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MORRISVILLE

RDU

Terminal 1

SPARK

CARY APEX

DOWNTOWN CARY PARK

FENTON

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RALEIGH

HOLLY SPRINGS FUJIFILM BIOTECHNOLOGIES in North Ma c ti le th A Complex WELCOME!

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PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

18 24 30 43 ANNUAL EVENTS & ARTS VENUES

DOG-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

EXPLORE WAKE COUNTY WITH THE WANDER APP

105 Special Section: Meet the Experts 123 Top Dentists 130 View from Here

GOLDEN DAZE: 50 YEARS OF LAZY DAZE

FIVE RESTAURANTS TO TRY

A R T S //

F O O D //

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MORRISVILLE

RDU

Terminal 1

SPARK

CARY APEX

DOWNTOWN CARY PARK

FENTON

STREET HOCKEY RINKS

RALEIGH HOLLY SPRINGS FUJIFILM BIOTECHNOLOGIES North Main Athletic Complex WELCOME!

FUQUAY-VARINA

ABOUT OUR TOWNS

Trolls at

DIX PARK VARINA STATION

ON THE COVER: From artist Thomas Dambo’s reclaimed wood trolls to the street hockey rinks in Apex Community Park, Wake County continues to offer rich opportunities for culture, recreation, and exploration. Illustration by Lane Singletary

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LOOKWEST an introduction to western wake 2026–2027, VOLUME 9

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LookWest© is published annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. CHEROKEE MEDIA GROUP 701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 103 Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 carymagazine.com | wakeliving.com mainandbroadmag.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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Primary Care - Holly Springs 101 Cotten Lane, Suite 2 Holly Springs, North Carolina 27540

Primary Care - Kildaire 110 Kildaire Park Drive, Suite 305 Cary, North Carolina 27518 Primary Care - Morrisville Medical Park 101 Holly Creek Road, Suite 200 Morrisville, North Carolina 27560

Dining Guide

Whether you’re craving a trusted favorite or looking to discover the newest spot in town, our Online Dining Guide has you covered. Find the perfect place for every palate, every craving, and every occasion.

From our family to yours.

9 0 0 N . M a i n S t , F u q u a y - Va r i n a | 9 1 9 - 5 5 2 - 8 8 6 8 6 0 S o n - L a n P k w y, G a r n e r | 9 1 9 - 3 2 2 - 5 6 0 4 LOOKWEST 13

Meet the people. Discover the places. Hear the stories shaping our community.

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MEET STYLE MEET FLAVOR MEET INSPIRATION MEET RELAXATION MEET THE UNEXPECTED MEET FENTON Discover a new premium way to shop, menus from award winning chefs, and elevated experiences we designed with you in mind. We’re Fenton, nice to meet you. FentonNC.com LOOKWEST 15

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BrookfieldResidential.com/Wake Prices, plans, elevations, included features, dimensions, square feet, amenities, availability, and terms and incentives are approximate and are all subject to change without notice. All photos, renderings, and other depictions are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change without notice and may include elements that are for display purposes only. *Offers subject to change and cancellation without notice and requires the use of builders preferred lender and title company. Select photos are by NASH Wendell Falls, LLC and NB Ammons Acres, LLC. 2026 Ponder. All Rights Reserved. Ponder is a trademark of NB Ammons Acres LLC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission. 2026 Brookfield Residential ULC. All rights reserved. 7/26

ANNUAL

EVENTS

There’s always something happening in Western Wake. These annual events and festivals bring people out to listen to music, enjoy great food, and celebrate the community. PHOTOS BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Please check websites for the most up-to-date event information.

JANUARY

APRIL

the wheels of yesteryear line Academy Street in downtown Cary. carync.gov/wheels

MLK DREAMFEST Join others in the community to remember the life and efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in downtown Cary through music, discussion, and service. townofcary.org/dreamfest

PIMENTO CHEESE FESTIVAL The nation’s only fest dedicated to the Southern delicacy brings creative food offerings, live music, and a cheese sculpting contest to the Downtown Cary Park. carync.gov/pimentocheese

APEX PEAKFEST Celebrate the Peak of Good Living with live music, food trucks, vendors, local nonprofits, and kids’ activities. apexpeakfest.org

TRIANGLE RESTAURANT WEEK Nearly 100 area restaurants cook up special dishes and menus for this annual event. trirestaurantweek.com

FEBRUARY KRISPY KREME CHALLENGE The best way to run 5 miles is to eat a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts in the middle of it. That’s exactly what you’ll do when you participate in the Krispy Kreme Challenge Challenge, which begins and ends at the NC State University Belltower. krispykremechallenge.com

RALEIGH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL Don’t forget to wear green to this fun-filled and family-friendly parade that makes its way through downtown Raleigh. raleighstpats.org SPRING FLING Celebrate springtime with music, inflatables, and fun for the whole family at North Main Athletic Complex Stadium in Holly Springs. hollyspringsnc.us/360/spring-fling 18

SPRING DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL Get crafty at the annual fest that highlights work from North Carolina artists, plus food and entertainment in beautiful Bond Park. carync.gov/springdaze

AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL If you love to dance, or just love watching it, check out this annual summer showcase of great performances. americandancefestival.org

FEST IN THE WEST Everyone’s a star at this kid-focused fest at Mills Park in Cary. Enjoy games, robotics, a petting zoo, performances, crafts, a Teen Scene, and more. festinthewest.com

TRIANGLE RESTAURANT WEEK All around the Triangle, your favorite restaurants offer special dining menus and deals during this week of good eats. trirestaurantweek.com

MORRISVILLE SPRINGFEST Shop the Western Wake Farmers Market, visit the Chalk Walk, create make-and-take crafts, stop by food trucks, and celebrate native plants at this festival honoring all things spring. morrisvillenc.gov

JUNETEENTH An afternoon filled with performances, dance, and community engagement provides an opportunity to reflect and spread unity. carync.gov/juneteenth

MAY ARTSPLOSURE – THE RALEIGH ARTS FESTIVAL See Raleigh in full color at this weekendlong event that celebrates the arts with temporary installations, vendors, performances, kids’ activities, and more. raleighartsfestival.com WILD ABOUT NATURE Discover and play alongside animals from around the world and learn about conservation efforts from experts and local leaders at Sugg Farm Park in Holly Springs. hollyspringsnc.gov/361/Wild-About-Nature WHEELS ON ACADEMY Calling all car fans! Go back in time and see

contributed photo

MARCH

JUNE

contributed photo Koka Booth Amphitheatre July 4th Celebration

JULY FIREWORKS FRENZY Celebrate Independence Day early with music, food trucks, bounce houses, and a fireworks display over Hunter Street Park in downtown Apex. apexnc.org/1808/Fireworks-Frenzy

heart of the holidays, cary Why have a one-day event when you could enjoy a whole season of celebration? Cary’s Heart of the Holidays combines lights, traditions, competitions, and joy throughout town for the entire holiday season. Performances and activities precede the majestic Tree Lighting in the Downtown Cary Park and the Menorah Lighting outside the Cary Arts Center. Plus, an interactive online map details locations for can’t-miss decorations at businesses and public spaces. The annual Gingerbread House Competition invites individuals and teams in adult, teen, youth, and family categories to create sweet scenes out of 100% edible materials. The entries are displayed around downtown for people to visit and vote for their favorites. Not feeling competitive? Enter a house for display only and skip the voting. In its 47th year in 2026, the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade draws crowds as local businesses, community groups, churches, and bands put on a joyful display from Chatham Street to the Cary Arts Center. The annual Victorian Christmas at the circa-1870 Page-Walker invites attendees to enjoy carolers, sweet treats, stories, and carriage rides. And the Gifting Tree Project gives community groups, friends, and neighbors the chance to decorate themed trees, with winners earning a charitable donation to the nonprofit organization of their choosing. The Kwanzaa Celebration at the Cary Arts Center showcases African culture with dance, storytelling, music, and arts. Nearby, The Cary Theater screens classic films to get everyone into the seasonal spirit. A special mailbox in the Downtown Cary Park even collects letters to be delivered to Santa! carync.gov/holidays

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Get patriotic with live music, visits to the Splash Pad, and fireworks at South Park in Fuquay-Varina. fuquay-varina.org/840/ Independence-Day-Celebration JULY 4TH CELEBRATION You won’t want to miss the rides, patriotic music, and fireworks at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre. boothamphitheatre.com HOLLY SPRINGS JULY 5TH Live music, food trucks, games, and fireworks are all at this “second day for the USA.” hollyspringsnc.us/358/July-5th PEAK CITY PIG FEST Highlighting all things smoky and saucy with a barbecue-cooking competition, street vendors, live music, and a beer garden in the heart of Apex. peakcitypigfest.com

AUGUST LAZY DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL The Town of Cary’s largest festival of the year, this two-day downtown event features more than 250 artists, food vendors, a beer garden, performances, and a kids’ zone. Read more about the festival’s 50th anniversary on page 34. carync.gov/ lazydaze

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SEPTEMBER HOPSCOTCH MUSIC FESTIVAL With more than 100 bands over three days, Hopscotch is known for adventurous lineups, memorable performances, and a fanfriendly atmosphere in downtown Raleigh. hopscotchmusicfest.com

OCTOBER HUM SUB DIWALI Also known as The Festival of Lights, Diwali encourages artistic expression through vibrant performances, unique exhibits, and colorful decorations. carync.gov/diwali CELEBRATE FUQUAY-VARINA FESTIVAL A festive event with live entertainment, craft beer, food, art vendors, and a kids’ zone. celebratefv.com FUQUAY-VARINA HAUNTED TRAIL Choose the sunny, family-friendly walk through the park or the Full Fright option after dark. fuquay-varina.org/714/Halloween-Trail HOLLYFEST The Town of Holly Springs joins with churches, civic organizations, and businesses for this annual community celebration at Jefferson L. Sugg Farm. hollyspringsnc.us/356/HollyFest

Hopscotch Music Festival 20

peak city pig fest, apex Competitive barbecuing is gaining popularity throughout the country, and it’s especially hot in the Triangle. Organized by the Apex Sunrise Rotary Club, the Bone Suckin’ Sauce Peak City Pig Fest draws a mix of backyard hobbyists and nationally ranked teams for a smokin’ two-day competition event. This mouthwatering celebration of barbecue and community features top pitmasters showcasing their best smoked meats alongside a variety of food vendors offering delicious sides and desserts. Live music, cooking demonstrations, vendors, and kids’ activities make for a fun atmosphere for all. Craft beer is served in an onsite beer garden throughout the fest. Proceeds benefit various community charities via the Apex Sunrise Rotary Foundation. peakcitypigfest.com

ARTS & CULTURAL

VENUES There’s no need to go far to enjoy a great live performance or art exhibit. The Western Wake arts scene is vibrant and growing, attracting nationally known musicians and homegrown talent.

CARY ARTS CENTER 101 Dry Ave., Cary (919) 469-4069 carync.gov/caryartscenter

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

NC STATE FAIR A first-class, family-oriented entertainment and educational event complete with rides, fried food, livestock, and giant vegetables. ncstatefair.org MORRISVILLE BOO BASH Collect goodies from costumed characters at the Morrisville Community Park, plus photo booths, face painting, and a costume parade. townofmorrisville.org APEX NIGHT OUT See emergency, construction, landscaping, military, transportation, and delivery vehicles, and meet the people who operate them. apexnc.org/959/touch-a-truck

NOVEMBER

The downtown hub of arts activity, the Arts Center has a 431-seat theater, open studio space, youth classes and camps, and a variety of exhibitions. It is also the home of two performance programs: the Marvelous Music Series and Applause! Cary Youth Theatre.

FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER 123 E. Vance St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-3909 fvarts.org The facility includes a 294-seat theater, an art gallery, studio space, classrooms, and meeting spaces. Home to the Elite and Dash More dance teams. Programming includes summer and track-out camps.

HALLE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER 237 N. Salem St., Apex (919) 249-1120 thehalle.org The beautifully restored 1912 building hosts a variety of cultural performances, visual art exhibits, and movies. Camps and classes for children and seniors are also offered.

HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs (919) 567-4000 hollyspringsnc.us Performance and meeting spaces include an intimate 184-seat theater, a conference center, a spacious lawn for outdoor concerts, and a lobby exhibition space for rotating art shows. The Holly Springs Community Library is also housed in the same complex.

