Main & Broad August/September 2021 by mainandbroadmag

family recipes

meet & greet

lazy river

at little portugal standout students paddle adventure

THE PROPERTY BROTHERS OF HOLLY SPRINGS: CHRIS AND JON HAROL

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

FAMILY-FUN AMENITIES & GREAT LOCATION As summer winds down, discover even more reasons to love Fuquay-Varina’s coolest new home community. Our amenities are the perfect way to enjoy fun with family and friends including a sparkling pool with bath house, dog park, playground and more. Add in award-winning homes from Massengill Design-Build and it’s clear why Meadow Bluffs is the perfect place to live in “The Quay.”

F U Q U AY- VA R I N A , N C

SEA R C H NEW HO ME S AT ME A DOW B LU F F S.CO M GRE AT LO C AT I O N | FA M I LY- FUN A M ENITIES | HOM ES FROM THE $400s 2 0 2 0 PA RA D E OF H OM E S WIN N E R | FOLLOW US ON FACEB OOK AND I NS TAG RAM

MassengillDesignBuild.com • (919) 614-2911

OPENING FA L L 2021

FO R L I F E ’ S U N E X P EC T E D M O M E N T S, W E ’ L L B E H E R E .

We’re so excited to call Southern Wake County home and provide you and your family exceptional care with convenient access. With a state-of-the-art emergency department and maternity center, expert surgical services and more, you can have peace of mind knowing that when life happens, we’ll be just around the corner. LEARN MORE AT: unchealth.org/hollysprings Women’s & Maternity | Surgery | Emergency Room | Orthopedic Care

DOWNTOWN CARY Saturday, August 28, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, August 29, 12:30 – 5 p.m.

Presented by

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

for more information visit townofcary.org/lazydaze follow @caryartdaze call 311 Featured Artwork By Lyudmila Tomova

ometown H YO U R

R E A LTO R ®

L I V I N G

A N D

W O R K I N G

I N

F U Q U A Y - V A R I N A

Veteran & Female Owned

Tracy Watson, Broker/Realtor

From breaking ground to closing day, every step of the way Commission rebate for teachers, nurses, active duty & prior military, and police & firefighters when buying, selling, or building. 919-761-0405 | tracy@missionfirstrealty.com | missionfirstrealty.com

watch an “ Everyepisodtimee ofI Park s & Rec,

August/September 2021

CONTENTS 26

I feel like they might have had a bug in that (chamber) office. I did lots of ceremonial scissors lessons.

”

– Karen Shore, Holly Springs Deep Dive Podcast host

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 SEE & DO

A dinosaur dig, outdoor movies, and a grown-up liquid lunch send summer off with a bang.

14 DIG IN & DRINK UP

Show-stopping macarons from Asali Desserts & Cafe in Cary.

SPECIAL EDITION

16 MEET & GREET

Standout students from area high schools impress despite a challenging year.

25 BIG IDEAS

Vision and passion sound like clichés, but in our growing community you’ll find them in abundance. Main & Broad shares four stories of innovative thinking that are shaping how we live and interact.

26 THE HOSPITAL NEXT DOOR 30 BUILDING COMMUNITY AT THE BLOCK ON MAIN 36 I WANT IT. I GOT IT — WITH GOPHER. 40 DIVING DEEP IN HOLLY SPRINGS

6 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

Discover your new favorite restaurant in our dining guide.

58 GROW & BLOOM

With garden pro L.A. Jackson.

44 LITTLE PORTUGAL

Unassuming and delicious — Fuquay-Varina’s Little Portugal delivers fresh fare from authentic Portuguese recipes.

52 THERE & BACK

Paddling adventures on the Cape Fear River draw visitors to Lillington.

60 FUN & MEMES

So you like to drink craft beer. Here’s what we know about you.

64 SEEN & HEARD

Community news and accolades

66 IN FOCUS

PHOTOS BY JONATHAN FREDIN

FEATURES

48 RISE & DINE

Carolina’s Corvette Headquarters 2021 C8 Corvette

Hendrick Chevrolet Cary 100 Auto Mall Drive Cary, NC 27511 www.HendrickChevrolet.com

“ ”

reader

What’s left on your summer bucket list?

Letters

August/September 2021 • Volume 3, Number 4 EXECUTIVE

SEND ALL THE SUMMER PUBLICATIONS TO THE PRINTER — ON TIME!

A WEEKEND GETAWAY IN THE N.C. MOUNTAINS

Bill Zadeits, Group Publisher Kris Schultz, Publisher EDITORIAL

Emily Uhland, Senior Editor Conner Altman Amber Keister Shannon Hartsoe CONTRIBUTORS

Fuquay-Varina Memes L.A. Jackson David McCreary Lane Singletary PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonathan Fredin, Chief Photographer

“I put on a sculpture show outside of Chapel Hill, and I would love to get in touch with Ben Harris to invite him to be in our show. ... I love the story you did on him. I hope I can convince him to display some pieces!” – DEBBIE MEYER, COMEOUTANDPLAY.INFO

“After (the band’s) gig at Brixx this past Saturday evening, one of their friends, who works in Holly Springs, told us that her co-worker read about a local band in Main & Broad and now listens to them constantly! So word is definitely getting around from the magazine! We’re so grateful for it, and it was the coolest thing to hear!”

ARTISAN ICE CREAM FROM PINTS AND SUNNI SKYS

SPENDING A WEEK AT HOLDEN BEACH

PRODUCTION

Jennifer Casey, Senior Graphic Designer Lauren Earley, Graphic Designer Dylan Gilroy, Web Designer Beth Harris, Graphic Designer Matt Rice, Webmaster/SEO Rachel Sheffield, Web Designer PUBLIC RELATIONS

S&A Communications Chuck Norman, APR ADMINISTRATIVE

GET OUR BOAT IN THE WATER

Kristin Black, Accounting Cherise Klug, Traffic Manager Lisa White, Circulation Coordinator Valerie Renard, Human Resources PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Ron Smith Main & Broad is published six times annually by Cherokee Media Group. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Subscriptions are $18/year.

– SAMANTHA PULLEY, 2DIGH4

MAIN & BROAD Westview at Weston 301 Cascade Pointe Lane, Cary, North Carolina 27513 (919) 674-6020 • (800) 608-7500 • Fax (919) 674-6027 www.mainandbroadmag.com

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE ISSUE?

Send letters to the editor by e-mailing editor@mainandbroadmag.com or find us on social media.

This publication does not endorse, either directly or implicitly, the people, activities, products or advertising published herein. Information in the magazine is deemed credible to the best of our knowledge.

LET’S BE

! s d n e i r F

@mbmagazinenc

8 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

@mbmagazinenc

ON THE COVER: BROTHERS CHRIS AND JON HAROL BRING THE SPIRIT OF INNOVATION TO THE HOLLY SPRINGS VILLAGE DISTRICT, PICTURED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE COWORKING STATION INSIDE THE BLOCK ON MAIN.

@mbmagazinenc

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LANE SINGLETARY PHOTO BY JONATHAN FREDIN

Main & Broad is a proud member and supporter of all five chambers in Western Wake County: the Cary Chamber of Commerce, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Morrisville Chamber of Commerce, Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equalopportunity basis.

THE FALL SERIES WILL BE BACK!

Follow Me to Fuquay-Varina Concert Series Centennial Square, 102 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina | 6:30 – 9:00 pm The perfect blend of music, energy and local flavor make for great times in the heart of downtown Fuquay-Varina.

September 9 Jim Quick September 23 Hip Pocket October 14 North Tower

Celebrate

FUQUAY-VARINA

Saturday, October 2 10 am – 4 pm Downtown Fuquay Live Entertainment Artist Village Chili Cook-off Kid Zone Food & Beer Garden www.CelebrateFV.com

Editor’s

Letter

This issue BY THE

Numbers

Big ideas shaping how we live

Jonathan Fredin

SEE HOW EXCITED I AM FOR YOU TO READ THIS ISSUE?

Typically I have the pleasure of writing about new restaurants, fun family activities, ways to enjoy the outdoors and the wonderful people making southern Wake their home. It’s a delightful way to explore a community, and I hope you enjoy reading about those topics. This issue, however, we decided to try something different, focusing on stories that share innovative ideas and new technologies that are helping the area define its identity during this period of explosive growth. And while it may be a bit of a departure from our norm, I am so proud of the way it turned out. In the Big Ideas feature section, beginning on pg. 25, you’ll get to know people who are pushing boundaries in an effort to improve the quality of life for everyone in Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina. A note about the cover: the photograph of Chris and Jon Harol was taken inside The Block on Main by Main & Broad’s photographer, Jonathan Fredin. The black and pink illustrations were skillfully added by illustrator Lane Singletary to communicate the concepts of technology and forward thinking in conjunction with our cover theme. My special thanks goes to Jonathan and Lane for their work on this exciting cover. While these mural-esque graphics aren’t present in real life, you can find three hand-painted murals by N.C. artists at The Block, read more on pg. 30. As always, let us know what you think of this issue. You can reach us on social media or contact me directly at editor@mainandbroadmag.com.

EMILY UHLAND SENIOR EDITOR

10 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

Colorful macarons stacked in a tower

Recent graduates profiled in a special Meet & Greet section

New editorial contributor — welcome, Shannon!

Local breweries to visit — FVM knows where you’ll end up

500

River tubers at Cape Fear River Adventures on July 4th

Relax. Chill. You’ve got this. If you live in Fuquay-Varina or Holly Springs, you’ve got primary care. Urgent care. Cardiovascular care. General surgery. Breast and colorectal surgery. Bariatric surgery. Medical weight loss. Women’s care for every life stage. And, for everything and anything else, WakeMed Cary Hospital is close by and as full-service and sophisticated as it gets. Granted, life in The ‘Quay and Holly Springs is pretty chill as is. But a little extra convenience can bring a little extra balance to your life. Visit us at wakemed.org.

