modern Italian brewing coffee & at serafina
Community at Fable
the coolest Stained Glass
The Heart + Soul of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina
Pick Your Path
From the historic Edenton waterfront to the peaks of West Jefferson, NC offers natural wonders and charming culture. From the historic Edenton waterfront to the peaks of West Jefferson, NC offers natural wonders and charming culture. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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January/February 2026
CONTENTS
“
I think books are a great way to live a million different ways and also to exist in a million different places.
”
– Nirmaliz Colón, Fable Books and Café
32 IN EVERY ISSUE 16 SEE & DO
Don’t let winter freeze the fun — community happenings from Jongg to microgreens
18 DIG IN & DRINK UP Superfood spirulina from Grain & Berry
GREAT Escapes
Sponsored Content pg. 53
20 MEET & GREET
The duo behind Ordway Glass Company
46
Restaurant Spotlight:
38 SERAFINA RISTORANTE Elegant Italian dining in downtown Apex
24 PICK YOUR PATH
With majestic mountains and serene shores, North Carolina has it all. Chart your own course — east or west — while planning your next getaway.
26 MOUNTAIN AIR
Relaxed charm and outdoor adventure in West Jefferson
8 January/FEBRUARY 2026
32 ESCAPE TO EDENTON Historic appeal on the Inner Banks
46 A NEW FABLE
Coffee, community, and bestselling books in Holly Springs
Harira: Moroccan Ramadan Stew
58 FUN & MEMES
FV Memes reports: Something wicked exciting this way comes
62 SEEN & HEARD
Community news and accolades
66 IN FOCUS
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN FREDIN
FEATURES
38
43 RECIPES FROM READERS
PLAN YOUR NEXT
ADVENTURE
Just off North Carolina’s southern coast, Bald Head Island’s 14 miles of uncrowded beaches and outdoor activities galore make it an exceptional getaway for the entire family. Call or go online to start planning your adventure.
Come Sea Us!
2E Merchants Row | 910.363.4955 | baldheadislandservices.com
reader
Letters
“
If you were going to change careers, what would you choose?
”
STAGE MANAGER FOR A COMMUNITY THEATER COMPANY I HAVE LOVED WORKING BACKSTAGE DURING MY DAUGHTER’S PLAYS, WHY NOT TURN PRO?
January/February 2026 • Volume 8, Number 1 EXECUTIVE
Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher RESTAURATEUR Kris Schultz, Publisher EDITORIAL
Emily Uhland, Senior Editor Erin McKnight, Editor Arlem Mora, Social Media Coordinator Tara Shiver, Digital & Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS
Fuquay-Varina Memes David McCreary
PRIVATE CHEF
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer
Our satire column about Varina’s hidden history drummed up quite a conversation. Here’s a sample:
PASTRY CHEF OR WORKING IN SOME WAY WITH DOGS
“This is wild! Never knew Fuquay’s history had that kind of plot twist. Gotta love a little drama mixed with local legend.” – JESSIE FAUSNAUGH, VIA INSTAGRAM
PRODUCTION
Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer Jennifer Casey, Senior Graphic Designer Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer Beth Harris, Graphic Designer Lauren Morris, Graphic Designer Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer ADVERTISING
Cheryl Nelson, Senior Account Executive Maureen Powell, Senior Account Executive
“This was so entertaining and unexpectantly hilarious. I immediately went to see who wrote this. I see you’re anonymous, but still just wanted to say great job!”
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
– TONIA SKINNER, VIA MAINANDBROADMAG.COM
“Such a fun writer! I love the humor and bits of history!”
PUBLISHER EMERITUS
Ron Smith
– CAROL LONGO, VIA MAINANDBROADMAG.COM
Main & Broad 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.
MAIN & BROAD Westview at Weston 701 Cascade Pointe Lane, Suite 103, Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.mainandbroadmag.com
SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BY EMAILING EDITOR@MAINANDBROADMAG.COM.
This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein. Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.
LET’S BE
! s d n e i r F
@mbmagazinenc 10 January/FEBRUARY 2026
@mbmagazinenc
ON THE COVER: THE ROANOKE RIVER LIGHTHOUSE KEEPS A SILENT WATCH OVER EDENTON BAY. DISCOVER MORE OF EDENTON’S WONDERS ON PAGE 32. PHOTO BY JONATHAN FREDIN.
Main & Broad is a proud member and supporter of all five chambers in Western Wake County: the Cary Chamber of Commerce, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equalopportunity basis.
Opening in January
Be Your Best.
2
NEW LOCATIONS!
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What’s
Poppin’on the
PODCAST? Host Melissa Wistehuff takes you beyond the pages of
Navigating Perimenopause with Jamie Gallagher Financial Resolutions with Coastal Credit Union EPISODE 44 EPISODE 42
EPISODE 45
Talking Tourism with Visit Raleigh
LISTEN NOW
EPISODE 43
Aktivate Fitness on Workouts Fueled with Fun
Creating Stability and Dignity with Designed For Joy EPISODE 46
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Discover Nils, where Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality come together. Fresh ingredients, simple pleasures, and dishes made to share. Come taste the love.
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13
Editor’s
Letter
This issue BY THE Numbers
JONATHAN FREDIN
2
There’s a story in this issue that I almost don’t want you to read. About two years ago, thanks to a second home purchased by my parents, my family and I started exploring the charming town and beautiful area surrounding West Jefferson. We love the downtown shops, hiking in the state parks, and summer float trips on the New River. (The soft pretzel at New River Brewing ain’t bad either.) There may be larger crowds and bigger attractions in Boone or Asheville, but West Jefferson feels like our little Blue Ridge Mountain secret. It’s safe to say the secret is out, since I pitched a profile on the destination for our annual travel issue; I led my team around all the top spots; and I detailed all of it for you starting on page 26. If your 2026 travel leads there, I know you’ll love it. But, shhhhhh — don’t tell anyone else. Our team also visited Edenton, a not-so-sleepy town on NC’s Inner Banks with history at its core. Whether you pick a path eastward or westward, NC delights every time. Cheers to 2026. Thanks for reading,
NC towns profiled by our team to inspire your next weekend getaway.
6
recipes submitted for our new column: Recipes from Readers. One selection will run every issue.
3 to 4 months wait for custom projects by Ordway Glass Company.
16 books recommended by Fable Books and Café for your 2026 reading list.
45 podcasts (and counting) recorded by What’s Up, Wake host Melissa Wistehuff. Have you listened yet?
EMILY UHLAND SENIOR EDITOR
14 January/FEBRUARY 2026
SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BY EMAILING EDITOR@MAINANDBROADMAG.COM.
FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER Spring Classes Explore and create in our many offerings we have now through the end of the year. Draw, paint, print, sculpt, crochet, dance, play, and more with our experienced instructors in the Arts Center Studios! Scholarships available through artscenterfriendsfv.org. Find what you love to do at FVArts.org today! All ages welcome!
New Theater Season A new, bold and exciting season of shows, performers and plays awaits you at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center theater. With brand new performers to the Fuquay-Varina venue, and a few returning favorites, this season is sure not to disappoint! Keep an eye on our website as we start rolling out tickets soon, and we’ll see you at the theater this spring! FVArts.org.
Artist Gallery Come into the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center to see what new artist(s) we have on display every month in the Massengill Design Build Gallery. We have so many talented artists, from our locals to further beyond our borders! Meet and greets happen for every artist and are free for the public to come and experience. Visit FVArts.org’s gallery page for more information on who is displayed currently!
For more info, call the Arts Center at 919-567-3920 fvarts.org
See Do Local Events & Experiences to Enjoy
Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
JAN. 10 12:30 & 6 P.M. KERR SCOTT BUILDING, 1025 BLUE RIDGE ROAD, RALEIGH
Indulgences of all kinds unite at the NC State Fairgrounds — from hand-rolled truffles to luxurious fondue to an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. And that’s just the chocolate. Tickets include unlimited samples of all the goodness available, including wine, whiskey, cocktails, and sweet and savory food items. Must be 21 to attend Raleigh’s sweetest event. chocolatewinewhiskey.com
Unity Weekend Celebration JAN. 18 & 19 HOLLY SPRINGS
Honor the contributions of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a program of events organized by the Holly Springs Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. Saturday begins with breakfast at St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church and guest speaker Dr. Kimberley Richards from The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. Sunday’s events include a memorial march from Oak Hall Commons and afternoon program at the Holly Springs Cultural Center. hsmlk.org
16 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade JAN. 10 6 P.M. DOWNTOWN CARY PARK
Bring light and joy into the darkest days of winter with Cary’s Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade. Bring your own lanterns (no fire is allowed) and join a 15-minute community walk through the park, accompanied by live music, entertainment, and onsite food trucks. The parade kicks off Cary’s GLOW 2026, a temporary outdoor display of technology and light art installations during the darkest months of the year. The six installations include projections, murals, and light sculptures that will be on display until March. carync.gov/glow
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
JAN. 19 9 A.M. W.E. HUNT RECREATION CENTER, HOLLY SPRINGS
Join friends and neighbors for a creative and interactive service project to transform the multipurpose room at the Hunt Recreation Center with a giant paint-by-number mural, turning collaboration into a piece of lasting community art. The Hunt Center is named in honor of W.E. Hunt, a former community leader and principal of the school for Black children that once occupied the same site. Preregistration is required to ensure adequate supplies. hollyspringsnc.gov/mlkservice
Black Expressions
EXHIBIT OPEN THROUGH MARCH 2 ARTIST RECEPTION FEB. 27, 6 P.M. HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
Celebrate Black art, culture, and identity at the Holly Springs Cultural Center's Black Expressions exhibit, highlighting the depth and diversity of Black artistry. Attend the artist reception on February 27 to interact with local artists, view original work and live performances. Refreshments will be provided by Christine’s Plates. The evening culminates with performances featuring top Triangle talent and emceed by comedian and historian Byron Johnson. hollyspringsnc.gov/blackexpressions
See Do Garden in the Kitchen: Microgreens and More
Skate the Square
JAN. 16 4–5 P.M. BEECH BLUFF COUNTY PARK
While spring takes its time arriving, learn how to transform your kitchen into a miniature garden. Join agricultural experts at Beech Bluff County Park for tricks and tips on what grows best inside, when to harvest, and how to start your own kitchen garden on a budget.