APEX TURKEY TROT 5K RUN Chase down that turkey at Apex Community Park! The race course takes you through the park and around a scenic lake. apexnc. org/538/Turkey-Trot-5K-Run NC CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL See hundreds of larger-than-life lantern displays, including the spectacular dragon on Symphony Lake at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. boothamphitheatre.com RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE Floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus meander through downtown Raleigh. grma.org/christmas-parade Fuquay-Varina Arts Center

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It’s an annual celebration of all things spring! Flowers, plants, and pollinators are the subject of the day, honored by artisan vendors, food trucks, and community organizations alike on the Morrisville Town Hall Campus. The Western Wake Farmers Market complements its regular food vendor lineup with local artists. Kids will love the make-andtake crafts, plus other hands-on activities that celebrate native North Carolina plants. Started in 2025, the community Chalk Walk invites artists of all ages to create themed works of art along the Indian Creek Greenway live during the event. Winners in each category (Youth, Teen, and Adult) earn a special prize following voting on social media. morrisvillenc.gov

springfest, morrisville

Celebrate Fuquay-Varina, Fuquay-Varina “We don’t want to brag or anything, but Fuquay-Varina is awesome!” boasts the Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival website. This annual fest highlights that awesomeness in all its forms, from heritage to business growth to the local social scene, showing that “there really is a dash more to celebrate in Fuquay-Varina!” Shop 50+ local artisans in the Artist Village, or peruse a virtual version on the event website. Enjoy eats from an array of food trucks while you listen to outstanding music from area 22

performers on two stages, one of which is located in a beer garden serving local craft brews. The museum complex is open for a walk through town history, and the Kid Zone includes something for the kid in us all: face painting, a rock wall, and more. And if you fancy participating in a sticky bun eating contest, be on the lookout when registration opens in September. celebratefv.com

DECEMBER MORRISVILLE TREE LIGHTING Kick off the holiday season at Morrisville’s Indian Creek Trailhead. It’s an evening of carols, entertainment, fellowship, and the joyful anticipation of Christmas. morrisvillenc.gov ROTARY CHRISTMAS PARADE The only nighttime holiday parade in Wake County lights up Salem Street in downtown Apex. apexnc.org/1710/RotaryChristmas-Parade HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS Cary ushers in the season with the annual tree lighting, gingerbread house competition, parade, and other family activities. carync.gov/ heartoftheholidays

hollyfest, holly springs

CARY KWANZAA CELEBRATION Traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters embrace African culture through dance, drumming, storytelling, poetry, and the visual arts. carync.gov/kwanzaa FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH Ring in the new year in downtown Raleigh with art, live music, and the famous acorn drop! firstnightraleigh.com

contributed photo

Held annually at Jefferson L. Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs, HollyFest is a cherished community event that ushers in the holiday season with joy and camaraderie. Typically taking place in late October or early November, this family-friendly festival welcomes residents and visitors alike to a vibrant celebration of the people, places, and services that make Holly Springs so special. As you arrive at Sugg Farm, the heart of HollyFest, you’ll be greeted by an atmosphere that signals the season: A chill in the air, leaves swirling at your feet, and a pale but clear sky all cue the impending festive season and the enchantment that comes from staying cozy at home and close to loved ones. Featuring an impressive lineup of local artisans and crafters showcasing their handmade goods, the festival is the perfect place to find special gifts for loved ones while supporting local talent. For the event, The Town of Holly Springs joins with churches, civic organizations, and businesses so attendees can learn about local nonprofit community groups and businesses in the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce–sponsored Business Expo. Food lovers will delight in the diverse selection of culinary offerings available, as local food vendors serve delicious treats and savory dishes that reflect the flavors of the season. A beer garden featuring local breweries creates an inviting atmosphere, and beverages can be enjoyed throughout the entire festival footprint. HollyFest also offers a plethora of activities for families and children, including inflatables, photo opportunities, and a play area. Live performances by local entertainers fill the fall air and enhance the event’s celebratory spirit. Leashed dogs are welcome at this free, rain-or-shine festival. hollyspringsnc.gov/356/HollyFest

HAPPY HOLLY DAYS PARADE Floats, bands, dancers, decorated vehicles, marching groups, and all sorts of entertaining entries travel Main Street through downtown Holly Springs. hollyspringsnc.us/270/happyholly-days-parade

Kwanzaa Celebration

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Dog-Friendly Destinations WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA CARSON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

As someone who grew up outside the city limits of a small town with few neighbors and little entertainment outside of sports, television, sports on television, and books, one of the things I love most about the Triangle is the wide variety of things to do and the relative ease of getting to them. As a lifelong dog lover, I also appreciate how dog friendly many of these attractions are. After all, the only thing better than visiting your favorite go-to spot for a coffee, a drink, or a meal is enjoying them alongside your best four-legged friend! I checked out several local spots with my dog, Ampersand, and I hope you’ll do the same with yours! Amp takes a break from sniffing out the many food spots at Boxyard RTP. 24

The Bark Bar Embedded in the Downtown Cary Park, The Bark Bar is ‘We just come for the ambience. We just like the vibe.’” an open-air pavilion adjacent to the Barkyard dog park. Patrons Note that the line for the bar can be long, particularly during events can purchase snacks as well as beer such as festivals and Town pro(all brands from North Carolina), grams, so plan your visit accordwine, and nonalcoholic beverages, ingly. The Bark Bar’s hours depend then enjoy sitting and peopleon the weather, but it is usually watching (or puppy-watching) open from 4–9 p.m. Monday to or strike up a conversation with Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday another pet parent. For safety reaand Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. sons, no food or drinks may be on Sunday. A fire pit keeps patrons taken into the dog park, which is cozy year-round. Nearby parking separated into sections for small options include the Town of Cary and large dogs. Library Parking Deck, which has The relaxed hangout spot is chargers for electric vehicles, as well popular with those who aren’t dog as limited street parking on South people, too. John Cline, co-owner Academy Street.t Pitbull mixes Corduroy and Pepper make an acquaintance while downtowncarypark.com/locaof vendor Cary Park Ventures, says, with owner Andy Bowers at Downtown Cary Park’s Bark Bar. tions/the-bark-bar “We’ll talk to people and they’ll go,

Downtown Cary Park’s Barkyard is perfect for pup playtime, while the park’s Bark Bar provides a canopied place to relax and cool off.

LOOKWEST 25

Bond Brothers Beer Company A downtown Cary staple, Bond Brothers Beer Company celebrates its 10-year anniversary in June. The brewery features a taproom and beer garden, with rotating food trucks onsite daily. Dogs are allowed both in the bar and on the patio. A jar of treats sits on the bar inside, and a water bowl and dog waste station are provided outside. We went soon after opening on a weekday, and the area was quiet and calm with

only a handful of customers. Large umbrellas were open at each table on the patio, so Ampersand was able to rest comfortably in the shade spanning from table to table. He enjoyed a treat and water from the water bowl, and although we didn’t need to use the waste station while we were there, we were pleased to see it well stocked with bags. Downtown Cary has seen a great deal of development in the past several

years, and while street parking is available along East Cedar Street and in a public lot directly beside Bond Brothers, it may be worthwhile to park in the new Cedar Street Parking Deck during peak hours to ensure you can find a space. The brewery location is open Monday to Thursday from 2–10 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. t bondbrothersbeer.com

Samantha Carson

the attention Jamie Bailey’s 13-year-old black lab Riley loves all of ny in Cary. Compa Beer s Brother he gets every time they visit Bond

Sunshine, water dishes, and lots of good company keep golden retriever Kate happy while owner Rachel Anderson (seated left) socializes at Boxyard RTP. Nearby, Delilah, a golden doodle, makes her rounds while owner Kaila Pool orders food.

Boxyard RTP Boxyard RTP is a two-level outdoor food hall and marketplace that includes plentiful indoor and outdoor seating options as well as a covered pavilion. What makes Boxyard unique is that each vendor is housed in a repurposed shipping container, which gives the spot an eclectic post-industrial vibe. Live events and

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Golden Daze Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival celebrates 50 years of creativity, community, and culture

WRITTEN BY TERI SAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

If you ask longtime Cary residents to recall their most vivid memories of the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, they might remember when the Band of Oz manifested cool ocean breezes when they performed beach music in 1984. They might tell you about the time Hurricane Irene blew through in 2011, forcing the festival’s first cancellation in 35 years. Or they might laugh about that day in 2014 when organizers brought in a snow machine to beat the legendary late summer heat that has been woven into the festival’s identity. The 2026 festival, August 22–23 in downtown Cary, marks a memorable 50 years — as well as a celebration of the late founder Jerry Miller’s dream to create a signature event that brings people together and salutes the arts.

For Jerry, a beloved Cary artist who was 93 when he died in 2025, Lazy Daze was a labor of love, and he put his heart and soul into the event every year since launching it in 1977. Those who knew him still can’t envision Lazy Daze without him, but they are grateful for the strong foundation he set that will enable the show to go on for the next 50 years. Hillsborough artist Katie Hayes remembers standing in her booth at Lazy Daze in 2023, chatting with clients and friends, when a town crier, clad in a bright red jacket, stepped out of a John Deere Gator and began ringing a bell right in front of her. “I thought, ‘Man, that’s really loud,’” Katie says. “I couldn’t even hear myself speak.”

Then Jerry Miller, wearing his signature straw hat, strolled over and presented her with a giant prize ribbon complete with a full rosette, proclaiming her the winner of a Lazy Daze Best in Show award for printmaking. Katie, who has participated in Lazy Daze for five years, owns New South Pattern House in Hillsborough. Cary residents and visitors may be familiar with her work from places like the Peck & Plume restaurant in The Mayton, for which she designed the wallpaper. “Jerry was so sweet and warm and kind,” she recalls, admitting she was starstruck in the presence of the larger-thanlife local celebrity.

contributed photo

Jerry Miller surprised printmaker Katie Hayes with a Best in Show award at the 2023 Lazy Daze festival.

This portrait of Jerry Miller, taken by Chief Photographer Jonathan Fredin in front of the Cary Arts Center in 2013, is said to be one of Jerry’s favorite photos of himself. LOOKWEST 31

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A Family Affair

According to town records, in 1977, Cary’s population was 21,763. The Research Triangle Park was just beginning its rise, and no one could have predicted the explosive growth that would transform small, sleepy Western Wake villages into full-fledged cities. Today, Cary’s population has swelled to about 187,000, and Lazy Daze has grown alongside it, evolving from its humble beginnings as a small, earnest one-day street festival to the modern two-day extravaganza that

attracts about 300 artists and over 60,000 art lovers annually. Julie Miller recalls the early years of Lazy Daze as a rustic, homespun arts festival. She was just 12 years old when her father launched it, and from the beginning it was a family affair. “My brother, mother, and my dad did most of the work, including going out onto the street and sectioning off the squares designating the booth spaces, numbering them, and getting everything organized,” she says. Her brother, Jerry “J” Miller, died in 2016, but up until his death, he and his wife

Pat played key roles helping with setup and managing the event. Julie shaped the festival’s history, too, although she didn’t know it at the time. “As a child, I would sit up and draw all night long,” she recalls. “And one night Dad asked me to draw him a picture of a man asleep under a tree with a dog at his feet, but he never told me what it was for.” Her drawing became the original Lazy Daze logo, which for years was the festival’s public face, adorning posters, flyers, banners, and even T-shirts.

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contributed photos

Roots of Inspiration

Original artwork like Lazy Daze Craze by Dianne Rodwell is used on posters, guidebooks, and other materials.

Lazy Daze has grown by leaps and bounds since its origins in 1977, but its community focus remains.

As an artist himself, Jerry Miller was a regular on the art show circuit, rarely missing a weekend. “When we were growing up, he would lug us from show to show,” Julie recalls. “As we got older, we started working at the shows, and sometimes we had three going on the same weekend, so each of us kids covered a different one.” Those shows taught Jerry how much art can unite a community. A man with deep love for his Cary home, he was inspired to bring that experience to his own town. In a 2022 interview with Cary historian Peggy Van Scoyoc, Jerry described how Lazy Daze took shape. Jerry notoriously sketched the layout for the whole event on a scrap of paper while having breakfast at a local restaurant. He convinced Southern National Bank, for which he was a board member, to sponsor the budding festival and his wife, Jean, to help set up. The fourth weekend of August had little competition from other events, so Jerry decided to lean in to the hot, lazy days of late summer and affectionately title his creation Lazy Daze. The imagined streetscape placed 10foot booths along Chatham Street from the corner of Academy down to Walker Street. Each space rented for $10, with Jerry convincing 100 of his friends to participate via a bit of arm-twisting. “Jean and I would get a 10-foot pole and go out and use it to measure out the booths, mark the street with a red marker, and then number them all,” he said in the interview. He was careful not to place similar artists next to each other — a practice that continues today. “That worked real good,” he continued. “From then on, I never ever had to beg anybody to come to Cary for the arts and crafts festival.” LOOKWEST 37

“LAZY DAZE IS A GREAT EVENT, AND WE LOVE IT BECAUSE IT’S PART OF CARY’S HISTORY, BUT IT’S ALSO A WAY FOR US TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT THE ARTS.” — KRIS CARMICHAEL, SUPERVISOR, PAGE-WALKER ARTS & HISTORY CENTER A plein air artist depicts the scene in front of the Cary Town Hall campus, which is now the permanent home for the two-day event.

In the early days, Jerry and his team, which still primarily consisted of family members, took a low-budget approach to marketing, substituting sweat equity for cash investment. He painted the words “Arts & Crafts Festival, Cary, North Carolina” on full 4-by8-foot sheets of plywood and on the morning of the festival, hauled them out to strategic locations on all the roads leading into Cary, leaning them against power poles, trees, and anything else that would support them. Those rustic signs attracted countless curious travelers passing through and locals alike. “It was the best thing we did, and also the hardest,” he told Peggy. Realizing the Goal

Right from the beginning, Lazy Daze gave Cary a financial boost. “Jerry wanted to bring activity into the downtown area, and he envisioned it as an economic development project,” says Joy 38

Ennis, who served as festival director for two decades and is now general manager of the Downtown Cary Park. “That first year, the proceeds from Lazy Daze went toward purchasing a tent for the Cary Parks and Recreation Department, and it just kind of grew from there.” The festival’s impact has grown exponentially. Over the years, proceeds have led to the creation of a grants program that has provided funds for amenities like the Cary Town Clock and the Lazy Daze Playground. Over the years, the festival has raised over $1 million for hundreds of local nonprofits. “Lazy Daze is a great event, and we love it because it’s part of Cary’s history, but it’s also a way for us to give back to the community and support the arts,” says Kris Carmichael, supervisor of the PageWalker Arts & History Center. The Town of Cary now handles administrative duties, including artist jurying and recruiting up to 300 volunteers. In the ’90s, the festival lineup expanded

to include a Spring Daze event in April. Held in Bond Park, it is open exclusively to North Carolina artists. Spring Daze has won numerous awards, including the 2004 Regional Event of the Year for North & South Carolina by the North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events. Lazy Daze has also introduced traditions, like the town crier, a role made famous two decades ago by John Webster, a Canadian who hails from Cary’s sister city of Markham, Ontario, and performs his duties decked out in bright red regalia. Through the years, Lazy Daze has moved around downtown, toggling between the main streets and the Cary Town Hall campus due to various periods of road construction. In 2015, the Town Hall campus became the permanent home for the two-day event. The site also offers a shady respite from the heat, a feature that Clayton artist Val Taylor appreciates — although at that time of the year, it’s even hot in the shade, she says.

contributed photo

“I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW ABOUT THE AWARDS UNTIL THE TOWN CRIER CAME BY RINGING HIS BELL. I WAS ON A BIG HIGH THE REST OF THE DAY AFTER THAT.” — VAL TAYLOR, ARTIST

Val Taylor received a Best in Show award in 2024 — her first year exhibiting at Lazy Daze.

