34 minute read
Local Business: Academy for the Performing Arts in Apex
Taking All the Right Steps
The Academy for Performing Arts in Apex Nurtures Personal Growth and Development in Each Dancer
BY KURT DUSTERBERG | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
When Hillary Parnell recalls the early days of the Academy for the Performing Arts, she does so with a sense of amusement. Back in 2001, she was 21 years old, fresh out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and working an advertising job in Atlanta. But when the agency went under during the dot-com bubble, she quickly found herself back in her parents’ home in Cary.
A few days later, she was all-in on her next move: opening a dance studio. “I think I was naive enough to not know how scary that should be,” Parnell says. “I was a sheltered kid. I had never paid bills. I was still on my dad’s cell phone plan.”
Now celebrating 20 years in Apex, the Academy for the Performing Arts—known more commonly by its acronym, APA—has grown from a handful of beginner dancers to a thriving business with programs that serve a variety of kids. In addition to recreational and competitive dance classes, the studio is home to a preschool, adult dance, theater, voice coaching and more. Parnell estimates that 10,000 dancers have taken at least one APA class over the past two decades.
Today APA enjoys a large space off East Williams Street in Apex, where close to 1,000 children and adults are enrolled at any given time. But APA spent its first decade in a facility tucked behind the main block of downtown Apex. The building had three studios, but just five parking spaces. And without a business background to support her dream, Parnell learned a few hard lessons.
She cheerfully recounts “the inflatable furniture debacle,” when she designed a student lounge and filled it with trendy kid gear, envisioning a space that would set her studio apart. “I spent a stupid amount of money on inflatable couches and lava lamps, and hangy, glittery things,” she says. “No one ever set foot in that place. For three years, it sat there collecting dust; it wasn’t the right time. The moral from that is, wait for the demand before you create something.”
What she has created in recent years is a place for personal growth and development. Most dancers are involved in more than one half-hour class per week. “There’s a sense of responsibility,” she says. “We take that very seriously. We’re raising humans, not dancers. We know that we’re contributing to their potential, their success, their futures.”
She points to APA’s performance group, which is community service–based. The dancers take their routines to elementary schools and 5K charity events, and they do a food drive at Christmas. “We’re going out into the community and performing at nursing homes, bringing cards to children’s hospitals,” Parnell says. “Now, we’re fundamentally affecting your childhood.”
As the children grow and gain confidence in their dance skills, they can enroll in a teacher training program. They start in fifth grade as a teaching assistant, serve as student teachers by ninth or tenth grade, and become a paid staff member by their junior year in high school. “I trust them more than anyone I would hire off the street, because I know that they’ve been trained in our core values and our processes,” Parnell says. “We’re acting more as mentors; that’s where community building comes into play.”
A 'DRAMA-FREE' STUDIO
Hillary and her husband, Ben, have four children—all boys—ages 12, 10, 8 and 6. After their first child was born, Hillary saw an opportunity to simplify her parenting duties while expanding the studio. “Cooper grew up in a Pack ‘n Play in my office,” she says. “I needed a preschool.”
APA also launched theater and voice programs to accommodate the Parnell boys, who are involved in dance, modeling and acting. Today, APA offers seven theater and voice classes, and their first spring musical, which took place this year, involved 56 kids.
Parnell was never a serious dancer herself, taking weekly classes from age 3 through high school. Yet, owning her own studio was in the works from a young age. “I had notes from when I was 8 years old; it was always something I thought about in the back of my head,” she says.
What she couldn’t have imagined back in elementary school, or even during the early days of APA, was how her vision would grow. Today, she sells her business program to other studios, with a guide book titled “Dancers in Balance: Journal Activities for the Mental, Physical and Emotional Wellbeing of Young Dancers.” The idea is simple enough: “It helps build strong human beings and creates a drama-free studio,” she says.
Parnell gave up teaching classes three years ago in order to focus on the business side. “I can’t know everybody anymore,” she says with a hint of regret. But she has 40 full-time staff members and 30 more in the teacher training program—not bad for someone who once counted her students and parking spaces on one hand each.
“What I do look back on is, how was it possible that I was so young and so inexperienced?” she wonders. “It all goes back to people and relationships. The people I hire are just the right kind of people who are caring, loving and passionate.”
OPPOSITE PAGE
Hillary Parnell has worked with more than 10,000 dancers during the 20 years she has been running the Academy for the Performing Arts in Apex.
THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM
Parnell aims to run a "drama-free" studio that builds "strong human beings." APA now offers a preschool in addition to dance classes.
5 Financial Resolutions to Make in the New Year
By James M. Richardson, CFP, ChFC, APMA
The new year means a fresh start and the chance to set new goals. As you consider your resolutions, you may want to add “strengthen my financial foundation” to the list. Here are five ways you can put yourself on firmer financial footing in 2022:
1) Identify what’s working and what isn’t There may be aspects of your financial life that are meeting your expectations and others that aren’t. First, determine if you are on track to achieve key financial goals. Are you saving enough for retirement? Do you have enough in your emergency fund? Consider meeting with a financial advisor to get an objective opinion on what’s working and areas of potential improvement.
2) Develop a spending plan There is a constant tug-of-war between spending and saving. If you can find ways to trim your spending, you’ll have more money to set aside toward your most important goals. Start by establishing a spending cap for each month.
3) Boost your retirement plan contributions Any time you receive a raise at work, consider adjusting the money you set aside for your retirement accounts by a comparable percentage. For example, if you invest $200 per paycheck into your workplace retirement plan, and then receive a 3% raise, consider increasing your retirement plan contribution to $206 (equal to 3%). Making that a regular habit can help you achieve your goals more quickly.
4) Make sure you are set for emergencies A rainy day fund is foundational to your financial plan. In times when you face an increased risk of an interruption to your income (like in today’s more economically challenged environment), it takes on added importance. You want at least three to six months of expenses covered by your emergency fund.
5) Explore your borrowing options If you are paying a mortgage, car loan, student debt or credit card balances, consider more cost-effective ways to manage your debt. Find ways to refinance debt at a lower interest rate, or focus on paying off the most expensive debt more quickly. Gaining more control over debt is an important way to improve your financial standing. 6) Focus on fundamentals Good intentions are in ample supply at this time of year. The key to making meaningful changes is to focus on the fundamental aspects of your financial life and follow through on the plans you make. Working with a financial advisor can help you be more accountable and provide guidance to help you stay on track.
James M. Richardson, CFP®, ChFC®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner with Richardson Private Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services.
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
3605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 210 Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 919.670.3355 richardsonprivatewealthadvisors.com
HOPE AND HEALING
WAKE MONARCH ACADEMY, THE TRIANGLE’S FIRST RECOVERY HIGH SCHOOL, OPENS IN RALEIGH
BY JANICE LEWINE | PHOTOS BY JARED CALDWELL
Tom’s battle with drugs began in middle school. Pensive and articulate, the 17-year-old holds nothing back when discussing his past. “I was curious [about drugs],” he says. “There was nothing really wrong in my life. I was trying to get high every day, any way I could.”
Last year, when COVID-19 shut down schools and sent learning online, Tom spent his days at home like every teenager—alone. “I got super depressed. My drug use ramped up. I’d go out for a walk and get them. I had any drug I wanted at my fingertips,” he says.
Tom’s parents hoped military school would reform him, but the effort proved futile. He returned home to Raleigh and, while working with a therapist, learned about Wake Monarch Academy, a recovery school for adolescents that would soon open its doors at 824 N. Bloodworth Street in Raleigh.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH
Wake Monarch Academy was founded by Leah Wright, an educator who retired after 30 years with the Wake County Public School System. Wright knows all too well the heart-wrenching struggle of addiction: Her son fought a dependency on hard drugs as a teenager. The lack of adolescent treatment centers in North Carolina and a supportive educational environment for her son compelled Wright to help other families— and bury the stigma of addiction. “Addiction is a family disease,” says Wright, who— as Wake Monarch Academy’s executive director—welcomed her first students in August. “It involves the parents, the siblings. It’s so important to include everyone in the healing process.”
Wake Monarch Academy doesn’t function as a treatment center but, instead, offers a strong educational program and counseling to adolescents in grades 9–12 who have completed at least a 30-day rehab program. Housed inside Open Table United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh, the school accepts students on a rolling basis due to their nature of addiction and recovery. Admission is based on in-person interviews; a compelling essay; reference letters from a primary treatment provider, counselor and parent; and other criteria. As part of their rehabilitation process, students must establish
WAKE MONARCH ACADEMY FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEAH WRIGHT
intrinsic motivation to maintain their sobriety and undergo frequent and random drug testing. Wake Monarch Academy can enroll up to 10 students this year. It follows a modified year-round calendar, and offers a rigorous and engaging curriculum through online and direct instruction that aligns with state and national standards. A private learning institution, it is supported by student tuition, grants, fundraisers and private donations.