Fuquay-Varina URGENT CARE

231 North Judd Parkway 919-235-6560

PRIMARY CARE

231 North Judd Parkway 919-235-6410

Holly Springs SURGERY

601 Attain Street, Suite 101 919-350-9355

HEART & VASCULAR

231 North Judd Parkway 919-232-0322

OB-GYN

101 Cotten Lane 919-235-6456

PRIMARY CARE

101 Cotten Lane, Suite 2 919-235-6555

See Do 7 Reasons to Get Out and About Jonathan Fredin

Final days

Explore Dinosaur World

AUG 4-8 OPENS DAILY AT 10 A.M. SWEET VALLEY RANCH 2990 SUNNYSIDE SCHOOL ROAD, FAYETTEVILLE

Nestled into a picturesque farm near Fayetteville, 25 animatronic dinosaurs lie in wait around an abandoned research lab, observation booths, and plenty of dino-themed activities, including a fossil museum and dig, a reptile house and dinosaur playland. Guests can take part in a special ticketed Interactive Rescue Mission on Saturday evening, in which participants must locate missing staff involved with the creation of Dinosaur World, a nighttime Farm Tour and viewing of life-size lighted dinosaur displays. Add on a tractor-pulled covered wagon tour, a 20-minute go-kart nature trek or catch-and-release fishing. Learn more at sweetvalleyranchnc.com.

Drink Your Veggies VisitFayettevilleNC.com

FRIDAY-SUNDAY 11 A.M.-3 P.M. SCRATCH KITCHEN & TAPROOM, APEX

Watch an Outdoor Movie

A summertime brunch must-have: the Loaded Bloody Mary at Scratch Kitchen & Taproom in downtown Apex. Before you even reach the tasty house-made bloody mary mix and vodka combo, munch on candied bacon, fried green tomato, tempura shrimp, smoked cheddar, pickled veggies and a zesty lime-salt rim. Still hungry? Scratch’s brunch menu features creative updates to classic breakfast fare, like Korean Eggs Benedict or Chicken and Pancake.

AUG 28, SEPT 18 DUSK APEX NATURE PARK AMPHITHEATRE 2600 EVANS ROAD, APEX

Summer at the Springs: Runyons Funyons

Load up the kids, lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner for free outdoor movies at Apex Nature Park. Arrive early for best seats, but leave pets and alcohol at home. Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon airs on Saturday, August 28 and Disney/ Pixar’s Soul will play on Saturday, Sept 18.

A party band for your dancing pleasure, the Runyons Funyons cover five decades of hit music. Band members Justin Runyon, Arlin Tart, Todd Proctor and Ben Palmer host an evening of high-energy party music for the whole family on the outdoor stage. Bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy food trucks such as Pedal to the Kettle, Las Gringas, Jam Ice Cream and Mr. Mongolian on site.

12 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

SEPT 3 6-9 P.M. HOLLY SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER

Jonathan Fredin

Jean Guevarra You, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Splish and Splash in Fuquay-Varina

ALL SUMMER 10 A.M.-7 P.M. 900 S MAIN STREET, FUQUAY-VARINA

Free to Fuquay-Varina residents (with Resident Splash Card), and $2 to non-residents, the popular 6,000 squarefoot Splash Pad at South Park has water guns, misting tunnels and giant, overflowing buckets for enjoyment for all ages. A new water recirculation system was installed during the off-season to help with water conservation.

Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival AUG 28, 9 A.M.-6 P.M. AUG 29, 12:30-5 P.M DOWNTOWN CARY

Get crafty and shop local with awardwinning artists at the Town of Cary’s 45th annual Lazy Daze, complete with live music and activities for the kiddos.

HollyFest

OCT 30 10 A.M.-4P.M. SUGG FARM PARK

Save dathtee

Holly Springs’ biggest fall festival is back! Featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities and local entertainment, mark your calendar to attend this Holly Springs tradition. Visit

Now Accepting New Patients Early Morning, Late Afternoon & Friday Appointments Available In-Network with Most Insurance Carriers In-House Membership Plan Available Video Games, T.V.s, Photo Booth, Wi-Fi, Phone Charging Station, Coffee Bar & More

“...Dr. You was amazing. She was so kind, patient and down-to-earth, and that not only put my son at ease, but me as well. We’re thrilled to have found such a warm, welcoming practice and we look forward to being patients for many years to come!” -Brendan S. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ “Dr. You is so knowledgeable, kind and patient... Highly recommend!” -Ayub A. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I can not say enough good things about Dr. Jean You! She and her staff were extremely welcoming to my son and me at our recent visit. Dr. Jean was amazing with my son – very calm and comforting. She explained everything she was gong to do before doing anything. You can tell that Dr. Jean has a true passion for this profession and loves what she does. We had an awesome experience at Little Tooth Co. and are so appreciative of the care that we received. If you are looking for a wonderful dentist to take your child to, you definitely need to become a patient of this practice!” -Erin D. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Tel 919-303-2873 www.littletoothco.com info@littletoothco.com 504 W. Williams St., Apex 27502

loved by kids. trusted by parents.

at the event! 13

Dig in

Drink up

Macarons

from Asali Desserts & Cafe Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

SO SWEET: Hanadi Asad and Jamaal

Ali, owners of Cary’s Asali Desserts & Cafe, are experts in unique, handcrafted treats. The most vibrant of their offerings are the macarons — light, rich and gluten-free in classic and inventive flavors. TASTE THE RAINBOW: Lemon,

raspberry or vanilla are regularly available, and weekly specials in unique combos, such as Lavender Honey, Mango Raspberry, Watermelon Sugar and Peaches & Cream impress every time. HIGH TEA: Sample macarons and many

other specialty desserts as part of the High Tea service, offered Monday – Thursday. High Tea includes a sample of Asali’s Mediterranean-style sweet and savory offerings, as selected by Asad which, in addition to macarons, may include assorted sandwiches, Labna spread, Oliver Palmiers, cookies, scones and a pot of tea.

ASALI DESSERTS & CAFE 107 EDINBURGH S. DRIVE, SUITE 106-A, CARY ASALIEVENTS.COM

14 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

COLORFUL MACARONS MAKE ANY OCCASION SPECIAL, FROM PICNICS AT THE POOL TO BIRTHDAY PARTIES. A BOX OF ONE DOZEN IS $25 OR INDIVIDUAL MACARONS ARE $2.50.

FUQUAY-VARINA ARTS CENTER

Fall Art Classes The Arts Center is alive with visual and performing arts classes for all ages. Adults can try their hands at sculpture, jewelry making, painting, script writing and more. Kids can join in the fun with drama class, dance class, painting, drawing--we have somethng sure to get the creative juices flowing!

The Box Office is OPEN! A year of great entertainment awaits you in the Bob Barker Company Theatre at the Arts Center. Check out the Box Office at fvarts.org to purchase tickets for events you will not forget!

Dancing With the Big Band Back by popular demand! Join us for an evening of big band music and dancing at the Arts Center. The Gerald Parker Orchestra powers the evening with great music that will start your toes tapping. A dance lesson starts the evening at 6:30pm with live music beginning at 7p. Tickets available online and at the door.

For more information, call the Arts Center at (919) 567-3920 or visit FVARTS.ORG 123 E Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

SPECIAL EDITION

Meet

Greet STANDOUT STUDENTS High school is full of challenges and triumphs, and none moreso than the 2020-2021 school year, navigating remote learning, distancing and limited extracurriculars. In this expanded Meet & Greet section, Main & Broad highilghts four graduates who make outstanding achievement look easy with infectious positivity, thoughtful passions and lots of hard work.

Andreas Jordan RESUME HIGHLIGHTS: Graduate of Fuquay-Varina High School, president of Future

Business Leaders of America chapter, founder of the Black Student Union, member of National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society.

FUTURE PLANS: Jordan will attend North Carolina State University in the Teaching

Fellows Program majoring in Technology, Engineering and Design Education. Teaching Fellows is a group of people who get loan forgiveness after school if they work in an education field. … It’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of educators around the country and North Carolina and just prepare myself to become a better educator. I will be living in the Black Male Initiative, a living and learning village. I get to live in dorms with a community of black males, and we have programs for us to get us set up for the future, immerse in our culture and become better males in society. BLACK STUDENT UNION: I started it to provide a safe space for Black students to

feel welcome in a community and get them more involved. We have interacted with local nonprofits on a coat drive and food drive. Most recently we talked to the staff at our school about diversity and inclusionl. FUTURE TEACHER: When I got into high school, they released a new program

called Teaching as a Profession. I was able to take those classes and from there on, I was like, “yep, teaching is definitely what I’m doing.” I’m coming back to teach at (Fuquay-Varina High School). I was able to find myself in this community; shape my future with it. I want to be able to shape somebody else’s future with it. MOTIVATION: The influence of my family, especially my mother and my grandmother.

My grandmother never finished high school, so she was like, “you’re going to finish.” My mom always held high expectations and told me I could do it. Seeing that I’m being a positive influence in my community, that motivates me to do more. REMEMBER ME AS: The person who jumps into everything, being positive and

As told to Emily Uhland Photography by Jonathan Fredin

16 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

funny, being social. I love to meet new people.

“

I was able to find myself in this community; shape my future with it. I want to be able to shape somebody else’s future with it.

”

18 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

SPECIAL EDITION

Meet

Greet STANDOUT STUDENTS

Kennedy Mitchell RESUME HIGHLIGHTS: Graduate of Holly Springs High School, president

and founder of the Black Student Alliance, National Honor Society service chair, violin soloist in Triangle Youth Philharmonic, member of United Strings of Color string quartet and a competitive swimmer. In the summer of 2020 Mitchell and fellow student and friend, Milan Toomer, initiated the Black Lives Matter march in Holly Springs, which was attended by more than 300 people. FUTURE PLANS: Mitchell will attend Yale University in the Fall, studying

chemical engineering or biological science and African American studies. I love sciences related to the human body. Even though there’s a lot we do know about the human body, there are a lot of concepts that are still too intricate to fully know about. There’s a lot that still needs to be solved in terms of diseases. BLACK LIVES MATTER MARCH: We were able to really uplift Black voices.

