Cary Living magazine May June 2021

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 1

TRIANGLE LAKE ESCAPES +RELAXED

STYLES FOR A DAY O N T H E W AT E R

NC BEACH BUCKET LIST CAMPING ADVENTURES

+

FAC E S O F WESTERN WAKE

T

E DITOR’S LET T ER here’s something about a lake as its tranquil waters expand before you.

Gentle winds ripple the surface and tug at fishing lines. Docks hosting divers and toe-dippers careen with the current. Pontoons cruise effortlessly by as bowriders make waves for children splashing on the shore. Don’t forget the music and margaritas flowing out of the marina to welcome tired boaters. Are the lyrics to Carrie Underwood’s “Southbound” floating through your mind right about now?

We’re taking you to the lake in this issue—15 of them, to be exact! Explore North Carolina’s bountiful, beautiful inland seas in “Triangle Lake Escapes” on page 20. Then “Drift Away” to page 27 for some inspiring lakewear ensembles you can relax into for a lazy day on the water.

If you’re more of a beach bum than lake lover, don’t miss “A North Carolina Beach Bucket List” on page 36. From the Outer Banks to the beaches of Wilmington, discover 40 don’t-miss attractions along our expansive coast.

Camping adventures across North Carolina vary from roughing it to ‘glamping’ it up. Find out how one Triangle family endured their first camping experience in “Adventuring Through Imperfection” on page 60—and discover more glamorous ways to camp on page 64.

Inspired by Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Wilmington, Angie Hudson opened Esteamed Coffee last December on Academy Street in Cary. In addition to offering delicious coffee drinks, the shop hires employees with mental, physical and communicative disabilities. Esteamed Coffee accommodates their needs in order to maximize their work experiences. Learn more on page 66.

A fall 2021 performance will celebrate Cary’s 150th birthday by honoring the town’s history and accomplishments. “The Story of Cary” will highlight endearing tales from Cary’s past. Get a sneak preview on page 68.

And great things keep happening in Cary. A multimillion-dollar project is set to transform Downtown Cary Park, which is centered between Academy, East Park and Walker streets. This 6-acre expansion will ultimately boast an adventure playground for children, interactive water features, a dog play area with a “Bark Bar,” performance spaces, walking trails and grassy areas. Get the scoop on page 70.

Asali Desserts & Café is in our Chef’s Table spotlight on page 72. After three years of searching for the right spot to sell their brand of Mediterranean pastries and baked goods at farmers markets all over the Triangle, Jamaal Ali and Hanadi Asad finally found a home for Asali Desserts & Café in Cary’s MacGregor Village.

Finally, don’t miss our annual FACES of Western Wake special section, which begins on page 41. Read stories of the incredible individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations that are helping to make Western Wake the South’s best place to live, work and play. We encourage you to drop by and get to know them and the amazing services they offer!

Beth Shugg, Editor Your opinions matter to us. Let us know what you think of this issue of Cary Living magazine.

Please email beth@caryliving.com with your comments.

4 | caryliving.com

UPROOTED

deboerfineart.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 5

PUBLI S H ER Ronny Stephens EDI TO R Beth Shugg C R EATI V E DI R ECTOR Linda J. Van de Zande A DV ERTI S I N G DESIGN/ G R A PH I C DES I G NE R Sean Byrne A DV ERTI S I N G DESIGN/ COPY EDI TO R Cindy Huntley SOCIAL MEDIA/ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Brittany Murdock S EN I OR ACCOUN T EX EC UTIVE S Meredith Mills Charis Painter ACCOUN T EX EC UTIVE Aubrey Finley I N TER N Isabella Hua DI STR I BUTI O N Joe Lizana, Manager distributech.net CO N TR I BUTI N G WR I TER S Elliot Acosta, Elizabeth Brignac, Cheryl Capaldo Traylor, Kurt Dusterberg, Mandy Howard, Janice Lewine, Charlotte Russell, Mick Schulte, Melissa Wistehuff CO N TR I BUTI N G PH OTOG R A PH ERS Bruce DeBoer, Jared Caldwell, MASH Photography, Brian Mullins, Karen Tam

Cary Living magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

Cary Living magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material becomes property of the magazine and is subject to editing. Cary Living magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 6 print issues (1 year) Available online at caryliving.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763

6 | caryliving.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 7

CONTENTS M AY / J U N E

2 0 2 1

F E AT U R E S 20

Explore North Carolina’s bountiful

lake destinations

Crystal Coast TDA

27

36

T R I ANG L E L AK E E S C APE S

D R I FT AW AY

Relax into these styles

for a lazy lake day

36

A NO R T H C AR O L I NA B E AC H B U C K E T L I S T

40 don’t-miss coastal attractions

and experiences

AD V E NT U R I NG T H R O U G H I M PE R FE C T I O N

MASH Photography

Live View Studios

60

8 | caryliving.com

A Triangle family embraces their

first camping experience

ON TH E C OVE R: An aerial view of a boater on Lake James

60

in Western North Carolina, photographed

by Eifel Kreutz/iStock.com.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 9

CONTENTS M AY / J U N E

2 0 2 1

D E PA R T M E N T S

66

L O C AL B U S I NE S S

Esteamed Coffee offers employment for the disabled community

68 H I S T O R Y

H O M E S T Y L E R 16

Jerry Miller

Design HaÜs

A fall performance will celebrate Cary’s history and 150th birthday

70 C O M M U NI T Y

A multimillion-dollar expansion is set to transform Downtown Cary Park

72

C H E F’ S T AB L E

IN EVERY ISSUE

13

O N T H E S C E NE

Asali Desserts & Cafe perfects an inherited craft

H I S T O R Y 68

Social Scene ǀ Home Styler ǀ Sister Cities

75

O U T & AB O U T

Dine & Draft ǀ Events ǀ New Around Town

82

K AL E I D O S C O PE L I V I NG

Karen Tam

S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T

10 | caryliving.com

12 C H E F ’ S TA B L E 7 2

41

Z AY TO U N O R T H O D O N T I C S FAC E S O F W E ST E R N WA K E

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 11

SPONSORED CONTENT POLISHED IMPRESSIONS

Choosing Your Family’s Orthodontist The top 3 things you need to know If you’ve ever researched orthodontists but didn’t know exactly what to look for, we can offer some guidance. In searching to find the best provider for your family, you will likely come across very similar treatment options. But it’s important to know that not all treatments are the same. At Zaytoun Orthodontics, it’s our mission to serve others well by creating beautiful, healthy smiles, caring for our patients and supporting our community. To that end, we want you to be empowered to find the right fit for YOU and your smile! Here are what we feel should be your top three considerations:

1

DOES THE ORTHODONTIST I’M CONSIDERING HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE? When it comes to the health and esthetics of your smile, experience is key. Extensive experience allows your orthodontist to provide professional care that matches your needs. You should ask:

How long has this orthodontist been in practice?

How many patients has he or she helped? Does he or she attend continuing education courses to stay up to date with the latest advances in the orthodontic field?

2

DOES HE OR SHE USE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY? Technology plays an important role in orthodontic care because it impacts diagnostics, efficiency of treatment, comfort and accuracy. From digital scanners (instead of yucky impressions) and in-house 3D printing, to soft tissue lasers, and the latest and greatest in braces and aligners, your orthodontist should utilize up-to-date technologies to help make your treatment fast, easy and even fun!

3

DOES HE OR SHE MAKE YOUR TIME A PRIORITY? Making the decision to get orthodontic treatment shouldn’t interrupt your entire schedule. In

today’s fast-paced world, we know just how valuable your time is. Your orthodontist should offer flexible scheduling and the ability to start treatment from the first appointment.

Finding the perfect orthodontic home can be a tricky decision. But take it from “an insider in the industry”—if these top three considerations are covered, you will be well on your way to a happy, healthy smile and a great experience. I encourage you to settle for nothing short of the best. Your smile deserves it!

Zaytoun Orthodontics zaytounorthodontics.com 919.782.6911 Locations in Raleigh, Cary and Garner

The information on this page is provided to the public by the advertiser mentioned above.

12 | caryliving.com

the ON SCENE SOCIAL SCENE | HOME STYLER | SISTER CITIES

Beech Mountain TDA

NORTH CAROLINA QUILT TRAILS

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 13

SOCIAL SCENE

LET’S CONNECT! TEXT AND PHOTOS BY BRITTANY MURDOCK

There’s nothing quite like a classic chicken salad sandwich for lunch. Chicken Salad Chick in Waverly Place is serving up more than a dozen chicken salad flavors alongside signature sandwiches, soups, salads and tasty sides. For a full list of flavors visit chickensaladchick.com.

Cha House in Cary is a popular Asian-inspired tea house and snack bar. This Thai Cap Tea is just one of many flavors there to choose from. Stop in for a Lavendar Matcha, Black Milk Tea or the café’s most popular item: the Dirty Tiger, made with brown sugar and brown sugar boba. Order online at chahouseusa.com.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner, take a trip to Guasaca. Inspired by South American cuisine, Guasaca has locations in Morrisville, Raleigh and Durham.

Stop in for a signature arepa or one of the restaurant’s many bowls. Check it out at guasaca.com.

Get Social With Us! 14 | caryliving.com

caryliving.com

carylivingmag

caryliving

caryliving

ADVERTISE WITH US!

REACH 140,000+ READERS IN THE HOTTEST ZIP CODES. ucati 2018 ed

IDE on GU

speci

er al adv

tising

sectio

THE ESSORI MONTOL OF SCHO H RALEIG

n

te, contribu eady to know, and to most as ready—r , to was born ore, to learn s. School, y, to Your child ce, to expl and how it work ents get read ncing rien to expe nd the world nt to help studfor each advalife. understa k of it, is meadifferent waysultimately, in y just of us thinthem in man college and, more than ways in The much prepare rd success years are are real life.shape the step towaents, school y they ” toda life; For stud ion for “real learn and live w. preparat our students tomorro me h ssing beco in whic encompa mission they will people our rous and y! h our vigough grade 12— more read —throug thro are ever the fullest— — At MSR for toddlers to ence students program re that our live their lives independ to and with at every age is to ensu sonally, ower them , and l of our We emp ually, interper but also now leve intellect in the future lopment. Each gned aroundide not only e of their devespecifically desi ents to prov now an and stag m has been ristics of stud MSR is curriculu s and characte ronment. ng nurturi envi We offer the needmal learning .1545 place to start.experiences, every day.

School! g the opti d IB World 919.848 igh tive learnin child will discover or call authorize your ool of Rale msr.org Academy, of learning today at Montessori Schte Program! and the joy e a visit exclusive aboration, The calaurea ment. Our Schedul more about ional Bac cure environ y charts each child’s to learn new Internat and future iness Pathwa tary school and our se to elemenspecialized curriculum uccess, with programs for appropriate a STEM school, ally pment students. As and math chool-age ering, classroom. chnology, engine we do in the unities through everything g opport nhanced learnin such as soccer, yoga, ms, ment progra n, our before- and afterRoad Mine ish. In additio students provide Lead 7615 school-age day, in NC 2 7005 ograms for igh, to every schoolcharacter 1545 Rale art and finish focus on 848. strong a 919. activities, org m that has m s r. team-building Camp Innovate, At ment, plus and more. rk support, whole summer packed camp a ld will find adventure, including more; and and nt , citeme science, games trips. We’re field around art, s; and fun spring break, rative project winter and help. Our Flex re for you during you need somese individual other time you to purchathem. We also ards enable ide ver you need o use whene growing bodies alongs ve, we iving.com hard to nurture our Grow Fit initiati physical 74 | caryl of With ng minds. snacks, plenty ts in the and meals ion elemen healthy nal educat n develop ity, and nutritio is to help childre goal sroom. Our y future. for a health thy habits

ion GUIDE

dvertisi special a

PETITE ADEMY

n ng sectio

dvertisi special a

n ng sectio

on 2018 educati

Showcase Your School and Learning Advantages in Our

EDUCATION GUIDE

GUIDE

Coming to the July/August Issue

OFT RAVENSCR

ow’s world. d in tomorr ts to succee to teach today’s studenwondered: Why wait Equipping we At Ravenscroft,children? everyday learning into skills to teach leadership te leadership n? In fact, why not Why not integra e better for all childre education skills to becom ers? classroom leadership memb use those community of all children to athletes, and taught—to children artists, ts, be studen skills really for Can those the Center they can! providers forces with ages? YES, joined top-ranked has Ravenscroft of the world’s leadership ship—one teach the citizen nonprofit, Creative Leader ion—to ment, educat . These business, govern of executive hundreds of have identified as crucial workforce. skills that in today’s ion leaders tingly rare curriculum and educat skills are frustra an innovative g with the leadership have created learnin Together, we citizen leadership croft is the best for which Ravens combining ic program to all of our students, g it grade. excellent academ we are teachin through 12th known. And te ways, Pre-K Here– Here. in age-appropria From From ten, our Lead of fundamental We call it Lead pre-kindergar a set e, As early as students to social, creativ introduces academic, skills trained faculty can apply to their leadership d, they skills that challenges. These citizen -minde c resilient, growth ic, resourceful, and athleti accountable, e, strateg include beinginclusive, communicativ leg up empathetic, more. who have a g students rld leadership adaptive, and High-achievin The result? who possess the real-wo ics and d in the future. heights. on academ need to succee ed to soar to great how we teach skills they tand are prepar Our Ravens The best way to unders to join us for a you do it? lf. We invite How do we nce it yourse it is to experiemore! visit to learn

Deadline: May 20 RESERVE YOUR S P OT TO DAY !

Road Neuse alls of 7615 7409 F , NC 2 Raleigh 7.0900 g 919.84 roft.or avensc ions@r issions admiss rg/adm croft.o ravens

caryliving.com

| 71

with us Connect .5078 877.861 .com LaPetite

caryliving.com

919.782.4710

|

midtownmag.com/advertise

|

caryliving.com/advertise-with-us MAY/JUNE 2021

| 15

HOME STYLER

SET SAIL!

