Wake Living May/June 2026

THE VINTAGE TEAPOT: TRADITION MEETS TREND

A DECADE IN SHIBUMI’S SHADE

REGIONAL READS ROUNDUP

BRINGING THE CAPITAL AND ITS COMMUNITIES TO LIFE

*Plus the 2026 pet parade

PRIME LOCATION

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

• New Private Gated Community

• Less than 65 Miles from GSO & RDU Airports

• Gated with Paved Roads & Street Lights

• Live at the Lake and Work from Home!

THE ULTIMATE LAKE LIFESTYLE

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

• World-Class Bass Fishing

• Planned Community Docks* & Boat Launch*

• Community Waterfront Park with Pool, Pavilion & Fireplace

• Community Boat & RV Storage for Property Owners

WATERFRONT LIVING MADE EASY

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

• Only 70 New Homesites Being Offered

• Buy Now, Build Later

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

• Excellent Financing Available

• Ask How to Buy Property With Your IRA

• Properties Sold on a First Come, First Served Basis

Wh o is your Intern et for ?

The Internet is big, full of possibilities, and, these days, ruled by bigger and bigger Big Tech companies.

At its best, the Internet can connect you to people, ideas, things you can make, and opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

What your Internet looks like should be up to you, not Giant Corporations. Your potential shouldn’t be limited to being encouraged to scroll, click and consume content so you can be eyeballs for advertisers. And what you can do shouldn’t be limited by the company you pay every month for your Internet connection.

Thank you, North Carolina, for choosing Ting.

We created Ting Internet to bring the kind of Internet we wanted for ourselves. Because The Internet isn’t just for Big Companies. The Internet experience you get should be up to you.

So, whether you want to tune out and doomscroll or tune in and make something meaningful. Whether you choose Ting or another Internet company. We hope you Make The Internet your Internet. Ting.com

May 20 - June 14

July 10

June 19

July 14 - 19

July 5

August 2

GO TOPLESS ON THE BEACH AGAIN.

Avoiding beaches, locker rooms and fitted shirts because of your chest? You’re not alone. Excess male breast tissue, known as gynecomastia, is common and correctable. At CARE Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian Coan offers precise, minimally invasive procedures designed to restore a flatter, sculpted, more masculine chest with permanent results. Stop hiding and start planning your summer. Book your consultation today.

When it’s your serve.

Our sports medicine specialists have the innovative approaches and minimally invasive procedures to ace your way back to the courts.

Seeing patients within 48 hours. Learn more at wakemed.org/wake-ortho.

MAY/JUNE 2026

GROUP PUBLISHER Bill Zadeits

PUBLISHER Kris Schultz

EDITOR Erin McKnight

SENIOR EDITOR Emily Uhland

COPY & DIGITAL EDITOR Tara Shiver

SOCIAL MEDIA Arlem Mora

CONTRIBUTORS

Erica DeLong

Kimberly Gentry

L.A. Jackson

PHOTOGRAPHY

Marti Maguire

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer

PRODUCTION

Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer

Jennifer Casey, Graphic Designer

Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer

Beth Harris, Graphic Designer

Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO

Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer

Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer

ADVERTISING

Maureen Powell, Senior Account Executive

Paige Gunter, Senior Account Executive

PUBLIC RELATIONS

S&A Communications, Chuck Norman, APR

ADMINISTRATIVE

Kristin Black, Accounting

Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager

Lisa White, Senior Event Coordinator & Distribution Manager

Valerie Renard, Human Resources

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Stuart Weiss

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

WAKE LIVING

701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 103 Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 www.wakeliving.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.

editor’s letter

Summer around here means long days, warm nights, and plenty of reasons to get outside — but let’s be realistic: Sometimes the heat (or humidity, or both) wins. That’s why we’re thrilled to bring you “Incentive to Stay Inside,” your guide to the best climatecontrolled entertainment around. Whether you’re strategizing your way through Battle House, letting loose at one of Smash Social Club’s game tables, crushing it at iSmash, bowling a few frames at Strike & Barrel, or living out your greatest mech fantasies at Giant Robot Fight Club, there’s no shortage of ways to beat the heat without sacrificing the fun.

Of course, summer also means curling up with a good book, and our roundup of local literature showcases the latest from regional writers who are inspired by this place we call home. From debut novels to eagerly awaited sequels, your beach bag is about to get heavier.

Thanks to one clever invention and an ongoing commitment to customers, beachgoers have, for a decade, been able to relax and read in the shade — with “Made for Shade” celebrating the homegrown success story of Raleigh-based Shibumi Shade.

This is also the season for firing up the grill … or letting the pros handle it. We’re spotlighting Lawrence Barbecue, where chef/owner Jake Wood and his team — inspired by a coastal Spirit of Leisure — serve up some of the finest smoked meats (and oysters!) in the Triangle.

And then there are our four-legged friends. The annual Pet Parade returns this year with all the tail-wagging joy we’ve come to expect from readers’ portraits of pure cuteness.

Whether you’re smashing items, reading things, or parading your pup around town, this issue is your ticket to a summer well spent.

Thanks for reading!

Erin McKnight, Editor

EPISODE 52

Poppin’

PODCAST? What’s on the

Host Melissa Wistehuff takes you beyond the pages of

Rolling the Dice with That’s Spot On!

Designers Sue and Linda

EPISODE 53

EPISODE 54

Today in the Quay with Jason Wunsch

EPISODE 51

Chatting Collectibles with Adam and Tara of Triangle Area Trading Cards

The Big Cheese with Frank Yarborough of Frankie B’s

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

EPISODE 55

Cary | 1388 Kildaire Farm Rd.

Raleigh | 4516 Falls of Neuse Rd.

