Issuu

Creative Engine Backyard Bliss Susan Weis

Kitchen Gardens

Bowled over at bibibop

ART FOR ALL Fuquay artist builds a legacy of free & joyful art

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

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September/October 2026

CONTENTS

— with empathy and compassion that can only stem from human connection.

”

– Ashley Manstedt, The Hope Closet

IN EVERY ISSUE 14 SEE & DO

Autumn brings festival frenzy to our local streets — there’s something for everyone

16 MEET & GREET

Artist Jana Clinard Harris

20 DIG IN & DRINK UP

Korean-inspired meals from BIBIBOP

Restaurant Spotlight:

46 OAKVIEW PUBLIC HOUSE

Local families unite to create an elevated neighborhood bistro

FEATURES 22 BACKYARD BLISS

Lush landscaping and fresh produce combine in modern kitchen gardens by The Nourished Garden

30 THE HOPE CLOSET

Fuquay-Varina nonprofit builds connection one delivery at a time

6 September/OCTOBER 2026

16 40 WOMAN TO WATCH

From branding to breaking news, Susan Weis drives Fuquay-Varina communications

53 THE ORIGINALS Experts shaping Special SectioN Southern Wake

Prosciutto & Peach Pizza

62 FUN & MEMES

Final chapter: Tales from the notorious HOA

65 SEEN & HEARD

Community news and accolades

66 IN FOCUS

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN FREDIN

52 RECIPES FROM READERS

Join us at Niche Cocktail & Wine Lounge for your Holiday Celebrations!

THIS IS THE PLACE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ENJOY OUR AMAZING DECORATIONS AND PHENOMENAL COCKTAILS! WE ARE PROUD TO BE NAMED “THE BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE” 1 0 9 N . M A I N S T R E E T I H O L LY S P R I N G S , N C • O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K • 5 P M T O M I D N I G H T

F O L L O W U S O N FA C E B O O K @ N I C H E W I N E L O U N G E

reader

Letters

“

What Plant is a must-have in your backyard garden?

”

TOMATOES I STRUGGLE TO RESTRICT MYSELF TO ~6 VARIETIES EVERY YEAR FOR OUR HOUSEHOLD OF TWO

“Thank you for bringing to light our story and presenting it to the community in the best way possible. I was speechless when reading it.” – DANA TOZZI, AUTHOR, ENZO’S

VARIEGATED AGAVE LIVING ART THAT NEEDS ALMOST NO FUSS

SENSIMILLA

STORY: A THERAPY DOG’S JOURNEY

September/October 2026 • Volume 8, Number 5 EXECUTIVE

Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher Kris Schultz, Publisher EDITORIAL

Emily Uhland, Senior Editor WOLF’S BANE Erin McKnight, Editor Tara Shiver, Digital & Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS

Fuquay-Varina Memes David McCreary PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer Annie Kimura PRODUCTION

Atiya Batts, Graphic Designer Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer Beth Harris, Graphic Designer Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer Lane Singletary, Graphic Designer ADVERTISING

HERBS AND FRUIT ALL THE WAY! ROSEMARY, LAVENDER, BASIL, AND MEYER LEMONS IN A POT

Paige Gunter, Senior Account Executive Maureen Powell, Senior Account Executive Karen White, Senior Account Executive SOCIAL MEDIA

Arlem Mora PUBLIC RELATIONS

BASIL I MAKE PESTO AND STORE IT IN THE FREEZER FOR WINTER

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

“You couldn’t find a more focused and energetic team to showcase! Tina has always been special!”

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Ron Smith

– LIANA NOBLITT

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 8 September/OCTOBER 2026

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ON THE COVER: Anyone is welcome to take, leave, and browse pocketsized works of original art in Free Little Art Galleries. Artist Jana Clinard Harris opened Fuquay’s first FLAG near her home. Read more on page 16. 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.

FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER Celebrate Artist Village Celebrate Fuquay-Varina is an annual event celebrating all things Fuquay-Varina. The Artist Village brings together artists from around the area with wonderful handmade wares. This event is in person on October 3 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. The online shops will open on September 30 and remain open until 4:00 pm on October 3. For more information visit celebratefv.com.

Icons of Jazz Concert Series Join Christian Tamburr and the Icons of Jazz Concert Series this season at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center! Beginning with Divine & Dexterous, a celebration of Sarah Vaughan & Dexter Gordon, featuring Camille Thurman and the Christian Tamburr Trio! Thursday, October 22, 7:30pm. Purchasing all four concerts for $80 saves you over 15%! Grab your tickets today at FVArts.org.

Magician Jeki Yoo Prepare to be spellbound for your Halloween weekend with the incredible magic of Jeki Yoo! Friday, October 30, 7:30PM. His magic is innovative, has inspired other magicians, and roused applause from audiences around the globe with its fresh originality! Grab your tickets today before they vanish! FVArts.org.

For more info, call the Arts Center at 919-567-3920 fvarts.org

What’s

Poppin’on the

PODCAST? Host Melissa Wistehuff takes you beyond the pages of

Highlighting Wake SPCA with Kim Janzen

EPISODE 76 Feeding NC with Amy Beros of Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina

EPISODE 74

EPISODE 78

WCPSS Magnet Schools with Tamani Anderson Powell and NC Principal of the Year Dr. Mariah Walker

EPISODE 77 EPISODE 80 Dig in: Backyard-toTable Tips from Corinne Beirne

Home Sweet Home: Inside the Parade of Homes with Van Starling II

LISTEN NOW Follow us on YouTube @WhatsUpWakeNC

Roots Grow in Fall. Beauty Shows in Spring.

Fall is the most important season for your landscape. While many homeowners think spring is the best time to improve their yard, the real work happens in the fall. Cooler temperatures and warm soil create the perfect environment for trees, shrubs, perennials, and new fescue to establish strong root systems before winter. If you have a warm-season lawn, fall is also the time to apply pre-emergent weed control. Preventing winter weeds now means a cleaner, healthier lawn with fewer weeds to battle next spring.

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Editor’s

Letter

As soon as the slate of honorees was decided for this year’s Women of Western Wake (a longstanding tradition of Main & Broad’s sister publication, Cary Magazine), I called dibs on profiling Susan Weis, the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s communications director. I’ve worked with Susan casually since Main & Broad’s Emily with her family on founding, mostly via email or their trip to Switzerland this summer an occasional phone call, but never had the chance to get to know her personally. My inbox frequently pings with news releases detailing awards won by Fuquay’s communications and marketing teams, so I knew Susan’s professional work was top of the line. What I didn’t know was how warm, endearing, humble, and funny she is. The hour we spent together was filled with stories of professional success, but also of raising amazing children, traveling the world, baking sourdough, and facing each day with joyful intent. In a world where communications needs are high and ever-changing, Susan leads her department with creativity and a strong connection to the town’s residents. Learn a dash more about her on page 40, and consider attending the Women of Western Wake Forum on September 25 at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, where Susan and the four other honorees will share reflections during an inspiring panel discussion. Thanks for reading,

EMILY UHLAND SENIOR EDITOR

12 September/OCTOBER 2026

SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BY EMAILING EDITOR@MAINANDBROADMAG.COM.