2

1

BY BRITTANY MURDOCK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VENDORS OR TAKEN BY BRITTANY MURDOCK

There’s nothing more enjoyable than a day

3

out on the lake. Allow your lake house to reflect your unique style with decorative pillows and ceramic vases in calming blue tones. Freshen up the walls with nautical-themed artwork from local artists. The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your space at the lake.

4 5

1 Blue ceramic bowls (set of two), $99 | The Design Haüs

2 “Strolling on the Boardwalk” 23-by-25-inch watercolor

by Barbara Rohde, $695–$800* | Cary Gallery of Artists

3 Crab wall décor, $24 | The Perfect Piece

4 “Welcome to the Lake” throw pillow, $30 | Swagger

5 Sectional sofa, $4,569 | The Design Haüs * Price varies based on whether artwork is purchased framed or unframed

16 | caryliving.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 17

SISTER CITIES

Above photos courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

QUILT TRAILS

Above photos courtesy of Randolph County SWCD

BY CINDY HUNTLEY

Take a driv ing t ou r throu gh Av e ry a n d Ra n d o l ph co u n t ie s to c el ebrate rura l N ort h Ca rol i n a’s cu l t u re a n d a rt s You’ve probably been on a quilt trail at some point in your life without realizing it. They meander through rural areas and are comprised of a series of painted wood or metal squares, each with a different meaning.

Some quilt squares represent a building or family, or the history of the land they are on. Other squares are more whimsical, speaking, instead, to the everyday life of a region, or the interests of their sponsors. Two North Carolina counties especially known for robust quilt trails are Avery and Randolph.

AVERY COUNTY

RANDOLPH COUNTY

of the Appalachian region, winding and wending through

Piedmont Conservation Council. It features 44 quilt squares

Avery County’s quilt trail explores the natural beauty and heritage popular destinations such as Beech Mountain, Banner Elk and

Linville Falls. Several squares represent traditional Appalachian quilt patterns, such as “Carolina Star,” “Beech Mountain Blue

Belle” and “Mystery Flower Garden.” You’ll also discover quirkier, more modern squares such as “Kaleidoscope,” “Tulips” and

even a “Halloween” square. Unique to this trail, a series of three

quilts at stop #13—“Albie’s Dream,” “Hiker” and “Biker”—mark the trailhead for the Emerald Outback trail system near Banner Elk. beechmtn.com/avery-county-quilt-trail

18 | caryliving.com

Randolph County’s quilt trail started in 2010 as a project of the showcasing local farm families’ heritage that were painted and hung by volunteers from the Randolph County Quilters Guild.

The squares include everything from traditional quilt patterns, such as stars and wedding ring designs, to unique icons, such

as tobacco leaves, rocking horses and Christmas trees. Visitors

are encouraged to stop and take photos from the roadside, and some of the farms offer seasonal produce and goods for sale. randolphcountync.gov/Departments/Soil-and-Water/Quilt-Trail

FEATURES

MASH Photography

TRIANGLE LAKE ESCAPES | LAKE LIFE FASHION | BEACH BUCKET LIST | CAMPING ADVENTURES

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 19

La ke James 20 | caryliving.com

Tri a n g le La ke Es c a pes Explore N o rth C a r o l i n a ’ s b o u nti fu l , beauti fu l la ke d esti n ati o n s

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

Bookended by mountains and beaches, there is no doubt that North Carolina is one of the country’s most beautiful places to live.

But if you’re looking for an easy getaway, look no further than one of nearly 60 lakes scattered throughout the Tar Heel state.

marshmallows while camping, or picturesque terrain for hiking or biking, North Carolina’s lakes—all within a few hour’s driving distance of the Triangle—offer a myriad of ways to spend the day outdoors. It’s time to start planning your great lake escape.

F a ll s L a k e

N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation

N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation photo by-Kevin Bischof

Whether you seek a sunny boat ride, shady site for roasting

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 21

F a ll s L a k e

Like Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh, Falls Lake is named for the rocky falls and cascades on the Neuse River. Located in Wake, Durham and Granville counties, this 12,410-acre, man-made reservoir accommodates 5,035 acres of shoreline and was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect downstream areas from flooding. The lake also serves as a source for drinking water for the City of Raleigh and surrounding communities. Its seven access areas and Rollingview Marina make boating entry easy.

And with more than 300 campsites, Falls Lake is a popular place for weekend getaways. Other recreation opportunities include parks, hiking and biking trails, fishing areas and three sandy beaches. ncparks.gov/falls-lake-staterecreation-area

Distance from downtown Cary: 24 miles

iStock/ Licec

iStock/Licec

Jo rd a n La ke

Jo rd a n La ke B. Everett Jordan Lake is a reservoir in New Hope Valley, west of Cary and south of Durham. Named for U.S. North Carolina State Senator Benjamin Everett Jordan, this 14,000-acre lake was also created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when the Haw and New Hope rivers were dammed. Like Falls Lake, Jordan Lake provides its surrounding communities with drinking water. It offers nine boat access areas and is a popular spot for campers, since it has more than 1,000 campsites for RVs and tents.

Crosswinds Boating Center is the lake’s marina, and bird watchers often spot soaring eagles. Jordan Lake offers several recreation areas for swimming, fishing, hiking and other activities. ncparks.gov/jordan-lake-staterecreation-area

Distance from downtown Cary: 14 miles

visitnc.com

Wh ite La ke

22 | caryliving.com

Hyc o La ke

Hyco Lake, a cooling reservoir for the steam electric generating units belonging to what is now Duke Energy (once Carolina Power & Light Company and later Progress Energy), was constructed on the Hyco River and, by 1965, had filled up naturally with overflow water from 1964’s Hurricane Hilda. The 3,750-acre lake, located near the North Carolina/Virginia border, was once the location of one of North Carolina’s oldest tobacco farms. The lake’s name stems from the Native American word “hicotaminy,” meaning turkey buzzard—a bird that has long inhabited the area. Now a popular lake on which to live or rent (it accommodates 1,500 homes, 800 of which are occupied year-round), Hyco Lake offers a beautiful backdrop for any type of stay.

Kerr La ke

Kerr Lake splits in half at the North Carolina/Virginia border.

North Carolinians know it as Kerr Lake, named for North Carolina Congressman John H. Kerr, while Virginians call it Buggs Island Lake, named after an island belonging to descendants of an early settler named Samuel Bugg.

Originally constructed to produce hydroelectricity and provide flood control, Kerr Lake is one of the Southeast’s largest reservoirs, covering roughly 50,000 acres and containing 850 miles of shoreline. Long known for its well-kept campgrounds, Kerr Lake also claims four privatelyowned marinas and multiple boating ramps. The Carolina Sailing Club stages monthly regattas on the lake from April through October, and there several swim beaches in the recreation area.

hycolake.com

ncparks.gov/kerr-lake-staterecreation-area

Distance from downtown Cary: 70 miles

Distance from downtown Cary: 69 miles

Mayo La ke

Formed in 1983 when Carolina Power & Light built an earthen dam in Mayo Creek to create cooling waters for Mayo Electric Generating Plant, 2,800-acre Mayo Lake offers a peaceful respite. Also known as Mayo Reservoir, the lake is located in Person County near the Virginia border and is surrounded by a 120-acre park, which offers visitors access to both RV and primitive campsites, boat ramps, and two canoe and kayak launch areas. visitnc.com/listing/RmQX/ mayo-lake-park

Distance from downtown Cary: 61 miles

La ke Ga sto n

Roughly 20,000 acres and 35 miles long, Lake Gaston accommodates permanent and vacation residences and includes four hydroelectric generators.

The lake formed in 1963 when Virginia Electric and Power Company built a dam on the Roanoke River, causing it to straddle the North Carolina/ Virginia border. Lake Gaston offers a casual atmosphere with stunning scenery for those seeking a short or long getaway. Countless restaurants, vacation rentals, several marinas, boat launches and plenty of recreational variety make Lake Gaston a great getaway for Triangle residents. lakegastonguide.com

Distance from downtown Cary: 88 miles

Hi g h Ro c k La ke

Known for its bass, High Rock Lake in Lexington is considered one of North Carolina’s best fishing spots, and often hosts fishing and angling tournaments.

Nearby High Rock Mountain, which is considered the highest point in the Uwharrie Mountains, towers over the dam, creating a stunning backdrop. With more than 15,180 acres and 360 acres of shoreline, much of the lake is lined with homes, and there are several public ramps for boat launching. A favorite activity for many who visit High Rock Lake is paddling to the Yadkin River State Trail. visitnc.com/listing/gewG/ high-rock-lake

Distance from downtown Cary: 116 miles

La ke No rma n

Forget the Loch Ness Monster.

“Normie” is Lake Norman’s unidentifiable amphibious creature. Normie sightings have been reported since 1996, and though no one knows how to explain the phenomenon, Normie has added to Lake Norman’s allure, attracting many visitors who come in search of the underwater beast. Named for former Duke Energy President Norman Atwater Cocke, Lake Norman is North Carolina’s largest man-made body of fresh water. Fed by the Catawba River, 32,500-acre Lake Norman is referred to as the “inland sea” of North Carolina, offering 520 miles of shoreline and serving as home to nearly 18,000 residents. visitlakenorman.org

Distance from downtown Cary: 152 miles

Wh ite La ke

White Lake is a natural spring and rainwater-fed lake located south of the Triangle in Bladen County. Known as a resort community offering apartments, hotels, campgrounds, RV facilities and restaurants, White Lake also offers amusement parks, festivals and year-round events. But the 1,200-acre lake is mainly known for its white sandy bottom and clear water, making it a favorite swimming destination for North Carolinians and beyond. whitelakenc.org

Distance from downtown Cary: 101 miles

La ke James

Western North Carolina’s 6,800-acre Lake James boasts clear water, mountain biking trails and campsites, including a boat-in campground. The Paddy’s Creek Area offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals—a perfect way to wind down after a day of hiking the lake’s trails. ncparks.gov/lake-jamesstate-park

Distance from downtown Cary: 205 miles

L a k e T i ll e r y

This 5,000-acre reservoir featuring 104 miles of shoreline is located between Badin Lake and Blewett Falls Lake in the Uwharrie Lakes Region of North Carolina. Created by an impoundment in the Pee Dee River, Lake Tillery weaves around Morrow Mountain State Park and Uwharrie National Forest. Visitors can book a hotel or rent a home, and dine at a variety of restaurants. laketillery.com

Distance from downtown Cary: 106 miles

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 23

S m a ll

but

iStock/Licec

Lake Johnson

Mi ghty

Ha rri s La ke

The jewel of 680-acre Harris Lake County Park, Harris Lake covers 4,100 acres and is the cooling reservoir for the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant in New Hill. Offering picnic shelters, hiking trails, fishing areas, a disc golf course and two public boat ramps, Harris Lake is a perfect day trip destination for Triangle residents. wakegov.com/departmentsgovernment/parks-recreationand-open-space/all-parks-trails/ harris-lake-county-park

Distance from downtown Cary: 20 miles

24 | caryliving.com

iStock/ sestevens

Lake Wheeler

Liz Goodman

Harris Lake

iStock/fulcrumsf

Lake Crabtree

La ke Cra btree

Lake Crabtree is a 520-acre reservoir that was created in 1989 when Crabtree Creek was dammed as a way to alleviate flooding. Located in Morrisville near the RaleighDurham International Airport, Lake Crabtree is small but filled with recreational fun, including hiking and mountain biking trails, sand volleyball courts, paddling rentals and ramps for non-gasoline-powered boats. wakegov.com/departmentsgovernment/parks-recreationand-open-space/all-parks-trails/ lake-crabtree-county-park

Distance from downtown Cary: 6 miles

La ke Wh eeler

This 650-acre lake is perfect for those who seek a tranquil day on the water in a small fishing boat. Lake Wheeler’s surrounding 150 acres include a playground, sand volleyball court and covered shelter rentals, as well as pedal boat and kayak rentals. raleighnc.gov/places/ lake-wheeler-park

Distance from downtown Cary: 12 miles

La ke Jo h n s o n

Lake Johnson’s prime location near downtown Raleigh and North Carolina State University features a paved walking trail, unpaved hiking trails, boat rentals, rocking chairs and a fishing bridge. A top choice for dog walkers, Lake Johnson does not allow motorboats on its 150 acres of water, making for a quiet, less crowded day on the water. raleighnc.gov/places/ lake-johnson-park

Distance from downtown Cary: 8 miles

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 25

THE FOOD & DRINK ISSUE REACH 140,000+ READERS IN THE HOTTEST ZIP CODES

Coming in July/August:

BREWERIES I DISTILLERIES I FOOD DRINK I PETS I EDUCATION I SO MUCH MORE R E S E R V E YO U R S P OT TO DAY !

SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE: JUNE 3

919.782.4710 | caryliving.com 26050621 May/June house ads .5 pg.indd

2

|

midtownmag.com/advertise

|

caryliving.com/advertise-with-us 4/17/21 6:27 PM

Away D r i f t

WRITTEN BY BETH SHUGG

PHOTOS BY BRUCE DEBOER

ASSISTED BY JARED CALDWELL

Every lake escape requires a relaxed attitude

and wardrobe. Nautical blues on breezy fabrics set the tone for carefree fun.

Gold and silver bangles sparkle against

crisp whites—and pair nicely with colorful cocktails. Lightweight jackets and floppy

hats protect, stylishly, against cool breezes and mid-day rays. Slip-on sandals and

slides glide effortlessly on and off for toe-dipping temptations.

APPAREL BY GATORBUG AND SWAGGER SUNDRY ITEMS BY NOFO @ THE PIG

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 27

Relax

into these styles

for a lazy day

28 | caryliving.com

on the lake

Nautical Navy

Pair navy and white stripes with a pop of orange. Keep a cardigan handy for lake winds and post-sunset chills.