SERENE AND SUPPORTIVE
Wake Monarch Academy feels more like a home than school. Learning spaces are cozy and adorned with positive affirmations like “Believe in yourself” and “Dealing with life is simple and can be done” written on whiteboards. Community service projects are held in higher regard than homework. But Wright says she knows even her efforts can’t touch the overwhelming need out there for a program like this.
Academic coordinator Maureen Reiser is proud of what Wake Monarch Academy has accomplished, and is even prouder of its students. “I love this approach where we’re incorporating mental health in with their education,” she says. “This generation, Gen Z, is open about mental health and that’s very promising. It’s so unjust the way young people who struggle with substance use disorder get written off by society, when recreational drug use and drinking have inundated our culture.”
Jack*, an affable teen attending Wake Monarch Academy whose use of marijuana led to a reliance on codeine and alcohol, as well as stealing money to support his habit, has a new outlook on life. “The school’s done a lot for my happiness,” he says. “A big reason I did drugs was because I was sad, but I wasn’t having the time of my life getting high.”
Through hard work and determination, Jack achieved sobriety last year at age 15. He credits Wake Monarch Academy and its community partner, The Insight Program, which offers substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation services, with his ability to stay clean. He enjoys classes in history and politics, and has learned to play chess.
DEFYING THE ODDS
Adolescents recovering from substance misuse often have no choice but to return to the same environment where they likely began their addiction. At Wake Monarch Academy, recovery support is built into the school day.
“We knew a traditional high school experience—full day, full load—did not really support his sobriety,” says Carolyn*, Jack’s mother. The teachers here understand, and support their recovery. I’m grateful he had this option, and we appreciate that he’s becoming more of an advocate for himself.”
This sentiment is echoed by Julie*, Tom’s mother. “I wanted [Tom] to have face-to-face, oneon-one support and enthusiasm for learning, and to socialize with other kids,” she says. “I didn’t want him to be alone, learning online. Wake Monarch Academy provides him with structure, and he’s with people who understand his situation and his goals. There’s no judgement.”
Reflecting on her own son’s recovery, Wright sympathizes with everyone who has waged a war against substance misuse. “We fight for those we’ve lost. No one chooses this journey, but we’re stronger together,” she says. “In recovery, we take one day at a time.”
Knowing her students are winning their battles brings a smile to Wright’s face. “I can see their personalities and leadership skills continue to develop,” she says. “They have a voice here, and we’re setting the stage for their future.”
It’s a future that excites Tom. “I could graduate quickly if I put the effort in, but I would rather put the time into my recovery,” he says. “Life’s a lot better when you’re not having to rely on drugs to feel happy. It’s just better to give of yourself.”
Learn more at wakemonarchacademy.org.
*Names have been changed to protect the families' identities.
FAR RIGHT, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Wake Monarch Academy students learn how to advocate for themselves. Uplifting affirmations hang on the walls to create a positive environment. The school is housed inside of Open Table United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh.
ON THE RIGHT
Wake Monarch Academy offers students cozy studying spaces and bright, clean interiors.
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GIVING
BACK Explore this special section to find out how Triangle nonprofits are helping those in need within our community. Please consider lending these organizations a hand.
Families & Communities Rising 4220 N.C. 55, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27713 919.490.5577
fcrinc.org
Families & Communities Rising
Families & Communities Rising—formerly Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project—is a Durham-based nonprofit that was established in 1969. It has locations in Durham, Orange and Chatham counties, and programs that reach nationwide. Families & Communities Rising is a national provider of training and technical assistance services; audiovisual and print materials; and direct services to children, families and communities, with a concentration on families from low-income households.
The nonprofit’s local programming includes Head Start, Early Head Start (in Durham and Chapel Hill) and KidSCope. Its national programming includes FRIENDS (Family Resource Information, Education and Network Development Service) for the community-based prevention of child abuse and neglect; and ARCH (Access to Respite Care and Help), which promotes respite care for families caring for loved ones at home.
Families & Communities Rising’s core values include service, diversity, innovation and integrity. Each value serves as a road map for delivering the supportive programs and services that impact the organization’s families and communities in a positive way. This impact, in turn, shapes and directs the organization toward a brighter future for the families, staff and community it supports.
Rise Against Hunger 4801 Glenwood Avenue Suite 200 Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 919.839.0689
riseagainsthunger.org
Rise Against Hunger
Take action today to help end hunger tomorrow.