As a photorealist, Val uses colored pencil to create lifelike art. The 2024 Lazy Daze festival was her first time exhibiting there. Like Katie the printmaker, Val was also surprised when Jerry Miller showed up at her booth in 2024, awarding her a giant rosette. The experience left her speechless. “I didn’t even know about the awards until the town crier came by ringing his bell,” she says. “I was on a big high the rest of the day after that.” That would be Jerry Miller’s last year of presenting the awards. A Golden Legacy

The 50th-anniversary festival will showcase over 250 artists from across the country. The event will feature four live entertainment

stages, more than 25 food vendors, a beer garden, Lazy Lounge, and Kid Daze events. Through it all, Jerry Miller’s presence will be felt everywhere. A bronze bust of him, complete with his signature straw hat, was unveiled in May 2022 and sits on the Cary Arts Center grounds, recognizing his extensive contributions to the town. He was a talented artist in his own right, celebrated for his meticulous watercolor and pen and ink illustrations of state and local landmarks. He has presented works of art to US presidents, and last year was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor. His legacy is an energetic festival that has brought Cary together for a half-century on the hottest weekend of the year, while

dodging hurricanes, navigating downtown construction, raising money for nonprofits, welcoming thousands of visitors, and showcasing award-winning art. And while his wide-ranging contributions had the power to lift up an entire town, sometimes his greatest impact is felt in smaller ways. Katie treasures the ribbon she won in 2023 and says it inspires her every day, giving her the boost she needs when she feels she’s not good enough. “I still have it hanging in my studio, and it’s good to have that validation,” she says. “On days when I doubt myself, I feel like Jerry is there reassuring me and telling me, ‘You’ve got this.’”t carync.gov/lazydaze

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DISCOVER WHY IT’S KNOWN AS “THE PEAK OF GOOD LIVING” One of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina, Apex continues to attract new residents with its unique blend of small-town charm, thriving local businesses, and exceptional quality of life. Residents consistently rank Apex as a great place to live, thanks to its welcoming neighborhoods, top-rated parks and greenways, vibrant cultural scene, and strong sense of community. The town’s historic downtown remains the heart of Apex, where locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and gathering spaces line streets filled with character and history. Multiple downtown structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, helping preserve the charm that makes Apex so distinctive. The town continues to build on events and programming that give residents the opportunity to ‘Stay and Play’ in Apex. Spring brings the Peak City Pig Fest, PeakFest, a colorful Holi Celebration, EarthFest, and more. Summer continues the celebrations with the Fireworks Frenzy and Juneteenth Festival. Things don’t slow down in the cooler months, with Festa Italiana, Apex Oktoberfest, the Latino Arts Festival, Tour of Frights, and more events in the fall. The holiday season brings the Turkey Trot 5K, Tree Lighting and Tour of Lights, Rotary Christmas Parade, and Chanukah Festival. On top of all the festivals, Apex offers year-round arts, music, recreation, and cultural programming for residents and visitors alike. From live music events and public art installations to performances at The Halle Cultural Arts Center, outdoor concerts, greenways, and family-friendly attractions, there’s always something happening in Apex. The town’s growing mix of entertainment, dining, recreation, and community events continues to make Apex a destination as well as a place to call home. Today, Apex is home to more than 80,000 residents and continues to grow thoughtfully while maintaining the values that have defined the community for generations. From excellent amenities and recreational opportunities to a thriving business climate and engaged residents, Apex continues to live up to its reputation as “The Peak of Good Living.” apexnc.org 44

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There’s a moment most people describe after moving to Cary. They’re on a greenway, trees overhead, a lake just visible through the tree line, and they think: I didn’t know it would feel like this. That’s the thing about Cary. The rankings — and there are many — don’t quite capture it. What they can’t tell you is how quickly this place becomes home. Cary has long been a landing place for people arriving from across the country and around the world, as well as those who have called it home their whole lives. That blend of new arrivals and longtime residents is woven into everyday life in the schools, restaurants, and neighborhoods, and newcomers often find that making connections here is easier than they expected because the community has a way of pulling people in. The green spaces are where residents spend their time and where they’ll tell you Cary earns it. More than 100 miles of greenways wind through the town, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas in a way that makes a morning run or a weekend bike ride feel less like exercise and more like the best part of your day. Koka Booth Amphitheatre sits tucked among the pines, hosting everything from the North Carolina Symphony to Grammy Award–winning artists under an open sky. Downtown Cary has become the town’s gathering place. Downtown Cary Park anchors a walkable district full of local restaurants, boutiques, and year-round events. Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in August, Heart of the Holidays in December, and the kind of Saturday morning energy that makes you want to linger. The NC Chinese Lantern Festival brings visitors from across the region each winter, filling the air with color and light in a way that’s become a Cary tradition. Cary has also become one of the country’s premier sports destinations, and for residents that energy is part of daily life. WakeMed Soccer Park draws professional soccer and world-class tournaments. The USA Baseball National Training Complex hosts national championships and international competition. The Cary Tennis Park brings professional play to town year-round. And when The Soccer Tournament comes to Cary each summer, international legends and a few famous faces descend on the community for a celebration that feels less like a sporting event and more like a festival. Living here means front-row access to all of it. Sitting at the center of the Triangle means you can reach almost anywhere in the region in under 30 minutes. The mountains are less than four hours west. The coast is about two and a half hours east. RDU is minutes away. For families, NC State, UNCChapel Hill, and Duke are all within 20 miles. People who have lived here for years say the same thing: It’s easy to take for granted how good it is, until you leave for a week and remember. When it’s time to choose your next home, make it one worth staying for. carync.gov LOOKWEST 49

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Fuquay-Varina

For those seeking a location that combines professional opportunities with a high quality of life, Fuquay-Varina stands out as one of the most progressive and fastest-growing municipalities in North Carolina. Located just minutes from Raleigh and Research Triangle Park (RTP), the town offers the strategic advantage of proximity to a world-class metropolitan hub while preserving its unique and welcoming community identity. A Robust Economic Landscape

Fuquay-Varina is more than just a bedroom community; it is an economic engine in its own right. The local job market is anchored by global industry leaders such as John Deere, TE Connectivity, CCL Label, and Leviton Network Solutions, which attract skilled professionals from across the country and ensure a stable, innovative local economy. Beyond the corporate sector, the town is a fertile ground for innovation. A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem nurtures a wide array of small businesses, and the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce is currently the fastest-growing chamber in Wake County. This balance of corporate stability and entrepreneurial spirit makes the area an attractive destination for a diverse workforce. A Culture of Creativity and Connection

Residents have access to over 18 parks, totaling 300 acres of parkland, along with 11 trails and greenways that offer ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreation. The Town also hosts one of the largest youth sports programs in Wake County.  The program focuses on developing new skills in a positive environment.    Community connectivity is a top priority here. The town operates two community centers, including a dedicated active adult center, ensuring that residents of all ages have spaces to engage and socialize. For those seeking a more urban experience, the town’s two inviting downtown districts — Downtown Fuquay and Downtown Varina — serve as the heartbeat of this charming community. These districts are vibrant hubs for award-winning dining, unique shopping, and a growing craft brewery scene, where creativity and flavor come together. 50

For art enthusiasts, the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center is a cornerstone of the community. Offering more than 800 classes and a 294-seat theater for performing arts, the center makes creativity accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. The town’s calendar is filled with events that bring the community together. The Follow Me to FuquayVarina concert series, held on Thursday evenings in the spring and fall, showcases a variety of musical genres in the heart of downtown. In the autumn, the Celebrate FuquayVarina festival and the annual Tree Lighting — complete with sleigh rides — transform the town into a scene reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Proven Value and Safety

Fuquay-Varina has consistently received recognition for its livability and safety. Numerous publications have ranked it among the safest towns in North Carolina, and WalletHub previously placed it in the top 2% of the Best Small Cities to Live in America. From a real estate perspective, the area is experiencing significant momentum. Opendoor recently included the town among the 20 hottest real estate zip code markets in the United States, indicating strong demand and long-term investment potential. Coupled with national recognition for its exceptional town services, it is clear that Fuquay-Varina is managed with a focus on sustainable growth and resident satisfaction. Fuquay-Varina: A Dash More

Whether you are attracted by its proximity to the Research Triangle, the stability of the local job market, or the charm of a walkable downtown, Fuquay-Varina offers a seamless blend of modern opportunities and small-town appeal. It is a place designed for those who want to dine, unwind, create, and explore — all within a safe, supportive, and thriving community. From discovering a new favorite brewery to experiencing the welcoming spirit of a closeknit neighborhood, this town provides a little bit more of everything that matters. fuquay-varina.org

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There has never been a better time to experience Holly Springs, a town beloved for its thriving entertainment scene, rich culinary options, and passion for the outdoors. Holly Springs is throwing a yearlong celebration to commemorate its 150th Anniversary, honoring the community’s past, present, and future. While most birthdays last a day, this party spans from July 2026 through May 2027. The timeline reflects the Town’s journey to incorporation. The charter process began in 1876, the date shown on the official Town seal, and concluded in 1877, when the State officially incorporated Holly Springs as a community. Featuring events and activities everyone can enjoy, the celebration also offers opportunities to learn about the history of Holly Springs, share memories, and build new relationships with community members and local businesses. The celebration kicks off during the Town’s Independence Day Celebration on July 5 at Sugg Farm with music, food trucks, fireworks, and historical displays. On July 25, the Holly Springs Salamanders, a summer collegiate baseball team, host a special 150th-themed game at North Main Athletic Complex. In August, the focus shifts to the heart of the community with Downtown Week. This celebration of the Town’s roots includes All Aboard, Holly Springs, an interactive model train show honoring the historic rail line that once steamed through downtown near Avent Ferry Road. A special 150ththemed Farmers Market is also planned, featuring antique farm equipment, crafts, and more. The festivities at the annual HollyFest community event in October will include unique 150th-themed fun. The Sugg Farm event showcases the best artists, food, and talent Holly Springs has to offer. Winter highlights include Light the Springs in December, featuring live music, festive food and beverage options, and free holiday crafts, all part of this evening that begins with a menorah lighting and ends with Santa and the Mayor lighting the Town tree. In February 2027, Reflections of Black History at the Holly Springs Cultural Center will highlight the many ways Black leaders have shaped Holly Springs into the community it is today. Plan to attend Holly-Hoopla on May 22, anticipated to be the biggest birthday bash in Town history! Downtown Holly Springs will be transformed into a massive festival

grounds. From performances and local artisans to a fleet of food trucks, the energy will be electric. The event will be topped off with a breathtaking show that will light up the night sky like never before! Throughout the year, Holly Springs is offering 150ththemed fun. Local businesses are joining the festivities with limited-edition products. Pimiento Tea Room is crafting a signature themed cocktail. JT’s Creamery is churning a special anniversary ice cream flavor. Bep is offering a commemorative boba drink, and Mamma Mia Italian Bistro’s specialty 150th pizza is sure to delight taste buds. The sesquicentennial celebration is made possible by premier sponsor Genentech. Though a new addition to the Holly Springs landscape, the company is celebrating its own 50th anniversary this year. Whether you’re cheering at a Salamanders game, exploring history, or enjoying a 150th scoop of ice cream, you are invited to join the celebration. hollyspringsnc.gov/150

HollyFest

JT’s Creamery

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Photos by Annie Kimura

Holi Festival

LIVE CONNECTED, LIVE WELL IN

Morrisville Morrisville Community Park

contributed photos S’Morrisville

Discover the genuine small-town charm of Morrisville, one of the fastest-growing and most diverse towns in North Carolina. In 2024, Morrisville was named the No. 7 Best Small City to Start a Business in the US by WalletHub. During that same time span, Niche. com named the town the No. 2 Best Place to Live in the Raleigh Area and the No. 1 Best Suburb for Young Professionals in North Carolina. The town was recognized as an All-America City by the National Civic League in 2021 — one of only 10 communities nationwide to earn this recognition — spotlighting the town’s work in inclusive civic engagement to build equity and resilience, and to create stronger connections among residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government leaders. These accolades reflect the warm connection that residents say makes the area so unique – the connection they have to global businesses, opportunities, parks, open space, and, most importantly, each other. Morrisville is a place to gather with friends, talk with neighbors, and engage with town leaders. It is a warm and welcoming community, validating the town's ideology and philosophy: "Live connected. Live well." The town is renowned for its community events. In May, SpringFest brings a carnival-like atmosphere with games, rides, food trucks, and entertainment. During the summer, residents are treated to the free Music in the Park concert series on Friday nights. The newly dubbed Red, White & BOOM! July 3 event has music, entertainment, food trucks, and a fireworks display at Cedar Fork District Park. Each year on August 10, National S’mores Day, the town changes its name to S’Morrisville and hands out free s’mores to residents at Morrisville Community Park. The Morrisville Boo Bash provides an enchanting afternoon of Halloween magic for children at Morrisville Community Park. In September, the International Festival brings together the diverse community for a day of food, music, dance, art, and fun on Town Hall Drive. The festival includes food vendors representing culinary traditions from around the world. morrisvillenc.gov LOOKWEST 57

The Wander app, free to download, can help residents explore Wake County’s 300+ miles of greenways and trails.