This issue BY THE Numbers

6 flavorful sauces to try at BIBIBOP in Holly Springs

entrées and sandwiches under $20 at Oakview Public House

16 years of creative and award-winning communications produced by Fuquay-Varina’s Director of Communications Susan Weis

1,500 individuals served by The Hope Closet

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See Do Local Events & Experiences to Enjoy

Holly Quest Scavenger Hunt THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND HOLLY SPRINGS

JONATHAN FREDIN

Search high and low in Holly Springs for clues to win prizes in the 150th anniversary townwide scavenger hunt. From historic locations to municipal facilities, explore past and present Holly Springs and celebrate the milestone anniversary along the way. hsnc150.com/events

Canine Con

SEPT. 19 8–11 A.M. SUGG FARM PARK

The fur-iendliest festival returns to Holly Springs with a tail-wagging good time for dogs and their humans. Professional demonstrations, local rescue organizations, food trucks, preventative care, and vendors come together to present the 2026 theme: You’ve Got A Fur-iend In Me! hollyspringsnc.gov/355/Canine-Con

International Cultural Festival

SEPT. 12 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER

A showcase of community diversity through international foods, kids’ activities, performances, and opportunities to learn about different countries and traditions, presented in partnership with the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina. fuquay-varina.org

14 september/OCTOBER 2026

Drive-In Movies

RONNIE’S BERRY FARM 18409 NC-210, ANGIER

Grab your crew, load the car, and pull up to a movie night under the stars at Ronnie’s Berry Farm, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Fuquay. Doors open between 5 and 6, and movies begin at dark (exact times adjust as daylight shortens, so check the website for the most up-to-date information). Food trucks onsite and snacks available for purchase. Jeep lovers, don’t miss the Fuquay-Varina Jeep Club special event on September 18 with Daddy D’s BBQ and Thirsty Mobile Beverage Company. ecoharvestfarm.us/collections/drive-in-movies SCHEDULE Sept. 17: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark Sept. 18: Twister with Fuquay-Varina Jeep Club Sept. 19: A Minecraft Movie Sept. 26: Home Oct. 10: Coco Oct. 15: The Goonies Oct. 17: Goosebumps Oct. 24: Hocus Pocus 2 Nov. 7: Free Guy

See Do 1776: The Musical

SEPT. 18–20, HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER SEPT. 25–27, FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER

The Southern Wake Players present the acclaimed Tony Award–winning musical 1776, which brings to life an infamous moment in American history: persuading the Continental Congress to approve the Declaration of Independence. With an all-female and nonbinary cast and production, this local adaptation seeks to reframe history and challenge the audience to consider that all individuals have the right to a voice in any role. hollyspringsnc.gov/1407/Community-Theater fuquay-varina.org/1367/Community-Theatre

Pride of Holly Springs Festival SEPT. 26 2–6 P.M. HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER

This family-friendly event brings together neighbors, allies, local businesses, artists, and changemakers for a day filled with connection where everyone is welcome. From live music, games, and storytelling to local vendors, the festival is a reflection of the diverse voices that make Holly Springs shine. prideofhollysprings.com/holly-springs-pride

Celebrate Fuquay-Varina

OCT. 3 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. N MAIN STREET, DOWNTOWN FUQUAY

The vibrant downtown district in historic Fuquay comes alive every year with live music, kids’ activities, local vendors, a beer garden, and artist village. Festival parking is available at Centennial Square, Falcon Park, and the FuquayVarina Community Center. For a dash more fun, kick off the festival weekend with a free concert in Downtown Varina at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1. celebratefv.com

HollyFest

OCT. 31 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. SUGG FARM PARK

A Holly Springs tradition — the annual free festival and business expo celebrates all the people, places, and services that the community has to offer. Featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities, rides, and local entertainment. hollyspringsnc.gov/hollyfest

Holly Springs Haunted Trail OCT. 9 7–10:45 P.M. SUGG FARM PARK

Spooky season kicks off with the annual haunted trail, overrun with monsters, zombies, clowns, and more. Haunts are geared to children 12 and older, but brave young souls may attend with a parent. hollyspringsnc.gov/1610/Haunted-Trail

Fuquay-Varina Haunted Trail OCT. 17 CARROLL HOWARD JOHNSON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PARK 5–6 P.M. FAMILY TRAIL 7–9 P.M. FULL FRIGHT

Walk the quarter-mile path — if you dare — through the dark woods with unexpected surprises at every bend. Children between 10 and 12 can attend with a parent. For a less spooky alternative, stroll the twilight Family Trail in costume and interact with characters along the way. fuquay-varina.org/714/Halloween-Trail

Meet

Greet

The Free Little Art Gallery, installed by artist Jana Clinard Harris, sits on her property in downtown Fuquay-Varina. “It is easy to walk out there once a day and straighten it up, see if it needs any art, and share some photos. Anyone can come and take art. You can leave art. You can do both,” she says.

16 September/OCTOBER 2026

Jana Clinard Harris Artist and Founder of Art Happy Mail and FuquayVarina’s Free Little Art Gallery BACKGROUND: I’ve been doing art since

I was a kid. My electives in high school were always art and music. I never learned to sew a button or boil an egg because I was busy taking art. … Once my kids were grown, I jumped into art full time and got on Instagram and started sharing it. STYLE: I consider myself, at heart, a col-

JONATHAN FREDIN

lage artist. All of my work is happy themed. It’s always meant to brighten and bring happiness and joy. I use a lot of bright colors, a lot of vintage book images, and often there are kids or animals. It’s all meant to lift you up. LEGACY: It is a huge amount of energy to make art a full-time business. I have several chronic illnesses which slow me down. With my health, I felt more called to make a mark in the world and leave something important. Once you start making art, there’s only so much you can keep. So it naturally made sense to start giving it away. My first project was Art Happy Mail. Most of the originals that I make are small, 4 by 6 or smaller, and I gift most of them. People will send me names on Instagram of people that are having surgery, or have had a death in the family, or are struggling with something, and I send out my Art Happy Mail free. I’ve seen how much it has helped others. I have people tell me all the time how much it means to get a piece of art and to know that somebody’s thinking about them … that they’re loved in this world. 17

There’s so many kind people that care about others and want to make the world more beautiful, and this is my way of doing that. There’s only so much I can physically do, but this is the way that I can improve our world.

janasartspace.com instagram.com/janasfreelittleartgallery

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Artists of all experience levels are welcome to contribute art to the gallery. Visitors might encounter originals from NC-based professionals, friendship bracelets woven by Fuquay neighbors, and collages by Jana herself.

GALLERY: I always wanted to have a Free Little Gallery. I entered a drawing in December with Impact Racks — they take old newspaper racks and refurbish them — and I won. Once I won (a rack), I decided to get this going right away, working on all my art friends to support me with little tiny art. A lot of local North Carolina art friends are sending me pieces. And local artists are swapping when they visit. I didn’t anticipate the overwhelming response. Everybody was so excited about it. It definitely was something that was needed and wanted. People have dropped off jewelry and keychains. Kids have painted rocks. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it doesn’t have to be framed. Any kind of art is welcome: professional, amateur, hobby. Everybody should look at art in their house. MB

18 September/OCTOBER 2026

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Dig in

Drink up

House made infused teas and lemonades, in flavors such as strawberry hibiscus and passionfruit, offer refreshing complements to BIBIBOP’s savory sauces. Diners can help themselves to complimentary miso soup next to the drink station.

20 September/OCTOBER 2026

Korean-Inspired Bowls From BIBIBOP

Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

The recent opening of BIBIBOP at Holly Springs Towne Center brings a dedicated gluten-free kitchen to Southern Wake residents seeking wholesome, quick, and flavorful meal options. Chef-curated and build-your-own bowls focus on healthy, unprocessed ingredients layered with Asian sauces in endless combinations. Founded by Charley Shin, a native of Seoul, South Korea, the concept has expanded rapidly to include four North Carolina locations. Holly Springs general manager Brian Park explains, “Charley Shin is a big believer in healthy food, healthy body, happy person. Through serving great, healthy food, we really revitalize our guests as well as ourselves.” “Korean cuisine is very flavorful,” Brian continues. “We incorporate all kinds of different flavors, like sour, spicy, sweet, salty, and umami flavors.” BIBIBOP’s chef-curated bowls, such as the Fan Favorite with sweet potato noodles and yum yum sauce or the Seoul Bowl with Korean BBQ beef, purple rice, and spicy gochujang – Brian Park, general manager sauce, represent popular, customertested combinations. “The Seoul Bowl would be a closer depiction to a bibimbap made in Korea,” Brian says. “The Fan Favorite is a bit more Americanized, so easier for people to try without that spicy flavor. It’s got our best toppings, our best sauces, and our best protein.” “We really do invite everyone to create their own custom bowls and pick and choose whatever you like. You can get as many toppings as you like.” BIBIBOP’s gluten-free, produce-forward menu easily accommodates vegetarian and vegan diets as well. “Our founder understood that gluten-free options are very important to a lot of people. He really believed in the idea of feeding everybody, so he pushed for a gluten-free menu to be able to serve all guests.” MB

“

Korean cuisine is very flavorful. We incorporate all kinds of different flavors, like sour, spicy, sweet, salty, and umami flavors.