Most of our speakers were coming from Black voices. Students were the ones performing, and the vendors were Black-owned. I loved that we were able to really push that out there. UNITED STRINGS OF COLOR: I remember our first rehearsal because

I could barely read sheet music. There’s a method called Suzuki where violinists learn by ear. I wasn’t used to reading sheet music. The first rehearsal I was so embarrassed and overwhelmed. Now I can do a lot. We’ve grown a lot.

ON REPRESENTATION: It really has an effect on how you view your limits.

When you see someone it’s like, “Hey, there’s someone like me who was able to do that. So it’s not such a far-fetched goal anymore.” Having that effect on someone else, like people did for me, I want to continue that.

“

I feel like (Black Americans) have come so far, and I want to continue that legacy and break barriers, and also be that representation for others to follow.

”

REMEMBER ME FOR: The impact of the formation of the Black Student

Alliance. I like to know that I had established this safe space for Black students at our school and helped create a more equitable environment through this.

SPECIAL EDITION

Meet

Greet STANDOUT STUDENTS

Katelyn Sheets RESUME HIGHLIGHTS: Graduate of Holly Springs High School with an AP Capstone Diploma.

President of National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. Founder of Mental Health Advocacy Club, four-year varsity swimmer. FUTURE PLANS: Sheets will attend Duke University and plans to study biology and genetics.

It’s interesting to learn about how the world works from that small of a perspective. I think genetics is a field that has a lot of potential, it’s pretty new and there’s still a lot to be learned. AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA PROGRAM: It’s a way to develop your research skills with your English

“

I had Back surgery in the middle of the swim season, and spent three weeks out of the water. I was able to swim again five weeks after surgery. I Wanted to have one meet as a senior.

”

skills at the same time. I really enjoyed having that research component … you conduct your own research, send out surveys and write a paper at the end. My research question was relating to climate change and the psychological impact it has on teens; assessing levels of climate anxiety in teens and testing a couple different solutions to see how effective they were in reducing climate anxiety. SWIMMING: Practice would start at 5:15 a.m., you have to be on deck at 5 a.m.. I would leave

the house at 4:30 a.m.. I can’t say I miss that so much. But it’s fun having the team there in the morning, that made it much better. I really liked relays, too. It’s really motivating to have that group that will hold you accountable. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: I noticed a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness my freshman

year. I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder when I was in 5th grade, so pretty young. So I think I was more aware of (mental health prejudices) as I got older. It was something that I felt passionate about, because I don’t think it should be stigmatized at all. So many people are afflicted by mental illness or mental health issues in some capacity. The Mental Health Advocacy Club planned Dog Days, promoting the positive effects that animals have on mental health. We invited a therapy dog organization and the local National Alliance for Mental Health chapter to come have tables at our event. There was a dog costume contest and people brought their dogs and could learn about the resources available. It was a fun way to integrate mental health with something that people enjoy, probably my favorite project that we’ve done. MENTAL HEALTH MESSAGE: Be mindful of your language. You don’t know what people are going

through. Don’t judge people for behaviors you think are odd.

REMEMBER ME AS: Someone who stands up for others, tries to be kind and helps people when I can.

20 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

22 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

SPECIAL EDITION

Meet

Greet STANDOUT STUDENTS

Alisha Reid RESUME HIGHLIGHTS: Summa cum laude graduate of Fuquay-Varina High

School, member of the Advanced Vocal Ensemble, varsity women’s basketball team, National Honor Society and Black Student Union. Recipient of Director’s Award and Outstanding Service Awards at FVHS and Academic All-Conference for basketball. Earned a career high of 23 points. FUTURE PLANS: Reid will attend North Carolina A&T and plans to study

music education, performance and theory. The ultimate dream would be to be a performer. If that wasn’t to happen, I wouldn’t count out being a teacher. That would be a good way to impact kids. MUSIC: I feel safe in music. I feel like I don’t have to force myself into it. I

get lost in it. No matter what mood I’m in, I always feel better with music.

BASKETBALL: I didn’t really fall in love with basketball until I got to high

school and worked with my brother (Dominique Byrd, who coached Reid in middle school and some of high school). I feel like that was a really good experience to grow in our relationship and share an activity that we both love. BLACK STUDENT UNION: The fact that Black studensts can come together

“

I teased her that I counted down the last 12 months, but I’m gonna miss her terribly.

”

– Jerome Reid, father of Alisha Reid

for this cause — it was cool to relate to others and know that I’m not alone. MOTIVATED BY: The idea that I could always be doing something to

improve myself. I like to push my limits and surprise myself. When I first started playing basketball I never thought I would reach as high as I did. Just the fact that I could really do anything I set my mind to, that pushes me, and the idea that I can inspire other people to do the same. REMEMBER ME AS: A person that was able to impact people, whether

through a smile or giving advice, or not even talking, just seeing how I lead by example. Being able to impact others in some way.

Simply Corolla, NC Far and Away, Only Closer

Find yourself here This year, many wise North Carolinians are simply planning to find their way here. It is nice to know that remote beaches, the legendary Corolla wild horses and timeless historical sites like Whalehead, The Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the new Currituck Maritime Museum await, less than a day’s drive away, in Corolla, NC.

Call 877.287.7488 for information or your free visitor’s guide

Corolla • Carova • The Mainland

Visit us online at CorollaNC.com

growth is the buzz word in southern Wake, and there are no signs of it slowing. Shaping that growth requires the passion and commitment of local entrepreneurs and town officials.

In our cover feature, area thought leaders share their visions for an engaged and informed community, fueled by innovations in technology, health care and media.

A HOSPITAL CAN ADAPT TO A CHANGING COMMUNITY. Written by Emily Uhland Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

The Hospital Next Door My conversation with Roy Tempke, COO of the new UNC Health Rex Holly Springs hospital began as do many of my interviews — discussing the rapid growth of southern Wake County and the area’s appeal to families with young children. “Right now (residents) have to drive to Cary for the closest hospital or to Rex (in Raleigh) — more than a 30 minute drive through lots of traffic,” says Tempke. But in a matter of weeks, that all changes. UNC Rex Holly Springs hospital opens

26 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

to patients on September 20, ending a development and construction phase nearly 20 years in the making. Of course, the opening of the hospital is not an end, rather, the beginning of a relationship between the community and the physicians, nurses and staff that will provide care during some of life’s most exciting and nerve wracking moments. The building is 240,000 sq. ft with 50 patient beds at opening. There will be a 24/7 emergency room, operating and procedure

UNC HEALTH REX HOLLY SPRINGS HOSPITAL WILL BE OPEN FOR PATIENTS ON SEPT. 20.

rooms, including one specifically for c-section patients, and shell space — or planned expansion — for much more. “We will open up with three main focuses,” says Tempke. “The first is obstetrics and gynecology. We already have more than 100 births scheduled between September and January.” What was that about young families, again? “The second focus is orthopaedics. We do a lot of orthopaedic surgery, a lot of joint replacements,” he says. “And the third

is general surgery — gallbladder, appendix able to handle most anything that comes removal, things like that.” your way. There will be a Da Vinci robotic“What we focus on will change mulassisted surgery system on site, which tiple times before it’s all said and done. aids surgeons with accuWhere we land will be difracy and precision, and is ferent a year from now, and The public is a less invasive option for likely different five years invited to attend many procedures. from now. It will depend on the UNC Health “The trick with a small the population, who comes Rex Holly Springs hospital is you really don’t to see us and our ability to grand opening know your volumes, but you flex and adapt,” says Tempke. open house event continued on page 28 need to be prepared to be on Sat., Sept 11. 27

SPECIAL FEATURE:

UNC Health Rex Holly Springs expects to host many births, and designed it’s labor rooms to have laboring tubs. “If a woman is uncomfortable, sitting in a tub of warm water can be really relaxing,” Temple says. Tubs are for laboring. Births will not occur in the tub.

THE HOSPITAL EXPECTS TO HOST MANY ORTHOPAEDIC AND GENERAL SURGERIES. FOURTH FLOOR SURGERY ROOM PICTURED HERE.

TEXTURAL STONEWORK AND WARM WOOD TONES ACCENT THE HOSPITAL’S PUBLIC SPACES.

ROY TEMPKE

continued from page 27

UNC HEALTH REX HOLLY SPRINGS 850 South Main Street, Holly Springs Rexhealth.com 28 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

Adaptation began last year when COVID-19 changed the world. Fortunately, hospital construction was only minorly impacted, Tempke says. “We were in a sweet spot when (materials) were already ordered and on the way and the building was well underway. We got lucky there.” Extra safety measures had to be implemented — most importantly cleaning the site from top to bottom every night with an airborne disinfectant. Additional adjustments were made to furniture purchases and placements. “We added screens in certain areas and tried to improve physical separation in waiting rooms,” Temple says. The hospital was already designed with “the ability to completely isolate two nursing units, for 12 beds total, should we have to deal with this again, or anything in the future.”

During his 28-year career with Rex, now UNC Rex Healthcare, Tempke has served many roles, including early on as a physical therapist, moving into nursing home management, care management and vice president of operations. “I enjoy challenges. I enjoy operations and heavy patient contact. I work with physicians and nurses and social workers, therapists — all different levels of profession and education together — to solve complex problems. I really enjoy that,” he says. As the chief operations officer at the new Holly Springs facility, Tempke has been tasked with implementing the UNC Rex culture of customer service, strong leadership and top-level care in a new community. “I grew up in a small town, I knew how valuable the hospital was to our town. It’s no different 30 years later in Holly Springs, in southern Wake County. A hospital symbolizes the importance of the area, recognizes the level of growth that is going on.”

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A BUILDING CAN FOSTER LOCAL IDENTITY.

