Midtown Magazine – March/April 2026

CURATED COMFORT

D i s cove r i n g t h e a r t o f

re n e d l i v i n g a t L a M a i s o n

D E S I G N I N G T H E

E M P T Y N E S T

N O R T H C A R O L I N A

G A R D E N S T O E X P L O R E

W E E K E N D I N

G E O R G E T O W N , S C

I N F L U E N T I A L

W O M E N O F WA K E

SIP& SAVOR

Dive into the vibrant world of libations and culinary delights with Sip & Savor, your go-to section for stories from around the Triangle and across North Carolina. Every Midtown and 5 West issue will explore the rich tapestry of wine, beer, and spirits, highlighting trending flavors and must-visit spots.

There is a speci c kind of electricity that lls a room when you gather the best of a community under one roof. On January 22, we felt that pulse at Millbrook Manor during our Diamond Awards gala. After months of planning and voting, seeing our team, our contributors, and the local business owners we cover every day nally connect in person was a profound reminder of why we do what we do. Between the laughter and the genuine pride on the faces of the winners, it was a night that celebrated the very heartbeat of Raleigh. These businesses are more than just services; they are the foundation of our city, and witnessing that camaraderie rsthand was the perfect way to kick off our spring season.

As we move into March and April, that celebratory spirit shifts toward the concept of home. There is something about the rst hints of a Raleigh spring—the way the light lingers a little longer in the evening and the dogwoods begin their delicate bloom—that makes us want to open the windows and reimagine our surroundings (at least until the pollen hits). This is our Home and Garden issue, a season dedicated to the spaces that ground us and the intentional choices we make within them.

In this issue, we explore what it truly means to live purposefully. We take you inside a stunning Raleigh home where the Pages worked with designer Joey Napierkowski to rede ne downsizing. Facing an empty nest, they made the bold choice to skip a formal dining room entirely. Instead, they created a vibrant cocktail lounge centered on conversation—a grown-up hangout that proves a home should work for how you actually live, not how you think you are “supposed” to live. We also visit La Maison in North Hills, a local treasure trove of design inspiration that has become a staple for anyone looking to add curated luxury to their personal sanctuary.

Our Out & About section takes us a bit further a eld to Georgetown, South Carolina. We dive into the historic charm, the world-class culinary scene, and the unique cultural experiences that make this neighborhood a perennial favorite for a quick, sophisticated getaway. Whether you are taking a stroll at Brookgreen Gardens or grabbing a bite at The PIT, Georgetown offers a sense of discovery that mirrors the renewal of the season.

Finally, we have a story that de nes the word “home” in its most sel ess sense. In Rolesville, a partnership with St. Jude is bringing a charity house to life. This project is about more than just construction; it’s about hope, community support, and the incredible impact of giving back to families in their most dif cult moments. It serves as a beautiful reminder that while we focus on the beauty of our own homes, the true strength of a community lies in how we build up others.

Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or are seeking inspiration for your next spring adventure, I hope this issue helps you feel more connected to the vibrant beauty of our city.

Happy spring,

Kyle Marie McMahon Editor-in-Chief

FOUNDER

Ronny Stephens

PUBLISHER

Joe Sanger

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kyle Marie McMahon

ART DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

CONTENT EDITOR & SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Jordan Daniels

AD PRODUCTION MANAGER

Erica Christy

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Collin Pruitt

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Mackenzie Steiner

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jessica Bratton

FASHION STYLIST

Sofia Lujan

DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lizana, Manager DistribuTech.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Autumn Coleman, Kurt Dusterberg, Beverly Hurley, Dathan Kazsuk, Page Leggett, Jennifer Primrose, Matt Weiss

DEPARTMENTS

66CANDID CONVERSATION

A chat with music legend KC of KC & the Sunshine Band

72SIP & SAVOR

WILKES COUNTY

How moonshine runners helped build NASCAR

SPRING ROSÉS

A sommelier asks you to reconsider this pink drink

82HOME & GARDEN

Local mushroom foraging for hobbyists and pros

88SPORTS & FITNESS

Creating a space to sweat from the comfort of

On the evening of January 22, the halls of Millbrook Manor were filled with the kind of vibrant energy only a community as dedicated as ours can produce. Our Diamond Awards gala was a true milestone, bringing together the visionaries, the risk-takers, and the local favorites who make our region such a remarkable place to live and work. As you browse these snapshots, you will see more than just a formal event; you will see the laughter, the shared toasts, and the genuine camaraderie of a community coming together to celebrate one another’s hard-earned success. These images perfectly reflect the spirit of a night dedicated to the excellence, passion, and connection that define us all

Photos by Jessica Bratton and Josh Conner.

Let’s be social! Follow us for all of the don’t-miss events in Raleigh.

NATURAL DESIGN

In the world of home and garden design, plants serve as more than just an accent; they are a living design element that adds texture, color, and a sense of vitality to our entryways and outdoor spaces. the natural world, fostering a sense of life and growth even during the coldest months.

Window Boxes: Starting at $125

Custom Plant Delivery: Starting at $99

To help you elevate your home’s curb appeal, we’re featuring Autumn & Oaks, a Durham-based seasonal styling studio focused on elevated design-driven exterior decor. They specialize in creating refined outdoor moments that feel professionally tailored to each client’s space. Because their work relies on the

Custom Planters: Starting at $149

Custom Consultations Available

natural availability of the seasons, the items pictured here represent past installations; however, their team works closely with homeowners to translate these aesthetic inspirations into fresh, seasonal displays that complement the current landscape. For more information, visit autumnandoaks.com

BOOK REVIEWS

Great stories have a way of bringing a community together, and we believe there is no better guide to a great book than a local bookseller who knows their craft. We’ve teamed up with the experts at

fresh and inspired, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder by Nina McConigley; $26

This crime novel set in small-town Oklahoma follows a young girl (Georgie) and her sister as they decide to kill the uncle who had brought his branch of the family from India to stay with them—and gure out how to live in the aftermath. Georgie lays out all the anticipated exoticized aspects of an Indian/desi novel so she can tell her story with very few of these elements; she is, after all, an American girl of the ’80s, and teen magazine quizzes are a bigger part of her life. —Ginger

A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst; $28

Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra; $19

A sweet story perfect for reading under a cherry tree. Anne moves back home after her life veers from the plan she made for herself. As she reconnects with people and places on idyllic Mackinac Island, Anne discovers that what she actually wants in life might have changed from when she was younger. I loved the budding friendships, healing conversations, and the many nods to Anne of Green Gables. —Michelle

If you like your non ction to elicit increasingly incredulous (and increasingly audible) reactions of, “No way. There’s no way!” then this is the book for you. I needed to constantly remind myself that Maurice and Maralyn Bailey’s harrowing survival story is true. Turtle-lassoing aside, this is ultimately a deeply human story about two people overcoming improbable odds together, kept a oat (literally) by their determination to keep each other alive. —Lily

4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh quailridgebooks.com

This Year: 365 Songs Annotated by John Darnielle; $36

I love The Mountain Goats [local band], so obviously I’m a big fan of this book. If you’re like me, and you’re a TMG enjoyer, you’ll love this intimate dive into Darnielle’s mind—the man, the thoughts, the stories, and the motivation behind the music. This offers a lot of interesting insight into the songwriting process of a musician with a long, storied, and successful (if niche) career. —Ashley H.

Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash; $28

This book is everything to me. It is so captivating that I was actually afraid to keep reading it because I knew it would eventually end. I didn’t want to let go of the Flynns and their dysfunctional (newly opened) marriage and their three school-aged daughters (each suspended from their Catholic all-girls school due to crimes of varying severity). Lost Lambs is a nonstop onslaught of wit, absurdity, and occasionally painful sincerity—a black comedy with a heart of gold. —Ryan

1. PEREGRINE, RALEIGH

Beef heart shawarma and pomegranate served over tahini hummus, served for a special iftar menu to break fast during Ramadan.

Photo by Forrest Mason.

3. JALWA INDIAN BISTRO, RALEIGH

Tempura Dahi Gujiya with Blueberry Compote. Crispy fried honeycombstyle lentils, spiced and served with tangy yoghurt and a blueberry compote. Photo courtesy of Kyle Marie McMahon.

2. FIGULINA, RALEIGH

Whipped ricotta topped with roasted sweet potato, blood orange-chili agrodolce, popped red sorghum, and peanut chanm chanm.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Marie McMahon.

4. VIC’S PIZZERIA, RALEIGH

Photo courtesy of Kyle Marie McMahon. 3 1 2 4

The Margherita. Tangy and slightly sweet Neapolitan sauce topped with fresh mozzarella and basil and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

SMALL SPACE, BIG SOUL

Rede ning the next chapter through intentional, unexpected design

STORY BY KYLE MARIE MCMAHON

PHOTOS BY JESSICA BRATTON

Thetransition to an empty nest is often framed as a period of loss—the loss of noise, the loss of frantic schedules, and, most commonly, the loss of square footage. But for Shane and Kerri Page, standing at the threshold of a new phase as their daughter, Zoe, prepared for college, the move from a beloved suburban house to a city-centered home wasn’t about losing anything. It was about a radical, joyful reclamation of space.

In the world of interior design, we often talk about downsizing with a sense of clinical pragmatism. We focus on what fits and what has to go. But for the Pages, the goal wasn’t just to fit their lives into a smaller footprint; it was to redefi ne what “home” actually meant for two people entering a season of independence and refi ned tastes. They didn’t need more rooms; they needed more meaning.

To translate this vision into reality, the couple partnered with Joey Napierkowski of Joseph William Interiors. Known for his ability to blend urban sophistication with a warmth that feels entirely livable, Napierkowski understood that this project wasn’t just about decor—it was about lifestyle architecture. Together, they set out to prove that when you think outside the traditional box, a smaller home can actually feel expansive.

Napierkowski designed the Pages’ new nook to function beyond breakfast. Downsizing doesn’t have to mean doing less, just having less space to do it in. The redesigned nook allows the Pages to go from cozy mealtime to intimate dinner party.

THE DEATH OF THE FORMAL ROOM

One of the most persistent “boxes” in home design is the formal dining room. It is a space often held in a sort of architectural purgatory—dressed up i n fi ne linens and expensive mahogany, yet touched only three or four times a year during major holidays. For the Pages, this was the fi rst tradition to go.

“ We didn’t need all that square footage anymore,” Kerri explains. “What we did need was a home that feels intimate, easy, and inspiring.”

