing golf, I’ve got my three boys in the cart with me.”

Working at Rex means Martyn and his partners also serve other communities. When he started traveling to Holly Springs, he describes it as a “sleepy little town” where he would likely see three patients a week. Now, it’s the busiest Rex site outside of Raleigh, and Martyn estimates that between the two locations he sees about 200 patients a week. For him, that growth is proof of what medicine is really about: service. “You’ve got to make your customers happy — and you make them happy by providing good care.”

Brian Laughlin

Vice President & Branch Manager, TowneBank

When Brian Laughlin moved to Cary six years ago, the decision was about family and the future. “My wife and I decided we would like to be closer to family,” he says. “My sister had lived here for a long time, and my parents said they’d move from their home in Ohio if we did.”

Today, Brian is enmeshed in the Cary community personally and professionally, in a role he calls “the most communityfocused position” of his career. He was pursued by well-respected local banking leaders Patsy Johnson and Brian Reid, who were creating a new TowneBank location in downtown Cary. “I’d been with larger banks,” Brian says, “and I really wanted something more community oriented.”

provide an environment where people feel cared for. I try not to be high pressure,” he explains. “I’m competitive, but I want my team to enjoy coming to work. If they do, it reflects on our members and the community.”

Brian’s philosophy aligns closely with TowneBank’s mission: Serving others.

literacy. “We do fraud seminars at retirement communities, financial education in schools … anything that can help people make better financial decisions,” he says.

That desire to educate others started early. “My father was a banker,” he says. “My parents instilled the values of saving and money management at an early age.” (Brian was balancing checkbooks as a kid.) Graduating college during the Great Financial Crisis and working in consumer lending was an eyeopening experience for him, which led Brian to earn his MBA and investment licenses.

“TowneBank has offered me the opportunity to really be involved in downtown Cary and the Cary community.”

He joined the bank just as the new branch was being built. “It was definitely rewarding and challenging,” he says. “I had to recruit a new team quickly, send them to Virginia for training, and then be ready to open a new location.” Even with 20 years in banking, Brian says the process was like drinking through a fire hose.

The result, though, speaks for itself. The Cary location has grown steadily, fueled by Brian’s leadership style of transparency, empathy, and communication. “I think I

Enriching lives. He leads with a steady mix of integrity, accountability, and heart. “Integrity means doing the right thing even when nobody’s watching,” he says. “Accountability means owning your decisions. And empathy is the relationship-building part.”

It’s those relationships that have helped TowneBank become a visible partner in Cary’s business and nonprofit scene. Brian spends his time with the Chamber, Rotary, and local schools, where he teaches financial

Beyond work, Brian’s life centers on his three young sons and teacher wife. “She’s the glue that holds the beautiful chaos together,” he says. “Our boys are 3, 6, and 9, and now that they’re older, we try to bring them to community events. I coach T-ball and basketball, so we stay busy.”

Brian admits he “used to measure life by quantity — how many games did I win, how many friends do I have — but now I focus on quality relationships and meaningful experiences.” He’s learned that a few strong, meaningful things are much more valuable than many less important ones.

Kira McKinnell

Procurement Manager, IBM Board Member, Triangle Special Hockey Association

By day, Kira McKinnell is a procurement manager for IBM, where she also runs a Business Resource Group (BRG) for People with Diverse Abilities. By night, she’s a coach, mentor, and board member for the Triangle Special Hockey Association, a nonprofit that opens the ice to children and adults with developmental differences.

The two roles couldn’t seem more different, but they offer Kira the balance she craves. “I always wanted to be in a job that gave back to the community,” she says. “But I also wanted to enjoy a challenging, fast-paced job in technology.”

Kira does work that many might find intimidating: “I write and negotiate contracts,” she explains. “Most people don’t like that. But I enjoy it; it gives you a dopamine hit when you close a contract. It’s a definitive, you’re done. That’s gratifying for me.”

When she hits the rink with Triangle Special Hockey, the former competitive figure skater trades contracts for coaching — and she does it in figure skates. “Everyone else wears hockey skates,” Kira says with a laugh.

playground, which was hard for Kira’s brother — and for her, too. “Triangle Special Hockey wouldn’t have existed back then.” Now it gives families a place to belong.

Today, the program serves about 60 athletes each season, and is expanding into ball hockey, a more accessible, office version. “Some kids aren’t ready for full gear or ice skates,” she explains. Ball hockey helps them acclimate to the gear and the sport, fostering progress at their own pace.

“I love to give back to the local community through the BRG work with IBM.

… It’s full circle and really awesome to be a part of.”

The law degree she earned from UNC certainly helps. “I disliked contract law in school,” she says. “I wanted to do family law.” But Kira graduated in 2015, in a tough market. “I got really lucky with IBM,” she says, “and just worked hard to prove myself.”

In addition to coaching, Kira runs the Learn to Skate program and serves on the board of directors. “I’ve known some players for 10 years now,” she says. “It’s amazing to see a player go from throwing off their helmet to skating unassisted within the same season.”

Kira’s passion for inclusion is deeply personal, as her brother has autism. “He was diagnosed in 1996,” she says, “people had a different understanding of autism.” People would take their kids off the

Juggling motherhood, a demanding job, and nonprofit leadership (not to mention seven pets!) isn’t easy. “It’s hard to be a working mom,” Kira says, though she also acknowledges she couldn’t do it without her supportive husband. “You can succeed at two things: You can succeed at working, and you can succeed at being a mom. And I want my daughter to see that women can lead, that they can succeed at doing both.”

Whether she’s finalizing a contract or fastening a hockey helmet, Kira leads with empathy. For a lot of her players, hockey isn’t just hockey: it’s where they find friendship and acceptance. “Hockey is just an added bonus they get.” she says.

Catherine Etheridge Otto

Catherine Otto has learned that law is more about alignment than arguments.

“When you tell us what you want to do, we’ll help you find a way to do that,” she says about helping business vision meet legal integrity. “Our job is to reduce risk as much as possible while still supporting business goals.”

For Catherine, the fun part is the creativity: finding solutions that make sense for everyone involved.

Catherine joined SAS after a career in private practice. “In October, I’ll have been there for 10 years,” she says, which “in SAS years is still kind of a baby.” She began with transactional work before moving into corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. Today, her department touches virtually every corner of SAS’s global structure and means that no two days look the same. “It’s pivot, pivot, pivot,” she says.

“I think there are times when it just seems like things around you feel chaotic. And to not be adding to that energy is valuable.” Associate General Counsel, Corporate Strategy, SAS

A North Carolina native, Catherine grew up in Lillington, went to the School of Science and Math, and then to UNC-Chapel Hill for college and grad school. Her master’s in education was followed by law school, as she planned to pursue education policy. That was until a “super interesting” pro bono death penalty case at a big law firm changed everything.

Catherine’s early legal career was spent at Womble Carlisle (now Womble Bond Dickinson), where she practiced litigation and later transitioned into intellectual property. “I realized litigation wasn’t really my jam,” she admits. “I felt like my personality wasn’t as much a fit for litigation as I thought it would be. I thought, There’s

guidance. “She’s still one of the best mentors I’ve ever had,” she says about the woman who instilled wisdom for both craft and life. “She gave me the room to figure out how I wanted to accelerate my career while raising three little boys.”

Now a leader herself, Catherine models that same openness with her team. “I try to be as transparent as possible,” she says. “I never want someone to feel unmoored or flailing in any way. … I never want them to feel like they can’t reach me.”

Outside the office, Catherine navigates life with the same pragmatism she applies at work. When your kids are little, she says, it’s physically demanding. When they’re older, it’s more mental and emotional. “My first hat I put on is attorney or problem solver,” she says, but she has learned to just listen and not try to fix things.

got to be a kinder, gentler way to practice law.”

After that realization, she moved to the firm’s intellectual property practice group and transactional work, which is all about “creating something together.”

Mentorship was pivotal in shaping Catherine’s career, and she credits a partner at Womble for both professional and personal

From her early dream of shaping education policy to steering strategic counsel for one of the world’s leading analytics companies, Catherine has “really enjoyed the journey I’ve been on. …

I really love what I do because of all the variety. I’m never bored.” Law, it turns out, was far kinder — and more creative — than she could have ever imagined.

Emily Sasser Co-owner, Gentlemen’s Corner

“It’s timeless,” says Emily Sasser about why she appreciates men’s clothing. While women’s fashion is heavily influenced by trends, men’s clothing, whether classic or contemporary, remains stylish and sophisticated.

In her role as co-owner of Gentlemen’s Corner in downtown Cary, the second location after a move from MacGregor Village two years ago, she sells “a little bit of everything” … from flip-flops, bathing suits, and T-shirts to madeto-measure tuxedos and accessories.