Balmy Blue Pack a light blue midi dress for summer’s peak temps.

Add sophistication—and sun protection—with a wide-brimmed straw hat.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 29

Dock Daze

Keep it simple on the dock.

Go with breezy

fabrics,eyelets

and bare feet.

Dockside

Delicacies 30 | caryliving.com

Thanks to Swagger, The Gatorbug and Nofo@ the Pig for providing these lake leisurewear fashions and products. Thanks also to the following people for their help: photographer, Bruce DeBoer; photography assistant, Jared Caldwell; stylist, Logan Conner; and models, Ellen Nightingale and Mary Anne Howard.

Clothing from Swagger (non-Swagger brands identified): White jeans ($68); Hem & Thread blueand-white striped jumpsuit ($50); Mustard Seed light blue silk top ($40); Entro navy eyelet top ($38); Reverie light blue midi dress ($54); black button fly jeans ($64); peach top with ruffles ($34); Kancan white jacket ($54); Hem & Thread blue stripe dress ($44); light blue tiered dress ($50).

Jewelry from Swagger: Bracelets—five-strand white with marble ($28); five-strand white with wood ($24); four-strand with wood ($24); fourstrand blue ($24); circle bracelet ($14). Necklaces— Liza multicolor ($30); Canvas gold chain ($40); Stella wooden statement ($30). Earrings—Stella hot pink two-circle seed bead ($24); Stella yellow wood circle ($30); Stella multicolor oval ($18); Canvas gold chain ($20); silver rectangles ($20); Stella silver hoops ($20); Stella white shell circle ($18); Stella purple shell ($20); navy circle ($22).

Bags/hats/sunglasses from Swagger: The Royal Standard striped canvas bag ($44); tan-and-white striped hat ($28); straw hat with black tie ($30); cream circle aviator ($15); black circle aviator ($15); pink aviator ($16).

Clothing from The Gatorbug (non-Gatorbug brands identified): Pelina pants ($84); white maxi dress with pockets ($60); ruffled neck top ($72); v-neck pullover blouse ($94.50); smocked skort ($99.50); Kalani top ($65); Kalani pant ($80); Leana tie-dye dress ($90); Sundays fonda shirt ($154); blue knitted hoodie ($105); Meadow blouse ($158).

Dress to Drift Float fashionably in a ruffled blouse and skort. Slide into no-fuss footwear.

Jewelry from The Gatorbug: Chloe lucite hoop earrings ($63); square earrings ($60); pearly white floral stud ($50); brush leaf cuff ($140).

Totes/hats/shoes from The Gatorbug: Neoprene tote ($88); woven bag ($91.25); Raffia Pippa band hat ($84); Campana sandal ($60); Montana pump ($59); Agnetta slide ($65).

Products from Nofo @ the Pig: Lark Olive Scourtin crackers, 7 ounces, $7.95; Low Country Produce olives, 16 ounces, $10.95; Olive Wood Collection board, $27.95; salad servers, $17.95; Chirpy Top wine pourer, $24.95; Beach Glass unbreakable wine glass, $10.95; Anne Bentley 180: melamine plates, $13.95; bowls, $8.95; ceramic mugs, $12.95; glassware, $9.95; dish towel, $12.95; Dock & Bay orange-striped quick dry beach towel, $22.95; Corkcicle Cooler $99.95.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 31

Twilight

Tie-Dye

Add a splash of vibrancy to your

evening cocktails.

32 | caryliving.com

Something Blue &

Something Gold Blend gauzy

blues with gilded

accessories for a bold

but feminine lake look.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 33

Sunset Splendor

34 | caryliving.com

Wind down in bright, flowing whites as the sun drops.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 35

A NORTH CAROLINA

Bucket Li h c a s t Be 40 COASTAL AT T RACT I O N S

&

EXPERIE N C E S

BY MANDY HOWARD

From Corolla to Sunset, North Carolina boasts 322 miles of beautiful beaches. Within those miles are 25-plus distinct beach towns with their own personalities and attractions.

N ORT HER N OU TER BANKS

COROLLA : Wild Spanish mustangs have made our Outer Banks their home since the 1500s when they arrived with Spanish explorers. Book a Jeep tour from Wild Horse Adventure Tours for up-close views. These feral creatures, which landed here with Spanish explorers in the 1500s, are very tolerant of visitors and have starred in many videos and photographs.

36 | caryliving.com

DU C K : Have an original Duck Donut! Russel DiGilio created Duck Donuts in 2007 in Duck, his family’s favorite place to vacation. Now Duck Donuts is a national chain. Locally, check out Duck Donuts at 8323 Creedmoor Road in Raleigh or 100 Wrenn Drive in Cary.

N AGS H EAD /KITTY H AWK /J OC KEY ’ S RIDGE: Make it a

three-in-one bucket list day.

Start at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, then head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park for kite-flying and an incredible sunset. End with dinner at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe, where you can enjoy locally caught seafood with a stunning view of the Roanoke Sound.

MAN TEO: Watch “The Lost Colony.” It’s the second-longest-running outdoor historical drama in the U.S. While you're there, visit the Elizabethan Gardens, a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Winner listed in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.

Currituck Travel & Tourism Duck Donuts Currituck Travel & Tourism Currituck Travel & Tourism

Currituck Travel & Tourism

While there is no way to highlight every beach—and we are too smart to join the debate on which beach is best—here are some coastal sights and opportunities every North Carolinian should experience—at least once.

RODAN T HE : Read

“Nights in Rodanthe” by Nicholas Sparks on the beach in Rodanthe, then watch the movie “Nights in Rodanthe” (2008) at the Inn at Rodanthe, which was featured in the movie. The actual property is a private home rental opportunity offering six bedrooms.

CAPE H AT TE RAS :

Go deep-sea fishing. The Outer Banks is home to the National Geographic TV series “Wicked Tuna” (now streaming on Disney+) and boasts some of the best deep-sea fishing opportunities anywhere.

Check out the Miss Hatteras, an ocean vessel boasting half-day trips, full-day trips and sunset cruises.

OC RACOKE ISLAN D :

Dive into pirate lore by exploring the favorite hideout of Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard. View the waters in which Blackbeard met his demise off the coast of Ocracoke Village, then explore Springer’s Point, a peaceful nature preserve that was once home to infamous pirate parties.

OBX BON US: Buy a

beach house! More like a dream than a bucket list item? That’s OK. We all need goals. But if you visit Corolla and Cape Hatteras, keep in mind that they are two of the 25 best places to buy a beach home in the U.S., according to Vacasa, a vacation home property management company.

(Take that, Pacific Coast!)

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 37

Crystal Coast TDA Mitch Summers

Crystal Coast TDA

Crystal Coast TDA

C RYSTAL COAST SHAC KLE FOR D BAN KS: Take a ferry

daytrip. Whether you enjoy birding, collecting seashells or watching a wild pony wander by, this uninhabited island calls out to nature lovers.

38 | caryliving.com

AT L AN T I C B E AC H :

Attend the annual Atlantic Beach Music Festival, currently scheduled for May 15. (While the situation is still being monitored for a 2021 festival, this tradition will live on.) A palatable alternative bucket list item is dinner at Amos Mosquito’s—we recommend starting with the crabcakes!

PIN E KN OLL SH ORES: Visit the

North Carolina Aquarium, which, in addition to locations at Fort Fisher, Roanoke Island and Nags Head, is also located at Pine Knoll Shores.

EMERALD ISLE:

Save the turtles! The Emerald Isle Sea Turtle Patrol offers volunteer training and programs to help visitors understand how to become advocates for sea turtles.

BEAR IS LAND:

Reserve a campsite on Bear Island’s beaches— one of the state’s most beautiful coastal destinations—for about $10 per night.

visitnc.com visitnc.com

Another three-in-one experience! First, learn how to pronounce “Topsail.” Don’t say, “sail.” It’s TOPs’l, like you’re tripping over the end. Once you’ve mastered that, visit Quarter Moon Books & Gifts in Hampstead, which also offers a wine and coffee bar. Between the coffee and wine, go roller skating nearby at Topsail Beach Skating Rink.

WRIG HTSVI LLE BEACH: Learn to surf! Surfer

magazine rated Wrightsville a top-10 surfing town in America.

WB Surf Camp offers private, group and corporate lessons, in addition to camps. If surfing’s not your sport, start your holiday season with the Jingle Bell Run, the most Christmassy race on the coast.

WI L M I N GTO N : Walk the

Riverwalk. Voted the No. 2 best riverwalk in a USA Today travel contest, this 1.75-mile scenic trek boasts 200-plus restaurants and attractions. Just a short drive away, dine with Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” star Chef Keith Rhodes at Catch.

CARO L I N A B E ACH :

Whether it’s morning, noon or night, stand in line for a donut from Britt’s Donut Shop. Walk it off on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, where you must take photos with the moon and shark, of course. Then, have the Cape Fear Boil Company bring a shrimp boil to you—including the propane burner! How did no one think of this before?

KURE BEAC H / FORT FISH ER: A perfect

daytrip from the Triangle, this coastal destination offers lifeguards who tend the beach, relatively low-stress parking and public restroom facilities.

While you’re there, check out the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

BALD H EAD ISLAN D :

Walk with ghosts and hunt for treasure. Returning this summer, Riverside Adventure Co. will offer themed walking tours for the brave, and unforgettable adventures for the young.

BRUN SWIC K ISLAN DS (OAK ISLAN D /H OLDEN BEAC H /OC EAN ISLE): These beaches offer the rare distinction of running eastwest and parallel to the shore.

That means beginning in late fall, you can watch a sunrise and sunset from the same beach chair. Those who are iStock/WerksMedia

TOPSAI L B E ACH:

visitnc.com

visitnc.com

WI L M IN GTO N AREA /SOUTHERN BEACH ES

loyal to the islands credit their serenity to the fact that there are few hotels. Splurge for an oceanfront home to witness these seasonal sunrises and sunsets over the water.

SUN SET BEACH/ BIRD ISLAN D: Mail your

dreams to the universe. The Kindred Spirit Mailbox is positioned next to a secluded bench 1 mile south of Sunset Beach, inviting visitors to share their hopes and dreams.

No wishes are guaranteed to be granted, and no hurts are promised to be healed, but after a moment of unadulterated honesty and commune with nature, who knows—maybe you’ll walk back to Sunset Beach with a renewed spirit.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 39

FOLLOW TH E LIGH T

Check North Carolina’s enviable collection of lighthouses off your bucket list one by one, or take an ultimate tour of the coastline using lighthouse locations as your compass. From north to south, here’s a quick guide:

CURRITUC K BEAC H LIGH TH OUSE in Corolla

visitnc.com

is an active, red brick lighthouse.

At 162 feet tall, the lighthouse’s first-order Fresnel lens (the largest size available for American lighthouses) can be seen for 18 nautical miles as the light rotates in 20-second increments.

BOD IE (PRON OUN C ED ‘ BODY ’ ) ISLAN D LIGH TH OUSE in Nags Head

features black and white horizontal stripes and is a popular tourist destination with an attached museum and bookshop.

CAPE H AT TERAS LIGH TH OUSE in Buxton is the

tallest and most recognizable of North Carolina’s lighthouses, with black and white diagonal stripes. It stands 208 feet tall and beams light 20 miles out across the ocean.

OC RACOKE LIGH TH OU S E

in Ocracoke stands 75 feet tall and is the state’s oldest operating lighthouse. You can’t miss its huge whitewashed base.

CAPE LOOKOUT LIGH TH OUSE towers over

B ODIE ISLAN D L I G H TH OUSE visitnc.com

Harkers Island at 163 feet in height and features a black-and-white diamond pattern. Climbing its 207 steps to the top is not for the faint of heart, and has been compared to climbing a 12-story building.

OAK ISLAN D LIGH TH OUS E

on Caswell Beach has a three-toned pattern of dark brown, white and tan coloring. Due to recent power fluctuations, its lighting was recently upgraded to newer LED technology. iStock/WerksMedia

OLD BALDY LIGH TH OUS E

40 | caryliving.com

on Bald Head Island was built in 1817 and presents a patchwork appearance. It’s the state’s southernmost and oldest-standing lighthouse, and marks the mouth of the historic Cape Fear River.

In every issue, Cary Living magazine tells the stories of incredible individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations who are helping to make western Wake County one of the South’s best regions. We

can’t begin to share all the stories that deserve to be told, so once a

year we invite our key business partners to participate in this special section—and to help you put a face with the name of their business, practice or nonprofit organization.

Welcome to our annual FACES of West Wake, a portfolio of inspiring

leaders and community influencers who want to personally introduce themselves to you. Take a minute to get acquainted. Better yet, stop in and tell them you saw their face in Cary Living.

Special thanks to our Cary Living photographers for making this project a possibility: Jared Caldwell, Joshua B. Manning, MASH Photography, Brian Mullins and Doug Pitts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS The Face of EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION – Cary Christian School

51

The Face of LOCALLY GROWN, CHEMISTCRAFTED, ORGANIC CBD – Peak City CBD

44

The Face of CUSTOM PLANTATION SHUTTERS – Southern Accent Shutters and Blinds

52

The Face of MAKING THE COMMUNITY SMILE – Bell Family Dentistry

46

The Face of ADAPTABILITY AND COLLABORATION – Ravenscroft

53

The Face of MEDICAL AESTHETICS – Avail Aesthetics

47

The Face of ADVANCED AND EFFECTIVE COSMETIC SERVICES – Cape Fear Aesthetics

54

The Face of PUPPY PARADISE – Pupsi Inc.