* Coming soon!

Chapel Hill | 4416 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd.

Cary | 2025 Renaissance Park Place

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

Sing a Song of Shakespeare

May 16, 5 p.m.

Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship of Raleigh theoakcityvoices.org/events-tickets

Composers such as Thomas Morley, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Amy Beach, and Sarah Quartel set text from seven plays and two sonnets to music. Oak City Voices brings the “wit, frivolity, and drama” of the bard to life. Tickets $12 adults, $10 seniors/youth 13–17. Under 13 free.

Hamilton

May 20 to June 14

DPAC

dpacnc.com/events/detail/ hamilton-2026

See the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. $52 and up.

The Soccer Tournament

May 27 to June 1

WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary tst7v7.com

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

International Children’s Day

May 30, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. City of Raleigh Museum cityofraleighmuseum.org

Meet 11 North Carolina authors and hear them read from their award-winning books. Plus door prizes, giveaways, balloons, crafts, and a puppeteer.

Inter-Tribal Pow Wow

May 30, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Harvey Hill at Dix Park, Raleigh dorotheadixpark.org

Experience a day of competition dancing and drumming, vendors, music and fun showcasing the incredible legacy and culture of Indigenous communities living in North Carolina today.

Live After 5: River Shook

June 4, 7–9 p.m.

Moore Square, Raleigh

The free live music series is back! What better way to spend a Thursday evening? Bring blankets and chairs, grab dinner from onsite food trucks, and enjoy the indie country sounds of River Shook.

Juneteenth

June 20, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

John Chavis Memorial Park, Raleigh

Gather for a celebration of culture, community, and joy! Start the day with waterslides and games, hands-on crafts, a DJ, vendor booths, and food trucks. Keep it rolling into the evening with live bands and local artist performances.

NCMA Movie Night: Shrek

June 20, 6–9 p.m.

Moore Square, Raleigh

Enjoy themed activities and food truck fare before the show. The animated classic begins at 7:15 p.m. Mark your calendar for the next free movie, Wicked: For Good, July 10.

Carolina Kitty Con

June 20–21

NC State Fairgrounds carolinakittycon.com

Whether you’re a lifelong cat parent, a shelter volunteer, a creator, or just “cat-curious,” this new fest celebrates all things feline with pop culture, rescue advocacy, education, and entertainment. Adult tickets $20 and up. Kids 12 and younger free.

Local Lit

WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT

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

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

Nonfiction - Guidebook

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

By Emily Price | Reedy Press

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fiction - Young Adult

Devious Prey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Scott Reintgen

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

— Maxim Langstaff

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

— Emily Price

Raleigh is family, and my writing reflects that.”

— Brigid Washington

Fiction SASQ’ET

By Maxim Langstaff | Manhattan Book Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Culinary Memoir

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

By Brigid Washington | St. Martin’s Press

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope backed by science.

When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, you want to give them the very best. Specialists across every aspect of care. The most innovative clinical trials. A tailored treatment plan based on the latest breakthroughs and research. At UNC Health Cancer, we do these things every day. Delivering hope where it matters most.

Incentive to Stay Inside

WRITTEN BY ERIN MCKNIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

The temperature is rising … and you feel like retreating! Fortunately, with all the indoor entertainment options available this summer, there’s no need to go outside to have a good time. So forget the sunblock and head indoors for some fun — we’ve got you covered.

Battle House Laser Tag  wake forest

“We’ve seen parents at a teenager’s birthday party, and the mom has a stack of cell phones,” says owner Darek Huckbody about Battle House’s high-intensity, fast-paced indoor tactical laser tag. Darek says he often jokes with parents that “we’re the only thing that can get them to put their cell phones down for a full hour.”

During that hour, players compete on teams to complete missions and score points. But Battle House isn’t “the kiddie laser tag with plastic vests and 15 minutes running around in the dark,” Darek says. All 100-plus missions of varying complexity are designed to test tactical skills and teamwork, and 4–6 can usually be completed within a typical one-hour game time (though Darek says a lot of kids would “play all day if you let them,” and multiple-hour increments are a popular option).

With over 15,000 square feet of space, Battle House offers a variety of obstacles and multi-story buildings that provide an array of strategic vantage points for players to take cover and plan their next move. The armory boasts a wide selection of laser tag guns, the allmetal weapons providing a realistic battlefield experience without messy or painful projectiles.

Anyone older than 7 is welcome to play, though 6-year-olds can participate with a parent. It’s recommended that younger players come out earlier in the day and leave the later game times for teens and adults.

Weekend birthday parties are always popular, as are team-building and other corporate events. Sports teams and youth and summer camps also make good use of the space. “It’s a great way for kids to be active,” Darek says.

The veteran-owned business opened at The Factory entertainment hub two years ago. People waiting for kids or just passing through can play a video game in Battle House’s arcade room or enjoy a beer, cider, or hard lemonade.

Outside food is also welcome, so corporate events can be catered, and parents appreciate being able to bring in whatever they like to one of the party rooms.

Darek has been known to talk parents and grandparents into playing, and “next thing

you know, grandma’s shooting everybody from behind because she’s in the right spot …” Once, a bachelor party group showed up for the 11 a.m. game, which is usually 8-year-old birthday party time. Although there were three or four kids’ birthday parties going on, everyone jumped in and played together. “It’s amazing how people can come together and have an awesome time,” Darek says. t

battlehouselasercombat.com

@battlehousewakeforest

Weekday deals — two hours of play for the price of a one-hour ticket on the weekend — are available at Battle House all summer, along with week- or month-long membership options.

All laser tag weapons are designed to provide unique stats and capabilities, allowing players to choose the right weapon for them and their playstyle.