Many customers visit looking for sport coats, suits, and tuxedos — dressing for weddings, funerals, and conferences, but they are also regularly shopping for work and vacation wear. “We’re dressing 15-year-olds to 80-year-olds,” Emily says about a carefully curated collection of menswear that spans both occasion and generation.

for her success. It’s also her favorite part of the job. Repeat customers and word-of-mouth recommendations are heavily resultant on her ability to “just communicate with the customer.”

Men’s clothing is in Emily’s blood, as although she partakes in women’s fashion trends personally, she has two brothers and

her plan toward working at a creative agency. But then Harrison called — coincidentally when Emily was around the same age that he was when he opened his store — and asked if she wanted to help him run the one in Chapel Hill.

After moving that store to Cary, Emily joined in ownership of a brand founded in Pinehurst before she was even born. Seven years later, Emily and Worth have embellished Gentlemen’s Corner with a uniquely fresh look and youthful touch.

“I love how timeless men’s clothing is. I find it interesting. I find the clothing beautiful.”

This ability to meet diverse customer needs is partially driven by Emily and coowner Worth Honeycutt “buying things that we like” when they go to market twice a year in Chicago to find the best brands to bring to Cary, “because if you buy something that you like, you’re going to want to sell it.”

But it is “relationship building, a hundred percent” that Emily credits

a father whom she has always enjoyed dressing. She was also fortunate to watch brother Harrison, older by nine years, look “like he was having a blast” when he opened his own Gentlemen’s Corner in Wilmington in his early 20s.

After a college internship for Johnnie-O and a job with Stitch Golf after she graduated, the former college basketball player’s graphic design background guided

“Sometimes I feel like high-end men’s clothing can get a little older,” Emily says, so many men, and their wives or girlfriends or whomever they’re shopping for, appreciate a young and, in many instances, female perspective. Emily, who grew up in “so special” Cary, says she never could have imagined she would own a retail store downtown — a place where she’d also love to live.

“We’re seeing more people than ever,” she notes about the store’s part in the town’s transformation. “I value the repeat customers, but it is also nice to see these new faces,” she says about the gentlemen she dresses.

Zachary Stephens

Crawford Hospitality

“I started with this one first,” Zachary Stephens says, gesturing to the tattoos on his left arm. “This is my food sleeve, essentially.”

Each image — octopus, catfish, purple cabbage, avocado — represents a family member, as Zac didn’t want the typical chef tattoo. “I wanted something a little bit more purposeful,” he says. In many ways, that same intention runs through his life and career.

Zac comes from a lineage of hospitality. His grandfather was a cherished “true hospitality professional” who owned a small, beloved restaurant in Wilson. “He would have homeless people come in, give them a plate of food and a $20 bill,” Zac says. “There’s something to be said for the simplicity of hospitality and just treating people as human beings.”

Following an initial foray into college and a 9-to-5, Zac “realized (hospitality) was already in my blood.” After graduating from culinary school, he packed his knives and moved to New York. “I knew if I pushed myself there, I could work anywhere,” he recalls — and indeed he did. Less than three months after starting as a server, he became a manager.

“Whenever I walk into a dining room, I can feel the energy. … Being present is the most rewarding thing for me.” Director of Operations,

oversee acclaimed spots like Jolie, Brodeto, and Crawford Brothers Steakhouse. “Learning from Chef Scott is so interesting … making sure I look at the details,” he says. “The details are what we’re known for.”

Zac helped open Brodeto, which had 121 seats compared to Jolie’s 52. “It was stressful but the best opening I’ve ever been

Today, as director of operations for Chef Scott Crawford’s restaurant group, Zac helps

a part of,” he recalls. A year later, he stepped into his current role and opened Crawford Brothers Steakhouse and Sous Terre. Yet, for all the moving parts, Zac’s focus remains simple: care.

“I hope people learn empathy from me,” he says. “It’s important to give people a

charitable assumption.” His leadership style emphasizes compassion and collaboration. “People show up differently when they know they have a voice.”

That safe, inclusive philosophy extends into a company culture that is intentionally different from other restaurant groups. “I want to create a safe space,” he says. “This is a real job. I want people to have healthcare, set days off, and time to plan their lives.”

When asked what keeps him motivated, Zac’s answer comes instantly: “It’s the experience.” He knows people come for the food, but they stay for how they’re made to feel. “To me, that’s the best thing,” he says. “It’s nourishment — a different form, but something for the soul. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.” For Zac, hospitality isn’t a transaction; it’s a way to connect.

That connection is personal, too. His mother, who was a hairstylist for almost 37 years, has inspired much of Zac’s compassion and prepared him for a career in hospitality. Zac describes himself as very close to his family and friends. He also admits: “This job takes a lot out of me, but it fills my tank at the same time.”

Cassie Volpe Marketing Strategist and Founder, SOFO Marketing

The year 2020 brought a “serious restart” for Cassie Volpe and her family. They were moving to Raleigh after five years in Dallas. They knew no one here. Everything was locked down. And after their moving truck was in a terrible accident, Cassie and her husband and two kids lost all their possessions.

This period of upheaval wasn’t unique to Cassie, as she says, “I think a lot of people were evaluating what they were doing in life and ready for new chapters.” But the pandemic and her moving experience opened her up to reprioritize. “That was not all of the reason that SOFO started,” she says, “but it surely helped.”

Starting “something completely new” isn’t typical for Cassie, as she describes herself as needing to “have ground under me,” but she had been working freelance for a long time with other agencies. So although she says, “I don’t leap,” she did by founding her own marketing firm.

SOFO, which turns four this summer, specializes in hospitality and wellness brands — restaurants, bars, and day spas across North Carolina and beyond. The dual focus wasn’t entirely planned, as Cassie’s original vision centered on food and beverage, a natural extension of her years spent working in restaurants from back of house to front.

(She says she’s done everything in a restaurant except tend bar.)

But an opportunity to work with day spas, building on experience from her Dallas years, shifted the balance. Today, wellness clients account for much of the business — and require a fundamentally different approach. “Restaurants tend to

“With marketing, there is always tension in terms of the art and the science of it.”

year. But this expansion has forced Cassie to confront something harder than scaling a business: letting go.

“I want to shift into the CEO mindset — be strategic, support my team, work on the business, not in the business,” she says. “I’ve got one foot there and one foot out.”

For someone who describes herself as “incredibly organized” with “a project management system and a spreadsheet and a procedure for everything,” releasing control doesn’t come naturally. “I’m used to running it and knowing exactly what’s happening all the time,” she admits. “Now I just know that I have a great team … and release.”

Cassie’s husband — her “entire board,” she jokes — has an MBA in entrepreneurship and serves as her sounding board. Her parents help with the children and help make the daily balancing act possible.

need mostly social media support,” Cassie explains. “Whereas with spas, I’m their entire marketing manager: media buying, radio ads, online promotions … everything.”

What started as a solo operation has grown into a team of account managers, social media specialists, and a new graphic designer. More clients are expected this

Looking ahead five years, Cassie sees the CEO role fully realized: a thriving client roster, a capable team, and perhaps a little less running around. But she won’t rush it.

“I’d rather miss out on an opportunity than take on something and not know that I can deliver,” she says. “I think in life and in business, I’m an under-promise, over-achieve kind of person. I find that that serves me well.”

Dustin Williams

Chamber

of

For Dustin Williams, success is measured in smiles, handshakes, and moments shared between neighbors. “Honestly,” he says, “the saddest thing in the world today — and that’s what I’m trying my best in my job to do: be nice — is that in the busyness or the KPIs, we’ve lost that focus. If I could write a book, it would be called How to Say Hello.”

Dustin’s philosophy is simple: Business thrives where relationships do. That humancentered approach has helped transform the Fuquay-Varina Chamber into the fastest-growing chamber in North Carolina, nearly tripling its membership since he took the helm three years ago. “We had 160 new members last year,” he says, whereas a typical year would be 50 to 75. “It’s overwhelming in a good way.”

“I love what I do because we’re creating that avenue for someone to grow their business.” President, Fuquay-Varina

That focus on connection comes naturally to Dustin, as he spent 21 years working for the YMCA of the Triangle before stepping into the chamber world. “I’ve always been in the community, always been with people,” he says. “I went from helping people to helping businesses … and fell in love.”

After living in Fuquay with his family for almost 17 years, Dustin now finds himself living, working, playing, doing everything in the same town. “Every day I go to work, I’m

either planning the next thing or helping someone that calls or walks in. The most satisfaction I get is when a business owner says, ‘I have seven more clients now thanks to this event.’”

Dustin knows that many small-business owners aren’t natural networkers. “What surprised me is how introverted business

Commerce

That’s exactly what Dustin is doing through events and programs that bring people together, like Next-Gen Entrepreneur Day, where kids ages 7 to 17 sell their own products. “I can say at our chamber, you’ll meet a 17-yearold girl and someone in their 80s.”