Headquartered in Raleigh since 1998, Rise Against Hunger is an international nonprofit organization growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies.
More than 720 million people face hunger across the globe. Rise Against Hunger targets remote, last-mile communities within hunger pockets often overlooked, providing immediate nourishment for those in need today and implementing sustainable solutions that will lift entire communities for years to come. In 2020, Rise Against Hunger impacted more than 2.8 million lives in 41 countries.
Whether we’re boosting classroom attendance through school feeding programs, providing critical assistance for those facing crises or empowering communities through sustainable agriculture projects, our impact starts with a meal. While seemingly small and simple, a nutritious meal can lead to education, opportunity, resilience and bright futures for the people we serve. It Starts With a Meal™️, and it starts with you. Your support enables Rise Against Hunger to continue addressing this issue around the world.
Providing compassionate assistance to area residents to empower people to become stable and self-sufficient.
At Dorcas Ministries, we provide compassionate assistance to Cary and Morrisville residents in need through emergency financial and food assistance, case management, career coaching, training classes and an affordable thrift shop. Our main goal? To help people become stable and self-sufficient. In 2020 our most vulnerable neighbors were made even more vulnerable, and thousands who never needed help before were suddenly at a loss for how they would take care of basic needs. Dorcas Ministries was there to help. Community support makes a world of difference in how we can help our neighbors. Dorcas relies on volunteers, donors and community partners to live out our mission. We would be honored to have you join us!
Dorcas Ministries 187 High House Road Cary, North Carolina 27511 919.469.9861
dorcascary.org
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EVENTS | DINE & DRAFT | NEW AROUND TOWN | SIGHTINGS | KALEIDOSCOPE
NOVEMBER
OLD NORTH STATE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
November 5–6 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary Acclaimed national and regional storytellers, including Milbre Burch, Andy Offutt Irwin, Willa Brigham and Kevin Kling, present hours of stories at The Cary Theater to entertain and warm your heart. Attend virtually or in person. This festival is presented by the North Carolina Storytelling Guild and the Town of Cary. oldnorthstatestorytellingfestival.com
Photo courtesy of Goodtree Studio
FEST IN THE WEST
November 6, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. USA Baseball Training Complex 200 Brooks Park Lane, Cary Saddle up for a day of Western-themed fun featuring live music, a food truck rodeo, pie-eating and horseshoe-throwing contests, and a beer garden showcasing local breweries. Young cowboys and cowgirls can enjoy a petting zoo, magician and face painter. festinthewest.com
NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
November 19–January 9, 6–10 p.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Koka Booth Amphitheatre transforms into a magical setting of twinkling lights, music and live performances this holiday season. Visit after dark or purchase a Twilight Ticket offered Thursday–Sunday evenings, 4:30–6 p.m., to watch the lanterns come to life as the sun sets. Purchase tickets online. boothamphitheatre.com
DECEMBER
RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE
November 20, 9:40 a.m.–noon Downtown Raleigh Experience holiday pageantry and excitement as the 77th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade returns to a live, on-street format this year. The mile-long parade features marching bands, floats, super-sized balloons, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. shoplocalraleigh.org
December 3–5 Holly Springs Cultural Center 3000 W. Ballentine Street, Holly Springs Join Dorothy and Toto on their journey to see the Wizard of Oz as they meet new friends Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow, plus a couple of witches along the way. Purchase tickets online. hollyspringsnc.gov/tickets
Photo courtesy of Communicopia
SANTA’S REINDEER ROUNDUP EXPRESS
December 4–5, 11–12 and 18 New Hope Valley Railway 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill Take photos with Santa in the railyard and help locate his missing reindeer during an open-air train ride through the wintry New Hill woods. Trains depart daily at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Book your tickets early. triangletrain.com