Find Your Next Favorite Trail with

Wander WRITTEN BY JEN MCFARLAND

PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Everyone should have a favorite place to walk, hike, or bike, but if you’re new to the area, these can take time to find. Knowing the right time and place to venture out comes with experience and advice. Triangle resident Vimal Vyas lists the Downtown Cary Park as one of his favorites, thanks to “the different activities they have there, the openness of it.” “They have food trucks and it’s so walkable,” he says. “You get a library so (kids) tired of playing on the playground can go look at the books.” We’re all seeking the sweet spot of staying active and finding activities that appeal across age groups — activities that make it easier to enjoy the outdoors and get a break from it. Now, thanks to a countywide collaboration, those options are combined in one app.

Seamless Access

Wander is a free, easy-to-use mobile app that combines geographic data, municipal trail information, and commercial listings into one seamless experience. Utilizing open data from an array of local and regional organizations, the app now includes guides and tours for Wake County. With more than 300 miles of greenways and trails, plus over 138,000 acres of open space, there is lots to explore.

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The Wander app combines greenway and park information with nearby restaurants and attraction locations, offering an easy transition from enjoying Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park to dining downtown afterward.

“My experience in going out with my family (is asking), what is around? What is there to do? What’s close by?” — Vimal Vyas, Visit Raleigh

The app exists thanks to a partnership between Visit Raleigh (the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau), the Triangle Trails Initiative, Wake County, and participating municipalities such as Cary, Zebulon, Wake Forest, Apex, and Garner. Those partners provide their own data about their parks and trails, which Wander uses to keep maps accurate and up to date. Other organizations, such as the Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, have helped contribute to features like mountain bike trails. According to Vimal Vyas, Visit Raleigh’s vice president of data, security, and AI innovation, this partnership is the key to success. “These are all shared goals of Wake County, all these different municipalities and the parks departments, to bring all this together in one place,” Vimal says. “So I think that’s one of the important parts of this app — to show the connectivity between municipalities and that seamless access and visibility.” Not every town has the same technology, budget, or staff. Some parks departments

have sophisticated GIS systems; others are working with smaller budgets and older tech. Wander helps level the playing field. “There are different sizes of municipalities, and they all have different technologies, and they all do it differently,” he notes. “But the good thing is, this system gives them the ability to pull it all together.”

Setting the Destination

Wander isn’t just a cool tech project — it’s one of the concrete outcomes of Wake County’s longterm tourism roadmap, the Destination Strategic Plan (DSP), sometimes called Destination 2028. Commissioned in 2017, the DSP is a 10year tourism plan for Wake County. Visit Raleigh worked with JLL’s Tourism and Destinations team and stakeholders across all 12 municipalities to understand the county’s tourism “ecosystem” and identify priorities that would increase visitor traffic while also improving life for residents. The plan is organized around eight priorities: Meetings and Conventions, Sports, Events, LOOKWEST 61

Choose from seven curated guides, such as The Best Free Attractions to Visit in Raleigh, which includes Historic Yates Mill County Park.

Key Attractors, Individual Leisure, Destination Development, Regional Demand Drivers, and Quality of Place. Wander fits squarely in Quality of Place, representing the assets that residents already love — parks, trails, greenways, museums, walkable downtowns — and finds ways to position them for visitors, too. The strategic plan isn’t simply for bringing more guests; it prioritizes smarter investments in the things that make Wake County a great place to live. By centralizing trail and park information and tying it to local businesses and attractions, Wander turns a strategic goal — elevating Quality of Place — into a tool you can download and use this weekend.

Built for Real-Life Needs

Vimal appreciates that Wander solves a very real family problem: what to do after the playground or hike. “My experience in going out with my family (is asking), what is around? What is there to do? What’s close by?” he explains. “Once the 62

kids are tired at the park, they want ice cream; they want to get a drink. What’s nearby? Is there a coffee shop? Is there a bakery?” Wander lets you see that full picture — trail plus treats, playground plus lunch, bike ride plus brewery — without bouncing between multiple apps and websites. Because Visit Raleigh maintains a robust database of hospitality partners, and municipalities contribute their trail data, Wander can “snap” those pieces together. “I think that’s the biggest part: We want to enhance the quality of life for the residents, but also create more experiences for the visitors,” Vimal says. At the same time, centralizing all this data “gives visibility to other areas, increasing tourism regionally.” This is a tremendous benefit to the area. Wake County already sees 19 million visitors each year, spending $3.4 billion and supporting 26,000 local jobs. Those guests also generate $321 million in state and local tax revenue. Using the app to increase these

Wander lets you see that full picture — trail plus treats, playground plus lunch, bike ride plus brewery — without bouncing between multiple apps and websites.

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Promoting discovery — of new parks, trails, and attractions — is a key goal of Visit Raleigh’s collaboration with Wander.

“We want to enhance the quality of life for the residents, but also create more experiences for the visitors.” — Vimal Vyas

numbers — even marginally — can have a huge benefit for local residents. You can also take the app on the road. In addition to Wake County, the Wander app includes curated lists for destinations like Chatham and Washington counties as well as Statesville, Edenton, and other locations in South Carolina and Virginia. And if you’re planning a trip for spring break or summertime, consider perusing Wander for other, more distant paths to roam.

The Road Ahead

Wander is already a great resource, but the Visit Raleigh team and its partners are working to add features that are “interactive, social, and community-driven.” Competitive elements like quarterly check-ins and challenges are expected to roll out in late 2026. Also on the agenda is an updated user interface, more location support, and tools for saving and sharing your own routes. The team is also expanding on popular features like the curated tours. Recent guide

additions include an Accessible Raleigh tour with a route designed for visitors with disabilities. They’ve also added a collection of the Best Trails to Hike, Bike and Run in Raleigh and a list of 14 restaurants recognized in the MICHELIN Guide American South. In the end, the Wander app is about discovery. Learning your way around a new area can be hard, but this is one tool that can show you some delights that may be a bit off the well-beaten paths. Your new favorite experience — the one your kids remember, the one you recommend to visiting friends, the one that makes you feel lucky to live in Wake County — is one yet to be discovered.t wandermaps.com LOOKWEST 65

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LAWRENCE BARBECUE WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

If you’ve never ordered raw oysters with your fresh sliced brisket, you’ve never eaten at Lawrence Barbecue. Of course, these aren’t just any oysters. Chef/owner Jake Wood, who admittedly would choose oysters as the one thing he would eat for the rest of his life, says these are “literally the best oysters I’ve ever had anywhere.” The fact that they come from N. SEA Oyster Co., the sole oyster farm Lawrence Barbecue supports, bolsters Jake’s hope that the restaurant “gets to the point we’re selling 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 oysters a week.” For a chef who “broke down fish all day long” at The Cowfish and the now-defunct 18 Seaboard, this is a fitting goal. But then the wind changes direction and you get a scent of oak and hickory coming 70

from the smokehouse on the side of the East Cedar Street building. There, 30 briskets are basking in the heat of the “game changer” large-scale woodfire rotisserie smoker Jake describes as “filled with fire.” Back when Lawrence Barbecue was still “slinging food” out of Boxyard RTP, their three smaller Lang reverse-flow smokers were at the mercy of the elements. “And we had to endure it,” Jake says. But over four years, they learned how to work with fluctuations in the weather (and the subsequent change in demand), especially when it came to the top-selling brisket. “We knew what the winter was going to do. We knew what rainy days were going to do. We knew what hot days were going to do.” But with consistency at Boxyard came a ceiling, partly due to a menu that featured

barbecue staples and some curated sides. Jake says the popularity of one in particular — the Three Cheese Mac, which sold 400,000-plus servings — afforded him the opportunity to reopen the eatery as the new kid in downtown Cary’s restaurant scene. “We’ve never been able to host folks in our own space,” he says. “So that is a lot of experience and something that we have a lot of space to grow within.” Since opening the Cary outpost in midSeptember of 2025, Jake shares that they have worked hard to ensure that if they sell out of brisket, they don’t “close up shop and go home” like they did at Boxyard. Being the only barbecue restaurant in downtown Cary meant that Jake “didn’t feel good about a concept that sold out”; he wanted diners to be able to get pulled pork, sliced turkey, sticky ribs, carnitas-

The Bungalow Burger includes government cheese, bungalow sauce, and onion on a tallow-toasted bun.

The handheld Smoked Brisket Quesabirria features smoked adobo brisket, Oaxaca cheese, onion, cilantro, citrus, and plenty of consommé for dipping.

style pulled pork, and more — even if the brisket sells out. This concept, though, Jake says, “takes a lot of work.” He and his wife and co-owner Brandi Wood weren’t actively looking to open a restaurant until a friend recommended the space. The couple found the building’s landlords “unbelievable to work with,” and Jake says they opened the new Lawrence Barbecue “by the skin of our teeth with every penny we got … with every piece of equipment that we had.” That meant they needed to be fastidious about minimizing waste, creating a “centerof-the-plate product that people want” from what would otherwise be discarded — in this case, sandos and burgers. Jake shares that a brisket originally weighing 12 pounds is trimmed to 8, which then comes out of the smoker at 6 pounds. With the cost of meat at an all-time high, and brisket being a mostly nonprofitable product for restaurants, leftover smoked brisket is ground into burgers, and trimmings are rendered into tallow that’s used to toast the buns they’re served on. The goal of expanding offerings wasn’t purely to limit waste. Although the tacos and brisket always sell, Jake doesn’t want to alienate someone who doesn’t eat meat or who might not want the heaviness of barbecue. Which is why vegan smoked jackfruit with cilantro, onion, and lime sits comfortably alongside smoked brisket quesabirria and carnitas in the Tacos + Tortas section of the menu. “Potato salad, coleslaw, all those things — that’s your typical barbecue restaurant,” Jake explains. “And we’d like to think that our (sides) are a little bit more unique than your typical.” Take broccoli Caesar with a brioche crumble, potato salad made with deviled eggs, and sweet n’ spicy ham hock collard greens.” As Jake describes: “They’re a little more flavorful. We put a little more fun into it.” This is where Jake’s fine-dining background comes into play: intentionally pushing limits on tradition while continuing to honor the heritage and culture of NC LOOKWEST 71

Woody’s Old Fashioned can be upgraded with a “thicc sticky rib” add-on.

barbecue. The menu will remain “smoke and fire driven,” and partners at the coast will continue to supply local fish. Lawrence’s might be smoked. It might be fried. But it will continue to share space with the signature smoked meats born out of Boxyard. “Growing up in North Carolina,” Jake says, “it was always fried shrimp, barbecue, hush puppies. So we’re not that far off. We’re just doing it with a little bit more attention.” Sides are rotated seasonally, and Jake will continue to lean into the sourcing and relationships the restaurant cultivates with farmers all over the state. The same is true for the bar menu. 72

Drinks like the beachy Painkiller and Woody’s Old Fashioned (an homage to Jake’s dad) will remain, but, as bar manager Corey Jordan explains: “We’re going to start focusing on pairing a lot more with our food.” Leisure Beverages — boozy, fruity, easy-todrink cocktails introduced at Boxyard — will remain and ensure that the “Spirit of Leisure” is alive and well. This unpretentiousness is signature Lawrence Barbecue. As Jake says: “We’re not looking to go out and do anything crazy. … We hope that you can come here and feel comfortable enough to just chill out and feel good. Let us take the wheel.”

Even on busier days at Boxyard, with people quickly swinging by to pick up their food, establishing a signature atmosphere just wasn’t possible. Now, Jake relishes “just feeling the energy and the vibe” of Cary, including the experience of being involved in the town’s Christmas Parade as well as daily interactions with people walking their dogs, exercising, or going to work. While Jake wants the Spirit of Leisure to be “whatever you need it to be” — from family-friendly to full bar, catering that can now run simultaneous to regular service, and delectable desserts literally out of grandma’s

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The Spirit of Leisure is alive and well in downtown Cary.