”

bibibop.com

Beautifully landscaped and situated steps from the home, kitchen gardens by The Nourished Garden feature edible herbs and vegetables and emphasize a calming connection with the outdoors.

22 September/OCTOBER 2026

BACK YARD BLISS Edible gardens made easy

Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

Water. Fertilize. Mow. Weed.

It’s a cycle common to many trying to keep their lawn lush with green grass. A cycle that can sometimes feel like a battle. Corinne Beirne thinks there’s a better way to love your landscaping. Better not just for our homes, but for our health as well. “If we could turn toasty grass into a place where something productive and beautiful can be grown, that’s a win,” she says. Corinne owns The Nourished Garden, which designs and implements kitchen gardens and coaches homeowners on growing their own herbs and produce. “A kitchen garden is a beautifully designed space that is front and center in your yard. It has the foods you eat in it: lettuce, carrots, tomatoes. It has a beautiful archway; it’s also an entertaining space,” she says. Under Corinne’s practiced guidance, gardens are no longer relegated to the back corner of the lot, but become beautiful landscape features with raised beds, trellises, and plentiful plantings mere steps from the back door. “Have you ever had a recipe that required basil, and you went to the grocery store to pick up a pack of $8 basil then used four leaves and the rest sat in the refrigerator? It’s a waste of money, and that basil probably sat on a truck for a week before it got to you,” Corinne laments. “With a kitchen garden, if I’m making a salad or pasta sauce tonight, I’m gonna just step outside and pinch off what I need.” Her passion for gardening grew out of a search for calm and quiet in 24 September/OCTOBER 2026

Owner Corinne Beirne loves working in the garden with her children, Kennedy and Beau, finding that “there’s something different” about eating food that they’ve grown at home.

the midst of a busy lifestyle as a working mother of two. “I am a yoga instructor, and I’ve been teaching people how to calm their nervous systems for the last several years. I discovered that plants and gardening can really help with our nervous systems and help us heal in ways that we can’t in a yoga studio.” Lingering health issues led Corinne to

deep research on herbalism, gardening, and how to restore her own well-being. “I became very fascinated with growing my own food in addition to growing my own medicine. It started with herbs, and then I wanted cleaner tomatoes and cucumbers that didn’t have pesticides all over them. “I started doing this gardening work for my own nervous system. It’s not about

“

With a kitchen garden, if I’m making a salad or pasta sauce tonight, I’m gonna just step outside and pinch off what I need.

”

– Corinne Beirne

The Nourished Garden ensures that designs are beautiful, as well as functional, so that kitchen gardens become entertaining spaces for family and friends.

Grow Your Own

Backyard gardens made easy with The Nourished Garden’s full-service approach

Step One: Planning

Owner Corinne will identify the most sunny and practical location and design the garden layout. Working with the homeowner, she’ll create a vision board for what they want to grow. “I really listen to, ‘What do you eat?’ If you don’t eat beets, we’re not going to plant beets.”

Step Two: Installation

The landscape team prepares the site and installs the raised boxes, trellises, and irrigation.

Step Three: Planting

“So I come out, and I coach and teach people, and I plant with them,” says Corinne, who supplies the seeds and seedlings to start the garden.

Step Four: Follow-Up

Clients of The Nourished Garden receive monthly return visits for planting checks, coaching, and troubleshooting with Corinne. “I visit once a month until … they feel empowered to grow on their own.”

26 September/OCTOBER 2026

the tomatoes. It’s about getting outside and honoring your circadian rhythm with sunlight and fresh air,” she explains. “I’ve become hyper focused on how to create an environment for ourselves where we live well. That means slowing down. What are ways we can do that? The research says to be outside and to eat healthy food.” As her knowledge expanded, Corinne became a resource for friends, family, and neighbors, and eventually, The Nourished Garden took root. Education is a large component of the business, and you’ll often find Corinne hosting planting workshops at local garden centers or leading children’s gardening activities at farmers markets. “A lot of people want to garden, but they don’t know how,” she says. “They don’t know where to start.” The Nourished Garden’s full-service model — including landscape design, raised bed construction and installation, planting assistance, and monthly follow-ups — means a kitchen garden is achievable for almost anyone with space and desire, no experience required. “If you want to grow food, I’m gonna hold your hand; I’m gonna show you how. We’re going to grow what you want with your vision, but I’m going to make it easy,” she says.

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Fragrant herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and basil outline Corinne’s garden beds for natural protection from pests.

“

“My gardens are intensively planted. They’re bordered with herbs for organic pest protection. The pests really don’t like the smelly, stinky herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. And then we intensively plant on top of each other tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, radishes, sugar snap peas, all of it. And they grow beautifully. It actually makes watering easier with all those root systems together; they don’t need as much watering because there’s not as much dry space in between.” In Corinne’s own home garden, she’s found a beautiful refuge from life’s hustle and bustle and a place to connect with her children, ages 5 and 14. “My son is 5. He was horrified when I put peas on his plate for a few nights for dinner. But now we grow peas together, and he sits in the garden and eats the peas right off of the vine. “That is a beautiful thing. There’s something different about eating food that you grew from a seed,” she says. 28 September/OCTOBER 2026

Involving the entire family makes a kitchen garden that much more impactful. “It’s a place where children can reconnect with nature in this digital world and find an excuse to be outside. They learn how to care for something that is alive and to nurture it. It teaches patience. “It’s also taught me and my kids to appreciate the bees. They’re not just a nuisance anymore. They are the reason that we have the fruits of our labor.” The Nourished Garden’s Instagram account (@the_nourished_garden) serves as another avenue for sharing expertise and planting tips and getting to know Corinne herself. “I’m trying to use the platform to teach and educate, and to reach people,” she says. “Learning to harvest herbs and food when they’re in season and just slowing down — it’s something that people, I’m finding, are really thirsty for.” Above all, Corinne wants her clients and the local community to feel empowered to garden on their own in order to reap the

I’ve become hyper focused on how to create an environment for ourselves where we live well.

”

– Corinne Beirne

culinary and wellness benefits, connect with nature, and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with harvesting your own food. “I’m really passionate about teaching people. If you’re making popcorn tonight, chop up some rosemary and melt it in the butter and drizzle on popcorn. Go use your herbs and make them a part of everyday life. It’s not only medicinally (beneficial), but just being outside and the feeling of pulling something from the garden and eating it slows your nervous system down. A slower nervous system is what we all need right now for health.” MB thenourishedgarden.com @the_nourished_garden

The Blueprint of Our Community:

Understanding Planning

When you walk through Fuquay-Varina, notice how the parks, roads, and buildings seem to fit together seamlessly. This is the result of intentional planning.The Town of Fuquay-Varina’s Planning Department views the community as a puzzle, working to ensure that every piece from public utilities to private development works in harmony. “The goal of planning is to maximize the health, safety, and economic well-being of residents in ways that reflect the unique needs, desires, and culture of those who live and work within our community,” says Planning Director Pam Davison.