With Napierkowski’s guidance, the space originally earmarked for a dining table was completely reborn as a cocktail lounge. By stripping away the expectation of a table and chairs, they unlocked a room that became the ultimate grown-up sanctuary. The heart of the room is now a conversation circle, anchored by a round wood coffee table and framed by four deep navy chairs.

T he aesthetic is moody, layered, and unashamedly social. Warm ambient lighting casts a glow over rich textures, making the space feel like a private club nestled within the city. It’s an extension of the living room, but with its own distinct, elevated energy.

“It’s become a signature move of mine,” Napierkowski says. “Instead of a table that gets used a handful [of times] throughout the year, you have a room that gets used from morning through night.”

For Shane and Kerri, this unexpected use of space has changed their daily rhythm. “It’s cozy and social— a place where we start the day with coffee and end it with a cocktail,” Kerri says. By removing the “formal” label, they gained a room that truly earns its keep.

THE VERSATILE ANCHOR: A NOOK WITH AMBITION

O f course, choosing a lounge over a dining room presented a logistical challenge: Where does one actually eat? This led to the home’s most impressive transformation—the elevation of the humble breakfast nook into the family’s primary dining destination.

L ocated in a bright corner just off the kitchen, this space had to work harder than any other in the house. It needed to handle a quick Tuesday morning espresso just as easily as a multicourse Saturday night dinner with friends.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The nook is lled with touches in a variety of textures and colors, showcasing the Pages’ personal style and personality without feeling cramped.

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Additional chairs in a complementary pattern allow for additional seating when guests come over. Comfortable yet stylish pillows create a contemporary look and invite people to linger. The round glass chandelier illuminates the space with a soft glow without feeling overwhelming.

Napierkowski chose a curved, ocean blue velvet banquette that hugs the architecture of the corner, paired with a sleek white marble dining table. The juxtaposition of the soft, luxurious velvet against the cool, crisp marble creates a balance that feels both contemporary and timeless. Hanging above is around glass chandelier that acts as the room’s jewelry; its shimmer casts elegant, shifting shadows that dance across the ceiling as the sun sets over the city.

T he result is a space that feels curated rather than cramped. “It feels like the best table in our favorite neighborhood restaurant,” Kerri remarks. “Whether it’s takeout, brunch, or just a quiet night in, this is where we end up.”

This is the beauty of intentional design: When you lean into the speci fic ways you live—rather than how a floor plan tells you to live—even a corner can become a masterpiece.

A NEW NARRATIVE FOR A NEW CHAPTER

A s the project neared completion, the house began to reflect the Pages’ new reality. The move to the city allowed them to be more connected to the local energy, but the interior design ensured they remained connected to each other.

E ven the four-legged members of the family, Moose and Ozzy, have found their places. The two dogs have happily staked out cozy corners in both the lounge and the breakfast nook, proving that sophisticated design doesn’t have to be precious— it just has to be thoughtful.

“ The house turned out gorgeous with Joey’s help,” Kerri says. “Every space earns its keep. It’s not about more rooms—it’s about more meaning.”

W ith Zoe now heading off to college, the home stands ready as a sanctuary for her return and a sophisticated retreat for her parents. It is a house that breathes with them—calm when it’s just the two of them, but full of potential when the doors are thrown open for guests.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE TRADITIONAL FOOTPRINT

T he story of the Page home is a lesson for anyone looking to refresh their space this year. It challenges the idea that downsizing is a series of compromises. Instead, it frames the process as a series of opportunities.

I f you fi nd yourself with an underused room, why not turn it into a library, a creative studio, or a lounge? If you have a corner with a view, why not make it your primary dining spot? Outside-the-box

design is simply the act of giving yourself permission to ignore the labels on a blueprint.

“ It’s the kind of house that brings people together,” Kerri says. “Whether Zoe’s home for the weekend or it’s just the two of us, it always feels special.”

The Pages didn’t just move into a city house; they moved into a home with heart, purpose, and a very bright future. It’s a design story where life itself—in all its changing, evolving glory—was the primary inspiration

HOW TO ZONE A SMALL SPACE

W hen you move into a smaller footprint, the biggest challenge isn’t necessarily the lack of square footage—it’s the lack of walls. Without traditional rooms to defi ne where one activity ends and another begins, a home can quickly feel cluttered or chaotic. The secret lies in visual zoning: using design cues to create “rooms” within an open floor plan. Here is how to create distinct areas that feel intentional and organized:

• A nchor With Rugs: Think of an area rug as the foundation for a room. By placing a rug under the conversation circle in your lounge or beneath the dining table, you create a physical boundary that tells the eye, “This is a separate space.”

• Vary Your Lighting: Don’t rely on a single overhead source. Use different types of fi xtures to defi ne zones. A low-hanging chandelier over a breakfast nook creates an intimate envelope for dining, while floor lamps or wall sconces in a seating area establish a mood for relaxation.

• Use High-Contrast Textures: You can defi ne a zone by changing the tactile feel of a space. In a small home, a velvet banquette creates a plush, stationary anchor for a dining area, contrasting against the more open, airy feel of leather or wooden chairs in an adjacent living zone.

• Think Vertically: When floor space is at a premium, use your walls to signal a change in purpose. A gallery wall or a bold piece of art can act as the backdrop for a home of fice nook, distinguishing it from the rest of the room without the need for a bulky room divider.

• T he Power of Round Furniture: As seen in the Page home, round tables and curved seating encourage flow. They soften the hard lines of a small room and make it easier to navigate between zones without bumping into shar p corners.

The designers at La Maison encourage clients to embrace their own unique style. Yours may not be as bold as these animal prints or as modern as these black and gold touches, but the sentiment remains true.

HOUSE OF STYLE

Elevating your

sanctuary with North Hills’ La Maison

STORY BY DATHAN KAZSUK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LA MAISON

Theidea is simple—and long overdue. Midtown, the magazine, is named after Midtown, the place; yet for years we’ve skimmed past the stories unfolding right outside our own front door. North Hills isn’t just an address or a development—it’s a living ecosystem of small businesses, creative risk-takers, and people who built something lasting while the city grew up around them.

I’ve watched North Hills change fi rsthand. When I moved to Raleigh in the early 2000s, this area was still fi nding its footing. Over time, cranes arrived, buildings rose, and the district became one of the city’s most recognizable destinations. Somewhere along the way, the spotlight shifted to what was newest and loudest—while many longstanding businesses quietly continued shaping the character of the place.

T hat’s the gap this story aims to fi ll.

La Maison sits slightly off the main drag in North Hills, and if you’ve ever stepped inside, you know immediately this isn’t a store you rush through. During the holiday season, I sat down with founder and owner Martha Schneider on a plush green sofa tucked into the showroom. Around us, shoppers drifted through carefully layered vignettes—antiques paired with modern lighting, sculptural furniture softened by textiles, and coffee table books.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Contemporary design and a minimalist color palette bring out classic details, such as a beautiful crystal chandelier for added sparkle.

THIS PAGE: Mixing patterns can feel intimidating, but the designers at La Maison know how to execute a design that highlights each without feeling busy.

La Maison opened in 2014, but the idea behind it had been forming for much longer. Schneider came from a background rooted in retail and fashion, working directly with customers and running stores long before interior design became a cultural obsession. After stepping away to raise her family, she eventually returned to creative work through interior design— fi rst from her home, then through a growing client base in Raleigh.

“At the time, I couldn’t fi nd a place that combined old antiques with relevant contemporary pieces,” Schneider says. “There was no store that really offered accessories, furniture, lighting—and tied it all into a full-service design business.”

R aleigh was changing. Clients were traveling more. Online inspiration replaced magazines. People wanted to take a more hands-on approach to their homes—but they also wanted better guidance. La Maison was created to meet that moment: a home furnishings gallery paired with a full-service interior desig n fi rm, all under one roof.

A s North Hills expanded, La Maison grew alongside it—never flashy, never trend-chasing, but intentional and rooted. Even its slightly tuckedaway location reflects the brand’s philosophy.

“Design rewards people who slow down,” Schneider says. “It’s not about rushing through a space—it’s about living with it.”

T he aesthetic she describes is transitional—old meeting new. Family heirlooms paired with contemporary pieces. French antiques layered with modern lighting. “It’s about creating a real story for people’s lives. Something that feels personal and timeless.”

T hat philosophy eventually led to another addition: a boutique flower shop inspired by the stem-by-stem florists found in Paris and New York. Not weddings. Not large-scale events. Just thoughtful arrangements, handtrimmed topiaries, and florals chosen with the same care as the furnishings surrounding them.

“ We wanted to be that little Parisian flower shop,” Schneider says. “You come in, pick out stems, and leave with something special.”

Today, La Maison employs a team of roughly 14 across the desig n fi rm and retail space. Some clients arrive with photos and questions—looking for help styling a bookshelf or refreshing a room. Others hand over the keys to entire homes.

“ There’s a fi ne line between what we do casually in the store and what becomes a full design project,” Schneider says. “Sometimes it’s, ‘Help me style this bookcase.’ Other times, it’s, ‘I want to redesign my entire home.’ We do both.”

Curation sits at the center of everything. Many pieces are sourced through Schneider’s travels, from antiques brought back from France to original art introduced to Raleigh audiences, as well as collaborations with local artists.

“What La Maison is really about is the story behind the design. Why something matters. Why it belongs in your home.”

As our conversation wrapped, Schneider summed it up simply: “Design isn’t about trends. It’s about creating a home that feels like the place you want to come back to every day.”

Which makes La Maison exactly the k ind of place that defi nes North Hills—quietly, thoughtfully, and with lasting impact.

DESIGN

REFRESH: Tips from Martha Schneider of La Maison that make a big impact

• Change the pillows. New pillows— especially different textures or colors—can shift the entire feel of a room.

• Upgrade your lighting. “Lighting is the jewelry of a room,” Schneider says. Layered lighting adds warmth and depth.

• Add greenery—real or faux. Plants and orals bring life into a space. High-quality faux options work where light doesn’t reach (or pets do).

• Mix old with new. One antique or statement piece can ground a room when paired with contemporary design.

• Use fabric to change the mood. Drapery, bedding, or pillows introduce color and softness without a full redesign.

LEFT: In addition to collections of home decor items, La Maison offers curated spaces to help guests discover new and interesting ways to use them. They also carry a variety of plant and oral displays in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Far From the Madding Crowd

Georgetown, South Carolina — Charleston’s quieter, less crowded neighbor

STORY BY PAGE LEGGETT

Everybody loves Charleston.