At Lawrence Barbecue, chef/owner Jake Wood’s fine-dining

kitchen — he has “a group of people in here who are super stoked to make this a perfect experience for you.” With a patio completed months after opening, plus plans for takeout order service and interior inclusions of a hot case and dessert station, Jake wants his Cary neighbors to know that Lawrence Barbecue intends to “grow up here. … This is our home now. And we want to share what we do and what makes us excited with the community.” Since the Boxyard days, however, one thing hasn’t changed. In a 2021 interview, Jake told us: “We’re trying to stick to our version of authentic barbecue, whether it’s from North Carolina or Texas or another region.” In January of 2025, the beginning of the restaurant’s first full year in Cary, he similarly shared: “We’re not Texas barbecue. We’re not North Carolina barbecue. We’re just Lawrence Barbecue. And I’ve said that before. And I really mean that.” t 150 E. Cedar St., Cary lawrencebarbecue.com

background meets his mission to honor the craft. LOOKWEST 75

SERAFINA RISTORANTE WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

April McCall describes downtown Apex’s Serafina Ristorante as “upscale casual Italian.” But there’s nothing casual about the restaurant’s approach to crafting a top-notch dining experience. “Our goal is to bring anybody and everybody in to enjoy the experience of sitting down with each other and eating. … We wanted to be more about the connection that people are making when they’re eating with us,” April says. Together with her husband, April owns Tramonto Food Group, which includes Cary’s Chef ’s Palette, MacGregor Draft House, and their newest venture, Serafina, which opened on Salem Street in July 2025. “I think it has everything that you want to have in a restaurant. It’s got beautiful décor. It’s got really warm service staff, and my fantastic kitchen staff,” says Executive Chef Matt

Greiner. “One thing that we feel so lucky to have found in all of our staff is that they care. “Everyone in the building — as soon as they walk through the door — all attention is on the detail of the food and everything going out to the guests. Same thing with service: Everything is focused on our guests.” Matt is the mastermind behind Serafina’s curated menu, based in the cuisine of northern and central regions of Italy. “My inspiration is really just thinking about the Italian mindset, how they treat food and apply that to local North Carolina ingredients. We keep it really simple and showcase the great produce that we can get in our local area, but doing it in that mindset of how they would do it in Italy — just simple, delicious, and truthful,” he says. “We wanted to be able to bring dishes that are traditional in nature that you find

in Italy, but maybe wouldn’t be able to be accessed in this area,” adds April. When we visited during summer, a bright and fresh goat cheese gnocchi perfectly illustrated the chef ’s vision, pairing handmade gnocchi with grilled peaches and asparagus, Italian prosciutto, and a creamy goat cheese sauce. In cooler months, the dish featured braised apples and fig. “Not every gnocchi is perfectly uniform, because it’s made by hand,” says Matt. “The ridges help soak up the sauce, which absorbs all that flavor. Same thing with that little dimple, the iconic gnocchi shape, that soaks up the sauce and you get a nice beautiful bite.” “We are trying to fabricate everything here in house,” Matt continues, including handmade burrata, fresh focaccia, and, of course, the pastas.

House-made burrata with lemon-spiced honey and herb ciabatta 76

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Serafina’s hand-crafted cuisine and attentive service attract casual and special-occasion diners. 78

Tuna crudo, a favorite of owner April McCall, layers the texture of crunchy pistachios and crispy capers with thin slices of tender tuna.

“I think that’s really important and transpires into the flavor, into the guest experience, when they know that.” Beloved Italian classic rigatoni Bolognese surfaced early as a customer favorite. Matt’s version is inspired by his own grandmother’s Sunday supper. “We have people come back over and over for the rigatoni Bolognese,” says April. The hearty pork and beef ragu with Pecorino cheese served atop al dente rigatoni is comforting and crave-worthy. More adventurous selections include seasonal fish — branzino, monkfish, swordfish, and other fresh catch — with brown butter sauce, charred octopus puttanesca, and beef tartare. “In Italian, agrodolce means sweet and sour. So you have this combination of these sweet and sour flavors that bring balance. The jus from the braising liquid gets reduced down and

concentrated into a glaze on the short rib, then you get the nuttiness of the Parmesan cheese. You get all these combinations of sweet and sour.” “I love our filet mignon,” continues Matt. It’s easy to see why. The protein’s accompaniments also change seasonally, consisting during my visit of crispy smashed potatoes and balsamic onions tied together with a knockout red wine reduction. “For lunch, it’s a little lighter fare. We recognize people want to be able to get in, grab a bite, and go. It’s more sandwiches, side salads, or smaller portions of pasta,” says general manager Dillion Williams. With a restaurant and hospitality résumé that includes stints in Seattle, Chicago, and south Florida, Dillion brings metropolitan flair and a sharp eye for detail to Serafina.

Classic rigatoni Bolognese tempts many repeat customers. LOOKWEST 79

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“I felt what was missing (in the local dining scene) was that elevation without pretentiousness,” he says, “where you’re able to get a great meal, you’re going to get great service, but you never feel as if you’re being judged. We really want to ensure that people can come in blue jeans and a baseball hat and grab a quick bite to eat before soccer practice, or they can come in a Tom Ford suit, get a $500 bottle of champagne, and celebrate selling a business.” “It’s a down-home feel with elevated service and food standards.” Everything from the temperature of the glassware and the shape of the steak knives to the tableside presentation of the plates has been implemented with intention. “It’s all those things that you don’t really notice, but they add up in the background,” Dillion says. “So when you leave, you don’t know why you had such a great experience, you just know that you did.” Dillion also directs the beverage program, where Italian wines and liqueurs take center stage. “We tried to lean super heavily into the classic (cocktails) with an Italian riff. We’ve got all of those small-batched, niche liqueurs and Italian aperitifs,” he says. “Our by-the-bottle wine list is super eclectic. I have some really cool, funky bottles on there, as well as some of your typical California cabs and your old-world burgundies. What’s really awesome is it’s ever rotating.” Downtown Apex’s historic charm and bustling foot traffic created the perfect setting for Serafina’s “comfortable chic” atmosphere. “We tried to make (the space) our own, while keeping a great respect for the charm and the history here,” says April, referencing the exposed brick walls, refinished wood floors, and moody interior that feels luxe and welcoming. “I want people to be able to come in here that are celebrating something great, but also coming in off the street and saying, I just want a good sandwich.” t 126 N. Salem St., Apex serafina-ristorante.com @serafinaristoranteapex

Roasted branzino topped with smoked barley and brown butter piccata sauce

Executive Chef Matt Greiner

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THE SYCAMORE AT CHATHAM MILLS WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Greg Lewis opened upscale restaurant The Sycamore at Chatham Mills in Pittsboro because his wife wanted a nice place for people to eat steak. While prime beef certainly gets top billing, it’s not the only star of the show. Diners also can savor duck, ostrich, seafood, and more in a circa 1920s building that formerly housed a textile manufacturing plant. “The Sycamore provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy a seasonal menu filled with creative food,” says Greg, an easygoing New Jersey native who

also owns 39 West Catering and special-event venue Forest Hall at Chatham Mills. A 1986 alumnus of New York’s renowned Culinary Institute of America, Greg has worked in restaurants since he was a young teenager. He’s now in his early 60s. “I’m a classically trained chef who’s been given the opportunity to do a lot of things over the years,” he says. Greg and his wife, Maria Parker-Lewis, came to North Carolina in 2000, choosing to settle in Cary. He owned and ran the now defunct Italian eatery Errico’s and then

founded Catering by Design, an award-winning business that still thrives today under new proprietorship. “We moved to Chatham County in 2007 because we preferred to live in a more rural area,” Greg explains. The Lewises bought Pittsboro Roadhouse in 2012, which enjoyed a successful run until the covid pandemic wreaked havoc on the business, ultimately forcing its closure. But in June of 2021, the resilient couple reemerged and opened The Sycamore, which provides refined cuisine in a revitalized setting. LOOKWEST 83

The main dining room features an elevated ceiling with vintage chandeliers, antique hardwood flooring, and exposed brick walls awash with character. A cast-iron fire door provides a striking vestige from the historic mill, which once served as the world’s largest maker of woven cloth labels for everything from clothing to mattresses to parachutes. Additional flourishes like peacock-themed wallpaper and custom upholstered chairs were envisioned by Maria, who collaborated with Ashlie Campbell and Shana O’Leary of interior design business An Acquired Style in Pittsboro to pull everything together. A retro-vibed lounge features a fireplace, billiards table, and comfortable furniture that’s perfect for unwinding. On Thursdays, small plates are available in the lounge for just $10, including items such as an Angus burger, burrata, and beef tartare.

On any given night in the main dining room, an instrumentalist plays a baby grand piano during dinner service. Live jazz music is available each Wednesday from 6–9 p.m. “We have five different jazz musicians or groups that we rotate through each week,” Greg says. Greg realizes that running a successful restaurant involves treating people well, starting with his staff. To see him in action is like watching a father doting over his beloved children. “We’re all family here, and every member of the team knows if there’s ever anything I can do for them, I will,” he asserts. Bar Manager Tabitha Mattson agrees. “Greg has been the best boss I’ve ever worked with, so this is the only place I want to be.” Delfiscio Herring II, the restaurant’s general manager, appreciates the camaraderie of the staff and the way Greg regards them.

Ostrich meatballs with sweet-and-spicy red pepper coulis 84

“I’ve been here since March of 2021, which was before the restaurant opened for business, and Greg has always shown respect to me and others,” he says. In addition to valuing his front-ofhouse staff, Greg gives Executive Chef Ernest Fisher free rein in the kitchen. Consider it one chef trusting another to consistently churn out first-rate gastronomy. Ernest, who hails from Connecticut, serves up well-composed dishes with aplomb. Many of the artfully presented dishes arrive tableside on handmade stoneware from Seagrove, NC. Inventive small plates include offerings like ostrich meatballs paired with sweet-andspicy red pepper coulis and stuffed quail with cranberry wild rice and a cherry reduction. Notable entrées available during our visit encompassed pan-seared duck breast with whipped parsnips, fondant potatoes, and

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The stunning copper-covered bar

The Sycamore’s main dining room offers elegant dining in a historic setting. An eclectic peacock theme pervades the space. LOOKWEST 87

Proprietor Greg Lewis

The distinctive orange olive oil cake

lemongrass pesto; slow-cooked boneless pork tenderloin accompanied by braised collards and cranberry-apple chutney; and an alligatorstuffed airline chicken with goat cheese, kale, shallots, and a creole butter sauce. “Ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon are always on the menu,” Greg says with a smile, adding that the ribeye is his favorite among all the main-dish selections. Fresh fish ranging from amberjack and black drum to cobia and tile is sourced from Locals Seafood. Side dishes should not be an after88

thought. You can’t go wrong with the roasted or grilled seasonal vegetable options. But if you don’t try any other shareable side dish, order the resplendent mac and cheese. (Confession: We couldn’t stop relishing it during and after the photo shoot.) “It’s a signature side that contains Gruyère, white cheddar, Brie, and fontina and is made with cavatappi pasta,” says Chef Ernest. Desserts run the gamut from olive oil cake and ricotta cheesecake to lemon blueberry biscuit cake and chocolate-laden indulgences like pot de crème.

The menu at The Sycamore is adaptable for gluten-free or vegan purposes. “We can also accommodate people with alpha-gal,” says Greg, adding that his wife suffers from alpha-gal syndrome, a tickborne illness that causes some people to become allergic to red meat. The eatery’s beverage team curates a wine list that balances approachability with sophistication, combining thoughtful bythe-glass selections with reserve-level bottles from celebrated regions across the globe. Distinctive craft cocktails also play on seasonal flavors, ranging from warm apple and ginger in winter to fresh mint and watermelon in summer. Service is polished, gracious, and attentive. “When people come through the door, we let them know we’re going to take good care of them and guide them through their dining experience,” Greg says. The Sycamore at Chatham Mills is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5–9 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended for the main dining room. t 480 Hillsboro St. #500, Pittsboro thesycamoreatchathammills.com @TheSycamoreatChathamMills

North Carolina tilefish with crab and purple potatoes

Don't miss the standout mac and cheese made with cavatappi pasta.

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LUCCI BLUE’S SOCIAL CAFE WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

It’s a Wednesday evening in the Varina business district, and a warm, inviting new café is filled with guests sipping wine, munching on charcuterie, and conversing with one another in what has quickly become one of the town’s most vibrant communal hubs. Lucci Blue’s Social Cafe & Deli, opened in the summer of 2025, represents the fulfillment of a vision by proprietor Kim Blue, who in 2019 traveled to Italy with her husband, Lyle Blue. Kim was inspired by an extended time spent relishing the country’s stunning natural beauty, beloved cuisine, and relaxed culture. Raleigh-based iS design helped transform the former Blanchard Plumbing space into a classic European-style hangout with old-world flair. 90

“We’ve lived here in Fuquay for 25 years, and I felt like this space provided a great opportunity for us to provide something different for people to enjoy,” the softspoken Kim says with a smile. “I’m an artist, and I saw a clean slate that was something I could work with.” Exposed brick walls and wooden ceiling beams provide character, while the cement floor and a cozy open kitchen add practical functionality. Tables were sourced from nearby Rescued Wood Rehab. Framed photographs on a primary wall feature Venice plus regions like Cinque Terre and Tuscany, all areas Kim visited during her travels in Italy.

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The charming café offers an ideal place to relax, unwind, and experience intimate conversations with others, as well as coffee, all-day dining, and wine tasting events.

“We want people to feel a true sense of community and welcomeness when they come in,” Kim says, adding that Lucci Blue’s serves as an ideal place to relax, unwind, and experience intimate conversations with others. No matter what time of day you visit, the eatery offers plenty of enticing options to consider. Start your day with a cup of robust espresso or a lavender honey latte paired with Premium Avocado Toast — creamy avocado topped with a savory mix of feta, ricotta, bruschetta, and prosciutto. Sweeter options include muffins, scones, and croissants. Gourmet sandwiches in unique combinations satisfy at lunch or dinnertime. Tempting options include The Big Cheese with gruyere, cheddar, muenster, and caramelized onions, or the Figgy Piggy featuring brie, pears, figs, and bacon. Prefer lighter fare? Order the panzanella (Italian bread salad) with heirloom tomatoes, chickpeas, and red onions topped with fresh basil. Salads are conveniently offered in two sizes. One thing that quickly becomes apparent at Lucci Blue’s is the communal aspect to dining. “A lot of our food items like bruschetta, flatbreads, and charcuterie are designed to be shareable and enjoyed family style,” Kim explains. The showstopper Hot Honey and Crispy Prosciutto flatbread stands apart as this foodie’s favorite item on the menu. Don’t even get me started on the delectable caramelized onions, chunks of fresh garlic, or the drizzle of house-made hot honey. When it comes to charcuterie, you can select from a variety of quality meats like chorizo, salami, soppressata, and capicola; cheeses such as Havarti, Manchego, and brie; and condiments ranging from olives and Peppadew peppers to cornichons (small pickles) and protein-rich lupini beans. Prefer charcuterie to go? The restaurant offers regular and deluxe boxes for carryout, as well as catering options.

