Midtown magazine May June 2022

M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 2

BOLD IS BACK SPRING + SUMMER FASHION PREVIEW VACATION RV-STYLE COASTAL WEEKEND GETAWAYS TRAVELING WITH PETS

+

FACES OF RALEIGH

MIDTOWN

|

DOWNTOWN

|

NORTH RALEIGH

| WAKE FOREST |

CLAYTON

MAY/JUNE 2022

|1

2 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

|3

4 | midtownmag.com

Extraordinary Luxury Homes for Extraordinary Times In these extraordinary times, AR Homes Monterey Bay has curated the perfect blend of passion, experience and insight to help each client design, build, and live in their dream home.

Through the marriage of extraordinary skill levels, creativity and resourcefulness, coupled with our proven process of luxury home design and building, we have an unparalleled ability to navigate the unexpected and unplanned events of building luxury homes.

Call us at 919.277.9921 or visit our website to explore how we bring your luxury home to life here in the Triangle.

919.277.9921 | arhomes.com/builder/monterey-bay-raleigh-llc

MAY/JUNE 2022

|5

6 | midtownmag.com

DR. ABERNATHY

DR. SONNER

DR. WELLS

2022

THE TRIANGLE'S AWARD-WINNING GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTAL TEAM DIAMOND

AWARD

3803 COMPUTER DRIVE, RALEIGH

•

919.786.6766

RENAISSANCEDENTALCENTER.COM

BEST DENTIST

MAY/JUNE 2022

|7

EMSCULPT — Build and Tone Muscle Abdomen, Thighs, Calves, Tri + Biceps Strengthen Glutes for a Natural Butt Lift Non-Invasive = No Downtime

Unleash Your Full Potential Better Results ⅼ Fewer Sessions Less Downtime

VANQUISH ME — RF Technology Burn Fat on Abdomen + Thighs Up to 30% Fat Reduction Non-Invasive = No Downtime EMSELLA — Treats Incontinence Men's + Women’s Sexual Health Non-Invasive = No Downtime PICOSURE — Tattoo Removal | Photo-facial Safe for ALL Skin Types Rosacea | Melasma | Sun Damage | Skin Tone ICON — Hair Removal | Scar Removal Stretch Mark Removal | Sun Damage Wrinkles | Fine Lines | Vascular Lesions Pigmented Lesions | Safe for ALL Skin Types HYDRAFACIAL — Medical Grade Resurfacing Facial Cleanse | Exfoliate | Extract | Hydrate Boosters Available to Treat all Skin Concerns

POTENZA — RF Microneedling Generates New Collagen | Treats Below Skin Treats Various Scars | Treats ALL Skin Types Reveals Smoother, Firmer & More Toned Skin SUBNOVII — Non-Surgical Face Lift Neck Lift | Body Tightening | Acne Scars Surgical Scars | General Scars | Blemishes Cherry Angiomas | Moles | Skin Tags ELITE IQ — Dual Wavelength (Alex + Yag) Higher Power | All Skin Types | Hair Removal Ingrown Hair | Vascular Pigmented Lesions Rosacea | Warts | Scars | Wrinkles Psoriasis | Stretch Marks

2022

TETRA CO2 — Skin Texture | Sun Damage Fine Lines | Wrinkles | Pore Size | Scars Hyperpigmentation | No Downtime

DIAMOND

AWARD

2022

BEST MED SPA

DIAMOND

AWARD

2022

BEST PLACE TO DE-AGE

DIAMOND

AWARD

2022

BEST SPA EXPERIENCE

DIAMOND

AWARD

BEST BROW AND LASH SERVICES

8 | midtownmag.com

NEW ARRIVAL! FIRST IN THE COUNTRY! MOTUS AZ — A Breakthrough in Pain-Free Laser Treatments | Hair Removal | Pigmented Lesion Reduction | Skin Revitalization Vascular Lesion Reduction OTHER SERVICES: Botox | Xeomin | Dysport | Vitamin Drips Fillers (Juvederm | Restylane ) | PRP (Facials | Hair Growth) Male + Female Sexual Health Shots | Facials | European Facial Clarifying Facial | Back Facial | Mini Facial Microdermabrasion Dermaplaning | Chemical Peels | Brow + Lash Tint

availaesthetics.com | 919.322.5440

251 KEISLER DRIVE, SUITE 201, CARY

NEW RALEIGH LOCATION OPENING IN FIVE POINTS IN MAY 2006 FAIRVIEW ROAD, RALEIGH

MAY/JUNE 2022

|9

10 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 11

E DITOR’S LET T ER

T

Photo by Sara Coffin Photography

he 1980s represented an unforgettable era of unmatched fashion. Multicolor geometric patterns rocked Gen Xers’ wardrobes.

Shaker sweaters, pinned jean jackets, acid-washed jeans, Coca-Cola shirts and leg warmers were all the rage. Floral “jams” paired with neon tank tops and jelly shoes became warm-weather staples. Swatch watches, oversized earrings, twist-a-bead necklaces, neon bangles and kenya bags accompanied John Hughes movie-worthy outfits, while banana clips tamed spiral perms and blue mascara tinted traditionally black lashes. It was an anything-goes, Aquanet era—one we surely thought would never return.

But … “Bold is Back.” Our spring and summer fashion preview on page 30 spotlights the resurgence of 1980s styles tinged with 1990s and Y2K trends. North Carolina State University’s exquisitely designed James B. Hunt Jr. Library serves as the perfect backdrop for five dynamic ensembles presented by stylist Sofia Lujan that will surely bring a smile to your face. This retro rebound wasn’t unexpected; anytime humankind suffers post-war or restrictive periods—such as the recent COVID lockdowns—we yearn for styles that make us happy. Lujan’s flamboyant arrangements accompanied by glamorous Bailey’s Fine Jewelry accessories check that box.

As you vibrantly venture out, another trend is taking the U.S. by storm—and it has nothing to do with fashion. More than 11 million American heads of households have traded in their airline miles and hotel points for RV life. “Open-Road Adventures” on page 42 tells the story of why two Wake County couples decided to adopt an RV lifestyle—one in a 44-foot class A motorhome and the other in a 19-foot class B Airstream touring coach. Their sense of adventure is contagious!

Our travel theme continues on page 52 where you will meet “Charles and Elizabeth.”

Discover what the coastal towns of Cape Charles, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina have to offer weekend travelers. And Disney vacation planners take note: New apps and interactive technology intended to improve guest experiences come at a cost. Get the scoop in “Your Disney Experience” on page 62. If you’re vacationing with a furry friend—or leaving her at home—read helpful tips and tricks for simplifying either situation in “Traveling With—or Without—Pets” on page 68.

RT

PE

EX

TY

U

EA

B

+

K

C

A

B

G

IN

IV

G

1

FE ST 2 IV W A O E D M D 2 IF E 0 EC 2 FE N O 0 R R MA G EN K C I F EL V IN T C I EB RT E G G U R U ID A A TI L E O N S

S

in li e n Da n t e r y s

N

O

V

E

M

B

E

R

/D

E

C

E

M

B

D H ec D o aD

E

R

2

0

2

0

G E T M I DTO W N M AG A Z I N E DE L I V E RE D TO YOU R M A I L B OX

Our May/June departments focus on the NCSU College of Design’s Art + Design department’s Art2Wear, a student-led runway show now in its 21st year (“Fashion Statements, page 100). You’ll also find stories about a local family’s love of dog sports competitions (“Good Sports,” page 104), Raleigh hikes that pack a punch (“3 Hilly Hikes,” page 106), the Wake County Speedway (“From Zero to Sixty,” page 110) and Lebanese restaurant Sasool (“Your Kitchen Away From Home,” page 116).

Our popular “Faces of Raleigh” special section starts on page 73 (part one) and 119 (part two). Meet the people who make Raleigh one of the best places to live, work and play.

The time has come to get back to life as we once knew it. This issue will help you do that. Please continue sharing your stories with us. We remain appreciative of and grateful to you, our readers, who make this magazine what it is.

SUB S C RI B E TO DAY midt o wn m a g. c o m / s u b s c ri b e 12 | midtownmag.com

Beth Shugg, Editor

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 13

PUBLI S H ER Ronny Stephens EX EC UTI V E EDI TOR Beth Shugg A RT A N D WEB DI R ECTOR Sean Byrne G R A PH I C DES I G NE R Adam Cave GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND COPY EDITOR Cindy Huntley CO N TR I BUTI N G EDITOR Janice Lewine S O C I A L MEDI A A ND COMMUN I TY EN G AG E M E NT MA N AG ER Melissa Wistehuff ACCOUN T EX EC UTIVE S Sherry Braswell Stefanie McClary DI STR I BUTI ON Joe Lizana, Manager DistribuTech.net CO N TR I BUTI N G WR I TER S Frances Deese, Kurt Dusterberg, Samantha Gratton, Mandy Howard, Katie Jansen, Marilyn Jones, Janice Lewine, Charlotte Russell, Melissa Wistehuff CO N TR I BUTI N G PH OTOG R A PH ERS George Randy Bass Photography, Sara Coffin Photography, Smith Hardy, MASH Photography, Jenny Midgley, Brian Mullins Photography, New Depth Creations

Midtown magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduc-

tion in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Midtown magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manu-

scripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material becomes

the property of the magazine and is subject to editing. Midtown

magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

252.725.5911

14 | midtownmag.com

919.830.1857

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

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 15

CONTENTS M AY / J U N E

2 0 2 2

Sara Coffin Photography

F E AT U R E S 30

BOLD IS BACK

42

WIDE OPEN SPACES

Venture out in vibrant styles this spring and summer

Hit the road in an RV

30

52

CHARLES AND ELIZABETH A tale of two coastal towns

62

YOUR DISNEY EXPERIENCE New apps and interactive technology come at a cost

68

TRAVELING WITH—OR WITHOUT—PETS

MASH Photography

Tips for traveling with your pet, or leaving her at home

42 ON THE COVER: Model Joanne Wetzel wears a multicolored geometric dress from Swagger Boutique, a red-orange eyelet belt from Sofia Lujan Styling, green lace-up platform sandals

by Steve Madden and jewelr y from Bailey’s Fine Jewelr y.

This photo was taken at James B. Hunt Jr. Librar y in Raleigh

Bay Creek

by Sara Coffin Photography.

52

16 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 17

CONTENTS M AY / J U N E

2 0 2 2

D E PARTM E NT S 100

FASHION Ar t2Wear showcases styles created by students at Nor th Carolina State University

104

PETS

Art2Wear

A Cary couple’s Shelties shine in dog spor ts competitions

100

106

FITNESS 3 hilly hikes that pack a punch

110

SPORTS Wake County Speedway is still thriving after 60 years

116

CHEF’S TABLE Sassool, your kitchen away from home

Sean Byrne

I N E VE RY I SSU E 106

22

O N T H E S C E NE Social Scene | New Around Town | Home Styler | Sister Cities

144

OUT & ABOUT Dine & Draft | Tastes of the City | Foodie Focus

Brian Mullins Photography

Events | Midtown Mingles 160

116

18 | midtownmag.com

KA L E I D O S C O P E

S P O N S O R ED CO N T EN T 60 73 119 157

T R AV E L F A C E S O F R A L E I G H , PA RT 1 F A C E S O F R A L E I G H , PA RT 2 GO FOR THE GOLD

Every Stage, Every Age Excellence in Women’s Health Care

TRACY LATHROP, M.D.

ANGELA BESS, M.D.

Our goal at Boylan Women’s Health is to provide the highest quality of care in a professional, competent and compassionate manner.

For an appointment call 919.781.9650 All physicians are Board-Certified

WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING CARE · Routine well-woman examinations · Menopause and hormone replacement therapy · Breast care · Contraceptive management

· · · ·

Fertility evaluation Minimally invasive surgery Sexual dysfunction Vaginal rejuvenation

· · · ·

Menstrual irregularities Uterine fibroids Endometriosis Osteoporosis

· · · ·

Cervical and uterine polyps Ovarian cysts Abnormal cervical cytology Sexually transmitted infection

ASK ABOUT OUR RESTORATIVE HEALTH & AESTHETIC SERVICES 3900 Browning Place, Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27609 | 919.781.9650 | boylanhealthcare.com MAY/JUNE 2022 | 19

E TRIA H T F N O

A NEW PODCAST hosted by Adam Cave and Melissa Wistehuff jampacked with stories, interviews, events and more.

E GL

TAL K

COMING IN JUNE 2022

AVAILABLE ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORMS: Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Amazon Audible Amazon Music Podcast Addict iHeartRadio and more.

Midt ow intro n and C duc ary activ es listen Living m ities that ers to th agazine e fas s mak e thi cina ’ “Talk of Talk ti s reg of th ion s ng peop the Trian e Tri g uch l an have an e e, place le” pod love gle bot nrich s c he d you ing p , events ast to ne in the m xpands and lace agaz on th w sto t o i live. we h ries an nes, and e storie d fas s ave intro y c yet t duce ou o wr inating s peo ite a ple bou t.

20 | midtownmag.com

For limited host-read advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact: 919.782.4710 ǀ advertise@midtownmag.com ǀ advertise@caryliving.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 21

SOCIAL SCENE

|

ONtheSCENE NEW AROUND TOWN

|

HOME STYLER

|

SISTER CITIES

There’s nothing like a Downtown Raleigh skyline view framed by a Carolina blue sky atop a ferris wheel at Dorothea Dix Park.

More than 40,000 people attended the 2022 Dreamville Festival at Dorothea Dix Park the first weekend in April. This two-day music festival welcomed fans from all over the country who were eager to see nearly three dozen rap and hip-hop stars.

Artists were hard at work perfecting floral displays the day before the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Art in Bloom fundraiser’s opening.

Brunch at Diamond Award gold-winner First Watch is as delicious as it is beautiful. Pro tip: Go with a friend and split one savory and one sweet dish.

A trip to Gym Tacos after cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes at a home hockey game makes for a perfect evening.

Get Social With Us! 22 | midtownmag.com

midtownmag.com

TE X T & PHOTOS BY M E LIS S A WIST EH U FF ( Unless otherwise noted)

@ midtownmagazine

@ midtownmag

@ midtownmagazine

ALIGN YOURSELF

WITH HEALTH Chiropractic Acupuncture Weight Loss

Penn and Kim Holderness, internet personalities who live in Raleigh, made international news in March by winning the 2022 season of “The Amazing Race” on CBS. Photo by

Sonja Flemming/CBS 2020 CBS Broadcasting,

In this behind-the-scenes look at Midtown magazine’s fashion photo shoot (featured in this issue), photographer Sara Coffin, stylist Sofia Lujan and model Joanne Wetzel work together for the perfect shot at James B. Hunt Jr. Library on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus. Photo by Beth Shugg.

2022

Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Sarah Hayes, DC ⅼ Dr. Sophia Myers, DC, FASA 5041 Six Forks Road, Raleigh 919.786.9996 ⅼ carechiropracticrdu.com MAY/JUNE 2022

| 23

SOCIAL SCENE

|

ONtheSCENE

NEW AROUND TOWN

|

HOME STYLER

|

SISTER CITIES

PHASE ONE OF RALEIGH CROSSING OPENS WITH A 19-STORY OFFICE TOWER 301 Hillsborough, a 19-story office tower featuring 280,000 square feet of premier office space and 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail in the center of Downtown Raleigh, has opened as the first phase of mixeduse development Raleigh Crossing. Designed by Raleigh-based architect Duda|Paine Architects, 301 Hillsborough’s amenities include a ninth-floor sky park, a bike concierge and ample bike storage, a modern fitness studio and a pedestrian-oriented streetscape. Once completed, the development will also include residential options, a myriad of green spaces, parking and a diverse array of stores, bars, coffee shops and restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Justin Conder for The Fallon Company

301 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh

raleigh-crossing.com

THE WORK HALL OPENS IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH A new real estate–centric coworking space opened in downtown Raleigh on April 11. The Work Hall, located at 213 Fayetteville Street in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, is the concept of Jason Queen, founder of Transfer Co. Food Hall and Monarch Realty Co. The Work Hall’s two-story space is designed to encourage members and guests to collaborate across all things real estate–related. It will be a gathering place for real estate affiliates, mortgage lenders and real estate marketing professionals to connect and work together.

Photo courtesy of Peter Dawyot

213 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

theworkhall.com

NEW CINEMA BRINGS INDEPENDENT/INTERNATIONAL FILMS TO THE TRIANGLE Lotus Cinemas, a new cinema concept exclusively dedicated to independent and international film, has opened in Cary’s Parkside Town Commons. The cinema has partnered with global film studios, producers, directors and cinematographers to bring this unique content to the Triangle and promises to inspire, educate and entertain the community. Lotus Cinemas will also work with local organizations, like the Raleigh Film Festival, to promote these films here.

Photo courtesy of Lotus Cinemas

1140 Parkside Main Street, Suite B, Cary 919.659.5539

lotuscinemas.com

BY C IN DY HUN T L EY 24 | midtownmag.com

Specializing in BREAST AUGMENTATION REVISIONAL BREAST SURGERY ⅼ BREAST LIFT LIPOSUCTION & BODY CONTOURING ⅼ TUMMY TUCK MOMMY MAKEOVER ⅼ BUTTOCK IMPLANTS ⅼ FACE LIFT EYELID SURGERY ⅼ BROWLIFT ⅼ Injectables: BOTOX ⅼ RESTYLANE

CHRISTOPHER J. MOREA, MD Dr. Christopher Morea is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Morea has the highest credentials, including membership in the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

7700 LEAD MINE ROAD ⅼ RALEIGH ⅼ 919.845.7880 ⅼ DRMOREAPLASTICSURGERY.COM

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 25

SOCIAL SCENE

|

ONtheSCENE

NEW AROUND TOWN

|

HOME STYLER

|

SISTER CITIES

DEFINEand REFRESH Springtime invites us outdoors. Whether you’re hosting guests or relaxing on a deck or screened porch, define your outdoor refuge with color-coordinated seating, earthy décor, and candles that

1

fragrantly refresh the area with a pop of color and atmosphere.

3

2 4

5

6

1. Black iron bench, $299 | Inspirations Home Decor & More 2. Hand-painted paulownia wood link decor, $38 | Swagger

3. Smoke candle holders, $18 (small) or $38 (large) | City Garden Design

BY KU RT D USTERBERG Photos provided by vendors unless otherwise noted

4. Hedge Farm cachepot candle, from $56.95 | NOFO @ The Pig 5. Wine bag, $49 (single) or $89 (double) | Designed for Joy 6. Generous mango wood paddle board, $50 | Swagger

26 | midtownmag.com

Are you suffering from fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, or sleep loss?

We can help you navigate through these struggles.

YOUR WELLNESS DESTINATION

Mention this ad for $10 off all vitamins during your next visit.

(Offer good through June 30)

Call us at 984.302.3001 for a complimentary consultation.

9305 Leesville Road, Suite 101, Raleigh | puramint.com | 984.302.3001

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 27

SOCIAL SCENE

|

ONtheSCENE

NEW AROUND TOWN

|

HOME STYLER

|

SISTER CITIES

Photo courtesy of Crystal Coast Tourism Authority Photo courtesy of Crystal Coast Tourism Authority

Photo of Manteo by TerryHealy/Getty Images

FISH TALES

Morehead City and Manteo reel in schools of fishing enthusiasts each summer

BY M EL ISSA W ISTEHUFF M O R E H E A D C I T Y, N O R T H C A R O L I N A

M A N T E O, N O RT H CA R O L I N A

June 10–19, 2022

August 13–19, 2022

Morehead City is a port town in Carteret County and part of the

Manteo is located in the northern Outerbanks’ Dare County on

Crystal Coast region of the southern Outer Banks. This coastal

Roanoke Island, and was named after a Native American Croatan

community lies on the shores of Bogue Sound, between Beaufort and

chief who befriended the English explorers and colonists at a

Atlantic Beach. Though Morehead City is a tourist destination thanks

settlement that later became known as The Lost Colony. This quaint

to its nearness to multiple beaches, the town is primarily known for its

town is one of the oldest in the country, and appropriately home of

commercial and sport fishing industry.

the famed outdoor drama, “The Lost Colony,” which shares the story

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Sport anglers flock to Morehead City each June for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament—one of the largest fishing tournaments in the country. Last year, the tournament hosted a record-breaking

Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament

of one of America’s oldest mysteries. The play has local ties, too, as Raleigh native Ira David Wood III directed it for many years.