THROUGH FEB. 8 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. FENTON
Hit the ice at Fenton’s outdoor popup skating rink, open daily for skaters of all ages to slide and glide in the lively central square. Plan to linger after your skate to explore Fenton’s lineup of dining spots and curated shopping. fentonnc.com/event/fenton-skate-the-square
Mah Jongg Lessons
JAN. 20–22 HOME FOR ENTERTAINING, 119 W. PARK ST., CARY
Join experienced instructor Dana Lange for beginner or “beyond beginner” lessons in American Mah Jongg at Home for Entertaining. The three-part sessions for beginners will be from 1–4 p.m., followed by the intermediate-level sessions from 6–9 p.m. New players will learn the rules of the game, meaning behind the tiles, and helpful strategies. Experienced players can expect to level up their decision making and strategy. homeforentertaining.com
Valentines in the Greenhouse
FEB. 14 2–4 P.M. 7628 TROY STONE DRIVE, FUQUAY-VARINA
Celebrate love and laughter surrounded by cozy warmth and lush greenery in the greenhouse of Brie Arthur, the expert behind Brie Grows. The afternoon features a champagne toast, light bites, and fun, garden-inspired activities to enjoy with friend, partner, or to treat yourself. briegrows.com/booksclasses/valentines-in-the-greenhouse
Beech Bluff Volunteer Day FEB. 28 1–3 P.M. BEECH BLUFF COUNTY PARK
Assist park staff with prepping the raised beds in the demonstration garden for spring and summer planting. The demonstration garden hosts hands-on workshops and lessons related to gardening, composting, sustainable agriculture, and historical crops and methods. This volunteer day is open to individuals and groups, but all volunteers must be registered.
Race Against the Sun Endurance Event FEB. 21 & 22 7 A.M. SUGG FARM AT BASS LAKE PARK
Test your endurance as an individual or a team at the third annual Race Against the Sun event, performed on a 4.167-mile trail loop around Bass Lake. Complete 100 miles by finishing one lap per hour for 24 hours. Choose from many race options, including 12- and 24hour individual races, 12- or 24-hour relays, or weighted ruck events. runsignup.com/Race/NC/HollySprings/HollySpringsRaceAgainsttheSun 17
Dig in
Drink up
Spirulina From Grain & Berry
grainandberry.com
18
January/FEBRUARY 2026
Owners Arielle and Rahmy Tawfik and their daughters Isabella and Layla
JONATHAN FREDIN
“It’s not something that you see every day,” says Rahmy Tawfik. “Spirulina does have a lot of health properties, and it also gives us that beautiful blue color.” Rahmy and his wife, Arielle, own Grain & Berry in Holly Springs, the first North Carolina location of the Florida-based franchise. A poster on the eatery’s wall extolls the health benefits of the blue-green algae: It is rich in iron, calcium, chlorophyll, beta carotene, and full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. “Some people, when they hear it’s an algae, they kind of shy away. But when they start hearing the health benefits, they say, ‘I’ll do it for the health benefits.’” If you’re wary of spirulina’s aquatic origins, Rahmy assures, “It doesn’t add a ton of flavor.” Blending flavors is a special consideration at Grain & Berry, because the smoothies, bowls, and juices don’t contain added sugar or artificial ingredients. “We layer in flavors, rather than adding sugar or unnecessary ingredients. We add in elements that are beneficial or will give it a little bit more depth without changing the base flavors,” Rahmy says. The Detox Juice, featuring spirulina, is a prime example. “It has basil in it that adds a layer of flavor. We also add sea salt and lemon. It really has the accents that accompany everything else and make it a full-flavored drink,” Rahmy says. Rahmy and Arielle ate frequently at Grain & Berry in Florida during their undergrad and graduate school years. The pair now live and work in Holly Springs (they both work full time at Amgen) and wanted to bring their favorite restaurant to the community they love. “Our sign up there says it all: Where healthy meets delicious,” says Rahmy, pointing to the neon pink lettering ablaze near the front entrance. “It’s really hard to find healthy options that are also delicious. And when you come in here, we put a huge emphasis on customer service and hospitality. … We want you leaving with a smile.”
FREE Pickup and Delivery Fuquay-Varina • Holly Springs Apex • Angier • Willow Spring
The menu at Grain & Berry doesn’t stop at beautiful smoothie bowls served in footed glass dishes, like these acai and spirulina bowls. Flatbreads, toasts, salads, and quesadillas round out the bill of fare, with plenty of options available for specialty diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free offerings.
1290 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC 27526
(919) 552- 8381 goodwinsglamorama.com
19
“
Fuquay-Varina stained glass artist Nicole Ionescu makes one of the “coolest things” in NC — custom stained glass.
The craftsmanship hasn’t changed. ... But we are trying to bring (stained glass) into a more contemporary setting through the style and how we showcase it.
”
— Bogdan Ionescu 20 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Meet
Greet
Bogdan and Nicole Ionescu Ordway Glass Company
Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin Stained glass tends to conjure images of historic churches or grandma’s sunroom, but one Fuquay-Varina couple is working to change that. Bogdan and Nicole Ionescu founded Ordway Glass Company out of their FuquayVarina home. After only one year in business, the duo won the North Carolina Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in NC contest in the small business division. Ordway Glass Company, shorted to OGC, creates custom stained glass pieces and restores and repairs existing works.
Bogdan, retired from a 27-year career in the Army, and Nicole, a former research scientist, are both lifelong lovers of art in many forms. They began tinkering with stained glass several years before launching the business. “I was first exposed to stained glass back in high school, because a cousin of mine used to do it as a hobby in his mom’s garage in LA. I remember every window in their house was stained glass,” Bogdan says. Leaving their established careers allowed couple to pursue a creative project.
“We went into two professions that had absolutely nothing to do with art, so let’s look at doing something that we’re passionate about and that we love,” Bogdan says. Nicole’s skilled attention to detail, honed during years as a scientist, coupled with a solid art background formed the bedrock to quick mastery of the craft of stained glass. “We fell in love with the art form and got really good, really fast,” says Bogdan. “Nicole is the foundation; she’s the artist behind it.”
Ordway Glass Company crafts all of their pieces by hand, using traditional stained glass techniques.
21
Bogdan and Nicole created a workshop in the garage of their Fuquay-Varina home.