From Vision to Action Planning happens on two different scales. Long-range planning looks at the horizon. Every 5–7 years, the department updates major initiatives like the 2040 Community Vision Land Use Plan and the Comprehensive Transportation Plan. This process relies heavily on public participation, including neighborhood meetings, surveys, and Town Board hearings. On the other hand, current planning manages the immediate growth of our town. This includes reviewing land subdivisions and coordinating with departments including engineering for roads and stormwater management, public utilities, public works, and even the fire department to ensure new projects are viable and safe for everyone.

Protecting Our Standards Planning also involves ensuring our community remains a nice place to live. Code Compliance Officers work directly with residents and businesses to maintain standards regarding vegetation overgrowth, stored vehicles, and signage. These regulations aren’t just rules; they are protections that ensure the safety and welfare of every visitor and resident.

TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC TRANSIT ARE PLANNED THROUGH THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT. STAFF MEMBERS HELP TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF MICROLINK AT THE 2025 CHRISTMAS PARADE.

How Decisions Are Made The Planning Department works in tandem with several governing bodies to ensure a transparent review process: • The Planning Board: Reviews and recommends zoning changes and subdivision plans. • The Board of Adjustment: A “quasi-judicial” board — meaning it follows a process similar to a court of law — to consider variances and special use permits. • The Town Board: Makes the final decision on subdivisions, rezonings, annexations, and long-range plans.

Quick Facts for Residents: • Zip Codes vs. Town Limits: There are a few common misconceptions regarding town boundaries. Many residents assume their zip code determines their services; however, zip codes are for mail delivery, while town limits are the legal boundaries for Town taxes and public services. • ETJ Status: The Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) covers almost 26 square miles. While ETJ residents do not pay town taxes or vote in general elections, they must comply with zoning and inspections, and they do have representation on our Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. • MicroLink: Since its launch in January 2026, this popular appbased curb-to-curb ride service has completed nearly 12,000 trips!

Looking Ahead

PUBLIC OUTREACH IS A BIG PART OF THE TOWN’S PLANNING PROCESS.

For those interested in learning more about the process, the Planning Department will host a Citizens Planning Academy in the spring of 2027. Residents can sign up for the Weekly Email Alert to receive notification when applications open. Fuquay-Varina.org SPONSORED CONTENT

Hygiene essentials, such as toilet paper, dish soap, and paper towels, are among the most requested items delivered by The Hope Closet.

Nonprofit Spotlight

The Hope Closet Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

hen Fuquay-Varina native Ashley Manstedt started collecting donations for The Hope Closet, her garage filled within 48 hours. “We operated for about three months, and my kids couldn’t even reach their shoes in the garage,” Ashley says. Clean mattresses, linens, furniture, clothing, and toys poured in from the local community to support Ashley’s mission. 30 September/OCTOBER 2026

“It was phenomenal,” she says. “It was overwhelming, but it was beautiful. “That’s where The Hope Closet was born. It started as a grassroots effort to provide for a Section 8 housing complex and provide household items and basic functional essentials that would make a house a home.” Ashley noticed the lack of these types of household resources while she and other

members of her church were delivering food donations to Bay Tree Apartments, a government-assisted housing complex in Fuquay-Varina. “As we continued to show up there, what we were finding was not as much food insecurities as it was living conditions. Some of these folks were living in destitute and subpar conditions.” “It was the first time that a group of

The Hope Closet, founded by Jill Luttman, left, and Ashley Manstedt provides household items and everyday essentials to neighbors in need.

people asked what my residents need and heard what I had to say,” says Linda Miller, property manager at Bay Tree Apartments, who lists toothpaste, dish soap, wash cloths, toilet paper, and towels among the most needed items for the complex’s residents. “When money is short, those are the things that don’t get bought.” Wanting to help, Ashley put out a call for donations.

“One of the first drives that we did was for towels and linens. We collected from the community and took a group of volunteers and distributed a set of towels to every single — not every single unit — every single individual that lived there.” “I began to share these stories with the local community, and the response was absolutely remarkable,” Ashley says. Near the end of 2024, another Fuquay-

Varina resident, Jill Luttman, heard about Ashley’s efforts serving the community and jumped in to help. Together the ladies found storage space for The Hope Closet to operate from, filed to become an official 501(c)(3), and organized volunteers to move furniture, make deliveries, and sort donations. “There are two different ways that we serve,” says Ashley. “One is more of 31

The Hope Closet maintains a storage facility in downtown Fuquay. A search for a larger space to accommodate the generous supply of donations received is underway.

Care team volunteers write notes of encouragement that are included with deliveries of supplies.

32 September/OCTOBER 2026

a reactive way. It responds to meeting direct needs, and it allows us to be a resource for the local Red Cross, CPS, social services, our school social workers. We respond to those needs and referrals. “And our more proactive way is we take volunteers into those Section 8 housing complexes … where we will go and meet people where they are in location and in life, and hand deliver items free of charge. And by doing that, we’re not just improving living conditions, we are improving human connections.” Ashley continues, “In a world that’s so digitally connected, we’re not physically connected. What we’re trying to do is build more community. “That is where real change begins and ends — with empathy and compassion that can only stem from human connection. We want to look people in the eye and remind them, ‘You are seen. You are valued. Help is available, and you do not have to face this alone.’ Most of the time that matters so much more than the physical items themselves.” Jill adds that a second layer of the organization’s mission is to create service opportunities for others. “We want to be a community that serves community well. We want to invite volunteers into our mission,” she says.

“

We live in a world where a lot of people are lost. They are overwhelmed, discouraged, isolated, and carrying burdens no one else can see. We want them to be able to look up and see there are helpers who care.

”

– Ashley Manstedt, The Hope Closet

Volunteers are needed to help with moving furniture, sorting donations, delivering essential items, and writing notes of encouragement. “We purposefully deliver everyday items, like toilet paper and paper towels that are not covered by SNAP or WIC benefits, on a consistent basis. We’re meeting the physical need, but we’re also meeting that need of doing well checks on our neighbors. We’re able to knock on doors and say, ‘How’s life going? Do you have any additional needs?’” says Jill. Often, families are placed in Section 8 housing after leaving crisis situations, such as domestic violence, fire loss, or relocations. They arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Hope Closet bridges the gap from having a roof over your head to having a safe, habitable home. Ashley shares the story of one of The Hope Closet’s clients: “This mom was leaving a domestic violence situation. She got placed into a four-bedroom house based on the size of her family; she had six kids. They got out with nothing. Not even their clothing. … We went in and — because of just the generosity of our

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The Hope Closet emphasizes face-toface connections with their clients to build a network of support and a sense of community.

community and having backups of towels and kitchen items and clothing — within 48 or 72 hours, we were able to fully furnish this home from top to bottom. All of the furniture, beds, clothing, kitchen appliances, toasters, dishes, down to Q-tips and feminine products for the girls. Every single item.” “A lot of my residents are coming from homelessness or living with a relative,” says Linda. “They don’t have anything. I am amazed by what (The Hope Closet) can come up with. I am literally overwhelmed with what they are able to do.” Sourcing donations hasn’t been a problem for The Hope Closet thus far; storing them, on the other hand, is a challenge. “We turn items away because of the space limitations. We could fill a warehouse,” says Ashley. “It’s the way our program model works: If somebody can give to an organization that they know will pick up then deliver directly into the hands of somebody that needs it, they’re going to 34 September/OCTOBER 2026

choose that option for the items that they care about. … People want the items that they love to go to somebody that’s going to really, really need them.” Just as Southern Wake is growing rapidly, so is the gap between needs and access to resources in the community. In less than two years of operation, The Hope Closet has served over 1,500 individuals across nearly 650 residences, with nearly half of those in the last six months. “We fully furnished around 40 homes,” says Ashley. “We do not measure our impact at The Hope Closet by the quantity of the items we give away, but the quality of the connection we have with our neighbors facing real hardship.” MB Editor’s note: Because of space limitations, The Hope Closet doesn’t maintain regular hours for donation drop off. If you have items to donate, submit a contact form via their website. Monetary contributions or purchases from their Amazon Wish List are always welcome. hopecloset.org

Jill Luttman and Ashley Manstedt

“

People want the items that they love to go to somebody that’s going to really, really need them.