Manteo also hosts the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament,

270 boats. Also record-breaking was its purse, which totaled winnings

where sports fishing enthusiasts come from all over the country to see

of $4,749,200. The winning marlin was caught by 19-year-old Wakefield

who can catch the heftiest billfish. (The billfish family includes marlin,

High School graduate Cole Pirrung. Pirrung and his team reeled in a

sailfish and swordfish.) The crew from Wave Paver reeled in 2021’s

whopping 656.5-pound marlin, earning the team more than $1.6 million.

highest oh-fish-ial total to win the championship last summer, earning

The 64th annual Big Rock tournament is June 10–19, and is expected

$429,747 in prize money. Take the bait and join the 39th annual

to provide an even bigger whale of a tale this year.

Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament when it returns August 13–19.

Learn more at thebigrock.com.

Learn more at pcbgt.com.

28 | midtownmag.com

THE BONE & JOINT

SURGERY CLINIC

THE TRIANGLE’S TOP ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS

Dr. Robert G. Jones, M.D. Dr. Paul L. Burroughs, M.D. Dr. David T. Jones, M.D. Dr. Gary D. Fleischer, M.D. Dr. James D. Crowther, M.D. Dr. Cary S. Idler, M.D. Madeleine Breen, PA-C Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, M.D.

Specialists in minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical options of bone, joint and muscle injuries.

• Neck & Spine • Joint Replacements • Shoulder • Sports Medicine

• Arthroscopic Surgery • Elbow, Hand & Wrist • Foot & Ankle • Hip & Knee

For almost 50 years, our Raleigh practice has dedicated itself to providing our patients with the most personalized care available by our top general and fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons.

3801 Wake Forest Road, Suite 220, Raleigh ⅼ 919.872.5296 ⅼ raleighboneandjoint.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 29

BOLD

WRITTEN BY BETH SHUGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA COFFIN STYLING BY SOFIA LUJAN HAIR AND MAKEUP BY TEIGHLA NORRIS

VENTURE OUT IN

VIBRANT STYLES THIS SPRING AND SUMMER

as pandemic restrictions expired

over the past year, societal tendencies toward escapism evolved into celebration.

Designers fused vibrant colors and patterns into their collections—to, as Elle editors observed, “show off the bodies that lockdowns kept hidden at home for far too long.” The resulting ensembles have tinged our moods and wardrobes as a complement to our desire to move on to happier times, and to venture out to new destinations.

Joyfully, some memorable 1980s trends have returned. Vogue reports that “there is no print too bold for spring 2022.”

Cosmopolitan touts lime green, hot pink and butter yellow as prevailing colors for warm-weather ensembles. Glamour points to highlighter yellow as one of this summer’s hottest hues—particularly when worn head to toe. Versace and Bottega Veneta incorporated grass green into their spring and summer collections, while Michael Kors added sparkle to his with crystal-encrusted

32 | midtownmag.com

MULTICOLORED GEOMETRIC DRESS FROM

jackets and metallic sandals. Rangoni, Steve

SWAGGER BOUTIQUE; RED-ORANGE EYELET BELT

Madden and Vince Camuto introduced

FROM SOFIA LUJAN STYLING; GREEN LACE-UP

statement footwear in a rainbow of colors.

PLATFORM SANDALS BY STEVE MADDEN; VINTAGE

Fashion forecasters say 1990s and Y2K

SUITCASES FROM SHABBY CHIC + CHEAP.

throwbacks are also influencing 2022 fashion trends. Low-rise, under-the-belly-button

ALL JEWELRY WAS PROVIDED BY BAILEY’S FINE

waistlines contrast with the recently popular

JEWELRY. REFER TO PAGE 39 FOR AN INDEX OF

“Mom” jeans. Tailored trouser suits feature

DESCRIPTIONS FOR EACH PIECE.

comfortable elastic waists. Platform footwear paired with flowing geometric maxi dresses and flared jeans powerfully lifts us up.

Speaking of flared jeans, Coco Chanel presented them as a fashion prospect in the 1920s, but 1970s celebrity hipsters—like Abba, Sonny and Cher, and Janis Joplin, for example—made wide legs famous. These pants returned with a vengeance in the late 1990s to inspire Y2K fashion trends—and are once again flaring within the wardrobes of the hippie culture’s grandchildren.

Micro-mini skirts, glittery tops, cutouts, liquid metal and bulky bags are also part of this millennial fashion resurgence.

In addition to society’s emotional need for vibrancy after two dark years, there is yet another inspiration for the bold colors and patterns we are seeing on runways: “Bridgerton” fever is spreading, and designers have taken notice. This Netflix series spotlights British life in the early 1800s and features a brightly adorned cast in iconic empire waists, floral fabrics, opera gloves and decadent jewels.

Speaking of jewelry trends, look for chunky cuffs, vintage rings, linked chains, diamond chokers, and gold and silver baubles juxtaposed next to colorful gems.

Polish and blend pieces from the 1970s through Y2K. Layer a 1980s tubogas

ORANGE TOP AND YELLOW FLARE PLANTS FROM THE GATORBUG; RED CHUNKY PLATFORM

necklace with a 1990s chain. Stack vintage

SANDALS BY STEVE MADDEN; RED BEVERAGE

rings and bracelets. Bigger is better, and

COOLER FROM TRUNKSHOW.

more is never enough.

Journey to your happy place in style. Whether

ALL JEWELRY WAS PROVIDED BY BAILEY’S FINE

you attend a new restaurant opening close

JEWELRY. REFER TO PAGE 39 FOR AN INDEX

to home, or stroll through Disney’s Magic

OF DESCRIPTIONS FOR EACH PIECE.

Kingdom, these electrifying looks will keep you boldly moving forward, in style.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 35

THIS PAGE: NEON GREEN BLOUSE BY MICHAEL KORS; TURQUOISE PANTS FROM VINTAGE ESCADA; WHITE TOP FROM KOKET BOUTIQUE; WHITE CROSSBODY TOP-HANDLE HANDBAG BY RANGONI FIRENZE; SILVER PLATFORM SANDALS BY MICHAEL KORS. OPPOSITE PAGE: GREEN SUIT FROM MADISON BOUTIQUE; FUSCHIA SWEATER TANK TOP FROM KOKET BOUTIQUE; FUSCHIA HANDBAG FROM MADISON BOUTIQUE; FUSCHIA MULE SANDALS FROM VINCE CAMUTO. ALL JEWELRY WAS PROVIDED BY BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY. REFER TO PAGE 39 FOR AN INDEX OF DESCRIPTIONS FOR EACH PIECE.

36 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 37

38 | midtownmag.com

THANK YOU

Thanks to all of the professionals, businesses, designers and vendors who contributed the talent, clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry necessary to make this feature happen.

VINTAGE PURPLE DRESS, GREEN ELASTIC BELT, YELLOW TOTE BASKET AND MULTICOLOR SCARF FROM TRUNKSHOW; YELLOW MULE SANDALS FROM RANGONI FIRENZE. ALL JEWELRY WAS PROVIDED BY BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY. REFER TO THE SIDEBAR ON THIS PAGE FOR AN INDEX OF DESCRIPTIONS FOR EACH PIECE.

BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY | baileybox.com THE GATORBUG | thegatorbug.com JAMES B. HUNT JR. LIBRARY lib.ncsu.edu/hunt-library JOANNE WETZEL | jowetzel.com KOKET BOUTIQUE | shopkbnc.com MADISON BOUTIQUE madisonboutique.com MICHAEL KORS | michaelkors.com RANGONI FIRENZE | rangonistore.com SARA COFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY saracoffinphoto.com SHABBY CHIC + CHEAP shabbychiccheap.com

SOFIA LUJAN STYLING sofialujanstyling.com STEVE MADDEN | stevemadden.com SWAGGER BOUTIQUE shopswaggernow.com TEIGHLA NORRIS, HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST | teighlanorris.com and @teighla_norris on Instagram TRUNKSHOW | trunkshowraleighnc.com VINCE CAMUTO | vincecamuto.com ESCADA (vintage pants shown no longer available; to find similar pants visit us.escada.com)

JEWELRY INDEX

All jewelry for this feature was provided by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry.

PAGES 32–33: Multicolored Geometric Dress. Sheila Fajl small Chantal hoops in blue paint. From Julie Vos: Avalon demi link 24-karat gold-plated necklace; 24-karat goldplated crescent bangle with CZ stations (closest to elbow); 24-karat gold-plated Savoy bangle (second-closest to elbow); 24-karat gold-plated Savannah bangle (third-closest to elbow). Bailey’s Club Collection 1.75-carat diamond flex cuff in 14-karat yellow gold (closest to wrist). From Bailey’s antique and vintage jewelry department: lapis and turquoise cluster ring in 18-karat yellow gold, circa 1960; turquoise and green enamel frog ring in 14-karat yellow gold, circa 1980.

PAGES 34–35: Orange Top and Yellow Pants. Bailey’s Goldmark Collection 14-karat yellow gold open oval hoops. From Bailey’s antique and vintage jewelry department: 18-karat yellow gold 16-inch tubogas necklace, circa 1980; European infinity link diamond necklace with 6.00 total carats of diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold, circa 1980; 18-karat yellow gold three-row hexagon and chevron motif bracelet (closest to hand), circa 1970; 14-karat yellow gold Italian abstract scroll motif bracelet (closest to elbow), circa 1970. On right ring finger, Bailey’s Icon Collection bamboo band in 14-karat yellow gold; on left middle finger, Bailey’s Club Collection Lauren ring in 14-karat yellow gold with 1.58 carats of round brilliant diamonds.

PAGE 36: Lime Green Jacket, White Shirt, Turquoise Pants. All jewelry accompanying this outfit was made by Ippolita. On right hand, sterling silver Carnevale Stardust three-stone hoop earrings with turquoise and .25 carats of diamonds; sterling silver Goddess hammered texture bangle; sterling silver Carnevale eight-stone bangle with mother-of-pearl doublets and multicolored ceramic; sterling silver Classico hammered texture thin bangle; sterling silver Wonderland Lollipop bangle with clear quartz, mother-of-pearl and sky-blue ceramic; on left hand, sterling silver Chimera Classico Goddess tapered cuff with 18-karat yellow gold signature; on right ring finger, sterling silver Stardust three-stone ring with white ceramic and .09 carats of diamonds; on right pointer finger, sterling silver flower disc ring with .63 carats of pavé diamonds; on left middle finger, sterling silver Carnevale ring with a mother-of-pearl doublet center, diamond halo and white ceramic band.

PAGE 37: Green Suit and Fuschia Sweater Tank Top. Bailey’s Club Collection tapered oval diamond hoops in 14-karat white gold with 1.73 total carats of diamonds. Bailey’s 26.22-carat total weight east-west emerald-cut and cushion-cut diamond necklace (top) in 18-karat white gold; Bailey’s 6.75-carat total weight round brilliant three-row diamond necklace (bottom) in 18-karat white gold. From Bailey’s Club Collection: 1.90-carat total weight diamond bezel tennis bracelet (closest to hand) in 14-karat white gold; bezel-set diamond bracelet in 14-karat white gold (middle bracelet); double-wrap 2.75-carat total weight diamond flex bracelet in 14-karat white gold (closest to elbow); on right middle finger, Big Girl X ring in 14-karat white gold; on left ring finger, Lauren ring in 14-karat white gold with 1.58 carats of round brilliant diamonds. From Bailey’s Icon Collection: on left pointer finger at top, Maggie ring in 14-karat white gold; on left pointer finger at bottom, Belle ring in 14-karat white gold.

PAGES 38–39: Vintage Purple Dress. From Bailey’s antique and vintage jewelry department: 14-karat gold and 11.97-carat total weight jade drop earrings, circa 1960; Monica Rich Kosann 18-karat yellow gold, emerald, and green enamel miniature key pendant on a 17-inch diamond-cut chain; Phillips House pavé diamond infinity tassel necklace with 1 total carat of diamonds in 14-karat yellow gold; hinge bangle with 9.96 total carats of oval diamonds set east to west in 18-karat white gold; on right ring finger, Temple St. Clair Sole ring in 18-karat yellow gold with .04 carats of diamond accents; on right pointer finger, alternating round emerald (.90-carat total weight) and round brilliant diamond (.30-carat total weight) open-loop ring in 18-karat yellow gold; on left pinky, Phillips House Affair pinky ring in 14-karat yellow gold with .20 total carats of diamond accents.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 39

2022

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST DENTIST

Smile

WITH CONFIDENCE

A

wow

DENTAL EXPERIENCE IN CARY, NORTH CAROLINA Offering today’s leading cosmetic dental treatments

I am currently doing Invisalign with Preston Dental and honestly, I’ve never been so excited to go to the dentist. Providing Netflix and aromatic neck pillows is really just the icing on the already sweet cake that is Preston Dental! And to think I found them because of an Instagram ad?! - Katie K.

Dr. Patel has been providing beautiful, confident smiles for more than a decade and is dedicated to her mission to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

Both times I’ve walked into this dental office I heard laughter and great music. Dr. Meenal Patel is the best dentist I’ve ever been to, and she and her staff are amazing. Today I spent over three hours in the dentist chair—which was also a massage chair— and it was a pleasant experience. - Joe L.

Preston Dental Loft

140 Preston Executive Drive Suite 200, Cary 919.467.6111

prestondentalloft.com

WIDE OPEN S PACE S

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

H I T T H E ROA D I N A N RV

42 | midtownmag.com

C

ountless norms have been challenged in the last two years, and how we spend our vacations is most definitely one of them. Those who used

to travel for work suddenly found themselves zooming into meetings instead of shaking hands face-to-face, and families who set aside part of their budget to go on an annual vacation to destinations like Disney World started thinking outside the box to find less cumbersome—and less crowded—respites.

With many Americans still reluctant to cram into tight spaces (Hello, recirculated airplane air and short-staffed hotels!), many in search of an escape have been trading their airline miles and hotel points for open-road adventures and starlight slumbers. With summer months upon us and dreams of getaways casting a sunny outlook on our busy schedules, the fastest-growing trend in travel has us asking, “RV there yet?”

FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA If one good thing came out of COVID, it’s that it uprooted how we think about work and school: That if we can work from anywhere, why not work in an RV while looking out at crashing waves or vast prairies?

Adventure-seekers need not travel beyond U.S. borders to find spectacular backdrops, as there are endless destinations offering a plethora of natural environments— from farms and mountains to deserts and lakes. With 63 national parks, nearly 500 amusement parks and scenic countless campgrounds, America the Beautiful takes on new meaning when traveling across it in an RV. RV travel lends itself perfectly to checking off bucketlist items. Want to visit all 30 Major League ballparks or all 50 state fairs? How about cheer for your favorite NASCAR driver from the infield of every racetrack?

Perhaps you dream of winery tours or perusing the world’s longest yard sale (it’s 690 miles long and spans six states, in case you’re wondering!), or drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Northeast to the Southeast as the LEFT Brodie and Eric Jenkins purchased a class B Airstream Interstate 19 Touring Coach in November 2020, before there was an RV waiting list. When they take it on the road, their Belgian Tervuren, Phoebe, loves to come along for the ride.

Photo by MASH Photography

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 43

fall foliage season peaks in different areas. An RV life accommodates all interests, allowing you to move at your own pace while stopping to smell the roses along the way.

RVs come in nearly every shape and size. From teardrop campers to Class A motorhomes, there is an RV for every lifestyle or family size. Let’s hop on board with two local couples who give us a glimpse into their RV lifestyles.

ADVENTURE CRAVERS BRODIE AND ERIC JENKINS Not ones to make rushed decisions, dentist Brodie and her husband Eric—who has worked from home before working from home was the norm—shopped around for an RV for more than a dozen years. But when the pandemic uprooted their daily lives, they decided to take the bull—or in this case, Airstream—by the horns. They bought a class B Airstream Interstate 19 Touring Coach built on a MercedesBenz sprinter van with a short wheel base. “When we purchased it in November 2020, we figured that with all the uncertainty, it was a good time to find a deal on an RV,” Eric says. “Nowadays, waitlists for RVs are at least a year out.”

With plans to travel with children Rhone, age 20, and Pearl, age 17—plus three dogs—space and quality were top priorities. The Airstream is hard-sided and quick to pack up and go, making it easy to work around Brodie’s busy dental practice schedule when the couple wants to make a getaway. So far, they’ve used the RV at least six times per year, but they dream of a time when they’ll be able to up that to once a month. Top on that their destination requirements consist of locales with good hiking opportunities and dog-friendly beaches and restaurants, and it becomes clear that the Jenkins’ RV travel scenarios require a little advance planning.

Their favorite trip so far—and longest, at 2,000 miles— was to Badlands, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in 2021. “Owning an RV offers the ability to have a full kitchen, bathroom and your own bed on wheels. It’s liberating and it opens up so many opportunities to go

LEFT The Jenkins’ goal is to begin traveling in their RV at least once a month. On their list of destination requirements: hiking opportunities and dog-friendly destinations.

Photo by MASH Photography

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 45

and explore anywhere without worrying about accommodations—not to mention packing and unpacking all the time,” Eric says. “The RV makes it easy to carry our adventure equipment with us everywhere we go.”

So, where’s next for the adventurous Jenkins family?

“We were planning on Glacier National Park, but then we opted for Alaska instead,” Eric says, before remembering their upcoming trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia, followed by Disney World, where they’ll camp at Fort Wilderness.

Sounds like their adventures are just beginning!

WHY NOT NOW? KRISTEN AND ZAYNE TABER We first met Kristen and Zayne back in 2020 when we wrote our “To Have and To Hold” collection of wedding stories for our March/April 2020 issue. They shared the fabulous details of their Italian nuptials, then settled down on a farm in Warrenton—about an hour north of downtown Raleigh—until the pandemic pushed them to reexamine their bucket lists. We already know the pair is capable of thinking outside the box (Ciao, Tuscany matrimony!), but living full-time in an RV takes thrill-seeking to an entirely different level.

“We’d always talked about selling everything and living full-time in an RV, and when COVID shut everything down, we thought, ‘Why not try it now?’”

Kristen says. As owner of Tabletop Media Group—a media agency servicing food, beverage, agriculture and lifestyle companies—she can work remotely. And Zayne, a business developer and investor, is also able to work in remote situations. So the Tabers sold the farm, purchased a 44-foot Keystone Fuzion 429 Toy Hauler and hit the road with their three dogs in tow.

THIS PAGE

HAPPY CAMPER TIPS FROM BRODIE AND ERIC

Phoebe, almost 2 years old, stays attached to her owners during their RV travels.

• Do your research. Don’t buy on impulse and invest in the best-quality build you can afford.

Photo by MASH Photography

• Make a list of your non-negotiables—and don’t veer from it.

After COVID hit, Kristen and Zayne Taber decided to sell

• Read blogs, watch YouTube and scour the internet. Find out as much as you can so you can decide which RV is right for you.

everything and live full-time in an RV.