Written by Emily Uhland Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

Building community At the Block on Main “When it comes to growth, half the people think growth is great and half don’t want it. Building a downtown (in Holly Springs) is the one thing that almost everyone agreed on,” says Chris Harol, Holly Springs resident, business owner and real estate developer. Holly Springs’ downtown, or Village District, has come a long way in the last few years, with the addition of a parking deck, restaurants, shopping and locallydriven mixed-use buildings. Chris and his brother, Jon Harol, have

30 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

been invested in that change for many years. They founded the Holly Springs Coworking Station, previously housed in the old police station, and are leading the development of The Block on Main, downtown’s newest addition. The brothers are also the owners of a medical lab consulting firm, Lighthouse Lab Services. It was the growth of that company that led the pair down the path of downtown development. “We had four different locations throughout Holly Springs where we had

HOLLY SPRINGS VILLAGE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES WITH THE BLOCK ON MAIN AT THE CORNER OF MAIN STREET AND ROGERS STREET.

employees tucked away. We needed to get everyone into one space,” says Jon. When they didn’t find one building to address all their needs, they decided to build. “That’s how we got into development,” Jon says. “We ended up talking to the town about economic development and sat on the board for downtown revitalization. … (The town) wanted to revitalize downtown; we caught a bit of that vision, too,” he says.

“Our vision is to create a vibrant downtown, and we think that’s going to be a mix of office space, retail, restaurants and some residential,” says Jon. Thus began the development of The Block on Main, 54,000 sq. ft. of commercial, mixed-use space. As of June, there were only four vacancies left in the building, the rest are occupied or have tenants committed and opening soon. The retail businesses include a children’s boutique, salon, yoga studio, restaurants and an ice cream parlor. Office

suites occupy much of the upper floors, except a to-be-determined rooftop restaurant, for which Chris and Jon are still vetting possibilities for the perfect datenight restaurant with creative food and cocktail menus. The Holly Springs Coworking Station, which outgrew its original home, is one of The Block’s anchor tenants, occupying 11,000 sq ft, divided into 47 offices. “We instantly filled 45 offices on day one, confirming that people will want to continued on page 32

JON HAROL, LEFT, AND CHRIS HAROL

continued from page 31

come back to work. Enough are tired of working from home and wanted an office,” says Chris. The Coworking Station has served an important role as a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Harol brothers’ vision for downtown. “It allows a business to start with a tiny office and grow,” says Jon. “Providing the opportunity to expand without having to sign a big lease on a big space, if you don’t know what your future holds. You can breathe as a company and get bigger or smaller by just picking up a couple more desks.” The Coworking Station partners with LAUNCH Holly Springs, providing free space to host training sessions and program events, and works with the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club to promote leadership and networking events. continued on page 34

32 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

DESIGNED AS A CASUAL GATHERING SPOT, THE COWORKING STATION CAFE FEATURES A CUSTOM MURAL AND LOCAL BEER ON TAP.

“

Hopefully they understand, for us, it’s about more than just the building, it’s about the community we are trying to build.

”

– Chris Harol, The Block on Main developer and manager

THE BLACK AND WHITE MURAL, A GLIMPSE SHOWN TO THE RIGHT, PAINTED BY CHAPEL HILL ARTIST, CHRIS FRISINA, CONTINUES ON THREE STORIES AND CAN BE SEEN FROM THE STREET.

THE BLOCK’S AMPHITHEATER WILL HOST LIVE MUSIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS.

COWORKING STATION MEMBERS CAN CHOOSE FROM TRADITIONAL OFFICES OR SHARED WORKSPACES.

continued from page 32

BLOCK ON MAIN BUSINESSES Anewgo Beau Monde Salon Suites Bep Vietnamese Kitchen* Coworking Station JT’s Creamery* Mamma Mia Italian Bistro Peek-A-Boo Grins Prana Yoga Studio 557 *Coming Soon 34 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

“It’s all about creating a fertile business environment for innovation to happen,” says Jon. Chris and Jon are working intentionally to create an atmosphere that is anything but corporate — think beer on tap in the Coworking Station cafe and a ping pong table conference room framed by garage doors. “We committed early on to only signing leases with local operators, so every tenant that we have is unique,” says Chris, who serves as the property manager for the building. “We know all the operators personally. We work in the building every day. … That’s an important factor when people are deciding where they want to go. “Hopefully they understand, for us, it’s about more than just the building, it’s about the community we are trying to build.”

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The Block on Main plans to host outreach events, charity partnerships and family activities, like a children’s reading series, game nights and food truck Fridays. “Fun things for the community to get excited about, bring the kids out, gather that sense of community,” says Chris. The building itself was designed as a gathering spot, incorporating public art and an outdoor amphitheater for hosting music and special events. “It was another way to get the community involved in the project,” says Chris, of the Block’s three murals, painted by North Carolina artists Susan Buck, Lacey Crime and Chris Frisina. “I think a downtown needs to have it’s own identity and unique feel,” says Chris.

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THE DIGITAL ON-DEMAND MARKETPLACE SHOULD BE TRANSPARENT AND AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYONE.

Written by Emily Uhland Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

36 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

I want it. I got it. Locally developed app brings the world to you What if there was an app where you could literally get anything you want, anywhere, at anytime? That’s the question partners John Newbury, Tom Livolsi and Jay DeLeon set to answer when they created the Gopher app — a digital marketplace for goods, services, deliveries and tasks of all kinds. When the idea that would become Gopher first surfaced — on the golf course, no less — the founders began by researching existing on-demand platforms, such as Uber, Doordash, Thumbtack and TaskRabbit. “All of them really were in a vertical, whether it was food delivery, or home services, ride sharing, or landscaping; all of them really stayed in that lane,” says Newbury, president of Gopher and Holly Springs resident. “We had thought, what if there was a marketplace in which you had the ability to link people together for literally anything?” Apart from offering nearly instant access to goods and services, Newbury and his

partners insisted on making Gopher different from existing marketplace apps, for users on both sides of the platform. “We wanted to have some differentiators in there, specifically that the front end user would be able to set the price they want,” Newbury says, describing how fees and surcharges invoked in popular food delivery apps can nearly double the price of the order. “So if you live a half a mile away, your $10 order might cost $25, if you want it delivered. Why is it also $25 for someone who lives eight miles away? There wasn’t any equilibrium and fairness so to speak. We wanted to see how that would work.” Equally important, though, is the experience of the “gopher,” or the individual completing the request. “We know that the gig workers, once all of those delivery fees and services fees and taxes (are collected), there isn’t a whole lot left to give to the driver,” Newbury says. “We

wanted to make sure that what we call ‘the gopher offering,’ goes entirely to the gopher with full transparency.” Money earned is deposited minutes after a request is completed, rather than days or weeks later like similar on-demand apps. There are no hidden fees or surcharges applied after a task is accepted. Thus far, there have been 12,000 downloads spread across every state, and more than 5,000 transactions completed. The most common transactions are food delivery, followed by alcohol and tobacco delivery and home services. Ride sharing, courier services, chores and random tasks are all fair game. “Anyone that needs help can go in the app and put out their request,” says Newbury. Currently in beta phase, the Gopher team continues to refine the experience and add functionality, incorporating user feedback from the thousands of transactions already completed. “We are really excited about this series of upgrades and enhancements that we are going to distribute,” says Newbury. “On other platforms there isn’t a way for a person to get your request again. We are going to introduce a ‘Select my Gopher’ (feature). … The requester will be notified of all the people who accepted their job, and will be able to choose (a gopher). Gophers will have the ability to provide ratings, reviews, credentials and testimonials in their profile. “It will give you an opportunity to create your own business on the platform, and there really isn’t anything out there like that.” Imagine booking the same driver for your daily commute, a licensed handyman for multiple household projects, or even a grocery delivery person with a great personality. Service providers can build a repeat clientele, and users will feel increasingly more confident in their requests. Within the app, requesters set their

12,000 downloads

5,000 transactions

1 marketplace for

on-demand requests

continued on page 38

continued from page 37

FROM TOP: GOPHER FOUNDERS JOHN NEWBURY, LEFT, AND TOM LIVOLSI. LIVOLSI SHOWS OFF HIS GOPHER TATTOO.

38 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

own price, but with an endless assortment of requests possible, determining marketplace value for some tasks may be challenging. Soon, a counteroffer feature will enable service providers to negotiate a fair market price. And the app’s own transaction history will also offer pricing suggestions. Gopher is free to download and cost effective to use, charging the front end user a $1.99 request fee plus 8% of the amount of the request. For example, a $10 job costs the requester $12.79, with $10 paid directly to the gopher. “A neighbor makes a request, and that’s broadcast to capable other neighbors, whether they be licensed, bonded, insured, or just looking for a side hustle,” says Newbury. Our goal is that everybody who uses the app, feels like it’s an app created in their community for their community.” Learn more at gophergo.io

“

It will give you an opportunity to create your own business on the platform, and there really isn’t anything out there like that.

”

– John Newbury, Gopher president and cofounder

Download Gopher on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

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YOUR LIFE IS DIRECTLY, AND CLOSELY, IMPACTED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS. YOU SHOULD KNOW WHO THEY ARE. Written by Emily Uhland Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

Diving Deep in Holly Springs Local podcast offers a new kind of news “I did lots of ceremonial scissors lessons. They actually cut — there’s a technique to it,” says Karen Shore, marketing and social media expert and host of the Holly Springs Deep Dive Podcast. Those ceremonial scissors tutorials were done in service of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce, where Shore, a longtime Holly Springs resident, worked for more than four years specializing in social media and event planning, most recently serving a fivemonth stint as the chamber’s interim executive director last summer. “I was sitting at the chamber office planning the candidate forum,” Shore re-

40 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

calls. “And saw how few people came to it, because it was after work on a weeknight.” Outside of those poorly attended campaign events, Shore noticed there were very few places to look for information about candidates for local office. And even fewer ways to get to know them outside of campaign jargon. “That level of elected officials, they affect your life a lot more than the big races do. … I knew we deserted more, and I knew we weren’t going to get it from anywhere else.” This realization prompted Shore to start the Holly Springs Deep Dive podcast. “Through my work at the chamber,

59 episodes

KAREN SHORE CREATED THE HOLLY SPRINGS DEEP DIVE PODCAST TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT AND ACCESS TO CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL OFFICE.

produced

First episode released: I had met so many people who I would need to talk to about government types of issues,” she says, which created easy introductions and conversations with guests on the show. From the outset, Shore’s goal has been to get to know local candidates and podcast guests in a friendly, casual way — as if you were overhearing a conversation from the next booth at a neighborhood restaurant. She has no political agenda, and no desire for “gotcha journalism.” “Different listeners have different mindsets and political leanings and social leanings. I don’t want to push an agenda. … I go into everything genuinely curious,

August 5, 2019

because I want to know and I think listeners want to know. “I just ask the questions, and people answer them truthfully, hopefully.” Ideally podcast interviews are conducted in the guests’ own home or offices, though during the last year, many were done virtually. Shore’s aim is for guests to be where they feel most comfortable. “Hopefully people are able to forget that they are being recorded and just be themselves,” she says. Interviewing candidates during election cycles continues to be one of her top priorities, but Shore also welcomes many guests outside of the government sector,

including entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit founders and community leaders. Past guests include Matt and Christy Griffith of Pimiento Tea Room, town manager Randy Harrington, Coastal Plain League commissioner Justin Sellers, town council member Aaron Wolff and North Carolina senator Sydney Batch. “My most meaningful (episodes) are when I talk to marginalized communities. … Hearing about experiences that you don’t normally hear about.” Notably episode #39 entitled, “Being Black in Holly Springs,” which aired last continued on page 42

THE HUDDLE ROOM AT THE HOLLY SPRINGS COWORKING STATION IS SPECIALLY EQUIPPED FOR DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION LIKE PODCASTS AND VIDEOS.