OGC specializes in custom commissions, objects from small suncatchers to decorative panels to full-size windows. “Whatever we make, we will never duplicate that piece,” Bogdan says. “You are getting a one-of-a-kind custom designed piece.” One of those custom works is a lamp at the Fuquay-Varina American Legion Post 116. “You can go into their rec room, where the bar is, and our lamp is hanging above the pool table. That was a pretty neat project because we donated that project to the American Legion and then got lucky and had some private donors come in and help us cover the (cost of the) glass.” In addition to creating custom showstoppers, OGC repairs older pieces, including family heirlooms and church windows. “When we launched last summer, we almost immediately broke into the repair 22 January/FEBRUARY 2026
and restoration market. We realized there’s almost nobody doing repairs professionally,” Bogdan says. “In terms of any custom commissions or larger repairs or restorations, we’re running a pretty long wait list,” he explains, citing projects scheduled three or four months in advance. Bodgan admits that many people consider stained glass a dying or outdated art form. Through OGC he and Nicole hope to bring the craft into a contemporary light. “The craftsmanship hasn’t changed. Technology changes; maybe the tools get a little better. But in terms of the basics of creating stained glass, you’re still going to cut glass; you’re still going to put it together using techniques that have been around for, in some cases, thousands of years. That doesn’t change, but we are trying to bring it into a more contemporary
setting through the style and how we showcase it.” The company’s social media sites — find them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube — serve as an ever-changing gallery, showcasing the finished designs as well as behind-the-scenes glimpses of work in progress. Utilizing funky music and effects gives their content a modern edge and offers a true reflection of the couple behind the art. “We’re all about promoting the art form and getting it to where people think, ‘Oh, wow, stained glass is not just churches.’” The Coolest Thing Made in NC contest became another outlet for the Ionescus to promote stained glass to a statewide audience. Held annually by the NC Chamber, the public-driven contest celebrates products manufactured in North Carolina. “Looking at the contest, we realized very quickly that we were outsiders, because it’s tied to manufacturing a specific product. We did not have that. Essentially our product was the art,” Bogdan says. Not to mention, the small business category encompassed companies up to 99 employees — and OGC has two. Using local connections, including the American Legion and Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, OGC garnered enough grassroots support to win, something no other first-time contestant has accomplished. “When we found out we won, we were pretty stoked. I was at work and was jumping off the walls. “We feel like this is bigger than us — promoting the art form and art in general, and showing that you can be an artist and can compete and win stuff like this. And then getting Fuquay on the map, being able to say that the Coolest Thing Made in NC is made in Fuquay-Varina — that really motivated us.” MB ogcstainedglass.com @ogcstainedglass
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! RALEIGH
IN PARTNERSHP WITH
Whether you want fresh air and stunning vistas or sun-soaked coastal culture — or both — we invite you to chart your own course while planning your next getaway.
New River State Park, Elk Shoals Access, West Jefferson
WEST
West OR
24 January/FEBRUARY 2026
The Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, Edenton
YOURNext ADVENTURE AWAITS
East EAST
25
Luther Rock overlook at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Rooftop at OH Restaurant
26 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Ashe County Cheese offerings
MOUNTAIN AIR West Jefferson strikes the perfect balance between relaxed charm and outdoor adventure Written by Emily Uhland Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
Downtown West Jefferson
Vibrant towns, mountain landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and outdoor exploration — you can find it all in the North Carolina High Country. Destinations such as Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock often headline a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there’s a quieter alternative overflowing with small-town charm that deserves a place in the spotlight. The town of West Jefferson is “a breath of fresh air,” says Mark Beck. “You come up here, and it doesn’t move fast, but that doesn’t mean it’s slow. It’s a getaway.” “It’s a really beautiful area. The people are old Appalachian people. They are local to the area going back several generations, and they are friendly, fun people.” Mark serves on the West Jefferson Tourism Development Authority board and owns the West Jefferson Hotel, recently reopened after a five-year renovation. Mark isn’t an NC native, but he fell for West Jefferson’s quaint downtown full of local shops, rolling green hills fit for gardening (he’s an avid hobbyist), and rich High Country history. “The hotel started as a railroad hotel. West Jefferson is a railroad town,” he explains. From its beginnings in 1917, the West Jefferson Hotel was a “marvel” for the area, featuring hot and cold running water, electric lights, and a bathtub in every room. Quite grand for a remote mountain area harvested for timber. After decades as the town’s hub, waning railroad trade and changing leadership forced a period of decline, until Mark purchased the hotel in 2019 to restore the landmark property to its original grandeur. Salvaging and repurposing as much as possible, Mark celebrated the hotel’s history, while recreating it as a modern, luxury getaway. “The whole building is full of old-growth timber. The original doors have been repurposed as the bathroom doors.” Furniture from the original hotel remains, reupholstered in blue or green fabrics. Early electric lighting, circa the early 1900s, 27
The central hallway at the West Jefferson Hotel showcases original works by local artists. The hotel reopened last year after a five-year renovation.
overhangs the hallways, and a restored antique grand piano anchors the parlor. Furniture, porcelain china, and antique décor gifted by area families add to the hotel’s local lore. “They have all these beautiful pieces of furniture, often if a parent is moving out of a house or something. It’s furniture that’s too nice to give to Goodwill, but (the owners) want its legacy to continue on somewhere else with a little bit of meaning.” Despite the attention to history, the hotel feels entirely new, with shimmery gold wallpaper, warm wood tones, and original artwork on every wall — a style Mark calls maximalism.
28
January/FEBRUARY 2026
“It uses aggressive colors and patterns that you don’t think should work, but when you put it together, somehow, it’s thrilling, but not overwhelming.” Works by well-known local artists such as Tony Griffin, Richard Fennell, Stephen Shoemaker, and Florence Thomas line the parlor and central hallway, from which all 17 guest rooms stem. “The hotel is highly social,” Mark says. “Hotels are becoming less personal all the time. We decided that we’re a small hotel, and to be distinct, we’re going to be high touch, meaning highly social. Anything a guest wants, we get it for them.” There are fresh-baked cookies at
reception, truffles to welcome guests in their rooms, and baskets of blankets for cool evenings on the two-story porch. “The High Country is known for twostory porches. If you drive around, you’ll see old farmhouses; they often feature a twostory porch up here. And this particular porch is probably the best of the whole bunch.” Centrally located in the middle of downtown, the West Jefferson Hotel supplies the perfect home base for exploring the area’s charms. Restaurants, shops, and a park are mere steps from the hotel’s front door, with even more to explore a short drive away. westjeffersonhotel.com
OH Restaurant
Third Day Kitchen
Eat & Drink OH RESTAURANT & BAR On the ground floor of the West Jefferson Hotel, the OH Restaurant & Bar dishes up Appalachian-centric menus with a focus on local “soul food” traditions, says executive chef Trent Pruitt, a native of the area. “My menu is kind of different than the other restaurants around here. I wanted to make it unique in some way.” The Oh, Good Gravy entrée, a riff on country fried steak, stands out as one of Trent’s favorites. “It’s like country fried chicken, basically, but we make our own chicken gravy; we make our own stock. And then we use a local chestnut mushroom.” Be sure to make a reservation to enjoy the fine-dining menu, a fusion of local inspiration and global creativity dreamed up by Trent. westjeffersonhotel.com/oh-restaurant
HAVANA CAFÉ
Havana Café
Situated on “the Backstreet,” which runs parallel to the downtown district’s main thoroughfare, Jefferson Ave, Havana Café remains a favorite lunch destination among locals and visitors for its authentic and fresh Cuban cuisine. Traditional classics such as a Cuban sandwich,
or daily specials like Ropa Vieja, come with fries, rice and beans, or caramelized plantains.