• Know that this doesn’t have to be your forever RV. Needs change over time; so does your understanding of what is important to you.

The Tabers purchased a 44-foot Keystone Fuzion 429 Toy

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP

OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM Hauler and hit the road.

Photos courtesy of Kristen and Zayne Taber

46 | midtownmag.com

48 | midtownmag.com

Although their monstrous fifth wheel was “nicer than their old farm house,” the Tabers quickly learned that

S’MORE STATS

most state parks don’t have RV spots larger than 35

• 72 million Americans are planning to hit the road in an RV this year—up from 25 million pre-pandemic.

feet. “It was bigger than my first apartment, but a beast to maneuver,” Kristen says.

The couple eventually downsized to a smaller RV and headed as far as Key West. Their favorite “hidden gem” is close to home: Bullocksville Campground at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. “It offers stunning lake views with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, as well as beach areas with paddleboards and kayaks,” Kristen says.

Even though the couple has returned to living within four walls in a traditional home, Kristen says she wouldn’t trade their year-long road adventure for anything. “We’re excited that life seems to be getting back to normal, and that I can meet with clients in person now,” she says. “The dogs are happy to have a fenced-in yard and a home without wheels, but we’ll always treasure the year we spent roaming the Southeast in an RV.”

• More than 11 million American heads of households own an RV. This number has increased dramatically in recent years due to younger couples and families seeking an active outdoor lifestyle and Baby Boomers entering retirement.

• Depending on its size and features, the average cost of an RV ranges from $20,000 to $300,000.Yes, that’s quite a range, but keep in mind that a small teardrop camper is much easier on the pocketbook. If luxury glamping is your style, expect a heftier price tag.

• There are approximately 4,300 RV “regular” campsites in the U.S. (Even more if you check out harvesthosts.com, as you’ll see below.)

• The average age of an RV owner is 48 years old, and he or she spends roughly three to four weeks on the road annually.

• Most parks only allow campers to stay for a maximum of 14 days, so plan accordingly.

Sources: RV Industry Association and Camper Report

CAMPING RESOURCES HAPPY CAMPER TIPS FROM KRISTEN AND ZAYNE • Practice backing up and parking in an empty lot with cones. Be sure to do this before you head out on your first adventure.

• Find an RV that is 35 feet long or smaller. This is the standard parking spot size in most campground RV lots.

• Rent different RVs before making your final purchase.

That way you’ll know what works best for you.

• Book campsites well in advance. Most of them are reserved quickly.

Harvest Hosts Harvest Hosts offers a membership service to overnight stays at unique camping locations across the country, such as breweries, museums and golf courses. Every RV owner we’ve spoken to has said Harvest Hosts is an absolute must as far as finding spots in which to park your RV across the country.

Learn more at harvesthosts.com.

Glamp Raleigh Not quite ready for an RV investment? Glamp Raleigh is a service that brings camping to you. The company will set up chic campsites in your backyard so you can have all the fun of spending a night in the great outdoors without doing any of the work. Learn more at glampraleigh.com.

TOP 10 RV DESTINATIONS 1. Yellowstone National Park 2. Grand Canyon National Park 3. Redwood National Park OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP

4. Crater Lake National Park

The Tabers’ 44-foot RV offered plenty of space, but was a

5. Colonial Williamsburg

“beast to maneuver,” Kristen Taber says.

6. Blue Ridge Parkway

OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM LEFT

7. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

The Tabers traveled across the Southeast for a full year before

8. Arches National Park

selling their RV and moving into a traditional home.

9. Rapid City, South Dakota

OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM RIGHT

10. Fall Foliage Tours

The Tabers’ three dogs enjoyed their RV adventures, but also

Source: rvroadtrip.us

loved returning to a fenced-in yard.

Photos courtesy of Kristen and Zayne Taber

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 49

Experience our Oasis in the City!

Book a 25-, 50- or 80 minute massage and receive a complimentary enhancement using the code ‘NOWENHANCE’.*

BOOK ONLINE NOW The NOW Massage Midtown Raleigh 1100 Mercantile Drive #120, Raleigh

2022

919.341.5669

DIAMOND

AWARD

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

thenowmassage.com/midtown-raleigh *Valid for new guests only at The Now Midtown Raleigh.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Achieve the Most Beautiful Version of You

Non-surgical anti-aging Body contouring Cellulite and skin tightening Treatment of problematic skin Customized medical grade skincare Feminine rejuvenation Hair restoration Treatment of spider veins

Meredith Harris, MSN, NP Heather Shelton Roberts, BSN, RN

New Life Aesthetics is celebrating their 8th anniversary with the grand opening of their brand new, state-of-the-art space.

This comfortable, coastal-inspired environment is sure to pamper and rejuvenate each and every guest.

5816 Creedmoor Road, Suite 209 | 919.521.8282 | NewLifeAesthetics.com 50 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 51

CAPE CHARLES, VIRGINA

Charles & Elizab eth: A Tale of Two Coastal Towns

BY M AN DY H O W AR D

rplus of t offers a su n o m d ie P s Carolina’ r hile North ead east—o need only h u yo s, ay aw r the weekend get ar ticle is fo more. This o tw r ve co to dis eir northeast— oking for th o are still lo h w se o th and ds: wanderers o new frien eekers, the introduce tw adventure-s to e k li d e’ inia, To you w harles, V irg al paradise. old. Cape C ry own person ve ly al hey are actu as Elizabeth. T Carolina, w Charles and City, North h et b za li E , and eoning rated in 1886 iencing burg o er rp p co ex in e ar as , w owever th towns, h un.” in 1793. Bo d te ra ave just beg o rp inco eir stories h th e se to r clea ns, and it’s revitalizatio

W

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 53

CAPE CHARLES, VA Enjoy golfing at Bay Creek’s Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus golf courses.

Guests can take long walks along Bay Creek’s 2-mile private beach.

Photos courtesy of Bay Creek

54 | midtownmag.com

Cape Charles, Virginia Cape Charles is a Victorian-era planned community that

History has repeated with the town’s new Bay Creek

offers amazing views, a fascinating history and a vibrant

planned community—a Preserve Communities’ residential

community offering unique restaurants and bars, and some

development offering unmatched amenities. Reserve a

of the most eclectic boutiques you’ll find anywhere. But

rental at baycreekresort.com or, if you’re interested in

before we get to that, the drive itself should have a place on

purchasing a home there, allow the community to host you

your bucket list. The most direct route is via the Chesapeake

as its guest. Either way, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in a

Bay Bridge-Tunnel—a 17.6-mile feat of engineering that is

paradise created just for you, which was kind of the idea.

one of only 12 bridge-tunnel systems in the world.

“If we can’t sell property here, we’ve got to get out of the

Once you arrive, you may not want to come back. Dine at Hook @ Harvey, The Shanty or Kelly’s Gingernut Pub for delicious seafood or American fare. Moonrise Jewelry on

business,” says Bobby Masters, vice president of lifestyle communities for Preserve Communities.

In addition to Bay Creek’s pristine views and

Mason Avenue sells locally made jewelry, and educates

community charm, residents and guests have access to

visitors about the eco-friendly practice of using discarded

kayaking opportunities, hiking trails, Arnold Palmer and

fish skins to make leather for the jewelry, bow ties, belts

Jack Nicklaus golf courses, a 350-acre nature preserve

and other items sold there.

(fully protected from development) and a 2-mile private

Once made up of farmlands and wetlands, Cape Charles

beach—all in addition to a large, comprehensive lifestyle

boasts an intriguing history. In 1883, William L. Scott, a

center featuring fitness amenities, a constant calendar of

congressman from Erie, Pennsylvania, purchased three

events and two crystal blue pools that will thrill the kids

plantations in the area that covered a total of 2,509 acres.

and grandkids for hours.

Of that, 136 acres was devoted to creating the Town of Cape Charles. Construction of what is now known as the

Learn more about Cape Charles at capecharles.org and Bay Creek at baycreeklife.com.

Bay Coast Railroad in 1884 transformed Cape Charles into a busy railroad town.

LEFT TO RIGHT Cape Charles is a Victorian-era planned community with an intriguing history.

Bay Creek’s bountiful waters are ideal for crabbing.

Photos courtesy of Bay Creek

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 55

Elizabeth City, North Carolina Just west of the Outer Banks, nestled on the Pasquotank

a beer at Seven Sounds, get on your boat and get to the

River and Intracoastal Waterway, Elizabeth City offers the

Outer Banks in 35 minutes,” says Megan Wallace, owner

charm of a small town combined with the bustling activity

of Pine & Porch, a home décor store that opened in

of a waterfront destination. For the perfect weekend

Elizabeth City in May 2021 with a bar in the back. The

getaway, stay at the Blue Ruby at Grice-Fearing House

native Raleighite moved to her co-owner–husband’s

Bed & Breakfast, which offers cozy accommodations just

hometown to open her dream store with a unique concept:

steps from downtown. Enjoy the most charming and

“The more you booze, the more you buy,” she says.

hospitable stay imaginable and—bonus—you can bring the entire family, including your dog!

Start your day shopping at Bijoux Vibes and Cozy

Next, walk a block over to Pailin’s Alley, where you’ll find some great eateries including Hoppin’ Johnz and The Mills Downtown Bistro. At the heart of Pailin’s Alley, experience

Carolina Boutique, which offer locally inspired fashions.

Ghost Harbor Brewing Company, a taproom and brewery so

If bookstores are your shopping “happy place,” be sure

popular it expanded in 2021.

to check out Page After Page Bookstore. You’ll pop in for

If vino is more your style, the very enchanting

a moment and get lost for an hour perusing the eclectic

2 Souls Wine Bar is just around the corner. Offering the

collection of toys, books and booklover’s merchandise.

most relaxed and welcoming vibe ever, this bar boasts an

Next, take a few hours to enjoy some cultural enrichment at the Museum of the Albemarle and the

unbelievable selection of wines from all over the world.

Your last can’t-miss tip for experiencing Elizabeth City

Arts of the Albemarle gallery, where you may not be able

comes from Andy Montero, a local legend and co-owner of

to walk away without purchasing some of the amazing

Montero’s Restaurant & Bar, where you must pop in for

art there—whether in the form of jewelry or paintings.

some scallop risotto and maple-glazed salmon. Just past the

The selection is incredible.

Coast Guard base on Weeksville Road, type ‘blimp’ into

When you’re ready for a beverage break, Elizabeth City

Google Maps to get directions to the only remaining steel

has you covered from stem to stern, literally. The city’s

blimp hangar from World War II. If you’re lucky, you may

second microbrewery, Seven Sounds Brewing Company, is

spot a recently completed blimp anchored on nearby posts.

situated right on the water with a convenient section in which boaters can dock to enjoy a local brew. “You can get

Learn more about Elizabeth City at visitelizabethcity.com.

LEFT TO RIGHT Elizabeth City’s Pailin Alley is home to popular eateries and Ghost Harbor Brewing Company.

Just past the Coast Guard base, you’ll find the only remaining steel blimp hangar from World War II. Photos courtesy of Visit Elizabeth City

56 | midtownmag.com

ELIZABETH CITY, NORTH CAROLINA

ELIZABETH CITY, NC Elizabeth City’s Seven Sounds Brewing Company is located right on the water.

George M. Wood Memorial Park boasts a boardwalk elevated above the wetlands that extends out above the Pasquotank River.

Photos courtesy of Visit Elizabeth City

GREAT TIMES TO VISIT CAPE CHARLES

GREAT TIMES TO VISIT ELIZABETH CITY

• Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends: All the amenities, less crowds.

• First Friday Art Walks: The first Friday of every month.

• Holiday season: Festive Fridays take place from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

• Halloween Ghost Walks: Look for the brand-new Nell Cropsey Murder Mystery Walk this November.

• New Year’s Eve: Forget the ball drop and check out the Crab Pot drop!

• Coast Guard Marathon: This Boston Marathon qualifier features the sea and a blimp hangar as part of the scenery. The inaugural event took place March 3–5, 2022.

• Any weekend: The perfect place to go when you want to feel immediately at home with some of the greatest people in our neighboring state.

• Any weekend: The perfect place to go when you want to feel immediately at home with some of the greatest people in our home state.

PAGE 52 Cape Charles is a Victorian-era planned community with an intriguing history.

Photo courtesy of Bay Creek Postmarks image by mysondanube/ Getty Images

PAGE 53 Beach photo by malerapaso/ Getty Images Postcard images by zoomstudio/ Getty Images, pictore/Getty Images, and desifoto/Getty Images

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 59

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

Soak Up the Adventure

Explore the great outdoors in the High Country Situated in the highest elevations of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the High Country is the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. Blue Ridge Mountain Club’s Recreation and Programs Manager, Sarah Hooper, brings authentic, knowledgeable ideas on getting owners involved in their surroundings. This private four-season community is a haven for outdoor exploration, with 50-plus miles of hiking and UTV trails.

“My goal is to encourage the adventure-seeker and outdoor enthusiast in us all to make the most of the surrounding national park–like setting. Through guided hikes, arts and crafts programs, and kids’ activities, we encourage owners to take advantage of the amenity-rich lifestyle within the gates and nearby.”

Check out Sarah’s recommendations for exploring this extraordinary place we call home.

For the Nature Lover: • Connect with the natural flora and fauna of the High Country. Visit the wildlife habitat at Grandfather Mountain where large, natural enclosures give you a peek into how native species live.

• Tweetsie Railroad’s Deer Park Zoo, open seasonally, offers visitors a chance to meet native animals. From deer to goats and sheep, this is a great family pit stop.

For the Water Enthusiast: • Float down crisp mountain streams by spending the day tubing on the New River. Hop in for the ride with tubing sites like High Mountain Expeditions or Wahoo’s Adventures.

• Here, fishing is not just a pastime, it’s a lifestyle.

Rainbow, brown, and native brook trout are abundant in the area. Interested in fly-fishing? Check out RiverGirl Fishing Co. for lessons.

For the Adventure Seeker: • Rent your own ATV/UTV with guided tours from Off the Grid Mountain Adventures to explore the backwoods and streams of Boone, Banner Elk, and surrounding areas.

• Don’t miss Chetola Sporting Reserve at Blue Ridge Mountain Club, with a range of activities, including gun, pistol, and rifle ranges; sporting clay courses; archery; and Orvis fly fishing excursions.

For the Hiker: • Explore the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Pull off and explore Julian Price Memorial Park— with trail favorites like Green Knob and Boone Fork Trails to a more leisurely stroll on the Price Lake Trail.

• Walk along Grandfather Mountain’s famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge or enjoy backcountry hiking and camping in Grandfather Mountain State Park. Experienced hikers can tackle the strenuous 2.5-mile hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain.

Blue Ridge Mountain Club 1098 Main Street, Suite 11, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.414.4114 | ExploreBRMC.com

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

60 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 61

Y O U R

T

he Walt Disney Company has made some high-tech guest experience changes

via its My Disney Experience mobile app’s new Genie and Genie+ ser vices, and the Lightning Lane, which replaces

E X P E R I E N C E

its FastPass, FastPass+ and MaxPass virtual queue systems.

Genie is a new, free digital ser vice you can use to plan your day at Walt Disney World’s and Disneyland’s theme parks via a personalized itinerar y based on your interests and favorite attractions.

It continuously updates your “My Day” itinerar y with the latest information and recommendations that include park dining reser vations, Walt Disney World Resort hotel reser vations and activity bookings. Your tip board tracks wait times for your favorite experiences, and you’ll also be able to virtually chat with a Disney “cast member” if you have any questions.

In addition, Genie offers new features to help you create your “best Disney day.”

Walt Disney World advises that, prior to your trip, you should download the latest version of the My Disney Experience app, then turn on your notification and location services to maximize the app’s features.

Similar to a navigation app on your phone, Genie works behind the scenes to update your itinerary, morning to night, so you can stay spontaneous and make the most of your time in the parks. While you wait in ride or restaurant lines, pass the time with the Play Disney Parks app, featuring games, trivia questions and other features that bring the surrounding environment to life.

62 | midtownmag.com

Apps and interactive technology transform the guest experience— but come at a cost

BY MARILYN JONES GENIE+ AND THE LIGHTNING LANE You’ll need to get out your wallet if you

two individual attractions per day at

Mine Train;” EPCOT’s “Frozen Ever

want to try Genie+, an option within the

Walt Disney World. Some of these

After” and “Remy’s Ratatouille

Genie service that replaces the former

in-demand, headlining attractions are not

Adventure;” and Animal Kingdom’s

FastPass line. At Walt Disney World,

offered via Genie+, so Lightning Lane

“Expedition Everest” and “Avatar Flight

which celebrates its 50th anniversary this

access at those attractions requires an

of Passage.”

year, you’ll pay $15 per person per day.

individual purchase that will vary by date,

At Disneyland, it costs $20 per person.

attraction and the park you are visiting.

This fee gives guests one opportunity per

Some of the Lighting Lane experiences

At Disneyland, individual Lightning Lane entrance selections include California Adventure’s “Radiator Springs

day to get in the Lightning Lane, which is

at Walt Disney World include Hollywood

Racers” and “WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-

only available for 40-plus experiences

Studios’ “Star Wars: Rise of the

Man Adventure;” and Disneyland Park’s

across the four parks.

Resistance” and “Mickey & Minnie’s

“Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.”

In addition to the Genie+ fee, you can

Runaway Railway;” Magic Kingdom’s

During your visit, be sure to check the

purchase Lightning Lane access for up to

“Space Mountain” and “Seven Dwarfs

Disneyland app for the latest pricing for

1

2

3

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 63

each available Lightning Lane arrival window. If you choose this option, you may purchase the next available arrival window, one at a time, upon entering a theme park.

You will have a specific timeframe for each ride or attraction to take advantage of the Lightning Lane, whether you are using Genie+ or purchasing individual Lightning Lane passes. Disneyland’s Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available at select attractions at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park—perfect for those who purchase Park Hopper tickets. Genie+ also includes unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from your day, and features new audio experiences that let you discover the parks through fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights.

You can add the Disney+ service to your theme park tickets via the My Disney Experience mobile app. Just tap on the three horizontal lines on the

4

bottom right corner of your screen, find your theme park, and select “Tickets and

5

Passes.” Then, choose the “change ticket” link and add the Genie+ service.

Remember, all attractions will continue to offer a traditional standby queue.

Want additional details? Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/genie or disneyland.com/genie for more

information, including how to create your itinerary, purchase Disney Genie+, make Lightning Lane arrival window selections and more.

PAGE 62

Photo courtesy of Disney

PAGES 64-65

Ocean image by Benjamin Toth/Getty Images App images ourtesy of Katie Shugg

64 | midtownmag.com

NEW DISNEY WISH OFFERS A MAGICAL SAILING EXPERIENCE Disney Wish—the newest ship to join

takes storytelling into an all-new realm as

Disney Cruise Line’s family—sets sail in

guests embark on a multidimensional

summer 2022 featuring stories from

voyage into the world of imagination.

Disney, Mar vel, Star Wars and Pixar—

Once onboard, use your “spyglass” to

all brought to life with the Disney

reveal never-before-seen views of the

Uncharted Adventure. This first-of-its-

stars above, where constellations take

kind interactive experience takes guests

shape as recognizable Disney and Pixar

on a journey throughout the ship and

story icons. Then, when the wishing star

beyond the stars with a new way to

bursts, you’ll watch as its pieces scatter

explore and experience the enchantment

across the sky. Captain Minnie will need

of Disney.

your help to navigate the ship to these

Disney’s innovative technology like augmented reality and physical effects

uncharted worlds in order to find the wishing star’s missing pieces.