“

It makes me happy that people trust me with their stories.

”

– Karen Shore, Holly Springs Deep Dive podcast creator & host

continued from page 41

summer on the heels of Black Lives Matter protests and demonstrations. “Given Holly Springs’ history with the Black community as being predominantly a Black populace for so long, I thought it was important to hear from people in our community of color and their experiences,” Shore says. 42 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

About

3 new episodes per month

A podcast is no small undertaking. Each episode takes several hours coordinating with the guest up front, then additional time editing, uploading and announcing the show. “It takes a lot of back and forth communication with the subjects. Getting them set up; making sure they know what I want to talk about and what my goals are. And making sure that I know what message they want to make sure they communicate with listeners,” Shore explains. During the podcast, she lets the conversation flow back and forth, as if between friends, and doesn’t edit out content — aiming for full transparency and authentic personality. “I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned you have to talk the right amount before you hit record. You have to talk enough that you calm the person down, but not so much that they have said everything they want to say. I’ve learned that I can’t wear noisy bracelets,” she says with a grin.

Shore welcomes guest and topic suggestions from the community. “I use my connections and keep an eye on what’s going on. If I’m curious about something, I assume that other people are, too. I try to stay as engaged as I can.” Shore recently accepted a full-time marketing position at North Carolina State University, but plans to continue producing the podcast, teasing an oral history project and a long-awaited interview with two downtown entrepreneurs to air in the coming months. “I’m looking forward to the next election cycle. In a town like Holly Springs, where we are growing so much, it’s really very important to keep your eye on what local decisions are being made,” she says. “The best community is an informed and engaged community, and that’s what my goal was — to give the people an easier route to becoming informed and engaged.” hollyspringsdeepdive.com

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FUQUAY’S LITTLE PORTUGAL DISHES UP FRESH AND CLASSIC PORTUGUESE FOOD AND IMPORTED PRODUCTS.

44 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

Restaurant Spotlight:

LITTLE Portugal Written by David McCreary | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

Fresh,

scratch-made food and exceptionally friendly service awaits you at Little Portugal, a quaint, full-service Portuguese restaurant in FuquayVarina that has steadily gained a devoted following. Husband-and-wife owners Helder and Rosemary Pereira, who hail from Long Island, New York, are quick to mention they are both first generation Portuguese. The dynamic couple has lived in Fuquay for five years and has three children. “Our parents are from Portugal, so we know the traditional food well, because we both grew up eating it,” says Rosemary, whose quick wit and infectious smile might even win you over faster than the eatery’s delightful cuisine. The Pereiras opened Little Portugal in June 2020, just a few months into the coronavirus pandemic. It took several months for business to gain traction, but people started coming through the door and haven’t stopped since. “The support from the community has exceeded our expectations, and we are so grateful,” Helder says. “Now we know many of our customers by name.” “I think people just like that there’s something different they can enjoy here in town,” Rosemary chimes in. Appetizers, including fried cod fish fritters, spicy garlic shrimp and a char-grilled chourico (similar to Mexican chorizo) sausage are tantalizingly tempting. So are flaky puff pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and shredded chicken. Main dishes, such as sauteed pork cutlets, roasted cod with peppers, onions and potatoes and pan-seared salmon steak with lemon and herb butter will not disappoint. continued on page 46

EGG CUSTARD TARTS ARE BESTSELLERS. RIGHT, HUSBAND AND WIFE OWNERS, HELDER AND ROSEMARY PEREIRA.

“

All our food is made from authentic family recipes.

”

– Helder Pereira

continued from page 45

Nevermind the Prego sandwich consisting of thin steak cooked with wine and garlic and served on a Portuguese roll. Far and away, the most popular among the entrees is the succulent churrasco char-grilled chicken, available in half-bird and whole-bird portions. Be sure to order a side of crisp, hand-cut fries with your chicken. While side items like rice, garden salad and mixed veggies are all worthwhile, consider paying the small upcharge and ordering signature sides like green beans with hard-boiled egg slices, house specialty potato salad or garlic-infused rapini, also known as broccoli rabe. “All our food is made from authentic family recipes, and we keep things simple,” says Helder. Rosemary adds: “When we say simple, we mean we use fresh garlic, house wine and some salt, not a lot of other seasonings, spices or sauces to complicate the food.” Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying at least one of the best-selling Portuguese egg custard tarts. “It’s like crème brulee in a puff pastry,” Rosemary says. “People really love them.” 46 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

Prior to opening the restaurant, Rosemary ran a small business from home selling imported items like Portuguese olive oil, coffee and lupini beans. Nowadays, a market section in Little Portugal is set apart for the aforementioned items plus butters, cheeses, smoked meats, sardines and more. The eatery’s modest dining room contains an assortment of two- and four-top tables with an open kitchen. A prevailing motif throughout the space is the brightly colored rooster, a well-known symbol of faith and good fortune in the Portuguese culture. At the time we visited, Little Portugal boasted a stellar sanitation grade of 100, a score the owners are rightfully proud to display. “We work hard to keep things clean and to consistently serve the best quality food we possibly can,” Helder says with a smile. Little Portugal is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Online ordering and curbside delivery are available. LITTLE PORTUGAL 736 NORTH MAIN ST., FUQUAY-VARINA (919) 586-7144 • LITTLEPORTUGALNC.COM

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Dine Restaurant hours and service may be limited at this time. Check individual locations for most current information.

FUQUAY-VARINA Abbey Road Tavern and Grill “Signature Beatle burgers and live entertainment.” 711 N. Main St.; Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-7731; abbeyroadnc.com Anna’s Pizzeria “Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering Italian food.” 138 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-2497; annaspizzeria.com Aviator Pizzeria & BeerShop “Brick oven pizza & craft beer.” 601 E. Broad St., Fuquay Varina (919) 346-8206; aviatorbrew.com Aviator SmokeHouse BBQ Restaurant “All of our food is made in-house.” 525 E. Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-7675; aviatorbrew.com Assaggio’s Pizzeria Ristorante “Top quality ingredients go into every dish.” 941 East Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-9505; assaggios-fuquay.com Brus on Main “Quaint cafe serving New York coffee, bakery treats and breakfast.” 135 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @brusonmain

The Corner Biergarten “Bar & bottle shop.” 1625 N. Main St., Suite 133, Fuquay-Varina (919) 246-6649; tcbiergarten.com Cultivate Coffee Roasters “Modern industrial twist on a small town coffee shop.” 128 S. Fuquay Ave., Fuquay Varina (919) 285-4067; www.cultivate.coffee Daddy D’s BBQ “Slow cooked with love.” 1526 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-6464; daddydsbbqnc.com

FuQuay Brus “Quaint coffee cafe with New York coffee, baked goods, beer, wine and keto.” 400 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @fuquaybrus Garibaldi Trattoria Pizza & Pasta “Authentic Italian cuisine and quality service.” 900 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-8868; garibalditrattoria.com The Healthy Spot “Meal replacement smoothies and energizing teas.” 961 East Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-5373; @healthyspotfuquay

Drive Bru “Drive thru coffee shop with N.Y. coffee & Carolina charm.” 1013 E Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @drivebru

J&S New York Pizza “Family-owned and operated Italian restaurant.” 500 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-6921; jandsnypizza.com

Eggs Up Grill “Breakfast favorites served all day.” 1436 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-4463; eggsupgrill.com

Johnny’s Pizza “An amazing array of different NY-style pizzas.” 722 N Judd Parkway N, Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-6322; johnnyspizzacary.com

El Dorado “Enjoy the most delicious Mexican food amongst family.” 112 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-0287; eldoradomexicanrestaurant.com

Joyce & Family Restaurant “Home cooked Southern favorites.” 129 N Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-1717; @joyceandfamily

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Juicehaus “Made-to-order fresh, raw juice.” 509 North Broad St, Fuquay Varina (919) 396-5588; juicehaus.org Laurel Wine Bar at Cellar 55 “Mediterranean-inspired small plates with wine pairings.” 1351 East Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 446-1156; cellar55.com

Los Tres Magueyes “We prepare our food fresh daily.” 401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-3957; lostresmagueyes.com

48 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

DENOTES ADVERTISER

Photos by Jonathan Fredin

Little Portugal NC “Market and eatery celebrating traditional Portuguese dishes.” 736 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 586-7144; littleportugalnc.com

The Mason Jar Tavern “All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.” 305 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-5555; themasonjartavern.com The Mill “Coffee. Beer. Wine. Community.” 146 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-2123; themillfuquay.com Nil’s Cafe “Family-oriented Mediterranean cafe.” 513 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-0887; nilscafe-weebly.com Pints Ice Cream & Beer “Homemade ice cream and craft beers.” 512 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina @pintsicecream Stick Boy Bread Co. “Handcrafted baked goods from scratch … all natural ingredients.” 127 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-2237; stickboyfuquay.com Triple Barrel Tavern “Restaurant, sports bar & billiards.” 2221 N Grassland Drive, Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-0940; @triplebarreltavernfuquayvarina