A nd therein lies a problem—at least for those of us who hate crowds and not being able to get a dinner reservation.

G eorgetown, an hour north of The Holy City, is a quieter alternative. South Carolina’s third-oldest city (founded in 1729, with more than 60 buildings holding National Register of Historic Places designation) is a lot like its more famous neighbor—but you’ll actually be able to fi nd a parking spot.

It’s also an hour closer to Raleigh—a 3.5-hour drive—so you can begin relaxing that much sooner.

L ife here moves at about the pace of a swinging hammock. So it’s appropriate that Georgetown, its next-door neighbor Pawleys Island, and neighboring towns branded themselves the “Hammock Coast” in honor of the iconic Pawleys Island rope hammock.

But this region is a lot less sleepy today than it was 20 years ago, when I fi rst started coming. The area now has plentiful boutique shopping, fi ne dining (along with old-time y fi sh camps) and, as of spring 2024, an upscale boutique hotel.

ABOVE: Map by stock.adobe.com/REC and ROLL Pin by stock.adobe.com/Khairun

H IGH-END HOSPITALITY

It had been nearly 60 years since there’d been a hotel on Front Street—Georgetown’s equivalent of Charleston’s King Street.

The George Hotel, built for $20 million, was worth the wait. T he hotel makes the most of its riverfront location, with 42 of its 56 rooms facing the water.

T he understated, unfussy interiors, fi lled with European antiques and vintage art, were created by Charleston’s Jenny Keenan Design. Oriental rugs, wingback chairs, and Schumacher’s “Birds Tapestry” wallpaper in the arched hallway leading to the elevator are a salute to the area’s historic homes.

No two rooms are alike, but all feature bespoke and vintage furnishings. Drue Ford, the hotel’s general manager, said the

two junior suites are his favorites. Both are corner rooms, giving guests views of the city and Winyah Bay, and have dining nooks and balconies. For a little less, you can book the Indigo Room. Although slightly smaller, it still offers a balcony. And there are eight versions of Ford’s other fave, the Carolina Room. Three of those are corner rooms with plenty of natural light.

GOOD EATS

You won’t have to go far for one of the best dining experiences in town. The Independent, named in honor of the late Independent Seafood—where everyone in the area came for fresh-off-the-boat fi sh, shrimp, and crab—is just off the lobby. You can also arrive by boat and dock at Harborwalk Marina, which is right next door.

Open for happy hour each weekday, dinner daily, and weekend brunch, The Independent celebrates Southern cuisine with menu items like corn bread with miso honey butter, fried oyster deviled eggs, blackened flounder, and that Lowcountry staple— shrimp and grits. Country-fried steak, chicken and waf fles, and Southern pecan sticky buns are brunch standouts. Just up Highway 17 on Pawleys Island is the venerable familyowned Frank’s (and its more casual Frank’s Outback), a favorite among locals and visitors since it opened in 1988. The second generation owners later opened 631 Front a few doors down from The George. Also known as “Frank’s on Front,” the hot spot has something Frank’s can’t offer: a water view.

T he best seats in the house are on the covered deck overlooking the Sampit River. They make a great perch to enjoy the fried quail appetizer, several cuts of steak, shrimp with red Thai curry, honey-roasted salmon, veal short rib, their signature Fresh Catch Vera Cruz (seasoned with olives, tomatoes, capers, and onions), and more.

I (and many others) consider The Chive Blossom Restaurant & Bar in Pawleys a can’t-miss. And I’ve never been without ordering the legendary she-crab soup. You’ll likely want to take some home, and if they have an adequate supply, they’ll sell you a quart. Just ask.

Pawleys Island Tavern— affectionately known as The PIT— is where to go for a good burger, pizza, or fantastic crabcake. This unpretentious dive is a great cure for a hangover. Or a place to bring one on. It’s not easy to fi nd, tucked as it is down a gravel driveway behind a shopping center on Highway 17, but it’s worth seeking out.

T here’s no better way to spend a summer evening than listening to live music on the deck with a cold beer in hand.

M R. BURR, SIR

A t most beach towns, there’s little more to do than sit on the beach. Not here.

Hobcaw Barony was once the home of wealthy fi nancier Bernard Baruch, who was counselor to and friend of FDR. When Franklin Roosevelt visited Hobcaw, he stayed for nearly a month.

You can tour the home and some of the 16,000 acres it sits on, but you’ll need a reservation. Tours, including one through the

ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The outoor deck, offering a water

rice fields and salt marshes by boat, are offered daily, and special programs happen throughout the year—like Birding on the Barony this April.

G et a dose of history, art, and horticulture at America’s fi rst public sculpture garden, Brookgreen Gardens in nearby Murrells Inlet. Established in the 1930s by Archer Huntington, a scholar, philanthropist, and heir to a railroad fortune, and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, an accomplished sculptor, Brookgreen’s mission was and remains to collect, exhibit, and preserve American fi gurative sculpture (there’s nothing abstract here) and plants and animals indigenous to the Southeast.

Fans of Hamilton will remember the duet Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton sing to thei r fi rstborn children. The musical reveals the tragic fate of Philip Hamilton, but we’re not told anything about Burr’s beloved daughter, Theodosia.

Spoiler alert: It, too, is tragic. Theodosia married South Carolina’s governor, John Alston, and they made their home on land

that’s now part of Brookgreen. When the couple’s young son died, Theodosia was inconsolable. Her father dispatched a ship to bring her to New York, but she never made it. The ship was lost at sea. Legend has it that Theodosia’s ghost still haunts the area.

Brookgreen offers several intriguing historical tours, including one that highlights the Alstons.

SEVERAL FORMS OF THERAPY

Since Georgetown sits at the con fluence of four rivers—the Black, Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, and Sampit, all of which form Winyah Bay—water sports such as boating and fishing are prevalent here.

C yclists can enjoy the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, a paved pathway shaded by a canopy of pines that goes from Murrells Inlet through Huntington Beach State Park to Pawleys Island. The state park is home to what’s left of Atalaya, the Moorish-style mansion built by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington that served as their winter home.

I f shopping is your preferred form of exercise and/or therapy, consider Front Street your gym or spa.

W himsy Roost and its annex, Whimsy Warehouse, are wonderlands of gifts and home goods. Sara & Beth Gifts, a local mother-daughter enterprise, is an exquisite shop with original art, jewelry, serving pieces, and home accessories. And the nearby Rice Birds packs a lot—barware, frames, linens, candles, jewelry, and gifts—into a small, wellcurated space.

T he merchandise isn’t the only reason to shop at women’s clothing shop Miss Lizzie’s; it’s also the friendly service that keeps me coming back.

Augustus & Carolina dominates its block of Front Street and offers 65,000 square feet of furniture and home accessories.

Old Dog Interiors, a high-end design retailer, relocated from Charlotte to Georgetown several years ago, leaving loyal Charlotte customers bereft.

STEP BACK IN TIME

F ront Street allows you to do some shopping, duck into a café, or browse the offerings at Waterfront Books (behind Miss Lizzie’s) and get a taste of history. The boulevard has no fewer tha n fi ve museums, all within an easy walk of each other.

T he Rice Museum tells the story of what was once Georgetown’s most lucrative export, while the South Carolina Maritime Museum displays marine artifacts and the area’s maritime history.

G eorgetown County Museum gives a good overview of local history, and the Gullah Museum of Georgetown gets speci fic about one particular culture that’s contributed greatly to the area’s craft traditions and foodways.

Ford, The George Hotel’s GM, encourages antique lovers not to miss the Kaminski House Museum. The home was built in 1769—before America declared its independence!

Ford also recommends taking a Swamp Fox bus tour for a guided introduction to the city. Buy a ticket and hop aboard the tram on—where else?—Front Street. Trams leave from Urban Brew Coffee House.

For a weekend getaway—or for a longer, more leisurely vacation— Georgetown packs a lot into a small package. You’l l fi nd the same historic architecture, Gullah

in fluence, water sports, gardens, shopping, and Instagram-worthy meals you do in Charleston.

W hat you won’t fi nd are crowds. At least not yet.

Discover Georgetown before everyone else does

OPPOSITE PAGE: The entrance to The George Hotel. The hotel makes the most of its riverfront location, with 42 of its 56 rooms facing the water. No two rooms are alike, but all feature bespoke and vintage furnishings.

Photo by Andrew Cebulka. The bar of The Independent, inside The George Hotel.

Photo by Ruta Smith.

WHEN TO GO

Summer is high season, but every season brings its own charms.

Georgetown’s biggest weekend (and The George Hotel’s busiest) is in October during the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show. This year’s show—the 37th annual—is October 17–18. Each year, more than 100 classic wooden boats are displayed on land and in the harbor. Boatbuilding, corrugated boat race, youth sailing regatta, and maritime arts and crafts are among the activities offered.

Strolling Front Street during the holidays makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. For more than 20 years, the Yuletide Home Tour, put on by Friends of the Georgetown Library, has allowed ticketed guests inside select historic homes decked out in holiday nery.

A nother reason to visit during the holidays? Brookgreen Gardens’s Nights of a Thousand Candles. You’ll hear holiday music while strolling paths lit by 2,700 lit candles and millions of twinkling lights.

Learn more at discovergeorgetownsc.com

AMONG AZALEAS AND OAKS:

A garden journey t hrough North Carolina

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BEVERLY HURLEY

From Murphy to Manteo, North Carolina is home to a variety of vibrant cities, each with its own unique charm. Whenever I travel across the state, I seek out places with gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few favorites.

C

HARLOTTE: A GARDEN ESCAPE AMID

THE URBAN BUZZ

K nown for its iconic skyline, culinary scene, and major league sports, Charlotte is also a city rich in botanical beauty. A must-see on my list is the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden, the former home and botanical laboratory of this pioneering garden writer and landscape architect. Lawrence,

the fi rst woman to graduate with a landscape architecture degree from NC State, fi lled her garden with 1,500 plant varieties. I love the way the pathways intersect, guiding me through the garden where plants spill over the beds in a seemingly natural way. Just down the street, Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary awaits. This charming garden was once the home of Elizabeth and Edwin Clarkson, and it continues to thrive as a sanctuary for bird and plant lovers alike. Brick paths lead visitors through lush landscapes fi lled with azaleas, camellias, weeping cherries, and chaste trees. The springtime burst of color is breathtaking. Wing Haven will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.