NEW RIVER BREWING SMOKEHOUSE & EATERY Wings, burgers, mac & cheese bowls, and one of the best soft pretzels around pair perfectly with New River’s own craft beers, including Farmhouse Belgian Ale, which won a NC Brewers Cup Medal in 2018. Down the street, a second taproom features a beer garden with a limited food menu and a chill, dog-friendly atmosphere. newriverbrewing.beer
THIRD DAY KITCHEN For breakfast and lunch with a view that’s well worth the short trip outside downtown, venture to Third Day Kitchen (previously Oldhouse Goods) and be rewarded with hearty and tasty brunch, sandwich, salad, and soup offerings. Sweet treats include coffee, smoothies, and ice cream. On sunny days, patio dining shows off a beautiful view of West Jefferson’s signature rolling mountain landscape. Be sure to include a visit to the adjacent Third Day Market to browse home décor, jewelry, clothing, gifts, Amish furniture, and seasonal greenhouses. thirddaymarket.com 29
Sculptures at Ashe County Cheese
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Shop Ashe County Cheese
“It’s a typical hat bar, but there are not many on the East Coast.” “We get a lot of people from different rodeos all over the state and into Tennessee. And some people just want to get a hat made for their trip to Ashe County.” bullsboots.com
THE MARKETPLACE AT CURIOSITY
ASHE COUNTY CHEESE Three sculptural cows herald your arrival at Ashe County Cheese, North Carolina’s oldest cheese plant and one of West Jefferson’s top attractions. Watch cheesemaking in progress from the viewing area, then cross the street to the retail shop filled with gourmet goodies. Browse cheese bricks — favorites include Hickory Smoked Mountain Cheddar, Jack & Dill Monterey Jack, and 7-Year-Old Super Sharp Cheddar — spreads, and curds aplenty, plus jams, jellies, salsas, pickled vegetables, bulk candy, and fresh-made fudge. When the cravings hit, order from the Ashe County Cheese food truck. Fried cheese curds, grilled bologna and cheese sandwiches, and loaded pork belly fries represent only a few of the cheesy offerings. ashecountycheese.com
BULL’S BOOTS AND WESTERN WEAR A downtown mainstay since 2021, Bull’s Boots lives up to its name. Western-style boots — embroidered, embellished, colorful, and classic — line the shop’s walls from floor to ceiling. You’ll also find apparel, outerwear, hats, and accessories for outdoor adventures. Upstairs, a custom hat bar awaits your creative whim. “You can add ribbon or branding. We can reshape hats,” says Jasper Brannan, an employee at Bull’s Boots and West Jefferson native. 30 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Explore a variety of stalls with locally made goods, boutique clothing, original art, and home décor, supporting West Jefferson small business owners along the way. The hunt is on to find vintage treasures and unique gifts. @curiositync @the_marketplace_at_curiosity
Explore
MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA Take in gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain vistas, from lookout points accessible by car to hiking trails that wind through the park’s terrain. The 1.1-mile Rhododendron Trail rewards hikers with great views at the Luther Rock outcropping. A picnic shelter near the parking area offers a respite for refueling. Not a hiker? Stop at the Jefferson Overlook along the park’s main road for views of downtown and the surrounding mountains. ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-jefferson-state-natural-area
ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH From the outside, this quaint, unassuming house of worship gives few indications that it is one of the most-visited attractions in Ashe County. Inside, the chancel is adorned with a series of three fresco paintings by renowned artist Ben Long: Mary Great with Child, John the Baptist, and The Mystery of Faith. Ben learned the technique — the same one used by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel — as an apprentice in Florence. The church’s doors remain unlocked around the
Old Barn Winery
Seasonal Fun THE NEW RIVER
Make sure a float down the New River tops your itinerary for a visit during the summer months. Zaloo’s Canoes in Jefferson offers tubing, kayaking, and canoeing trips with shuttle service and gear rental. The float season typically begins in early May and lasts through mid-September. The river’s gentle flow welcomes many ages and abilities — pets too! zaloos.com Frescos at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
ASHE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
clock for visitors to witness the remarkable works. Long also painted The Last Supper fresco inside Holy Trinity Church in nearby Glendale Springs. holycommunionashe.org
On Saturdays from April through October, visit the farmers market on Backstreet to shop farm-fresh plants and produce, handmade wares, and mountain-town charm. The market operates from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special holiday markets occur in November and early December. ashefarmersmarket.com
OLD BARN WINERY Spend a relaxing afternoon in the green meadows of Old Barn Winery sampling Blue Ridge Mountain–grown wines produced by the Sexton family. Try each variety (white, red, sweet, and seasonal specialties) with a wine tasting flight. Light snacks, including Ashe County cheeses, can be purchased, or bring your own picnic. Plan to stay awhile listening to live music, playing cards or games, and savoring the views of the Frosty’s Choose & Cut Christmas tree farm on the property. On Fridays and Saturdays, hop on the free trolley that runs between downtown West Jefferson and the Old Barn Winery. oldbarnwinery.com Old Barn Winery Trolley
ASHE COUNTY CORN MAZE Fall fun, pumpkins galore, tractor hayrides, and a 4-acre corn maze delight families during weekends in September and October at the Ashe County Corn Maze. At dusk, ghouls and thrills take over as the maze transforms into the Scarecrows Nightmare Haunted Corn Field — visit if you dare. ashecornmaze.com
CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS Fields of Fraser fir trees blanket the landscape in and around West Jefferson, making the town a popular destination for choose-and-cut outings during November and December. Consider Frosty’s Choose and Cut, Long’s Tree Farm, or Cardinal Tree Farms and begin a new holiday tradition. gofrostys.com longstreefarm.com cardinaltreefarm.com
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Edenton’s Cupola House and Gardens showcases Georgian architecture.
32 January/FEBRUARY 2026
ESCAPE TO EDENTON Coastal Charm on the Inner Banks Written by Erin McKnight Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
“Edenton’s waking up,” says Inner Banks Inn proprietor Susan Martin Cyr about the scenic town tucked into the Albermarle Sound and surrounded by water on three sides in the state’s northeastern region. While it has long been considered a historical gem, Edenton has also been what Susan “would call a sleeper.” But now, she says, “it’s waking up.” Recently recognized as one of North Carolina’s best small towns by Travel + Leisure, among the prettiest small towns in the South by Forbes, and one of Expedia’s most beautiful towns in America, there’s good reason travelers
Edenton’s famous bronze teapot, installed symbolically atop an abandoned Revolutionary War cannon, commemorates the first political action instigated by a group of North Carolina women — a petition to abstain from purchasing English tea and cloth.
are awakening to the wonders of Edenton. Despite being just an hour and 15 minutes from the Norfolk area and a straight shot on I-440 from the Triangle, Susan says that many people still haven’t heard of Edenton. “It’s had this small-town sort of unknown for a long time,” she explains, despite the town of 5,000 boasting a historical status that rivals far larger and more prominent American cities. The first colonial capital of the state for over 20 years, Edenton is steeped in historical and cultural significance. Named after the first governor of North Carolina, the former port town is home to three signers of the Constitution and continues to boast its influence in numerous historical sites and what Lorrie Dablow, who owns the Edenton Tea Company with her husband, Patrick, refers to as a sense of “stewardship” that continues to exist in the town’s younger generations. After moving to Edenton several years ago, Lorrie and Patrick recognized that visitors were looking to buy replicas of the teapot that appears throughout the town and started a business that blends world-renowned artist Patrick’s devotion to painting with Lorrie’s love of tea. After all, it was in Edenton in 1774 that the earliest organized women’s political action in the country’s history occurred, with 51 women signing a statement in support of a boycott of British goods. Sending this resolution to King George was a bold revolutionary statement in 33
a male-dominated era, a protest that later what Mount Vernon was to Virginia.” that later sold for $11 million. An imporbecame known as the Edenton Tea Party. After being sold to the state in 2023 tant part of the state’s heritage rests in this The brave expression of colonial spirit, following more than 300 years of private single remarkable property, and its preserled by Penelope Barker, whose 1782 house ownership — originally by the state’s fourth vation will only strengthen Edenton’s hisserves today as the first touchpoint for governor, Samuel Johnston — the 194-acre torical standing and provide public access visitors as Edenton and Chowan County’s property with 28 structures, including a to educational and recreational resources. welcome center, and is home to the Eden- carriage house and six enslaved workers’ Also being restored to its former staton Historical Commission, hasn’t watered cottages, recently revealed one of its many tus as a cultural center is the Kadesh A. M. down in a town whose population has bare- treasures in the form of a rare copy of the E. Zion Church, one of the most important ly changed since the 1880s. Constitution discovered in a filing cabinet African American places of worship in the But just because the Breakfast at the past is so pervasive in EdenInner Banks Inn ton doesn’t mean that progress isn’t palpable. As Susan says, “Preservation has been at the heart of everything that has driven business in the town for decades and decades and decades.” Among the notable restoration efforts underway The Taylor Theater, originally is the Hayes Farm Project, an opera house built in 1925, which Susan declares “is gowelcomes moviegoers to the latest showings. ing to be to North Carolina 34 January/FEBRUARY 2026
The Inner Banks Inn covers 250 years of history with its four historical homes and converted carriage house, and offers luxury amenities, like a daily multi-course breakfast.
South. Built in 1897, in a rare Victorian adaptation of gothic revival style by a formerly enslaved carpenter who became Edenton’s most prominent architect, the church sustained hurricane damage in 2003 and fell into a state of disrepair that lasted for over 20 years while the congregation worked tirelessly to secure funding for restoration. With the original Tiffany stained-glass windows recently reinstalled, the future of the church is once again dazzling. Such is the commitment to preservation in Edenton: The community will band together to conserve what would otherwise be lost or forgotten. Sometimes, preservation involves cutting a building in half and moving it on two flatbed trucks, as is the case with the Inner Banks Inn’s Pack House, originally a tobacco barn and the property’s newest building … at 110 years old. The entire campus encompasses 2.75 acres and spans approximately 250 years of history with its four homes and converted carriage house
“
Preservation has been at the heart of everything that has driven business in the town for decades and decades and decades.
”
— Susan Martin Cyr, Inner Banks Inn proprietor
restaurant that serves three-course breakfasts daily for guests and is open to the public for five-course dinners on the weekend. About restoring the lovely Inner Banks Inn, which remains the only B&B that started in Edenton, Susan says, “It has been a labor of love” — a fitting representation of how the preservation and restoration movement continues to rouse the greater town. And make no mistake: The past is Edenton’s main draw. But even if you’re not a history buff, there’s plenty of natural polish to make your visit worthwhile.