55

48

The Face of COSMETIC DENTISTRY AND TMJ – Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

The Face of REAL ESTATE LEADERS IN THE LUXURY HOME MARKET – Luxury Home Marketing Group

56

49

The Face of ECO-FRIENDLY SKINCARE AND LASHES – Natural Esthetics Skincare & Lash Boutique

The Face of SLEEP HEALTH – Parkway Sleep Health Centers

57

The Face of STRAIGHT SMILES – Bovenizer & Baker Orthodontics

50

The Face of EXCELLENCE IN PLASTIC SURGERY – Zenn Plastic Surgery

58

The Face of ETRUST WITH YOUR PETS – Peak City Puppy

iStock/ SIphotography

42

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 75

THE FACE OF

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION CARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Every child who enters our building is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of their Creator. Every day, through rigorous and relational academics, our students are encouraged to claim their identity in Jesus Christ.

We seek to be a place equal to each student’s capacity for wonder, providing an education that is both meaningful and enjoyable.

Every day our students are pursued toward extraordinary outcomes. We seek to cultivate practical wisdom grounded in truth, equipping our students academically, spiritually and socially so they may flourish in the modern world.

Please visit our website to sign up for a tour. We would love to share our classrooms, campus and culture with you.

1330 Old Apex Road | Cary | 919.303.2560 | carychristianschool.org

42 | caryliving.com

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

| 43

MAY/JUNE 2021

QH &RAI S |T ISAPNE CSI C A LH O A DOVLE R T I S I N G S E C T I O N FA CW E SE L| LCNAERSYS C

2021

THE FACE OF

C USTOM PLANTATION SHUTTERS SOUTHERN ACCENT SHUTTERS AND BLINDS

RUSS AND MOLLY ALLRED, OWNERS For Triangle residents in-the-know, Southern Accent Shutters and Blinds, a local manufacturer of custom plantation shutters, is no secret. Now in its 23rd year, the company has built and installed plantation shutters in practically every neighborhood and subdivision in the Triangle. Molly, Russ and their crew cut no corners when producing these room‑changing products, which are made with the finest finishes available, a lifetime warranty, and truly green production and materials.

Southern Accent Shutters and Blinds also offers U.S.–made blinds, shades, motorization and more to make your home a showplace. See for yourself by touring the factory today.

5684 Wilson’s Mills Road | Clayton | 919.934.4050 | southernaccentshutters.com

44 | caryliving.com

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

| 45

MAY/JUNE 2021

SS EC AD SIN S EB C LT II N ON FA CW E SE L| LSNOEU T HQE& RA N A| CSCP E N ITA LS H U VT ET RETRI S AG ND DS

2021

FAC E S

2021

|

FACES

RAVENSCROFT

OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

ADAPTABILITY AND COLLABORATION RAVENSCROFT

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all confronted challenges, changes and choices. At Ravenscroft, we’ve been proud to witness our community’s adaptability and collaboration. Leaning on the leadership competencies of Lead From Here, our one-of-a-kind educational framework, Ravens have adapted, taking hybrid learning in stride, and now—whether they attend school in person or virtually—they’re taking teamwork to new levels.

Even when they’re wearing masks, our Ravens are the face of adaptability and collaboration. Through the depth and breadth of our academic, athletic, fine arts, extracurricular and co-curricular programming, students explore new areas of interest and learn to Lead From Here.

7409 Falls of Neuse Road | Raleigh | 919.847.0900 | ravenscroft.org

46 | caryliving.com

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

ADVANCED AND EFFECTIVE COSMETIC SERVICES CAPE FEAR AESTHETICS

At Cape Fear Aesthetics of Cary, we help you become your best self through our cosmetic surgery solutions, injectable treatments, weight loss programs and state-of-the art medical spa facility. Directed by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist Dr. Edward Dickerson, and supported by a team of bilingual clinicians, we provide top-of-the-line plastic surgery services to uncover a more beautiful and confident you.

No matter what service you’re seeking, our goal is to provide you with the highest quality care possible. With offices in both Cary and Fayetteville, our procedures and services are conducted at our facility and in-office surgical centers.

400 Asheville Avenue, Suite 200-B | Cary | 919.200.6875 2053 Valleygate Drive, Suite 102 | Fayetteville | 910.338.5918 | fayplasticsurgery.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 47

FACCW S L| L| CNCAEA FAE S IETATH S EFQE& ARA A |R ESA EH C LI E AT D IVC ES RTISING SECTION FA EESE PSEP SP TE C S

2021

FA C E S | L A N E & A S S O C I A T E S F A M I L Y D E N T I S T R Y

2021

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

COSMETIC DENTISTRY AND TMJ LANE & ASSOCIATES FAMILY DENTISTRY

MICHAEL DESROSIERS, DDS, LVIF Meet Dr. Mike DesRosiers, a cosmetic dentist for Lane & Associates Family Dentistry, who also specializes in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) treatment. “Boosting your smile can truly boost your life” says Dr. DesRosiers.

While practicing for the largest dental practice in North Carolina, he has a special passion for his patients and his craft.

With an extensive fellowship training for TMJ at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), Dr. DesRosiers continues to learn, train and volunteer, as he truly enjoys working to help people look and feel their very best.

700 Exposition Place, Suite 151 | Raleigh | 919.676.5555 | lanedds.com

48 | caryliving.com

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

ECO-FRIENDLY SKINCARE & LASHES NATURAL ESTHETICS SKINCARE & LASH BOUTIQUE

Natural Esthetics is an award-winning Eco Friendly Skincare & Lash Boutique located in downtown Cary. Our aim is to educate clients on the synergistic benefits of utilizing products free of harsh synthetic ingredients, combined with treatments that work with the skin’s natural renewal processes, so clients can maintain their natural beauty.

We focus on maintaining and enhancing natural beauty inside and out by providing pure, high-quality, resultsdriven, organic, eco-certified, natural beauty treatments and products. Owner Amanda Grace has 20-plus years of experience as a licensed esthetician in three states and worked as a resort spa director at multiple four diamond locations throughout the East Coast. Enhance your natural beauty at Natural Esthetics Skincare & Lash Boutique.

201 W. Chatham Street, Suite 101 | Cary | 336.862.6946 | naturalesthetics.org

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 49

NAETSUS RQA& S PEETCI C I ASL SA K D IVNE C RT I N& G S FA CW E SE L| LN L AE S| T H AI RS E L EACS THI OBNO U T I Q U E

2021

FA C E S | Z E N N P L A S T I C S U R G E R Y

2021

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

EXCELLENCE IN PLASTIC SURGERY ZENN PLASTIC SURGERY

Board-certified plastic surgeon Michael Zenn, M.D. brings unparalleled training and extraordinary experience to his signature private practice, Zenn Plastic Surgery. Formerly the Vice Chief of Plastic Surgery at Duke, Dr. Zenn is widely known for his “natural” surgical results. You look like you, only better! His integrity and “zen-like” bedside manner are trademarks of his esteemed reputation.

Not ready for surgery but want to address facial aging? Senior Aesthetic Nurse Mary Shaver, RN, MSN, CANS, can help! She is a certified expert injector and skincare educator with decades of experience and thousands of happy patients.

Dr. Zenn and the Zenn Plastic Surgery team share a commitment to excellence. Call today to schedule a consultation.

7920 ACC Boulevard, Suite 110 | Raleigh | 919.480.3885 | zennplasticsurgery.com 50 | caryliving.com

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE THE FACE OF

L OCALLY GROWN, CHEMIST-CRAFTED, ORGANIC CBD PEAK CITY CBD

Matt Weschler, an organic chemist, opened Peak City CBD a few years ago and hasn’t looked back. His appreciation of the science and helpful properties of CBD inspired him to create a great local company that produces a wide range of CBD products. The clean extraction and production of these products, which are locally grown, takes place in the company’s new Holly Springs facility.

Peak City CBD’s products are primarily sold online at PeakCityCBD.com, where they ship daily and for free around the nation. Check out the company’s oils, topical creams, water soluble CBD and vapes, which are earning stellar reviews.

833.CBD.5253 | peakcitycbd.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 51

QI& FA CW E SE L| LPNEEASKS C TA Y C| B SDP E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

2021

FAC E S

2021

|

FACES

B E L L FA M I LY D E N T I S T R Y

OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

MAKING THE COMMUNITY SMILE BELL FAMILY DENTISTRY

DR. TARA BELL, DDS The year 2020 was interesting for everyone, and Bell Family Dentistry was no exception. It created an even greater calling for the team to help patients smile. Dr. Tara Bell and office manager Claudia LaSmith combined their 20-plus years each of dental experience to provide a safe and caring environment for their patients during this difficult time. These loyal patients made the team smile back when they voted Bell Family Dentistry “Best Dentist” in the Cary Living Diamond Awards.

The Bell Family Dentistry team returned this patient support by donating dental supplies to four different ministries that help families in need. In addition, the team donated services to community families facing hardship to help them achieve healthy smiles. Even during the most challenging of years, the Bell Family Dentistry team will always work to make patients and the community around them smile.

4270 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 104 | Cary | 919.380.7624 | bellfamilydds.com 52 | caryliving.com

FACES OF OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

MEDICAL AESTHETICS AVAIL AESTHETICS Avail Aesthetics is an award-winning Med Spa founded by Dr. Nathan Davis and Stephen Rhodes, who set out with a mission to provide the very best in medical aesthetics while ensuring that every client feels welcomed and accepted.

Avail Aesthetics has been voted “Best Med Spa” for its unrivaled selection of services and for its upbeat, judgment‑free attitude. “We also have the newest and best devices available, yielding better results in fewer sessions with less downtime,” explains co-founder and CEO Stephen Rhodes. “Regardless of your goals, we have exactly what you need to look and feel like the best version of yourself.”

251 Keisler Drive, Suite 201 | Cary | 919.322.5440 | availaesthetics.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 53

AT H| ESTPIECCSI A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N FA CW E SE L| LANVEASISL Q A& ES

2021

FA C E S | P U P S I I N C .

2021

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

PUPPY PARADISE PUPSI INC.

Pupsi Inc. has been serving the Triangle for 28 years. Established in 1993 by Mary Foster and her family as a training facility for clients and their pups, it has grown to be the premier spot for training, grooming, boarding and dog day care in the area. With more than 15,000 square feet of outdoor play yards that are equipped with K9 AstroTurf, the dogs in Pupsi’s care can spend most of the day outside running, chasing or sunbathing. Pupsi’s commitment to cleanliness and quality for clients—whether training, grooming, boarding or day care—has been a hallmark of the company’s history.

8260 Chapel Hill Road | Cary | 919.460.9909 | pupsiinc.com

54 | caryliving.com

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

REAL ESTATE LEADERS IN THE LUXURY HOME MARKET LUXURY HOME MARKETING GROUP

FRONT ROW: LINDSAY TAYLOR JACKSON, Keller Williams | SHERI HAGERTY, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty MARGARET STRUBLE, Compass | SHAWN BRITT, Realty World Triangle Living | LESLIE YOUNG, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury | MICHELLE ROBERTS, Keller Williams Legacy | KIMBERLY CONROY, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury LINDA TREVOR, Remax United BACK ROW: JILL REKUC, Olde Raleigh Real Estate | DEBBIE VAN HORN, Compass | MOLLIE OWEN, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty | KATHY BEACHAM, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury | ANN MATTESON, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty | GRETCHEN COLEY, Compass | LINDA CRAFT, Linda Craft & Team Meet the Luxury Home Marketing Group. Our members are local experts and respected leaders in the real estate industry.

Members employ powerful marketing strategies and unsurpassed knowledge of the Triangle real estate market to successfully guide you in your home selling or buying experience. Give your home global exposure to our network of real estate professionals across multiple highly respected firms and through our powerful print, social media and direct mail marketing platforms. Get to know the Luxury Home Marketing Group at luxuryhomemarketinggroup.com. luxuryhomemarketinggroup.com MAY/JUNE 2021

| 55

| ES PME A CR I AKLE A VE FA CW E SE L| LLNUEXSUSRQ Y &HAO M TD IN GR TGI RS IONUG P S E C T I O N

2021

FA C E S | P A R K W A Y S L E E P H E A L T H C E N T E R

2021

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

SLEEP HEALTH

PARKWAY SLEEPHEALTH CENTER

If you experience problems with daytime sleepiness or have trouble falling asleep at night, you’re not alone.

Sleep disorders affect 35–40% of the U.S. population, and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.

Parkway SleepHealth Center, founded in 2004, is locally owned and operated by Brian June, his daughter Meghan, and his son-in-law Brandon Giegling. As proud members of our community, we care about Cary families because we are a Cary family. We offer a physician office, sleep studies, and CPAP machines and equipment. Call us today to start your journey toward a good night’s sleep.

130 Preston Executive Drive | Cary | 919.462.8081 | parkwaysleep.com

56 | caryliving.com

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

STRAIGHT SMILES

BOVENIZER & BAKER ORTHODONTICS

At Bovenizer and Baker Orthodontics, technology and smile finishes are key in producing amazing results. Their iTero® Scanner replaces the uncomfortable, traditional putty impressions. 3D impressions are taken, which are more accurate, resulting in better fitting retainers, require less time in the chair, and are more comfortable.

Dr. Bo and Dr. Baker are both Board Certified and aim to produce quality results with broader, artistically defined smile arcs.

The doctors pay attention to the smallest details and care about microaesthetics. This means tooth shaping and gum lasering are included at no charge, which can really transform a patient’s smile and take it to the next level. The office is a nationally recognized office and an education site where other orthodontists come to observe their practice.

2625 Green Level W Road, Cary, NC 27519 | 919.303.4557 | bovbakerortho.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 57

SE S NQI & EC AD I SO I NNGT ISC ES CTION FA CW E SE L| LBNOE V Z EAR |& SBP A K IEARL O R VT EHROT D

2021

FA C E S | P E A K C I T Y P U P P Y & D O G W A L K E R S

2021

FACES OF

WEST

WAKE

THE FACE OF

TRUST WITH YOUR PETS PEAK CITY PUPPY & DOG WALKERS

Now more than ever, trust is earned, not app’ed. The Team at Peak City Puppy & Dog Walkers has been setting the standard in professional dog walking and pet sitting services since 2008, and has served over 300 active dog and cat clients in Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, RTP, New Hill and Raleigh. Peak City Puppy & Dog Walkers has also earned more than 120 five‑star ratings on Google and boasts a track record of personal success stories.