REINDEER ROMP 5K
December 11, 10 a.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary Take part in a competitive or recreational 5K at Koka Booth Amphitheatre to benefit Girls on the Run of the Triangle, a life-changing character development program for ages 8–12 that uses running to teach values and a sense of self. runsignup.com/race/nc/cary/peakofrunningreindeerromp5k
BY JANICE LEWINE
OUT&ABOUT
EVENTS | DINE & DRAFT | NEW AROUND TOWN | SIGHTINGS | KALEIDOSCOPE
AMERICAN
THE ABBEY ROAD TAVERN & GRILL 1700 Center Street, Apex 919.372.5383 1195 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.481.4434 711 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.762.7731 abbeyroadnc.com ACADEMY STREET BISTRO 200 S. Academy Street, Cary 919.377.0509 academystreetbistro.com APEX WINGS RESTAURANT & PUB 518 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.387.0082 apexwings.com AVIATOR SMOKEHOUSE 525 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.7675 aviatorbrew.com AVIATOR TAP HOUSE 600 E. Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.8826 aviatorbrew.com BASS LAKE DRAFT HOUSE 124 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs 919.567.3251 basslakedrafthouse.com CAROLINA ALE HOUSE 2240 Walnut Street, Cary 919.854.9444 carolinaalehouse.com
CHICKEN SALAD CHICK 302 Colonades Way Suite 202, Cary 984.207.5516 chickensaladchick.com CITY BARBEQUE Locations throughout the Triangle citybbq.com THE CORNER TAVERN AND GRILL 1301 NW Maynard Road, Cary 919.460.0088 cornertaverncary.com DAME’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES 1823 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary 919.234.0824 dameschickenwaffles.com HANK’S DOWNTOWN DIVE 111 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.447.4200 theumstead.com/dining HERONS AT THE UMSTEAD 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary 984.464.2524 hanksdowntowndive.com THE GOAT 5600 Primary Drive, Morrisville 919.981.9405 lcgoat.com/durham JOYCE & FAMILY RESTAURANT 129 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.567.1717 facebook.com/joyceandfamily LUCKY 32 7307 Tryon Road, Cary 919.233.1632 lucky32.com THE MASON JAR TAVERN 114 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs 919.964.5060 themasonjartavern.com MY WAY TAVERN 301 W. Center Street, Holly Springs 919.285.2412 mywaytavern.com THE PEAK ON SALEM 126 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.466.6060 thepeakonsalem.comTHE PEAK ON PECK & PLUME 301 S. Academy Street, Cary 919.804.1400 peckandplume.com
THE PROVINCIAL 119 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.372.5921 theprovincialapex.com RUDY’S PUB & GRILL 780 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.5061 rudysofapex.com SCRATCH KITCHEN & TAPROOM 225 Salem Street, Apex 160 E. Cedar Street, Cary 919.372.5370 scratchkitchenandtaproom.com TASTEFULLY SERVED Serves Raleigh, Cary, Apex, RTP 919.760.5134 tastefully-served.com
TRIBECA TAVERN 500 Ledgestone Way, Cary Competition Center Drive, Morrisville 919.465.3055 tribecatavernnc.com TRIPLE BARREL TAVERN 2221 N. Grassland Drive, Fuquay-Varina 919.762.0940 triplebarreltavern.com TWO GUYS GRILLE 4149 Davis Drive, Morrisville 919.462.9336 twoguysgrillemorrisville.com WOODY’S SPORTS TAVERN & GRILL 8322 Chapel Hill Road, Cary 919.380.7737 woodysportstavern.com
ASIAN
AKAMI SUSHI BAR 1561 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.267.6368 akamisushibar.com AMBER FLAVORS AND TASTE 3607 Davis Drive, Morrisville 919.377.2550 ambercary.com ASIAN GARDEN 242 Grande Heights Drive, Cary 919.462.8598 asiangardencarync.com BANANA LEAF 1026 Ryan Road, Cary 919.468.9958 bananaleafcary.com BAAN THAI 758 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.629.6399 baanthaiapex.com C&T WOK 130 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville 919.467.8860 ctwokrestaurant.com
CHINA UNO 308 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs 919.557.9888 china-uno.com
DIM SUM HOUSE 100 Jerusalem Drive, #104, Morrisville 919.380.3087 dimsumhousemorrisville.com
G.58 CUISINE 10958 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.466.8858 g58cuisine.com GENKI RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR 3420 Ten Ten Road, Cary 919.363.6636 genkicary.com GINGER ASIAN CUISINE 2048 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.859.8998 gingerasiancuisine.com GOJI BISTRO 100 Maynard Crossing Court, Cary 919.466.8888 gojibistro.us HIBACHI & COMPANY 708 Judd Parkway, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.8899 hibachicompany.com HIBACHI BLUE 1500 Village Market Place Morrisville 919.462.9899 hibachiblue.com