From the panoramas to the people, the beauty of Edenton is very much contemporary. This is the kind of small town where you’re trusted to purchase your vintage trolley tour tickets after you take the comprehensive 50-minute historical overview of the town; when confronted by “a walker and traffic” (which comprises a couple cars), driver Clayton takes the opportunity to impart nuggets of wisdom unearthed from his personal history in Edenton. It’s also the kind of place where, over breakfast, Terric, who is on staff at the Inner Banks Inn, refills locally roasted coffee and says, “My two great joys are to pour and drink coffee.” And, given his enthusiasm, you believe him. If it is apparent on Broad Street — which serves as the town’s main street and boasts surprisingly varied dining, shopping, and nightlife options — that residents know each other’s business, their shared business unmistakenly involves welcoming tourists to the town. “It’s Southern hospitality personified here,” Susan describes. And, as if a mind reader, because 35
people here are that considerate, she adds, “And it really is genuine. Everyone here is vested in people coming to Edenton and having a wonderful, authentic experience.” “Prettiest small town of the South” Edenton is picturesque in ways that could be expected — glorious sunsets and sunrises over Little Creek at Queen Anne Park; trees, whose individual roots are the width of most trunks, which settled several centuries ago in dirt that still produces cotton and soybeans — but there’s also a dreamlike quality that distinguishes Edenton from other coastal towns. The fully restored Roanoke River Lighthouse, decommissioned more than 80 years ago but still watching vigilant over the water. Cannons that stay aimed at any ship which might dare an approach. Houses, architectural marvels from the late 17th century to the present that can choose whether they want to display their historical status or not, but which cannot possibly hide their rich pedigree. All are emblematic of the specialness — and public spirit, solicitude, and sense of humor — of Edenton as an evergreen destination for romantic weekends, girls’ trips, family vacations, corporate retreats, and more. While you may come to Edenton for the past, you’ll stay for the present. This unforgettable town is what dreams are made of. MB visitedenton.com The Historical Trolley Tour provides a good introduction to the history and culture in Edenton.
STAY
Bed & Breakfasts
Take it from us, the Inner Banks Inn is a very deserving Diamond Collection Inn and top-rated Bed and Breakfast and Dining Experience in Tripadvisor’s NC Coast Region. With knowledgeable staff and all sorts of special touches (think charcuterie boards at check-in, king-size beds throughout, and bicycles on loan), this historic inn’s 20 rooms and suites located within five restored homes (the Reagans, Walter Cronkite, and Dolly Parton were all guests in The Lords Proprietor’s, the elegant 19thcentury Victorian mansion) all boast modern amenities and a proprietor who goes above and beyond to ensure that her guests enjoy “a very customized, curated experience in a beautiful town with a prolific waterfront.” innerbanksinn.com
Boat Slips
Edenton Town Harbor offers a complimentary two-night stay to boaters and cruisers with luxury amenities or easy access to all that Edenton has to offer. townofedenton.com/edenton-harbor
Campgrounds
Rocky Hock Campground provides boat access to the Chowan River and 25 acres of pet-friendly campground with fun family activities and amenities like an onsite laundromat. rockyhockcamprground.com
Broad Street Diner
SAVOR
Shout-out to the smashburger Chief Photographer Jonathan Fredin enjoyed at Broad Street Diner. facebook.com/broadstreetdineredenton Edenton Coffee House is the kind of brew shop where you’ll get to experience a true cross-section of the town’s population. From seniors gathered at a round table to Gen Zers on MacBooks, hearty and homemade — and Roanoke Roasting coffee — are on the extensive menu. edentoncoffeehouse.com The Herringbone on the Waterfront was built in 1898 and was originally a herring icehouse. One of the town’s old trolleys was commissioned to sit in front of the white building and sometimes functions as a snack bar. Inside, the cuisine is upscale casual, and the facility features a full bar and event space. (Decorative vases of cotton on tables and an unmatched view of the bay are perks.) theherringboneedenton.com
The Herringbone on the Waterfront
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Patrick Dablow of Edenton Tea Company hand paints miniature teapots sold in the likeness of the town’s historic teapot sculpture.
SHOP
Broad Street Bazaar, Edenton’s only twostory shopping experience, includes Coastal Threads: casual coastal men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and locally made goods. facebook.com/BroadStreetBazaar coastalthreadsnc.com The contractor responsible for the preservation of many of Edenton’s homes and buildings, to include the Kadesh Church, Down East Preservation showcases a design studio and retail space for home décor and furniture. downeastpreservation.com Byrum Hardware and Gifts has been owned by the same family for over 100 years and has every home and garden project, as well as every gift-giving occasion, covered. byrumhardwareco.com Edenton Tea Company sells looseleaf teas, hand-painted Edenton teapot replicas, and other high-quality accessories; it also serves as a showroom for Patrick Dablow’s artwork. @edentontea Edenton’s Broad Street
SEE
Historic Trolley Tour ehcnc.org/836-2/trolley The Taylor Theater, which was built in 1925 as an opera house and retains its classic décor and fittings, shows the newest movie releases. taylortheater.com If you prefer a DIY tour of the richest historical assets Edenton has to offer, walk the Edenton Museum Trail — a self-guided, mobile-friendly walking tour throughout the Historic District that includes sites such as the Edenton Teapot. visitedenton.com/edenton-museum-trail-2
BEERS ON TAP
Voted Best Bottle Shop! Check our Facebook page for weekly events @TCBiergarten
Dogs are Welcome!
1625 N. Main St. #133 Fuquay-Varina 919.246.6649 | tcbiergarten.com
The Cupola House and Gardens is one of the state’s most important structures, but the home’s last owner was forced to sell its elaborate interior Georgian woodwork to an antiques dealer, who then sold it to the Brooklyn Museum. The town was without the woodwork for one of the South’s finest colonial homes for almost a century until, in 2024, the Museum announced it would start returning the original 18th-century carved woodwork to Edenton, where it is currently being reinstalled. cupolahouse.org Edenton Cotton Mill Historic District — comprising 57 mill houses, a brick office building, industrial building, and the First Christian Church — also houses the Edenton Cotton Mill Museum of History. millvillagemuseum.org Circa 1767, the Chowan County Courthouse is the oldest government building in the state. This National Historic Landmark is also the oldest colonial courthouse still in use in the country. nccourts.gov/locations/chowan-county/ chowan-county-courthouse
Note: Although the town caters to guests year-round, check opening times prior to any visit for a seamless experience.
Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/historicedenton
Fresh Cuts, Unmatched Quality. 1109 galt ave fuquay-varina, NC themeathousefuquay.com 37
Taking inspiration from northern and central Italy, Chef Matt Greiner crafted the menu to feature NC produce. The goat cheese gnocchi with peaches and asparagus is one delicious example. Opposite: Tuna crudo, a favorite of owner April McCall, layers flavors of blood orange, Calabrian chili vinaigrette, crispy capers, and pistachios. 38 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Restaurant Spotlight
Serafina Ristorante Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin April McCall describes Serafina Ristorante, the new eatery on Salem Street in downtown Apex, as “upscale casual Italian.” But there’s nothing casual about the restaurant’s approach to crafting a top-notch dining experience. “Our goal is to bring anybody and everybody in to enjoy the experience of sitting down with each other and eating. … We wanted to be more about the connection that people are making when they’re eating with us,” April says. Together with her husband, April owns Tramonto Food Group, which includes Cary’s Chef ’s Palette, MacGregor Draft House, and their newest venture, Serafina, open since the end of July. “I think it has everything that you want to have in a restaurant. It’s got beautiful decor. It’s got really warm service staff, and my fantastic kitchen staff,” says Executive Chef Matt Greiner. “One thing that we feel so lucky to have found in all of our staff is that they care. “Everyone in the building — as soon as they walk through the door — all attention is on the detail of the food
and everything going out to the guests. Same thing with service: Everything is focused on our guests.” Matt is the mastermind behind Serafina’s curated menu, based in the cuisine of northern and central regions of Italy. “My inspiration is really just thinking about the Italian mindset, how they treat food and apply that to local North Carolina ingredients. We keep it really simple and showcase the great produce that we can get in our local area, but doing it in that mindset of how they would do it in Italy — just simple, delicious, and truthful,” he says. “We wanted to be able to bring dishes that are traditional in nature that you find in Italy, but maybe wouldn’t be able to be accessed in this area,” adds April. The bright and fresh goat cheese gnocchi really illustrates the chef ’s vision, starting with grilled peaches and asparagus (hello, NC produce) paired with handmade gnocchi and Italian prosciutto atop a creamy goat cheese sauce. “Not every gnocchi is perfectly uniform, because it’s made by hand,” says Matt. “The ridges help soak up the sauce, which absorbs all that flavor. Same thing with that 39
“ ”
We keep it really simple and showcase the great produce that we can get in our local area, but doing it in that mindset of how they would do it in Italy. — Matt Greiner, Executive Chef
Handmade gnocchi have a signature shape and texture thanks to practiced hands and a rigagnocchi, the wooden board used to add ridges.