“The team at Peak City Puppy has been taking care of our dog since he was a puppy four years ago. They do a fabulous job of keeping him walked and are very reliable. They are easy to reach (a must with our crazy schedules), and very responsive to our requests.” — Apex client Peak City Puppy & Dog Walkers | Serving Western Wake, RTP and Raleigh 919-FOR-PETS (or 919.367.7387) | peakcitypuppy.com

58 | caryliving.com

TO P- 1 0 0 W O R L D - R A N K E D W E D D I N G P H OTO G R A P H E R

919.414.0869 R A L E I G H C O M M E R C I A L P H OT O S . C O M / B R I A N M U L L I N S P H OT O G R A P H Y. C O M MAY/JUNE 2021

| 59

60 | caryliving.com

Adventuring Th r o u g h

Imperfection A T R I A N G L E FA M I LY E M B R AC E S THEIR FIRST CAMPING EXPERIENCE

BY MICK SCHULTE

"

PHOTOS BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

He said he traveled to hundreds of towns presenting about

marriage and family life, and whenever he noticed particularly happy and close families, he’d ask them what their secret was. Resoundingly, the most common answer—to his surprise and mine—was camping.

"

ith a car full of kids, my husband and I drive up to campsite 122 on Falls Lake in Durham. I unpack a trunkload of stuffed animals and remember a premarital conference my husband and I attended almost 13 years ago. His sister had bought us tickets and hoped it might help us avoid typical first-year marriage conflicts.

I honestly don’t remember much from the conference other than the buildup to the keynote speaker’s “silver bullet” to family and marital bliss. He said he traveled to hundreds of towns presenting about marriage and family life, and whenever he noticed particularly happy and close families, he’d ask them what their secret was. Resoundingly, the most common answer—to his surprise and mine—was camping. He’d go on to ask the families why camping was so special to them, and the answers always involved an unfortunate story.

Lightning striking a nearby tree, the tent collapsing and everyone getting soaked, bears eating the gourmet food they preciously packed or, my personal favorite, Dad secretly waking up in the middle of the night to scare his family only to be met by a hard whack on the head with campfire wood and a trip to the emergency room.

The common thread throughout these happy camper families was suffering.

So, my husband and I determined to make that our family motto: “Suffering Makes Us Stronger.” We almost had T-shirts made.

W

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 61

EMBRACING THE ‘WABI-SABI’

Recently, I learned a Japanese word that encompasses this idea. It can’t be translated into English, but the word “wabi-sabi” alludes to the art of appreciating beauty in our naturally imperfect world; where, in any given situation, a person recognizes all the good, the bad and the somewhere-in-between, understanding that all of it is necessary to appreciate a beautiful and full life.

As I look up at the ominous sky and raindrops fall on my face and glasses, I know this first camping experience with our four kids will create a true wabi-sabi memory. “It’s raining, Mom!” my second child announces with excitement while jumping in a puddle and soaking his shoes. Seems to me, kids are better at embracing the imperfections than we adults are—even though we’ve had so many more opportunities to practice.

Our first year of marriage was a breeze, for the most part. Any adversity that came our way was met with a determined, furrowed brow and high-five at the end. Then, as life usually does, things got more complicated. We dealt with a season of infertility and miscarriages, leaving us to wonder if we would ever get a chance to put our family motto into practice. During those years, I had a really hard time embracing wabi-sabi, and wondered why I couldn’t find that determined brow line that had served me so well in the past.

Eventually, the children came, and came, and came again—in a two-for-one package, as twins! It wasn’t an easy journey, but we were so thankful to be parents and shocked at the size of our tribe. Suddenly there were six of us, and our hopes changed from wanting to have children to wanting to parent them well. This new goal proved much harder than anything we had faced before. If a camping trip is the wabi-sabi of vacations, parenthood is the wabi-sabi of life. There is no escaping the good, the bad and the somewhere-in-between.

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

The realization that there is no escape becomes apparent as Mark and I tuck all four kids into their camping beds. The temperature is already low—around 40 degrees— and we wonder if our meager bedding supplies will sustain our slumber. One child is complaining that he has to wear pants, another is begging to watch a show on our phones, while another is tracking muddy shoes into the tent we borrowed from friends.

Still, it somehow all feels like a grand adventure because of where we’ve been stuck for the past year. 2020 was going to be the start of our adventuring, suffering, packed life with our kids. The twins were finally potty trained and we had some strategies in place for parenting away from home. But just as I was preparing to book a trip, the pandemic hit. We were stuck. Together. In a confined space, with limited resources to depend on and no end in sight. It was the ultimate camping trip, except we couldn’t return home after the suffering. The suffering was home!

I know many people took this opportunity to embrace camping and outdoor adventures. Eric Shreenan, the hardgoods manager at Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Raleigh, reports that business during COVID-19 has exploded. “Because other activities have been limited, people are going outdoors more than ever,” he says.

“We’ve seen a huge spike in backpacking, paddle sports and car camping. The local parks have seen a lot of growth as well.”

Despite this rise in outdoor recreation, our household was barely making it through a week of virtual school. At times, we mustered up that old determination and embraced the struggle, but then a wave of uncertainty would dampen our spirits and extinguish any adventurous ideas. After a while, a routine took precedence and veering off track felt risky. The thing that made us most excited about being parents—the adventure of it all—had been lost thanks to a year of being homebound.

We needed a change of scenery, and a one-night trip to a local campground felt like a gentle toe-dip into the outdoorsy world.

My daughter looks at me with sticky marshmallow covering her cheeks. “I love camping, Mom,” she declares as we snuggle closer together by the fire. Mark and the boys gather kindling in the woods and watch in awe as the pine needles magically spark a flame. The light dances in our boys’ shining little eyes.

My family sleeps through the night. I sleep about 20 minutes total, frozen and inconveniently recalling a Netflix murder mystery I watched a while back. Everyone finds their way to Mom and Dad’s double sleeping bag around 7 a.m. I am exhausted and surrounded by the little people we dreamed of long ago. It feels like magic. We drive away from Falls Lake, site 122, thankful for the good, the bad and the somewhere-in-between, and hopeful for many more camping trips to come.

62 | caryliving.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 63

Shelby and Trevor Pennington

While my family enjoyed the traditional camping experience, I am excited to explore some of North Carolina’s “glamping” options. Glamping is an elevated form of camping during which life’s luxuries—controlled temperatures and comfortable beds—are not sacrificed. Here are a few options in North Carolina, with reviews from locals.

Asheville Glamping

Asheville Glamping offers everything from a renovated 1955 camper with a hot tub to luxurious yurts and clear domes with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nyema Daye of Raleigh says her husband surprised her with a trip to an Asheville Glamping dome.

“I was a Girl Scout years ago and quit after a camping trip because it just wasn’t for me,” she says. “I hadn’t been camping again until we discovered glamping. The dome was fantastic. Being ‘inside’ but still able to see the stars and enjoy the outdoors was amazing. For anyone thinking of trying it, I would say absolutely do it! The glamping sites have comfortable beds, a bathroom, air conditioning, seating areas and much more. Whether you’re an outdoorsy guru or a Girl Scout dropout like me, you’ll love it!”

a mini-library and cell phone lockbox to encourage disconnection.

Local realtor Caroline DeConto visited an Asheboro Getaway cabin on a rainy weekend last fall. “I really appreciate and enjoy cool and functional design, and their modern cabins are basically tiny homes.

They’re a blend of a rustic, natural and modern style, and come with a bunch of amenities that make the experience even more fun. Plus, the giant window above the bed not only provides an amazing view of the woods while you’re relaxing, but also makes for a super cool Instagram photo.”

RV Life

RVs fit the definition of “glamping” since they offer the comforts of a home on wheels. And thanks to their COVID-friendly accommodations, people from every demographic are buying them. According to recent RV Industry Association report, 50–80% of buyers in 2020 were first-time RV purchasers. That’s up from 25–35% in June 2019.

64 | caryliving.com

Mandy Gray

Getaway in Asheboro

Getaway CEO Jon Staff started his company in 2015. Getaway now offers services across the country. “The idea behind Getaway was to build tiny cabins, place them in nature and make them easily accessible to stressed-out people looking to escape and rejuvenate,” he says. The custom-built tiny cabins range in size from 140 to 200 square feet and come with everything a traveler might need for a simple escape to nature. They even provide

Mandy Gray of Raleigh travels around in the RV she owns with her husband. They appreciate having their own space and being able to bring pets along for the ride.

“We are avid fans of state [and national] parks, and having an RV allowed us to keep exploring some of these beautiful public spaces during the pandemic,” she says. “Some of our 2020 adventures included visiting Shenandoah National Park (Virginia) along the beautiful Skyline Drive, watching elk graze in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee), hiking among the feral ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park (Virginia) and seeing iguanas at Biscayne National Park. (Florida). Our RV also allowed us to visit family members while still practicing social distancing. We camped in my parents’ driveway a couple of times and spent the weekend outdoors with them for some much-needed face-to-face time.”

Learn More

Ashville Glamping—ashevilleglamping.com Getaway—getaway.house RV Industry Association—rvia.org Mandy Gray

G L A M P I T UP

DEPARTMENTS

Jared Caldwell

LOCAL BUSINESS | HISTORY | COMMUNITY | CHEF'S TABLE

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 65

D E PA R T M E N T S LO C A L B U S I N E S S

ESTEAMED COFFEE

OFFERING EMPLOYMENT AND SKILL-BUILDING FOR THE DISABLED COMMUNITY

MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE APPLIED FOR 18 ESTEAMED COFFEE POSITIONS.

66 | caryliving.com

BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC PHOTOS BY JARED CALDWELL

A

ngie Hudson began losing her eyesight as an undergraduate at UNC–Chapel Hill due to macular degeneration. By the time she was 21, she was declared legally blind. Having grown up with sight, Hudson only became aware as an adult of the many difficulties inherent in living with a disability.

Then 25 years later, inspired by Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Wilmington, Hudson confided in her friend Tamara Lapsley that she wanted to open a coffee shop that would employ disabled people.

A speech pathologist for many years, Lapsley also had ideas about accommodating workplaces to the needs of the disabled. She served on the communications team for Austin Harrell, a young man who had suffered a debilitating stroke at age 18, and she believed there was potential to extend the methodology she had learned while working with Harrell to others’ work experiences.

Lapsley’s conversation with Hudson inspired Esteamed Coffee, which opened this past December—two-plus years of planning and effort later—on Academy Street in Cary. The shop hires employees with mental, physical and communicative disabilities, and it accommodates their needs in order to maximize their work experiences. The shop provides employees with jobs and training to help them find other employment later on. “Some employees will be here long-term,” Hudson says. “For others, we see this as kind of a stepping stone … It would make us so thrilled to see our employees move on to other, more challenging positions for them and to reach their potential.”

regaining my brain for speaking, reading, writing and listening. So it has helped a lot.”

PUSHING BOUNDARIES

SPOTLIGHTING EMPLOYEE STRENGTHS

More than 50 people applied for 18 positions when Esteamed Coffee first announced it was hiring. Hudson and Lapsley chose employees based on their willingness to push their boundaries, their interest in communicating with the public, and the staff’s ability to accommodate their needs.

When employees are hired, Hudson and Lapsley schedule them based on how they can best balance out the employees’ abilities and maximize their exposure to the tasks they want to practice. Austin Harrell is working on building communication skills and can manage the cash register, so he works as a cashier. Isaac Jacobs’ skills complement Harrell’s, but he cannot yet operate the cash register.

Since he excels at working as a cold-drink barista, he was given that job. Balancing employee skills helps the business succeed, both for customers and staff. Employees are encouraged to cross-train as their skills grow so they become proficient in different tasks.

Esteamed Coffee focuses on creating jobs that support each staff member’s individual needs. This process often involves bringing in professionals—occupational therapists, for example—from outside the business to help employees build particular skills. Staff and volunteers are available to offer assistance as needed with day-to-day work. “If we forget the orders, we get help,” Jacobs says. Harrell’s work has already proven beneficial. “I’m improving every day,” he says. “I’ve been

COUNTERING COVID-19

Hudson and Lapsley have faced challenges along the way—most notably, deciding whether to open during the COVID-19 pandemic or wait until after vaccine availability has increased foot traffic on Academy Street. “Opening a new business under any circumstances is hard enough,” Hudson says. “When you throw in two female entrepreneurs who have never done this and who are opening a coffee shop employing people with disabilities during a pandemic, you’ve got a really big task.”

The women decided to go ahead with their plan to open as expected, with proper precautions in place. So far, they are on solid ground. “We have really found that the community and our supporters have met us at every step of the way,” Hudson says.

In many ways, Esteamed Coffee functions like an ordinary coffee shop. It offers a strong selection of coffee drinks and seasonal beverages, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor space for people with pets. But some aspects of the experience are unique. The shop showcases the work of a new disabled artist every month, and volunteers help greet and direct customers. Most customers know the process may take a little longer at Esteamed Coffee than at a traditional coffee shop.

“Come in with an open mind to that and relax into the pace,” Lapsley suggests. “If you’re OK with that, you’ll have a wonderful time.”

In showing the Triangle community what its employees can contribute, Esteamed Coffee joins a larger cultural movement to bring people with disabilities into the workforce. Disabled people experience an unemployment rate that exceeds 70%, Lapsley notes, even though many of them have much to offer employers.