Dustin is also intent on breaking the old stereotypes about chambers of commerce. “Nationally, chambers can be seen as the good old boys’ club — a cup of coffee and golf,” he jokes. “Well, I hate golf. I don’t like coffee.”

This sense of authenticity ripples through Fuquay-Varina’s rapidly growing business community. But as Dustin says: “No matter how big we get, it’s still about who you know. … You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room or the wealthiest. It’s about who knows who, and who’s helping that person.”

owners can be,” he says. They often feel more comfortable behind the scenes and have to divide their time among many demands.

“I love helping them tell their story,” he says, relishing the opportunity to create spaces and places for them to grow their businesses. “It’s been really cool to hear those success stories or to see their confidence.”

That’s what drives Dustin every day. “If chambers are doing the right thing,” he says, “it’s about advocating, storytelling, relationship building. … We’ve lost the focus of making new friends. If you went back to elementary school, and you asked someone, ‘Hey, want to play?’ — that’s the same thing I’m doing. Just say hello. That one hello could change everything.”

Made for Shade Raleigh-based Shibumi Shade celebrates 10 years

WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND | PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHIBUMI

“It’s amazing to think that the Shibumi Shade has changed beach culture, changed the way families go to the beach. … We never dreamed that Shibumis would become so popular.”

That’s Dane Barnes, who, together with his brother, Scott, and their best friend, Alex Slater, founded Raleigh-based Shibumi Shade 10 years ago. Since the wind-powered shade’s invention, the company has sold hundreds of thousands of Shibumis, expanded the product line, and become the “unofficial state flag” of North Carolina.

“You can read a lot of articles online that say, ‘Don’t start a business with your friends or family.’ And I can see how that’s good advice in a lot of cases. But interestingly for us, I think it has made all the difference that we did the opposite. It’s been such a wonderful gift to be able to do this with them.”

— Dane Barnes, Co-founder

It all started with a DIY idea and a sewing machine.

“Family vacation was always one week at the beach in Emerald Isle. In those days there were only traditional umbrellas and the 10-by-10 pop-up tents. … As we got older, it was our job to help set up the shade,” recalls Dane. “We started daydreaming: Could there be a better way?”

“We were inspired by things like kites, seagulls and pelicans gliding down the beach, flying on the wind … and even dating back to when I was growing up, my grandparents would hang bed sheets on a clothesline,

LEFT: Despite having no prior sewing experience, Shibumi’s founders made 32 shades their first year, all sewn to order.

BELOW: Shibumi founders Scott Barnes, Dane Barnes, and Alex Slater

watching them blowing in the breeze. All of those things inspired us to wonder if the ocean breeze could help create shade.”

On one of those trips to Emerald Isle, the trio decided to act — using PVC conduit pipe, fabric from JOANN Fabric and Crafts, a hack saw, and a sewing machine.

“We taught ourselves how to sew, made the first prototype, and set it up on the beach — not ever thinking that this would be a business, but just making one for ourselves. It started to attract a lot of attention from other folks on the beach. … So many people came up that eventually it

gave us the confidence to say, ‘maybe there is a business opportunity here.’”

That first summer — in 2016 — Dane, Scott, and Alex made 32 Shibumis, sewing each to order, and delivering them to customers.

Ten years later, the company encompasses 30 full-time employees, headquarters and a warehouse in Raleigh, and its products have reached more than 800 beaches across the US.

“We personally called or texted our first 7,000 customers from our cell phones,” says Dane, leaving messages of gratitude and offering customer service support if necessary.

The founders switched to text messages for the next 13,000 before ending the tradition once the sales rose too high to keep up.

“That was a cool time to tell our story to people and build that connection between the Shibumi brand and the customer,” Dane says.

The color-blocked, wind-powered beach shade exploded in popularity in NC, where it is commonplace — but still “unbelievable,” Dane says — to see aerial images of dozens of Shibumis lining the coast in destinations such as Emerald Isle, Topsail Island, Wrightsville Beach, and the Outer Banks in the signature blue and teal hues.

“For the first seven years, we only offered the blue and teal (color combo). We chose those colors because they represent the deep water of the ocean, in the sapphire blue, and the shallow water is the teal. We think those are just beautiful colors that fit the place,” explains Dane.

“We did sell out our first five years in a row. Everything that we made, we sold out. It was just pandemonium for people trying to get one. That was a really exciting time,” he remembers. “We never dreamed that so many people would want a Shibumi Shade, and the demand caught us really by surprise.”

Customers are drawn to the ease of setup and take down, which can be accomplished by one person in a matter of minutes; the compact size and light weight (only 4 pounds); and the spread of shade coverage (up to 150 square feet). Ninety-four percent of the website’s reviews award the shade five stars.

Dane believes the brand’s commitment to customer service and their “Let’s Make it Right Promise” elevates Shibumi Shade above competitors.

“If something goes wrong, we’re going to make it right.”

Dane recounts one customer’s bizarre beach incident: “A customer writes in and there’s a photo of a (person holding a) tropical black and white striped fish, and it’s a little bit mangled. And then there’s a photo of a Shibumi with a big slit in it. The person writes in and says, ‘This hawk or eagle

is flying down the beach, and it dropped the fish that it was carrying. That fish fell right through our canopy.’

“So we sent them a new one. We want to treat anyone who buys a Shibumi like they are our friend, like they’re our mom. We want to go above and beyond to take care of them.”

Creating high-quality products that are easy to use with beautiful designs has been the foundation guiding Shibumi’s innovations. When the company introduced a beach chair last year, it checked all those boxes, too.

Named by Forbes as the Best Beach Chair Overall in 2025 — the magazine

called the chair “masterfully well-designed” and cited the rust-resistant marine-grade aluminum frame and the comfortable seat — Shibumi Chairs sold out in 2025. (At time of publication, the chairs are fully stocked in regular and tall versions. Go getcha one!)

It may sound like Shibumi’s 10-year journey has been nothing but beautiful sunsets and smooth seas, but there have been plenty of rough patches to navigate.

“We have had something like 180 copycats and counting. We luckily have been able to stop all of those using our intellectual property patents and so forth. Those are really unfortunate and

stressful, but I am proud that we’ve been willing and able to defend the intellectual property of the invention,” says Dane.

“We have had to lobby a couple of local governments that had ‘Umbrellas Only’ rules. We had to make the case that tons of your residents and visitors want a Shibumi Shade.”

Myrtle Beach remains one nearby destination that maintains an umbrella-only policy, banning the use of Shibumi Shades — something the founders continue to work to change.

And the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene impacted one of Shibumi’s

Western NC–based production partners, forcing a change in facilities.

The company maintains a commitment to innovation, always looking for ways to improve the products and processes. Two recent updates — introducing the Quiet Canopy and offering limited-edition colors — illustrate that dedication.

“Lots of people wanted new colors to express themselves and stand out a bit,” says Dane. 2026 options include “Sunset,” vibrant pink and orange, and “Summer Sky,” muted teal and gray, as well as the signature blue and teal “Ocean.”

Earlier this year, Shibumi introduced its first non-beach product: the Shibumi Park Vista.

“Not knowing how to do something should never get in the way of actually pursuing an idea.”

— Dane Barnes, Co-founder

“It’s essentially a shade for grass — think your backyard, soccer or football sidelines, parks. We’re really excited about our first product away from the beach.”

Dane, Scott, and Alex — natives of Winston-Salem and graduates of UNCChapel Hill — are frequently called on to speak to students at area universities, offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflecting on Shibumi’s growth.

“Not knowing how to do something should never get in the way of actually pursuing an idea — because we did not know how to do anything with Shibumi,” Dane admits. “We didn’t know how to create a logo (this

was before AI). We didn’t know how to sew; we didn’t know how to ship something. We didn’t know how to get our product in a retail store. We didn’t know, really, what intellectual property meant. The list is endless for what we didn’t know how to do, but we believed in the idea, and I think that that’s enough.

“You’re going to encounter a thousand problems, and you’ll solve them one by one. There’s no guarantee that any given idea or startup or product may be successful, but not knowing how to do things should never stand in the way of giving it a whirl if it’s something you believe in.”t

shibumishade.com

small business spotlight

The Vintage Teapot Where British elegance meets Southern charm

WRITTEN BY KIMBERLY GENTRY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

surrounded by an extensive collection of place settings used to host English tea parties and special events.

For two local British women, using vintage tea services to create beautiful tablescapes is anything but dated. It’s an enduring tradition for modern times and the focus of The Vintage Teapot, based out of Fuquay-Varina.

The Vintage Teapot is stocked with rentable tableware items including teacups, saucers, and more, all for curating the look and charm of an English afternoon tea for events ranging from bridal showers to birthday parties.