”

– Ashley Manstedt, The Hope Closet

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At Oak Village Academy, children enjoy learning through exploration, making decisions that build social and emotional relationships. While learning the natural way, we provide imaginative and encouraging indoor and outdoor learning environments. We operate with the highest standards when it comes to our team and learning environment. We have designed our curriculum to respect individual differences, honor every child’s culture, and see family members as equal partners in a child’s growth and learning. Through the Natural Learning Initiative at NC State University, we have created unique outdoor learning

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environments that encourage children to be active while participating in learning, play, and environmental education. Oak Village Academy was one of the first preschools in the area with an emphasis on outdoor learning environments as the basis of our campus design. With much of our days spent outdoors, experiential learning in the natural world extends and enhances your child’s developmental capacity. Every day at Oak Village Academy, through exploration and play, children of all ages build relationships and reach individual milestones in all developmental domains. To learn more, visit exploreoakvillage.com.

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At Primrose School at West Lake, excellence begins with people. Franchise owners Gaurav and Sonali Chaudhry first experienced Primrose as parents, and that trust inspired them to create the same nurturing, high-quality experience for local families. Serving children from infancy through transitional kindergarten, the heart of the school is its exceptional team of educators. With an average staff tenure of more than 12 years — remarkable in early childhood education — children benefit from experienced teachers, consistent relationships, and a warm, familylike environment. This continuity gives parents confidence that their children are known, supported, and encouraged every day. The school’s exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum blends

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purposeful play with teacher-guided learning to build early literacy, mathematics, and problem-solving skills while nurturing confidence, compassion, and character. Each developmentally appropriate experience helps prepare children for the transition to kindergarten and a lifelong love of learning. Primrose School at West Lake is a five-star licensed child care center in North Carolina and is accredited by Cognia, reflecting its commitment to high standards in education and care. Families are invited to meet the team, explore the classrooms, and see how experienced educators help children develop Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®. Schedule a tour today by visiting primrosewestlake.com.

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THE RESOURCE ROOM LEARNING CENTER 2100 Crossway Lane // Holly Springs

The Resource Room Learning Center provides personalized educational support for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our services include subject-specific tutoring, homework assistance, executive functioning support, study skills, and individualized support for students with IEPs, 504 Plans, ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, and other learning differences. We also offer comprehensive SAT, ACT, EOG, EOC, and private school admissions test preparation, along with academic assessments and customized learning plans. Beyond tutoring, the Resource Room offers engaging STEM-based Summer Camps, Track Out Camps, Teacher Workday Camps,

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holiday camps, LEGO robotics and coding programs, enrichment activities, and Parent Night Out events. Pathways Academy, located within the Resource Room, is a private micro high school program serving students in grades 9–12. Pathways provides customized academics in a small, supportive environment while emphasizing executive functioning, life skills, career exploration, internships, trade skills, leadership, and preparation for life after high school. Our goal is to help every student build confidence, strengthen essential skills, and achieve meaningful academic and personal growth. Pathways Academy accepts both ESA grants as well as Opportunity Scholarship grants.

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Since 1982, WCPSS Magnet Programs have offered tuition-free educational options. As a Wake County family, you have choices! These award-winning schools open doors of opportunity with programs that match your child’s unique strengths and interests. Today, WCPSS hosts over 60 school choice options organized into six program pathways. Is your child a creative soul? Arts Plus pathway schools integrate the creative and design process into learning, helping students generate ideas, solve problems, and collaborate. Want your child to follow their passions? Gifted and Talented pathway schools offer an extensive menu of elective courses that allow students to discover their individual talents and pursue their interests. Interested in global impact? International Baccalaureate and

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Global Studies pathway schools prepare students to lead positive change through cultural exploration and language study. Love world languages? Language Immersion programs teach Spanish or Chinese while building English skills and cultural understanding. Do they love to tinker? STEM pathway schools show students how to apply emerging technology to solve problems, improve the world, and build decision-making skills. At Wake Forest iSTEM Magnet Elementary, students can prepare for a global STEM workforce by also having the opportunity to learn Spanish or Mandarin. Ready for college early? Early College High Schools, including the single-gender Wake Leadership Academies, partner with local colleges to give students a head start.

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“

I am pleased to say that I think a lot of people know who Fuquay-Varina is — we’re one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina. I hope that I have had some small part to play in that.

”

– Susan Weis

40 September/OCTOBER 2026

WOMAN to WATCH

SUSAN Weis Susan WEIS Communications Director, Town of Fuquay-Varina Written by Emily Uhland Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

In 2003, the town of Fuquay-Varina looked quite different — home to only about 10,000 residents, many of the beloved events and amenities enjoyed today, including Follow Me to Fuquay-Varina concerts, the Arts Center, and the signature slogan — A Dash More — did not yet exist. But some might say a turning point was nearing. Susan Weis, a former marketing executive for Deloitte & Touche, lived in Willow Spring with her young family and took a part-time job with the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association. “I fell in love with Fuquay,” says Susan. The town’s downtown revitalization was in its infancy, as downtown manager Susan brought marketing expertise and local know-how to the effort. “We’ve come a long way,” she says. During her years with the FVDA, Susan wrote the initial application for FuquayVarina to become a Main Street Community, a designation from the Department of Commerce that the town maintains today. “It was a great job. … It gave me a lot of purpose and a lot of chances to have wins,” she says. “I met great people — people I still have connections with today.”

One of those people was Andy Hedrick, Fuquay’s town manager at that time, who approached Susan with a job offer, a position with the town government created just for her. “I told him no,” she recalls, “but to come back to me in a year.” Susan grew up in Hendersonville, a small town in Western NC with an enviable, charming downtown. Early on she aspired to a career in politics, working a stint in a Washington, DC, senator’s office before realizing her real affinity for local government. “Local government really does affect your life. … You can make a connection with so many people, and it’s not removed. Anybody can pick up the phone and call me or call the mayor, and they’ll get him. “It’s smaller scale, but (local government) actually has really strong ramifications on the quality of life for people.” So, after that year passed, Andy again came knocking, and Susan agreed to join the Town of Fuquay-Varina full time as communications director. On her first day in a “hole-in-thewall” office with no windows (a sharp contrast to the current town hall building at 134 N. Main St.), Andy gave Susan a

directive that would steer her professional career going forward: I want people to know who Fuquay-Varina is. “I asked him, ‘So how are we going to do that?’” Susan remembers. “He goes, ‘Good luck.’”

rom the ground up, Susan built a communications department, working with the town managers, department heads, and “anybody who would help me, because it was a really big job.” “Our goal is to always try and be that trusted first source for information,” she says. “In an era of a lot of distrust of government, I think it’s really important for us to provide truthful, transparent, and timely information to our residents so they can know what’s going on and make decisions, but our goal is also to create community.” With Susan at the helm, the Communications Department handles weekly emails, a monthly newsletter, the Town of Fuquay-Varina website (which garners 2 million hits per year), Facebook, Instagram, award-winning videos, media relations, an online store, and internal communications — always guided by that same original idea: I want people to know who FuquayVarina is. 41

Award-winning video productions spearheaded by Susan Weis’ creative leadership include the 2023 series Fuquay-Varina Firsts and annual State of the Town addresses.