For a more diverse experience, I recommend the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. The indoor greenhouses feature tropical, desert, and carnivorous plants. Outdoors, the trails along the hillsides are lined with rhododendrons, hydrangeas, camellias, and dozens of other varieties, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk. If you’re looking for something a bit grander, the Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont is a must-see. I enjoy wandering through the many themed gardens, each offering something different. Miles of trails make a walk in the woods easy on this sprawling 380-acre estate.

A hidden gem I discovered near the city center is the McGill Rose Garden. It began as a small collection of roses planted by Helen McGill along the edge of her family’s coal yard business. Today, the garden has expanded to feature native and pollinator-friendly plants, though 60 of McGill’s original roses still bloom. Enjoy a drink at Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden, nestled within the garden’s tranquil setting.

A nother historical gem is Historic Rosedale, where you can stroll through gardens dating back to the early 19th century. Original boxwoods from 1815, a Frenchstyle potager garden, and a pergola draped with Lady Banks roses are just a few of the gardens to enjoy. Five of Charlotte’s “treasure trees”—signi ficant specimens for the area—are also located here.

W ILMINGTON: A GARDEN LOVER’S COASTAL RETREAT

W hile Wilmington is known for its stunning beaches, I always make time to explore the area’s many gardens. Airlie Gardens is a highlight, with its winding pathways shaded by towering trees draped in Spanish moss. I particularly enjoy the Camellia Garden, the Spring and Tranquility Gardens, and the incredible array of azaleas that bloom each spring. The stately 500-year-old Airlie live oak stands sentinel over it all.

A nother must-see in Wilmington is the New Hanover County Arboretum. This demonstration garden is not only educational, but also a delightful place to wander. The Japanese Garden, with a replica tea house, is my personal favorite, along with the Camellia Walk, which features over 130 varieties of these Southern beauties.

The Wilmington area is the only place in the world where Venu s flytraps grow in the wild. The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden showcases thousands of flytraps and pitcher plants unique to this area. I also love visiting Carolina Beach State Park, where the Flytrap Trail offers a chance to see these fascinating plants in the wild. A pro tip: In May, look for tall white

flowers emerging from the tiny Venus flytraps, making these easy to spot along the forest floor. Remember, removing Venus flytraps is illegal in North Carolina.

For even more garden exploration, I suggest visiting Harbor Way Gardens in Wrightsville Beach, the Fragrance Garden at Green field Park, and the various gardens on the UNC Wilmington campus, including the Bluethenthal Wild flower Preserve. And if you’re in town in early April, don’t miss the North Carolina Azalea Festival (April 8–12), when the city’s thousands of blooming azaleas put on a spectacular show.

F ROM BEACHES TO BLOOMS:

THE OUTER BANKS’ GARDEN GEMS

W hile the Outer Banks are famous for their pristine beaches, I have discovered the region’s flora is equally enchanting. In Manteo, The Elizabethan Gardens are a treasure, with carefully manicured landscapes, stately statues, and fountains, all set against stunning views of the sound. Nearby, the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden in Kill Devil Hills offers a shaded retreat fi lled with plants ranging from blueberries to azaleas and jasmine.

For those who love to explore wild terrain, Jockey’s Ridge is more than just a sand dune. The dunes support a surprising variety of vegetation, including trees, shrubs, wild flowers, and native grasses.

For a water view of the loca l flora, I love kayaking through the maritime forest at the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. The Milltail Creek Paddling Trail at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is another stunning spot where vibrant blue flag irises bloom along the creek’s edge come springtime. Back on land,

Nags Head Woods Preserve in Kill Devil Hills is home to over 550 plant species, including delicate orchids.

ASHEVILLE: A MOUNTAIN GARDEN WONDERLAND

A sheville’s Biltmore Estate, with its magni ficent grounds and gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed New York’s Central Park), is a must-visit. In the spring, the estate dazzles with tulips, daffodils, azaleas, and wisteria, creatin g a floral display that is nothing short of spectacular.

Nearby, The North Carolina Arboretum offers its own botanical wonders, including the National Native Azalea Collection, which is particularly stunning in spring. Just down the road in Hendersonville, I have discovered the Bullington Gardens with its eclectic mix of flowers, shrubs, and interesting trees.

P INEHURST AND SOUTHERN PINES: WHERE GOLF MEETS GARDENS

North Carolina’s home of golf is also home to gardens. The Village of Pinehurst, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, features winding streets and a central village green. The nearby Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are a tranquil spot for a stroll. A personal favorite here is the Atkins Hillside Garden, where a 300-foot-long winding strea m flows past a butter fl y garden. In nearby Southern Pines, visit the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, where the gardens include long beds fi lled with pollinator-friendly plants.

Beverly Hurley is editor of the metro’s gardening publication, Triangle Gardener, and the website gardendestinations.com. When she isn’t gardening, she loves to travel and visit gardens.

VISIT A ROSE GARDEN

Buying roses for your loved one may seem thoughtful, but it’s not the most sustainable choice. Many roses are grown in South America, then shipped thousands of miles before they land on your kitchen table, leaving a signi cant environmental footprint. Instead of giving roses, why not experience these in a more eco-friendly way by visiting a rose garden this spring?

Start by exploring the Raleigh Rose Garden, JCRaulston Arboretum, and Sarah P. Duke Gardens, all of which showcase a variety of beautiful roses. For a wider selection, head to the Wilson Rose Garden, an accredited garden with over 1,200 plants and 180 different varieties. The Fayetteville Rose Garden is another option, with 1,000 bushes and dozens of rose varieties. In High Point, the Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has an impressive collection of shrub and climbing roses.

DREAM HOME

How ICG Homes and St. Jude are raising hope in the Triangle

STORY BY DATHAN KAZSUK

Even b efore the concrete dries on the St. Jude Dream Home’s foundation in Rolesville, the project will already have achieved something special. It brings together builders, vendors, community leaders, and future homeowners with a shared goal that means much more than just building a house.

R yan Perry, owner and CEO of ICG Homes, focuses on more than just meeting requirements. His work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is about seeing the bigger picture and encouraging his team to make a real difference in the community.

“ For me, it was an immediate yes,” Perry says. “They reached out to us in 2024 about doing a Dream Home, and honestly—who doesn’t like St. Jude? It’s a great organization. We were 100% in from the start.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The St. Jude 2025 Dream Home in Fuquay-Varina. The Dream Home in Rolesville in various stages of building and development. Photos courtesy of ICG Homes.

ICG Homes’ fi rst commitment resulted in their first St. Jude Dream Home in Fuquay-Varina in 2024. With construction now started on a second Dream Home in Rolesville, the partnership has grown even stronger

A PARTNERSHIP THAT BUILDS MOMENTUM

T he St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is a national program, but it relies on local efforts to succeed. Builders give their time, materials, and skills. Community members buy raf fle tickets. St. Jude makes sure the mission stay s c lear: fi nding cures and saving children

Gail Bouknight-Felder, who advises on area development for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, joined the partnership after the Fuquay-Varina home had already made an impact.

“I came on at the end of June and really stepped into some great shoes,” Bouknight-Felder says. “ICG had already shown what kind of partner they were. [They were] recognized at a builder summit and awarded a Hammer for their efforts in their fi rst year. That told us a lot.”

Because of that success, ICG Homes was invited back for a second year in the Triangle—a move Bouknight-Felder says was an easy decision. “They proved they could deliver—not just a beautiful home, but a strong return for the mission of St. Jude,” she says.

LESSONS FROM THE FIRST BUILD

Building a St. Jude Dream Home is a new experience, even for an experienced homebuilder. Working

with national sponsors, local vendors, and nonprofit rules is different from a typical home project. “The fi rst time you do anything, there are always a lot of questions,” Perry says. “But St. Jude has an incredible organizational structure. They have builder-owned staff who have done multiple Dream Homes, and they guide you through the process.”

T hat support was invaluable, especially when working with sponsors ICG had not partnered with before. “There were new communications, new expectations,” Perry says. “But St. Jude was there 100%. The learning curve wasn’t anything overwhelming—it was just different.”

W hat stood out most, however, was the response from the local building community.

“Our vendors and suppliers really stepped up,” Perry says. “This year, we’re actually seeing even more support than last year. People understand the mission now. They want to do more.”

T hat commitment mirrors ICG’s own internal approach. “We’ve committed to build more ef ficiently and do better than we did last year,” Perry says. “And if we do this again next year, we’ll do better again. Every year, you should be improving.”

WHY ROLESVILLE MADE SENSE

Choosing where to build a Dream Home is a careful process. Price, growth, amenities, and long-term appeal all play a role. “We build across a variety of price points, but for St. Jude, we’re typically targeting

that $700,000 to $750,000 range,” Perry explains. “So fi rst, we look at where our products fit. Then we look at communities.”

A fter Fuquay-Varina, a fastgrowing area south of Raleigh, Rolesville was the next logical choice. “Rolesville is one of the fastest-growing towns around Raleigh,” he says. “The community we’re building in has great amenities, including an athletic center, and the timing worked perfectly with the lots being ready. It all fell into place like a puzzle.”

Bouknight-Felder adds that while St. Jude has parameters to ensure responsible fundraising, the decision on the location ultimately rested with ICG. “With the success of last year, we trusted their vision,” she says. “We do review demographics and make sure we’re being good stewards of the dollars involved, but ICG led the way on this.”

T WO BUCKETS, ONE GOAL

Perry describes the Dream Home program as two parallel efforts that must work together. “One bucket is building the house,” he says. “You want to build it ef ficiently and cost-effectively, with as much community support as possible. The other bucket is ticket sales.”

Unlike traditional charity builds, the Dream Home isn’t sold— it’s given away. All fundraising comes from ticket sales. “Ideally, the goal would be zero cost on the house,” he says. “That’s not always realistic, but that’s the goal. And every year, we get closer.”

In its fi rst year in the Triangle, the Dream Home program raised just under $1 million. This year, the goal is to sell 10,000 tickets at $100 each, raising $1 million for St. Jude.

“This market is still new,” Bouknight-Felder says. “But we’ve done a lot more research this year, and we’re con fident.”

Construction will fi nish in early May, and the home will be staged and open for tours in the weeks before the giveaway. Ticket sales start in April, and the winner will be announced live on CBS 17 on June 25.