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Dine Wingin’ It Bar and Grille “Family-friendly neighborhood pub.” 1625 N. Main St., Suite 109, Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-0962; winginitbarandgrille.com Zeera Indian Restaurant “Authentic goodness in traditional Indian food.” 1311 E Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-6215; zeeranc.com Zaxby’s “Indescribably good.” 1341 N Main St, Fuquay Varina (919) 552-3981; zaxbys.com

HOLLY SPRINGS Acme Pizza Co. “Chicago-style deep dish pizza.” 204 Village Walk Dr, Holly Springs (919) 552-8800; acmepizzaco.com

Ashley’s Harvest Moon Bakery – Cafe “Breakfast and lunch cafe with scratch-made bakery and locally roasted coffee.” 128 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs (919) 586-7005; harvestmoonbakerycafe.com Aye! Toro “Crafted with love using traditional Mexican recipes passed down through generations.” 303 Mathews Dr, Holly Springs (919) 367-6233; ayetoronc.com Bass Lake Draft House “34 beers on tap.” 124 Bass Lake Rd, Holly Springs (919) 567-3251; basslakedrafthouse.com Bestow Baked Goods “Life is too short for grocery store desserts.” 4208 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs (919) 473-9225; bestowbakedgoods.com Blaze Pizza “Fast fire’d, perfectly crisp perfection.” 316 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 261-5950; blazepizza.com The Blind Pelican “Creative seafood and boat drinks.” 120 Bass Lake Road; Holly Springs (984) 225-2471; blindpelicanseafood.com

Tsuru Sweets & Coffee “Elegant-yet-sassy gourmet confectionery.” 411 Broad St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-2646; tsurusweets.com Vicious Fishes Tap & Kitchen “Eclectic twists on comfortable bar food.” 132 South Fuquay Ave., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-7876; viciousfishes.com/fuquay-nc

SWEET-AND-SOUR STIR FRY FROM OSHA THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI IN HOLLY SPRINGS

DENOTES ADVERTISER

The Butcher’s Market “Premium meats and specialty grocery.” 4200 Lassiter Rd, Holly Springs (919) 267-919); thebutchersmarkets.com Cristo’s Bistro “Hand tossed NY style pizza.” 5217 Sunset Lake Rd, Holly Springs (919) 363-8852, cristosbistro.com Eggs Up Grill “Breakfast favorites served all day.” 4216 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs (919) 495-4530; eggsupgrill.com Greek Basma “Greek food that is fresh, healthy and delicious.” 7272 GB Alford Hwy, Holly Springs ((919) 285-080; greekbasma.com Hickory Tavern “Something for every appetite.” 401 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 557-2064; thehickorytavern.com Fera’wyn’s Chocolate Cafe “Forget love, I’d rather fall in chocolate.” 652 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (415) 758-3296; ferawyns.com

rise

Dine

Mamma Mia Italian Bistro “Pasta runs in our family.” 300 S Main Street, Suite 200 (919) 766-8000; mammamianc.com

Fiesta Mexicana “Authentic. Hot. Fresh.” 428 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 346-1330; fiestamexicananc-hollysprings.com

The Mason Jar Tavern “All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.” 114 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 964-5060; themasonjartavern.com

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers “Great food without a long wait.” 221 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 557-3475; freddysusa.com

MediTerra Grill “Delicious ingredients. Old world recipes.” 108 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 762-7851; mediterranc.com

Homegrown Pizza “Pizza, calzones and sandwiches.” 4928 Linksland Drive, Holly Springs (919) 577-5575; homegrownpizza.com

Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant 324 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 552-9979; micancunmx.com

Kobe HIbachi and Sushi 515 North Main Street, Holly Springs (919) 557-1437; kobehollyspringsnc.com

Michelangelos Pizza “Pizza buffet for lunch and dinner.” 7280 GB Alford HWY, Holly Springs (919) 557-4992; michelangelospizza.com

Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream “A unique spin on a timeless dessert.” 304 N. Main St., Holly Springs (919) 762-7808; mamabirdsicecream.com

My Way Tavern “Freshly made all-American foods.” 301 W. Center St., Holly Springs (919) 285-2412; mywaytavern.com Niche Wine Lounge “Tranquility by the glass.” 109 Main St., Holly Springs (919) 552-2300; nichewinelounge.com

From our family to yours.

The Nutrition Fix “Healthy fast food alternatives.” 424 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 341-5554; @thenutritionfixnc The Original N.Y. Pizza “Bringing a taste of New York to North Carolina.” 634 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (919) 567-0505; theoriginalnypizza.com Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi “Authentic Thai cuisine: well-balanced dishes bursting with flavor.” 242 S Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 538-6742; oshathaikitchennc.com Pimiento Tea Room “Not your mama’s tea room.” 200 North Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 225-4213, pimientotearoom.com

9 0 0 N . M a i n S t r e e t | F u q u a y Va r i n a , N C | 9 1 9 - 5 5 2 - 8 8 6 8 | g a r i b a l d i t r a t t o r i a . c o m

50 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

DENOTES ADVERTISER

Rise Southern Biscuits & Chicken “The best dang biscuits.” 169 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 586-7343; risebiscuitsdonuts.com

Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen “Creative cafe by day. Full restaurant at night.” 242 S Main St. Suite 118, Holly Springs (919) 390-2150; sirwaltercoffeekitchen.com Skrimp Shack “Casual seafood cuisine.” 7244 Alford Hwy, Holly Springs (919) 335-3924; theskrimpshack.com Sweetberry Bowls “Beautiful and delicious bowls, wraps and salads.” 150 West Holly Springs Rd, Holly Springs (984) 225-2656; sweetberrybowls.com Sweet Southern SnoBalls “Shaved ice and Hershey’s Ice Cream.” 527 N. Main St., Holly Springs (919) 291-3355; @sweetsouthsnoballs Thai Thai Cuisine “Home cooked Thai food.” 108 Osterville Drive, Holly Springs (919) 303-5700; thaithaicuisinenc.com Thanks A Latte “Coffee and gift boutique.” 1118 Kentworth Drive, Holly Springs (919) 577-0070; thanksalattegiftsnc.com Town Hall Burger & Beer “Neighborhood beer and burger joint.” 301 Matthews Dr, Holly Springs (919) 335-5388; Townhallburgerandbeer.com Vieni Ristobar “The newest Italian restaurant from the Cinelli family.” 242 South Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 225-1134; vieniristobar.com Zaxby’s “Indescribably good.” 101 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 762-0432; zaxbys.com

rise

Dine Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar “Good old-fashioned burgers and bottled soda.” 126 Kilmayne Drive, Cary (919) 466-0055; corbettsburgers.com Duck Donuts “Warm, delicious and just the way you like them.” 100 Wrenn Drive #10, Cary (919) 468-8722; duckdonuts.com/location/cary-nc Gonza Tacos y Tequila “Award-winning Colombian-Mexican cuisine.” 525-105 New Waverly Place, Cary (919) 653-7310; cary.gonzatacosytequila.com La Farm Bakery “Handcrafted daily … only the freshest ingredients.” 4248 NW Cary Parkway, Cary; 220 W. Chatham St., Cary; 5055 Arco Street, Cary (919) 657-0657; lafarmbakery.com

Mellow Mushroom “Beer, calzones and creative stone-baked pizzas.” 4300 NW Cary Parkway, Cary (919) 463-7779; mellowmushroom.com Pizzeria Faulisi “Simple foods from a simple way of cooking: a wood-burning oven.” 215 E. Chatham St., Suite 101, Cary pizzeriafaulisi.com Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café “Gourmet market, café and wine bar.” 211 East Chatham Street, Cary; (919) 377-1788; prosepicurean.com

Restaurant & Catering

Cooking the BEST New York Italian food in Western Wake since 1993!

WINNER 2020 20 20

Chanticleer Café & Bakery “Family-owned restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and specialty coffees.” 6490 Tryon Road, Cary (919) 781-4810; chanticleercafe.com Chef’s Palette “Creative flair and originality in every aspect of our service.” 3460 Ten Ten Road, Cary (919) 267-6011; chefspalette.net

Lugano Ristorante “Italian dining in a comfortable and casual atmosphere.” 1060 Darrington Drive, Cary (919) 468-7229; luganocary.com

Daniel’s THE MAGGY AWARDS

CARY

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen “Exceptional renderings of classic Southern dishes.” 7307 Tryon Road, Cary (919) 233-1632; lucky32.com/cary

BEERS ON TAP The best selection of German and craft beer in the area! Check our Facebook page for weekly events @TCBiergarten

Dogs are Welcome! 1430 W. Williams Street | Apex, NC 919-303-1006 danielsapex.com DENOTES ADVERTISER

1625 N. Main St. #133 Fuquay-Varina 919.246.6649 | tcbiergarten.com

There NORA ANDERSON AND FAMILY, OF RAEFORD, EMBARK ON A KAYAK TRIP WITH CAPE FEAR RIVER ADVENTURES

Back

Written by Emily Uhland | Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

52 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

Paddle the Cape Fear River

Meandering from Jordan Lake to Wilmington,

the Cape Fear River is perfectly placed through the town of Lillington to welcome paddlers to a variety of familyfriendly activities. Lillington resident Ilia Smirnov fell in love with the river and the pastimes it enables 10 years ago, after he purchased Cape Fear River Adventures paddle sports company. “I knew absolutely nothing about anything to do with paddling, until I bought the company,” Smirnov says. That quickly changed as Smirnov immersed into the world of paddle sports, becoming a Level 3 American Canoe Association kayak instructor and a Class 5 whitewater guide. “After I paddled for the first time from Lillington to Erwin, I was definitely hooked at that point. … I knew more people would enjoy the same thing and as much as I did,” he says.