Select from more than 100 bottles of wine.

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Pistachio cheesecake

“Our food is made to order, so guests should be advised that it’s going to take a while to come through our small kitchen, but everything is made with love,” Kim says. “We encourage people to be patient and have some wine while they wait.” Speaking of libations, Lucci Blue’s offers an impressive assortment of red and white wine by the glass or bottle. Sommeliers guide guests through a curated selection of wines paired with small bites every Wednesday from 6–8 p.m. Book directly online from the “events” section of the restaurant’s website. “We currently have about 110 bottles of wine, about 60 of which are from Italy and are supplied by Etruscan Imports in Greensboro,” says Lyle, who helps manage the café. Lucci Blue’s also serves beer, bourbon, and craft cocktails. Plus, you can receive a free limoncello shot on your birthday. Indulge your sweet tooth with dessert offerings like the distinctive pistachio cheesecake and the refreshingly tart mini lemon bites. An upstairs gathering space accommodates up to 40 people and is available for private occasions like dinner parties, bridal and baby showers, book clubs, and corporate meetings. The upper-level area also serves as a regular spot for Saturday morning yoga classes, paint-and-sip events, and dance instruction. Lucci Blue’s is open Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are not accepted, so consider calling ahead if you plan to bring a group. An outdoor patio features a nifty wine window as well as hanging lights and plenty of seating.t 209 Fayetteville St., Fuquay-Varina lucciblues.com @lucciblues

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FRANKIE FRANKK’S HOT DOG CART WRITTEN BY DAVID MCCREARY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

If you’re fortunate enough to visit The Family Farm on Avent Ferry and see a graffitiladen hot dog cart onsite, you can witness the magic happen. Holly Springs High School students are totally aware. Same for first responders, moms with toddlers, and blue-collar workers with grease stains on their shirts. As the saying goes: If you know, you know. Perhaps you’re not clued in yet, so allow us to introduce you to Frankie Frankk’s Hot Dog Cart. This tube-steak-on-a-bun utopia provides some of the most affordable eats you’ll find anywhere. But what’s even more

notable than the cart is the man standing behind it: owner Frank McGoldrick. “I appreciate you, man,” the 35-yearold Long Island, New York, native says to a regular patron who stopped by to get his weekly hot dog fix. Hang out with Frank for 10 minutes or so, and you’ll quickly discover how much he values his devotees. “I treat everyone with respect and appreciation, and I consider them as much more than just customers,” says Frank, who’s lived in North Carolina since 2008. “I want to know their name, how their day

is going, and how their grandmother’s back surgery went.” It’s not uncommon for the bearded entrepreneur to provide free hot dogs for first responders, schoolteachers, and other public servants in the community. Frank’s professional ethos involves giving back and showing gratitude to those who serve others. “I believe the more you give, the more you get back,” he says. This kind of graciousness and altruism has endeared Frank to virtually everyone he’s encountered. In March, Frankie Frankk’s LOOKWEST 97

received 2026 Business of the Year honors from the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce. It was recognized for fostering local connections, lifting the community, and for adding “a little extra spark” to the town’s everyday life. Prior to rolling out his NYC-style hot dog cart in mid-2024, Frank worked in graphic design, T-shirt printing, logo branding, and as a manager at a now defunct mom-and-pop restaurant in Fuquay-Varina. He and his wife, Chloe, recently welcomed their first child, Frankie V, and they live in Holly Springs. “I didn’t know if the town wanted or needed a hot dog guy, but ultimately I decided just to go for it,” Frank explains, adding that early on he ran the business from a tiny downtown parking lot but then upgraded to a more accessible location with ample parking. Frankie Frankk’s serves all-beef Sabrett hot dogs, which have a natural casing with a distinctive snap, as well as spicy sausage dogs. The frankfurters are boiled in what’s 98

ABOVE: Long Island native Frank McGoldrick operates the colorful Frankie Frankk’s hot dog stand at The Family Farm on Avent Ferry. LEFT: Menu options include all-beef hot dogs and spicy sausage dogs.

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and onion sauce top the Underdog.

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Service-oriented proprietor Frank McGoldrick

The iconic Sabrett umbrella marks the location of Frankie Frankk’s on Avent Ferry Road.

Frankie Frankk’s offers a variety of unique hot dog toppings.

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peculiarly referred to as “dirty water,” but only because they are seasoned in a special blend of spices to enhance flavor. And here’s one more factor that gives the cart extra street cred: The dogs are served on Martin potato rolls. “When people see the iconic Sabrett umbrella, they know we’ve got the real deal (from New York),” Frank says with passion. Nowadays he’s zealous about slinging the standard fare you’d expect to find plus wildly creative specialty concoctions you won’t see elsewhere. Consider, for example, the Lou Dog with chili, whipped pimento cheese, and Mike’s Hot Honey, a multisensory creation that will make your taste buds rejoice. Or go for the Underdog composed of mayo, mustard, onion sauce, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Just for good measure, try the Joey-D featuring spicy mustard, chili, slaw, onion sauce, and crushed Fritos. Individuals who aren’t from the Tar Heel State tend to gravitate toward the City Dog with onion sauce, sauerkraut, and spicy mustard. Meanwhile, many NC natives appreciate the Carolina Dog, which includes chili, slaw, raw onions, and yellow mustard. “I stop by about once a week and usually order a Carolina Dog and a spicy sausage dog as well,” says Holly Springs resident Jason Roberson. “I like supporting Frank because he’s always friendly and helpful, which are big reasons for me coming back each time.” When it comes to the unusual toppings, Frank says he likes offering people a variety of items that they wouldn’t expect from a typical hot dog cart. “We even have something called a Mama No Dog that comes with just a bun and any of our 20 toppings,” he says with a laugh. “There’s also a secret-menu Toddler Dog with cheese, ketchup, and Utz Potato Stix.” Pro tip: Be sure to try the house-special bottled hot sauce, which is available for purchase in limited quantities.

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The Lou Dog with chili, whipped pimento cheese, and Mike’s Hot Honey

Frank’s right-hand man behind the cart is Mike McGoldrick, his youngest brother, who quietly makes each hot dog with precision and pride. In addition to hot dogs, Frankie Frankk’s sells Deep River brand bagged chips and an assortment of canned beverages ranging from Coke products to Arizona Arnold Palmer Lite to Monster Energy drinks. Frank delivers big energy, infectious smiles, and punchy declarations on his popular TikTok videos. He’s especially known for catchphrases like “Good morning, Holly 102

Springs” and “Come by and say, ‘What’s up,’” always finishing with a one-word closer — “Peace” — and a two-fingered V-sign. Keith Propes, one of Frank’s most loyal enthusiasts, lives on the Avent Ferry farm with his wife, who grew up there. “We’re really happy to have Frank here, because he and his entire family are great people,” Keith says. “We always feel like he’s looking out for our best interests.” Frank chimes in: “I’m beyond grateful for the folks here at the Family Farm for allowing me to be here.”

Frankie Frankk’s is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The business provides catering and special event services. Online ordering is also available. When you visit, be sure to pick up a “Pay It Forward” card to pass along to someone so they can enjoy a free regular hot dog. “I envision Frankie Frankk’s becoming the water-cooler area for Holly Springs,” Frank says. “This is a place where people can come and hang out, and I’m always here to talk.” frankks.com @frankiefrankks

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ORTHODONTICS

A FOCUS ON FINISHING TOUCHES At Bovenizer and Baker Orthodontics, pushing the envelope is one of our core values. While straight teeth are important for alignment and function, the most beautiful smiles often come down to the finishing touches. Drs. Bovenizer, Baker, and Spangler go above and beyond to create smiles that are healthy, functional, balanced, natural, and aesthetically pleasing. To achieve these standout results, our doctors use finishing procedures that enhance each patient’s smile.

BOVENIZER & BAKER ORTHODONTICS

Tooth Shaping After braces are removed, treatment is completed with polishing and tooth shaping. This allows the doctors to refine the edges of the teeth so they appear more natural, even, and in harmony with the smile arc. Our doctors see themselves as both smile architects and artists, carefully shaping each smile to look as ideal and balanced as possible. Gum Contouring Gum contouring, also known as laser gingivectomy, is used to remove or reshape excess gum tissue. For pa-

tients with a gummy smile or uneven gum heights, Drs. Bovenizer, Baker, and Spangler may use a dental laser to gently recontour the gumline and reveal more of the teeth. At Bovenizer and Baker Orthodontics, we believe orthodontics is about more than straight teeth. Details like tooth shaping and gum contouring add the finishing touches that help create beautiful smiles. We offer free new-patient consultations, including a low-dose X-ray, photos, an exam, a personalized treatment plan, and a financial quote.

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SKIN CARE

MAKING THE TRIANGLE BEAUTIFUL SINCE 2008 At CARE Plastic Surgery, we believe exceptional care begins with prioritizing patient safety, satisfaction, and stunning results. Dr. Brian Coan, founder of CARE, is an award-winning, nationally renowned, double-boardcertified plastic surgeon. As a recurring recipient of Cary’s Best Plastic Surgeon award, Dr. Coan and CARE have earned a reputation for outstanding patient satisfaction and natural-looking results. After being featured on the Emmy Award–winning television program The Doctors and voted Best Plastic Surgeon in Durham for seven consecutive years, CARE moved to a larger facility in Cary to meet increasing patient demand. The new Cary office

offers two state-of-the-art operating facilities and a world-class skinCARE MedSpa. These new, advanced surgical suites allow Dr. Coan to apply his signature techniques to over 25 transformative cosmetic procedures including: Mommy Makeovers, Tummy Tucks, Breast Lifts, and Facelifts. As an MIT graduate, Dr. Coan brings his enthusiasm for technology to CARE by incorporating virtual imaging to help patients visualize potential postsurgical results. Dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and innovative aesthetic treatments, skinCARE MedSpa is one of the Triangle’s premier destinations for nonsurgical rejuvenation. CARE’s

CARE PLASTIC SURGERY

experienced team of licensed aestheticians and aesthetic providers creates personalized treatment plans designed to help each patient achieve their unique cosmetic goals. From skin resurfacing and laser treatments to body contouring, injectables, and dermal fillers, CARE offers a comprehensive range of services to help you look and feel your best. Dr. Coan is also passionate about supporting local education and is active in nonprofit and philanthropic endeavors. When not consulting with patients or in the operating room, Dr. Coan enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters.

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MECHANIC

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! At Cary Car Care we want to know your name! We may not be the neighborhood hangout, but we strive to be a place people know and trust. We’re your local, familyowned and operated, full-service automotive repair shop! Our team of 10 is dedicated to excellent service and personable care that has made us a pillar in the community for over 35 years.

CARY CAR CARE

Our goal is to provide every client with a transparent and respectful experience, from knowing your name when you walk in the door to easy-to-read repair orders that include pictures. Our process is seamless with multiple communication options, online bill payment, express check in/out, and more. Not to mention, we are one of the few ASE-certified

shops in Wake County with all certified technicians. Plus, we service all makes and models and do everything but body work, so you can bring any of your vehicles to our shop. Your family can rest assured that this family-oriented group has your best interests — and your vehicles’ — at heart! Give us a call or come on in and visit — we look forward to it!

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MEDICINE

WHERE DIRECTION GUIDES THE JOURNEY AND PROGRESS REFLECTS THE PATH HOME Delivering structured, evidenceinformed support that strengthens individuals and families through clarity, connection, and measurable progress. At Compass Family Consultants, we believe every family deserves compassion, connection, and care. Led by Kristie Laviska, a trusted guiding force at Compass with more than 20 years of experience, our team is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and organizations navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. Kristie has built her career on empowering families, strengthening communities, and fostering meaning-

COMPASS FAMILY CONSULTANTS

ful partnerships that lead to lasting change. Under her leadership, Compass Family Consultants provides personalized support, resource navigation, family advocacy, and collaborative solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our approach is centered on listening first, building trusting relationships, and connecting families with the tools and services they need to thrive. Whether working with parents, caregivers, schools, healthcare providers, or community organizations, we are committed to delivering practical guidance with professionalism and empathy.

At Compass Family Consultants, we recognize that every family’s journey is unique. That’s why we meet people where they are — offering expert guidance, individualized support, and steady encouragement at every step. Through compassion, connection, and care, we help families overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and build stronger futures grounded in confidence and resilience. True healing occurs through connection, practical tools, and clear direction. The compass serves as a symbol of finding your way — guiding individuals and families toward stability, growth, and renewed hope.

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DENTISTRY

EXPERT TREATMENT. COMPASSIONATE CARE. At High House Oral Surgery, patients experience a rare combination of surgical precision and personal attention that sets this small specialty practice apart. Oral Surgery can be an intimidating experience, but at High House Oral Surgery, it becomes one of trust, confidence, and comfort. Led by Dr. James R. Davies, DDS, the practice focuses on wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, bone grafting, and IV sedation —

HIGH HOUSE ORAL SURGERY

delivering advanced oral surgery care with uncommon warmth and compassion. Whether you’re a parent seeking safe, comfortable wisdom tooth removal for your teen, or an adult exploring implant options, you’ll find Dr. Davies and his team to be thorough, efficient, and always patient-focused. With an emphasis on comfort, clarity, and surgical excellence, every step of the process is designed to

put patients at ease — from modern imaging technology to gentle bedside manner and post-op follow-up. Referring dentists trust High House Oral Surgery for the same reasons patients do: consistent results, clear communication, and a team that truly cares. What sets the High House Oral Surgery team apart is not just their surgical skill, but their genuine care for their patients.