Bouknight-Felder is already planning the campaign before the fi rst ticket is sold. “Everything has to be reviewed by legal, and we’re constantly refi ning the process,” she says. “But at the heart of it, the campaign is about the mission: fi nding cures and saving children.”

For Perry, the mission is what keeps him coming back. “This isn’t about selling a house,” he says. “It’s about bringing people together to do something that truly matters.”

As the Rolesville Dream Home takes shape, it becomes more than just a building. It shows what is possible when craftsmanship, community, and compassion come together

OPPOSITE PAGE: St. Jude aims to build their dream homes in areas where typical housing prices are in the $700,000 range.

in the groundbreaking ceremony along with other members of

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF WAKE 2026

JENN BIRCH

BIRCH THERAPY

What aspect of your work are you most proud of?

I am most proud of both the incredible team we have built, and the change process we are fortunate to be a part of with those we serve. Every day, we come together with a shared commitment to improving the mental health and well-being of the kids and families in our community. What makes this work especially meaningful is the way we collaborate and support one another to ensure we are providing the highest quality care possible.

Where do you find energy and inspiration for what you do?

My inspiration comes from the Birch Therapy team of clinicians and staff. I genuinely look forward to work each day, as I am surrounded by dedicated colleagues who care deeply about their clients, value teamwork, and continuously strive to grow and do better for the families who trust us with their care. When I can support the team, the team supports the parents, and the parents support the kids, we all celebrate the “wins,” big and small. This work is unique, and I don’t take for granted the relationships at the core of the process.

How can women in your field support other women just starting out?

The most treasured relationships for me have been the women who have gone before me, my therapists through the years, mentors—several of whom we are fortunate to have on staff at Birch—and supervisors willing to meet for case consultation. One of the most important pieces to this stage of my career is for me to do the same: meet for coffee, offer the weekly case consultation, and check in on provisional licensed clinicians. Time with a new therapist is the biggest gift we can offer.

LAUREN BURNS

LAUREN BURNS INTERIORS

919.818.5683 | laurenburnsinteriors.com

What aspect of your work are you most proud of?

I’m most proud that I built a respected design business while raising three children and reinventing myself. That journey shaped how I design, creating layered and intentional homes that feel deeply personal to the families who live in them.

Where do you find energy and inspiration for what you do?

I find enery and inspiration in growth. Over the years, learning to adapt and embrace change has taught me to see possibility everywhere, whether in a dated flor plan or in a client’s vision. That perspective keeps my work evolving and grounded in real life.

How can women in your field support other women just starting out?

I think women in design thrive when we lift each other up. I love sharing what I’ve learned, offering advice, and cheering on those just starting out so they feel seen, supported, and ready to take risks. No matter the business, we’ve all been new once, and remembering that helps us support each other.

AMANDA STEINERT FRANCFORT

ASF INTERIORS

908.432.0987 | asfinteriors.com

What aspect of your work are you most proud of?

I am proud of the way ASF Interiors transforms a home into an experience. It’s not just a beautiful space, but a living, breathing expression of artistry. Every turnkey project we get our hands into is a blank slate where structure, emotion (sometimes a lot of it), and imagination connect. I love elevating the everyday— giving my clients not only function, but a sense of presence, confidence, and luxury they can feel the moment they walk into their renovated homes. The blend of creativity and purpose is what moves me the most.

Where do you find energy and inspiration for what you do?

This is a funny question. I believe that the energy is bountiful during the creation itself. The moment I see a pattern, a photograph, a color, or a shift in light, I usually have to say, “Oh, that’s yummy!” It’s fueled by art, travel (making plans now), craftsmanship, unexpected textures, and stories people carry with them. Inspiration appears when I allow myself to stand still for a second—which is not often—and absorb beauty, and then push it further. And honestly, watching a space go from “before” to “can you believe this?” is all the caffeine I’ll ever need.

How can women in your field support other women just starting out?

We lead best when we lift everyone. Women in design have a powerful ability to cultivate community, and that reach extends far beyond gender. An elevated, intentional way to support newcomers includes becoming a mentor. I have guided many students into this field, because artistry doesn't discriminate. Leading with grace and high standards is another way to guide the younger generation of hopefuls. To show them that excellence and compassion can absolutely coexist in a luxury-driven field, ecause we are all human after all

SHERI HAGERTY

3200 Wake Forest Road #101, Raleigh | 919.862.6258 | sherihagerty.com

What aspect of your work are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the standard I refuse to compromise. It can be tempting to rush listings to market or prioritize speed over preparation, but I take pride in doing things the right way. From thoughtful updates and intentional staging to strategic pricing and elevated marketing, I approach every property as a product that deserves care and precision. Details matter, and clients deserve a process that feels deliberate, not careless. I’m proud of the trust I build. I want to be the agent other agents respect and the advisor families return to.

Where do you find energy and inspiration for what you do?

Growing up with a highly successful interior designer as my mother, I learned to see possibility where others might not. Inspired by her example, I pursued a degree in design. It allows me to help clients see not just what a home is, but what it can become. I’m equally inspired by partnership. Real estate is a collaborative process built on trust, integrity, and shared vision. Working with clients who believe in the journey—and professionals who value honesty and excellence—reaffirms why I chose this career. It’s the relationships that make the work meaningful and enduring.

How can women in your field support other women just starting out?

By being accessible and honest. This business can feel overwhelming, and so much of what matters isn’t learned in a classroom. Taking the time to answer questions, share real experiences, and offer practical guidance can make a lasting impact. Just as importantly, we can advocate for one another. Referring business, celebrating wins, and choosing collaboration over competition creates space for more women to succeed. When we support each other, the entire industry becomes stronger.

KAT HAMLIL

KAT'S CLEANING SERVICES

What aspect of your work are you most proud of?

I started this journey five years ago a a solo cleaner while attending nursing school and supporting my family. Along the way, I discovered my passion wasn’t in healthcare—it was in helping families by creating clean, peaceful homes. I traded my stethoscope for a mop and built a company from the ground up. What I’m most proud of is transforming struggle into strength; building a successful business that supports families, creates jobs, and gives back to the community financiall and economically. Turning pain into power while making a meaningful impact is the heart of my work.

Where do you find energy and inspiration for what you do?

Running a service business is one of the most demanding journeys you can do. It requires constant mental, emotional, and physical resilience, especially for women who often balance multiple roles. As a single mother of two incredible boys, they are my greatest source of energy and inspiration. They are my daily reminder of why I push forward. Their love fuels my determination, and they are the light that keeps me focused, motivated, and grounded, no matter how challenging the day may be.

How can women in your field support other women just starting out?

My advice to women entering this field i simple: Work as if you were born to do it. Never cut corners. Deliver honest, highquality service every single time. Your reputation is your foundation. As you grow, remember where you started. Support others who are beginning their journey. Share knowledge, create opportunities, and give back to your community. Success is more meaningful when it lifts others with you. When women support women, industries strengthen and communities thrive. True success multiplies when it is shared.

KENDA KIST

KIST JEWELRY

What aspect of your work are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the young people I’ve had the privilege to mentor over the years. Watching them grow into confident makers who trust their own hands and creative vision means more to me than any piece I’ve created. There’s something powerful about passing on metalworking skills and showing the next generation they can build beautiful, lasting things—whether that’s jewelry or a creative career.

Where do you find energy and inspiration for what you do?

I’m inspired by how jewelry can transform how someone feels—fierce, confident, or beautiful. My energy comes from seeing customers wear pieces I’ve made and knowing those pieces empower them and have become part of their daily lives. There’s nothing more rewarding than creating something with my hands that changes how someone carries themselves in the world.

How can women in your field support other women just starting out?

Creating space for emerging makers is essential—whether that’s sharing bench time, offering studio access, or simply making room for questions without judgment. I also believe in being transparent about the realities of this work: the challenges of running a small business, the learning curves, and the wins that make it worthwhile. When established makers are open and generous with their knowledge and resources, it demystifies the path forward for those just beginning.

THE SOUND OF SUNSHINE

Disco legend KC ruled the charts in the 1970s —then made the Triangle his second home

STORY BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Harry Wayne Casey is relaxing at his home in Miami, reflecting at age 74 on his successful life in music.

M ost people don’t recognize him by his full name, but in the world of pop music, he is the “KC” of KC and the Sunshine Band, the singer and songwriter for one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1970s. From 1975 to 1979, the group brought a dose of funk to the disco era with a remarkable string of No. 1 hits: “Get Down Tonight” (1975); “That’s the Way (I Like It)” (1975); “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” (1976); “I’m Your Boogie Man” (1977); and “Please Don’t Go” (1979).

“ It’s crazy, right? I think it’s pretty amazing,” KC says, sounding a bit amused 50 years later.

The band’s high-energy dance music shifted the sound of popular music halfway through the decade, but what happened later proved more remarkable. The Sunshine Band vibe never left the public consciousness. Even today, the songs show up in commercials, at sports arenas, and everywhere that calls for a bit of retro fun.

And here’s a fun twist. While KC has always called Miami home, he has spent the past 30 years quietly breezing in and out of the Triangle, where he has a second home. The connection has a bittersweet beginning, but North Carolina has always held a special place in his heart, in both good times and bad.

In March, he will be back in town—but it won’t be a secret. He brings his band to the Durham Performing Arts Center for a concert on Saturday, March 14.

M idtown: So I know you are from Miami and you still live there, but I’ve always heard that you have a home here in the Triangle. Is that true?

KC: Yes, I have a home there. In 1995, I came to Duke to go to drug rehab, and I just fell in love with the place. Although I was born in Miami, my dad’s family was from Georgia, and we always spent our summers going up to Maggie Valley [in western North Carolina] and up in Asheville and those places. So when I was in rehab, I was there for three months. I think I was paying like $59 a day for my room. I stayed across the street from the facility. Then I got an apartment. Then I thought, what are houses like out here? I looked at a bunch of houses, and nothing appealed to me. One day, the real estate agent said, “I think I’ve got a place for you.” We drove down this gravel road, and sitting in the middle of this property was this New England–style house. And I said, “I’m here.” So I bought it, and I’ve been there since 1995, off and on.

L et’s talk about your music. Lots of artists have had a handful of No. 1 songs, but what strikes me about yours is that many of them have stayed in the public consciousness for 50 years.

You know, back in the day, a lot of the critics dismissed the music and stuff. I created this music to bring a certain energy into music, to bring happiness to people, and I’m so thankful that it’s done what I wanted it to do and still continues to do that through many generations. How many people can say that? It’s been quite a blessing, I say.