Missions range in complexity but always incorporate teamwork, as with the battle for glowing domination cubes positioned throughout the arena.

Giant Robot Fight Club typically announces the next show on the day of the current show, but Instagram is a good bet for what’s coming.

giant robot fight club  Raleigh & durham

“The first rule of Giant Robot Fight Club,” announces referee Fudge Shemp to a raucous audience from inside the ring, “is please talk about Giant Robot Fight Club. Tell your friends. Tell your enemies. Tell your weird cousin ...”

“Your weird cousin’s gonna love this,” interjects Hot Dog Henly, the show’s emcee and creator. He describes the experience as “a bunch of different things. At its heart, it’s an independent comedy wrestling show. It’s a community. It’s an art show. It’s a performance art piece. It’s immersive theater.”

After living in New York City and working as an actor, playwright, and stand-up comedian, Hot Dog moved to Durham, where he knew he wanted to produce something. He just wasn’t exactly sure what it was going to be.

Hot Dog had become what he describes as “super obsessed” with wrestling, so he was thinking about a show that centered on some kind of fight. It was at The Common Market Durham that things clicked into place, as

the upper level of tables and lower-level bar evoked a Colosseum setting.

Hot Dog’s theater background helped him recognize that wrestling is theater distilled to its bare elements. “The most simple story you can tell is in a wrestling ring,” he explains.

To tell the story of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Hot Dog and Fudge — who coordinates the fights and works with the venues — set up each show with jokes and satire. The running narrative has been told for over 18 months now, and the goal is to ensure that every show feels different for a returning audience but is easily followed by newcomers.

As Hot Dog admits, however: “If there are details that they miss, it really doesn’t matter because they’re here to see people in cardboard robots fight.”

You read that right. Otherwise respectable people dress up as cardboard and duct-tape robots to fight each other.

While Hot Dog writes the story of the human characters and directs the show to the

extent it’s possible, everything else is up to the people doing it. “I get mad at the robots if they tell me what’s gonna happen in their fights,” he says. “I like to go in knowing as little as possible because that’s where the fun and surprises are.”

That fun and those surprises are best witnessed in person.

Before a less-than-official panel of judges, robots enter the personalized GRFC ring (recently upgraded from a taped-on GRFC lettered mat) to fight. As described by Fudge in his referee intro: “Rule number 6: Two robots enter. One robot leaves.”

What happens between involves a lot of physical comedy and some great music.

While GRFC’s participants fight to win “cash, prizes, and the love of the audience,” Fudge might best express the real goal when he says, “Rule number 7: Don’t die.”

And so far — 20 and counting sold-out shows — so good. t

@giantrobotfightclub

iSmash  Wake Forest

Are you looking for a unique way to unwind and have some fun? One innovative solution is iSmash, where people can engage in some serious stress relief by breaking objects in a controlled environment.

“It’s everybody,” shares owner Aaron Wright about who is visiting The Factory location of iSmash. There are the 24-year-olds celebrating a birthday, the groups of mature women who have a Prosecco smash session before heading out for lunch, or the divorce parties and grief sessions where people work through their emotions.

The facility is designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes, with rage rooms that hold anywhere from 2 to 15 people and are available for participants 8 years old and older. Splatter paint rooms (for anyone 3 and up) offer another option for making a mess, without any of the shattering. Whether smash session or splatter paint, safety is the top priority, as all participants are required to wear protective gear, including goggles and face shields. Every person who comes in to smash must also watch a safety video.

Inside the rage room, weapons await. Baseball bats, crowbars, and even sledgehammers can be used to smash items ranging from glassware and ceramics to electronics and even car windshields. The speaker inside every room allows for personalized Bluetooth playlists, and smash session videos are available for purchase afterward.

The atmosphere is further enhanced by the option to enjoy beverages like beer, wine, and Prosecco, which attracts visitors who are waiting for their kids at nearby sports practices, allowing them to relax and socialize while keeping an eye on the action.

“We can stream the hockey rinks on our TVs,” notes Aaron, providing a fun twist for parents who want to make use of the bar — without breaking any glasses or bottles.

“Word of mouth is spreading more and more,” Aaron says, reflecting on iSmash’s first year of business. “Every month it’s getting busier and busier.” A second location opens in Charlotte soon, with long-term aspirations for up to 10 more locations across the state in the coming years.

Whether for a date night, birthday celebration, corporate event, or just a fun outing, iSmash provides an opportunity to let loose and have some smashing fun.

“Ninety-nine percent of people who walk out of here say I’ll be back,” Aaron says, and they indeed do come back, as he already has a number of repeat customers.t

ismashusa.com/locations/nc-wake-forest/ @ismashwakeforest

iSmash offers both daily promotions and yearly memberships, both of which will continue to run through the summer.

BEST BALLS IN TOWN

smash social club  downtown raleigh

Summer is smashing in Smash Social Club, the upscale social playground and restaurant from LM Restaurants. The almost 10,000-square-foot venue, open since November in the former Carolina Ale House space in Glenwood South, combines interactive games like table tennis, shuffleboard, and electric darts with craft cocktails, elevated bar bites, and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere — plus one of the best patio experiences in Raleigh.

The highlight of the main barroom, which features multiple TVs and a 26seat bar, is a showpiece table tennis table accompanied by banquette seating for eight. An adjacent room features three table tennis tables, a projection screen, TVs, and additional banquette seating.

Outdoor terraces offer even more play areas, with two technology-enhanced shuffleboard tables; five additional table tennis tables; beer pong tables; and a dart garden with two electric dartboards. The roof also pulls all the way back and the windows come down, “leaving such a fantastic and unique view of downtown,” says LM

Restaurants President Amber Moshakos. “It’s definitely a vibe that is hard to match here in Raleigh.”