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MEDICINE

HEALTHCARE, THE WAY IT SHOULD BE As a board-certified family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine physician, Scott Bartkoski, MD, has built one of the area’s leading Direct Primary Care practices by focusing on improving the doctor-patient relationship and eliminating the hassles of a normal doctor’s office. Instead of accepting insurance, Direct Primary Care is a membership-based model, where patients pay a low monthly fee in exchange for unprecedented access to their provider and the office.

Instead of rushed visits and long waits, patients receive direct access to their physician with same- or next-day appointments, longer visits, transparent and easy-to-understand pricing, and the ability to text or call their doctor when they need help the most. Patients also benefit from unlimited visits, and there is never a need for a copay or deductible. In addition to these benefits, many procedures are included at no additional charge. The monthly membership cost for one adult is only $85/month, and two adults in the family can join for $75/month each.

HOLLY SPRINGS DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

In addition to offering services to individuals and families, memberships are also offered to small businesses, who can sponsor memberships for their employees and thus provide access for their employees to great health care at a fraction of the cost of traditional insurance. In a healthcare system that often feels like an assembly line, Holly Springs Direct Primary Care offers a simpler, more connected approach centered around trust, access, affordability, and exceptional care.

140 RALEIGH STREET, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540 (984) 464-4764 | HOLLYSPRINGSDPC.COM

R E A LT Y

ELEVATE YOUR MOVE Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and I believe you deserve a trusted advisor who understands both the market and the emotions that come with a move. As a REALTOR® with Howard Hanna Allen Tate, I help buyers, sellers, and relocating families confidently navigate the Southern Wake real estate market in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. By combining datadriven insights, strategic marketing, and personalized service, I help my clients make informed decisions and achieve their real estate goals.

Before real estate, I earned a biology degree from Elon University and spent nearly a decade working in the organ transplant field at Georgetown University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Later, I owned a photography business for 10 years. Those experiences taught me how to analyze details, solve problems, and showcase what makes each home unique. I have lived in Wake County for more than 25 years, first in Cary and now in Holly Springs. My family and I have moved locally three times, and we’re currently building a new home. Because of that, I understand firsthand

KIMBERLEE EDWARDS, KIMBERLEE EDWARDS REAL ESTATE

what today’s buyers and sellers are experiencing and can guide clients through the process with both expertise and empathy. As Chair of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, I am invested in supporting local businesses and helping newcomers discover what makes our community special. Whether you’re relocating, moving up, downsizing, or building your dream home, my goal is simple: provide trusted guidance, local knowledge, and a level of service that truly helps you Elevate Your Move.

150 WELLESLEY TRADE LANE, SUITE 200, CARY, NC 27519 (919) 796-5643 | KIMBERLEESELLSHOMES.COM

DENTISTRY

GUIDING PARENTS THROUGH THE CHALLENGES OF BABY TEETH At Little Tooth Co, our team of board-certified pediatric dentists — Dr. Jean G. You, Dr. Maryam Qayumi, Dr. Katie Keogh, and Dr. Mackenzie Cvelich — is united by one purpose: providing every child and every family with exceptional, compassionate care. Through years of advanced specialty training and experience, they care for the oral health needs of infants, children, adolescents, and children with special healthcare needs. What sets our doctors apart is their understanding that a child’s dental experience extends far beyond teeth.

LITTLE TOOTH CO

As experienced pediatric dentists and hands-on mothers, they appreciate both the joys and challenges of raising children. They approach every visit with the same compassion, patience, and reassurance they would want for their own families, creating a positive, stress-free experience where children feel safe and parents feel heard. Little Tooth Co. believes pediatric dentistry is about more than treating teeth — it’s about building trust, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. By listening to parents, answering questions, and providing practical

guidance on brushing, nutrition, cavity prevention, baby teeth, and growth and development, our team empowers families to confidently care for their children’s smiles at home. When your child visits Little Tooth Co, they’re cared for by a team that combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion. Every child deserves a healthy smile, every parent deserves a trusted partner, and every family deserves a dental home where they feel welcomed, supported, and cared for. At Little Tooth Co., we’re proud to be Loved by Kids. Trusted by Parents.

504 W. WILLIAMS STREET, APEX, NC 27502 (919) 303-2873 | LITTLETOOTH.CO

DENTISTRY

SMILES WITH STYLE At Lowery Smiles, we do more than care for teeth — we care for people. Led by Dr. Siti A. Lowery, our team blends clinical excellence and advanced technology with a calming environment, creating a dental experience where every patient feels seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. Our care goes beyond cleanings. We know the mouth is the window to one’s health. We’re also excited to introduce two new additions to our wellness approach: Exomind and Emface — cutting-edge, non-invasive technologies that support both facial aesthetics and neuromuscular balance. Customized treatment plans can address “Ozempic face,” Bell’s palsy,

LOWERY SMILES

TMJ pain, “smoker’s mouth” wrinkles, “nutcracker lines,” and “crow’s feet” around the lips. All of these things can affect a smile. As one of the first practices in the region to offer these services, we’re proud to treat smiles a little differently. For those facing disease, injury, or trauma, we offer expert restorative treatments that help rebuild not just smiles, but confidence. Whether it’s treating decay, gum disease, or missing and damaged teeth, we approach every appointment with compassion and precision — restoring both function and peace of mind. For those seeking to elevate their smile, we offer cosmetic services

including whitening, veneers, tooth gems, and orthodontics — customized to enhance natural beauty and boost self-esteem. Every treatment is designed to help our patients feel comfortable, empowered, and valued. We proudly serve individuals and families of all ages, building trusted relationships from childhood through adulthood while nurturing lifelong oral health. At Lowery Smiles, we believe: Wellness Frames Every Smile™ Now celebrating over 14 years of service to the Cary community, we remain honored to care for every patient, every day, with every smile. Imagine your smile.

DR. SITI A. LOWERY, DDS, PA, FAGD 1003 HIGH HOUSE ROAD, SUITE 102, CARY, NC 27513 (919) 468-5501 | LOWERYSMILES.COM

LEGAL

PLAN FOR ALL STAGES OF LIFE 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

MCCOLLUM LAW, P.C.

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.

1135 KILDAIRE FARM ROAD, SUITE. 321, CARY, NC 27511 (919) 861-4120 | MCCOLLUMLAWPC.COM

MEDICINE

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SLEEP MEDICINE For patients with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, coordinating care between several practices can be, well, a nightmare. Many patients are told they may have to wait months — sometimes even a year — just to get answers about their sleep. Enter Parkway SleepHealth Centers, a comprehensive sleep center designed to give patients with sleep problems a one-stop shop for all their sleep needs — and North Carolina’s Fastest Path to Better Sleep™.

Founded in Cary in 2004, Parkway SleepHealth Centers is locally owned and operated by Brandon Giegling and Meghan Giegling. They understand the importance of high-quality sleep and the health issues that can arise from untreated sleep disorders, and they’ve built a streamlined program so patients don’t have to wait a year for sleep care. Parkway offers consultations and follow-ups with their board-certified sleep physicians and knowledgeable physician assistants, sleep

PARKWAY SLEEPHEALTH CENTERS

studies in their comfortable and homey sleep lab or at home, and provides CPAP machines and supplies as well. Patients of Parkway often find that testing and treatment can begin within weeks, with costs frequently lower than other area providers for the exact same services and supplies. Parkway is accredited with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and is committed to providing fast, highquality, comprehensive sleep care to communities across North Carolina.

130 PRESTON EXECUTIVE DRIVE, CARY, NC 27513 (919) 462-8081 | PARKWAYSLEEP.COM

D E R M AT O L O G Y

HERE FOR YOU. HERE FOR YOUR SKIN. Peak Skin Center is proud to provide dermatology care to the communities of Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Apex, and the surrounding region. The practice is dedicated to helping every patient achieve peak skin health through expert, compassionate, individualized care. Led by nationally renowned board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Thomas Knackstedt, MD, Peak Skin Center delivers medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology services. Patients benefit from the latest advances in skin cancer screening, Mohs surgery, and treatments for acne, rosacea,

eczema, and psoriasis. Every treatment plan is tailored to support skin health, confidence, and well-being. The practice’s vision is grounded in hospitality, integrity, clinical excellence, and continuous improvement, creating an environment where patients feel welcomed and supported. “Our mission is to provide exceptional care by making a difference in the skin and lives of the people we touch every day,” says Dr. Knackstedt. From skin cancer screening and surgical treatment to expert care for rashes, sun damage, age-related changes, and cosmetic concerns, Peak Skin Center offers a comprehensive

approach blending science, skill, and compassion. Each visit is guided by a dedication to thoughtful, individualized care and the belief that healthy skin is integral to quality of life. “From the first hello to the last follow-up, we want our patients to feel genuinely cared for, every step of the way,” Dr. Knackstedt continues. The practice welcomes new patients, offers timely appointments and convenient online scheduling, and works with most insurance plans. Peak Skin Center remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in dermatology — Here for you. Here for your skin.

DR. THOMAS KNACKSTEDT, 1006 PROCURE STREET, SUITE 100, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC 27526 (919) 762-6845 | PEAKSKINCENTER.COM PEAK SKIN CENTER

DENTISTRY www.stanleysmiles.com

Dr. Rob made a major change

The result is a practice that serves

the practice full-time as a dentist. “It just made sense for Rob to join me in practicing dentistry,” says Dr. Bobbi. “It is rare to go back to school for an entirely new career when you’re already a successful engineer. But he saw how much I truly enjoyed my work, and he had been interested in dentistry since spending time in his grandfather’s Chicago dental practice as a child.” In the practice, Dr. Rob enjoys procedures like dental implants, oral surgery, and sedation dentistry, while Dr. Bobbi focuses on cosmetics and Invisalign. In addition to these focuses, the team provides expertise in pediatric, restorative, and general dentistry.

under one roof. Today, three generations of Stanleys work together to provide ethical and exceptional dental care to patients from all over North Carolina. Dr. Rob’s father, Robert Sr., leverages decades of business experience to lead operations at the practice, and Drs. Stanleys’ daughter, Megan, and son, Shane, are an integral part of the operations team. Together, the team at Stanley Dentistry strives not only to provide exceptional care but to help patients find their smiles. If you’re looking for a family-owned and operated dental practice in Cary, look no further than Stanley Dentistry.

FIND YOUR SMILE® and decided to join the clinical side of the dental needs of the entire family There is never a dull moment for local family dentists, Drs. Robert and Bobbi Stanley. The Cary-based practice owners are parents of four and proud partners of Stanley Dentistry, a comprehensive practice near Preston. They are founders and lead instructors at Stanley Institute for Comprehensive Dentistry, a dental continuing education organization, and have been providing world-class dental care in central Cary for over 30 years. Initially, Dr. Bobbi Stanley was the only dentist, and Dr. Robert was a partner in business. However, after receiving his PhD as an engineer and working in the industry for many years,

STANLEY DENTISTRY

3731 NW CARY PARKWAY, SUITE 201, CARY, NC 27513 (919) 460-9665 | STANLEYSMILES.COM

DENTISTRY

EXPECT SOMETHING DIFFERENT AT SUPREMIA DENTISTRY Blending modern technology, innovative techniques, extensive training, and human compassion, it’s easy to see why Supremia Dentistry has won Wake Living’s “Best Dentist” designation every year since 2012. Led by Dr. Edmond Suh and Dr. Morgan Herman, Supremia handles a range of dental needs, including cosmetic and sedation dentistry, gum disease prevention, teeth whitening, the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, veneers, and teeth straightening utilizing Invisalign technology. Dr. Suh is an international lecturer on a variety of topics from painless

SUPREMIA DENTISTRY

dental techniques and technology to cosmetic procedures and TMJ therapy. He is currently a faculty member and regional director at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and serves as a key opinion leader for numerous dental manufacturers. He is a two-time past president of the International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics. Dr. Herman graduated from the New York University College of Dentistry with honors in esthetic dentistry. Her focus on the mouthbody connection aligns with

Supremia’s interest in providing holistic and naturopathic treatments, which combine traditional dental care with a whole-body approach. She is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and holds an associate fellowship with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. This makes her one of the more highly decorated clinicians nationwide. At Supremia, our goal is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that promotes oral health, aesthetics, and overall well-being. Come see what we’re all about!

1704 S. MAIN STREET, SUITE 110, WAKE FOREST, NC, 27587 (919) 556-6200 | SUPREMIADENTISTRY.COM

R E A LT Y

FINDING MORE THAN A HOME IN WESTERN WAKE Relocating to Western Wake is about much more than finding a house; it’s about finding the right lifestyle, community, and longterm fit. One of the things we enjoy most about working with relocating buyers is helping them understand the personality of different areas throughout Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Fuquay-Varina, and the surrounding areas. Each community offers something unique, whether someone is looking for walkability, toprated schools, luxury living, greenway access, golf communities, or a strong sense of neighborhood connection. As Western Wake continues to grow, many buyers are drawn to the area because of its balance between convenience and quality of life. Proximity to Research Triangle Park, excellent schools, parks, dining, and community amenities continue to make this one of the most desirable regions in North Carolina. Relocating can feel overwhelming, especially for families moving from out of state. Our goal is to make the transition feel more personal and less stressful by helping clients not only find the right home, but also feel connected to the community they are moving into. A home can be beautiful, but if the lifestyle and location are not the right fit, it never fully feels like home. At Lunt Real Estate Group, we believe real estate is about more than transactions;. it’s about helping people confidently step into their next chapter.