6

You will choose where to go, charting

7

8

their favorite toys, monsters and heroes

that ends with a deck party of

a course toward adventurous locations.

during the all-new Pixar Day at Sea aboard

incredible proportions. A Pixar film

Each quest takes you on an expansive

special sailings on the Disney Fantasy in

festival, exclusive merchandise and

journey throughout the Disney Wish as

early 2023. Featuring one-of-a-kind

photo opportunities will also be available

you seek artwork, signs and props that

experiences, this day-long celebration on

as part of the new celebration.

magically transform to bring the

select seven-night voyages will bring to

characters and settings of these story

life the beloved Pixar tales of “Toy Story,”

disneycruise.disney.go.com or

worlds to life. The adventure culminates in

“Monsters, Inc.,” “The Incredibles,”

call 800.951.3532.

a grand finale, hosted in one of the ship’s

“Finding Nemo” and more—exclusively

entertainment venues, taking classic

for Disney Cruise Line guests. Themed

storytelling to new heights.

dining, character encounters, dance

Disney Cruise Line guests will also be immersed in the ever-unfolding stories of

For more information, visit

parties and a theatrical musical experience await families on this fun-filled day at sea

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 65

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser two-night experience features access to shops where you can purchase authentic Star Wars apparel.

Try your hand at Lightsaber training during your galactic adventure.

Each Galactic Starcruiser cabin is designed to ensure comfort while you are traveling through the galaxy.

The Sublight Lounge crafts colorful, out-of-this-world cocktails.

Photos courtesy of Disney

Out of This World!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

BY BETH SHUGG

O

n March 1, Walt Disney

After you land, choose an adventure

Restore your energy in a cabin or

World Resort launched the

complete with role playing, interactions

suite that offers an expansive view of

inaugural voyage of Star Wars:

with an eclectic collection of characters

space. Dine on exotic cuisine at the

Galactic Starcruiser, a two-night immersive

and, if you desire, a secret mission.

Crown of Corellia Dining Room and sip

adventure where you are the hero. After

Seek out the inner workings of the

on galactic cocktails at the Sublight

arriving at the Walt Disney World Resort

Halcyon, wield a lightsaber or jump on a

Lounge. Prices start at $749 per guest,

terminal, you’ll board a launch pod to

transport to the planet Batuu, where you

per night.

rendezvous with the Halcyon starcruiser,

can continue your mission at Star Wars:

then travel to a galaxy far, far away.

Galaxy’s Edge.

66 | midtownmag.com

Learn more at disneyworld.disney.

go.com/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser.

• ARE YOU OVER 60?

• ARE YOU CARING FOR AGING PARENTS? • ARE YOU BECOMING THE AGING PARENTS?

OPTIMIZE LIFE FOR YOUR AGING PARENTS AND YOU is a guide to the many emotional, financial, legal, and medical aspects of aging, written to make life easier for you, your parents, and your adult children.

Author Paula Edwards Berryann shares concepts and ideas based on real experience, that will save you money and avoid at least one headache and one heartache.

Available at amazon.com in paperback and Kindle.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 67

TRAVELING WITH (OR WITHOUT) PETS Tips and tricks for vacationing with your furry friends— or leaving them at home

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

T

is the time of year when we start dreaming of summer getaways; an opportunity to leave our daily

‘

routines behind, spend quality time with family and seek rejuvenation. For some, planning a vacation is as easy as booking a flight and hotel, but for those who count a furry friend as part of their household, a decision must also be made as to whether your four-legged buddy will tag along with the rest of the family or stay behind with a caregiver.

Nearly 70%, or 90.5 million, households in the U.S. own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association.

Many pet parents consider their beloved

easier to leave Fluffy at home. Whether

On the flip side, the North Carolina

you decide to pack your pooch or leave her

coast is hard to beat in terms of offering

in the dog house, we’ve got you covered.

picturesque locations for jaunts with a

ANYTHING IS PAW-SIBLE If you are a dog owner, chances are you’ll be traveling with your pet at some point.

Whether a quick overnight at the in-laws or a weeklong journey, there are countless destinations across the state of North Carolina where pets are not only welcomed, but encouraged. Generally, campgrounds and national parks are perfect spots for pets, with endless open areas to sniff around, plenty of fresh air, and room to roam.

The North Carolina mountains also

dog in tow. You can enjoy long walks on the beach, jumping waves, and canoeing or boating together.

THE TECHNICALITIES Chances are if you travel with your pet, it will be in some sort of motor vehicle.

Here are some tips for safe and stress-free car/van/truck/SUV/RV travel with your pet(s).

1. KEEP YOUR PET IN THE BACK SEAT. While you may be tempted to snuggle while driving,

furry friends to be members of the family

offer an ideal destination for dogs, as

having a pet in the front seat of the car

and could not imagine abandoning them,

hiking spots and scenic views abound.

is dangerous for you both. Let’s face

even for a brief respite. On the other hand,

Dogs love to cool off in streams during

it, Rover can be distracting when he’s

bringing a pet on vacation adds its own

the summertime, and idyllic spots for

excited or scared—and airbags are

checklist of to-dos, therefore making it

picnics are infinite.

helpful to humans but can be harmful to

68 | midtownmag.com

pets. The safest place for your pet is in

4. PLAN MEALS AROUND CAR TIME.

the back seat, wearing a harness with a

Feed your dog a light meal a few

seatbelt attachment, or in a carrier that

hours before you put him in the car.

has been strapped to the seat. Make

If your drive will last three or more

sure the carrier is large enough to

hours, schedule pit stops along the

allow your pet to stand up, turn around

way. Always feed your dog outside of

and lie down. Put your pet’s favorite

the car—perhaps at the same time as

blanket or toy in the carrier with her so

a potty break—and avoid feeding him

she feels more comfortable.

2. TAKE A FEW PRACTICE RUNS. Acquaint your pet with being in a car by going on several short trips before the big event. Gradually increase the length of these shorter trips to work up to long-distance travel.

in a moving vehicle, which could make him nauseous.

5. WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE HIM OUT. It is against the law in many states to leave your pet in a parked car, as temperatures are far higher inside the car than out, causing your pet to get

3. GET THE SILLIES OUT. Be sure to go

overheated. According to akc.org, the

for a long walk or stop by the dog park

inside of a vehicle parked in 70-degree

before you hit the road. This way, your

weather can reach 100 degrees in just

pup will be ready for a nap during the

20 minutes, and a dog can become

first leg of your journey.

overheated in less than 10 minutes.

TRAVELING BY PLANE?

Most airlines have pet-friendly policies, with some applying across the board. Service, psychiatric or emotional support animals fly for free.

Airlines typically require documentation showing the animal’s status as such, along with proof of vaccination, and an indemnification or waiver from the traveler.

Most airlines also allow carry-on pets, such as small cats and dogs, and household birds. Each airline may have different guidelines for this, so be sure to check the airline’s requirements before you book your flight.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 69

LEAVING YOUR PAL BEHIND Some pets are simply not good travel

vacation with you, since most facilitate

companions. They may be susceptible to

fenced play areas in which dogs can

car anxiety or motion sickness, or their

run around and play with each other.

size may make traveling with them

Here are some tips for how to find the

difficult. If you’re visiting a destination

best day care for your dog.

where pets are not welcome, you’ll also need a plan B. Fortunately, there are some

•

great pet-care options here in the Triangle

initial screening visit to make sure

if you need to leave your pet behind.

your pet is comfortable with the

Asking a teenage neighbor to pet sit is cost-effective and allows your pet to stay in the comfort of her own home. Services

setting and employees.

•

•

and make sure your pet is up-to-date

home, if that better fits your needs.

on all vaccinations.

leaving him in a sitter’s care, make sure you leave contact information for a friend or family member who lives nearby in

•

•

alternative to taking your dog on

CHECK OUT:

BARKWELLS RETREAT in Asheville, a community of vacation homes designed specifically for dog lovers.

Learn more at barkwells.com.

A resort called ATLANTIS LODGE in Atlantic Beach not only welcomes, but embraces four-leggers. Learn more at atlantislodge.com.

70 | midtownmag.com

Ask if there is outdoor space for fresh air and room for your pet to run and play.

Doggie day care resorts have grown in popularity and offer an entertaining

Make sure the business is bonded, licensed and insured.

case of an emergency.

Keep your pet with you in your RV when you travel, but when you are parked and stationary, a toy hauler attached to your RV— typically used for storing “toys” like motorcycles—can be used to provide a safe, contained space where your pets can get some fresh air.

Find out about health requirements,

who are willing to spend the night at your Whether you are boarding your pet or

TRAVELING BY RV?

Make sure the facility has a veterinarian on staff or on call.

like rover.com can help you find local pet sitters, dog walkers and even housesitters

Check your pet in for a trial run.

Most doggie day cares require an

•

Pack all of your dog’s favorite comfort items—lovies, toys, blankets, etc.

MICROCHIPS AND GPS

If you haven’t microchipped your pet, talk to your veterinarian about having this done—whether you are going on a vacation with your pet or not. The size of a grain of rice, a microchip containing your contact information can be placed under your pet’s skin in case you become separated from one another. If someone finds your pet and takes him to a vet, he can be scanned for your contact information.

Another option is to invest in a GPS collar, which can track your pet via an app on your phone. Some not only track your pet’s location, but also her health, activity levels and sleep patterns.

PET PACKING TIPS Whether your furr y pal is traveling with you or checking in to a pet hotel, here’s a packing list of recommended items for her doggy suitcase.

•

Food

•

Bottled water (in case fresh water is hard to find)

•

Bowls

•

A collar with identification

•

A leash

•

Medications

•

Immunization records

•

Waste bags

•

Toys

•

Blankets

•

Towels (for wet paws)

•

Cleaning supplies

•

Health certificate (if you’re traveling across state or international borders, or if your pet will stay in a kennel)

•

Kiddie pool (to provide a place for your pet to cool off, if you’re going somewhere hot)

PAGES 68–69

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM

Photo by Capuski/Getty Images

Photo courtesy of Sean Byrne

OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT

Photo courtesy of Adam Cave

Photo by Li Kim Goh/Getty Images

NEXT PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM

Photo courtesy of Beth Shugg

Photo by Eclipse_images/Getty Images Rendering courtesy of Care First Animal Hospital

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 71

BARK BARS AND BREWERIES Pet-friendly breweries that accommodate pets have been popping up all over North Carolina during the last decade.

To be included on our “favorites” list, a brewery must have: greenspace so you and your pet can play fetch, a laid-back atmosphere, food service or food trucks, and, of course, good beer. Here are some pet-friendly breweries to check out across North Carolina, starting with some right here in the Triangle.

TRIANGLE Ponysaurus Brewing Company Durham | ponysaurusbrewing.com Bond Brothers Beer Company Cary | bondbrothersbeer.com CARE FIRST ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Deep River Brewing Company Clayton | deepriverbrewing.com WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA Sierra Nevada Taproom Fletcher | sierranevada.com/ visit/north-carolina/taproom Booneshine Brewing Company Boone | booneshine.beer New Belgium Brewing Company Asheville | newbelgium.com/ visit/asheville TRIAD AREA Incendiary Brewing Company Winston-Salem | incendiarybrewing.com

ENERGY-EFFICIENT ANIMAL HOSPITALS The nation’s first passive house animal

technology save as much as 90% on

house designation status is applied when

administrator and owner Debbie Gordon

Red Oak Brewery Whitsett | redoakbrewery.com

to open in Raleigh this fall. A passive

Forgotten Road Ales Graham | facebook.com/ forgottenroadales

efficiency, which reduces the building’s

COAST The New Village Brewery & Taproom Oriental | newvillagebrewery.com 34° North Cedar Point | 34northbar.com Waterline Brewing Company Wilmington | waterlinebrewing.com

72 | midtownmag.com

Buildings with passive house

hospital, Care First Animal Hospital, is set

a facility meets the standard for energy ecological footprint. Passive house

buildings need little to no heating or

cooling due to their airtight insulation,

which prevents infiltration of outside air,

utilities. Care First Animal Hospital

describes the new building’s science and technology as having a zero net energy

process, and says she feels a “moral and ethical obligation to try to help turn global warming around.”

“We are the first passive house animal

as well as loss of conditioned air. Passive

hospital in the country, but I truly hope

insulation and an air exchange system

and that more follow our lead,” she adds.

house windows provide significant

allows for superior air quality, since the indoor air is exchanged with fresh

outdoor air several times each hour.

that we’ll be a model for future buildings, Care First Animal Hospital will also

house a boarding facility and day camp, and offer bathing and grooming.

22002222 FFAACCEESS OOFF RRAALLEEI IGGHH

2022 FACES OF RALEIGH In every issue, Midtown magazine tells the stories of incredible individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations who are helping to make Raleigh the South’s best city. Once a year, we present our FACES of Raleigh portfolio, through which our key business partners share their stories to help you put a face with the name of their business, practice or nonprofit.

These inspiring leaders and community influencers want to personally introduce themselves to you. Take a moment to get acquainted. Stop by and tell them you saw their face in Midtown.

We’d like to send out a special thanks to the Midtown photographers who made this project a reality: Brian Mullins Photography, Michael Ashman of MASH Photography, Jared Caldwell of New Depth Creations, Smith Hardy, Jenny Midgley, and George Randy Bass Photography.

Please note: FACES of Raleigh is alphabetized by what each partner is “the face of,” with two-page spreads appearing alphabetically first.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: PART 1 74

The Face of BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED CUSTOM JEWELRY Raleigh Diamond Fine Jewelry

91

The Face of AUTHENTIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MASH Photography

76

The Face of BEST DENTAL EXPERIENCE Renaissance Dental Center

92

The Face of AVEDA VON KEKEL SALON Von Kekel Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa

78

The Face of HOME SERVICES Neighborly

93

80

The Face of JEWELRY Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

The Face of AWARD-WINNING PROFESSIONAL HOME CLEANING Go 2 Girls

94

82

The Face of THE LARGEST PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT IN THE TRIANGLE Flowers Plantation

The Face of BEAUTIFUL SKIN The MedSpa at Raleigh Plastic Surgery Center

95

84

The Face of LUXURY HOME BUILDING Rufty Homes

The Face of BEER AND WINE BottleMixx

96

86

The Face of WEALTH MANAGEMENT Absher Wealth Management

The Face of BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES Bio-Functional Med

97

88

The Face of ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Saint Mary’s School

The Face of BLOWOUTS Drybar

98

89

The Face of ANTI-AGING MEDICINE Regenesis MD

The Face of CHANGING LIFE, FAMILY, COMMUNITY Carolina Brain Center

90

The Face of APPAREL AND T-SHIRTS Raleigh Roots

99

The Face of CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH Little Otter

PART 2 OF FACES OF RALEIGH BEGINS ON PAGE 119.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 73

THE FACE OF

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED CUSTOM JEWELRY RALEIGH DIAMOND FINE JEWELRY Raleigh Diamond Fine Jewelry, North Carolina’s largest jewelry showroom, designs and manufactures custom jewelry at its Glenwood Avenue location. Family-owned and operated since 2008, Raleigh Diamond was founded by Wake County EMT and nurse James Vincent. The company specializes in custom engagement rings, loose diamonds, bridal jewelry and estate jewelry.

74 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | RALEIGH DIAMOND FINE JEWELRY

Raleigh Diamond’s elegant 10,000-square-foot showroom features 20-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling glass windows and is bathed in natural sunlight. One-hundred percent of the showroom’s friendly sales team is GIA educated. Although Raleigh Diamond Fine Jewelry’s selection is enormous, if you don’t find the exact diamond or item you’re looking for, in most cases, Raleigh Diamond can get it the very next day.

Built on hard work, honest dealings and always putting customers first, Raleigh Diamond offers a secure, pressure-free shopping experience with easy access and plenty of parking. Come experience the joy of browsing Raleigh Diamond’s one-of-a-kind custom pieces and find out why it is North Carolina’s top-rated jewelry store.

5925 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh | 919.725.3444 | raleighdiamond.com MAY/JUNE 2022

| 75

THE FACE OF

BEST DENTAL EXPERIENCE RENAISSANCE DENTAL CENTER DR. ANNA ABERNETHY DR. JILL SONNER DR. ANITA WELLS Drs. Abernethy, Sonner and Wells pride themselves on delivering comfortable, personalized care. They strive to exceed expectations and build long-term relationships with their patients. Renaissance Dental Center’s customized approach to dental care ensures an enjoyable—even luxurious—experience. And with more than 50 years of combined experience, they have become the area’s leading resource for progressive technologies and techniques in dental care, including CEREC technology, 3D scanning for implant-guided placement, Invisalign treatments and full-mouth rehabilitations.

Whether you are seeking general dentistry, cosmetic smile enhancements or restorative dental care, Drs. Abernethy, Sonner and Wells will work to define a treatment plan perfect for your specialized needs.

3803 Computer Drive, Raleigh | 919.786.6766 | renaissancedentalcenter.com

76 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

| RENAISSANCE DENTAL CENTER

| 77

MAY/JUNE 2022

THE FACE OF

HOME SERVICES NEIGHBORLY Is your home ready for a busy summer ahead? Now is the perfect time to give your space the facelift it needs.

From fixing pesky problems and setting up recurring maintenance tasks, to painting, plumbing and nearly everything in between, you can trust the local professionals of Neighborly® for all your home service needs.

Neighborly® is the Triangle’s hub for home services and the world’s largest franchisor of home service brands that are consistently recognized as leaders in their respective categories. Backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, if it’s not done right, we promise to make it right™. Schedule an estimate today. Our local franchise owners are ready to serve you.

78 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | N E I G H B O R LY

Pictured in photo: Neighborly® franchise owners in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill for home service brands including Aire Serv®, Dryer Vent Wizard®, Five Star Painting®, Glass Doctor®, HouseMaster®, Molly Maid®, Mosquito Joe®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Handyman®, Mr. Rooter® Plumbing, Precision Door Service®, Real Property Management®, ShelfGenie®, The Grounds Guys® and Window Genie®.

Serving communities in the Triangle and nationwide | 855.217.8437 | neighborly.com/midtownmagazine

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 79

THE FACE OF

JEWELRY BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY MARCI BAILEY Marci Bailey and her husband, Trey, are third-generation owners of Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, which has been family-owned and operated since 1948. Marci is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, jewelry designer, diamond authority and overall industry expert. Though she has expansive technical knowledge of jewelry, she understands that jewelry is more than just metal and stones. She believes that there is an emotional connection between people and their jewelry.

Marci thrives on helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry for every occasion, whether it be the perfect engagement ring or designing a custom creation from scratch. She is the perfect guide on your jewelry journey to marking a milestone or telling a story. With five North Carolina stores, as well as a Los Angeles studio in the heart of the Diamond District, Marci and the Bailey’s team are proud to make Bailey’s Fine Jewelry your destination for all things jewelry.

415 Daniels Street, Raleigh | 919.829.7337 4325 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh | 919.788.7500 baileybox.com

80 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

| BAILEY’S FINE JEWELRY

| 81

MAY/JUNE 2022

THE FACE OF

THE LARGEST PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT IN THE TRIANGLE FLOWERS PLANTATION REID STEPHENSON, CEO VANESSA CHANDLER, MARKETING DIRECTOR Flowers Plantation is a 3,000-acre planned unit development located 25 miles southeast of Raleigh. What used to be considered the “hidden treasure” of Johnston County has become one of the bestselling communities in the state—and a premier location destination.

This year, Flowers Plantation received the Gold Diamond Award from Midtown magazine for Best New Home Community, and Ideal-Living Magazine named the community one of the 100 Best Places to Live.

What makes Flowers Plantation so special? Maybe the 20-plus miles of walking trails? Or the many different styles of homes that are offered—including those for active adults? On-site shopping/dining can be accessed by golf carts, which are allowed on the community’s private streets. The on-site East Triangle YMCA offers indoor/outdoor pools, gym facilities, pickleball courts and programs for all ages.