The food menu focuses on shareable bar fare, including cornbread bites with honey butter, barbacoa or chicken tinga nachos, sweet heat Korean wings, and much more. According to Chef Rob Miller, the most popular dishes are hot honey pepperoni pizza, Smash sliders, garlic parmesan fries, and cornbread bites. Other elevated items include salads, pizzas, sliders, taco flights, and dessert.

The drink menu includes a wide selection of cocktails (check out The Matador on page 87), craft and domestic beer, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks.

“We have created a food menu, a cocktail menu, and a space that really allows you to enjoy all of these things simultaneously,” Amber says. “It’s a really different venue and menu created to be enjoyed in any of the gaming or dining areas,” she says, as each area features an accompanying dining table and lives up to Smash’s “Drink. Eat. Play.” motto.

As to whether people come to drink, eat, or play, Amber explains: “It’s hard to pick just one of these as a choice, and I think that is the point.”

Guests can reserve a table for full-service dining and handcrafted cocktails; reserve a game — ping pong, electric shuffleboard, electric darts, or beer pong — with fullservice food and drinks brought to them while they play; book both; or grab a seat at the bar with full service. Private events of varying sizes can also be accommodated. There are no cover charges or entrance fees, and guests can walk in or reserve ahead to lock in their spot.

smashraleigh.com @smash_raleigh

With the World Cup coming up this summer, guests can take in a game on one of Smash’s many televisions. Plenty of themed parties for Sundays are also planned.

strike & barrel wake forest

Despite the abundance of activities offered at Strike & Barrel, traditional bowling remains the most popular, or the “anchor attraction,” according to owner Dave Carmichael.

After buying the space in 2019 alongside Steve Lewis, and with Katie Carmichael managing anything that requires a reservation, the event destination was doubled in size, to 24,000 square feet, after a complete renovation and expansion.

Strike & Barrel’s ability to accommodate up to 600 people makes it a prime spot for parties and corporate events. According to Dave, the open concept allows people to “float between the different attractions. … They can go from bowling to axe throwing to playing on a golf simulator to playing pool to playing video games.”

Then there’s the 48-seat bar, which boasts the largest range of bourbons in Wake Forest. People will forego activities altogether and stop by in the afternoon for a drink, or large groups come in just to enjoy meals from a chef-driven restaurant menu.

While “old school” chicken tenders and pizzas are a hot commodity for kids during activities, Dave describes the wings as “insanely popular.” The full restaurant menu also includes a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and other offerings.

Since there is always competition for the entertainment dollar, Dave says that what separates Strike & Barrel is “a staff that cares” and a variety of activities offered: “A staff that really wants to serve our customers and providing an open, fun environment with lots of options is what really draws people.”

While traditional bowling still beats out the other attractions, many women (who like not having to wear bowling shoes or place their fingers inside a ball) are taking to duckpin bowling. The lighter and smaller balls also appeal to older adults and young children; duck pin birthday parties are rising in popularity, as kids get to roll fast.

While the details are still top secret, some technology-focused mini-renovations are being undertaken to prepare for the very

busy summer months and give “a little bit of pop to the center.” Although there’s restaurant and bar competition, Strike & Barrel is the premier event destination, yet Dave asserts, “We think that continual improvement and evolving is important, and we can’t just sit on our laurels and hope that people come in.”

Giving back to the community is part of the culture, as Dave says Strike & Barrel has donated to over 200 charities in the past year. “We look at it like we’re a community club,” he says, “and we’ve got to support the community.” t strikeandbarrel.com @strikeandbarrel

One of the highest-volume entertainment centers in North Carolina, Strike & Barrel offers a summer “kids bowl free” program.

The Pet Parade

Pets are our companions, our live-in comedians, and our family members. What better way to connect with readers than asking them to show off their best buddies? Thank you to everyone who submitted their furry (and feathered!) friends.

Warning: Excessive cuteness ahead!

Poppi

Our beagle Poppi is sweet, smart, cuddly, feisty, and always hungry for food! She loves zoomies, but only for a few minutes, then she is exhausted and cuddles into a tight ball of love to sleep. Her favorite thing to do is walk trails where she can sniff out squirrels and rabbits and try to chase!

Mike Snyder

Jenny

Jenny is a tiny, whimsical terrier mix who is a distant relative of the Fraggle Rock characters and perhaps even some from Star Wars. She loves snacks, road trips, meeting new friends, and throwing her toys high up in the air. We love her so much!

Annette Bleser

Aspen

Aspen is our rescue dog who turned 13 in December 2025. She is happily sharing about the most recent children’s book in her mom’s book series about dogs who help. She has mentored seven service dog puppies and shares about her journey in her book Aspen, Life After Rescue. She loves to chase anything that moves but despises Southern thunderstorms.

Margot Bennett

Bodie

Bodie is a highly communicative, fun, and super-smart member of our house. A true working dog who excels at training, agility and scentwork but loves to cuddle and eat cardboard too. He was a Champion Portuguese Water Dog and is a certified Canine Good Citizen. He loves his blue alligator and family.

Rucker & Boeing

Rucker and Boeing are a bonded pair of English Labradors. We call them our App State Labs because they are black and yellow, and we live in Boone during the majority of the year. They love people and especially our young granddaughters. We are grateful to have them loving us.

Stacey Bishop

Carlos

Carlos is a handsome boy who thrives on being with his people, lives for a good game of tug, and finishes the day with the softest snore that will lull you to sleep.

Thor Wendland

Rio

Rio is a 7-year-old Quaker parrot. He was born on the Fourth of July, so he’s quite the little firecracker! He is smart and sweet. He makes everything and every day better.