“When I started, we did newsletters, print ads, and tried to get people interviews. We advertised our events with posters. … Now we have to constantly reevaluate how we reach people. Everybody communicates differently,” she says. In 2015, the town went through a yearlong branding process, engaging and surveying the community. “Our branding has been key to who we are,” says Susan, calling it one of the things she is most proud of professionally. “We asked (residents) what they thought; we asked other people what they thought of us,” she says. The results were adopted in 2016: the current logo and infamous slogan “A Dash More.” “People describe us as smart, fun, and creative, and I would say a little quirky. We have a lot of people who really love living here and they’re really engaged. I’m not sure that every town can say that. That branding — A Dash More — has made us recognizable, but it’s also given us a culture. “It’s really helped us find who we are. It gives us messaging consistency and confidence. And I think that our businesses and our community really bought into it.”

Susan Weis and Town of Fuquay-Varina team members interact with the community at the annual Celebrate Fuquay-Varina festival.

42 September/OCTOBER 2026

full trophy case in the lobby of town hall displays numerous awards won by the Communications Department since its inception. Susan estimates as many as 25 (or more!) awards from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA), the NC Association of Festivals & Events, and other organizations, including the 2023 video series “Fuquay-Varina Firsts, Celebrating Black History,” which achieved a perfect score and a top national distinction, the 3CMA’s Diamond Award, beating more than 875 entries. The viral standout from the 2024 State of the Town address, “A-Dashmore, The Prescription for Good Living,” earned a 3CMA first place award in the category for OneTime Video, and these are just two examples of many. “I’m very proud of the video that we do,” Susan says. “I think knowing who you are, and knowing what your brand is, and trying to reach your people the way they can be reached is the right answer. Why do an annual State of the Town for 20 people in a room when you can do it and have 50,000 people watch it?”

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“Susan is the creative engine of our organization,” says Adam Mitchell, town manager of Fuquay-Varina, who has worked with Susan for nearly 13 years. “A lot of her responsibilities require and involve creativity and thinking about things differently than you would in a standard government setting. That’s where Susan helps us to elevate and, I think, be one of the better local government organizations in the state of North Carolina.” Adam describes Susan’s work on the town’s branding project as “instrumental” and the vision she brings to the town’s videos as “fresh” and “forward thinking.” “The whole goal in the State of the Town videos was that government topics can be vanilla, and for lack of a better way of saying it, kind of boring at times. What we wanted to do was inject some humor. It starts with the leadership and the vision. … It all started with Susan being willing to bring creativity to the table,” says Adam. Susan sees success not only in the awards, but in the way the town’s residents engage and participate in the opportunities available to them. “We have a very engaged public. We invite the engagement. We invite public

The Weis family loves to travel, pictured here in St. Croix. From left: Alex, Steve, Susan, and Morgan.

input. We want to hear from people — constructively,” she says. “Susan understands the value of relationships, and she’s able to communicate with people in a way that … really leaves them feeling like government does care about me, about my well-being, my livelihood, and the community that we live in,” says Adam. Outside of town hall, Susan’s proudest accomplishment is her family: husband Steve, daughter Morgan, and son Alex. “We raised two terrific kids. They’re thoughtful; they’re kind; they’re smart. I love the fact that they still like to be with us,” she says. Susan loves to travel, garden, refinish furniture, and is learning to bake sourdough with 25-year-old starter. “I think in an alternate life I would have been an interior decorator,” Susan admits, adding that when Fire Station 4 opened she was asked to help “make this home.” The team at Station 3 has recently asked for the same. “We live in a world that really embraces that you only live once, but that’s a lie,” Susan insists. “You only die once. “Every day, you get a brand-new start,

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right? And you have to live it with intention and live it to its fullest,” Susan says. “I’m not perfect at it, but I really do try.” “I think that there are people who will tell you, especially women, all the things that they want you to do: I want you to do this. I want you to look this way. I want you to have this job. There are no lack of opinions on what it is that somebody wants you to do. If you don’t know yourself and what you value, those voices can take over. “To live intentionally, you have to know yourself. … And I think that also plays back to what it is that we’ve done for the town — we’ve been very intentional about the way we communicate. We’ve been very intentional about knowing who our people are and what makes their quality of life best.” MB EDITOR’S NOTE: Susan Weis is one of Cary Magazine’s 2026 Women of Western Wake. Visit carymagazine.com to read more about this year’s outstanding honorees. Readers of Main & Broad are invited to attend the Women of Western Wake Forum at The Umstead Hotel and Spa on September 25 — a day of inspiration and celebration recognizing distinguished women in the local community. womenofwesternwake.com

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“

Our goal was to create the kind of place that feels just as right for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a date night on the weekend.

”

– Stephen Brauer

46 September/OCTOBER 2026

Located off Highway 55 a short distance from Target, Oakview Public House boasts experienced service, creative cocktails, and a menu full of favorites.

Restaurant Spotlight

OAKVIEW PUBLIC HOUSE Written by David McCreary | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin Tucked just off Highway 55 on New Hill Road, a mile and a half puts you at the door of Oakview Public House in Holly Springs. And once you’re inside, it’s clear the short drive is the point, not the obstacle. Tall ceilings, generous windows, and light wood floors give the space an airy, elevated feel, while the vintage cutting boards on the wall and the approachable, down-to-earth energy keep it from ever feeling stuffy. That balance comes by design. “We wanted to fill a gap and provide a nice, non-chain dining option on this side of Highway 55,” says co-proprietor Stephen Brauer, who represents one of eight local families that came

together to open the eatery at the fledgling Oakview Commons mixed-use development. “Our goal was to create the kind of place that feels just as right for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for a date night on the weekend.” Since debuting last October, the restaurant has leaned into its identity as a go-to neighborhood spot, well positioned to pull in both residential regulars and the area’s business crowd. Oakview’s carefully composed menu has evolved since its early days. It ran a bit more upscale than the neighborhood wanted at first, Stephen says, so the team dialed it back and broadened the lineup, adding plenty of dishes under $20 alongside more

refined plates. The result comfortably spans both ends of that range. When you visit, start with the hot honey–infused pimento cheese, made fresh daily with a good kick of spice and served with grilled crostini for dipping. It’s a Southern staple done right and built for sharing. The crispy calamari with Calabrian chili marinara and the burrata, served atop arugula, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a copious drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar, round out a strong selection of shareable starters. For the main event, the smashburger reigns as the top seller: two 3-ounce Angus patties, caramelized onions, pickles, and a custom OPH sauce (mustard, mayo, and 47

Scott James, left, and Stephen Brauer, Oakview Public House co-owners

“

We’re privately owned, so we can make the decisions that are right for us and for the community.

”

– Stephen Brauer

48 September/OCTOBER 2026

abundant zip — think a maverick cousin of Chick-fil-A sauce, though Stephen wouldn’t divulge the recipe). The short rib and mash, braised in red wine, stands out as an entrée, as does the fish and chips, made with beer-battered cod, house-made tartar sauce, and fries cooked in beef tallow. The steak frites also brings the dressier side of the menu forward: a 12-ounce New York strip with crispy fries and chimichurri. The seared Antarctic salmon with sautéed asparagus shows just as much finesse. For something in between, the short rib grilled cheese on marbled rye earns the trip on its own — never mind the BLT, a worthy nod to Chapel Hill’s iconic sandwich at Merritt’s Grill. Desserts land just as well, including a white chocolate bread pudding with orange crème anglaise, a gluten-free chocolate torte, and a cast-iron skillet chocolate

chip cookie served with FRESH. Local Ice Cream that’s become a hit. The bar holds its own, too. Fifteen seats anchor a rotating lineup of eight local and regional draft beers, including Mason Jar, Carolina Brewing, Burial, and NoDa, swapped out regularly in partnership with the breweries themselves. On the cocktail side, the bar team has built out a solid list. The citrusy Blue Lagoon and the purple-hued Hibiscus Daydream rank among guest favorites. “We’ve curated an approachable wine list that includes a few unexpected selections, with half-price bottles every Wednesday,” says general manager and co-owner Scott James, adding that guests skipping alcohol aren’t an afterthought, as a full mocktail menu covers that ground well. Weekend brunch brings its own personality to the menu, from a Sunrise Breakfast Burrito loaded with scrambled

Both date nights and weekday dinners feel special in Oakview’s quietly elevated interior.

eggs, sausage, bacon, and melted cheese to a French toast featuring thick-cut challah soaked in spiced vanilla custard. A flight of mimosas in flavors like passion fruit, mango, lychee, and strawberry rounds out the morning in style. Family-friendly touches are everywhere, too. A kids’ menu comes with ice cream, crayons are on hand, and a round of Shut the Box keeps young diners and parents alike entertained between courses. With seating for up to 50 guests, AV capability, and a full catering menu, a semiprivate dining room makes a natural fit for business meetings, showers, graduations, and other special events. Full restaurant takeovers are available too, and live music plays once a month, either on the patio or in the back room. Staff continuity is one of Oakview’s quiet strengths. Many servers have stayed on since the beginning, know the menu

The double-decker smashburger, accented with a custom OPH sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles, reigns as the restaurant’s top seller.