Flowers Plantation will also be the home of the next Thales Academy, a prestigious private school. All of these amenities are offered with no city taxes!

500 NW Flowers Parkway, Clayton | 919.553.1984, extension 1 | flowersplantation.com

82 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

| FLOWERS PLANTATION

| 83

MAY/JUNE 2022

THE FACE OF

LUXURY HOME BUILDING RUFTY HOMES JON RUFTY Rufty Homes is leading the evolution of luxury home building. We believe that fine craftsmanship demonstrates our shared love of quality and integrity.

Partnering with the Rufty Homes team results in a distinctive retreat for your family, away from the everyday commotion of society. A Rufty experience extends beyond exceptional quality and striking details. We offer a thoughtfully unique approach as a custom home builder, so you’ll have a home-building experience with a team specifically selected to bring your vision to reality.

When you’re ready to begin your own custom luxury home journey, the team at Rufty Homes is here.

5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 208, Raleigh | 919.460.8550 | ruftyhomes.com

84 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

| RUFTY HOMES

| 85

MAY/JUNE 2022

86 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

WEALTH MANAGEMENT ABSHER WEALTH MANAGEMENT

| A B S H E R W E A LT H M A G A G E M E N T

Investing in quality businesses based on old-school fundamentals is the primary focus of Absher Wealth Management. By following the model of Warren Buffett, Mike Absher’s 26 years of experience has taught him that owning quality over quantity helps clients achieve their long-term financial goals. With a focus on fundamentals, Absher invests in businesses that demonstrate pricing power to protect against inflation and a margin of safety for capital.

By investing directly into stocks and bonds, Absher avoids a layer of fees contained in other investment products.

Absher leads a team of six professionals providing asset management, financial planning and investor education. As of year-end 2021, the firm managed approximately $817 million of client assets, of which $757 million was managed on a discretionary basis. By implementing an old-school approach, Absher believes owning quality stocks will provide the best riskadjusted return in the long run. The firm will open a second office in Raleigh later this year.

Absher Wealth Management is a fee-only registered investment advisor.

3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 201, Glenwood Plaza, Raleigh 1450 Raleigh Road, Suite 105, Chapel Hill 919.283.2340 | absherwealth.com

Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of a principal investment.

Investment in equities involves more risk than other securities and may have the potential for higher returns and greater losses.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 87

SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL At Saint Mary’s School, we challenge girls academically—to be bold, to be inspired, to be prepared and to become extraordinary.

When girls enroll at Saint Mary’s School, they join a long legacy of women—alumnae who have come from every walk of life, from across the U.S. and around the world. Here, girls are accepted and empowered in their learning; to grow spiritually and socially. Our students are given the space and opportunity to grow in confidence, amplify their voices and discover who they want to become. They are recognized for their unique talents, passions and interests—as well as those yet to be discovered.

900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh | 919.424.4000 | sms.edu/midtown

88 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | REGENESIS MD

THE FACE OF

ANTI-AGING MEDICINE REGENESIS MD After practicing integrative medicine for more than 15 years, Dr. Bhavna Vaidya fulfilled her dream of opening a unique practice that fuses top-of-the-line anti-aging medicine with aesthetics.

Regenesis MD takes care of your mind, body and beauty. We offer services that include everything from nutritional IVs, hormone replacement and weight management, to sexual health, lasers and injectables. Dr. Vaidya feels that medicine and aesthetics should never be disjointed. Each person should be treated as a whole. That is the mantra of Regenesis MD. 8020 Creedmoor Road | Raleigh | 919.322.2844 | regenesismd.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 89

RALEIGH ROOTS | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

APPAREL AND T-SHIRTS RALEIGH ROOTS Ever since we planted our roots in Raleigh, we’ve been in love with everything this city has to offer. Over the years, we’ve noticed that people love this city just as much as we do, but they haven’t had a way to show it.

As big proponents of working hard and being comfortable, we decided to create Raleigh Roots so the people who make this city great have a way to show off their pride with unique designs and high-quality apparel. Sprinkled with hints of oak, we believe we’ve created an apparel line that everyone in Raleigh will be proud to wear.

Raleigh, North Carolina | raleigh-roots.com

90 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FACE OF

AUTHENTIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY Creating the perfect wedding day requires attention to every detail, and the photographer you hire should be no exception. MASH Photography uses the most advanced gear on the market to capture each moment, so you’ll have an amazing album of images to cherish and share.

Having been through a wedding themselves, husband-and-wife team Michael and Tara Ashman take the stress out of choosing a photographer by meeting with you beforehand, then ensuring two photographers will be present to elegantly, thoroughly and discreetly cover every aspect and detail of your special day. You won’t even notice they are there. “Present, but not in the way” is their promise to every couple.

Serving the Raleigh and Western Wake area | mash.photography

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 91

VON KEKEL AVEDA LIFESTYLE SALON SPA | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

AVEDA VON KEKEL SALON VON KEKEL AVEDA LIFESTYLE SALON SPA SHAWN KEKEL, FOUNDER/CEO PAUL SHULTZ, PRESIDENT The sky’s the limit when it comes to your personal hair and skin care needs at Von Kekel Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa. Since 1998, we have had the distinct privilege and pleasure of serving the Triangle.

Our talented team always takes pride in surpassing guest expectations by offering skilled professionals and quality customer service experiences. Our goal at Von Kekel Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa is to make each individual look and feel like they are on top of the world.

The Von Kekel family looks forward to welcoming you to our Raleigh North Hills or Cary Fenton location.

4209 Lassiter Mill Road #114, Raleigh | 919.782.0808 301 Fenton Gateway Drive # 102, Cary | 919.859.0888 vonkekelsalonspa.com 92 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | GO 2 GIRLS

THE FACE OF

AWARD-WINNING PROFESSIONAL HOME CLEANING SERVICES GO 2 GIRLS CRYSTAL HAMM, PRESIDENT With a passion to make a difference, Go 2 Girls strives to go above and beyond by providing exceptional service with each and every client. Our award-winning team is professionally trained, background-checked, and fully insured and bonded. Clients throughout Wake County enjoy having the same trusted Go 2 Girl for each cleaning, as well as peace of mind with a satisfaction guarantee.

Cleaning services include recurring maintenance, one-time cleans, move-ins/outs, spring/deep cleans, special occasion cleans and in-home laundry. If you are looking for an exceptional, locally owned and operated cleaning service for your home, please contact us for a free estimate.

Serving most of Wake County | 919.909.8093 | go-2-girls.com MAY/JUNE 2022

| 93

THE MEDSPA AT RALEIGH PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

BEAUTIFUL SKIN THE MEDSPA AT RALEIGH PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER Let the staff at The MedSpa help you achieve beautiful skin. Your experience at The MedSpa is built around you.

Your goals. Your results. With a combined experience of over 35 years in the aesthetic arena, The MedSpa is one of Raleigh’s top medical spas because we focus on results designed to work for you. Realistic solutions, proven success. We offer state-of-the-art medical esthetics, laser treatments and integrated skin care for your face and body.

Our knowledgeable and professional staff is committed to all your facial and body concerns. We listen, we educate, we enhance all of your attributes, and we help you pursue your best self in a way that makes you feel and look beautiful. Discover The MedSpa. Discover you.

1112 Dresser Court, Raleigh | 919.333.4418 | themedsparaleigh.com

94 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | BOTTLEMIXX

THE FACE OF

BEER AND WINE BOTTLEMIXX RUSS BROOME Established in 2012, BottleMixx was one of the Triangle’s first bottle shops. While we originally focused on craft beer, we have now fully embraced fine wine as well. In addition to having the best curated retail selection on both sides of the house, we also have 12 beers on draught and six wines by the glass every day in addition to weekly events, many with live music. Located in North Raleigh between the inner and outer beltlines, “The Mixx” is quickly becoming the refined imbibery for those who love to enjoy great craft beer and fine wine in a fantastic atmosphere.

8111 Creedmoor Road, #153, Raleigh | 919.615.1703 | bottlemixx.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 95

BIO-FUNCTIONAL MED | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES BIO-FUNCTIONAL MED Bio-Functional Med is a functional integrative medicine practice with a focus on restoring physiological balance to optimize health. Drs. Jennifer Yap and Alvin Antony restore health and vitality with the use of bioidentical hormones, medical-grade supplements, peptides, hormone and genetic testing, regenerative anti-aging medical techniques and lifestyle modifications with a de-emphasis on the use of traditional medications. Our providers have completed extensive specialty training in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and functional medicine.

Our team believes in using the highest grade medical supplements to maximize your body’s functional performance and achieve wellness. Aging truly is optional with the right balance of hormones, nutrition and supplements.

8382 Six Forks Road, Suite 102, Raleigh | 919.926.9575 | biofunctionalmed.com 96 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | DRYBAR

THE FACE OF

BLOWOUTS DRYBAR SARAH SEWARD, OWNER I can personally attest to the confidence boost a fresh blowout gives you. Before I opened my first Drybar blowout franchise, I was a customer seeking a little pampering. I was impressed with the skills of the stylists, atmosphere, customer service and overall experience. That experience led me to become a Drybar franchise partner and open a location in Waverly Place in Cary. Since then, I have also opened a second blowout franchise at Midtown East in Raleigh.

Drybar is a blowout bar dedicated to making women feel confident and happy. Upon entering the shop, you will be greeted and offered a beverage. You will then have a consultation with your stylist to review your desired style prior to your wash and blow dry. We also do updos and braids. With two local shops and a wide range of hours, Drybar can take care of all of your styling needs.

Drybar Raleigh at Midtown East | 1111 Mercantile Drive, Suite 100 | Raleigh | 919.670.1072 | drybarshops.com Drybar Cary at Waverly Place | 302 Colonades Way, Suite 206 | Cary | 919.238.7264 | drybarshops.com MAY/JUNE 2022

| 97

CAROLINA BRAIN CENTER | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

CHANGING LIFE, FAMILY, COMMUNITY CAROLINA BRAIN CENTER DR. DARCY DANE, DC, DACNB Carolina Brain Center is proud to introduce GyroStim, the Triangle’s first computer-controlled multi-axis rotational chair that stimulates the vestibular, visual and sensorimotor systems. This powerful therapy is great for treating concussions, traumatic brain injuries, kids, all things dizzy, athletic performance and more.

Carolina Brain Center also offers hyperbaric oxygen/ketone therapy (HBOKT). Combining these two therapies results in faster rehab results and is great for keeping you feeling younger than your years.

From our family to yours, Carolina Brain Center looks forward to serving you and your family—whether you are on the road to recovery, or on a mission to optimize your own personal health.

6404 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh | 919.703.0207 | carolinabraincenter.com 98 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | LITTLE OTTER

THE FACE OF

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUED ON PAGE 119

LITTLE OTTER CO-FOUNDERS DR. HELEN EGGER AND REBECCA EGGER Dr. Helen Egger and Rebecca Egger, a mother-daughter duo from Durham, are making mental health services more accessible for children and families. Through decades of experience as a child psychiatrist, and as a mother to a son with a rare autoimmune brain disorder, Dr. Egger knows how difficult it is for families to access high-quality mental health care for their children. That’s why she and Rebecca took action and co-founded Little Otter, the first fully digital, personalized online mental health care for children ages 0–14, parents and families, delivered fully virtually via their Little Otter Health app. littleotterhealth.com | hello@littleotterhealth.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 99

100 | midtownmag.com

DEPARTMENTS F A S H I O N

FASHION STATEMENTS Art2Wear showcases innovative styles created by NCSU’s College of Design students

BY JANICE LEWINE

F

— Takada once amed clothing designer Kenzo

says her creations are often influenced by concepts

said, “Fashion is like eating; you shouldn’t

unrelated to fashion. “My last two collections were both

stick with the same menu.” For some students

heavily inspired by psychology,” she says. “This year, my

in North Carolina State University’s College of

collection was inspired by female archetypes and explores

Design, mixing up their fashion “menu” has become an

the ways in which women are viewed by society. It tells

important part of their education.

the tale of women who embrace their inner discord,

Each year, these young people create bold

who revel in nonconformity and irregularity. I find that,

innovations for Art2Wear, a student-led runway show

oftentimes, when one pairs fashion with unexpected,

now in its 21st year that is organized by the College of

nuanced concepts, you can create something both

Design’s Art + Design department. The largest fashion

evocative and thought-provoking.”

showcase of its kind in the Southeast, Art2Wear

Leah Hauser, a senior in the Art + Design

encourages participants to express their point of view

department with a concentration in fibers and soft

on a given theme through fashion, fusing the talents

construction, created a collection that expresses a

of several departments in the College of Design and

hardship many experience. “My collection is a visual

beyond, and inspiring students to blend their technical

translation of one’s journey navigating high-functioning

skill with innovative technology.

depression,” she says. “Inspired by this year’s theme,

Art2Wear organizers define fashion as a product

dissonance, I knew this would become my concept and

or sculptural piece that interacts with the body

I am grateful to not only educate my viewers through

and serves as either a cultural artifact, an artistic

this collection, but also share my personal narrative as

expression, a reflector of society or a body covering.

someone with these hardships. There is an abnormal

Najeel Range, student director of Art2Wear, says

sense of dissonance in high-functioning depressed

designers are encouraged to explore materials and

people’s lives as they externally appear average, while

be adventurous with their creations. “It’s not ready to

simultaneously struggling with depression internally.”

wear, it’s art to wear,” she says.

“My designs are very experimental in terms of surface design,” Hauser continues. “I have screen-

DEFINING DESIGN

printed my garments’ patterns, used appliqué, reverse

After presenting virtually the past two years due

appliqué, bead embroidery, goldwork, trapunto and

to COVID-19 restrictions, Art2Wear returned as a

several other fiber manipulation techniques throughout

live runway show on April 27 in NCSU’s Stewart

my collection. I hope my audience can see the

Theatre. This year’s theme was “dissonance”—the

exploration I took into surface design and appreciate

discomfort that arises from conflicting beliefs, values

how these techniques relate back to the concept behind

or attitudes—and it struck a contemporary chord for

them. I also hope that my viewers can consider my

700-plus audience members as 10 designers wowed

concept thoroughly, and remember to check in with

them with their fashion feats.

their loved ones and their mental health.”

Range proposed the theme based on the nation’s differing perceptions about the pandemic and other present-day situations. “We’re in this weird, gray area as a society,” she says. “For designers, what do they come in conflict with and how do they think about the things that don’t match up? It’s exciting to see that form into 3D art.”

OPPOSITE PAGE (Clockwise): Ensembles created by designer Quinan Dalton; ensemble created by designer Lizzy Lawrence; designer Quinan Dalton prepares a model for the runway. All photos courtesy of Art2Wear.

Chiana Royal, a sophomore majoring in fashion design and an Art2Wear participant for two years, MAY/JUNE 2022

| 101

MAKING Art2Wear Art2Wear engages the student body, the Raleigh community and the broader design industry through its juried review process. Designers are eager to receive feedback about their art from seasoned experts as they work to present a collection of five to seven garments on the catwalk. “Whether or not they fully make it into the show as a designer—that depends on some of the criteria that’s put in place,” Range says.

Kate Greder, assistant professor and faculty advisor for Art2Wear, says catwalk winners aren’t always ensembles you can wear out and about for routine activities. “The things that make it to the runway push the boundaries of what is wearable art,” she explains. “This is not an apparel design show. We’re looking for avant-garde—that’s been one of the biggest criteria. We all wear clothes and we all communicate with our clothes. Fashion is constantly changing and evolving, and this group reflects that it’s really alive.”

Art2Wear’s success also depends on students who donate their talents in photography, videography, exhibition and fundraising.

Graphic design student Megan Brown, who helped create the branding and program booklet for this year’s show, wants audiences to understand the explorative nature each piece of clothing displays. “Clothing has been a way for people to start conversations and to challenge the status quo,” she says. “Art2Wear is a way for designers to present different viewpoints and start conversations about the themes they are addressing. I hope the audience can look at everyone’s creations and listen to the conversations they’re having with each piece.”

Royal praises Art2Wear for her growth as a fashion designer. “I’ve already seen so much progress in my skills. I hope that my designs convey that with enough ambition, anyone can set their minds to creating beautiful art.”

Photos of this year’s Art2Wear show were not available as of press time for publication in this issue.

TOP: Ensemble created by designer Abby Redus.

BOTTOM: Ensembles created by designers Hannah Stabler and Tristan Griffiths.

Both photos courtesy of Art2Wear.

102 | midtownmag.com

COME f or v ariety.

STAY f or comm unity.

• FITNESS AND YOGA CLASSES FOR ALL BODIES

• SMALL CLASS SIZES IN A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

• LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH (One Block from Transfer Co. Food Hall) 219 S. East Street, Raleigh ⅼ 919.424.8084 ⅼ currentwellnessraleigh.com

TEIGHLA NORRIS HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST

Providing expert hair and makeup services for personal branding, editorial, commercial or other special events.

Licensed stylist and graduate of the Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill with 10+ years of experience.

teighlanorris.com @teighla_norris 103 | midtownmag.com

DEPARTMENTS P E T S

GOOD SPORTS

A Cary couple’s Shelties take agility, rally and flyball to a competitive level

BY SAMANTHA GRATTON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID AND WENDY DILTS

“C

ome on, Lyra! Ready?” Wendy

dog sports, sometimes earning a perfect

long days of practice in less than ideal

Dilts changes her Sheltie’s

score. “You can take it as far as you want to

weather, and staying committed to the goal

collar so Lyra knows it’s time

take it,” David says.

no matter how frustrating it can be, but it

to practice agility drills. Using

Agility competitions measure a dog’s

signals and praise, Wendy skillfully guides

ability to quickly run through an obstacle

8-year-old Lyra through a tunnel, weave

course consisting of features such as a

poles and a series of jumps in her backyard.

all pays off. “I’ve never bonded with a dog as much as I have with Chase,” he says.

Chase has experienced some surgeries

tunnel, tire swing, teeter-totter and jumps.

and no longer competes, but Lyra recently

Wendy and her husband David have had

Rally competitions focus on commands

started training for rally events and has

five Shetland sheepdogs—or Shelties—over

and include a mapped course displaying

also won a few competitions. Wendy says

the past 30 years, but only Lyra and Chase,

signs for handlers to instruct their dogs

knowing the personality of your dog helps

their other Sheltie, have competed in dog

to perform certain obedience commands

when choosing what sport to compete in.

sport competitions—with a number of

such as “sit,” “lay down” and “turn

She and Lyra are still working on finding

ribbons to show for it.

around,” while also mixing in some agility

their rhythm with rally, but have gained

elements like jumps. Flyball showcases

great support and guidance from certified

ribbons. Sometimes you do, sometimes you

fast, energetic dogs who race down a

professional dog trainer Penny Leigh, one

don’t,” David says as he gazes upon dozens

stretch of hurdles and step on a flyball box

of several trainers the couple has worked

of green, white, yellow, red and, of course,

to trigger the release of a ball. The dog

with over the years.

blue ribbons his Sheltie, Chase, won during

then retrieves the ball and races back to

past competitions.

his or her owner.

“You always hope you’ll come home with

Nearly 15 now, Chase began training

THE BASICS OF TRAINING

Preparing for these competitions takes a

Before competing with a dog, there are

with David at age 2. That was the goal

lot of time and effort, but can be a fulfilling

prerequisite dog training courses. After

when David chose him from Southwinds

activity for both the handler and dog. David

passing basic obedience classes and the

Shetland Sheepdogs in Raleigh, owned by

jokes that while some people golf or collect

American Kennel Club’s Canine Good

Katina Komorek. Over the years, Chase

sports cars, his hobby is to train Chase for

Citizen test—which consists of 10 steps

has competed in agility, rally and flyball

dog competitions. This sometimes requires

focused on teaching a dog basic good

104 | midtownmag.com

manners and obedience at home and out in the community—a handler and his or her dog can move up the ranks from novice to advanced and beyond in a specific type of dog sport.