Krystal Rogers

Cassie

Cassie is our “grand dog.” We love looking after her. She’s a 9-year-old very sweet labradoodle. We’ve known her since she was a pup. She is intelligent and extremely well behaved. Her favorite past time is being loved. She enjoys long walks. As you can see from the picture, she loves our bed.

Lewis Lokitz

Tucker

Tucker is part dog and part human. Our son enlisted in the Army, and it was devastating to me. Tucker came into my life at a time when I needed him most. Tucker loves the outdoors, loves to go on hiking trips, loves to take bike rides, and he is always at my side.

Robert Bartle

Khaleesi

Khaleesi came as a last hope … and became a miracle. She brought my son back when everything felt lost. Now they’re inseparable. She’s not just a dog … she’s the reason he’s still here.

Sharon Munoz

Elouise

Elouise is a 6-year-old one-eyed sweetheart! She was found behind a grocery store, and I was lucky enough to discover her online and bring her home. She is the sweetest, fluffiest girl, and once she gets over her shyness she is the cuddliest baby in the world.

Sydney Price

Goldie

Best dog ever! As a puppy she chewed two shoes, and they were the same set of flip flops. Growing up with our son since he was 3 years old, she now is 15 ½ and a true trooper. She has some ailments but is still getting in and out on her own and even able to have short runs. We will never have a better dog!

Jennifer Deatherage

Twixie

Twixie is the third candy bar after her two sisters. We rescued her in 2018. She is 11 years old and a corgi/long-hair dachshund mix. She’s so cute with that one bent ear and so very loving and attached to her parents. She loves to play with any stuffed toy and can’t get enough food.

Mary K. Munnings

Everest

Everest is a beautiful 9-year-old husky who was a rescue. She brings laughter, love, and happiness to our home. She loves long walks, car rides, going to the beach, and getting a pup cup! This year we are hopeful to take her to the waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest this summer!

Moose

Moose is affectionately nicknamed Sharkie, thanks to his love of showing off his pearly whites during playtime. In this photo, he’s enjoying a well-deserved post-zoomies nap with his minions. There’s nothing this sweet boy loves more than snacks and snuggles with his favorite people!

Kori Mulholland

Scout

Scout is a black Labrador that LOVES tennis balls, as we have to buy them by the hundreds! Literally. The last purchase was 600! He enjoys the beach and swimming in any body of water. He is a heartbeat at my feet, always.

Gizmo

Gizmo came from the Wake County animal shelter, and now he is living the good life. He likes warm laps, fuzzy beds, sunny spots, brush time, long naps, and Type O Negative music — for some reason, I just made that last one up!

Chase

Chase is the sweetest, most lovable pet you could ever ask for. He brings so much joy, comfort, and laughter into our lives every day. We love him deeply, and he truly makes our home feel complete.

Giselle & James Rojas

Zoe

Zoe is an amazing 9-month-old Pomapoo. She lives with her 13-year-old Pomapoo brother. She is so sweet to him. Most of the time he wants to sleep and she doesn’t bother him. She is truly a joy to be around and has never met a stranger!

Gracie & Gidget

Gracie hobbled her way into our lives from an emergency vet clinic after an unknown injury required an amputation. She retains a spicy demeanor even eight years later but will give cuddles on her conditions. Gidget is as sweet as she is brainless. This chonky girl loves cuddles and rubs all the time and is surprisingly agile when playing with her favorite toy.

Kirby

Kirby is a happy dog and loves everyone, dogs and people. She has a smile baring her teeth, which looks like a snarl; meanwhile she is wagging her tail. She smiles whenever we come home from somewhere and at new people. She loves to run fast and has a play group of neighborhood dogs.

Janice Martin

Muad’Dib

We found a tiny kitten under a bush that reminded us of a mouse, so we named him Muad’Dib after the kangaroo mouse from Dune. Now he’s all grown up, and his favorite activity is stealing pieces of our foam gym flooring and carrying them around the house while yodeling.

Bandit

Bandit is a sweet, fun-loving husky! He loves going on walks and hanging out at the parks. He also likes being outside and sunbathing.

Emily Jache

Colby

Sweet Colby will be 2 years old in July. She has a fun, charming, and playful personality that I hope she never grows out of. She loves going to her downtown Barkyard in Cary to play with the other ‘biggies’ (larger dogs) and getting chased by the dogs there. She stops along the fenced entrance to greet the ‘smalls’ (smaller dogs), and they seem to like her too. Love this girl!

Debbi Burns

Diesel and Mater

These two bullies keep a smile on our face and make us laugh out loud! Since our girls have flown the coop, they are our world.

Catherine F. Connors

Pumpkin

Hey, what’s that tattoo on my dog’s belly? It’s typically a blue/green line letting you know your rescue has been spayed. It may fade over time, but it’s permanent, just like the mark left on our hearts by adopting a pet in need!

Nothing says “I love you” to an animal like providing hope, care, and a forever home. They might not have seen fresh air, sunlight, grass, or playtime. Now, the windows of opportunity are endless. Pumpkin is looking out, ready to go! What breed is she? RESCUE!

Rio & Cairo

Meet golden-hearted Rio and bold Cairo. A striking contrast yet a perfect bond as two shades, one heart. Together they balance warmth and strength. Calm yet full of character, both are natural posers, always camera-ready and effortlessly stealing hearts. The youngest, Cairo is full of playful energy, always nudging Rio to join in and keeping him on his toes. Proud rescues from Saving Grace in Wake Forest. Follow their journey @rio_cairopaws on Instagram.