W hat do you remember about writing the hits? I know you wanted to write high-energy songs. Lyrically, you had a knack for simple, catchy phrasing and the hits all had a groove. This is all I ever wanted to do, the only thing I ever thought of doing. It’s hard to explain how it developed into all these thoughts, all these lyrics I was writing. I had no idea what I was ever going to do with it. I’m more of a commercial songwriter. When The Beatles started, their songs were more commercial, more repetitive. Like, “love, love me do…” and “she loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah.” When I was working in a record [store], people would come in and say, “Do you have that new song? It goes like this…” And I thought, if I’m going to write these songs, I’m going to make sure people know the names of them when they come in to buy them.

W here did your performance gene come from? Back in the day, you were pretty energetic and charismatic.

I have pictures of my grandfather—he’s from Italy—playing the mandolin. He was a lover of music. My mother was a lover of music, and she always had music playing in the house and she loved to dance. She was always encouraging me to dance. And I grew up in the Pentecostal church, so there was always music in church. My aunts always played something, and my cousins. I was never without music around me. Every Sunday we would gather at one of the aunt’s houses, sit around the piano, and everyone would sing. That’s kind of how I grew up.

Even today, your music is played everywhere: sporting events, commercials, elevators. What’s the strangest place you’ve ever heard one of your songs?

I am surprised when I hear one that wasn’t a major hit. My musical just premiered in London in September. I was sitting in this bar with my family and some friends after the premier, and all of a sudden, I heard this song that I wrote. And I thought, oh my God, I wrote that song, but it wasn’t me singing it. So those moments I have are when it’s a really obscure song, something unexpected.

You’re 74 years old. I’m guessing a lot of people who remember you in your twenties wouldn’t immediately recognize you today. Have you ever heard your music playing in public and had the urge to tell people that you’re the guy—you’re KC?

I wouldn’t do that [he laughs]. But it’s very interesting when I’m out somewhere and they’re playing one of my songs, and I say to myself, “If they only knew, I’m sitting two feet away from them.

I s playing live still as much fun for you?

Oh yeah. My happiest moment is when on stage. You know, I didn’t tour a whole lot back then. From the early 80s up until 1995, I was partying a lot. I started doing shows when I was still getting high, and I thought, something’s got to give. So I decided, let me quit the drugs and do the shows, because that’s what I love doing. I’m just having the time of my life now. I’m not under pressure to record anything. It’s my one connection with the fans that I have for two hours. There’s nothing greater than to be there singing and dancing with people and everybody having a good time. It’s just an amazing feeling.

Your success was concentrated in one particular era, and the songs were major hits. When you look back at what happened 50 years ago, does it sort of feel like your golden age?

T hat was a different part of my life. That part of my life was very lonely. Although it was the greatest years of my life career-wise, personally, it wasn’t such a great time. That’s why I feel this is my golden age.

You have an impressive resume. Yet despite having five No. 1 hits, KC and the Sunshine Band is not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, while other artists with less hits are included. Is that disappointing?

I still don’t get that credit. We influenced a lot of people. I read an article where ABBA said a song I wrote—“Rock Your Baby”—influenced them to write the song “Dancing Queen.” John Lennon said one of my songs influenced him to write a song called “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night.” Dr. Hook’s “When You’re in Love With a Beautiful Woman” was

totally influenced by “Rock Your Baby.” There’s a lot of stuff, and I know that my influence has been felt in a lot of different places. But for some reason, we’ve just been dismissed. I don’t understand it, but it is what it is.

W hat else is going on in your life today?

I ’m excited about the musical [ Get Down Tonight: The KC and the Sunshine Band Musical ]. It finished up on November 15 in London, and we’re talking about bringing it to the United States this year. It’s not so much about KC and the Sunshine Band as much as it is about a personal time of my life. It’s an emotional journey for me because it’s about me and some dear friends of mine, two of them who have passed on. It’s about us growing up in Miami. It’s been quite a journey.

A nd you’re on tour. You’re visiting your second home when you play at the Durham Performing Arts Center on March 14.

I ’ve been excited about playing there. We used to play every now and then at Walnut Creek, and we haven’t been there in ages. I can’t wait to be there with everyone.

KC and the Sunshine Band still performs their best hits on tour. See them live at the Durham Performing Arts Center in March. Photos courtesy of Harry Wayne Casey.

FROM MOONSHINE TO NASCAR

How Wilkes County helped build racing— and what it lost along the way

LSTORY BY JENNIFER PRIMROSE

ong before NASCAR was televised coast to coast, stock car racing was a local affair, dusty and loud, shaped by survival in the southern Appalachians. In Wilkes County, racing didn’t begin as entertainment. It began as a necessity.

At the Wilkes Heritage Museum, where an entire section is devoted to moonshine and motorsports, the story is laid out plainly: The term moonshine derives from distilling spirits by moonlight to avoid detection. The method was used across rural America, but nowhere was it more refined than in the mountains of orth Carolina.

By the mid-20th century, Wilkes County had earned a reputation as the Moonshine Capital of the World. Farming was unreliable. Factory jobs were scarce. For hundreds of families, illicit distilling and hauling—known locally as “tripping”—was one of the few dependable ways to make money.

Dean Combs was born into that world.

“I was just born and raised in it,” Combs says. “My mom’s brothers were big moonshiners, and I was just kind of around it all my life.”

He grew up less than 300 yards from the North Wilkesboro Speedway, in a house his family moved into when he was three days old. “I’ve been in the same place for 74 years,” he says. Moonshine and racing weren’t separate influences—they wer part of the same landscape.

The museum also preserves the other side of the story: the revenuers—law enforcement officers tasked with stopping moonshiners. In 1930, federal prohibition enforcement shifted from the Internal Revenue Service to the Department of Justice, and North Carolina’s Middle District offices moved from Raleigh to Greensboro. Wilkes County became easier to reach, and raids became more frequent.

By October 1931 alone, 40 to 50 arrests for prohibition violations were made in Wilkes County. When a still was discovered, revenuer teams didn’t just make arrests. They destroyed operations outright—often with axes, shotguns, and even dynamite.

CARS BUILT FOR SURVIVAL

To outrun the law, moonshiners turned ordinary cars into something else entirely. Engines were rebuilt. Suspensions reinforced. Trunks modified to haul hevy loads without drawing attention. These weren’t race cars—they were survival machines.

That distinction mattered. Racing was optional. Running liquor was not.

Combs never set out to be a racer. “The moonshine came first” he says. “I never even thought about racing much, even though I lived right there.”

That changed when a friend bought a race car and asked him to drive it. Combs finished second in his first outing. The nextace, he won.

“That got me hooked,” he says. “But I had to supply for it. That’s where the moonshine came in.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: Retired NASCAR racer Dean Combs stands on his North Wilkesboro property beside an old moonshine still. Inside his garage hangs a “wanted” poster bearing his name. Photos by DK Communications.

THIS PAGE: The Wilkes Heritage Museum in downtown Wilkesboro features a dedicated Moonshine and NASCAR exhibit, showcasing decades of memorabilia, a car driven by NASCAR legend Junior Johnson, and replicas of historic moonshine stills and barrels. Photos by Dathan Kazsuk.

For Mike Staley, the connection between moonshine and racing ran through family. His father, Enoch Staley, was one of the founding owners of the North Wilkesboro Speedway and served as its president for 50 years.

“When the track first started, thats where they got the race cars from—all the moonshiners,” Staley says. “That’s where it really came from.”

Staley grew up hearing stories of a time when liquor running and racing were part of the same culture. His father ran a grocery store that included a hidden room upstairs where relatives could hide from the law. “Dad’s place had a secret room upstairs where his brothers would hide,” he says.

Moonshine culture didn’t just shape drivers—it shaped the sport’s first rules. “Dad and Charlie Holmes actually helped write the rule book for NASCAR,” Staley says. “That’s where they started checking to make sure everybody was close to being legal.”

In 1946, Enoch Staley partnered with

John Mastin, Lawson Curry, and Charlie Combs to build a racetrack just outside North Wilkesboro. Money was tight. When funds ran out, so did the bulldozer. The result was a .625-mile oval carved into the hillside, sloping downhill on the front stretch and uphill on the back—not by design, but by circumstance.

When the speedway opened in 1947, fans poured in anyway. The cinder block grandstands officially seated aout 3,500 people. Nearly 10,000 showed up. Red clay coated everything. Fans climbed trees and perched on hillsides just to catch a glimpse of the action.

Many of the drivers weren’t aspiring athletes. They were bootleggers—men

ABOVE & OPPOSITE PAGE: North Wilkesboro Speedway sits roughly two and a half hours from downtown Raleigh.

Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

who had learned to drive fast because the alternative was prison. Junior Johnson’s first ace on a real track came at North Wilkesboro, where he finished second

Racing gave moonshine runners a legitimate place to test their skills—and, for some, a way out.

For Combs, the two worlds overlapped longer than he expected. “I got caught in 1974,” he says. “Federal prison in Alabama for four months. The day before I left, I won a race.”

When he came home, he won again. “I told the boys they’d read about me in the papers,” he says. “When it came out, I won my first ace back.”

THE BIRTH OF NASCAR

In December 1947, Bill France Sr. and a group of promoters gathered in Daytona Beach, Florida to formalize a sanctioning body for stock car racing. NASCAR was born.

North Wilkesboro quickly became foundational. In 1949, it hosted the season finale of ASCAR’s new “Strictly Stock” division, making it the oldest continuously operating charter track in what would become the Cup Series.

“My dad was a charter member in the pioneering sport,” Staley says. “He was great friends with Bill France and even worked as his troubleshooter—seeing what worked and what didn’t.”

For decades, NASCAR looked like North Wilkesboro—short tracks, local crowds, and drivers forged on backroads rather than in marketing departments.

Combs would eventually work alongside Junior Johnson, whose moonshine roots mirrored his own. “My dad and Junior were real close friends,” Combs says.

When Johnson’s crew chief left suddenly, Combs stepped in. “He said, ‘You gonna be our crew chief tonight?’ and that was that,” Combs says. “We wanted two championships that year— and we got them.”

Johnson, Combs believes, shaped NASCAR’s future as much as anyone. “I don’t think NASCAR would be where it is today if it weren’t for Junior,” he says. “He’s the one who brought Winston to NASCAR.”