But training isn’t just for dogs who will enter sports competitions—any dog can benefit from participating in different training courses. Leigh, who has been training dogs professionally for 16 years, recommends that all dogs get more training. “Every dog needs to learn some basics just to be a good member of their community and household,” she says.

“I encourage people to keep training with their dog. It really increases the owner/dog bond. Working together like that increases your bond, the dog’s IQ—and dogs enjoy having a job.”

SHOW OF COMMUNITY People of all ages bring their dogs to Leigh for competition training—from junior handlers who are under age 18, to seasoned veterans of the industry more than 80 years old. Friendships form among the handlers and dogs alike.

“It’s lots of fun, it’s rewarding, and

Wendy and David Dilts with Lyra and Chase.

Photo by Lundie’s Photography

you meet a great group of people and develop friends for life through the sport,” says Leigh, who also works as a program manager for the American Kennel Club—the country’s largest and oldest dog registry, and the governing body for thousands of dog shows and competitions across the U.S. Leigh’s own dogs have competed in national championships. She says some people assume that dogs who compete on the highest levels aren’t also beloved pets, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The same dogs you might see on TV competing in renowned dog shows are also pets who play catch in the backyard and snuggle up with their owners on the couch.

“If you love your dog and you like doing things with them, it’s just taking it to another level,” she says.

Want to try this out with your pooch?

Visit akc.org/sports to find a dog sports

CHASE’S TITLES + AWARDS • Agility: Novice Preferred and Open Agility Preferred Titles • Rally: Novice, Advanced and Excellent Titles • Agility Course Test (ACT) 1 Title • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (AKC CGC) Award • Novice Trick Dog Title Chase also participated in a Raleigh-based flyball team called, “Go Dog Go” for approximately two years. The team won several regional competitions.

LYRA’S TITLES + AWARDS: • ACT 1 and ACT 2 Titles • Novice Agility • AKC CGC Award • Novice Trick Dog Title

competition right here in the Triangle.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 105

D E PA R T M E N T S

FITNESS

3 HILLY HIKES

RALEIGH TRAILS THAT PACK A PUNCH— AND PROVIDE BONUS EXPERIENCES ALONG THE WAY

BY FRANCES DEESE

W

ith those gray winter and pollen-filled spring days behind us, now is the time to get outside and enjoy the many beautiful parks and trails we have access to here in the Triangle. While there are plenty of flat areas upon which to walk, run or bike, why not increase the fitness benefits to your body and brain by climbing a few of Raleigh’s most challenging hills?

The City of Oaks is located in North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Derived from the Italian word “piemonte,” which refers to the northwestern region of Italy, Piedmont refers to the foothills near the base of a mountain chain. Here, specifically, we are talking about the transitional region from the Appalachian mountains to the Coastal Plain. Since these areas typically claim a variety of hills, they provide diverse hiking options. We’ve done the work for you and have identified three great trails in Raleigh offering challenging hills that will fill you with empowerment once you’ve reached the top.

BONUS: Turn onto the Gralyn multiuse trail and you’ll discover a fallen red oak tree displaying a stunning piece of chainsaw art created by Jerry Reid and Randy Boni of Smoky Mountain Art. The carvings feature an array of whimsical animals—owls, herons, rabbits, squirrels and foxes—that peer out of carved niches. This masterful carving will have you taking photo after photo with your smartphone.

SYCAMORE TRAIL | WILLIAM B. UMSTEAD STATE PARK ncparks.gov/william-b-umstead-state-park/trail/sycamore-trail

First up is a series of hills on the Sycamore Trail in William B. Umstead State Park.

To get there, drive to the park entrance at 8801 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh and head down William B. Umstead State Park Road. Turn left on Maintenance Road, right on Group Camp Road and left on Camp Sycamore Access Road, which leads to the Sycamore parking lot. The trail is just beyond this lot.

While there are seven other great trails to choose from, the Sycamore Trail, which partially follows Sycamore Creek, is the longest at 7.2 miles. Depending on which direction you take, you’ll encounter a steep slope—similar to what you might climb during a mountain hike—or a long drawn-out hill that feels like a workout out with a trainer.

106 | midtownmag.com

ABOVE (THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE PAGE) The Top of the Hill Trail at Green Hills County Park is 469 feet above sea level.

Photo courtesy of Sean Byrne

OPPOSITE PAGE: RIGHT, CLOCKWISE Sycamore Trail partially follows Sycamore Creek.

Near Sycamore Trail on the Gralyn multiuse trail, discover a fallen red oak tree displaying stunning chainsaw art featuring forest animals.

Photos courtesy of Beth Shugg

TOP OF THE HILL TRAIL | GREEN HILLS COUNTY PARK

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 107

REEDY CREEK TRAIL | ANN AND JIM GOODNIGHT MUSEUM PARK, NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART ncartmuseum.org/visit/museum-park

You may not typically associate museums with outdoor recreation, but the North Carolina Museum of Art, located at 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, is also home to a 164-acre campus consisting of green space and trails that feature outdoor art within the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park. To get there, turn right when you enter the park, where you’ll find a parking lot near the Reedy Creek Trail entrance. If that lot is full, check the additional lot, which requires turning left after turning into the museum entrance. (Be warned, both lots fill up quickly on nice days.)

The first hill you’ll encounter climbs up to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Cliff Benson Beltline (Interstate 440), connecting the park to Meredith College and North Carolina State University. The bridge serves as an exciting space to stroll, since you can look down at cars zooming by underneath it. Stretch out your hike, if you like, by continuing past the bridge to the Capital Area Greenway. If you turn back, you’ll have the option of climbing a second hill to clock in a total of 2.5 miles.

BONUS: As you walk this trail, you’ll pass Thomas Sayre’s “Gyre” (1999), which consists of three 18-by-18-by-150-foot rings made with Earthcasting (reinforced concrete with iron oxide cast in molds that were dug from the earth). You’ll also pass Chris Drury’s “Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky” (2003), a walk-in camera obscura, or pinhole camera, commissioned by the museum. If you turn back to hike the second hill, you’ll pass through a peaceful wooded area featuring ample kudzu and a calming creek, then climb the hill toward the back of Yinka Shonibare’s “Wind Sculpture 2” (2013). This modern and colorful sculpture resembles a kite in the wind.

LEFT View Thomas Sayre’s “Gyre” sculpture, which consists of 18-by-18-by-150-foot rings made with Earthcasting, as you walk through the Ann and Jim Goonight Museum Park.

Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of Art

RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM You’ll also encounter “Wind Sculpture 2” and have the option of crossing over Interstate 440 on Reedy Creek Trail.

Photos courtesy of Beth Shugg

TOP OF THE HILL TRAIL | GREEN HILLS COUNTY PARK

wakegov.com/departments-government/parks-recreation-open-space/ all-parks-trails/green-hills-county-park

Last, but certainly not least is a climb to a breathtaking view 469 feet above sea level at Green Hills County Park. Located at 9300 Deponie Drive off of Durant Road in Raleigh, this 36-acre park opened in 2010 and sits on the former site of the North Wake Landfill.

Formerly called “Mount Trashmore,” the Top of the Hill trail branches off the 1.4-mile paved loop that surrounds the hill for a short but steep tenth-of-a-mile trek up to the top, where you’ll discover an expansive view of downtown Raleigh. Green Hills County Park also ser ves as a trailhead that connects to the Abbot’s Creek Greenway Trail, which leads to the Neuse River Greenway.

BONUS: Visiting Green Hills County Park is also educational—and, surprisingly odor-free—as it provides a unique way to learn about waste removal. Below the park, solid wastes from the landfill continue to decompose. Around the hill, you can see wells, pipes and a liner that helps to contain and seal the landfill. According to the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association, methane produced by decomposing landfill contents is collected through the wells and pipes, then used to fuel processes at a nearby industrial facility. The remaining gas is burned off in a flare station, which you can often see and hear while visiting the park.

LEFT Gaston Williams of Raleigh climbs the Top of the Hill Trail with his hiking partners Bertie and Chief.

RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM The Top of the Hill trail offers a panoramic vista that includes views of downtown Raleigh and North Hills in the distance.

Park facilities are located at the foot of the hill and include a picnic shelter, restrooms and a playground.

Photos courtesy of Sean Byrne

108 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 109

DEPARTMENTS S P O R T S

FROM ZERO TO SIXTY Wake County Speedway is still thriving after 60 years of racin’ and wreckin’

BY KURT DUSTERBERG | PHOTOS BY BRYAN REGAN (Unless otherwise noted)

F

riday nights have a feel of their own

“There’s flips, fires and fights. That’s all part of

at Wake County Speedway during the

the reality of what it is up close and personal in

warm-weather months. As the sun and

short-track racing.”

the heat fade, the track comes to life

with cars, drivers and fans. Soon, the engines

STAYING RELEVANT

kick in and a long-standing racing tradition

Wake County Speedway is celebrating its 60th

roars back to life.

anniversary in 2022, blending homespun charm

Like minor league baseball, short-track stock car racing is part of the summertime sports landscape in cities across the U.S. At Raleigh’s quarter-mile track, most of the drivers aren’t vying for a shot at a NASCAR ride—but when the lights come up and the fans are cheering, the competition is fierce.

“There’s wrecking, there’s bumping and grinding, there’s cars torn up,” says Charlie Hansen, owner of Wake County Speedway.

with a modern-day outreach that brings in 1,500–2,000 fans on Fridays between April and September. The bleachers are filled with backin-the-day holdovers, college kids and everyone in between. Staying relevant with niche entertainment means looking ahead.

“It’s a family-friendly atmosphere,” Hansen says. “Every age level enjoys the cars, the sounds, the sights, the smells. We have a lot of kids activities incorporated throughout the year.

We have kid bike races, Power Wheels races, and even ride-alongs, where they can sit in the car and take a lap around the track.”

Wake County Speedway’s track has grown from its humble beginnings in 1962. Willow Spring resident Randy Renfrow, who started racing as a 13-year-old in the hobby class back in 1971, has witnessed much of its history.

Those early days were Renfrow’s springboard to a racing career that culminated in a six-year stint on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (more recently known as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series) racing on the national stage at America’s most renown tracks.

Today, Renfrow runs Coulter Motorsports Development, a driver development program that mentors young drivers who hope to reach the highest levels in racing. He’s out on the road with his drivers most weekends, traveling the small-track circuit from Virginia to Florida, as his proteges hone their craft. That includes some Friday nights at Wake County Speedway.

110 | midtownmag.com

Photo by Michael Mascia of DRONE A.I.R. LLC; @droneairllc on Instagram

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 111

112 | midtownmag.com

cars—takes home a first-place purse of up

catch a local legend like Renfrow, who races

Hansen knows what it takes to succeed

to $1,500, with another $3,500 going to the

only occasionally these days. When he gets

in the racing business. He raced dirt

overall points champion at the end of the season. Smaller racing classes, such as

the itch, however, he heads to Wake County

modifieds growing up in the Northeast, where his father also raced. But running

legends and mini-stocks, can win a nightly

a successful racetrack takes more than

$350 top prize. The winnings are a nice boost

behind-the-wheel experience.

for the drivers, but racing a late model car is

KEYS TO SUCCESS

“He’s actually got the best crowds at any race track around,” Renfrow says of

no small investment.

“Back in the day, we didn’t really think it

Hansen. “I think it’s because he’s so good at

was that expensive because the parts and the

promoting stuff. He does the kiddie go-kart

cars were one-third of what they are now,”

races on the front straightaway and other

Renfrow says. “In those days, you could have

events for kids. I think he knows that when

a whole race car for $10,000 in the top class.

you get the kids interested, Mom and Dad

Now it’s $30,000 to $35,000 for the car, and

are coming to the racetrack, too.”

$20,000 for the engine.”

Hansen worked and raced at Wake County

While putting together a race-ready car

Speedway. With nearly 300 wins in his 51 years of racing, Renfrow can still hang with the young kids. “If we’ve got a week off, I might drive that race because it’s my local track,” he says. “In 2020, I went there six times and I won four times.”

Win or lose, Renfrow knows what entertains the fans. “People won’t admit it, but they like to see people wreck,” he says with a laugh. “They don’t want to see anybody get hurt, but they like to see a little bit of drama. They like to see people bump each

Speedway in the 1990s before taking over the

requires an investment, a night of racing at

operation in 2018. “It’s a lot of the small stuff

Wake County Speedway is still a bargain for

other. They like to see people get out of the

that kind of makes it a total entertainment

fans. General admission is $15.

car and argue about it. Most of the time, it’s

package,” he says. That’s why the crowds

“You can come in at 6 p.m. if you want to

love Checkers, the mascot who drives

watch all the practice, and we’re done by

around in a go-kart shooting fireworks.

11 p.m.,” Hansen says. “You get four of five

It’s why the kids gather by the flag stand

hours of entertainment for $15. That’s a

at intermission to score some goodies from

pretty good value.”

a “candy drop.”

But the main attraction is always the

CATCH A LEGEND—IF YOU CAN

racing, where drivers are competing for

While you might very well see the next

cash prizes each night. The winner of the

up-and-comer on the stock car circuit at

top racing class—the late model stock

Wake County Speedway, you might also

just exchanging words.”

And all sorts of fans fill the bleachers to watch. “We have from small children to older folks,” Hansen says. “We have a lot of N.C. State college students that come to the track.

We have a broad demographic. There’s no norm there, for sure.”

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 113

COMING IN JULY/AUGUST 2022

GO,, PL AY, SEE!

LET OUR READERS KNOW Where to GO for summer fun.

Places to PLAY for all ages.

What to SEE throughout the Triangle—and beyond.

Share your business/activity/event/product in our July/August issue.

Ella’s is a superior collection of artisan popcorn. The mix-ins are real indulgent ingredients from Belgian chocolate to real berries and classic cookies and beloved cereals. Each layer is folded in by hand in custom small batches.

Order One of Our TRIO Gift Boxes Today!

ellaspopcorn.com 833.713.2929 2319 Laurelbrook Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 114 | midtownmag.com

ADVERTISE WITH US

SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE: MAY 19 FOR MORE INFORMATION 919.782.4710 advertise@midtownmag.com

Guided Touch

Therapies Invigorate your Mind, Body and Spirit.

TRAINED IN 9 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGE:

Therapeutic Massage Lymphatic Massage Swedish Massage Russian Medical Massage Sports Massage Deep Tissue Massage Bindegewebsmassage Myofascial Massage Hot Stone Massage

a New You in No Time with MY ELLEVATE™

“This procedure is a Game Changer”—Dr. Glenn Lyle • Non-invasive—Minimal scars • Fast—11/2 hour procedure • Faster—Quicker recovery time than open surgery • Results—Vary per patient but can speak for themselves

▶

MY ELLEVATE™ refines, restores and smoothes contours while supporting the underlying muscles and glands.

1112 DRESSER COURT, RALEIGH ⅼ 919.872.2616 ⅼ DRGLENNLYLE.COM

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS IN:

Dynamic Energy Balance Trager® Approach Hypnotherapy Biomagnetics Reflexology Mentastics® Reiki

COME AS YOU ARE AND JOIN US FOR WORSHIP

S U N D AYS AT 1 0 : 3 0 A M

A ET G D AN AGE D A SS HIS MA T N TE 5!

TIO INU R $5 N ME 60-M FO

743 W. Johnson Street, Suite E, Raleigh 919.614.6199 guidedtouchtherapies.com

We are an authentic community of people striving to reflect the love, acceptance and hospitality that Jesus modeled.

• Blended worship service with traditional and contemporary elements • Opportunities for spiritual formation for all ages • Creative service projects in our community

stmarksraleigh.org ⅼ 919.787.0544 ⅼ 4801 Six Forks Road, Raleigh MAY/JUNE 2022

| 115

DEPARTMENTS C H E F ’ S T A B L E

SASSOOL

YOUR KITCHEN AWAY FROM HOME

BY KATIE JANSEN | PHOTOS BY BRIAN MULLINS (unless otherwise noted)

M

ounir Saleh grew up in

throughout the Triangle today. He was

with his daughters—and new business

Lebanon watching his mother,

tasked with helping his mother develop her

partners. “It was a dream for me that my

Cecilia Saleh, cook. She was a

dishes, which she cooked by instinct and

kids wanted to work with me,” he says.

famed cook in her village and,

feeling, into recipes that could be included in

“I couldn’t have done this without the

a cookbook for others to replicate.

support of my daughters; it’s theirs as

for her, preparing food wasn’t only about eating, but also about caring for her family, showing her love and sharing her culture.

Although he always had a close

That close working relationship with his mother made him realize that he wanted to continue in the restaurant industry.

relationship with her and admired her for

However, he didn’t decide to open his own

her talents in the kitchen, it wasn’t until

restaurant until he was approached by his

adulthood that he realized he would carry

daughters with an offer he couldn’t refuse.

on her legacy—not only making it his

Sisters Noelle Saleh and Simone Lawson

livelihood, but also passing her passion

both studied business at North Carolina

down to another generation of the family.

State University, and were also very familiar with the restaurant industry, having started

EXTENDING A LEGACY

working at Neomonde when they were

Saleh’s first foray into the restaurant

15 years old. They approached Saleh and

industry was at Neomonde, which his family

asked if they could work with him. In 2011,

opened in 1977—first as a bakery, then as

he had sold his share of Neomonde to his

a deli, and eventually as the full-fledged

brothers after 35 years of being in business

Mediterranean restaurant well-known

with them, ready to start a new chapter

much as mine,” he says proudly.

Opening a new restaurant also gave Saleh the opportunity to pay homage to his mother, where his interest in cooking Lebanese food began. He opened the restaurant’s doors in North Raleigh in 2011, and on Mother’s Day in 2014 rebranded it after a cherished childhood nickname Cecilia had been given by her father: “Sassool.” “We want her to know that her impact and contribution will be known for generations to come,” Saleh says.

Cecilia’s legacy continues to grow.

Sassool’s North Raleigh location experienced so much success that the family decided to open a second restaurant in Cary four years later. Now 94, Cecilia still advises Saleh on how dishes should taste— telling him whether something needs more of a certain spice or less lemon—when he brings her food from the restaurant during his visits.

For Simone and Noelle, their grandmother is also a huge source of inspiration. Noelle describes the feeling they strive to create at Sassool as “completely welcoming, like walking into your grandmother’s house.” To that end, both locations recently underwent renovations and received a redecoration that provides a higher degree of comfort with cozy nooks and cultural connections via photos of Cecilia’s native Lebanon.

FEEDING 400-PLUS DAILY To succeed in running two restaurants Sisters Simone Lawson and Noelle Saleh 116 | midtownmag.com

each day, the Saleh family divides labor in a way that makes working together fun.

Sassool owner and chef Mounir Saleh

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 117

Mounir provides the vision and sets a high

400 people a day at each of our restaurants,”

bar for the business, while Noelle serves

Simone says.

as the hands-on contact for both locations,

This model keeps Sassool’s clientele

making sure all the managers are set up for

coming back for meal after meal. Because

success. Simone oversees the restaurant’s

the Saleh family is transparent about all of

catering arm and marketing efforts.

the ingredients used in each dish, Sassool is

The Sassool team delivers on its mission

a place where health-conscious customers—

statement: “To provide the freshest variety of

or those who are on special diets—can feel

Lebanese Mediterranean cuisine, made with

confident about what they are ordering.

passion in your kitchen away from home.”