Haylie-Jo Wiltshire and Sam Statham are the energetic and creative forces behind The Vintage Teapot. The jovial pair, who wear matching teacup necklace charms, met 12 years ago at an event hosted by British Ladies Around Raleigh, an informal group Wiltshire formed via Facebook as a way of meeting other transplanted Brits. Their friendship was fueled by their love of hunting for vintage servingware. In 2017, the pair started lending out teacups

and hosting tea parties purely for the joy of it. Rave reviews followed.

“It was so much fun, and they loved it,” Haylie-Jo excitedly recalls about the parties. “I was blown away by how much they loved it.”

With these successes, Haylie-Jo’s entrepreneurial wheels started turning and the concept of a bespoke tableware business was born. The company officially launched in January 2025 with the slogan, “Rent the past · Enjoy the present · Create the memories.”

The team works with clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Their services range from tea sets for small gatherings to full tablescapes for events with 40–50 people.

The company’s collection of vintage pieces — the “past” part of their slogan — offers nostalgic beauty.

“The majority of our collection dates from the 1930s through 1970s, with one set from 1898,” Haylie-Jo says, adding they also have newer, vintage-inspired pieces.

In addition to teacups (which the pair have nicknamed “Ladies”), the collection includes vintage cutlery, napkins, linens,

and over 200 glasses and goblets. Pinks, soft blues, florals, gold accents, and more — there is something for everyone’s taste among the collection’s colors and patterns.

Both women come from backgrounds that center on detailed, client-focused work. Haylie-Jo’s career includes advertising/marketing and previously owning a successful online paper crafting supply company. Additionally, she has a Special Event Planning and Production certificate from Wake Tech.

Sam was a nurse in the UK. After moving to America, she stayed busy as a mom and used her organizational and people skills

in a variety of ways, such as planning school events and working in guest services at a local fitness company.

With personalization as a cornerstone, the pair works with clients to accommodate their vision and any special requests.

“No two events are the same,” Sam says. “Each one is unique. We take the time to listen to what the client wants, how they feel it will look — whimsical, matching, color scheme — and guide them if they need us to.”

After a client approves their selections, the items are safely boxed and personally delivered. When the event is over, The

Vintage Teapot team retrieves the tableware and handles all the washing.

For clients needing additional services, The Vintage Teapot has a network of dedicated partner vendors for catering, floral arrangements, and more. They even have a vendor for cleaning your house or business before or after an event.

Some clients request a brief overview of tea traditions, a curiosity likely piqued by popular English-based television shows including Bridgerton and Downton Abbey, in Haylie-Jo’s opinion.

“I just love the history of it, and I love teaching Americans more about tea.”

The Vintage Teapot is not only about creating delightful table décor, but also how the English tea tradition has a special way of connecting people.

“‘Enjoy the present’ is very much what we want to do with our events,” Haylie-Jo says, referencing their slogan. “Make people stop, slow down, and be present in their gatherings.”

Since starting the business, she has noticed how teacups have a special effect on people. They’re curious about them, admire them, and when they use them, they do seem to be more in the moment.

“It just changes people,” she says. “What I didn’t realize was a teacup would change people.”

This was the case during a Galentine’s party for a cheerleading team. Except for a few event pictures, Sam says the cell phones were set aside.

“The feedback we got, and the photos they shared — they just said, ‘We never

expected this young group of girls to just sit at the table and converse for an hour.’”

The Galentine’s party also exemplifies the slogan’s third component: Create the memories.

The goal is “making those moments live on after an event,” Haylie-Jo explains, “whether they are remembered, captured in photos, or shared long after the event ends. If you mention what we do to people, I bet you get a lot of people saying, ‘Oh, I did that for my daughter when she was 7; she’s 40 now, but I still remember it.’”

If you want to make memories with the help of thoughtfully planned, English tea–inspired tablescapes, Haylie-Jo and Sam are ready to brew up something special for you. t

thevintageteapot.com

TRUMAN’S SMOKEHOUSE & KITCHEN

WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Truman White doesn’t consider himself a chef.

“I’m just a cook,” the easygoing Alabama native says with an understated smile.

This straightforward self-appraisal reveals the humble yet workmanlike approach the restaurant proprietor brings to his new

namesake eatery in downtown Fuquay.

Guests come early and often to get their fill of everything from breakfast bowls and specialty coffee drinks to barbecue platters and craft cocktails. No doubt they appreciate the relaxed vibe, generous portions, and friendly service they encounter with each visit.

Fittingly, the restaurant earned honorable mentions for Best New Restaurant, Best Breakfast, and Best Barbecue in the 2026 Main & Broad Maggy Awards.

“We’re excited to be recognized by our loyal guests,” says Truman, a Navy veteran turned IT professional who’s always enjoyed cooking — and eating — quality comfort food. From the time he was just eight years old, he helped make pizza and other family favorites alongside his mother and grandmother. What originally began as a food truck has grown into a brick-and-mortar eatery situated in the former Brus on Main in downtown Fuquay.

“Sometime last year I was at The Mill envisioning owning and running a place in the local community,” Truman explains. Shortly afterward, he told Brus owner Tracy Gower to keep him in mind if she wanted to leave the space.

Eventually the timing worked out. Truman’s opened its doors for business in mid-2025.

early

“We took our time to get the kitchen set up just the way we wanted it,” says Truman, adding that the restaurant has a small, reliable smoker oven onsite.

Most days involve cooking and serving everything from chicken and waffles to burgers to smoked meats.

There’s good reason locals enjoy visiting Truman’s for the first meal of the day. The Garbage Bowl, a classic returning favorite from the Brus menu, is the ultimate hearty breakfast: a messy heap of eggs, cheese, and corned beef hash, all smothered in sausage gravy over crispy potatoes or creamy pimento cheese grits.

“When we opened, we weren’t necessarily thinking we’d be a place for breakfast,” Truman explains, “but what we found was

that the community really supports breakfast service, especially on the weekends.”

Be sure to try the biscuits, which are made with love using White Lily flour, buttermilk, and lard.

“My mom is the best biscuit maker you’ll ever meet, and she came here and taught our crew how to make them,” Truman shares.

For a lighter option, choose sourdough avocado toast crowned with egg, tomato, and Everything Bagel seasoning.

“We get the bread from our good friends at Stick Boy, which is right next door,” Truman reveals.

Pair your breakfast with a cappuccino, espresso, or Americano brewed with locally procured java from Oak City Coffee Roasters,

Choose from three varieties of

“ My mom is the best biscuit maker you’ll ever meet, and she came here and taught our crew how to make them . ”

— Truman White

an intentional change from the New York–sourced beans previously served at Brus on Main. Or kick it up a notch with a specialty latte like the Wound-Up Tortoise with white chocolate and caramel or the crème de menthe–infused Stoked Grasshopper.

“ The smoked meats are the stars of the show, especially the brisket. ”

— Truman White

“The Wound-Up Tortoise and another called Wound-Up Turtle were bestselling coffee drinks on the previous menu, so we purposely kept them around,” Truman says.

Solid midday food options include a Reuben sandwich featuring house-smoked corned beef, a smash burger drizzled with zesty pub sauce, and the French Pig comprising pulled pork, cheddar, pickles, onions, and a ridiculously good sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce.

“We make the sauce in five-gallon batches,” says Truman. “When we first started it had 19 ingredients, but now we’ve got it down to 12, including ginger and honey.”

At lunch or dinner, tempting spring roll appetizers are well worth consideration. Whether you select the crispy rolls stuffed with pulled pork and mac and cheese, buffalo chicken, or smoked brisket and pimento cheese, you can’t go wrong.

“Our pimento cheese is made with extra-sharp cheddar, Duke’s mayo, a touch of honey, hot sauce, and fresh jalapeños,” Truman discloses.

If you see it on the menu, order the fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and a balsamic reduction.

Two- and three-meat platters are crowd-pleasing favorites, particularly at dinnertime. Choose from among beef brisket, pulled pork, sausage, meatloaf, and turkey plus two side items, pickles, and Texas toast.

“The smoked meats are the stars of the show, especially the brisket,” says Truman, who advised that the highly desired protein often sells out.

“We’re using prime beef smoked lowand-slow over hickory wood,” he adds.

Don’t ignore the shrimp and grits involving sauteed shrimp served atop creamy grits imbued with scratch-made pimento cheese. Or ask if the fall-off-the-bone St. Louis–style pork spareribs are available (just be sure to have plenty of napkins handy).

Rewarding side items include ham hock–tinged collard greens, whiskey-battered onion rings, and sidewinders, a cross between crinkle-cut and steak fries.

“Our french fries are seasoned with our barbecue rub and cooked in beef tallow, which makes them crispier and adds flavor,” Truman says.