Oz Gamboa, a hot-drink barista at Esteamed Coffee, is a case in point. She applied to work at the shop in part because she loves coffee and tea. Her autism means that she takes her interests very seriously and, as a result, she has gained a strong knowledge base for preparing hot drinks. Gamboa has never had a job before, and working at Esteamed Coffee is helping her manage a fast-paced work environment that sometimes overstimulates her. She has many professional ambitions. “One of my goals is to work my way up to learn every drink in every position and become certified as a shift manager, and then get coffee master certification,” she says. She would also like to work in a bubble tea shop and compare the experiences of working with different kinds of drinks. Thanks to the training Esteamed Coffee is providing her, Gamboa may eventually be able to realize that goal, creating space for someone new to enter her spot in the workforce.

Esteamed Coffee is open 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Learn more about the coffee shop at esteamedcoffee.com.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 67

Jerry Miller

D E PA R T M E N T S H I S T O R Y

KILDAIRE FARM, 1920s

“THE STORY OF CARY”

A fall 2021 performance will celebrate the town’s history and accomplishments

BY CHERYL CAPALDO TRAYLOR HISTORICAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF: FRIENDS OF THE PAGE-WALKER HOTEL, T O W N O F C A R Y, P E R S O N A L F A M I L Y A R C H I V E S A N D O N L I N E S O U R C E S

A

special year for Cary, 2021 marks its 150th year as an incorporated town. While Cary’s past achievements have helped make it the thriving town it is today, much of what happened during

Cary’s early years gave it a reputation as “the place in-between.”

An ideal stopover for people traveling through the state—especially by train—Cary has welcomed

former governors and other prominent figures on their way to and from Raleigh. That’s not the big story, though. Cary boasts a rich history all its own, with much to celebrate during this sesquicentennial year.

“These stories show the spirit of the place we live in,” says Katherine Loflin, a Cary resident and creator of the upcoming original stage production, “The Story of Cary.” Scheduled for fall 2021, the play will highlight enjoyable and endearing tales from Cary’s past. And since no town develops without challenge, the play also includes stories involving racism, slavery, economic downturn, war and poverty.

You may be familiar with iconic Cary locations such as the Page-Walker Arts and History Center, The

Cary Theater and the Cary Arts Center. But there are numerous lesser-known historic people and places that have contributed to a much broader picture of Cary’s fascinating history and culture. Loflin says her background in social work has given her an understanding of the power of listening to stories. Her global consulting practice, The City Doctor, helps towns and cities identify, develop and design communities people want to live in. She believes sharing the history of a community’s important places helps connect people to their city or town, giving them a sense of loyalty and belonging. This is what she hopes “The Story of Cary” will accomplish.

68 | caryliving.com

A YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION

Projects related to “The Story of Cary” and Cary’s sesquicentennial celebration are listed at cary150.org.

Commemorative cards showcasing some of the town’s lesser known stories were released around Cary’s official anniversary date of April 3, 2021. Printed by Cary’s International Minute Press, these collectable cards are being distributed for free through local Cary businesses.

Loflin anticipates rolling out a “Cary History Happened Here” sign program as well, through which residents and visitors can use their mobile phones to take a self-guided tour of designated historical locations. A downloadable tour is currently available at cary150.org.

PLACES, EVERYONE

Anyone interested in writing stories, auditioning, sponsoring or learning more about Cary’s history can visit “The Story of Cary Stage Production” Facebook page and/or contact Loflin via email at amazingplacepros@icloud.com or Facebook Messenger.

Stay updated the latest developments about the production via facebook.com/storyofcaryonstage.

HIGH HOUSE OF CARY, 1897

Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel

The Town of Cary, Cary Playwrights’ Forum, Page-Walker Arts and History Center, and the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel, are also involved with this ambitious endeavor. But a big part of this historical undertaking wouldn’t be possible without support from the descendants of Cary’s founding families and others who have lived in the town for many years. People have shared artifacts, personal diaries and stories. The play will honor these families, their ancestors and many others by sharing their remarkable stories onstage. “The Story of Cary” presents an opportunity to learn about and appreciate Cary’s early years—not just as a stopover between cities, but as a place that went through challenges and extraordinary experiences to become the beloved town it is today.

CARY HIGH SCHOOL, 1896 — 1898

Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel

After Loflin’s proposal for the play was accepted by the town’s 150th anniversary committee last year, COVID-19 happened.

To write an original stage production takes time and planning, which is difficult to accomplish when most participants are homebound. With much of Cary’s history already documented and available, Loflin decided to ask the community to help write Cary’s stories—from home. She and her primary partners, the Cary Players, worked with the public to bring what is believed to be the country’s first-ever crowdsourced written production about the importance of a place on stage.

Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel

BEHIND THE SCENES

PAGE-WALKER HOTEL, 1916

DID YOU KNOW?

• The original Cary Academy was a private boarding school founded in 1896 and located where the Cary Arts Center stands today. Later, it became Cary High School — the first publicly funded school in North Carolina. It became the model for the state.

• The earliest known inhabitants of present-day areas that include Cary were Tuscarora Native Americans.

• World War I “Top Gun” hero Lt. Belvin Maynard buzzed Cary High School to the delight of all — flying so low the kids could see his dog, Trixie, sitting next to him.

• Cary is the second-largest town in the U.S., following Gilbert, Arizona.

Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel

• Cary was a finalist to be North Carolina’s capital, as well as the home of the University of North Carolina.

CARY HGH PEP RALLY, 1958 MAY/JUNE 2021

| 69

70 | caryliving.com

Town of Cary

D E PA R T M E N T S C O M M U N I T Y

PARK

Proud I

n 2001, the Cary Town Council approved a proposal for a large park that would offer cultural and community events in the heart of Cary. The 1-acre “Town Square” portion of Downtown Park—with its performance space, outdoor games space, public art displays and lighted fountain —opened in 2017, joining The Cary Theater and Cary Arts Center as a premier destination in the Triangle.

Downtown Park will soon become even more iconic. It’s currently undergoing a 6-acre expansion that will ultimately boast an adventure playground for children, interactive water features, a dog play area with a “Bark Bar,” performance spaces, walking trails and grassy areas. Centered between Academy, East Park and Walker streets, Downtown Park will offer natureinspired play, live entertainment and robust programming, and is expected to open in summer 2023.

OJB, an award-winning landscape architecture firm, is leading the $50 million project. The approval of a $112 million parks bond in 2019 allocated funds for its construction, with Cary citizens providing design input.

A stunning elevated skywalk will enable people to see varieties of plant species and trees from above. “It’s a really neat feature—probably 10 or 12 feet up in the air—that meanders over the botanical gardens and gives you a different perspective of the park,” says Joy Ennis, general manager of Downtown Park. She notes that the 500-foot-long skywalk and other features comply with the Americans with Disabilities act.

SPACES FOR NATURE, KIDS AND CANINES

Flowering plants and 30 different native tree species will give Downtown Park unique beauty. The town plans to keep as many existing trees as possible, based on their health and vitality, and introduce more than 400 shade, evergreen and ornamental varieties to create a lush environment. Planned water features

A multimillion-dollar expansion is set to transform Downtown Cary Park

BY JANICE LEWINE

RENDERINGS COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF CARY

include two ponds—one that beckons visitors to explore its island via a footbridge—and areas where water will dance to changing light patterns.

Affectionately known as “The Nest,” the playground encourages wonder and exploration. A pair of 20-foot cardinals will entice children to climb inside for a bird’s-eye view of the park. Four slides are surrounded by plants so children can experience both play and nature, and towering Contrabass Chimes create a larger-than-life musical experience with sounds that are both heard and felt.

Furry friends have their own space along Walker Street in which to roam, play fetch and join a costume parade. Water jets will tease pooches that love to get wet.

Then there is the Bark Bar. Ennis explains the uniqueness of this first-of-its-kind in the Triangle. “It’s an outdoor structure in the middle of two dog park runs,” she says. “We’ll serve doggy treats there, and beer, wine and snacks for their owners.”

DIVERSE PROGRAMMING

Downtown Park will buzz with activities and programs for all ages. Art and photography enthusiasts, who never shy away from an opportunity to grow in their craft, can take classes and enjoy exhibits at Town Square on Academy Street. Picnic lovers can spread out a blanket in the botanical garden or on the lawn, a vast space ideal for kite flying, team sports, fitness workouts, hula-hooping and scavenger hunts. By offering these diverse activities, the town hopes to attract people from across the Triangle—and beyond. “We anticipate that

CINEMA, S’MORES AND MARKETS GALORE

Families can enjoy a movie under the stars on the Great Lawn or cozy up at one of four fire pits, which are large enough to seat up to 12 people. The lawn will be fronted by a large entertainment pavilion that will include an innovative and technologically advanced use of wood for finishes and structure.

Academy Plaza, the park’s largest building, will offer flexible space for pop-up markets, holiday craft fairs, farmers markets and tasting events. With a food market located inside, “You can curate a picnic, pick up a grab-and-go lunch, or get coffee,” Ennis says. “You’ll also be able to buy sunscreen or other needed items that will make your stay in the park much more pleasant.”

the vast majority of events and programs in the park will be open and free to the public,” Ennis says.

Numerous shops, restaurants and an ultramodern library are energizing the heart of Cary, and the expanded Downtown Park will be its dazzling crown jewel. Ennis encourages Cary residents to watch their park being built. “Some seating will remain on Academy Street while the park is undergoing construction,” she says. “We’re working on special fence wrapping that will be interactive and allow people to dream about what’s coming. It’s going to be really amazing.”

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 71

ASALI

D E PA R T M E N T S C H E F ' S T A B L E

DESSERTS & CAFÉ Perfecting an inherited craft

BY ELLIOT ACOSTA

72 | caryliving.com

PHOTOS BY KAREN TAM

J

amaal Ali and Hanadi Asad always knew they wanted to become entrepreneurs—even during their undergraduate days at North Carolina State University. In 2001, despite having other full-time careers, the husband-and-wife team commenced their journey toward owning a business. They started out selling Mediterranean pastries in local markets. Building off that success, the couple started baking and selling cakes. By leveraging a new pipeline of special events and wedding cake orders, Ali and Asad expanded further into event planning and design work. As the business’s reputation grew, the couple came to a crossroads.

“We had always dreamed of owning our own café since our early 20s and never gave up on the thought. We decided that we didn’t want to look back when it was too late and only feel regret that we never gave it a shot, so we made plans to look for a spot,” Asad says, recalling her decision to fully dedicate herself to their dream and leave behind her successful 20-year career in the pharmaceutical industry.

THE PERFECT SPOT

Ali and Asad’s search for the perfect retail location started close to their home in Apex. However, after three years of searching and pushing their brand of unique pastries and baked goods at farmers markets all over the Triangle, Asali Desserts & Café finally found a home in Cary’s MacGregor Village. Built in 1988, MacGregor Village quickly established itself as a popular destination for Cary residents, but

during the 2010s, the plaza started showing its age. Major renovations in 2018 brought a fresh face and renewed energy to the space, which would become the perfect backdrop to Asali Desserts & Café’s bold patterns and vibrant colors.

MATCHING THE LOOK TO THE TASTE

Despite never being professionally trained, Ali and Asad’s offerings display the posh elegance of a classically trained chef’s creations.

Much of their culinary education comes from Ali’s mother, who was able to impart her knowledge of Mediterranean cuisine. Asad enhanced the recipes and techniques with her own artistic vision. “I draw my inspiration from art and the beauty in food,” she says. “Food is not just about flavor—you first eat with your eyes, so it is extremely important to me that the look matches the taste.”

With a menu and pastry case that offers so much diversity and selection, deciding what to order can be overwhelming. Asad recommends starting with the cheese kenafa, a traditional Palestinian dessert consisting of a sweet cheese base covered with crunchy, shredded filo dough and soaked with a homemade rosewater-orange blossom syrup.

Asad painstakingly adapted this dessert by meticulously attending to each component and detail.

Although Asali Desserts & Café serves a host of other decadent desserts—such as the baklava and semolina cake—its aptitude for delicacies is not limited to those with Mediterranean influences. Macarons,

cakes, eclairs and other sweet treats make up as much of the café’s identity as its traditional Mediterranean offerings. Asad is particularly proud of the cafe’s baklava cheesecake.

“The baklava cheesecake does incorporate a baklava component— some layers of filo and the deliciously sweet walnut filling,” she says. “However, it is overwhelmingly more cheesecake than baklava. It is truly the most unique dessert we offer, and what we feel is unique to our business.”

WORKING WITH—INSTEAD OF AGAINST—CHALLENGES

Asad combined some creativity with her keen cake-decorating skills to add levity to the otherwise grim realities of the pandemic by producing 6-inch cakes shaped like toilet paper rolls. In light of the vaccine, the cafe also started making vaccine-themed desserts and began offering a promotion for customers who show their vaccine cards.

Despite these promotions, Ali and Asad understand how fortunate they are to still be in operation. After the pandemic forced closure of the café’s dining area, they created an online ordering and curbside service. Asad credits the community’s “continued outpouring of support” to helping keep the café afloat. “Without their support, we could not have survived such a devastating time,” she says.

“We have a loyal and loving customer base, and we are simply blessed to still be here to continue to offer them our treats.”

Learn more about Asali Desserts & Café at asalievents.com.

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 73

Asali Desserts & Cafe

HARISSA—

A SEMOLINA CAKE RECIPE Ingredients

Cake 2 cups of semolina 1 cup of granulated sugar 1 cup of unsweetened coconut powder 1 tablespoon of baking powder ½ cup of clarified butter 1 cup of yogurt 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract ¼ cup of slivered blanched almonds for decorating Syrup 4 cups of sugar 3 cups of water Juice of ½ small lemon

Directions

For the syrup Mix all ingredients for the syrup and place them in a saucepan on high heat to boil. Then reduce the heat to medium for 30 minutes until it coats a metal spoon. Allow the mixture to cool completely before pouring it over the hot harissa.

For the cake Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix it by hand to combine it.