JJ CAFE 2143 Ten Ten Road, Apex 919.367.8686 jjcafeapex.com KABUKI JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE 220 Nottingham Drive, Cary 919.380.8081 kabukicary.com KASHIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT 309 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary 919.851.7101 kashin.com
KOBE HIBACHI & SUSHI 515 N Main Street, Holly Springs 919.557.1437 kobehollyspringsnc.com KUMO SUSHI 2916 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.986.0983 kumosushifv.com
h weeestwee t of he olidas
Waverly Place - Plaza Level 302 Colonades Way, Suite 204 Cary, NC 27518 (984) 232-8325
LITTLE TOKYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1401 SE Maynard Road, Cary 919.467.5011 sushi-little-tokyorestaurant.business.site LUCKY 7 906 NE Maynard Road, Cary 919.380.7550 lucky7nc.com MEI WEI ASIAN DINER 1424 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.762.7128 meiweinc.com NEW RAINBOW 3427 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.567.8272 newrainbowchinese.com OSHA THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI 242 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Holly Springs 984.538.6742 oshathaikitchennc.com PHO 919 3504 Davis Drive, Morrisville 919.377.0318 pho919.com RED BOWL ASIAN BISTRO 2020 Boulderstone Way, Cary 919.388.9977 redbowlcary.com SUSHI AT THE PARK 1163 Parkside Main Street, Cary 984.333.0198 sushiatthepark.com SUSHI IWA 2026 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex 919.387.7022 sushiiwa.org SUSHI-THAI CARY 106 Kilmayne Drive, Cary 919.467.5747 sushithaicary.com TAIPEI CAFE 9825-G Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.380.8568 taipeicafemorrisville.com TASTE VIETNAMESE CUISINE 152 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville 919.234.6385 tastevietnamese.com TASU ASIAN BISTRO 525 New Waverly Place, Cary 919.977.4037 shikitasu.com TERIYAKIN’ 10970 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.443.2279 yelp.com/biz/ teriyakin-morrisville THAI LOTUS 3450 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 150, Cary 984.229.7333 thailotusinc.com THAI SPICES & SUSHI 986 High House Road, Cary 919.319.1818 thaispicessushi.com THAI THAI CUISINE 108 Osterville Drive, Holly Springs 919.303.5700 thaithaicuisinenc.com YAMATO STEAK, SEAFOOD & SUSHI BAR 700 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.8088 yamatoofapex.com YOHO ASIAN BISTRO 8204 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary 919.859.8081 yohoasiancary.com YURI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1361 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.481.0068 yurijapaneserestaurant.com ZENFISH POKÉ BAR 9924 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.234.0914 zenfishpokebar.com
BAKERIES & DESSERT CAFES
ANDIA’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 1008 Ryan Road, Cary 919.234.0037 10120 Green Level Church Road, Cary 919.822.1866 andiasicecream.com ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD 1115 Hatches Pond Lane, Morrisville 919.650.2865 eatandys.com ANNELORE’S GERMAN BAKERY 308 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.267.6846 anneloresbakery.com ASALI DESSERTS & CAFE 107 Edinburgh S. Drive Suite 106-A, Cary 919.362.7882 asalievents.com/cafe BESTOW BAKED GOODS 4208 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs 919.473.9225 bestowbakedgoods.com BIG DOM’S BAGEL SHOP 203 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.377.1143 bigdomsbagelshop.com
BONAFIDE BAKESHOP & CAFE 1232 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.372.5000 bonafidebakeshop.com BRECOTEA 1144 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.234.1555 brecotea.com CARIBOU COFFEE 109 SW Maynard Road, Cary 919.319.6265 cariboucoffee.com CHANTICLEER CAFE & BAKERY 6490 Tryon Road, Cary 919.781.4810 chanticleercafe.com CHOCOLATE SMILES 312 W. Chatham Street, Suite 101, Cary 919.469.5282 chocolatesmiles.com