When it comes to libations, Truman’s accessible full-service bar churns out quality craft cocktails. Curated mimosa

flights, another Brus carryover, are popular on weekends.

The restaurant offers counter service for breakfast and lunch and table service for dinner.

“We’re not fine dining by any means,” says Truman. “The atmosphere for breakfast and lunch is very relaxed, but for dinner we lower the lights and make it a bit more intimate. We want people to feel comfortable and get a good portion for a fair price.”

A cozy lounge area affords guests access to an electric fireplace, while a petfriendly outdoor patio comfortably seats 25 to 30 people.

Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with dinner on Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 8 p.m. The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis, and event catering is available.t

tru-b-que.com

@trumanssmokehouse

Jean Guevarra You, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Jean Guevarra You, DDS

Now Accepting New Patients

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available. In-Network with Most Insurance Carriers. In-House Membership Plan Available Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More

Now Accepting New Patients

Accepting New Patients

Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available. In-Network with Most Insurance Carriers. In-House Membership Plan Available

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Local Lit

WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT

Our local literary landscape glimmers with gems. From a pacey YA fantasy thriller to a trial-by-fire culinary memoir, distinctive guidebook to enthralling mystery, area authors are making waves way beyond Wake. This selection of books published thus far in 2026 showcases some of the diverse voices and stories that define our region. Whether you pack them for the beach or use them as an excuse to stay on the couch, your next favorite read could just be found among these treasures. (And don’t forget to spread more local love by shopping community bookstores first!)

Bios and book descriptions were contributed by representatives of the respective authors and have been edited for length and clarity.

Nonfiction - Guidebook

Secret Raleigh: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

By Emily Price | Reedy Press

Raleigh might be best known for barbecue and government buildings, but peel back a few layers and you’ll find a city where massive pink dogs, NASCAR legends, and a very suspicious-looking house all have a place. Secret Raleigh is your guide to the city’s quirkiest corners — like a former racetrack now swallowed by trees and a soapbox derby where costumes are just as important as speed. You’ll meet a 22-foot Muffler Man, discover redwoods growing in front yards, and learn why the state capital owes its location to a tavern with good drinks.

Want waterfalls? Raleigh’s got a secret one inside the Beltline. Dream of living in a fire station? Someone beat you to it. With author Emily Price, this isn’t your average guidebook — it’s a celebration of the curious, overlooked, and delightfully weird. It’s perfect for locals who think they’ve seen it all, or visitors who prefer their travel with a side of “wait, what?” Bonus points if you pack a camp chair and a sense of humor.

Emily Price is a Raleigh native whose first job at the North Hills JCPenney taught her how to fold jeans with precision — and how to navigate North Raleigh without hitting every red light. These days, she writes about booze, offbeat history, and the overlooked corners of her hometown with the passion of someone who’s proudly earned two plates at Flying Saucer. She watched the Canes win the Cup (twice), gave up vegetarianism for a Char-Grill burger, and still considers Big Boss Brewing her spiritual home base. She’s never met a roadside oddity she didn’t love (or wouldn’t immediately take a detour to investigate).

Emily Price knows that “There’s so much fun Raleigh history hiding in plain sight — you just need to know where to look.” Thankfully, she’s willing to serve as intrepid guide for her readers.

“I ultimately tried to strike a balance between classic Raleigh stories like The Joel Lane House and more unusual things, like Gotno Farm, that even Raleigh natives might not know are out there,” she says about her three years of putting together the book’s stories.

Among her many discoveries, Emily learned that Raleigh has a knack for both embellishing stories and not preserving things well enough to disprove some of the wild tales that have spread. For instance, she says, “That drunken Cherry Bounce story we all like to tell might not be exactly how Raleigh was founded, but it is a fun story.”

Since the book reveals Raleigh’s best- (and worst-) kept secrets, one of her favorite stories that didn’t make it into publication involves a now-famous ham dating back to 1937 that resurfaced at The Mecca Restaurant. It even had its own Twitter account, she shares. Downtown also has its fair share of ghost stories. As Emily says: “Raleigh might be a bit more haunted than you think!”

When it comes to what’s next, Emily would ultimately like to take on a more expansive Secret North Carolina book. “Raleigh has a lot of wild stories, but so does the rest of the state,” she says. “I’d love to tell them.”

Fiction - Young Adult

Devious Prey

By Scott Reintgen | Margaret K. McElderry Books | Simon & Schuster

In this thrilling young adult fantasy adventure by New York Times bestselling author Scott Reintgen, a young dragon smuggler joins crew and passengers in a struggle to survive following their airship’s crash on a mysterious island.

In Devious Prey , a young woman must survive the deadly mythical creature she smuggled aboard an airship after a crash landing on a deserted island frees it to begin hunting the survivors. When an airship’s windmaster dies mid-flight, the crew and its passengers are swept out to sea by a violent storm. They crash on a desolate island, but they’re not alone. A dragoness had been stashed in the hold. After escaping a damaged cage, it begins preying on the surviving travelers in the hopes of remaining free.

The stranded group’s best chance of making it home alive is the young woman who smuggled the dragoness on board in the first place — and the mysterious teen boy who was led onto the ship in chains before takeoff. Both have secrets that could help them survive on the island … but those same secrets could deliver a death sentence if they ever make it home.

Scott Reintgen is a former public-school teacher from North Carolina. When he’s not writing, he uses his imagination to entertain his wife, Katie, and their three children. Scott is the New York Times bestselling author of the Waxways series, the Nyxia trilogy, the Dragonships series, and the Celia Cleary series for younger readers. You can find him on Instagram @Reintgen, on X @Scott_Thought, or on his website at ItsPronouncedRankin.com.

With a goal to “put something down on the desk in my classroom that any of my students could pick up and read,” Scott Reintgen started writing fiction for young adults. Now on his 16th title, the former ninth grade English and creative writing teacher still considers his works “invitation books.”

As he hopes to “invite young adults to the table of reading for the first time or back to the table,” Scott focuses on the element of plot to keep everything interesting and tightly written. For that reason, he refers to his books as “YA fantasy thrillers.”

Last fall, The Rise of Neptune, the latest title in his Dragonships series, which his readers have an “intense love for,” released to 220 readers waiting in line for a signed copy. Fortunately, those fans have just one summer to survive before the series extends with The Void Dragons this October.

“This is where my story started … and is continuing,” says prolific Scott about his writing career. All around Cary, he sees snapshots of where he became an author. He considers it his duty to the community to invite new readers and writers, and he’s grateful he gets to do that — through signings, talks, and appearances — in Cary, North Carolina.

This is where my story started … and is continuing.”

—

Scott Reintgen

It’s easy to live around here. … What amazes me is the extraordinary support for the arts.”

— Maxim Langstaff

There’s so much fun Raleigh history hiding in plain sight — you just need to know where to look.”

— Emily Price

Raleigh is family, and my writing reflects that.”

— Brigid Washington

Fiction SASQ’ET

By Maxim Langstaff | Manhattan Book Group

While known in the entertainment sector for his work with Sir George Martin including the Making of Sgt. Pepper, the award-winning PBS series Soundbreaking, and John Denver, SASQ’ET is a work of historical fiction — a family saga spanning generations; a novel of myth, mystery, and adventure.

This debut novel explores the thin line that separates myth from reality, a genre-bending masterpiece inviting readers on an unforgettable expedition into the heart of the unknown.

SASQ’ET calls on us to reexamine the boundaries between history, legend, and the power of belief.

In 1939, a deadly confrontation in the Canadian wilderness shatters young Albert Pingree’s life and leaves him the keeper of a truth so staggering it could tear apart mankind’s understanding of itself. Sixty years later, his granddaughter Mallory, a small-town veterinarian in rural New Hampshire, inherits more than his fortune; she inherits his secret. When Albert is found dead behind his remote British Columbia cabin, Mallory is drawn into a world of deception, lost identity, and scientific obsession. Inside a locked candle box, she uncovers a horrific relic — a severed hand too large to be human — and a note that beckons her toward the impossible.

Mallory recruits Dr. George Avery, the world’s leading field zoologist, to help her identify what she has found. At first, he is reluctant, unaware of the magnitude of what she has brought to him. As the puzzle begins to take shape, he is confronted by what the answers they find reveal.

Exploring deeper, their growing affection ignites a sense of purpose, even as they face the shadows of the past and the dangers of their pursuit. In the haunting wilds of the Pacific Northwest, nature’s grandeur and brutality are ever-present. Tangled forests and untamed rivers, bears, wolves, and the ancient reverence of Indigenous traditions surround them, blurring the lines between myth and reality. Their quest becomes a journey not only to solve a mystery, but to reconcile love, loneliness, and the immortal question of our place in a world still ruled by secrets.