Add the yogurt and vanilla extract. Let it sit for 10 minutes to rest. Spray nonstick baking spray on the pan and press the mix evenly in a 9-by-13-inch Pyrex baking dish. Cut a diamond or square design in the cake with a butter knife. Press an almond sliver in center of each piece. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown in color.

Pour room temperature syrup on top while it’s hot so the cake can fully absorb all of it. Allow the cake to cool and enjoy!

74 | caryliving.com

OUT&ABOUT

iStock/StockSeller_ukr

DINE & DRAFT | EVENTS | NEW AROUND TOWN | KALEIDOSCOPE LIVING

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 75

DINE &DRAFT CARY LIVING

A FOODIE GUIDE TO WESTERN WAKE

THE PEAK ON SALEM 126 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.466.6060 thepeakonsalem.com

African

AWAZE CUISINE 904 NE Maynard Road, Cary 919.377.2599 awazecuisine.com

American

THE ABBEY ROAD TAVERN & GRILL 1700 Center Street, Apex 919.372.5383 1195 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.481.4434 711 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.762.7731 abbeyroadnc.com ACADEMY STREET BISTRO 200 S. Academy Street, Cary 919.377.0509 academystreetbistro.com

THE PROVINCIAL 119 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.372.5921 theprovincialapex.com

RUDY’S PUB & GRILL 780 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.5061 rudysofapex.com

SCRATCH KITCHEN & TAPROOM 225 Salem Street, Apex 160 E. Cedar Street, Cary 919.372.5370 scratchkitchenandtaproom.com TRIPLE BARREL TAVERN 2221 N. Grassland Drive Fuquay-Varina 919.762.0940 triplebarreltavern.com

APEX WINGS RESTAURANT & PUB 518 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.387.0082 apexwings.com

TWO GUYS GRILLE 4149 Davis Drive, Morrisville 919.462.9336 twoguysgrillemorrisville.com

AVIATOR SMOKEHOUSE 525 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.7675 aviatorbrew.com AVIATOR TAP HOUSE 600 E. Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.8826 aviatorbrew.com BASS LAKE DRAFT HOUSE 124 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs 919.567.3251 basslakedrafthouse.com CHICKEN SALAD CHICK 302 Colonades Way Suite 202, Cary 984.207.5516 chickensaladchick.com

VERANDAH 301 S. Academy Street, Cary 919.670.5000 themayton.com/verandah-restaurant WOODY’S SPORTS TAVERN & GRILL 8322 Chapel Hill Road, Cary 919.380.7737 woodysportstavern.com

Asian

ASIAN GARDEN 242 Grande Heights Drive, Cary 919.462.8598 asiangardencarync.com

THE CORNER TAVERN AND GRILL 1301 NW Maynard Road, Cary 919.460.0088 cornertaverncary.com

BANANA LEAF 1026 Ryan Road, Cary 919.468.9958 bananaleafcary.com

DAME’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES 1823 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary 919.234.0824 dameschickenwaffles.com

BAAN THAI 758 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.629.6399 baanthaiapex.com

HERONS AT THE UMSTEAD 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary 919.447.4200 theumstead.com/dining JOYCE & FAMILY RESTAURANT 129 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.567.1717 facebook.com/joyceandfamily LUCKY 32 7307 Tryon Road, Cary 919.233.1632 lucky32.com THE MASON JAR TAVERN 114 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs 919.964.5060 themasonjartavern.com MY WAY TAVERN 301 W. Center Street, Holly Springs 919.285.2412 mywaytavern.com

C&T WOK 130 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville 919.467.8860 ctwokrestaurant.com CHINA UNO 308 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs 919.557.9888 china-uno.com

DIM SUM HOUSE 100 Jerusalem Drive, #104, Morrisville 919.380.3087 dimsumhousemorrisville.com G.58 CUISINE 10958 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.466.8858 g58cuisine.com

GENKI RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR 3420 Ten Ten Road, Cary 919.363.6636 genkicary.com GINGER ASIAN CUISINE 2048 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.859.8998 gingerasiancuisine.com GOJI BISTRO 100 Maynard Crossing Court, Cary 919.466.8888 gojibistro.us HIBACHI & COMPANY 708 Judd Parkway, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.8899 hibachicompany.com HIBACHI BLUE 1500 Village Market Place Morrisville 919.462.9899 hibachiblue.com JJ CAFE 2143 Ten Ten Road, Apex 919.367.8686 jjcafeapex.com KABUKI JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 220 Nottingham Drive, Cary 919.380.8081 kabukicary.com KASHIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT 309 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary 919.851.7101 kashin.com KOBE HIBACHI & SUSHI 515 N Main Street, Holly Springs 919.557.1437 kobehollyspringsnc.com KUMO SUSHI 2916 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.986.0983 kumosushifv.com LITTLE TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1401 SE Maynard Road, Cary 919.467.5011 sushi-little-tokyo-restaurant.business.site LUCKY 7 906 NE Maynard Road, Cary 919.380.7550 lucky7nc.com MEI WEI ASIAN DINER 1424 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.762.7128 meiweinc.com NEW RAINBOW 3427 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.567.8272 newrainbowchinese.com OSHA THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI 242 S. Main Street, Suite 100 Holly Springs 984.538.6742 oshathaikitchennc.com PHO 919 3504 Davis Drive, Morrisville 919.377.0318 pho919.com

RED BOWL ASIAN BISTRO 2020 Boulderstone Way, Cary 919.388.9977 redbowlcary.com

SUSHI AT THE PARK 1163 Parkside Main Street, Cary 984.333.0198 sushiatthepark.com

SUSHI IWA 2026 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex 919.387.7022 sushiiwa.org SUSHI-THAI CARY 106 Kilmayne Drive, Cary 919.467.5747 sushithaicary.com

TAIPEI CAFE 9825-G Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.380.8568 taipeicafemorrisville.com TASTE VIETNAMESE CUISINE 152 Morrisville Square Way Morrisville 919.234.6385 tastevietnamese.com

TASU ASIAN BISTRO 525 New Waverly Place, Cary 919.977.4037 shikitasu.com

TERIYAKIN’ 10970 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.443.2279 yelp.com/biz/teriyakin-morrisville THAI LOTUS 3450 Kildaire Farm Road Suite 150, Cary 984.229.7333 thailotusinc.com

THAI SPICES & SUSHI 986 High House Road, Cary 919.319.1818 thaispicessushi.com

THAI THAI CUISINE 108 Osterville Drive, Holly Springs 919.303.5700 thaithaicuisinenc.com YAMATO STEAK, SEAFOOD & SUSHI BAR 700 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.8088 yamatoofapex.com YOHO ASIAN BISTRO 8204 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary 919.859.8081 yohoasiancary.com

YURI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1361 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.481.0068 yurijapaneserestaurant.com

ZENFISH POKÉ BAR 9924 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.234.0914 zenfishpokebar.com

Bakeries & Dessert Cafés

ANDIA’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 1008 Ryan Road, Cary 919.234.0037 10120 Green Level Church Road, Cary 919.822.1866 andiasicecream.com

PLEASE CHECK WEBSITES OR CALL FOR TAKEOUT OPTIONS. 76 | caryliving.com

ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD 1115 Hatches Pond Lane Morrisville 919.650.2865 eatandys.com

ANNELORE’S GERMAN BAKERY 308 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.267.6846 anneloresbakery.com ASALI DESSERTS & CAFE 107 Edinburgh S. Drive Suite 106-A, Cary 919.362.7882 asalievents.com/cafe

BESTOW BAKED GOODS 4208 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs 919.473.9225 bestowbakedgoods.com BIG DOM’S BAGEL SHOP 203 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.377.1143 bigdomsbagelshop.com

BONAFIDE BAKESHOP & CAFE 1232 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.372.5000 bonafidebakeshop.com BRECOTEA 1144 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.234.1555 brecotea.com CARIBOU COFFEE 109 SW Maynard Road, Cary 919.319.6265 cariboucoffee.com CHANTICLEER CAFE & BAKERY 6490 Tryon Road, Cary 919.781.4810 chanticleercafe.com

CHOCOLATE SMILES 312 W. Chatham Street Suite 101, Cary 919.469.5282 chocolatesmiles.com COFFEE & CREPES 315 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary 919.233.0288 coffeeandcrepes.com CREMA COFFEE ROASTER & BAKERY 1983 High House Road, Cary 919.380.1840 cremacoffeebakery.com CRUMBL COOKIES 1105 Market Center Drive Morrisville 919.364.1100 crumblcookies.com CULTIVATE COFFEE ROASTERS 128 S. Fuquay Avenue Fuquay-Varina 919.285.4067 cultivate.coffee

DUCK DONUTS 100 Wrenn Drive #101, Cary 919.468.8722 duckdonuts.com FOUNT COFFEE + KITCHEN 10954 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 984.888.5454 fountcoffee.com

FRESH. LOCAL ICE CREAM 138 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.234.1155 109 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.267.9716 freshlocalicecream.com

GOODBERRY’S FROZEN CUSTARD 2325 Davis Drive, Cary 919.469.3350 1146 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.467.2386 goodberrys.com GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY 1240 NW Maynard Road, Cary 919.460.8158 greatharvest.com HAPPYCAKES CUPCAKERY 9958 Chapel Hill Road, Cary 919.694.5251 thehappycupcakery.com HOT BREADS CAFE 1901 NW Cary Parkway Morrisville 919.677.1331 hotbreadscafe.com JAVA JIVE COFFEE & TEA 2425 Kildaire Farm Road Suite 403, Cary 919.655.7655 javajivecoffeeandtea.com JUICE VIBES 1369 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.377.8923 juicevibes.com LA FARM BAKERY 4248 NW Cary Parkway, Cary 919.657.0657 320 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.650.3117 5055 Arco Street, Cary (inside Whole Foods) 984.228.0300 lafarmbakery.com

MILK LAB CAFE 6418 Tryon Road, Cary 919.200.0016 milklabcafe.com NIL’S CAFE 513 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.567.0887 nilscafe.weebly.com NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 2008 Market Center Drive Morrisville 919.694.5300 nothingbundtcakes.com ONCE IN A BLUE MOON BAKERY & CAFE 115-G W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.319.6554 bluemoonbakery.com PINTS ICE CREAM & BEER 512 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.351.9704 facebook.com/pintsicecream PURE JUICERY BAR 716 Slash Pine Drive, Cary 919.234.1572 purejuicerybar.com RISE BISCUITS & DONUTS 1100 Market Center Drive Morrisville 919.377.0385 169 Grand Hill Place Holly Springs 919.586.7343 risebiscuitsdonuts.com SIR WALTER COFFEE + KITCHEN 242 S. Main Street Holly Springs 919.390.2274 sirwaltercoffeekitchen.com

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 77

STICK BOY BREAD CO. 127 S. Main Street Fuquay-Varina 919.557.2237 stickboyfuquay.com

Eclectic

CHEF’S PALETTE 3460 Ten Ten Road, Cary 919.267.6011 chefspalette.net

SUGAR BUZZ BAKERY 1231 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.238.7224 sugarbuzzbakery.com

CORELIFE EATERY 200 Crossroads Boulevard Suite 100, Cary 919.726.6261 corelifeeatery.com

A TASTE OF BROOKLYN 101 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.362.8408 atasteofbrooklynnc.com

VIDA DULCE 836 E. Chatham Street #104, Cary 919.378.9722 vidadulcenc.com

Breakfast/Specialty

BLUEGRASS BAGELS 100 Dickens Road, Fuquay-Varina 919.285.4980 bluegrassbagels.com

CHA HOUSE TEA 1319 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 984.465.0498 chahouseusa.com

REY’S 1130 Buck Jones Road, Cary 919.380.0122 reysrestaurant.com

German

DIER BIERGARTEN 1080 Darrington Drive, Cary 919.650.1565 biergartencary.com

Indian

BAWARCHI GRILL & SPIRITS 800 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.363.9000 bawarchiapex.com

DALLAS FAMOUS CHICKEN N’ BISCUITS 1101 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.362.0051 DAYBREAK 154 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.439.1181 daybreaknc.com

BIRYANI MAXX INDIAN CUISINE 590 E. Chatham Street Suite 102, Cary 919.377.0346 biryanimaxxindiancuisine.com

DICED GOURMET SALADS & WRAPS 1377 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.377.8572 7157 O’Kelly Chapel Road, Cary 919.678.5004 dicedsalads.com

EGGS UP GRILL 1436 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.285.4463 eggsupgrill.com FAMOUS TOASTERY 316 Colonades Way #201C, Cary 919.655.1971 famoustoastery.com

CILANTRO INDIAN CAFÉ 107 Edinburgh S. Drive Suite 107, Cary 919.234.1264 cilantroindia.com HIMALAYAN NEPALI CUISINE 746-A E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.466.0550 himalayannepalicuisine.com HYDERABAD HOUSE BIRYANI PLACE 3735 Davis Drive #105, Morrisville 919.535.3163 hydhousertp.com

MISSION MARKET 124 N. Salem Street, Apex shopthemission.com

Delis/Sandwiches

THE BRUNCH BOX 10970 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.380.7276 thebrunchbox.net

PEPPERS MARKET & SANDWICH SHOP 2107 Grace Park Drive, Morrisville 919.380.7002 peppersmrkt.com SERENDIPITY GOURMET DELI 118 S. Academy Street, Cary 919.469.1655 serendipitygourmetdelinc.com

POSTMASTER 160 E. Cedar Street, Cary 919.378.9493 postmastercary.com

French

BRIGS 1225 NW Maynard Road, Cary 919.481.9300 1040 Tryon Village Shopping Center Cary 919.859.2151 brigs.com

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP 302 Colonades Way, Cary 919.932.8882 capriottis.com

MAXIMILLIANS GRILL & WINE BAR 8314 Chapel Hill Road, Cary 919.465.2455 maximilliansgrill.com