40 January/FEBRUARY 2026
little dimple, the iconic gnocchi shape, that soaks up the sauce and you get a nice beautiful bite.” “We are trying to fabricate everything here in house,” Matt continues, including handmade burrata, fresh focaccia, and, of course, the pastas. “I think that’s really important and transpires into the flavor, into the guest experience, when they know that.” Beloved Italian classic rigatoni Bolognese has surfaced as an early customer favorite. Matt’s version is inspired by his own grandmother’s Sunday supper. “We have people come back over and over for the rigatoni Bolognese,” says April. The hearty pork and beef ragu with Pecorino cheese served atop al dente rigatoni is comforting and crave-worthy. More adventurous selections include roasted branzino served with brown butter piccata sauce and the short rib agrodolce. “In Italian, agrodolce means sweet and sour. So you have this combination of these sweet and sour flavors that bring balance. The jus from the braising liquid gets reduced down and concentrated into a glaze on the short rib, then you get the nuttiness of the Parmesan cheese. You get all these combinations of sweet and sour.” “I love our filet mignon,” continues Matt. It’s easy to see why, with a base of crispy smashed potatoes and balsamic onions, tied together with a knockout red wine reduction. (I ordered this one, and yes, it’s as phenomenal as it sounds.) Serafina is also open for lunch as well as Sunday brunch. “For lunch, it’s a little lighter fare. We recognize people want to be able to get in, grab a bite, and go. It’s more sandwiches, side salads, or smaller portions of pasta,” says general manager Dillion Williams.
On Salem Street in downtown Apex, Serafina combines warm service, a chic interior, and an elevated Italian-inspired menu.
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“
I think it has everything that you want to have in a restaurant. It’s got beautiful decor. It’s got really warm service staff, and ... one thing that we feel so lucky to have found in all of our staff is that they care.
”
— Matt Greiner
With a restaurant and hospitality résumé that includes stints in Seattle, Chicago, and south Florida, Dillion brings metropolitan flair and a sharp eye for detail to Serafina. “I felt what was missing (in the local dining scene) was that elevation without pretentiousness,” he says, “where you’re able to get a great meal, you’re going to get great service, but you never feel as if you’re being judged. We really want to ensure that people can come in blue jeans and a baseball hat and grab a quick bite to eat before soccer practice, or they can come in a Tom Ford suit, get a $500 bottle of champagne, and celebrate selling a business.” “It’s a down-home feel with elevated service and food standards.” Everything from the temperature of the glassware and the shape of the steak knives to the tableside presentation of the plates has been implemented with intention. “It’s all those things that you don’t really notice, but they add up in the background,” Dillion says. “So when you leave, you don’t know why you had such a great experience, you just know that you did.” Dillion also directs the beverage program, where Italian wines and liqueurs take center stage. 42 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Classic rigatoni Bolognese tempts many repeat customers.
“We tried to lean super heavily into the classic (cocktails) with an Italian riff. We’ve got all of those small-batched, niche liqueurs and Italian aperitifs,” he says. “Our by-the-bottle wine list is super eclectic. I have some really cool, funky bottles on there, as well as some of your typical California cabs and your old-world burgundies. What’s really awesome is it’s ever rotating.” Downtown Apex’s historic charm and bustling foot traffic created the perfect setting for Serafina’s “comfortable chic” atmosphere. “We tried to make (the space) our own, while keeping a great respect for the charm and the history here,” says April, referencing the exposed brick walls, refinished wood floors, and moody interior that feels luxe and welcoming. “I want people to be able to come in here that are celebrating something great, but also coming in off the street and saying, I just want a good sandwich.” MB serafina-ristorante.com
Recipes from
Readers
Harira: Hearty Vegan Moroccan Ramadan Stew from Gretchen Elhassani
This hearty vegan stew is traditional for breaking the fast during Ramadan, which begins February 17. ¼ cup brown lentils, uncooked 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 tablespoon turmeric ½ teaspoon ginger 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro 7 cups water 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 medium tomatoes 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon flour 1 serving spaghetti, broken into little pieces ¼ cup rice, uncooked
!
RECIPES WANTED
Share your best brunch recipes for the March/April issue. Submit at mainandbroadmag.com/recipe-submissions
RECIpes may be edited for length and clarity.
1. Soak lentils in a small bowl of water. 2. Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sweat for 1–2 minutes. Add turmeric, ginger, parsley, and cilantro. 3. Add water, bring to a boil, and lower to a simmer for 15 minutes. 4. Add celery and simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Add the tomatoes, whole, to the soup pot. Allow to cook for 1 minute or less. Fish them out and remove and discard the peels. Place tomatoes in a blender with tomato paste, 1 cup of hot soup water, and flour. Vent top, cover with a tea towel, and blend until smooth. Pour blended liquid back into the soup pot. Skim off foam. 6. Add lentils. Simmer for 15 minutes. 7. Add rice. Simmer for 15 minutes. 8. Add spaghetti. Cook 5–10 minutes until spaghetti is done. Serve with lemon and homemade bread.
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Cozy retreat offers books, coffee, and community in Holly Springs
A New Fable Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin
46 January/FEBRUARY 2026
“Books are a great way to live a million different ways and also to exist in a million different places,” says Nirmaliz Colón, founder of Fable Books and Café. The awe in her tone suggests a lifelong love of reading, of storytelling, of the escape a good book brings. “To be a teen again, unbothered in my room,” Nirmaliz says wistfully. “I was always reading. I was left alone; that time was sacred.” Nirmaliz describes childhood Borders dates with her dad and attending Harry Potter midnight release parties with her parents — memories intertwined with her love of books. “Then they left me alone to read all night long. It’s just something that has been ingrained in my being.”
“
Come in, get a coffee, get a pastry, sit down with a book, feel cozy, and meet new people and enjoy yourself.
”
– DeAnna Kalk
United by a love of books and community, friends Nirmaliz Colón and DeAnna Kalk founded Fable Books and Café in Holly Springs. A custom mural by Triangle artist Jesse White enlivens the children's section.
Nirmaliz discovered a kindred spirit in DeAnna Kalk, her partner at Fable. “A love of reading turned into a love of writing, and that’s actually how Nirmaliz and I connected,” says DeAnna. While participating in an online writing workshop with participants across the country, DeAnna and Nirmaliz realized they lived within walking distance of each other in Fuquay-Varina. “We became fast friends pretty quickly,” says DeAnna, describing frequent meetings at Fount Coffee + Kitchen in Morrisville to spend the day reading and writing. According to Nirmaliz, it only took one text message between friends to launch the idea of Fable Books & Café.
“I texted DeAnna and said, ‘What do you think about opening a bookstore?’ and she was like, ‘Yeah, that would be fun.’” And off they went. “We had to drive 30 minutes to get to Fount. There was no place like that in our area,” says DeAnna. The pair realized: “We could combine all of our favorite things — books, coffee, pastries, sandwiches — and make it a third space for the community where people could feel comfortable coming in and hanging out.” Barely a year passed from its conception to the grand opening of Fable Books and Café, located in a refreshed old house on Raleigh Street, about a block behind Pimiento Tea Room in Holly Springs. 47
The cafe serves up coffee and espresso with monthly specials plus pastries and sandwiches from La Farm Bakery.
A wide front porch leads into the café area, brewing Counter Culture coffee and serving La Farm Bakery pastries and sandwiches. Wander through the house’s rooms — upstairs and down — for seating areas, book browsing, retail offerings, and a colorful children’s corner. “Had we tried to do this somewhere else, it probably wouldn’t have happened as organically as it has. I think Holly Springs was really craving this kind of spot,” says DeAnna. “The vibe is chill. It’s always homey here. I’m never upset to be here, even when I’m stressed. Everyone is always welcome to stay for a while,” continues Nirmaliz. The shelves are stocked with a carefully curated mix of genres and titles, including children’s picture books, middle-grade novels, literary fiction, nonfiction, manga, and more. Using industry knowledge, personal favorites, and customer requests, Nirmaliz and DeAnna continue to evolve the collection at Fable. “What’s great about an independent bookstore versus a bigger retailer is it’s going to be tailored to the community and what that community wants to see on the shelves,” says DeAnna. Positioning Fable as a hub not just for solo study and quiet reading but also for social connection has been a goal from the outset. “We’re doing a bunch of different things to see what people like,” says Nirmaliz, listing off story time, book clubs, trivia nights, paint & sip parties, and yoga in the backyard. “And the fun part is a lot of them are hosted by our baristas.” 48 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Nirmaliz Colón
“We are consciously trying to come up with new things that people might do. That’s the community feel that we’re after. … People just want to hang out.” The cozy home buzzed with activity on a Tuesday morning in November when the Main & Broad team visited. Toddlers and caregivers enjoyed story time in the colorful children’s corner, a family played cards upstairs, and numerous groups browsed and brunched in the café and retail areas. “I think everyone’s heart is in creating this other space where you can be outside your home and outside your lives and just slow down for a little bit,” Nirmaliz says. “We wanted Fable to be a magical experience where you feel transported somewhere else and relieve the stresses of the world,” adds DeAnna. MB fablebooksandcafe.com
PAGE TURNER
Hoping to read more than memes and emails this year? Consider these tips from Nirmaliz and DeAnna, founders of Fable Books and Café.
RECRUIT A BUDDY
Reading in tandem with a friend offers accountability without the pressure of a larger book club.
REREAD A FAVORITE
“If I’m in a slump, I reread a book that I know is a hit no matter what,” says Nirmaliz.