Hear more insights from Maxim on episode 54 of the What’s Up, Wake podcast, available on YouTube @WhatsUpWakeNC, carymagazine.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Maxim Langstaff is a Grammy- and Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and author whose creative work has reached millions worldwide. Known for his vision and exceptional storytelling, Max has collaborated with many of the most influential figures in music and popular culture. SASQ’ET is his first novel.

“Writing is a very solitary affair,” Maxim Langstaff notes, but he also emphasizes that he’s been supported in many ways by the community, as much of the book was written locally and the “making it all happen happened here.”

The book started around 2013, Max shares, although SASQ’ET initially began as a collection of thoughts rather than a structured narrative. As he explains: “I didn’t know why I was writing. And I didn’t know what I was writing for.”

Max describes SASQ’ET as a “what-if book” — one that intentionally blurs the lines between fact and fiction. Because when he asked himself what he hoped to achieve, he wanted “to give the reader an opportunity to go on this journey and make it so encompassing that fact or fiction don’t matter anymore.”

The writer must like the process, he says, because “If you’re driven to write a book to create an outcome, I’m not sure how much that really is going to resonate with other people.” Max believes artists should be compelled by the creative process, which is why he finds it “easy to live around here. … What amazes me is the extraordinary support for the arts.”

Culinary Memoir

Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef

By Brigid Washington | St. Martin’s Press

High pressure. Hot kitchens. A memoir of ambition, belonging, and coming of age in America’s premier culinary school. Rich with detail, Salt, Sweat & Steam takes readers inside America’s top culinary school and shows what’s really required to become a chef: from brutal unpaid internships and grueling practical exams to latenight vending machine dorm-room dinners while trudging through the rarefied world of fine wine. As editor of the school’s newspaper, La Papillote , Brigid meets and interviews food-world luminaries such as Jerome Bocuse, Daniel Boulud, and Thomas Keller and savors the joys of a life devoted to food. She puts us all in her kitchen clogs as she finally achieves the perfect mise en place both in and out of the dignified kitchen of The Culinary Institute of America.

Unwilling to accept a future that is anything but delicious, readers follow along with Brigid’s high-octane journey through the rigors and rewards of the country’s most elite cooking school.

Brigid Washington is a Trinidadian food writer who has covered a variety of topics, including Caribbean food and culture as it intersects with life in the United States. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Brigid is the author of Caribbean Flavors for Every Season: 85 Coconut, Ginger, Shrimp, and Rum Recipes . Her writing has appeared in Bon Appétit , Food & Wine , Harper’s Bazaar , Real Simple , The New York Times , The Washington Post , Travel & Leisure , and a number of other publications. She serves as the vice-chair of the journalism awards committee for

the James Beard Foundation. She lives with her husband, Joseph, and two children in Raleigh.

In her Author’s Note, Brigid Washington includes: “I believe that a memoir is as much for the person writing it as for the reader …” What she gleaned from the writing and publishing experience of Salt, Sweat & Steam was that while writing is a “very intimate process,” she “gained a deeper understanding that even a deeply personal activity can lend itself to very large and universal revelations.”

Brigid says the direction of our local culinary landscape reflects the diversity and creativity of its residents — “and that’s a delicious thing!” Most Triangle restaurants “uniquely understand, on a cellular level, the mechanics of good hospitality and the rich rewards of making guests feel truly welcomed, no matter the check size,” she continues. That’s something she says should never change.

When it comes to whether she’s inspired by the Triangle, Brigid shares that after attending NCSU for undergrad, despite stints in New York and countless trips overseas, “Raleigh is family, and my writing reflects that.” Her first NY Times byline was a profile of Ajja and Big Cat chef Cheetie Kumar. “How’s that for inspiration?” she asks.

South Wake Area Native Ecosystem Conservation

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA CARSON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRYAN REGAN

It was 10 a.m. on a fine Sunday morning in April, and the parking lot at the Lake Pine entrance to Apex Community Park was completely full. A group of high school students gathered to the side wearing work gloves and lightweight orange safety vests, ready to participate in one of many environmental conservation events coordinated between the Town of Apex and local nonprofit SWANEC (South Wake Area Native Ecosystem Conservation).

High school students June Chae of Cary Christian School and Stefan Anderson, Connor Chase, Tushar Choudhary, and

Mason Finger of Middle Creek High School founded SWANEC in 2024. Their mission?

“Our primary goal is to restore and preserve the natural ecosystem of South Wake County,” says the SWANEC website. “We remove invasive species, restore native habitats, and mobilize volunteers across southern Wake County to protect the landscapes that sustain our local wildlife and communities.”

June Chae, SWANEC’s incoming project coordinator, traces his interest in conservation back to his childhood with his sister.

“We would always take the coral honeysuckle, and we’d always suck on the honey that

would come out. And then as time went on, that was my stepping stone where I grew really interested in nature and where I grew a passion for it.”

June highlights the fact that, unlike the Japanese honeysuckle ubiquitous throughout the Triangle, coral honeysuckle is a native species. As he grew up and met friends who shared his interest in the environment, all came to understand the importance of native plants — and the threat posed to them by invasives.

“We realized that all these invasive species are choking out these species that are really necessary for the ecosystem in these parks,” says June.

The teens decided to take action.

“We decided, ‘Why not just create a youth-led impact that really makes not just an impact, but allows other people to collaborate, even if they have no experience?’” June explains.

It was important to the group that the initiative be led by young people — not despite their inexperience, but because of it.

“We want this to be sustainable. We want something to have a voice for the upcoming generations, and for people to really have a determination and a will to carry on preserving our ecosystem,” June states. “Because we want to sustain this relationship between people who are growing and growing, and not just as people, but as individuals who will make a lot of impacts in their daily lives, and we want them to gain those skills through SWANEC while also advocating and making an impact while they’re younger.”

And they have made an impact. Using data validated by the Towns of Cary and Apex, SWANEC estimates that they have removed more than 70,250 square feet, or 6,644 pounds, of invasive plants to date.

The organization’s impact was confirmed by Nora Skinner, Environmental Programs Coordinator for the Town of Apex. Nora states that 846 pounds were removed at Apex Community Park from June to October 2025, while 930 pounds have been removed already in 2026. Additional removal events are scheduled later this year in other Apex parks.

Nora has nothing but praise for the teens of SWANEC and their work.

“It’s been really inspiring to work with them,” she says. “They’re awesome students. They really have their nose to the grind for this kind of work.”

Some of the invasive plants that SWANEC has helped remove around Apex include Japanese stiltgrass, English ivy, and Japanese honeysuckle. And according to Nora, it’s not just teenagers doing the work of removal at these events.

“People have really shown up and shown out,” she says. “We’ve had a ton of volunteers this year. I think the word’s beginning to get out.”

The community is responding well to the group and its efforts. Of the local volunteers recruited from Apex, Nora says, “They’re super engaged. They’re super passionate about the work they do. Even people at the park not involved with the events, if they’re walking around the lake trail, they’ll pop over and say, ‘Thank you for the work you’re doing’ or, ‘This is awesome. How can I get involved?’”

Several of the students who founded SWANEC are seniors who will soon be graduating and attending college. Nora anticipates that the experience they’ve gained with SWANEC will be of great benefit to them moving forward.

“Having this kind of experience is going to be great for them. And the work that we’re doing is so important. It’s just been really, really awesome to get to do this with them and share this important work,” she says. “I hope

that they stick around in the area because if this environmental department grows in Apex, I’m going to need some help. So I hope they’re willing to stick around and enter this kind of field because they’re awesome at it.”

June also sees great possibilities ahead.

“I’m a little sad to see the (seniors) go,” he says. “But honestly, I see a lot of opportunities, and I’m grateful to even have them in the first place.”t swanec.org

Tell us about your agency mission.

Our agency has built our 90-year reputation on simple common sense mixed with just plain decency. I believe in a personal approach when it comes to working with our clients, face-to-face and hands-on. I take pride in building relationships on trust, which is how all business should be done. I am here to provide advice on how to protect your and your family’s greatest assets.

What makes you different from other insurance agencies?

Insurance should not be a “set it and forget it” purchase. I enjoy visiting with my clients and helping them understand their coverages and what those coverages mean to them. Oftentimes, your insurance policy isn’t something you think about until the day you need it, and on that day I want my clients to not only have confidence in their insurance policy, but in me.

What services do you provide?

We are an independent insurance agency, free to choose the best carrier for your personal and commercial insurance needs. We work for the families and businesses in the Triangle to offer the best coverage at the most competitive price. Offering Home, Auto, Business, and Life insurance, Harris & Company Insurance represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies, including Erie Insurance.

Elliott Bisplinghoff Harris & Company Insurance

Embark on a seamless journey through life’s milestones with McCollum Law, PC, your trusted legal ally nestled in the heart of Cary. We specialize in a wide spectrum of services, including business incorporations and contracts, wills, trusts, and estate planning, along with the intricacies of real estate transactions, including purchases, refinances, and home equity loans. Our firm stands as a beacon of comprehensive support for every stage of your life.