Under Smirnov’s leadership, Cape Fear River Adventures has grown 225% since 2012, serving more than 26,000 people in 2020. Activities offered range from river tubing (the most popular and leisurely) to stand-up paddleboarding (with or without yoga), kayaking, canoeing and rafting. “We have whitewater rafting and kayaking when the river conditions are right,” he says, which typically happens in the spring when water is high. During the summer months, the river is typically calm and slow. Cape Fear River Adventures explores a section of river about 25 miles long, offering trips as short as one hour or as long as two days. “Raven Rock State Park is a part of that river section, and they offer canoe-in campsites. On one of our overnight trips continued on page 55

DURING THE BUSIEST SUMMER WEEKENDS, CAPE FEAR RIVER ADVENTURES WILL SERVE HUNDREDS OF PADDLERS

ICE CREAM NACHOS FROM BEANS & CREAM

TACO TRIO AT LOST PADDLE TAVERN

A RELAXING FLOAT TRIP CAN TAKE UP TO FIVE HOURS WHEN WATER LEVELS ARE LOW 54 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

BEER AND HARD SELTZERS ARE MADE IN-HOUSE AT BELLEAU WOOD BREWING

continued from page 53

that we offer, you can gear up with tents and coolers, and paddle the first part of the day, set up your camp, then on the second day paddle some more and get out at our shop.” The company helped 1,100 guests enjoy the river during Fourth of July weekend, one of the busiest times during the March-October season. “We have a unique section of the river that allows us to do these fun activities. Right where DRIVE TIME the Piedmont From Holly Springs: 30 minutes meets the From Fuquay-Varina: Coastal Plain, 20 minutes which creates

SUNFLOWER SCULPTURE MARKS THE ENTRANCE TO THE BOTANICAL TRAIL

some of the patterns in the river and the natural flow that is fairly unique to see,” says Smirnov. Cape Fear River Adventures monitors water levels and weather conditions to ensure the safety of all guests. “If the river comes up too high, we have certain guidelines to what sections and what activities we can operate,” he says. One of the popular river packages is the Easy Paddle. Beginning at the riverside cabin, boaters and tubers enter the river then float and paddle about 2 miles, which can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on conditions and paddling enthusiasm. A shuttle waits at the predetermined pick-up point downstream and transports paddlers and gear back to the original location. Adjacent to the launch point, the Lost Paddle Tavern sits on the banks of the river beckoning visitors to enjoy a refueling meal or libation, and relax in the swings and hammocks on the lawn below. Don’t depart without exploring the local businesses in Lillington. First, treat yourself at Beans & Cream ice cream and coffee shop. This charming, open-air walkup cafe offers refreshing specialty lemonades, gourmet coffee and ice cream. Celebrate that successful paddle trip with Ice Cream Nachos — two scoops, toppings of your choice, whipped cream and waffle cone “chips.” Definitely shareable, but you might not want to. Pop into local gift shop, The B Hive, next door, or Belleau Wood Brewing Company around the corner. Jenny May, a Willow Springs native, and her husband Kevin own the brewery, which is also home to Bubs & Sparkle Coffee Shop and serves Holly Springs’ Five Star Coffee.

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LILLINGTON BOTANICAL TRAIL

2982 Kildare Farm Rd | Cary At the corner of Kildaire Farm and Penny road in the Ace Hardware Plaza

919-267-6772

56 August/SEPTEMBE 2021

continued from page 55

Kevin is the “mad scientist” brewer, says Jenny, always thinking up unique beers. And Jenny’s N.C. roots led the pair to open their dream brewery in a smalltown setting. “We don’t want people to have to leave town to enjoy a brewery,” she says. Belleau Wood offers river-ready “travel kegs” — 24-pints of beer packed and ready to sail the river with you. On-site try the house-made hard seltzers, brightly colored and flavored in the glass with all-natural fresh fruit purees in flavors like raspberry and pineapple jalapeno. If there’s time, check out the Lillington Botanical Trail for a short hike before the return drive to southern Wake. A sunflower sculpture marks the entrance to the mile-long, shaded gravel path. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy the markers identifying the plants along the way. Or stop by the Lillington River Park, with a pirate-ship themed playground and walking trails. MB

MAKE A DAY OF IT BEANS & CREAM 810 S. Main Street, Lillington (423) 803-8755 @BeansCreamLillington

FUQUAY-VARINA 1341 N. MAIN ST.

FB: @ZaxbysFuquayVarina IG/Twitter: @zaxbysfuquaync

GARNER 4150 FAYETTEVILLE RD.

FB: @ZaxbysGarner IG/Twitter: @Zaxbys401Garner

BELLEAU WOOD BREWING COMPANY 6 West Ivey Street, Lillington (984) 289-7011 Belleauwoodbrewingcompany.com THE B HIVE 816 S. Main Street, Lillington, NC . (910) 984-1354 bhiveonmain.com BOTANICAL TRAIL 607 S. 13th Street, Lillington CAPE FEAR RIVER ADVENTURES 100 S. Main St., Lillington (910) 984-1411 capefearadventures.com LILLINGTON RIVER PARK 235 E Duncan St, Lillington LOST PADDLE TAVERN 100 S. Main St., Lillington (910) 984-1411 lostpaddletavern.com

AMENITIES Cyber Café with Coffee Station Resort Style Salt Water Pool 24/7 State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with Wellness Studio Poolside Grilling Area Game Room with Billiards Table Dog Spa Walking Trails

APARTMENT AMENITIES Gourmet Kitchen with Island* Stainless Steel Appliance Package Wood Style Flooring Walk-in & Oversized Closets Granite Countertops in Kitchen & Bathrooms *In select apartments

1101 Club Exchange Drive | Holly Springs, NC 27540 | PH 919.552.8008 | ExchangeAtHollySprings.com

Grow

Written and Photographed by L.A. Jackson

Bloom

Impatient? Plant Autumn Crocus For any impatient gardener, crocuses are great bulbs to grow. Planted in the fall, their thin leaves start peeping out of the ground at the beginning of February, if the winter is mild, and bright, cup-shaped flowers soon follow, serving as extra early beacons that, indeed, another spring is on the way. However, for the really, really impatient gardener who doesn’t want to wait until winter to enjoy cheerful, springlike blooms from fall-planted bulbs, there are crocuses. No, I didn’t just repeat myself. While most gardeners typically grow the common crocuses that pop up in late winter, backyard growers in the know double their pleasure and plant them as well as a special cousin known as autumn crocus (Crocus sativus). As advertised, planted this month, autumn crocus bulbs won’t dally in the dirt because they will usually be in bloom be58 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

fore Thanksgiving. No kidding—last September, I dug in a handful and had flowers by early November. While autumn crocus bulbs shouldn’t be too hard to find locally, if you are addicted to online shopping, at least stay regional with Southeast nurseries such as Terra Ceia Farms (terraceiafarms.com) and Brent and Becky’s Bulbs (brentandbeckysbulbs.com). And, no, these bulbs aren’t expensive—a year ago, I snagged two dozen for about 10 bucks. Happy autumn crocuses will naturalize, meaning their early bird displays will bed-spread over the years. And just how do you keep them happy? Plant in a sunny spot that is amended and (especially) welldraining to help prevent bulb rot. Raised beds are obvious options, but smaller plantings can be shown off in pots. Autumn crocus blooms are a pleasing light purple, but if you look into the center of one of the flowers, you will find three

bright red “strings,” which are the blossom’s stigmas—and the source of the popular spice saffron. Suddenly have visions of starting a saffron farm? It takes at least 13,000 hand-picked, tiny stigmas to produce an ounce of saffron, meaning you will probably go cross-eyed before you get rich. I mention this tale of saffron not only as an interesting factoid but to add a caution: There is another similar bulb known as “autumn crocus” that also blooms in the fall. However, all parts of this pretty plant, botanically tagged as Colchicum autumnale, are poisonous. So, plant it as well now, if you would like, but consider it only as a feast for the eyes. L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener Magazine.

August

September

Pick indeterminate tomatoes, okra, green beans, cucumbers and squash at least once a week to encourage even more production and help extend the harvest of your veggie patch into the fall.

Continue filling up the cool-season veggie patch with such delectable edibles as cabbage, onions, spinach, cauliflower, radishes, Swiss chard, collard greens, kale, mustard greens and turnips.

Sure, it’s hot, but the winter vegetable garden starts this month. Begin planting the seeds of such cool-season favorites as spinach, radishes, mustard, collards and lettuce.

This month is the prime time for planting peony tubers. Since these springblooming treats need a good chill in order to properly flower, only set the crowns about an inch below the ground to prevent too much soil insulating the tubers from cold weather.

While cool-season lawns are taking a break from the heat, warm-season grasses such as centipede, bermuda and zoysia continue to grow, so mow you must. For a healthier lawn, change the direction of your mower’s cutting pattern each week to alter the “fluff ” of the grass, which will expose different sides of the grass blades to the sun’s energizing light. If the flower power of your bearded iris bed has started to wane, it has probably become overcrowded. Divide irises now by carefully digging up the rhizomes, snipping the leaves to about six inches high and replanting at least a foot apart.

Don’t give up on the ornamental garden. Bring some fall flash to your landscape by adding such pretties as chrysanthemums, dusty miller, ornamental kale, pansies, flowering cabbage, asters, violas and calendula. Houseplants that have vacationed outside this summer should begin their transition back into the cozy indoors before nighttime temps start to dip into the 50s.

Timely Tip

Before the garden begins its annual fall fade, grab a camera and unleash your inner Ansel Adams. And shoot like a tourist in Rome—in other words, take a ton of closeup and wide-angle shots to record the many aspects of your personal plant world. Such captured moments give you a visual record of how the garden did this year, which could be an able aid in planning for future growing seasons. As a bonus, studying these “happy snappies” before next spring’s planting frenzy will also help prevent you from inadvertently digging up any herbaceous perennials that die back to the ground over the winter.

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fun

memes

So you like to drink local ... ster∙e∙o∙type noun A set idea that people have about what someone or omething is like, especially an idea that is wrong.

WARNING!