WHEN NASCAR GREW UP

Everything changed in 1979.A snowstorm trapped millions of Americans indoors along the East Coast. With nothing else to watch, they turned on CBS and found the Daytona 500— broadcast live, from start to finish, for the first time Corporate sponsorship followed. Big money arrived. Calendars shifted toward larger markets and modern facilities. North Wilkesboro tried to keep up—paving the track, expanding seating, modernizing where it could—but it refused to abandon its roots.

When Enoch Staley died in 1995, the last personal bridge between NASCAR’s founding values and its modern business direction collapsed. Within a year, ownership changes and

boardroom maneuvering removed North Wilkesboro’s two Cup dates—one sent to Texas, the other to New Hampshire. After nearly 50 years, major-league stock car racing in Wilkes County was over.

“My family owned half the speedway,” Staley says. “A week after Dad died, they came to me and said they were thinking about selling. Once that happened, there was no way to fightit.”

WHAT REMAINS

Today, NASCAR is a global enterprise—broadcast in more than 150 countries and fueled by billion-dollar media contracts and corporate sponsorships. And yet, at the Wilkes Heritage Museum, the sport’s origins are preserved not in balance sheets or TV ratings, but in moonshine jars, battered cars, and stories passed down from both sides of the law.

After closing in 1996, the track sat silent for nearly three decades. Then, in 2023, the roar returned. NASCAR brought the All-Star Race back to Wilkes County, marking the first Cup level event there in almost 30 years.

Since then, the track has hosted Craftsman Truck Series races, CARS Tour races, and national short-track showcases. In 2026, North Wilkesboro is scheduled to host its first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race since the Clinton administration—a symbolic return to the calendar that once left it behind.

But without moonshine, without runners and revenuers, and without a crooked little track carved into a Wilkes County hillside, NASCAR as we know it would not exist.

Yes, It’s Pink. No, It’s Not Sweet.

Sommelier Spring Rosé Selections

STORY BY MATT WEISS

Let’s suspend our preconceived notions about wine for a moment.

After more than 20 years in the wine industry, one of the most satisfying experiences for me is coming home at the end of a long day—whether it was spent working, chasing points on a pickleball court, or grinding through a session at the local CrossFit gym. The evening is warm. The sun is low. There’s a simple charcuterie board on the table. And in my glass is something cold, crisp, refreshing, and pink.

Yes, pink.

It quenches my thirst with bright, mouthwatering acidity. Direct and refreshing, yet layered in a way that holds your attention.

Even so, after all these years, I still hear the same hesitation whenever the bottle happens to be pink. “I’ll skip the rosé. I don’t like sweet wine.”

Somewhere along the way, especially in the United States, pink became shorthand for sugary, simple, and unserious. A wine for people who do not really like wine. But that assumption is wrong.

In fact, rosé is one of the oldest wine styles in history.

In ancient Greece and Rome, most wine looked more like today’s rosé than modern red wine. Early winemakers practiced field blends, fermenting red and white grapes together, often diluting the wine with water. At the time, wine was safer to drink than untreated water, so it became a daily staple. As winemaking spread through Marseille into southern France, pale, refreshing wines became part of Provence’s identity—a tradition that continues today.

Modern rosé is made primarily from red grapes. The difference lies in skin contact. Grape skins provide nearly all of a wine’s color, tannin, and structure. When making red wine, the juice remains in contact with the skins for days or weeks. For rosé, that contact may last only a few hours. The result is lighter color, softer texture, and brighter freshness.

Without heavy tannins, rosé does not require years to soften. It is meant to be enjoyed young, vibrant, and refreshing. As the French say, it is vin de soif, a wine for thirst. In other words, highly drinkable.

In the United States, pink wine’s reputation was shaped by white zinfandel. Partially fermented and sweetened, it helped introduce many Americans to wine. Sweet felt approachable. Sweet felt safe. And for decades, pink became synonymous with sugar. That association still lingers.

Today, one of the most common misconceptions I hear at tastings is that rosé equals sweetness. But color has nothing to do with sugar. Many popular red wines contain more residual sugar than most dry rosés. Pink does not mean sweet. It means intentional.

Rosé is now made all over the world, from countless grape varieties and in countless styles. The following three bottles capture the balance I look for most: freshness, precision, and the kind of drinkability that makes you reach for another glass or two without thinking about it.

Rosé is not a trend. It is not a compromise. And it is certainly not sweet by default.

It is a historic, intentional, and versatile wine style that belongs on your table year-round.So next time you see pink in your glass, do not assume.Taste first

You may just discover your new favorite serious wine.

Bodegas Santa Julia Chimango Rosé, Mendoza, Argentina

100% Malbec

A natural wine made with no added yeast, no ning, and no ltering. Juicy and crunchy, with a signature salted watermelon note and bright energy, all without sweetness.

Triennes IGP Méditerranée Rosé, Provence, France

Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot

Created by Burgundy legends Jacques Seysses and Aubert de Villaine, this is classic Provençal rosé. Pale, dry, and re ned, with wild strawberry, citrus, subtle spice, and a clean mineral nish.

The Vice Rosé of Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, California

Pinot Noir, Carneros

Founded by Moroccan-born Malek Amrani, The Vice Wine re ects modern Napa craftsmanship built on precision and restraint. Bright and focused, with cherry, blood orange, jasmine, and gentle minerality. Minimal intervention and certi ed vegan.

FUNGI FEVER

STORY BY AUTUMN COLEMAN

To the untrained eye, mushrooms are the randomly occurring and potentially dangerous fruit of the forest. But to foragers and farmers, they are ferocious fungi with unlimited benefits. All over North Carolina, people are trading their day jobs for foraging licenses and turning their mushroom madness into burgeoning businesses.

T he Appalachian–Blue Ridge Forests are among the most biodiverse in the world. The humid subtropical climate during the summer breeds around 14,000 different species of mushrooms. “It’s pretty cool that we have [this] very specific climate where we live in North Carolina,” says Anthony Montoya, a foraging hobbyist. “I think that would be the number one reason why people are doing it the most in this area, is because we just have a super abundant fungi selection.”

S ince the global pandemic, local mushroom cultivation and foraging has bloomed in popularity. Fungi hunters often turn into mushroom wholesalers. Avery Hughes, owner of High Country Fungi in western North Carolina, started foraging for the immense health benefits that mushroom consumption offers. He noticed positive changes in his life after foraging for fungi that boosted immune support and reduced stress. “I was seeking different mushrooms for some health issues and was foraging my own reishi [mushrooms ] . I noticed that helped quite a bit

with my issues, so that definitely got me more curious.”

Hughes and his wife, Miika Greenwood, started their cultivation business in 2020. Today they sell gourmet mushrooms to restaurants and farmers markets, like Appalachian State University’s campus dining program and the Watauga County Farmers Market. “We do everything from casual places

to super high-ends. We can see our mushrooms being transformed in just about every way,” Hughes says. “I’ve eaten our mushrooms on numerous occasions, prepared by chefs. I just need to get better at my cooking skills.”

C larence and Tanya Dubois own Gabor Farms in Rockingham. The fungi farmers, who champion mushroom education and accessible foods, have crafted their own mycelium recipes since starting their business after the pandemic. “As we move away from total trust in the food industry or in the agriculture industrial complex, people are taking health into their [own] hands and seeing mushrooms as one of the main sources of food that help bring those health aspects to our diet,” says Clarence Dubois, who sells at North Carolina’s Black Farmers Market and beyond.

An avid mushroom lover since childhood, Amy Fox is the owner of Fox Farm & Forage in Apex. Fox grows over 1,000 pounds of mushrooms a week. After starting as a forager, she realized that the only way her business could pay her bills was by growing her own mushrooms and selling them in 10–12 pound bags. She grows and supplies grey oyster, king oyster, maitake, lion’s mane, and beech year-round.

Fox’s mushrooms sprout up in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary on a weekly basis. She supplies Colletta Italian Food & Wine at Fenton and Oak Steakhouse in Raleigh, both of which are owned by The Indigo Road Hospitality Group—a collective that owns hotels, bars, restaurants, cafés, and venues across the South. Additionally, she sells to Barcelona Wine Bar, Madre, and Il Falò in Raleigh; Sfiizio Pizzeria, Seraphine, and GoccioLina in Durham; and once a month at the Holly Springs Farmers Market. “I celebrated 10 years in July,” Fox says. “We’ve been through a number of chefs and I’m still here, believe it or not.”

Mushrooms grow in different places across the country. Each region is known for specific mushrooms, and local mushrooms provide the most benefits. “There are some varieties you can find here that you can’t really find in California. I believe it’s harder to find chicken of the woods [mushrooms] out west,” Hughes says. “For morels, we have a really short window at the end of April, high up in the mountains, and it’s a week or two.”

Re searchers continue to uncover how mushrooms can ward off chronic disease and improve everyday health. Cultivators and growers keep an internal list

of the benefits associated with different kinds of fungi. Lion’s mane is known for its positive effects on cognitive function. Morel, chanterelle, and maitake mushrooms can be great sources of vitamin D after significant time spent in the sun. On their own, chanterelles contain polysaccharides that reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Reishi mushrooms are also known for their influence on the immune system. A 2024 study found that taking reishi products, such as oils and extracts, leads to lessened anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Other studies show links to better managed heart health and blood sugar levels.

T he health-boosting abilities of fungi have spawned enterprising enjoyers and loyal fans. Montoya started foraging five years ago as a hobby while he lived in Boone. His scenic hikes became consumed with searching the floor of the woods to identify species of fungi with his Seek app. Montoya started taking his found e dible mushrooms home and incorporating them intohis meals. B ased in Apex, he now forages at William B. Umstead and Eno River State Park s . Montoya’s origin story with mushrooms has parallels with many other growers and foragers in North Carolina.

“ When I’m foraging and I see a mushroom that I don’t recognize,” he says, “I’m even more excited than seeing a mushroom that I do recognize.

courtesy of High Country Fungi.

We all know that staying active is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For many people, that includes making regular trips to the gym. For others, the idea of a health club membership is a nonstarter. Whether it’s the cost, the crowds, or the huffing an puffing in front of total stangers, some people want to put in their work away from the public eye. Fortunately, the gym isn’t the only option. Home workouts are a good alternative, and the results can be just as effective.

James Walsh is the owner of Raleigh Mobile Fitness. As the name suggests, his personal training business rolls up in a van with a full gym inside. His clients value privacy and convenience, but also accountability.