Rina

Yadav

Made for Shade Raleigh-based Shibumi Shade celebrates 10 years

WRITTEN BY EMILY UHLAND | PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHIBUMI

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

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

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

— Dane Barnes, Co-founder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Jean Guevarra You, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

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Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available.

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“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our

“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”

“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!”

“Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient...Highly recommend!”

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“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a

“I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son - very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was going to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Western NC–based production partners,

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

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

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

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

— Dane Barnes, Co-founder

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

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

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

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

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

shibumishade.com

The Vintage Teapot Where British elegance meets Southern charm

WRITTEN BY KIMBERLY GENTRY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

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

For two local British women, using vintage tea services to create beautiful tablescapes is anything but dated. It’s an enduring tradition for modern times and the focus of The Vintage Teapot, which serves Wake County and surrounding areas from its base in Fuquay-Varina.

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

Haylie-Jo Wiltshire and Sam Statham are the energetic and creative forces behind The Vintage Teapot. The jovial pair, who wear matching teacup necklace charms, met 12 years ago at an event hosted by British Ladies Around Raleigh, an informal group Wiltshire formed via Facebook as a way of meeting other transplanted Brits.

Their friendship was fueled by their love of hunting for vintage servingware. In 2017, the pair started lending out teacups

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

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

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

Services range from tea sets for small gatherings to full tablescapes for events with 40–50 people. The company’s collection of vintage pieces — the “past” part of their slogan — offers nostalgic beauty.

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

In addition to teacups (which the pair have nicknamed “Ladies”), the collection includes vintage cutlery, napkins, linens, and over 200 glasses and goblets. Pinks, soft blues, florals, gold accents, and more

— there is something for everyone’s taste among the collection’s colors and patterns.

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

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

ning school events and working in guest services at a local fitness company.

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

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

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

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over, The Vintage Teapot team retrieves the tableware and handles all the washing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

thevintageteapot.com

the great raleigh cleanup

Nonprofit grows from pandemic hobby

WRITTEN BY MARTI MAGUIRE | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN

In 2020, Preston Ross III decided to start picking up litter — a hobby borne from pandemic isolation and the increasing piles of trash he encountered in his drives through the Raleigh area as an insurance adjuster. He couldn’t find an organization to volunteer with, so he invited some friends and started an online meetup group.

The first event had two people, himself and his then-wife. A month later, six people volunteered, then 13, then 23. Six years later,

The Great Raleigh Cleanup now counts 3,000 volunteers who have plucked garbage from along roadways, streams, and anyplace else it collects. Events now take place several weekends a month in Raleigh and surrounding areas, including Cary, Garner, and Wendell.

“I’ve kind of always considered myself someone who cares about the environment and try to practice environmental stewardship as much as I can. And I just kind of thought, ‘What’s something that I can do?’” says Preston. “It was supposed to be a once-a-month hobby; now it’s a career.”

Corporate cleanup events generated the organization’s first major donations. In 2023, The Cleanup launched its Workforce program, which pays unhoused and formerly incarcerated workers to pick up trash. Funded primarily through a grant from the City of Raleigh, the program has employed nearly 100 people. The addition also allowed Preston to focus full time on his efforts with The Great Raleigh Cleanup.

In April, the group held its first Earth Yay!, an Earth Day celebration at Coastal Credit Union Music Park that drew more than 100 people for a cleanup, yoga, DJ, and local vendors.

“No sooner than that event was over, we started planning for the next one,” Preston says. “I think there’s enough room for us to step in and do something that’s more in our culture than other Earth Day events in the area. We want to provide education and also get the word out about who we are and what we do.”

Preston credits the group’s early growth to the pandemic as well as the dearth of other organizations devoted to picking up litter.

“We gave folks a safe place to be outside, and we weren’t in a saturated market,” he says.

These days, most volunteer events draw 20 to 40 people to sites around Raleigh and beyond several weekends a month. In all, the group estimates it has picked up more than 400,000 pounds of trash.

Volunteers have ranged from a 4-year-old to people in their 80s, from all walks of life.

“I tell people when you come, I don’t care how you pray, or how you vote, or what you look like,” Preston says. “We get a broad spectrum of folks who want to come out and be of service.”

In time, the volunteer program was eclipsed in impact by the Workforce program, which Preston was encouraged to start by his friend Maggie Kane, who founded and runs A Place at the Table, a pay-what-you-can restaurant in downtown Raleigh.

ABOVE: First-time volunteer Kim Parsons picks up trash along Tryon Road in Raleigh.

LEFT: Zack Owens tackles discarded trash at a former encampment off Tryon Road. Cleanup events typically draw between 20 and 40 volunteers.

Many of the volunteers at A Place at the Table lack housing, and Preston thought some of them might be willing to take part in cleanups. Maggie agreed and helped get the program running. Workers are paid $20 an hour for 4-hour shifts that are available three to five days a week.

The program created a huge boost in the amount of trash collected, but Preston says it also expanded the organization’s impact in new ways, providing an important financial boost to its participants.

“Initially, we were just picking up more litter, but I quickly started to realize that we were actually having an impact on people’s lives, which I had never set out to do,” he says.

The Great Raleigh Cleanup continues to expand. Preston says he’ll soon hire a community engagement coordinator — the group’s first full-time employee other than himself — and hopes to open another parttime position to head education efforts. The group also partners with local venues such

“Initially, we were just picking up more litter, but I quickly started to realize that we were actually having an impact on people’s lives, which I had never set out to do.”

— Preston Ross III

as Red Hat Amphitheater and NC State University football to collect cans and other recyclables and promote recycling at events.

Preston also hopes to pursue more grants, allowing the group’s impact to grow even further. Without a home base other than a couple of trucks, he says, its budget goes straight back to the community.