Written by the Author of Fuquay-Varina Memes Photographed by Jonathan Fredin

FUQUAY-VARINA MEMES (also known as FVM) is a freelance writer, meme guru and an anonymous resident of Fuquay-Varina. She is the creator and manager of the FuquayVarina Memes Facebook page and has a talent for making people laugh and always taking the joke too far. Check out her blog at fvmwrites.com. fuquaymemes thefvmemes

60 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

This article is full of stereofacts and delightfully banal clichés that’ll have some of you whipping out your iPhones to complain via a STRONGLY WORDED EMAIL, but consider this — it’s already been published, the war has been won, and I really don’t care. I have been drinking living in Fuquay-Varina for 16 years and my time-honored observations, while not infallible, have a certain degree of merit. Does where you (consistently) drink in town say something about you? Are certain breweries frequented by particular types of people? The answer is a resounding YES, and I’m here to tell you all about it (I’ve had a drink at all of these establishments, so make of that what you will).

BOMBSHELL BEER COMPANY, HOLLY SPRINGS In case you didn’t know, Bombshell Beer Company is a women-led brewery that touts itself as both a family- and dog-friendly business. Saying that, this brewery SPEAKS FOR US ALL when they clarify that they are “well-behaved children-friendly” on their website. In other words, keep your destructive demon offspring off of their picnic tables, this ain’t Sesame Street! Jokes aside, if you drink at Bombshell then chances are you live within a 3-mile radius of the brewery, you’re trying to escape a middle-schooler at home, or you’re enjoying a ladies night with the “craziest girls you know,” (so Sarah and Deb from the cul-desac). Oh, and your names are probably Shelly or Doug. I don’t make the rules.

CRAFT BEER REIGNS SUPREME IN SOUTHERN WAKE, AND SO TOO, DOES TYPECASTING. CHEERS!

OAKLYN SPRINGS BREWERY, FUQUAY-VARINA Oaklyn Springs brewery is, what I like to call, a catch-all brewery, meaning that they attract a variety of different customers with wildly different backgrounds. We’ve got the Kyles from Garner, the fancy Fuquay folks who “appreciate a good sour,” and the Holly Springs residents who “know a place.” Oaklyn Springs somehow manages to cater to moms in yoga pants, old men in overalls and guys in pleated, no-iron chino pants from Lands’ End. Seriously, it’s like if Target and Walmart had a brewery love child.

AVIATOR BREWING COMPANY, VARINA If you live in southern Wake and haven’t heard about Aviator yet, you either don’t partake of the Devil’s water or you’re living under a rock. When locals mention “The Aviator,” they are usually referring to the taproom in downtown Varina, despite the actual brewery being located elsewhere. Or they may be referring to the Aviator Smokehouse. Or the Aviator Beer Shop. Or the Aviator Pizzeria. You get the idea. Although many have accused the popular watering hole of attempting a town coup, there are very specific groups of die-hard Aviator fans that keep the ship up and running. Let’s start with the flocks of women who love to sit outside on the patio and order food and cocktails because they “don’t drink beer.” Or what about the bougie Apexers who are interested in pursuing the beer scene into Southern Wake, but refuse to go further than Varina because ew, rednecks. Last but not least, there are the bearded guys from Fuquay who have a white fridge in their garage filled with nothing but Devil’s Tramping Ground and like to mow their lawn at 7 a.m. on a Sunday.

MASON JAR LAGER COMPANY, VARINA If you’re interested in drankin’ with a bunch of parents from Holly Springs, HAVE I GOT THE BREWERY FOR YOU! Mason Jar Lager Company, affectionately known as MJLC, has got one of the most family-friendly brewery set-ups I have ever seen. There is indoor/outdoor seating, tons of picnic tables, giant jenga, adirondack chairs, gas fire pits, you name it. As you can imagine, this open air environment makes MJLC a hotspot for anyone with kids under the age of 12 who don’t feel like getting a babysitter (I know you can afford one, Jenny). I’ve seen massive groups of parents park themselves around

PWV-0970-G Third Page Main and Broad Ad.vprint1.indd 1

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continued on page 62

GRABBING A BEER AT AVIATOR COULD MEAN THE TAPHOUSE, THE SMOKEHOUSE, THE PIZZA JOINT OR THE BREWERY. WHO EVEN KNOWS?!

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continued from page 61

the fire pit with goldfish, baby bottles, coloring books, and diaper bags. If you’re looking to avoid kids that you didn’t push out yourself, I recommend joining the Jar Club and attending adult-only events that involve nothing but beer, food and locals who have zero problem asking 12 Oaks kids to behave themselves. *Chef ’s kiss*

by the smell of the dump before reaching their ultimate destination anyways (ahem, Aviator). Other CBC patrons include: a) gymnastics parents or b) run club members. If that doesn’t apply to you, you’re probably just there with a friend to buy a pint glass and keep it in your cabinet until your kid inevitably breaks it. Too specific?

VICIOUS FISHES, FUQUAY

FAINTING GOAT BREWING COMPANY, FUQUAY

Vicious Fishes has three different locations — Angier, Fuquay, and Apex. Here we discuss the taproom and kitchen in downtown Fuquay.. Although the brewery itself exists only in Angier, the Fuquay location offers beer and “eclectic” bar food that will have you eating brussel sprouts in ways you never thought possible. This beer hangout belongs to the hipsters of the ‘Quay. Do you enjoy sitting at Cultivate or The Mill with your Macbook Pro? When you read the menu at Vicious Fishes, did you find yourself saying, “FINALLY! Something other than burgers and fries!” If so, you might be a Fuquay hipster. Not to be confused with Raleigh hipsters, that’s a whole different breed.

CAROLINA BREWING COMPANY, HOLLY SPRINGS If you live in Apex or Morrisville, Holly Springs is about as far as you’re willing to venture for a pint of beer. Many migrant drinkers are knocked unconscious 62 August/SEPTEMBE 2021

I will forever think of Fainting Goat as the “local’s bar.” If there’s a scandal happening on Fuquay Memes, Fainting Goat will build an entire event around it. If you want to use WiFi, think again. At Fainting Goat they want you to focus solely on local gossip, eating peanuts and getting drunk. Someone at the bar is sure to be talkin’ smack about another local, so grab a beer and get ready to second-hand judge some people. No one north of Holly Springs ventures this deep into Fuquay unless there’s a balloon festival, so don’t concern yourself with impressing any outsiders. If they’re not from here, they’re probably military. Enjoy! ETA: If you have beef with anything I’ve said, then chances are I’m 100% right and these words are divinely inspired. Also, please refer to the definition of the word stereotype before calling my manager. Happy drinking and God bless. MB

Seen

JONATHAN FREDIN

Heard

New home building permits have reached record numbers in Fuquay-Varina. During the first 5 months of the year, the number of new home building permits is almost as high as permits filed in the whole of 2020. 2021 permit numbers are on track to nearly quadruple the total permits filed in 2017.

Lowe’s of Holly Springs

celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting on July 2. The new, 94,000 square-foot home improvement store is located at 2240 Ralph Stevens Road. The location includes a refreshed store layout and tool demo stations, as well as a 27,000 squarefoot garden center. The opening of Lowes brings 170 job opportunities to the community.

Coastal Credit Union has been named to the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2021. Forbes and Statista, a statistics portal and industry ranking provider, identified America’s Best-InState Credit Unions 2021 based on an independent survey of approximately 25,000 US consumers who were asked to rate credit unions at which they have or previously have had checking accounts. Participants made recommendations regarding overall satisfaction; they also assessed banks in the following areas: Trust, Terms & Conditions, Branch Services, Digital Services, Customer Service, and Financial Advice.

64 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

Catherine “Katy” Crosby,

began work as the town manager of Apex on July 12. Crosby is the first woman and first African American to hold the post. Previously, Crosby worked for Toledo, Ohio overseeing city operations and 2,700 employees. A native of Cleveland, Crosby holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Wilberforce University and a Master of Public Administration from Wright State University. “I am looking forward to getting to know the community. I appreciate the small town feel and the welcoming feeling I received from Apex residents,” said Crosby.

Ting Internet,

Michelle Simms,

former co-owner of Terramor Homes, has founded Strive Coaching Studio. Through this venture, Simms, a certified business coach, will guide business leaders in creating company culture, sales and hiring practices, goal achievement, confident communication and conflict resolution.

which provides internet access in Holly Springs and FuquayVarina, is among the first cohort of industry partners supporting the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). As part of the EBB, eligible Ting Internet customers will receive up to a $50 monthly credit on their internet bill for the duration of the program. Since March 2020, Ting Internet has expanded its programs to combat a growing digital divide, installing internet hotspots in public areas for the community to use and signing the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge, promising that internet access would not be cut off for any customers who were unable to pay. New and existing customers can see if they are eligible for the EBB program by visiting ting.com/ebb.

Cary’s Cotton House Craft Brewers has opened a

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second location and a new beer and food concept called Triangle Beer Co. and Craft Concepts. Craft Concepts is a permanent mobile kitchen featuring local, sustainable menus offering handheld snacks, full plate service, and integration with the beer program and several local farms. Triangle Beer Co. will house brewing operations for both Cotton House as well as the new taproom, featuring 16 taps, pouring Cotton House favorites, as well as new flavors exclusive to Triangle Beer Co., located at 320 E Durham Rd in Cary.

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Fuquay-Varina has again received accreditation in the national Main

Street America program. Fuquay is one of 883 towns in the nation and 52 towns in the state to earn this top level of recognition. The Main Street American designation signifies a strong commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. “This national recognition spotlights the daily work of our local Main Street programs which fuels North Carolina’s overall economy by increasing the economic vitality of their downtown districts with new jobs and more businesses, ” says N.C. commerce secretary Machelle Baker Sanders.

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In Focus

Greetings, earthling! By Jonathan Fredin Resembling something from another world, a praying mantis investigates a photographer in a garden. While this little carnivore measures only half an inch long, some mantises reach lengths of half a foot.

66 August/SEPTEMBER 2021

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Main & Broad August/September 2021

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