During the pandemic, many families also

They pay attention to detail on all fronts—

bought side dishes in bulk to feed their

from the kitchen to the friendly customer

families throughout the week.

service provided by front-of-house staff.

Sassool relies only on high-quality

When looking to the future, Saleh says growth is definitely an option and would

ingredients, such as extra-virgin olive oil

be exciting for the family, but they will wait

imported directly from Lebanon. And when

until the perfect location and opportunity

it comes time for food preparation, each

presents itself. In the meantime, they

vegetable is inspected, washed and chopped

continue nurturing the business and

by hand. “We essentially cook just the way

nourishing their extended family—the

you would at home, even though we feed over

guests who come back again and again.

Photo of Chicken Shawarma courtesy of Sassool

118 | midtownmag.com

CHICKEN SHAWARMA

Yields 2 pounds (about 6 portions) Garlic Dressing Ingredients 5 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of salt Chicken and Marinade Ingredients 2 pounds of cleaned chicken breast, sliced thin (approximately ¼ inch by 3 inches) Garlic dressing 3 tablespoons of olive oil 3 tablespoons of white vinegar 3 tablespoons of lemon juice A pinch of ground white pepper 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons of shawarma spice (available in Sassool’s market area) 1½ teaspoons of salt DIRECTIONS Clean chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips (about ¼ inch). Refrigerate them until the marinade is ready.

Prepare the garlic dressing. With a mortar and pestle (or small food processor), crush the garlic cloves until they are mashed. Add salt and crush them again to release the juices from the garlic cloves.

Add in the olive oil and stir until it becomes smooth, like a dressing.

The more you mash the garlic with the salt before the olive oil addition, the better.

In a mixing bowl, add in the sliced chicken, garlic dressing and all other ingredients. Mix the ingredients until the chicken is well-coated.

Refrigerate the coated chicken for 12–24 hours before grilling it.

Prepare the chicken on a grill skillet or in a large sauté pan for best results. Cook the chicken on high heat for about 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until there is a slight browning on the chicken.

Enjoy the chicken wrapped in a pita with pickles and diced tomatoes, or by itself. It also tastes amazing with lemon tahini dressing and/or hot sauce!

22002222 FFAACCEESS OOFF RRAALLEEI IGGHH

2022 FACES OF RALEIGH Welcome to Part 2 of our FACES of Raleigh portfolio, where you will meet some of our key business partners. Put a face with the name of their business, practice or nonprofit organization.

Thank you to the following Midtown photographers who made this project a reality: Brian Mullins Photography, Michael Ashman of MASH Photography, Jared Caldwell of New Depth Creations, Smith Hardy, Jenny Midgley, and George Randy Bass Photography.

Please note: FACES of Raleigh is alphabetized by what each partner is “the face of.”

TABLE OF CONTENTS: PART 2 120 The Face of CHIROPRACTIC AND ACUPUNCTURE Care Chiropractic & Acupuncture 121

122

The Face of COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Mullins Photography The Face of COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION Ravenscroft School

132

The Face of THE OFFICIAL TEAM DENTISTS OF THE CAROLINA HURRICANES Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

133

The Face of PERIODONTICS AND DENTAL IMPLANTS IN THE TRIANGLE Tar Heel Periodontics

134 The Face of PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL ADVICE Richardson Private Wealth Advisors

123

The Face of COMMUNITY BANKING North State Bank

124

The Face of CUSTOM PLANTATION SHUTTERS, BLINDS AND SHADES Southern Accent Shutters

125

The Face of FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH Kimberly Conroy

126

The Face of FURNITURE REVITALIZATION Carolina Furniture Collective

127

The Face of GATORBUG BOUTIQUES The Gatorbug

138 The Face of RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE Gretchen Coley—The Coley Group

128

The Face of INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE LENDERS Academy Mortgage

139

129

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

The Face of SKIN CARE AND BODY WELLNESS Skin Sense

140

The Face of SUNLESS TANNING Oak City Sunless

130

The Face of LUXURY SPRAY TANS Alietha’s Sunkissed Tans

141

The Face of TRIANGLE AREA REAL ESTATE April Stephens of The April Stephens Team

131

The Face of MEANINGFUL EDUCATION St. David’s School

142

The Face of A WOW SMILE Preston Dental Loft

135

The Face of PILATES Remedy Movement

136

The Face of PSYCHIATRIC AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT Gupta Psychiatry

137

The Face of RALEIGH EVENT VENUES The Maxwell

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 119

CARE CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

CHIROPRACTIC AND ACUPUNCTURE CARE CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE DR. SOPHIA MYERS, D.C., AND DR. SARAH HAYES, D.C. Care Chiropractic & Acupuncture was voted 2022 Best Chiropractor of Raleigh for good reason.

Dr. Sophia Myers, D.C., and Dr. Sarah Hayes, D.C., are board-certified chiropractors passionate about helping patients achieve optimal health through holistic care. They treat ailments including headaches and migraines, neck and back pain, sciatica, scoliosis, whiplash, colic, ADHD, infant torticollis and more.

Chiropractic care offers traditional needle acupuncture, non-needle electric acupuncture, on-site X-rays and a range of therapy modalities. Dr. Myers developed The Myers Method acupuncture approach to weight loss, and Dr. Hayes is Webster-certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and emphasizes the importance of women’s health, prenatal, post-pregnancy and pediatric wellness care 5041 Six Forks Road, Suite 105, Raleigh | 919.786.9996 | carechiropracticrdu.com 120 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | BRIAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FACE OF

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Mullins Photography specializes in capturing realistic yet vibrant commercial imagery for clients, either on location or in Mullins’ commercial photography studio. Established in 2005, Mullins and his team have amassed a wide range of experience in working with a diverse client list, from large multinational companies to small startups representing industries that range from architectural firms and advertising agencies, to food and 360° product photography. The team also has vast experience in studio, headshots and product photography. Whether your photography needs are routine requests or custom solutions, Brian Mullins Photography has you covered.

1041 Investment Boulevard, Suite 151, Apex | 919.414.0869 | raleighcommercialphotos.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 121

RAVENSCROFT SCHOOL | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION RAVENSCROFT SCHOOL At Ravenscroft, connection is at the heart of everything we do. From our robust slate of teams, clubs and affinity groups that nurture shared interests and foster inclusivity among our students, to the families who support and sustain our vibrant community and the alumni who carry our values out into the world, we believe that we are stronger when we lead and learn together through rigorous academics and inspiring programming.

With the opening of the Olander Center for Student Life at the A.E. Finley Activity Center—a modern, adaptable space built with community in mind—the possibilities for connection are endless.

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

122 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | N O R T H STAT E B A N K

THE FACE OF

COMMUNITY BANKING NORTH STATE BANK North State Bank Market Presidents (left to right): Jonathan Norwood (North Raleigh), Bret Burgess (North Hills), Sharon Moe (Downtown Raleigh), June Sadowski (Wake Forest), Kevin Payne (Garner), Casey Atwater (West Raleigh)

New businesses. New buildings. New people. Each day, Midtown is growing and changing. As a community bank serving this region for over 20 years, these changes aren’t data points in a financial report. They are the people and places shaping our business and our lives. With an empowered team of local bankers, loans are not stalled by feedback from Atlanta. We’re not waiting on a packet from Charlotte. Decisions are made here by people living and growing with this community. Contact us to explore how local banking is better for your life and business.

4720 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh | 919.855.9925 | northstatebank.com Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 411971

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 123

SOUTHERN ACCENT SHUTTERS | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

CUSTOM PLANTATION SHUTTERS, BLINDS AND SHADES SOUTHERN ACCENT SHUTTERS

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

124 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | K I M B E R LY C O N R O Y

THE FACE OF

FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH KIMBERLY CONROY COLDWELL BANKER HOWARD PERRY AND WALSTON For more than 25 years, Kimberly Conroy has offered a wide range of real estate services, personifying her role as her client’s lifestyle ambassador when buying or selling a home.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, downsizing, transitioning from a home of lifetime memories, or requiring the knowledge of a luxury home specialist, Kimberly provides real estate expertise with a personal touch. She has assisted hundreds of relocating families transferring in and out of the Triangle by their employer and is a participating agent for AARP© Real Estate, Navy Federal RealtyPlus and Realogy Military Rewards.

9051 Strickland Road, Suite 200, Raleigh | 919.539.2860 | kimberlyconroyhomes.com MAY/JUNE 2022

| 125

CAROLINA FURNITURE COLLECTIVE | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

FURNITURE REVITALIZATION CAROLINA FURNITURE COLLECTIVE

“Community Over Competition” is the tie that binds the six women of Carolina Furniture Collective. Individually, they offer their own style in artfully refinishing vintage furniture— and run their personal businesses. Collectively, they share ideas, tools, customers and a platform to showcase their work. To learn more about the artists, view their completed work or inquire about refinishing a piece of your own, visit carolinafurniturecollective.com. carolinafurniturecollective.com

126 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | THE GATORBUG

THE FACE OF

GATORBUG BOUTIQUES THE GATORBUG Catherine Carter and Sydney Jarrell, entrepreneurs and owners of The Gatorbug, share a vision for outstanding customer service and a mission to create genuine experiences in a fun and lively atmosphere that allows customers to know they value their business. Carter and Jarrell see their customers as an extension of their own family and friends.

Carter hand-selects The Gatorbug’s curated collection of accessories and clothing in a wide variety of price points for a wide range of ages. Both women look forward to continuing that vision as they embark on the opening of their third store in Cary’s Fenton shopping center this summer.

1111-110 Mercantile Drive, Raleigh | 919.830.1857 | thegatorbug.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 127

ACADEMY MORTGAGE | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE LENDERS ACADEMY MORTGAGE SEATED: Regional Sales Leader Ruth Stephenson (NMLS #119289) and Sales Manager of Raleigh Lee Smith (NMLS #97728).

STANDING: Loan Officer Gretchen Curtice (NMLS #1105565), Loan Officer Kurt Wahlstrom (NMLS #68334), Business Development and Loan Officer Lisa Brown (NMLS #2103832), Loan Officer Sabrina Schell (NMLS #98721), Sales Manager of Raleigh Triangle Amy Johnson (NMLS #118302) and Loan Officer Bonnie Leazer (NMLS #2077954).

The Academy Mortgage team brings a combined experience of more than 175 years in mortgage lending.

Everyone should have a trusted and committed professional mortgage lender. We take great pride in holding a leadership role in mortgage finance.

7901 Strickland Road, Raleigh | 919.827.0506 | academymortgage.com 128 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | LUXURY HOME MARKETING GROUP

THE FACE OF

LUXURY HOME MARKET REAL ESTATE LEADERS

LUXURY HOME MARKETING GROUP

FRONT ROW: LINDA CRAFT, Linda Craft & Team | DEBBIE VAN HORN, COMPASS | MARGARET DONOVAN STRUBLE, COMPASS | SHAWN BRITT, Realty World Triangle Living | KIMBERLY CONROY, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury | JILL REKUC, Olde Raleigh Real Estate. MIDDLE ROW: ANN WATTERS MATTESON, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty | KATHY BEACHAM, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury | LINDA TREVOR, COMPASS MOLLIE OWEN, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty. BACK ROW: MICHELLE ROBERTS, Keller Williams Legacy | LINDSAY TAYLOR JACKSON, Keller Williams | LESLIE YOUNG, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury | SHERI HAGERTY, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty

The Luxury Home Marketing Group is a coalition of Realtors® from highly respected real estate firms with unsurpassed knowledge of the Triangle housing market. For over 15 years, this network of professionals has provided expert guidance and market exposure for their respective clients. Contact a member to successfully guide you through the home buying and selling experience. luxuryhomemarketinggroup.com MAY/JUNE 2022

| 129

A L I E T H A’ S S U N K I S S E D TA N S | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

LUXURY SPRAY TANS ALIETHA’S SUNKISSED TANS In today’s fast-paced world of juggling families, careers and all the extras, Alietha recognizes that every minute counts. That’s why she has created luxury spray-tanning and teeth-whitening services you can experience in the comfort of your home that only takes about 30 minutes. Alietha has completed seven certifications in the tanning industry to provide clients with the best possible experience. She uses the industries’ top products, which include hyaluronic acid and anti-aging properties to keep skin fresh and hydrated. Recognizing that one brand does not fit all, she customizes a solution that is right for you, including a clear and sweat-resistant solution that gives you a beautiful glow. aliethas-sunkissed-tans.business.site | 919.610.0940

130 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | S T. DAV I D ’ S S C H O O L

THE FACE OF

MEANINGFUL EDUCATION ST. DAVID’S SCHOOL To educate a child is one of life’s greatest callings. As we have seen in recent years, teachers do more than simply impact a student’s knowledge—they nurture a child’s entire being. At St. David’s School, our teachers not only instill academic excellence, but also challenge students in character development and Christian faith formation. Whether on a stage, in a classroom, around the lunch table or on the playing fields, the impact of our faculty’s meaningful engagement with students is immeasurable. We believe it is not only about preparing for college, but equipping students for life in the vital areas of faith, virtue and knowledge.

3400 White Oak Road, Raleigh | 919.782.3331 | stdavidsraleigh.org

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 131

L A N E & A S S O C I AT E S FA M I LY D E N T I S T R Y | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

THE OFFICIAL TEAM DENTISTS OF THE CAROLINA HURRICANES LANE & ASSOCIATES FAMILY DENTISTRY Meet the Official Team Dentists of the Carolina Hurricanes. Dr. Don Lane, Dr. Raleigh Wright and Dr. Don Bailey are excited to protect and create the best smiles in the history of hockey. “Being the team dentists of the Carolina Hurricanes is a great privilege, a great honor and a great responsibility,” Dr. Lane says.

Excited and eager to provide high-quality dental care, you can expect to see these familiar faces on-site at every game, ready to triage and treat any player, both at home and away. On and off the ice, Lane & Associates Family Dentistry loves to make you smile!

Multiple Triangle Locations | 877.LANE.DDS | lanedds.com

132 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | TA R H E E L P E R I O D O N T I C S

THE FACE OF

PERIODONTICS AND DENTAL IMPLANTS IN THE TRIANGLE TAR HEEL PERIODONTICS Drs. Aakash Mehandru, Justin Valentine, Michael P. Stella, Reinaldo Deliz-Guzman and Michael Kretchmer are committed to providing excellent dentistry in a comfortable environment. In their 20th year, Tar Heel Periodontics addresses patients’ every oral health need in customized treatment plans.

As proud partners of North Carolina State University Athletics, the Durham Bulls, and the North Carolina FC and NC Courage soccer teams, Tar Heel Periodontics prides itself in supporting local athletics and giving back to the community by teaching at the University of North Carolina’s Adams School of Dentistry, and volunteering at Wake Smiles dental clinic and the UNC Student Health Action Coalition.

10931 Strickland Road, Suite 101, Raleigh 600 Dr. Calvin Jones Highway, Suite 112, Wake Forest 3100 N.C. Highway 55, Suite 203, Cary 245 E. N.C. Highway 54, Suite 203, Durham 1235 U.S. Highway 70, Garner 919.844.7140 | tarheelperio.com MAY/JUNE 2022

| 133

R I C H A R D S O N P R I V A T E W E A LT H A D V I S O R S | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

PERSONALIZED FINANCIAL ADVICE RICHARDSON PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISORS

We help you plan for your financial goals. Having a responsible mindset in your stage of life can mean planning to fund your children’s education, cover the cost of your dream vacation, care for an aging parent or sustain your income during retirement. Financial goals are unique to the individual. We personalize our advice to help you achieve these goals. No matter your stage of life, the financial advising team of Richardson Private Wealth Advisors is here for you every step of the way.

3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 210, Raleigh | 919.670.3355 | richardsonprivatewealthadvisors.com

134 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | REMEDY MOVEMENT

THE FACE OF

PILATES

REMEDY MOVEMENT MELISSA KAKAVAS, OWNER AND DIRECTOR Remedy Movement is the place to be for authentic Pilates and holistic movement methods. Studio Owner and Master Instructor Melissa Kakavas has been teaching Pilates for 25 years and certifying Pilates instructors for the past 12 years through internationally renowned Balanced Body Education.

Remedy Movement provides a space for all ages and abilities to move to their greatest potential, as well as a home for teachers to share their passion, curiosity and creativity for movement. Our exceptional team has widespread backgrounds that include Pilates, Gyrotonic®, yoga, massage therapy and more.

When you move here, you move with the best of Raleigh!

2010 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh | 919.896.6155 | remedymovement.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 135

G U P TA P SYC H I AT R Y | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

PSYCHIATRIC AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT GUPTA PSYCHIATRY Dr. Mona Gupta is a board-certified psychiatrist who started her practice in Raleigh after finishing her residency at Wake Forest University. Her office offers pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for patients seeking treatment for complicated and drug-resistant psychiatric conditions, such as ketamine treatments and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Her goal is to normalize getting help for alcohol and drug addictions and to make it a simple process for those who are ready to heal. She wants patients to know it is not only acceptable, but encouraged to ask for help, and that she and her team are here when her patients need them.

8304 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh | 1011 W. Williams Street, Apex | 919.870.8409 | guptapsychiatry.com

136 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | THE MAXWELL

THE FACE OF

RALEIGH EVENT VENUES THE MAXWELL Upon opening in 2021, The Maxwell quickly became one of Raleigh’s most popular event venues. Run by a family committed to providing the highest level of hospitality and giving back to the community, The Maxwell boasts a team that shows up devoted to creating unmatched memories for clients and guests.

The Maxwell can accommodate events for up to 300 guests, and is favored by hosts who like to display their originality and unique style. The venue’s distinctly elegant space boasts 18-foot vaulted ceilings, white brick, reclaimed oak accents, romantic gas lanterns, a large lawn and an open-air patio.

330 Gideon Creek Way, Raleigh | 919.213.0059 | themaxwellraleigh.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 137

GRETCHEN COLEY—T H E C O L E Y G R O U P | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

GRETCHEN COLEY — THE COLEY GROUP

Collaboration over competition has always been Gretchen Coley’s philosophy, and she has spent the last 21 years building connections in the Raleigh market. Driven by a passion for helping clients achieve their goals, Gretchen and her team have quickly been recognized as one of the top producing Compass Agents nationwide.

The current market is difficult but The Coley Group’s results-driven process is renowned for utilizing exclusive technology and cutting-edge video elements, providing the best ROI for sellers and helping buyers win by finding and securing their perfect home, results guaranteed.

4350 Lassiter at North Hills Avenue, Suite 256, Raleigh | 919.526.0401 | thecoleygroup.com

138 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | SKIN SENSE

THE FACE OF

SKIN CARE AND BODY WELLNESS SKIN SENSE ANGELA PADGETT, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT Skin Sense, an award-winning day spa that has served the Triangle since 1991, is known for promoting total body wellness, bringing balance to clients’ lives, and introducing a holistic philosophy of facial and body care to clients.

Skin Sense Founder and President Angela Padgett opened her doors before the term “day spa” was coined.

Skin Sense’s innovative approach to wellness, highly trained therapists, and amenities such as steam rooms, relaxation lounges and a Himalayan salt cave have earned the day spa 25-plus awards from clients. Discover how Skin Sense can bring balance to your life today.

6801 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 130, Raleigh | 919.870.0700 | skinsense.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 139

OAK CITY SUNLESS | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

SUNLESS TANNING OAK CITY SUNLESS RANDI MILROY, OWNER If you’ve found yourself wondering how your neighbor suddenly looks like she went to the beach overnight, there is a good chance Oak City Sunless stopped by. As the Triangle’s most experienced sunless tanning service, Oak City Sunless has won numerous awards and accolades for its top-notch, in-home custom spray tans with service available to Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and beyond. Owner Randi Milroy has cultivated an exceptional team of technicians and applied her 20 years of tanning industry experience to provide Oak City Sunless clients with exceptional service throughout the entire process. Experience the best in sunless tanning with Oak City Sunless!