The cast-iron skillet chocolate chip cookie comes with ice cream from area favorite FRESH. Local Ice Cream.

inside and out, and have built the kind of rapport that brings guests back. That same sense of loyalty shows in Oakview’s community involvement, from sponsoring charitable golf outings to simply staying invested locally. The restaurant has also partnered with nearby Golf Hour and Switch Craft, offering free food delivery to both, a small but telling example of local collaboration. “We’re privately owned,” Stephen says, “so we can make the decisions that are right for us and for the community.” The owners hope that more people simply discover the restaurant’s existence. “A lot of people just don’t seem to realize where we’re located,” says Scott. “There’s a whole new world back here that’s definitely worth finding.” Between the food, the service, and the atmosphere, Oakview Public House has made a compelling case for itself as a destination worth seeking out, whether you’re coming from Apex, Fuquay-Varina, or just the other side of the highway. MB oakviewpublichouse.com @oakviewpublichouse

The Sunrise Breakfast Burrito is a star of the weekend brunch menu.

50 September/OCTOBER 2026

Patio dining at Oakview Public House

Healthcare, the Way It Should Be

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

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

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

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

Recipes from

Readers

Prosciutto & Peach Pizza From Kris Schultz

Store-bought pizza dough may also be used. For dough: 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1 ½ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt 2 ¼ cups very cold water 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons dark molasses Toppings: olive oil 16 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or pearls 8 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola 2 ripe peaches, sliced 4 ounces prosciutto, torn into pieces ½ cup pickled red onions balsamic vinegar fresh basil

1. Combine 4 ½ cups of the flour, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour mixture to the chilled water and mix until the flour is almost incorporated. Add the molasses and continue mixing until combined. The dough should feel slightly tacky. 2. Spread the remaining ½ cup of flour over a clean countertop or cutting board. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and knead until the flour is incorporated. 3. Place the dough in a bowl greased with olive oil. Cover and let rise at room temperature for approximately one hour, or until doubled in size.

52 September/OCTOBER 2026

4. Punch down the dough and divide it into six equal portions. Arrange the portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Cover and let rise for another hour, or until doubled in size. 5. While the dough rises, place a pizza stone in the oven or on a grill and preheat to 525 degrees. 6. Place a dough ball on a lightly floured pizza peel and shape it into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough directly onto the hot pizza stone and bake for 2 minutes.

RECIPES WANTED

7. Remove the crust and brush lightly with olive oil. Top with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, prosciutto, sliced peaches, and pickled red onions. 8. Return the pizza to the stone and bake for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted. 9. Remove from the oven and finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and freshly torn basil.

Share your favorite holiday treat for the November/December issue. Submit at mainandbroadmag.com/recipe-submissions

RECIpes may be edited for length and clarity.

Just like Main & Broad knows Southern Wake County, these individuals and companies are experts in their fields. Whether you’re looking for an oral surgeon or a place to pick up dinner, these local businesses can provide the top-notch services you need.

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adorn home furnishings

or five years, Adorn Home Furnishings has brought beauty and personality to the homes they adorn with pieces they thoughtfully curate based on style, domestically made quality, and comfort. Owners Ben and Sam, along with their talented team, have created a welcoming destination where exceptional customer service, including free in-home space planning, and meticulously selected custom furnishings, unique to you, make the shopping experience feel special and personal. Whether you are refreshing a room or furnishing an entire home, the Adorn team is ready to help bring your vision to life. Stop by, meet the team, and celebrate five years of inspired interiors and a passion for making every space a reflection of you.

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54 september/OCTOBER 2026

The

Originals in

personalized style

The

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bonding over live music

bond brothers beer co.

ond Brothers Eastside, the second location for Bond Brothers Beer Co., serves tasty beverages from the brewery’s award-winning lineup and showcases the brothers’ passion for music. The space hosts music five nights a week and has become a hub for both local and national talent.

The venue is home to a popular Wednesday Open Mic, hosted by Garland Mason, and is open to any and all performers, from singer-songwriters to full bands. Thursday Jazz Jam brings jazz musicians from all over the Triangle, hosted by Paul Creel. Ticketed events on Friday and Saturday include both local and national acts. Bluegrass Open Jam, hosted by The Eastside Ramblers, takes place every Sunday afternoon.

202 e. cedar street, cary (919) 459-2670 | 602 e. chatham street, cary (919) 650-1125 bondbrothersbeer.com 56 september/OCTOBER 2026

garibaldi trattoria

p for some delicious, authentic pizza in Fuquay-Varina? Look no further than Garibaldi Trattoria Pizza Pasta! Rated #1 from over 60 restaurants in the area, Garibaldi Trattoria serves some of the best Italian food in Wake County and beyond! We offer New York-style pizza, Grandma pizza, and white pizza as basics. The fun begins with our Specialty section. These pies are fresh-made, hand-tossed Neapolitan pizzas topped with highquality sauces and ingredients. Years of practice have allowed us to really perfect the recipe. Aside from pizza, we offer a variety of different calzones and strombolis for that real Italian feel. We also have substantial pasta options. You won’t go wrong with either regular or baked, as both are equally delicious! The must-try House Specialty pasta dishes are on a whole other level of tastiness. We also offer veal and chicken pasta options, as well as other luscious meat-based dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available, too. Open every day of the week, we can’t wait to welcome you for a hearty meal in a friendly atmosphere. If you prefer to dine at home, though, you can order for pickup through Slice and receive 5% off your order.

900 n. main street, fuquay-varina (984) 208-2947 fuquaygaribalditrattorias.com 60 son-lan pkwy, garner (919) 322-5604 garnergaribalditrattorias.com The

Originals turning dinner into tradition

The

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high house oral surgery

t High House Oral Surgery, we believe exceptional care never goes out of style. As The Original Choice for Oral Surgery Excellence, we are committed to providing advanced surgical care in a compassionate, comfortable environment.

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oral surgery excellence

From wisdom teeth removal and dental implants to complex oral surgery procedures, we tailor every treatment to your individual needs, making your experience as smooth, gentle, and stress-free as possible. Led by Board-Certified Oral Surgeon Dr. James Davies, our team combines extensive surgical expertise with the latest technology, including sameday treatment options, to deliver outstanding results with the compassion and skill you deserve. Experience why High House Oral Surgery is the Original Choice for exceptional care.

(919) 367-6203

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rescued wood rehab

he secret to Rescued WOOD Rehab: “It’s More than WOOD; It’s an Experience!” Owner Marty Woodward, Amber the Shop Dog, and Master Craftsman Keith Veronesi headline an amazing team ready to create your

custom woodworking projects. Whether it is with live edge slabs or quality lumber, we can custom build anything with WOOD. Visit us for your tables, bars, fireplace mantels, shelving, cabinets, and more! If you have a project you have in mind, we would love to make a plan with you! Just looking? That’s okay! Watch us work, get inspired, have some fun, and maybe spend some time with our Shop Dog, Amber! Whatever your needs, Rescued WOOD Rehab is a destination experience.