With an unwavering dedication to excellence, we approach every transaction with thoroughness and attention to detail. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, we remain agile in the face of marketplace evolution, ensuring that our clients navigate the ever-changing landscape with confidence and ease. Founded on the principles of personalized service and integrity, McCollum Law, PC, sets the standard for client-centric representation. Whether advocating for homebuyers, sellers, agents, builders, developers, or lenders, our mission remains singular: to deliver unparalleled care and expertise, transforming every closing transaction into a seamless, hassle-free experience where your success is our number-one priority.

Theresa Lunt is a top luxury real estate agent based in West Cary, known for her strategic approach to preparing, pricing, and positioning homes in today’s market. She leads the Lunt Real Estate Group at eXp Realty, where she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results. Theresa combines deep local expertise with a refined, high-touch approach, ensuring every home is presented at its highest level and every client is guided with clarity and confidence throughout the process. She is particularly known for helping sellers maximize value through thoughtful preparation and targeted marketing, while navigating buyers with a steady, informed perspective. With a strong presence in the Triangle and a commitment to consistent communication, Theresa provides a seamless and elevated experience from start to finish. Consistently ranked the #1 Agent on Nextdoor in West Cary, Theresa believes communication is the cornerstone of every great relationship.

Theresa Lunt

Lunt Real Estate Group/eXp Realty

150 Preston Executive Drive Cary, NC 27513

(919) 473-6341

theresa@theresalunthomes.com theresalunthomes.com

(919) 338-5620

trianglewellnessandrecovery.com

Dr. Sara Koenig founded Triangle Wellness & Recovery in 2019 with a vision few practices attempt: truly integrated care for mental health and addiction, built around the belief that recovery is about transformational change, not just symptom reduction. Since Zena Chase, LCMHC, LCASA joined as Clinical Director in 2024, her clinical expertise and skilled leadership have helped TWR grow to a team of over 16 staff, all dedicated to the success of every client.

Dr. Koenig is board-certified in Addiction Medicine with advanced training in trauma-focused psychotherapy, and oversees two PAs, including one who provides primary care services in addition to psychiatric and addiction care. Zena oversees and supervises TWR’s entire clinical team.

At the heart of TWR is the Triangle Recovery Model™, an evidence-based framework guiding clients through three phases: Stabilize, Understand, and Create. Recovery built around who you are, not just what you’re struggling with.

Services span individual, couples, and family psychotherapy, EMDR, Medication Management (including MAT), HRT, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and a Dual Diagnosis IOP — all under one roof.

LGBTQIA+ affirming. Neurodivergent friendly. Fiercely patient-centered.

FOOD HAS A WAY OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER. That’s why thousands of visitors follow the rumblings in their stomach to Kinston each year. Here, food isn’t just prepared and served, it’s crafted. Your farm to table meal happens at the place that invented farm to table meals. Your plate of barbecue isn’t just good, it’s best-in-the-nation good. And, that last homemade biscuit on the breakfast table, won’t be there for long. So, put your bathroom scales away, and head over to Kinston. One of the culinary capitals of the South awaits.

Make the Most of the NC Summer

BY ERICA DELONG

There’s nothing like summer in North Carolina, when the days grow longer and the sunshine brighter. How lucky are we to live in such an outdoor paradise? The Tar Heel State has something for everyone. What are you adding to your summer bucket list? Here are some of our family favorites!

I’ll start with the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are often overlooked during the warmer months. This magical region attracted 16.5 million visitors in 2025. With hiking trails in Pisgah National Forest, you can find views for days and, of course, connect with Mother Nature. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just beginning, places like Linville Gorge and Grandfather Mountain are unforgettable.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge is a mustInstagram spot — just don’t drop your phone! I recommend mapping out the waterfalls in the area. Some require very little walking, like Green Mountain Creek Falls in Blowing Rock or Waterfalls Park in Newland, making them perfect if you have small kids.

And then there’s Asheville, which thankfully is thriving again! The town has so many local businesses to support and top-tier food spots. Paddling down the French Broad River provides adventure and relaxation all in one and is a great way to beat the summer heat.

For a really unique stay, Earth & Sky Dwellings offers treehouse rentals or themed retreats reminiscent of Star Wars, Harry Potter, or The Hobbit (earthandskydwellings.com).

A summer in North Carolina wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Outer Banks. The iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is closed for renovations, meaning you can’t climb the stairs this year, but you can still visit the grounds. Windsurfing in Pamlico Sound is a blast, or just prop a chair up on one of the

sandy beaches and let the simplicity fill your soul. Take the kids to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the site of the first powered flight. It’s fun and educational.

My family and I make it down to Atlantic Beach whenever we can. It’s perfect for renting a boat at Beachside Bikes to venture out to Sand Dollar Island when the tide is right. You can also catch the ferry to Cape Lookout and rent an ATV. Be sure to pack a lunch! And make a ferry stop at Shackleford Banks to get a peek at the stunning wild horses. Book early, as spots fill up in the summer.

As a born and bred Durhamite, Durham has so much to offer, from diverse culture to a food scene that earned it a “Tastiest Town in the South” nod from Southern Living. Catching a baseball game with fireworks at Durham Bulls Athletic Park is a must. And right next door, catch a show at DPAC like Hamilton or The Notebook, with dinner within walking distance at the Tobacco District. Sarah P. Duke Gardens should also be at the top of your list. Grab a picture on the famous red Meyer Bridge, the spot where I got engaged.

Lake Norman is just a short drive from Charlotte and 2.5 hours from the Triangle. Rent a pontoon boat for a day on the water, go fishing, or simply relax on the shore. This area has plenty of parks and picnic spots great for families. And if you’re brave, try flyboarding. Y’all, this is so much fun. Make sure someone records the adventure. My

husband lost his swim trunks on his first try, and we’re still laughing about it.

For wine lovers, explore the vineyards of Yadkin Valley, which will make you feel like you’re in Napa Valley, and it takes less than 3 hours to get there. Mount Airy, which inspired Mayberry, takes you back in time to the days of Andy Griffith. If you’re looking for something closer, Cloer Family Vineyards in Apex is perfect for a girls’ day out, and ZincHouse Winery and Brewery in Durham is also a great escape that will make you feel like you’re on vacation.

We have festivals galore during the summer months, like Cary’s iconic Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival August 22–23 in downtown Cary and multiple Fourth of July celebrations. Be sure to check out an event at Dix Park, like the annual Kirby Derby August 22. The park’s must-see sunflower fields also peak in July and make a great spot for family photos.

And you know those weekends where you want to try something different but don’t have time to travel far? The Pik N Pig restaurant in Carthage is the cutest spot where you can eat delicious barbecue and watch small planes take off and land. It’s well worth the 1-hour drive.

We really are lucky to call North Carolina home, with so much to do and beauty all around us!

What are you adding to your summer bucket list? t

Stay connected @EricaDeLong

Opened in downtown Raleigh in December, SMASH Social Club combines flavor and fun in a beautiful rooftop atmosphere. Classic cocktails and seasonal drink specials complement a diverse food menu built for sharing. Social games from ping pong and electric darts to shuffleboard and beer pong are available by reservation or walk-in. smashraleigh.com @smash_raleigh

The Matador

FROM SMASH SOCIAL CLUB

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

When General Manager Casey Moody set out to highlight the classic Paloma’s balance of sweet and bitter, she turned to fresh pineapple juice for brightness and Aperol for its bittersweet complexity. She dubs this version “a great drink to have on a patio on a pretty spring day,” and we agree.

1 ½ ounces tequila (Casey recommends reposado)

½ ounce Aperol

1 ounce pineapple juice

½ ounce lime juice

½ ounce agave syrup grapefruit soda

Combine tequila, Aperol, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice. Top with grapefruit soda.

Cake in a Cloud

FROM ANNIE BAILEY

Cake in a Cloud came about by accident. I needed a quick dessert and didn’t have a lot of time to prepare. I had enjoyed a similar dessert years before, but I had forgotten exactly how it was made, nor did I remember all the ingredients, so I looked around my pantry and developed a version of my own. It was a huge success — a delicious improvisation and a quick preparation. The layers of cream, cake, and custard resemble a cake in a cloud, hence the name. It can also be layered with fruit (strawberries or banana) or coconut for another blast of flavor.

1 store-bought angel food cake

1 container fat free Cool Whip

½ cup ginger snap cookies, crushed custard (recipe below)

Tear or cut the angel food cake into small bites and place in the bottom of a large dish. Generously spoon half of the cooled custard over the cake — don’t be shy. Add a layer of Cool Whip and sprinkle with ginger snap crumbs. Repeat layers, ending with the crumbs. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

For Custard:

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 ½ cups evaporated milk cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature, beaten

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, add flour and cornstarch and stir to combine. Whisk in evaporated milk, heavy cream, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.

• Microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds, until mixture thickens slightly.

• Remove from microwave, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside for one hour at room temperature to cool. Then refrigerate to chill completely.

Now seeking summertime specialties: barbecue hits for days at the grill, bulk recipes that feed a crowd, party punch to liven things up, and back-to-school favorites. Submit at carymagazine.com/recipe-submissions recipes wanted!

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L.A. JACKSON

Oakleaf Hydrangea: Graceful Pizzazz

When it comes to a woody ornamental with regional roots that is not only dependable but dependably pretty, oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) gets high marks in my book. Native to the Southeast, it has been brought out of the woods to charm gardeners with visual grace, and, yes, even a tad of pizzazz.

Oakleaf hydrangea — so-called because its deeply lobed foliage has the look of large oak leaves — is a deciduous shrub that, depending on the cultivar, can top out at around 4 to 8 feet tall. It is a true hydrangea, but, unlike the blooms of common French hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) with their pink, purple, or blue hues, oakleaf blossoms shimmer in shades of elegant white accented by fading petals that tint to pleasing shades of pink, light green, or tan.

Being an indigenous pretty, oakleaf hydrangea is a tough plant that can be placed in almost any landscape scheme. However, it will be happier — aka perform better — in a well-draining area. Also, while this shrub does okay in the sun, being located in a spot that receives some shady relief from the scorch of high afternoon temperatures will prolong its flower show.

Pruning will, of course, keep an oakleaf within intended bounds. Since new blossoms originate on wood formed the previous growing season, the best time to clip or snip is when the flowers start to fade.

Now, about that pizzazz. In bloom, oakleaf hydrangea exhibits botanical elegance and refinement, but truth be told, it also has a sassy streak. As the fall season settles in, oakleaf goes out in a blaze of glory. Bronze, red, purple, burgundy — these are the dazzling colors that adorn the autumnal coats of various cultivars.

And while the foliage of most oakleaf hydrangea cultivars remains sedately green during the growing season, ‘Little Honey’ (a shorty at about 4 feet high and wide) is one selection that shows a sizzlin’ snazzy side in the spring. New leaves emerge a distinct yellow and then temper to handsome chartreuse before flaming out in shades of dynamic red during the fall.

I have seen ‘Little Honey,’ along with other cultivars such as the popular ‘Semmes Beauty,’ the aptly named ‘Snow Queen,’

To Do in the GARDEN May

• Don’t think you have missed out on starting a spring veggie patch! Now is still a good time to plant lima beans, collard greens, green beans, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, watermelons, mustard greens, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, squash, and pumpkins.

• This month is the prime time to start planting gladioli. The best location for the corms of these pretties is in a well-draining, sunny site protected from the wind, as taller cultivars can be tipped over in stiff breezes. For better developed flower towers, mulch around the corms and water weekly after glad spikes start to pop out of the ground.

• If your lawnmower’s spark plug is over two years old, head off to the local friendly hardware store and buy a new one for easier starts this summer.

TIMELY TIP

Although it might seem counterproductive, being cruel to certain ornamental annuals after they have just settled into the garden is actually beneficial. Pinch back summertime bloomers such as petunias, cosmos, salvias, million bells, marigolds, and zinnias when they reach about 8 inches high by using your fingers to squeeze off the end tip of each limb. This will encourage branching, which leads to more flower power. Also doing this leaf nip to sun coleuses makes them bushier and increases their show of fancy foliage. Ditto for pinching back helpful herbs such as tarragon, sage, thyme, oregano, and basil.

RIGHT: The bright spring of ‘Little Honey’

BELOW: Oakleaf hydrangea’s flaming fall hues

and the shorty ‘Pee Wee,’ for sale at area big-box garden centers and independent nurseries. And although you might have to resort to extra efforts either locally or online, ‘Ruby Slippers,’ ‘Queen of Hearts,’ or ‘Munchkin’ are also worth the hunt because their older flowers turn a pronounced, conversation-starting pink. t

L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine. Want to ask L.A. a question about your garden? Contact him by email at lajackson1@gmail.com.

happenings

More than 800 guests gathered in Fenton Square April 2 for the biggest Maggy Party ever! Winners and readers from Cary Magazine, Main & Broad, and Wake Living joined for food and drinks from more than 20 winners, music by Maverick Rose, and networking.

The NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE FEDERATION will honor the recipients of the 61st Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards at a banquet May 2 at the Embassy Suites in Cary. The awards spotlight inspiring efforts across the state, recognizing individuals, organizations, and agencies that have made significant contributions to the conservation and protection of North Carolina’s wildlife, natural habitats, and natural resources.

“Each year we are amazed at the commitment and creativity of North Carolina citizens in protecting wildlife and wild places,” says T. Edward Nickens, NCWF Awards Committee chair. “Many of our award winners tell us their Governor Conservation Achievement Award represents the high point of their career, whether they are full-time scientists or full-time volunteer conservationists.”

Honorees include Katherine Skinner of Durham: Conservation Hall of Fame, Julie H. Moore of Raleigh: Forest Conservationist of the Year, Dr. Arthur E Bogan of Raleigh: Natural Resources Scientist of the Year, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: Natural Resources Agency of the Year, Lake Norman Wildlife

Conservationists: NCWF Chapter of the Year, and others across the state.

GOAPEX ROUTE

Rachelle H. Thompson of Cary received the 2026 Gordon L. Blackwell Alumni Service Award at Furman University’s annual Bell Tower Ball on April 18. The award is granted for extraordinary service to Furman University or the greater community, advancing Furman’s position as a private institution with a public mission.

Rachelle is vice president and chief human resources officer at Carpenter Technology Corporation, a children’s minister at Berean Baptist Church of Raleigh, and a mentor and liaison to local law schools. She created the annual Charles B. Hunt “Hunt for Success” backpack drive for needy students and is a board member of the Patent Training Foundation.

Rachelle earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Furman in 1992, followed by a juris doctor from the University of San Diego in 2005. She was the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in chemistry from Stanford University.

1 increased its service frequency in mid-April, nearly doubling weekly trip options for riders. Monday through Saturday, GoApex routes run every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hourly service will be offered from 7–10 p.m. A newly added Sunday service includes hourly trips from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The route currently operates on a detour during construction on Salem Street.

happenings

The Town of Morrisville received a 2025 Tree City USA recognition from The Arbor Day Foundation thanks to its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit the community.

“Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud the Town of Morrisville is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees,” says Michelle Saulnier, vice president of programs at the Arbor Day Foundation.

“Earning our Tree City designation in 2025 reflects years of intentional work to strengthen our sustainability and protect our natural environment,” says Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley. “Since being elected in 2013, I’ve had the privilege of getting my hands in the dirt planting trees across Morrisville, and I’m proud to lead a council that places stewardship among our highest priorities. Investing in trees helps ensure Morrisville remains one of the healthiest and most vibrant communities in North Carolina.”

The Cary Woman’s Club and MOM’s Valentine for You will host the inaugural CARY GARDEN TOUR May 30 and 31. The tour features 13 private gardens throughout Cary along with displays of classic cars from the TarWheel A’s car club and Corvettes International Car Club. Plein air artists from the Fine Arts League of Cary will present in the gardens, with works for sale at an art show at RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar after the conclusion of the tour Sunday evening.

Adult tickets cost $30 and are valid for both days of the tour. Children under 18 are free. Lunch is available for purchase on Saturday, with proceeds supporting The Friends of the Page-Walker Art and History Center. carygardentour.org

Yard Saleing, the debut short film from Cary resident Michael Tove, screened at the Spring Lane Film Festival in Sanford in early April. Described as a Hitchcockian thriller, the film follows a couple whose yard sale purchase has “unexpected and harrowing consequences that lead them into a deadly, decades-old mystery,” according to a press release.

Following work as a featured extra in The Handmaid’s Tale film from 1989, Michael pursued a career in financial planning. After encouragement from casting director and producer Shari Rhodes (who cast Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind), Michael partnered with a friend in the film industry, Tom Logan, to bring his vision to life. The film has received more than 50 award nominations and wins.

“Every single day, someone on the set would ask me, ‘Does it feel real yet?’ And the answer was always no,” Michael says. “It didn’t feel real until the first time we actually screened it for the cast and crew. And it still feels a little bit surreal, especially now, having found so much success at film festivals. … It’s a real sense of accomplishment to get the film seen, recognized, and enjoyed.”

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Nature’s brushstrokes

Cracked and brittle from years in the sun, a poster of a woman in a Raleigh salon window reveals an abstract beauty created by time and light.