“The more money we have, the more impact we make,” he says. “It doesn’t sit on the shelf. It goes right back into the work.”t meetup.com/raleighcleanup

Make the Most of the NC Summer

BY ERICA DELONG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are you adding to your summer bucket list? t

Stay connected @EricaDeLong

Catch the Smoke: Lawrence Barbecue settles in Cary

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 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 haven’t sold out of brisket — which is by design. Whereas at Boxyard they would “sell

out and close up shop and go home,” 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 fresh sliced brisket (and pulled pork, sliced turkey, sticky ribs, carnitas-style pulled pork, and more) whenever they wanted it.

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 “center-of-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 in expanding the menu 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. Variety comes in the form of fresh ceviche in the spring and summer or chimichurri orzo, a bright and fresh chilled pasta salad that Jake says “cuts through the fatty mouthfeel of barbecue.”

“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. They’re a little more flavorful. We put a little more fun into it,” he says. “However, we can do a lot more.”

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 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 will be getting more seasonal, and Jake will lean into the

sourcing and relationships the restaurant cultivates with farmers all over the state. The same is true for the bar menu. 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-to-drink 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 familyfriendly to full bar, catering that can now run simultaneous to regular service, and delectable desserts literally out of grandma’s kitchen — he

“we hope that you can come here and feel comfortable enough to just chill out and feel good. Let us take the wheel.”

— jake wood, chef/owner

has “a group of people in here who are super stoked to make this a perfect experience for you.”

With a recently completed patio, 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 lawrencebarbecue.com

Oakleaf Hydrangea: Graceful Pizzazz

When it comes to a woody ornamental with regional roots that is not only dependable but dependably pretty, oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) gets high marks in my book. Native to the Southeast, it has been brought out of the woods to charm gardeners with visual grace, and, yes, even a tad of pizzazz. Oakleaf hydrangea — so-called because its deeply lobed foliage has the look of large oak leaves — is a deciduous shrub that, depending on the cultivar, can top out at around 4 to 8 feet tall. It is a true hydrangea, but, unlike the blooms of common French hydrangeas (Hydrangea

macrophylla) with their pink, purple, or blue hues, oakleaf blossoms shimmer in shades of elegant white accented by fading petals that tint to pleasing shades of pink, light green, or tan.

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

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

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

And while the foliage of most oakleaf hydrangea cultivars remains sedately

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

I have seen ‘Little Honey,’ along with other cultivars such as the popular ‘Semmes Beauty,’ the aptly named ‘Snow Queen,’ and the shorty ‘Pee Wee,’ for sale at area big-box garden centers and independent nurseries. And although you might have to resort to extra efforts either locally or online, ‘Ruby Slippers,’ ‘Queen of Hearts,’ or ‘Munchkin’ are also worth the hunt because their older flowers turn a pronounced, conversation-starting pink.t

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

Written and photographed by L.A. Jackson

Timely Tip

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

To Do in the Garden

MAY

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

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

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

JUNE

• Make rakes, hoes, and shovels even more useful in your garden by marking the handles with paint, permanent marker, or waterproof tape in inch increments. This gives you handy measuring devices to use for checking row widths as well as planting depths and distances.

• If you remove some of the stem suckers off the lower portions of your tomato plants and tuck each away in a small pot filled with moist dirt in a semi-shaded spot, many will root and, in about a month, be ready as transplants that are exact copies of the momma plant for the midsummer veggie patch.

Is Your Jaw Keeping You Up at Night?

TMJ DISORDER MAY BE THE CULPRIT, BUT YOU CAN TREAT IT!

CONTRIBUTED BY DR. EDMOND SUH, D.D.S.

Do you find that you are clenching your jaw at night, grinding your teeth, or waking up with a headache or facial pain? You may have TMJ disorder, a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint and refers to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and the muscles controlling its movement. These joints are located on each side of the head, connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull, allowing for essential functions, such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. When they become irritated, inflamed, or misaligned, a person may develop TMJ disorder. The good news is that it’s treatable!

What causes it?

While the exact cause of TMJ disorder is not always clear, several factors can contribute to its development. These include jaw injuries, arthritis, chronic teeth grinding (bruxism), stress-related muscle tension, and misalignment of the teeth or jaw. In many cases, it may result from a combination of these factors rather than a single identifiable cause.

How does it present?

Symptoms can vary in severity and may affect one or both sides of the face. Common symptoms include jaw pain or tenderness, aching around the ear, difficulty or discomfort while chewing, and a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when opening or closing the mouth. Some individuals may experience limited jaw movement or even locking of the jaw in an open or closed position. Headaches, neck pain, and facial fatigue are also frequently reported.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing TMJ disorder typically begins with a clinical evaluation by a

dentist who will review your medical history, discuss symptoms, and perform a physical examination of the jaw. This may involve checking the range of motion, listening for joint sounds, and identifying areas of pain or tenderness. In some cases, imaging tests such as Xrays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be recommended to obtain a clearer view of the joint structure and rule out other potential problems.

At Supremia Dentistry in Wake Forest, their team uses BioPak, a stateof-the-art computerized measurement device built by leaders in neuromuscular and physiology technology. It provides a wealth of precision data, including muscle readings, joint sonography, and computerized jaw tracking. Data is analyzed to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

What are the treatment options?

It depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. In many cases, conservative approaches

are effective and include applying ice or heat, eating soft foods, avoiding extreme jaw movements, and practicing stressreduction techniques.

Dentists may recommend oral appliances, such as splints or mouthguards, to reduce teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the joint. In most cases, people experience improvement with these kinds of noninvasive treatments.

Supremia has specialized in TMJ disorders for more than 20 years. Their friendly and knowledgeable team will make sure you get back on track to the pain-free life you deserve!