TURN TV INTO INSPIRATION
Love police drama? Transported by historical fiction? Swooning for romantic comedy? Let your watchlist influence your next book selection.
GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
Find a location, such as Fable or a public library, that is free from the distractions of home or work.
SWEAR BY SPRINTS
“Devote a little bit at a time: One chapter, 5 or 10 minutes all adds up,” says DeAnna. “Set small attainable goals, then reward yourself with a walk or a TV show.”
49
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January/FEBRUARY 2026
Zip Zap Wickety Wack, Matthew Diffee Emmie, Marjorie Crosby-Fairall
ON JANUARY 5, 2026, GORALEIGH BUSES SIMILAR TO THIS ONE WILL BEGIN PROVIDING SERVICE IN DESIGNATED ZONES IN THE TOWN OF FUQUAY-VARINA.
MicroLink Rolls Out in Fuquay-Varina: On-Demand Transit Service Now Available Fuquay-Varina residents now have a convenient new option for getting around town with the launch of MicroLink, GoRaleigh’s ondemand microtransit service, in early January. With MicroLink, residents can request rides anywhere within Fuquay-Varina’s designated service area using the MicroLink app. Riders without a smartphone can call (919) 996-3459 to book a ride. Rides are on demand and ideal for errands, appointments, work commutes, getting to and from school activities, and more. The service area covers everything within Judd Parkway, and also offers rides to Rex Hospital in Holly Springs, WakeMed’s Medical Park on N. Main Street, Willow Spring High School, and Wake Tech Community College. For those heading to downtown Raleigh, MicroLink offers convenient connections; simply take the service to Wake Tech and transfer to GoRaleigh’s 40X route. To book a ride, open the app when you’re ready to travel and you’ll receive an estimated bus arrival time, similar to services like Uber or Lyft. MicroLink provides “curb-to-curb” service, meaning you may need to walk to a nearby street to meet your ride. Advance bookings are not available. Vehicles can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, and riders may bring up to seven guests, depending on available space. For safety, all youth under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All vehicles are also fully wheelchair accessible. The service runs on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no service on Sundays or holidays. Mayor William H. Harris says, “Since 2018, the Town of FuquayVarina has been studying ways to connect our community, and MicroLink is the answer. This innovative, on-demand public transit service is the
result of years of dedicated work, and we are very proud to offer it to our residents.” MicroLink will be fare-free through January 2027, offering everyone a chance to try out the new service before regular fares take effect. Once fares are in place (projected at $2 to $3 per ride), riders can purchase a GoPass to load funds onto. Discounts will be available for seniors, youth, and those with disabilities. To book your next ride or learn more about service areas, visit www. fuquay-varina.org/MicroLink. Experience the convenience of MicroLink and discover a new way to get around town!
THE SERVICE AREA COVERS EVERYTHING WITHIN JUDD PARKWAY, AND ALSO OFFERS RIDES TO REX HOSPITAL IN HOLLY SPRINGS, WAKEMED’S MEDICAL PARK ON N. MAIN STREET, WILLOW SPRING HIGH SCHOOL, AND WAKE TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
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NORTH CAROLINA
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Great Escapes
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DESTINATIONS THAT NEVER DISAPPOINT
Jonathan Fredin
Visitors enjoy a serene sunset over the Roanoke River in Eastern NC.
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Kinston n o r t h c a r o l i n a BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE
It’s early on the first Saturday morning in May, and the breeze from downtown Kinston carries smoke and a hint of the mouthwatering aroma of pork that has cooked low and slow over enormous grills all night. Welcome to the BBQ Fest on the Neuse: “the largest wholehog cookoff in the world.” More than 95 cook teams from across the United States gather each year on the banks of the Neuse River in Kinston, grilling whole hogs through the night in preparation for judging the next morning. Tender, flavorful pigs with crisp golden brown skin splayed on giant grates of custom cookers waft a sweet aroma through downtown Kinston. Winners of the
competition will go home with bragging rights, cash awards, and a custom-made chopping board. For more than 44 years, this popular festival has kicked off the spring-summer season Down East with two days of cooking, live music and events, and a classic car and motorcycle show. IN 2026, THE BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE CELEBRATES BECOMING AN OFFICIAL GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER IN 2025. HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE:
• A Nashville recording artist (to be announced March 2026; past performers include Runaway June, Joe Nichols, and Niko Moon) • Over 160 vendors covering food trucks, arts & crafts, home & garden, jewelry, farmers market, and festival merchandise • Carolina Classic Car & Truck Show and Bikers for Christ Coastal Plains
Motorcycle Show • Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden featuring Kinston’s own Mother Earth Brewing and Social House Vodka • Activities for children of all ages with Flimsy the Clown and The FUN Zone And of course, • The “Chop Tent” where you can follow the continuous chopping sound to taste Eastern North Carolina’s finest barbecue, prepared by award winning cooks and served up freshly chopped and seasoned with the BBQ FEST special sauce. Come early — barbecue goes on sale at 11 a.m. Saturday and always sells out fast!
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Great Escapes 20 26
Wilkes County vineyard hillsides, afternoons Wilkes County sits where invite scenic hikes and river the Blue Ridge Mountains walks, and evenings linger soften into rolling foothills, over locally crafted wines, live offering an easy escape that feels music, and meals made with worlds away. Here, mornings Appalachian heart. begin with mist lifting off Winter brings its own kind of magic. Cozy cabins tucked into the woods. Fireside tastings at award-winning wineries. Empty trails that invite reflection, fresh air, and space to breathe. Whether you’re looking to reset, reconnect, or simply slow your pace, Wilkes County offers a season designed for it. Outdoor lovers will find miles of trails, waterfalls, and overlooks — many just minutes from town. Culture seekers can explore the birthplace of NASCAR, the Moonshine & Motorsports THE GREAT STATE OF WILKES
56 January/FEBRUARY 2026
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Trail, vibrant downtowns, and a music heritage that still echoes through local venues. Food and wine enthusiasts will discover one of North Carolina’s most celebrated wine regions, paired with farm-to-table dining and welcoming hospitality. Wilkes County is authentic, unhurried, and refreshingly real. It’s a place where you can trade crowded itineraries for open space, noise for nature, and busy schedules for meaningful moments. This winter, choose a getaway that feels both restorative and inspiring. Choose the Great State of Wilkes. Plan your escape at WilkesCountyTourism.com
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The Northern Outer Banks n o r t h c a r o l i n a The Northern Outer Banks is known for its maritime history, remote pristine beaches, Corolla Wild Horses, a 150-year-old lighthouse, and its beautiful natural setting. But did you
Sound separates Corolla and Carova from The Mainland. The sound provides a great opportunity to experience BEACHES watersports on a different The beaches of Corolla body of water. Participate and Carova are just the in activities like kayak eco start. The pristine, wide, tours or stand-up paddle and natural beaches boarding, or get a 360-degree provide plenty of room view of the The Northern for playing games, boogie Outer Banks with a parasail boarding, surfing, or adventure above the water. simply relaxing with your family and friends. No ACCOMODATIONS cramped beaches here! Choose from a multitude Grab a parking permit of vacation rental homes and you can drive, park, or one of our quaint hotels and stay all day with or inns offering an array of everything you need in amenities. Choose a location your 4x4 vehicle. oceanside, soundside, or somewhere in between. WATERSPORTS Whatever you choose, you’ll be On the west just a short walk from a body side, the Currituck of water. know that the The Northern Outer Banks is also known for laid-back family fun?
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fun
memes
By Fuquay-Varina Memes
FUQUAY-VARINA MEMES (also known as FVM) is a freelance writer, meme guru, and an anonymous resident of Fuquay-Varina. She is the creator and manager of the FuquayVarina Memes Instagram page and has a talent for making people laugh and always taking the joke too far. thefvmemes
58 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Mixed-use developments and a healthplex and Circle K — oh my!
Good(ish) Things Coming to Southern Wake in 2026 Breathe a sigh of relief, friends, because the emotional Chernobyl that was 2025 is now over. Yes, 2026 is sitting on the shelf like a murderous Annabelle doll, but we are going to pretend that we don’t see her waiting in the wings. This is the year of change. While 2025 bid farewell to many beloved local businesses in Southern Wake, new ones are set to open. Old buildings are being torn down, repurposed, or made into something that people in Cary would probably approve of. Before you know it, the good people of Fuquay-Varina will no longer have to face the jughandles of despair in Holly Springs on their way to Target. Residents of Holly Springs will soon be riding their own on-demand public transit system (cue the eco-conscious brag-athon). It’s time to embrace 2026 with open arms (until it ends up revealing its true nature, much like your in-laws). Here is absolutely not a comprehensive list of good things coming to Southern Wake in 2026:
A FUQUAY TARGET I feel like we’re not as hyped as we should be about this. Back in 2012, the thought of a Target in Fuquay-Varina was a pipe dream, so we settled for Kohl’s. When Target blessed the town of Holly Springs, the traffic and the stench of trash mountain tempered our excitement. But now, directly across from Culver’s, the pointless red balls are just itching for a local driver to hoist to the sky (if you know, you know). Praise be!