Serving the Triangle | 844.777.2986 | oakcitysunless.com

140 | midtownmag.com

2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H | THE APRIL STEPHENS TEAM

THE FACE OF

TRIANGLE AREA REAL ESTATE

THE APRIL STEPHENS TEAM

APRIL STEPHENS The April Stephens Team makes your homebuying or selling journey an exciting adventure, and we handle the critical details. If you’re ready to sell but worried you can’t buy, we can help. We have the answers to questions like: How do you get top dollar? What if you sell before you can buy? What if you want to sell to an investor?

We have a deep knowledge of market fluctuations, are strong negotiators for our clients and understand marketing strategies. Whether you are buying or selling— or both—we are ready to create a unique plan that offers the best opportunities for your next move.

121 Commerce Parkway, Suite 102, Garner 919.651.HOME | aprilstephens.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 141

PRESTON DENTAL LOFT | 2 0 2 2 FAC E S O F R A L E I G H

THE FACE OF

A WOW SMILE PRESTON DENTAL LOFT Preston Dental Loft provides a luxurious, relaxing and tech-savvy approach to dentistry. Since opening in June 2016, Dr. Meenal Patel and her dental team have provided clients with a relaxing dental experience surrounded by friendly faces in an environment where clients receive top-notch, technologically advanced care.

Dr. Patel and her team have created a highly personalized, relaxing and extraordinary dental experience designed to leave you rejuvenated and looking forward to seeing them again. The Preston Dental Loft team stays up-to-date on modern smile technology and transformational techniques to provide the best and latest options available to their clients.

140 Preston Executive Drive, Suite 200, Cary 919.467.6111 | prestondentalloft.com

142 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 143

D I N E & DRA FT

|

OUT&ABOUT

TA ST E S O F T HE C I T Y

|

F O O DI E FO C US

|

EVENTS

|

M I DTO W N M I N GL E S

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DINE & DRAFT FORMAT! Looking for our comprehensive Dine & Draft directory?

Check out

midtownmag.com/dine-draft for a detailed foodie guide to Raleigh. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find.

This list represents the restaurants that have advertised with us since the start of 2022.

Please call or check websites for takeout options.

AREPA CULTURE NC 6724 Glenwood Avenue #100 919.986.8487 arepaculturenc.com BAD DADDY’S BURGER BAR 111 Seaboard Avenue 919.747.9163 9402 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 103 919.233.5880 baddaddysburgerbar.com

GLENWOOD SOCIAL CLUB 510 Glenwood Avenue 919.758.8851 glenwoodsocialclub.com NOFO @ THE PIG 2014 Fairview Road 919.821.1240 nofo.com POKÉ BAR 909 Spring Forest Road 919.896.6256 ilovepokebar.com SALT & LIME CABO GRILL 6006 Falls of Neuse Road 919.872.2230 saltandlimecabo.com TASTEFULLY SERVED Serves Raleigh, Cary, Apex and RTP 919.760.5134 tastefully-served.com TAVERNA AGORA 326 Hillsborough Street 919.881.8333 tavernaagora.com

COUSIN’S MAINE LOBSTER 411 W. Morgan Street cousinsmainelobster.com

VIDRIO 500 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100 919.803.6033 vidrioraleigh.com

EDIBLE ART BAKERY & DESSERT CAFE 4351-115 The Circle at North Hills 919.856.0604 edibleartnc.com

VINNIE’S STEAK HOUSE AND TAVERN 7440 Six Forks Road 919.847.7319 vinniessteakhouse.com Photo by Romulic-Stojcic/Getty Images

144 | midtownmag.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 145

ADVERTISE WITH US IN OUR JULY/AUGUST 2022 ISSUE

THE NEWCOMERS + SUMMER FUN ISSUE FEATURING:

Our GO, PLAY, SEE Summer Fun Guide Road Improvements Across the Triangle Local Sports Heroes + Helpers Tips + Tricks for Choosing a School + GO, PLAY, SEE Special Advertising Section + Education Guide Special Advertising Section

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Space reservation deadline for both special sections: May 19 Space reservation deadline for all other ads: June 2 FOR MORE INFORMATION 919.782.4710 midtownmag.com/advertise

146 | midtownmag.com

THIS IS HOW WE BOWL

The Flavors of India at Play

From our Hawaiian-style poké bowls to our boba teas, we believe fast food should always be fresh food.

ilovepokebar.com

DINE-IN OR TAKEOUT ⅼ 919.896.6256 ⅼ 909 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh

Dine-in ⅼ Catering Party Orders 919.234.5555 5033 Arco Street, Cary URBANANGEETHI.COM MAY/JUNE 2022

| 147

DINE & DRAFT

|

OUT&ABOUT

TASTES OF THE CITY

|

FO O DI E FO C US

|

EVENTS

|

MIDTOWN MINGLES

1 2

3 4

1. MELLOW MUSHROOM: House Special pizza (Mellow red sauce base with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, ham, applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, black olives, Roma tomatoes, green pepper and onion; and topped with extra mozzarella).

2. COUSINS MAINE LOBSTER: Maine Rolls (Maine lobster, served chilled with mayonnaise on a New England roll), Lobster Tacos (Maine lobster, cabbage, pico de gallo and cilantro lime sauce on flour tortillas) and Tots.

3. CRUMBL COOKIES: Mini Cookie assortment with Mint Brownie, Lucky Charms Cereal and Milk Chocolate Chip flavors.

4. THE BUTCHER’S MARKET: B.L.T.A. sandwich (applewood bacon, cured and smoked in-house with avocado, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough).

148 | midtownmag.com

Contact Raleigh Food Pics to be featured on their instagram feed: raleighfoodpics@gmail.com

Hey Triangle, What’s For Dinner?

We bring chef-prepared meals to your door each week, with no subscription or minimum order required!

Just heat and enjoy high quality meals, made locally.

No Shopping, No Prepping, No Cooking, No Cleaning!

Raleigh owned & operated since 2015 919.760.5134 tastefully-served.com

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 149

DINE & D R A F T

|

OUT&ABOUT

TA ST ES O F T HE CI T Y

|

F OODI E F OCUS

|

EVENTS

|

M I DTO W N M I N GL E S

NOW OPEN

The Venue Raleigh has opened at 327 W. Davie Street in downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District. This restaurant, bar and lounge offers Southern entrees with a modern twist and is set in a historic bank building across from the train station. The restaurant also offers a Sunday brunch.

PrimoHoagies celebrated the opening of its first Raleigh location at 141 Park at North Hills Street on March 15 by offering free primo-sized hoagies to the first 100 customers. Also in March, Jubala Coffee opened a store and coffee roastery in North Hills. This new location features a larger menu with more seating. At press time, we learned that Kevin Ruiz, formerly of Rockford and Lady Luck, expects to open Bendito, a modern Puerto Rican restaurant, in May at 2330 Bale Street in McNeill Pointe.

COMING SOON

As the pandemic comes to an end, Smoky Hollow is opening quite a few restaurants by this fall: Midwood Smokehouse, which smokes its awardwinning barbecue and other meats on North Carolina hickory hardwood; Madre, a Spanish and Coastal Mediterranean restaurant offering small Photo courtesy of Jubala Coffee

plates, wine, cocktails and weekend brunch; J. Lights, a full-service coffee program offering express creations, cold brew mixes, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, bowls, salads, handmade cocktails, local beers and more; and MILKLAB, which serves organic rolled ice cream and bubble milk tea. Tiff ’s Treats, a Texas-based company delivering its signature warm cookies across the Triangle, plans to open at 421 Daniels Street in the Village District later this spring.

Giorgios Hospitality Group, which operates 10 restaurants, will soon open four new concepts in the Triangle. Krill, an Asian restaurant, will open in Durham in late spring. Las Ramblas, a Spanish tapas bar, will open in North Hills’ Park & Market Building in late summer; Giorgios Pizza Bar will also open in North Hills in late summer. East End Bistrot, a French chop house, will open in Raleigh’s East End Market this fall.

Learn more at giorgiosgroup.com.

Del Taco, the nation’s second-largest Mexican fast-food chain, plans to open five Triangle locations. Additional details and opening dates have not yet been released. 321 Coffee will open at 615 Hillsborough Street in the courtyard of downtown Raleigh’s Bloc83 development sometime this spring. The cafe will feature a full coffee menu with rotating specials and light food offerings, along with ample outdoor seating.

JewFro, a Jewish and African fusion restaurant, is expected to open at 927 W. Morgan Street in Raleigh. No additional details have been released.

Photo courtesy of Tiff’s Treats

COME HUNGRY 150 | midtownmag.com

Compiled by the Midtown staff with contributions from Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard, who blogs at trianglefoodblog.com.

DIAMOND

Sweet. Southern. Scratch-made. Since 1982.

DIAMOND

AWARD

2022

AWARD BEST CAKES AND SWEETS

2022

2022

Catering, Corporate Parties, Weddings and more!

With or without our food truck, we will bring our delicious, authentic and ALWAYS handcrafted food to you!

BEST FOOD TRUCK

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST FOOD TRUCK

Call or visit us today to learn more about placing a custom order or to take advantage of our daily specials and offerings, such as our afternoon Happy Hour!

4351-115 The Circle at North Hills | 919.856.0604

2022

restaurant • food truck • catering

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST NEW RESTAURANT

6274 GLENWOOD AVENUE PLEASANT VALLEY PROMENADE | RALEIGH Follow us on social media or visit our website to find our schedule and food truck locations

AREPACULTURENC.COM 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

919.986.8487 | 919.977.4069 MAY/JUNE 2022

| 151

DINE & DRAFT

OUT&ABOUT

|

TASTES OF THE CITY

|

F O O DI E FO C US

|

EVENTS

|

MIDTOWN MINGLES

THE MAKRS SOCIETY MARKET AT NORTH HILLS

Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History

MAY

“RIVER BRIDGE: SUNKEN SECRETS”

Through September 2 North Carolina Museum of History 5 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh Explore the world of River Bridge, a trade port on North Carolina’s Pasquotank River that was used for 350 years. See more than 250 objects excavated from the riverbed that tell the stories of the people, goods and ideas that circulated around the waterways.

ncmuseumofhistory.org

Photo courtesy of Second Chance Pet Adoptions

May 8 and June 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street, Raleigh Enjoy live music, food trucks and drinks while shopping 45 local vendors. The market takes place on the second Sunday of each month through November.

themakrssociety.com/ccu-midtown-park

SUMMER SALUTE FOR TRANSITIONS LIFECARE

May 14, 7 p.m.

North Ridge Country Club 6612 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh Proceeds from this beach party help hundreds of people at Transitions LifeCare receive hospice and palliative care they might not otherwise be able to afford. Summer Salute features beach music by The Embers, hors d’oeuvres, a live auction and casino.

Purchase tickets online.

summersalute.com

GEEK AND GRUB MARKET

May 15, 11 a.m–3 p.m.; June 12, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Fred Fletcher Park 820 Clay Street, Raleigh Calling all geeks! Come out and enjoy more than 20 geeky vendors, yummy food and giant games hosted by Triangle Game Night and Events.

eventbrite.com

THE VICTORY RIDE

RACING FOR RESCUES

May 1, 8:30–11:30 a.m.

Dorothea Dix Park 1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh Help pets find their forever home by taking part in Second Chance Pet Adoptions’ Racing for Rescues, featuring timed 5K races and a 1.5-mile walking course for participants with or without dogs. Shop a vendor village catering to pet owners and athletes, and enter a raffle to win $750 in gift cards.

secondchancenc.org

MEET IN THE STREET

May 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Downtown Wake Forest More than 100 artisan booths, live music, food trucks and a children’s village highlight Wake Forest’s premier street festival, which turns 40 this year.

wakeforestnc.gov 152 | midtownmag.com

May 21 North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus Oval Drive, Raleigh Legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano’s dream of defeating cancer is shared by millions.

Join the V Foundation for the 5th annual Victory Ride, presented by Braswell Family Farms. The ride will begin and end at Centennial Campus and offer 10-, 30-, 60- and 100-mile distances on greenways and roads, as well as on-site spin classes to accommodate cyclists at any level. A virtual component enables riders to join cycling and noncycling competitions before event day.

thevictoryride.org

Photo courtesy of The Victory Ride

BY JA N IC E LE WIN E Be sure to check the websites for the events listed here before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 153

Photos courtesy of Koka Booth Amphitheatre

THE RALEIGH RINGERS’ SPRING CONCERT

LITTLE RIVER BAND

May 26, 7:30 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Headed by 40-year veteran Wayne Nelson, Little River Band continues to deliver its distinctive harmonies and songs that spark memories. Hear the current incarnation perform “Reminiscing,” “Lonesome Loser,” “Cool Change,” “Lady” and “Take It Easy on Me.”

boothamphitheatre.com ANIMAZEMENT

May 27–29 Raleigh Convention Center 500 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh Animazement is Raleigh’s premier Japanese animation and culture convention. Enjoy concerts, educational panels, limited merchandise, unique artwork and more.

animazement.com

June 5, 3 p.m.

Meymandi Concert Hall 2 E. South Street, Raleigh See The Raleigh Ringers perform interpretations of sacred, secular and rock ‘n’ roll tunes arranged for handbells.

rr.org

TRIANGLE RESTAURANT WEEK

June 6–12 Participating Triangle restaurants Indulge in the area’s finest Photo courtesy of The Raleigh Ringers cuisine as restaurants in Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Morrisville and Raleigh offer two- to three-course menu options and fixed pricing. View the list of participating restaurants online.

Reservations are recommended. trirestaurantweek.com

Photo courtesy of Visualdestini

CAROLINA FEAR FEST

May 27–29 North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Jim Graham Building 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh Horror fans, unite! Raleigh’s thrills-and-chills festival features exclusive panels, film showings, products and collectibles, and celebrity guests DJ Qualls, Clint Howard and Jordan Ladd.

carolinafearfest.com

Photo courtesy of Triangle Blvd

JUNE “IN THE HEIGHTS”

June 3–19 Raleigh Little Theatre 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh Lin-Manuel Miranda’s energetic Tony Award–winning Best Musical follows bodega owner Usnavi and his friends in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood as they dream of a brighter future.

raleighlittletheatre.org 154 | midtownmag.com

NORTH CAROLINA BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO

June 26, noon–5 p.m.

Raleigh Convention Center 500 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh Plan your dream wedding at the North Carolina Bridal & Wedding Expo featuring photographers, caterers, bakeries, florists, travel agents and more. Enjoy bridal fashion shows, DJ and band demos, cash prizes and giveaways.

ncbridalexpos-rc.com

.

.

Crafting a style as unique as you.

My mission is to guide my clients in finding a true and unique style that will help them feel self-confident and have a positive attitude. I strongly believe that to find your own style you need to embrace your personal journey and story. featured in

hello@sofialujansyling.com | 919.578.7831 sofialujanstyling.com | @sofialujanstyling

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 155

DINE & DRAFT

|

OUT&ABOUT TASTES OF THE CITY

|

FO O DI E FO C US

|

EVENTS

|

MIDTOWN MINGLES

2022 MIDTOWN DIAMOND AWARDS CELEBRATION The Midtown and Cary Living staff hosted their annual Diamond Awards celebration March 3 at the North Carolina Museum of Art, during which they presented trophies to gold winners. Bunn DJ Company emceed the event, which featured food from Catering Works and florals by Bloom Works. MASH Photography was on hand to photograph the event, and Island Sound & Video provided TV monitors for the awards presentation.

Photos by the Midtown staff

BY C IN DY HUN TLE Y 156 | midtownmag.com

BEST SPA EXPERIENCE

AWARD BEST MED SPA

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST PLACE TO DE-AGE

2022

DIAMOND

2022

AWARD

2022

2022

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

AWARD BEST FOOD TRUCK

MAY/JUNE 2022

| 157

GO FOR THE GOLD GO FOR THE GOLD GO FOR THE GOLD GO FOR THE GOLD GO FOR THE GOLD GO FOR THE GOLD GO FOR THE GOLD

COUSINS MAINE LOBSTER

BLUE WATER SPA

DINE & DRAFT

|

OUT&ABOUT TASTES OF THE CITY

|

FO O DI E FO C US

|

EVENTS

|

MIDTOWN MINGLES

THE BIG FAKE WEDDING TAKES PLACE AT THE MAXWELL, AN EVENT VENUE IN RALEIGH

TRIANGLE WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE RAISES RECORD AMOUNT FOR FRANKIE LEMMON SCHOOL

The Maxwell, a venue that opened during 2021, hosted The Big Fake Wedding Raleigh, an event serving engaged couples planning for their special day. Local boutique vendors were on hand to showcase their brands, and attendees enjoyed drinks, light bites and freebies.

This year’s Triangle Wine & Food Experience raised a record $2.3 million for the Frankie Lemmon School & Developmental Center through its combination of community wine dinners, a bourbon raffle, and live and online auctions. James Beard award-winning chef Ashley Christensen helmed this year’s event and recruited 15 local and visiting chefs to participate in the multicourse meals.

Photo by Left Shot Photography

Photo courtesy of Triangle Wine & Food Experience

NCMA HOSTS ART IN BLOOM 2022

EVENING OF HOPE BENEFITS CHAAMP

The North Carolina Museum of Art held its beloved annual fundraiser, Art in Bloom, March 16–20. The event featured floral interpretations of the museum’s artwork by designers from across the state and beyond.

It also included large platform floral displays, floral-inspired food and beverages, daily live music, special classes and demonstrations.

The Foundation of Hope hosted its annual fundraiser, Evening of Hope, with proceeds benefiting the Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program (CHAAMP). The event featured remarks by Grammy award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes, in addition to live and silent auctions, and raised over $950,000.

Photo by Cindy Huntley 158 | midtownmag.com

Photo by Cindy McEnery

159 | midtownmag.com

D E PA R T M E N T S K A L E I D O S C O P E

“It feels like a good day. It has 99 and 22 because it feels good.

The line is water because of the smiley face. The water feels good.”

— King Nobuyoshi Godwin

A P E R F E C T DAY

KING NOBUYOSHI GODWIN THE PEACOCK IS HAVING A FUN DAY B E CAU S E I T I S W I T H WAT E R “ 2 2 ,” 2 0 2 1 ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 30 X 24 X 1.5 INCHES

BY CHARLOTTE RUSSELL

In this brightly colored painting by Raleigh-based artist King Nobuyoshi Godwin, a peacock and water form a utopian friendship. Godwin has autism and synesthesia, and associates numbers and colors with feelings. The number 99, one of Godwin’s favorite numbers, is written in yellow and repeated on pink peacock feathers. Pink and yellow, one of Godwin’s favorite color combinations, signals that this scene depicts, as he comments, “a perfect day.”

Godwin has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions around the country, at the North Carolina Museum of Art and Charlotte Russell Contemporary in Raleigh, at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, and at the Outsider Art Fair in New York City.

About his recent successes, Godwin remarks, “It feels good.” He works from his home studio in Raleigh. View his pieces online at kinggodwin.com, on Instagram at @kinggodwinart and at Charlotte Russell Contemporary, which is located at 2012 Fairview Road in Raleigh.

160 | midtownmag.com

The Living is

Easy

Single-Family, Townhomes, Active Adult Living! Walking Distance to Shopping and Dining! No City Taxes!

Flowers Plantation 500 NW Flowers Parkway Clayton, North Carolina

FLOWERSPLANTATION.COM

For more information call us at 919.553.1984