COFFEE & CREPES 315 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary 919.233.0288 coffeeandcrepes.com CREMA COFFEE ROASTER & BAKERY 1983 High House Road, Cary 919.380.1840 cremacoffeebakery.com CRUMBL COOKIES 1105 Market Center Drive, Morrisville 919.364.1100 crumblcookies.com CULTIVATE COFFEE ROASTERS 128 S. Fuquay Avenue, Fuquay-Varina 919.285.4067 cultivate.coffee FOUNT COFFEE + KITCHEN 10954 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 984.888.5454 fountcoffee.com FRESH. LOCAL ICE CREAM 138 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.234.1155 109 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.267.9716 freshlocalicecream.com GOODBERRY’S FROZEN CUSTARD 2325 Davis Drive, Cary 919.469.3350 1146 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.467.2386 goodberrys.com GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY 1240 NW Maynard Road, Cary 919.460.8158 greatharvest.com HAPPYCAKES CUPCAKERY 9958 Chapel Hill Road, Cary 919.694.5251 thehappycupcakery.com HOT BREADS CAFE 1901 NW Cary Parkway, Morrisville 919.677.1331 hotbreadscafe.com JAVA JIVE COFFEE & TEA 2425 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 403, Cary 919.655.7655 javajivecoffeeandtea.com JUICE VIBES 1369 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.377.8923 juicevibes.com LA FARM BAKERY 4248 NW Cary Parkway, Cary 919.657.0657 320 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.650.3117 5055 Arco Street, Cary (inside Whole Foods) RDU International Airport (Terminal 2 marketplace) 984.228.0300 lafarmbakery.com MILK LAB CAFE 6418 Tryon Road, Cary 919.200.0016 milklabcafe.com NIL’S CAFE 513 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.567.0887 nilscafe.weebly.com NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 2008 Market Center Drive, Morrisville 919.694.5300 nothingbundtcakes.com ONCE IN A BLUE MOON BAKERY & CAFE 115-G W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.319.6554 bluemoonbakery.com PINTS ICE CREAM & BEER 512 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.351.9704 facebook.com/ pintsicecream PURE JUICERY BAR 716 Slash Pine Drive, Cary 919.234.1572 purejuicerybar.com RISE BISCUITS & DONUTS 1100 Market Center Drive, Morrisville 919.377.0385 169 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs 919.586.7343 risebiscuitsdonuts.com
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY 302 Colonades Way #204, Cary 984.232.8325 rmcf.com
SIR WALTER COFFEE + KITCHEN 242 S. Main Street, Holly Springs 919.390.2274 sirwaltercoffeekitchen.com STICK BOY BREAD CO. 127 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.2237 stickboyfuquay.com SUGAR BUZZ BAKERY 1231 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.238.7224 sugarbuzzbakery.com A TASTE OF BROOKLYN 101 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.362.8408 atasteofbrooklynnc.com VIDA DULCE 836 E. Chatham Street #104, Cary 919.378.9722 vidadulcenc.com
ITALIAN
ANNA’S PIZZERIA 100 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.267.6237 138 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.285.2497 annaspizzeria.com BABYMOON CAFE 100 Jerusalem Drive, Morrisville 919.465.9006 babymooncafe.com BELLINI FINE ITALIAN CUISINE 107 Edinburgh S. Drive #119, Cary 919.552.0303 belliniitaliancuisinecary.com BOCCI TRATTORIA & PIZZERIA 2425 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.803.5358 bocciitalian.com DANIEL’S RESTAURANT & CATERING 1430 W. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.1006 danielsapex.com ENRIGO ITALIAN BISTRO 575 New Waverly Place, Suite 106, Cary 919.854.7731 dineenrigo.com GARIBALDI TRATTORIA 900 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.8868 garibalditrattoria.com LUGANO RISTORANTE 1060 Darrington Drive, Cary 919.468.7229 luganocary.com MAMMA MIA ITALIAN BISTRO 708 Laura Duncan Road, Apex 919.363.2228 mammamianc.com OSTERIA G 5160 Sunset Lake Road #101, Apex 984.229.7480 osteriag.com PRO’S EPICUREAN MARKET & CAFE 211 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.377.1788 prosepicurean.com ROMA’S ITALIAN DELI & PIZZERIA 203 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary 919.468.1111 romasitalian.net RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA & SPIRITS 1055 Pine Plaza Drive, Apex 919.446.6333 8111 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary 919.851.3999 1101 Market Center Drive, Morrisville 919.388.3500 ruckuspizza.com
MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EASTERN
BABA GHANNOUJ MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 2468 Walnut Street, Cary 919.233.0907 108 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs 919.762.7851 babaghannouj1.com BOSPHORUS RESTAURANT 329-A N. Harrison Avenue, Cary 919.460.1300 bosphorus-nc.com JASMIN & OLIVZ MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1109 Ledsome Lane, Cary 919.469.1112 9934 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.234.6900 jasminbistro.com MEDITERRA GRILL 108 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs 919.762.7851 mediterranc.com