THERESA LUNT, LUNT REAL ESTATE GROUP/EXP REALTY

150 PRESTON EXECUTIVE DRIVE, CARY, NC 27519 (919) 473-6341 | THERESALUNTHOMES.COM

MEDICINE

WHERE THE ART OF HEALING MEETS THE SCIENCE OF RECOVERY Dr. Sara Koenig is a rare combination — board-certified in Addiction Medicine, trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR and other trauma-specific psychotherapies, and a professional artist whose work shows on both coasts. In both her art and her clinical work, one theme runs throughout: identity as central to lived experience. Her portraits excavate identities from archival photographs of women, men, and children. In her practice, she meets clients living for an identity someone else gave them — afraid to claim their own. “Being a physician makes me a better artist,” she told Cary Magazine in April. “And being an artist makes me a better provider as

well.” Creating art helps her “metabolize” what she carries from her clients so she can stay fully present for them. As Medical Director of Triangle Wellness & Recovery, Dr. Koenig developed the Triangle Recovery Model™ — an evidence-based framework with three phases: Stabilize, Understand, Create. Lasting recovery, she believes, is about more than managing symptoms. It’s about reshaping your life around your values and the identity you choose for yourself. Under her direction, every therapist holds advanced trauma training, and medication management is physicianled and collaborative, never one-size-fits-

DR. SARA KOENIG, TRIANGLE WELLNESS & RECOVERY PLLC

all. Services include individual, couples, and family psychotherapy, group therapy, EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Medication-Assisted Treatment, women’s health-focused psychiatry, gender-affirming HRT, and their popular Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program (in-network with major insurers). Every story is worth honoring, every future worth building. “She is known to be phenomenal at addiction medicine, but her talents don’t end there.” “I’ve gotten my spark back.” — TWR patients

1000 DARRINGTON DRIVE, SUITE 204, CARY, NC 27513 (919) 338-5620 | TWRNC.COM

Make the Magnet School Choice The first and most important decision you make as a family is the school your child will attend. Fortunately, the Wake County Public School System’s Magnet Schools offer STABILITY, SUBSTANCE, and SUCCESS, and many of the top magnet schools in the country serve Western Wake. No matter which magnet school you choose, your child will have high quality teachers, access to a unique program, and a strong family-to-school connection. Visit wcpss. net/magnets to begin your magnet journey.

Stability Once your child is in a magnet school, they have the opportunity to follow their magnet program pathway from kindergarten all the way through high school! Magnet schools are organized into unique program pathways with specialized themes: Arts, Early College, STEM, Gifted & Talented, International Baccalaureate, and Global Studies. Pick the pathway that appeals to the interests of your child!

Substance Magnet schools prepare students for achievement at every level. Whether it’s our language immersion students who outperform their peers in reading and math, or our arts students who go on to perform on Broadway, magnet students excel. WCPSS Magnet schools provide high quality educational opportunities that will engage your child and foster their growth.

Success WCPSS Magnet schools are nationally recognized for the unique and innovative programming they offer to all students. In the 2025-2026 school year, 93% of our magnet schools received awards of distinction or excellence from the Magnet Schools of America. Apply to the magnet school of your choice and become the next WCPSS Magnet success story!

Find your magnet school fit by attending our Magnet & Early College Fair on October 24th at Millbrook Magnet High School. Drop in anytime between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM to explore all the elementary, middle, and high magnet schools and early college schools in WCPSS. SPONSORED CONTENT

2026

WESTERN WAKE

This list is excerpted from the 2026 topDentists™ list, a database which includes listings for nearly 120 dentists and specialists in the Cary-Raleigh area. This list is based on detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information call (706) 364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com; or visit usatopdentists.com. SELECTION PROCESS “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies, and of course physical results. The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peers’ work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received and status in various dental academies can play a factor in our decision. Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists. Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in North Carolina. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

This list is excerpted from the 2026 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for almost 120 dentists and specialists in the Cary-Raleigh area. For more information call (706) 364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com; or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2012–2026 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission. LOOKWEST 123

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ENDODONTICS Ryan W.L. Burleson Apex Endodontics 1011 W. Williams Street Suite 105, Apex (919) 367-2875 apexncendo.com Steven W. Campbell Cary Endo 1400 Crescent Green Drive Suite 200, Cary (919) 233-8830 caryendo.com Marcus Curry Lane & Associates Family Dentistry 2613 Green Level W. Road, Cary (919) 589-0270 lanedds.com

Ben Davis Blue Water Pediatric Dentistry 345 Earnie Lane, Holly Springs (919) 762-7013 bluewaterpediatricdentistry.com

Darren G. Koch 100 Parkway Office Court Suite 204, Cary (919) 859-6633 kochdds.com

Cristina Maresca Peak Endodontics 1600 Olive Chapel Road Suite 100, Apex (919) 363-1419 peakendonc.com

Isaac J. Edwards Preston Dental Center 3761 Northwest Cary Parkway Suite 100, Cary (919) 646-6325 prestondentalcenter.com

Patrick A. Lawrence TrueCare Family Dentistry 431 Keisler Drive Suite 200, Cary (919) 859-1330 truecaredentistrync.com

Connie Feng Twin Leaf Dentistry 9776 Holly Springs Road, Apex (919) 863-3933 twinleafdentistry.com

Siti A. Lowery Lowery Smiles 110 Preston Executive Drive Suite 104, Cary (919) 371-2515 lowerysmiles.com

GENERAL DENTISTRY Michael E. Bass Bass & Watson Family Dental 1031 W. Williams Street Suite 101, Apex (919) 362-6789 myapexdentist.com Vanessa M. Campbell Campbell Family Dentistry 355 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 567-7484 hollyspringsdentist.com Jeffery Casebier Cary Implant & General Dentistry 100 Ridgeview Drive Suite 101, Cary (919) 626-3662 caryimplantdentistry.com Nicole Cucchi TrueCare Family Dentistry 431 Keisler Drive Suite 200, Cary (919) 859-1330 truecaredentistrync.com

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Mike P. Hamby Hamby Family Dental Center 7628 Purfoy Road, Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-2431 mikehambydds.com Rylan J. Hansen Hansen Dentistry 800 W. Williams Street Suite 240, Apex (919) 363-8444 hansendentistryapex.com Edward Howard Lane & Associates Family Dentistry 2613 Green Level W. Road, Cary (919) 589-0270 lanedds.com Mark A. Jones Park West Dental 15200 Weston Parkway Suite 1, Cary (919) 677-0995 parkwestsmiles.com

J. Gregory Mayes Preston Dental Center 3761 NW Cary Parkway Suite 100, Cary (919) 823-6967 prestondentalcenter.com Lisa H. Mayes Preston Dental Center 3761 NW Cary Parkway Suite 100, Cary (888) 779-6401 prestondentalcenter.com Kelsey T. Meunier 401 Attain Street Suite 131, Fuquay-Varina (919) 887-5030 fuquayfamilydentistry.com

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WESTERN WAKE

Michael Riccobene Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry 1000 Crescent Green Drive Suite 202, Cary (919) 336-5338 brushandfloss.com Sabine E. Schtakleff Prime Family Dental 1600 Olive Chapel Road Suite 120, Apex (919) 372-8352 primefamilydentalnc.com Todd A. Sninski Sninski & Schmitt Family Dentistry 100 Ridgeview Drive Suite 103, Cary (919) 467-2203 ssfamilydentistry.com Bobbi A. Stanley Stanley Dentistry 3731 NW Cary Parkway Suite 201, Cary (919) 371-4454 stanleysmiles.com Edmond W. Suh Supremia Dentistry 1704 S. Main Street Suite 110, Wake Forest (919) 556-6200 supremiadentistry.com Meredith Taylor Holly Springs Family Dentistry 190 Rosewood Centre Drive, Holly Springs (919) 290-2772 hollyspringsfamilydentistry.com John Tomasheski Tomasheski Family Dentistry 1783 W. Williams Street, Apex (919) 267-2457 doriondds.com Robert Watson Bass & Watson Family Dental 1031 W. Williams Street Suite 101, Apex (919) 362-6789 myapexdentist.com

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL William T. Benzing Nu Image Surgical & Dental Implant Center 3600 NW Cary Parkway Suite 105, Cary (844) 624-6752 ncimplant.com James Davies High House Oral Surgery 150 Wellesley Trade Lane Suite 100, Cary (919) 367-6203 highhouseoralsurgery.com Robert A. Englehardt Cary Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 1010 High House Road Suite 100, Cary (919) 461-0110 caryoralsurgery.com Paul H. Lee Nu Image Surgical & Dental Implant Center 3600 NW Cary Parkway Suite 105, Cary (984) 600-6534 ncimplant.com Bruce A. Vande Berg Cary Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 1010 High House Road Suite 100, Cary (919) 461-0110 caryoralsurgery.com David Alexander Waack Lake Pine Oral & Facial Surgery 115 Crescent Commons Drive Suite 150, Cary (919) 249-4904 lakepineoral.com

ORTHODONTICS Jed Arbon Carolina Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry 7535 Carpenter Fire Station Road Suite 201-A, Cary (919) 230-2289 mycarolinasmile.com

Jesse Arbon Carolina Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry 7535 Carpenter Fire Station Road Suite 201-A, Cary (919) 846-7900 mycarolinasmile.com Christopher L. Baker Bovenizer & Baker Orthodontics 2625 Green Level W. Road, Cary (919) 303-4557 bovbakerortho.com Todd S. Bovenizer Bovenizer & Baker Orthodontics 2625 Green Level W. Road, Cary (919) 303-4557 bovbakerortho.com Reid H. Brogden Brogden Orthodontics 103 Parkway Office Court, Suite 204, Cary (919) 858-0078 brogdenbraces.com Kristen Fritz Fritz Orthodontics 363 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 285-4481 fritzorthodontics.com Tony Khara Khara Orthodontics 158 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 577-9009 kharabraces.com Matthew D. McNutt McNutt Orthodontics 301 Ashville Avenue Suite 101, Cary (919) 887-6350 thetoothmover.com Robert B. Nay Nay Orthodontics 6406 McCrimmon Parkway Suite 240, Morrisville (919) 380-9922 nayortho.com Joseph W. Pittman Pittman Family Orthodontics 609 Attain Street Suite 151, Fuquay Varina (919) 762-3001 pittmanfamilyortho.com LOOKWEST 125

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Kelly W. Ritter 103 Parkway Office Court Suite 204, Cary (919) 858-0078 kellyritterbraces.com Alena R. Spielberg Spielberg Orthodontics 1600 Olive Chapel Road Suite 112, Apex (919) 363-6330 spielberg-ortho.com

Julie R. Molina Cary Pediatric Dentistry 540 New Waverly Place Suite 300, Cary (919) 852-1322 carypediatricdentistry.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Jordan Telin Carolina Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry 7535 Carpenter Fire Station Road Suite 201-A, Cary (919) 230-2289 mycarolinasmile.com

Richard F. Brooks Preston Corners Pediatric Dentistry 120 Preston Executive Drive Suite 100, Cary (919) 468-9775 prestoncornerspd.com

Erin Tilton Carolina Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry 7535 Carpenter Fire Station Road Suite 201-A, Cary (919) 846-7900 mycarolinasmile.com

Robert D. Elliott Cary Pediatric Dentistry 540 New Waverly Place Suite 300, Cary (919) 852-1322 carypediatricdentistry.com

Raymond J. Tseng High House Pediatric Dentistry 1705 High House Road, Cary (919) 267-4211 highhousepedo.com

Victoria Gill Lane & Associates Family Dentistry 2613 Green Level West Road, Cary (919) 589-0270 lanedds.com

PERIODONTICS

Jean Guevarra You Little Tooth Co 504 W. Williams Street, Apex (919) 303-2873 littletooth.co Katie M. Keogh Little Tooth Co 504 W. Williams Street, Apex (919) 303-2873 littletooth.co Boo Lee Blue Water Pediatric Dentistry 345 Earnie Lane, Holly Springs (919) 762-7013 bluewaterpediatricdentistry.com

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Michael J. Brenegan Cary Periodontics and Implant Dentistry 1003 High House Road Suite 102, Cary (919) 469-9986 caryperio.com Samuel J. DeAngelo 1142 Executive Circle Suite B, Cary (919) 467-3213 executiveperioofcary.com Paul C. Kazmer Jr. 3550 NW Cary Parkway Suite 106, Cary (919) 468-6410 kazmerperio.com

PROSTHODONTICS Ingeborg J. De Kok Apex Prosthodontics 500 W. Williams Street, Apex (919) 537-3963 apexprosthodontics.com Jeffrey S. Kearney 580 New Waverly Place Suite 110, Cary (919) 859-4778 drjeffreykearney.com Brandon D. Kofford Cary Prosthodontics 1400 Crescent Green Suite 210, Cary (919) 858-8193 caryprosthodontics.com Kevin Lim Cary Prosthodontics 1400 Crescent Green Suite 210, Cary (919) 891-8099 caryprosthodontics.com

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Hidden in plain sight A change in perspective reveals inspiration everywhere. I spent a week finding letters in the world around me, and it turns out I am still learning my ABCs.

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Chemical Peels • Extractions • Laser Hair Removal • Filler • Botox • PRP for hair loss CoolSculpting IPL (Intense Pulse Light) • OptimusMax, Morpheus8 (RF microneedling) Dr. Linda Heffernan

Rachel Serrano, PA-C

Joanne Lohmann, Esthetician, Certified Laser Specialist.

Hope Brady, Licensed Aesthetician

Dr. John Soderberg

forefrontdermatology.com 7560 Carpenter Fire Station Road, Suite 204 | Cary, NC | (919) 439-4206 242 S. Main Street, Suite 212 | Holly Springs, NC | (919) 439-9423