718 n. main street, fuquay-varina (919) 285-2653 rwrnc.com

The

Originals in

live edge living

triangle area trading cards

riangle Area Trading Cards was created with one goal in mind: to build a place where collectors, players, families, and hobby enthusiasts can come together and fully enjoy the hobby they love.

2856 jones franklin road, raleigh

The

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cards, community & collecting

60 september/OCTOBER 2026

More than just a card shop, we’ve built our business around community, transparency, and exceptional customer service. We offer an extensive selection of sports cards, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Lorcana, Star Wars: Unlimited, sealed products, singles, supplies, and more. We also regularly buy, sell, and trade. At Triangle Area Trading Cards, the hobby is about more than what’s inside the showcases. It’s about the people you meet, the memories you make, and the community that grows around a shared passion.

(919) 615-0914 triangleatc.com

windsor point

“I

like to meet different people. I like to hear their story. People are interesting.” For Windsor Point resident Ann, getting to know her neighbors is one of the joys of everyday life. Each night at dinner, she makes a point of sitting with different people, turning an ordinary meal into

1221 broad street, fuquay-varina

an opportunity to make a new connection. Around the table, names become familiar, stories are shared, and neighbors become friends. Ann’s approach reflects something special about life at Windsor Point: Community grows through small moments, open conversations, and a genuine interest in one another. Here, there is always someone new to meet and another story waiting to be heard.

(919) 552-4580 windsorpoint.com

The

Originals in

living well

fun

memes

Chronicles of an HOA:

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

62 September/OCTOBER 2026

The Enclave at Sunset Lake

(Final Installment ... For Now)

Heads up, fair reader — I’m making this the final installment of the series because I tried something a little different, and I’m not completely convinced it paid off. If it did, let me know. All of these HOA shenanigans are based on true stories that occurred between 2007 and 2026, and I have enough material to keep this neighborhood dysfunctional for years. All that to say, remember their names and personalities so I don’t have to waste valuable time reminding you down the road. If you’ve made it this far into this saga, congratulations! (Catch up on past Chronicles on mainandbroadmag.com.) You now know more about the quasi-fictional residents of The Enclave at Sunset Lake than most people know about their own real-life neighbors. Or even their extended family. When we last left off, HOA president Sharon Whitaker had wandered toward the Holly Springs fire truck, thirst-trapping in head-to-toe Lilly Pulitzer. At that moment, every nosy neighbor on the block knew the truth. For once, the young millennial couple with the baby, the Bennetts, had taken their Xanax and

resisted calling the authorities over a recreational fire. It was Sharon. And no one was less surprised than her neighborhood nemesis, Craig Milford. Now, before we continue, it’s important to understand that Craig has spent the better part of a decade believing Sharon is personally responsible for everything wrong with the neighborhood. The HOA dues? Sharon. The new mailbox regulations? Sharon. That weird mulch color that made Craig spit out his Busch Light? Somehow also Sharon. Watching this unfold was, for Craig, the Super Bowl. Sharon made enough small talk to convince absolutely no one that she was concerned about fire safety. The very married firefighter, meanwhile, had responded to three actual emergencies before dinner and was done explaining Duraflame logs to flirty retirees. Sharon laughed a little too hard, and the firefighter nodded politely in the way customer service employees do when they know they’re never coming back. Then he climbed into the truck, and just like that, the evening’s leading man disappeared with

zero intention of attending Sharon’s next lasagna night. The fire was extinguished and neighbors slowly retreated back into their homes, fully convinced Sharon’s estradiol patch was working overtime (iykyk). Case closed. Or so everyone thought. The next morning, the neighborhood Facebook page looked exactly like you’d expect. Comments galore. A suggestion to ban all backyard fires and Yankee transplants. A Yankee transplant defending their existence. Melanie, the neighborhood Dog Mom, somehow steering the conversation into a debate about how smoke affects anxious dogs and Fourth of July fireworks. Despite all the noise, the unspoken consensus was that Sharon had made the call for an excuse to flirt with someone other than her husband, Mike. But later that week, the truth came out. It happened in the bowels of Craig’s garage, the unofficial town hall of The Enclave, each loiterer holding a beer while pretending not to enjoy each other’s company. Somewhere between discussing the humidity and complaining about the monstrosity being built on Dickens Road, Mike let it slip. He’d made the call. And he had no ragrets.

Mike hadn’t called because he thought the fire was dangerous. Despite who he’s married to, he’s not a narc. Nor

Thank you for shopping local and supporting our dream!

517 Broad St. • Fuquay-Varina 919.557.3410 • flowersonbroadstreet.com 63

had Sharon asked him to do it, though no one would’ve questioned it if she had. He’d called because he’d been standing at the grill when Sharon walked outside and announced she had “a few things” she’d like to tackle together before dinner. Mike did the math. In Sharon’s world, “a few things” could mean a lastminute trip to Home Depot for the mulch Craig would inevitably complain about, entertaining a couple she met at Niche Wine Lounge, reorganizing the garage, or edging the lawn in 95-degree heat because “it’ll only take a minute.” But a fire truck meant distraction. Distraction meant uninterrupted grilling. It was, in his mind, a flawless plan. What he failed to account for was Sharon throwing on her finest pair of capris and seizing the moment in the name of fire safety. Craig listened to Mike’s confession in stunned silence. For the first time in recorded Enclave history, he had to admit Sharon wasn’t to blame for everything. This time, it was just a guy trying to ignore his wife and the smell of the dump and grill in peace. And honestly? That might be the most believable part of this entire story. MB

Want more laugh-out-loud, irreverent local humor? Read archived columns on mainandbroadmag.com.

64 September/OCTOBER 2026

Seen

Heard Kelly Gordon

The Town of Holly Springs opened a new Opera-

tions Campus to accommodate the expanding staff and equipment needs of the rapidly growing town. Public services such as street maintenance, yard waste collection, and water operations, and office space for town departments now operate out of the facility located in Holly Springs Business Park. “This campus is the first all-new non-public safety staff facility the Town has opened since Town Hall 23 years ago,” says Town Manager Randy Harrington.

McWally’s in Fuquay-Varina celebrated its first anniversary in

August. Since opening in 2025, the family entertainment destination has become a gathering place for the community, creating more than 400 local jobs, recording more than 25,000 bowling games played, hosting countless birthday parties and celebrations, and serving guests from across the Triangle. “Our first year has exceeded every expectation,” says owner Bryden McCormick. “From welcoming families through our doors every day to creating hundreds of local jobs and giving back to organizations that make our community stronger, we’ve been incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received.”

joined the town of Fuquay-Varina as Economic Development Director in July. Previously, Kelly served as Program Director for the Women’s Business Center of Appalachia at the Economic Community Development Institute. “This new role allows me to align my professional expertise with larger-scale projects while maintaining the community feel I value. FuquayVarina offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city opportunity,” says Kelly.

UNC Health Rex Holly Springs recently added 24 beds to its facility

to better serve the growing populace. The hospital has also hired 50 employees for the expansion. “By adding these 24 additional beds, that will help alleviate some of the stress, especially in our emergency room,” says Roy Tempke, chief operating officer for UNC Health Rex Holly Springs Hospital, emphasizing that the expansion should help to reduce wait times in the emergency room.

A new NCDMV

Driver’s License and Motor Vehicle Registration office is scheduled to open in Fuquay-Varina in early 2027. Located at 816 N. Main St., the new facility will be approximately four times larger than the previous location and will feature 16 exam portals and a registration office. The expansion is intended to reduce wait times for residents of Southern Wake County. 65

In Focus

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

66 September/OCTOBER 2026

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