Edmond W. Suh, D.D.S., is the owner of Supremia Dentistry in Wake Forest. He is an international lecturer on advanced esthetic dental procedures, and leads an award-winning team that has completed extensive training and continuing education to implement the latest technologies and techniques. For more information on sedation dentistry or other dental issues, call (919) 556-6200 or visit supremiadentistry.com.

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

smashraleigh.com

@smash_raleigh

THE MATADOR from smash social club

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

1 ½ ounces tequila (Casey recommends reposado)

½ ounce Aperol

1 ounce pineapple juice

½ ounce lime juice

½ ounce agave syrup grapefruit soda

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

Cake in a Cloud

FROM ANNIE BAILEY

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

1 store-bought angel food cake

1 container fat free Cool Whip

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

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

For Custard:

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1 ½ cups evaporated milk cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, at room temperature, beaten

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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

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

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

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

happenings

Wake Living joined sister publications Cary Magazine and Main & Broad to host the 2026 Maggy Party on April 2 at Fenton. More than 800 guests packed Fenton Square for an evening of food and drinks, music by Maverick Rose, and networking. The annual Maggy Party brings together readers and winners of the coveted Maggy Awards for a celebration of the Best of Western Wake.

A Rare Waterfront Opportunity Returns to Hyco Lake

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

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

Following a highly successful initial release last year—where Phase 1 sold out in just weeks— The Pointe at Hyco Lake is preparing to unveil its final collection of homesites this June, offering a limited opportunity to secure property in this thoughtfully designed lakefront community.

Expansive Lakefront Homesites

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

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

www.HycoPointe.com

Build

on Your Schedule

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

Designed for Family, Fun, and Connection

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

Where Summers Last Forever

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

Mark Your Calendar

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

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

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

happenings

Southeast Raleigh Promise held a groundbreaking ceremony April 24 for a planned small-scale development that will include 25 mixed-income rental homes within walking distance of downtown Raleigh. The project comes after more than three years of efforts supporting the “Promise of Home” vision. The plan includes a mix of styles, including one single-family home, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units that will be available for rent to households earning 30%, 60%, and 80% of the area median income. Construction is expected to conclude by early 2027.

“Strong, mixed-income communities create the foundation for stable neighborhoods and real pathways to economic mobility, while also fostering connection, identity, and belonging,” says Yvette Holmes, CEO of Southeast Raleigh Promise. “This development reflects our commitment to ensuring that neighborhoods with a rich and celebrated history remain places where residents at all income levels can grow, thrive, and prosper together.” serpromise.org

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, the nonprofit Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) in North Carolina donated $41,805 to Meals on Wheels of Wake County in late March. The organization raises money for other nonprofits, with a focus on senior health and women and children in crisis. They celebrated the 40th anniversary with a lunch event at Gravy in Raleigh. facebook.com/DBEinNC

The Wake Forest Police and Fire Departments hosted a Public Safety Day event April 24 at Ashcroft Ace Hardware. The familyfriendly event featured an inflatable smoke house, police SWAT vehicle and drone, and booths with information on fire safety, crime prevention, and community resources.

happenings

Raleigh’s Diamante Arts & Cultural Center

hosted the “We Can Too” art exhibition March 11–27 with works from 45 student artists in the Wake County Public School System. A public reception March 27 recognized the exceptional children and students with intellectual disabilities who contributed to the exhibit.

“At Diamante, we believe the arts belong to everyone,” says Diamante Interim Chair Lizette Cruz Watko. “‘We Can Too’ reminds us that creativity has no limits and that every student deserves the opportunity to share their voice and talents with the community.”

The exhibition was led by Diamante’s Latino Artist-in-Residence and WCPSS arts teacher Aurelis Lugo and included works from students in the Broughton High School EC Classroom, Herbert Akins Road Middle School EC and IDS Classroom, Oak Grove Elementary School EC Classroom, and Knightdale High School IDS Classroom.

“Adapted arts education allows every student to create, express, and be seen,” says Aurelis Lugo. “When we open the door to the arts for all learners, we open the door to possibility.” diamanteartsculturalcenter.org

The Town of Wake

Forest hosted its Guest Services Volunteer Luncheon on April 23 at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Ricard Adams was named Volunteer of the Year. Carolyn Wilensky, Fran Wagner, Herbert Osle, John Keyser, Joyce Rowe, Martha Dyke, Mary Harrigan, Nancy Brooks, and Richard Adams were recognized for volunteering more than 100 hours in 2025. The Guest Services volunteers greet and direct people visiting the Wake Forest Town Hall.

BODYBAR Pilates is set to open its newest location in North Raleigh this summer, located at 8111 Creedmoor Road. From now until the grand opening, founding members can join to receive up to 20% off regular membership fees for life. Staff hosted an event at Seven Oaks Swim and Racquet Club April 25 to introduce the team and share information. On June 6, staff will be at hole 12 of the Wildwood Green Golf Club from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to offer information and connect with members, followed by a mat Pilates class at Wildwood June 7 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“These events give the Raleigh community a chance to experience the energy and strength of BODYBAR Pilates before our doors even open,” says Jaye Johnston, owner of BODYBAR North Raleigh. “We’re excited to meet our future members and introduce them to the BODYBAR way where Pilates meets community.” bodybarpilates.com/studios/ north-raleigh

write light

BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Painting the town

Raleigh muralist Sarahlaine Calva applies her colorful talents to a corner of the Artspace building in downtown Raleigh April 18 during the second annual Arts on the Block party, which celebrated the power of community and visual art with art exhibits, demonstrations, and music. Funds raised from the event supports Artspace, a nonprofit visual art center.

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