“It is very difficult to skip a workout when I pull up to your driveway at 6 a.m. and I’m already ready to go for you,” he says.

HOME WORK

If you’re not the type who enjoys the gym, a little planning makes home workouts an option

STORY BY KURT DUSTERBERG

W hile not everyone is ready for a boutique training regimen, Walsh encourages people to make the most of a home exercise routine, focusing on specific movement categories. We look at a squat, then a hinge—think bending at the hips,” Walsh says. “Then both a pushup or a bench press, then pushing up overhead, like an overhead press.”

Monitoring the ratio between pushing and pulling is important. “People run into issues, whether it’s shoulder tendonitis or some kind of other pain, when they’re pushing too much and the backside of the body doesn’tget worked.”

Maddie Grace is a trainer at Life Time in Cary. She promotes the importance of six fundamental multi-joint movement patterns: planks, squats, pulling, pushing, split squats, and hinges. “If we strengthen up the core, the back is going to hurt less,” she says.

“It’s a great way to get a little more activity in your day, and it’s super good mentally.”

Maddie Grace, Life Time

B ut what if structured exercise feels like too much of a chore, even at home? Walking is a no-excuse activity that provides real benefits

“ It’s a great way to get a little more activity in your day, and it’s super good mentally,” Grace says. “It’s great for destimulation. And walking is not going to spike your hunger cues. You won’t say, ‘I’m starving after that walk.’ It’s very low risk and high reward.”

Walsh agrees that the simple acting of moving your feet builds a good foundation. “Walking is where I start with a lot of my clients,” he says. “Just a couple of daily walks after meals, 10 or 15 minutes at an easy conversational pace. It lowers blood sugar, supports digestion, and increases daily movement. It can also aid in fat loss. That’s such an easy, free activity to do.”

I f you want to bring some equipment into your home exercise routine, try to get the most out of your purchase. “I would actually focus on one specific thing and get a ange of weight,” says Grace, who is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified master tainer. “If you’re a beginner purchasing weights, and you’ve got $200 to purchase some equipment, I want you to get weights in 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 [pounds]. I want you to lift a little heavier. Or save them until you can lift a little heavier. I want you to be able to vary your rep ranges and vary your sets.”

For those in the parenting years who need to squeeze in workouts when they can, there are easy ways to address age-appropriate concerns. “Strength and power would be my focus for that age group,” Walsh says. “There’s a lot of research that shows, as we age, those are the two things we lose the most. So things like easy jumps—like plyometrics, jumping jacks, or even jumping rope—are going to be great for the ankles, the Achilles tendon, and the calves.”

B oth trainers say it’s important to put in the time regularly in order develop and maintain skeletal muscle mass. “I like to break that up into three or four 30-minute sessions if someone is going to be working out at home,” Walsh says. “That’s plenty of strength - focused sessions if you know what you’re doing.”

The trick is to find the time, then send a few well-placed dollars. “I understand that people have a budget, and I respect that so much,” Grace says. “But it’s something I’m willing to budget for my health. It’s worth making an investment in.”

James Walsh with Raleigh Mobile Fitness brings the gym to you, saving you time traveling to a local gym. Photos courtesy of Raleigh Mobile Fitness.

THE ART OF THE HOME

A Conversation with Craven Allen Gallery

STORY BY KYLE MARIE M C MAHON

In spring, many of u s fi nd ourselves looking at our walls with fresh eyes. We rearrange furniture, declutter corners, and seek out ways to make our homes feel more like a sanctuary. While paint colors and fabrics certainly set the stage, it is often the art we choose that provides the soul of a room. A well-placed painting or a carefully framed heirloom does more than just fi ll a void; it anchors a space, sparks conversation, and reflects the evolution of our own personal narratives.

For over three decades, Craven Allen Gallery has served as a vital bridge between the vibrant North Carolina art scene and the homes of our community. Tucked away in an intimate, unpretentious space on Durham’s Broad Street, the gallery—and its renowned custom framing house—has built a reputation on the belief that art should be accessible, meaningful, and deeply personal.

O wners John Craven Bloedorn and Keith Allen Wenger have witnessed fi rsthand how a piece moves from a gallery wall to a living room, transforming from a creative expression into part of a family’s daily life. We sat down with Bloedorn to discuss the gallery’s long-standing history, the importance of nurturing local talent like Beverly McIver and Damian Stamer, and how the right frame can protect a treasure for generations to come.

Craven Allen has been a staple on Broad Street for years. How has the gallery evolved over time, and what is it about this speci fic space that makes it the right environment for showcasing North Carolina art?

When Keith and I took over what was then House of Frames in 1992, framing was the foundation of the business and the gallery existed alongside it. That balance shifted gradually, shaped by the artists we worked with and the conversations happening on our walls. Framing taught us how people live with art—how it becomes part of daily life—and that understanding ultimately defi ned the kind of gallery we wanted to be.

Craven Allen Gallery’s main space, with its original brick walls and warm, intimate lighting, feels unpretentious and welcoming. Sixteen-month old Jasper is the of cial gallery dog and a highlight of every visit. Part of an eclectic district that once served Watts Hospital and now the NC School of Science and Math, the gallery is just next door to the iconic Green Room pool hall, made famous in Bull Durham Photo courtesy of Craven Allen Gallery.

A turning point came with Beverly McIver’s fi rst exhibition here. Her work brought an emotional directness and narrative depth that fundamentally changed how people experienced the gallery. The response to that show helped clarify our direction and expanded our audience. Beverly has national recognition, in major museums like the National Gallery of Art and the National Portrait Gallery, and is now represented by a New York gallery that has continued to welcome collaboration with us.

T he Broad Street space has always supported that approach. It’s intimate, accessible, and unpretentious— designed for engagement rather than spectacle. People feel comfortable spending time here, which allows the work to speak in a more personal way. That atmosphere has been essential to presenting art that is thoughtful, challenging, and rooted in this region.

You work with a mix of local and nationally known artists. When curating an exhibition, what tells you a piece belongs at Craven Allen?

I look for authenticity and commitment. The work has to feel purposeful—like the artist is fully invested in what they’re exploring.

Artists such as Beverly McIver exemplify that level of honesty. Her work addresses family, identity, and

lived experience with clarity and courage, and it continues to resonate strongly with our audience. John Beerman recently made a transition from landscapes to large-scale abstractions, which were warmly embraced by collectors. Clarence Heyward has a major museum exhibition opening soon, and will have a show here this fall. He is one of the most exciting artists working in North Carolina today. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work has been supporting artists over the long term. We fi rst encountered Damian Stamer when he was still in high school. Watching his work develop—from early promise to inclusion in major private collections and museum exhibitions—has been a powerful reminder of the importance of patience, mentorship, and belief in an artist’s trajectory. Those long arcs matter to us.

Craven Allen is also known as a premier custom framer. How does framing shape the experience of a work of art?

Framing is never a secondary detail for us—it’s part of how art speaks in a space. The right frame can elevate the artwork’s presence; it can clarify intent and protect the piece for generations. That’s why, even as we’ve grown the gallery program, we’ve maintained framing as a core part of who we are.

Our process is always collaborative: We start by listening—not just about the work itself but about how the client lives and what they want the work to be in their home. Materials matter— from conservation glass to archival mats—but visual harmony matters just as much. Over a 30-plus-year history on Broad Street, helping people protect heirlooms, family portraits, and signi ficant artworks has been as rewarding as bringing new art into their lives.

For readers looking to refresh their homes, what advice do you offer to someone starting a collection or searching for a piece to anchor a room?

Start with what resonates personally. Art should do more tha n fi ll a wall—it should create a feeling, spark curiosity, or invite reflection. If a piece keeps pulling you back to it, that’s usually a good sign.

When anchoring a room, think about presence rather than just size. A strong work sets the emotional tone of a space and often guides everything else around it. Take your time, ask questions, and learn about the artist’s process. Understanding where a piece comes from often deepens your connection to it.

A collection doesn’t have to be built all at once. The most meaningful ones grow slowly and intentionally.

What do you fi nd most rewarding about the gallery’s relationship with the Durham community?

What’s kept us going all these years is people—artists, collectors, neighbors, and especially our staff. We’re incredibly lucky to have employees who stay with us for years, sometimes decades. That kind of continuity creates trust, and it shows in how we work with artists and clients alike.

One of the most formative in fluences on the gallery was our original gallery director, Paul Hrusovsky. An artist himself, he helped us understand the gallery from the artist’s point of view—what artists want, what they need, and what they expect from a gallery relationship. That perspective shaped everything from how we communicate to how we install shows, and it’s still part of our DNA.

When the work stops being an object on a wall and becomes part of someone’s daily life ... t hat’s the mission, really—to help ar t fi nd its place in the world.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Owner Bloedorn descibes the space as “intimate, accessible, and unpretentious.”

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Each exhibit is a masterclass in local talent. The craftsmanship of their custom framing options ensures that every piece is preserved with the polished nish it deserves. Photos courtesy of Craven Allen Gallery.

CRAVEN ALLEN GALLERY

The creative landscape of the Triangle is deeply rooted in the work of local makers and visionaries. At Craven Allen Gallery in Durham, that talent is brought to the forefront through a carefully curated selection of original pieces, ranging from textured contemporary abstracts to classic portraits.

Collaboration 52, Damian Stamer

Damian Stamer’s Collaboration 52 re ects his innovative use of AI as a tool to revisit childhood memories of exploring abandoned buildings in rural North Carolina. Stamer rst exhibited at Craven Allen Gallery while still in high school. His groundbreaking show Angels & Ghosts is currently on view at the Middlebury College Museum of Art in Vermont.

Take a Step, Leave a Trace, Dan Gottlieb

Dan Gottlieb blends photography and painting to capture the shifting power and beauty of the natural world in his Before the Wind collection. Inspired by a 2025 residency in Australia, his luminous, layered works explore movement, atmosphere, and transformation.

Her Inspiration Was Home, Rachel Campbell

Working in abstracted realism, Rachel Campbell blends vibrant color, composition, and personal objects to invite viewers into intimate, memory- lled scenes that celebrate joy, resilience, and the small pleasures of life. She will be showing this fall at Craven Allen Gallery.

Sing for Me, Clarence Heyward

Clarence Heyward paints friends and family, using green as a reference to green screen technology— a metaphor for how perception and reality are shaped in media. Heyward will present new work at Craven Allen Gallery in a show opening this fall.