Circa 2021. NEVER FORGET.
THE HOLLY SPRINGS HOPPER An on-demand transit service servicing Holly Springs, dubbed The Holly Springs Hopper, will launch Monday, Jan. 5. Yes, this is for residents only (I don’t actually know if that’s true, but no one would be surprised if the answer was yes). Described as a “shared shuttle service,” rides are requested using the Ride Freebee app or by phone. They say you can ride up to 7 miles per trip, but after that, you’re tarred, feathered, and kicked off in front of the dump. I would provide fare information, but I don’t work for the Town of Holly Springs, so look it up on your own.
A COMMUNITY GARDEN If you’ve got a green thumb, then 2026 is your year! The brand-new community garden at Sugg Farm (plus a nearby nature play area and sensory trail) will open early this year — a welcome opportunity for residents to live a sustainable lifestyle finally have a backyard big enough for a 4x12-foot raised garden bed. You can grow things and tell everyone you know that you’re growing things (more fodder for the brag-a-thon)! You can give unsuspecting neighbors a pound of peppers they didn’t ask for and resign yourself to years of gardening-related gifts for every holiday. Live the dream, gardeners!
ALPACA CHICKEN I first heard that this popular Peruvian chicken establishment was coming to town via an overly excited text message 59
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from my big-backed husband, and apparently he’s right. I have absolutely no details to give you, other than it’s coming to Holly Springs, not Fuquay-Varina. Not surprising, really. No one in Fuquay can act right when it comes to chicken.
CIRCLE K You read that right. Holly Springs gets a community garden, shuttle service, and an Alpaca Chicken, and Fuquay gets a Circle K. This checks out. It may or may not come with a time traveling phone booth.
“DOWNTOWN MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT” Can someone in town planning tell me what this means (actually don’t, y’all never shut up). From my own experience, “mixed-use development” seems to be a fancy way of saying, “Townhomes plus a random boutique/nail bar that you never asked for.” If we’re lucky, we might get a bottle shop on the corner. The Fuquay side of Fuquay-Varina is cranking out “downtown mixed-use developments” faster than storage buildings, and for this town, that’s pretty impressive.
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January/FEBRUARY 2026
JONATHAN FREDIN
Mi Cancuns are taking notes from Aviator and pulling a “who’s your daddy” all over Wake County. After the recent closing of Abbey Road Tavern, rumors churned that Mi Cancun was expected to move in with their margaritas and giant pink chair, establishing the restaurant’s 13th location. I’m not complaining, but the hustle is impressive. Viva Mi Cancun!
WAKEMED HEALTHPLEX With all the fast food establishments in Fuquay, WakeMed is taking note of our rising blood pressure and “HALP” calls by building a new Healthplex. This will include a 24/7 emergency department, diagnostic imaging, lab services, and a pharmacy. Construction on the 25,000-squarefoot facility is expected to begin early this year. The projected completion date is 2027, so don’t die yet. Maybe eat a salad.
HOLLY SPRINGS 150-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Apparently, the Town of Holly Springs is celebrating 150 years of … being here. The celebration will begin on July 5, at the town’s annual fireworks festival, because the timing of their Independence Day celebration has never made sense and they know it. Why
does this anniversary celebration begin in July, you ask? No, you didn’t ask, because nobody really cares. (If you DO care, and you’re wondering what other festivities are on the way, visit hollyspringsnc.gov for more information. Don’t say I never gave you anything.)
“
Watch out, Cary: Fuquay-Varina is getting a new greenway and we’re coming for you one trail (every decade) at a time.
one in Southern Wake can be trusted to use common sense. The path should open by the fall. Don’t count on that, but like … we’ll take the win.
Well, there you have it. Between the Target, chicken, greenways, and shuttle buses we may or may not be able to ride, Southern Wake is shaping up to be … not terrible. If 2025 taught us anything, it’s to keep our expectations low enough to trip over. Happy 2026 to all who read these childish and unprofessional words of mine — and good luck out there! MB
”
ALSTON RIDGE GREENWAY
Watch out, Cary: Fuquay-Varina is getting a new greenway and we’re coming for you one trail (every decade) at a time. The new greenway will be just under half a mile long and 10 feet wide (because we’re fat) and will connect Fuquay’s Alston Ridge Park to Holly Springs’ Bass Lake Park. The greenway will feature both asphalt and boardwalk sections, plus signage, because no
Want more laugh-out-loud, irreverent local humor? Read archived columns on mainandbroadmag.com.
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61
Seen
Wake GPS
Heard
Photographed by Jonathan Fredin Main & Broad, sister publications Cary Magazine and Wake Living, and parent company S&A Communications hosted the debut Wake GPS: Growth + Prosperity Summit at Cary’s Embassy Suites on Dec. 4. The event kicked off with networking and a luncheon recognizing the 2025 Cary Magazine Movers & Shakers honorees. Thought-provoking panel discussions touched on commercial real estate, healthcare, finance, and hospitality industries.
62 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Following the panels, Cherokee Media Group President Bill Zadeits presented Rufty Homes owner and president Jon Rufty and Ralph Ashworth with the ICON Awards and facilitated a conversation about iconic moments in their careers. Attendees enjoyed an evening reception sponsored by NC Wine. wakegps.com
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Seen
Heard
MICKSTEWARTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
The Blind Pelican set a new re-
cord for the largest Bloody Mary served with an impressive special-order concoction costing more than $10,000. The spread served 40 guests and featured 40 pounds of crab legs, 15 lobster tails, 7 whole lobsters, 10 filet mignons, 8 pounds of chicken wings, 25 bacon-wrapped shrimp, 6 dozen raw oysters, 5.5 gallons of Bloody Mary mix, and much more.
Holly Springs High School
marching band won Grand Champion at the annual Festival of Bands, one of NC’s longestrunning marching band competitions. The Golden Hawks band placed first in their class (Class AAA) in every category, including music, visual, percussion, and color guard, and earned the overall title. Newly opened high school Felton Grove earned top honors in several categories among Class A schools, impressing judges and spectators in its first year at the competition.
Donovan
Manor
introduced a new event for couples seeking an intimate yet refined wedding experience, combining the simplicity of a courthouse ceremony with the elegance of an estate wedding venue. Meet Me at the Manor offers couples a timed, all-inclusive celebration package for up to eight guests. The package includes a 45-minute ceremony in the Sun Room, professional officiant services, a “borrow a bouquet bar,” photography across iconic estate locations, and a onehour cocktail-style reception featuring champagne, charcuterie, and cake cutting. Meet Me at the Manor will be offered quarterly. Timeslots must be reserved in advance.
SEND BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY NEWS TO THE EDITOR BY EMAILING EDITOR@MAINANDBROADMAG.COM.
64 January/FEBRUARY 2026
Ypsomed announced a $250 million
investment in a manufacturing facility located in Holly Springs in October. As part of a global growth strategy, the expansion aims to bring the Switzerland-based company closer to US customers. Ypsomed develops and manufactures self-injection systems for liquid medications and digital health tools.
Sugg Farm Community Garden, opening this spring, will offer 40 raised garden beds, which can be reserved on an annual basis through a lottery system. Priority will be given to Holly Springs residents. The community garden provides members with a dedicated space to grow their own produce, enjoy outdoor activity, and connect with fellow gardeners and neighbors. Requests to reserve a garden bed can be made online or in person at Bass Lake Park, the Hunt Recreation Center, or the Holly Springs Cultural Center.
Chandler Ellis,
a 16-yearold Wake County resident, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. Chandler was home-schooled prior to enrolling in WGU and says, “I’ve always been interested in cybersecurity from the aspect of protecting people and data.” The accredited online university holds in-person commencements around the country to accommodate their national base of graduates. Chandler joined more than 2,500 degree earners at the commencement in Duluth, Georgia, in November.
From our family to yours.
9 0 0 N . M a i n S t r e e t | F u q u a y Va r i n a , N C | 9 1 9 - 5 5 2 - 8 8 6 8 | g a r i b a l d i t r a t t o r i a . c o m
Explore trails and parks throughout Wake County with the free , launched last October. The app consolidates data from the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Triangle Trails Initiative, and municipal parks departments into an integrated trail map that helps users enjoy public green spaces, alongside local businesses and other community amenities. Key app features include: ability to filter results by location and activity, park and trail descriptions with nearby points of interest, route planning, and integration with Visit Raleigh’s restaurants and things to do.
Wander Wake County app
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In Focus
Enchanting giants By Jonathan Fredin If you need a reminder of the magic that surrounds us, look no further than Dix Park, where five giant trolls now preside. The oversize wooden sculptures were created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and required a team of volunteers nearly 300 hours to install using recycled materials. The playful giants tell unique stories and encourage conversation about conservation and environmental activism.
66 January/FEBRUARY 2026
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