KABABISH CAFÉ 201 W. Chatham Street Suite 103, Cary 919.377.8794 kababishcafe.com NAZARA INDIAN BISTRO 1945 High House Road, Cary 919.694.5353 nazaranc.com TOWER INDIAN RESTAURANT 144 Morrisville Square Way, Cary 919.465.2326 towernc.com UDUPI CAFE 590 E. Chatham Street, Suites 112 and 144, Cary 919.465.0898 sriudupicafe.com/contact.php

Irish

DOHERTY’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 5490 Apex Peakway, Apex 919.387.4100 1979 High House Road, Cary 919.388.9930 dohertysirishpubnc.com

Italian

ANNA’S PIZZERIA 100 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.267.6237 138 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.285.2497 annaspizzeria.com BABYMOON CAFE 100 Jerusalem Drive, Morrisville 919.465.9006 babymooncafe.com BELLINI FINE ITALIAN CUISINE 107 Edinburgh S. Drive #119, Cary 919.552.0303 belliniitaliancuisinecary.com BOCCI TRATTORIA & PIZZERIA 2425 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.803.5358 bocciitalian.com DANIEL’S RESTAURANT & CATERING 1430 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.1006 danielsapex.com ENRIGO ITALIAN BISTRO 575 New Waverly Place Suite 106, Cary 919.854.7731 dineenrigo.com GARIBALDI TRATTORIA 900 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina 919.552.8868 garibalditrattoria.com LUGANO RISTORANTE 1060 Darrington Drive, Cary 919.468.7229 luganocary.com MAMMA MIA ITALIAN BISTRO 708 Laura Duncan Road, Apex 919.363.2228 mammamianc.com OSTERIA G 5160 Sunset Lake Road #101, Apex 984.229.7480 osteriag.com PRO’S EPICUREAN MARKET & CAFE 211 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.377.1788 prosepicurean.com ROMA’S ITALIAN DELI & PIZZERIA 203 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary 919.468.1111 romasitalian.net RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA & SPIRITS 1055 Pine Plaza Drive, Apex 919.446.6333 8111 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary 919.851.3999 1101 Market Center Drive, Morrisville 919.388.3500 ruckuspizza.com

Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern

BABA GHANNOUJ MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 2468 Walnut Street, Cary 919.233.0907 108 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs 919.762.7851 babaghannouj1.com BOSPHORUS RESTAURANT 329-A N. Harrison Avenue, Cary 919.460.1300 bosphorus-nc.com

JASMIN & OLIVZ MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1109 Ledsome Lane, Cary 919.469.1112 9934 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.234.6900 jasminbistro.com

MEDTERRA GRILL 108 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs 919.762.7851 mediterranc.com

NEOMONDE 10235 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.466.8100 neomonde.com SAI KRISHNA BHAVAN 10970 Chapel Hill Road, Cary 919.481.0910 saikrishnabhavan.com

SASSOOL 1347 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.300.5586 sassool.com

TURKUAZ MARKET 203 N. Harrison Avenue #110, Cary 919.455.1890 turkuazmarketnc.com

Mexican

ARANDAS MEXICAN CUISINE 5460 Apex Peakway, Apex 919.362.7363 arandasmexcuisine.com

BRAVO’S MEXICAN GRILL 208 Grande Heights Drive, Cary 919.481.3811 bravosmexicangrill.net BURRITO SHAK 2982 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.267.6772 burritoshak.com

EL DORADO 112 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.0287 eldoradomexicanrestaurant.com

EL LOBO MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1311 E. Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.9540 facebook.com/ellobofv

FIESTA MEXICANA 2839 Jones Franklin Road, Raleigh 919.859.1303 fiestamexicananc-cary.com 990 High House Road, Cary 919.378.9895 fiestamexicananc-nwcary.com 428 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs 919.346.1330 fiestamexicananc-hollysprings.com LA RANCHERITA GRILL & TEQUILA BAR 102 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.303.2448 laranchnc.com

LA TAQUERIA MEXICAN GRILL 973 E. Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.5532

PLEASE CHECK WEBSITES OR CALL FOR TAKEOUT OPTIONS. 78 | caryliving.com

LOS TRES MAGUEYES 110 SW Maynard Road, Cary 919.460.8757 lostresmagueyescary.com 325 N. Main Street Holly Springs losmagueyesnc.com 919.552.6272 401 Wake Chapel Road Fuquay-Varina 919.552.3957 lostresmagueyes.com/varina-nc LOS TRES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 10120 Green Level Church Road Suite 202, Cary 919.267.5444 lostresmagueyesgreenlevel.com 1301 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.367.6797 lostres-nc.com 995 Airport Boulevard, Morrisville 919.465.0217 morrisvillemexicanrestaurant. com MI CANCUN 1106 Grace Park Drive Morrisville 919.650.1718 micancunmx.com RANCHO GRANDE 1401 SE Maynard Road, Cary 919.469.4245 taqueriaranchogrande.com TACOS MEXICO RESTAURANT 1430 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina 919.439.8047 tacosmexicorestaurant.com TACOS MEXICO RESTAURANT & CANTINA 209 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.362.8074 tacosmexicoapexnc.com TORERO’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE 1207 Kildaire Farm Road Suite C, Cary 919.468.8711 torerosmexicanrestaurants.com TOTOPOS STREET FOOD & TEQUILA 1388 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.678.3449 totoposfoodandtequila.com

Peruvian

ALPACA PERUVIAN CHARCOAL CHICKEN 9575 Chapel Hill Road Morrisville 919.378.9259 alpacachicken.com LUCKY CHICKEN 1851 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary 919.678.3153 Marco Pollo 1871 Lake Pine Drive, Cary 919.694.5524 marcopollocary.com

Pizzerias

ANNA’S PIZZERIA 100 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.267.6237 138 S. Main Street Fuquay-Varina 919.285.2497 annaspizzeria.com

BLAZE PIZZA 316 Grand Hill Place Holly Springs 919.557.4990 1024 Market Center Drive Morrisville 919.261.5941 blazepizza.com

BROTHERS OF NEW YORK PIZZA 3450 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.629.6000 Di Fara Pizza Tavern 111 E. Chatham Street, Cary difarapizzatavern.com JOHNNY’S PIZZA 96 Cornerstone Drive, Apex 919.659.8700 johnnyspizzacarymenu.com

J&S NEW YORK PIZZA 804 Perry Road, Apex 919.363.0071 2025 Renaissance Park Place Cary 919.650.3492 500 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.6921 jandsnypizza.com MICHELANGELO’S PIZZA 928 U.S. Highway 64, Apex 919.462.8880 michelangelosinapex.com 7280 GB Alford Highway Holly Springs 919.557.4992 michelangelospizza.com

MILANO PIZZA 7509 Purfoy Road, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.6093 sites.google.com/site/ milanopizzafv MOD PIZZA 316 Colonades Way Suite 206-C, Cary 919.241.7200 modpizza.com/locations/ waverly THE ORIGINAL NY PIZZA 6458 Tryon Road, Cary 919.852.2242 831 Bass Pro Lane, Cary 919.677.8484 634 Holly Springs Road Holly Springs 919.567.0505 theoriginalnypizza.com

PAPA’S SUBS & PIZZA 511 N. Main Street Holly Springs 919.557.1919 papassubspizzahollysprings. com

THE PIZZA DUDE 1763 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.6686 ncpizzadude.com PIZZERIA FAULISI 215 E. Chatham Street Suite 101, Cary 919.377.8244 pizzeriafaulisi.com

RANDY’S PIZZA 4129 Davis Drive, Morrisville 919.468.3737 randys-pizza.com RICCI’S TRATTORIA 10110 Green Level Road Suite 108, Cary 919.380.8410 riccistrattoria.com

ROMEO’S PIZZA 800 W. Williams Street Suite 160, Apex 919.355.2920 romeospizza.com ROSATI’S PIZZA 3605 Davis Drive Suite 107, Morrisville 919.380.7000 rosatispizza.com/location/ morrisvillenc SALVIO’S PIZZERIA 2428 SW Cary Parkway, Cary 919.467.4600 salviospizza.com V PIZZA 1389 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.650.1821 vpizza.com YOUR PIE 685 Cary Town Boulevard, Cary 919.378.9578 yourpie.com

Seafood

THE BLIND PELICAN 120 Bass Lake Road Holly Springs 984.225.2471 blindpelicanseafood.com THE FULL MOON OYSTER BAR 1600 Village Market Place Morrisville 919.378.9524 fullmoonoysterbar.com SKIPPER’S FISH FRY 1001 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.2400 skippersfish.com TONY’S TAPS & OYSTER CO. 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Cary 919.234.1600 facebook.com/ beermusicoysters

SOUTH AMERICAN

GUASACA AREPA & SALSA GRILL 9918 Chapel Hill Road Suite 103, Morrisville 919.377.8223 guasaca.com

STEAK HOUSE

CAPITAL CITY CHOP HOUSE 151 Airgate Drive, Morrisville 919.484.7721 chophousesofnc.com JIMMY V’S STEAK HOUSE & TAVERN 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Cary 919.380.8210 jimmyvssteakhouse.com

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

VEGAN COMMUNITY KITCHEN 803 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.372.5027 vegancommunitykitchen.com Cary Living advertisers have been highlighted. Some restaurants do not have websites and must be contacted by phone. Please call or check websites for takeout options.

PLEASE CHECK WEBSITES OR CALL FOR TAKEOUT OPTIONS.

PHOTOJOURNALISM AS ART KAREN TAM PHOTOGRAPHER facebook.com/karentamphotography MAY/JUNE 2021

| 79

EVENTS

Every Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon Behind the Tobacco & Mule Exchange building in downtown Apex The Apex Farmers Market is a not-for-profit farmers market offering locally grown produce, locally raised meats, cheeses, baked goods, crafts and more. apexfarmersmarket.com

Movies by Moonlight

Fridays, May 7–28, 8:15 p.m.

Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary The “Movies by Moonlight” series, presented by WakeMed Cary Hospital, returns to Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre for another season. On designated “movie” nights, cinema buffs are invited to sit back, relax and enjoy the stars of the big screen under the stars in the sky. Doors open at 7 p.m. boothamphitheatre.com

Abby Warner

The Fount Market

May 8 and June 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

10954 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville Join Triangle Pop-Up for its monthly market at Fount Coffee + Kitchen.

The market will be hosted outdoors and artists will be selling candles, jewelry, beauty products and other handmade goods. Grab an iced coffee from Fount Coffee + Kitchen’s full espresso bar while you shop.

May 15, 2–6 p.m.

Town Hall Drive, Morrisville The Town of Morrisville’s SpringFest returns with midway games, rides, live music and food trucks. There will also be a virtual 5K and SpringFest 7-miler added to this year’s event.

Brittany Murdock

Apex Farmers Market

SpringFest

townofmorrisville.org

Art in Bloom

June 3–6, June 10–13 The North Carolina Museum of Art 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh This year’s Art in Bloom, presented by PNC, takes place during two extended weekends: June 3–6 and June 10–13. A perennial favorite among visitors, Art in Bloom displays the stunning creativity of floral designers who interpret works of art from the museum’s collection.

Brittany Murdock

Apex Farmer’s Market

Apex Farmer’s Market

BY BRITTANY MURDOCK

ncartmuseum.org

Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Asheboro Copperheads

June 12 Ting Park 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs Enjoy an evening of baseball as the Holly Springs Salamanders take on the Asheboro Copperheads at Ting Park in Holly Springs. Check the schedule for dates and times of other home games. salamandersbaseball.com

Turtlefest

May 8, 1–4 p.m.

Sugg Farm section of Bass Lake Park 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs This free event is held the second Saturday in May and traditionally includes live animals, live music, carnival games, a scavenger hunt, giveaways and more.

80 | caryliving.com

Holly Springs Salamanders

trianglepopup.com

NEW AROUND TOWN Carolina Garden Coaching

VividCoWork

BY CINDY HUNTLEY

TIRED OF WORKING FROM HOME? VIVIDCOWORK HAS YOU COVERED. Has working from home left you lonely or unmotivated? VividCowork is a community workspace offering a dynamic, modern and clean environment—the perfect solution to getting work done on your own terms.

2121 E. Williams Street Suite 104, Apex 919.629.6060 vividcowork.co

CAROLINA GARDEN COACHING: PLANTING THE SEEDS OF HOPE Raleigh-based Tiayonna Liska started Carolina Garden Coaching to share her gardening knowledge and inspire others to take control of growing food that nourishes the mind, body and soul. Through this unique venture Liska aspires to help others find meaning, foster reconnection, and plant the seeds of hope for a better future. carolinagardencoaching.com Instagram: @carolina_garden_coaching Facebook: @carolinagardencoaching

MAY/JUNE 2021

| 81

KALEIDOSCOPE LIVING

LIVE EDGE WOOD DESIGNS MODERN HEIRLOOMS

Design duo Doug Boytos and Quinn Ferebee started Live Edge Wood Designs in 2015 to showcase their passion for building custom furniture and woodworks that use a tree’s natural edge. Whether crafting a kitchen

D I N I N G TA B L E , 2 0 1 9 BLACK WALNUT AND CARIBBEAN BLUE EPOXY WITH SHOP-MADE STEEL LEGS 6 FEET

counter for a residential home or dining tables for a restaurant, they let the shape and natural elements of locally sourced North Carolina salvaged wood dictate what the end result will be. View their handcrafted pieces in the Live Edge Woods Designs Raleigh showroom Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., or online at liveedgewooddesigns.com. See examples of their work via Instagram as well @live_edge_wood_designs.

BY CHARLOTTE RUSSELL

82 | caryliving.com

“Building modern heirlooms, the pieces we build are intended to last more than a generation. It’s a centerpiece; it’s intended to be handed down. Everything is handmade by the two of us with local materials, and every piece is one-of-a-kind, like a work of art.”