NEOMONDE 10235 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville 919.466.8100 neomonde.com SAI KRISHNA BHAVAN 10970 Chapel Hill Road, Cary 919.481.0910 saikrishnabhavan.com SASSOOL 1347 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.300.5586 sassool.com TURKUAZ MARKET 203 N. Harrison Avenue #110, Cary 919.455.1890 turkuazmarketnc.com
MEXICAN
ARANDAS MEXICAN CUISINE 5460 Apex Peakway, Apex 919.362.7363 arandasmexcuisine.com A’VERDE COCINA AND TEQUILA LIBRARY 2300 Walnut Street, Cary averdecary.com BRAVO’S MEXICAN GRILL 208 Grande Heights Drive, Cary 919.481.3811 bravosmexicangrill.net BURRITO SHAK 2982 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.267.6772 burritoshak.com EL DORADO 112 E. Vance Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.0287 eldoradomexican restaurant.com EL LOBO MEXICAN RESTAURANT 1311 E. Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.557.9540 facebook.com/ellobofv FIESTA MEXICANA 2839 Jones Franklin Road, Raleigh 919.859.1303 fiestamexicananc-cary.com 990 High House Road, Cary 919.378.9895 fiestamexicanancnwcary.com 428 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs 919.346.1330 fiestamexicananchollysprings.com LA RANCHERITA GRILL & TEQUILA BAR 102 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.303.2448 laranchnc.com LA TAQUERIA MEXICAN GRILL 973 E. Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.5532 LOS TRES MAGUEYES 110 SW Maynard Road, Cary 919.460.8757 lostresmagueyescary.com 325 N. Main Street, Holly Springs losmagueyesnc.com 919.552.6272 401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina 919.552.3957 lostresmagueyes.com/ varina-nc LOS TRES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 10120 Green Level Church Road, Suite 202, Cary 919.267.5444 lostresmagueyes greenlevel.com 1301 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.367.6797 lostres-nc.com 995 Airport Boulevard, Morrisville 919.465.0217 morrisvillemexican restaurant.com MI CANCUN 1106 Grace Park Drive, Morrisville 919.650.1718 micancunmx.com RANCHO GRANDE 1401 SE Maynard Road, Cary 919.469.4245 taqueriaranchogrande.com
COMING IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
CAMP GUIDE
FUN FOR KIDS IN RALEIGH AND WESTERN WAKE
Showcase your camp to our 140,000+ readers in our 2022 Camp Guide! Our readers send their children to fun, educational and skill-building camps every year. No matter what your camp’s focus is, now is the time to let them know about the amazing experiences you have in store for their kids. Our 2022 Camp Guide will also include a comprehensive directory of camp listings. Only advertisers’ listings will be highlighted to stand out from others and include a 25-word description.
SPACE RESERVATION: NOVEMBER 18
CALL TO LEARN MORE! 919.782.4710
advertise@caryliving.com advertise@midtownmag.com
TACO ADDICTS 131 Crossroads Boulevard, Cary 919.896.8043 taco-addicts.com TACOS MEXICO RESTAURANT 1430 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina 919.439.8047 tacosmexicorestaurant.com TACOS MEXICO RESTAURANT & CANTINA 209 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.362.8074 tacosmexicoapexnc.com TORERO’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE 1207 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite C, Cary 919.468.8711 torerosmexican restaurants.com TOTOPOS STREET FOOD & TEQUILA 1388 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary 919.678.3449 totoposfoodand tequila.com
SEAFOOD
THE BLIND PELICAN 120 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs 984.225.2471 blindpelicanseafood.com THE FULL MOON OYSTER BAR 1600 Village Market Place, Morrisville 919.378.9524 fullmoonoysterbar.com SKIPPER’S FISH FRY 1001 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.303.2400 skippersfish.com TONY’S TAPS & OYSTER CO. 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Cary 919.234.1600 facebook.com/ beermusicoysters
STEAK HOUSE
CAPITAL CITY CHOP HOUSE 151 Airgate Drive, Morrisville 919.484.7721 chophousesofnc.com JIMMY V’S STEAK HOUSE & TAVERN 107 Edinburgh S. Drive, Cary 919.380.8210 jimmyvssteakhouse.com RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 2010 Renaissance Park Place, The Arboretum at Weston, Cary 919.677.0033 ruthschris.com
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OUT&ABOUT
EVENTS | DINE & DRAFT | NEW AROUND TOWN | SIGHTINGS | KALEIDOSCOPE
Photo courtesy of Autism in Motion Clinics
APEX WELCOMES CLINIC FOR AUTISM SERVICES
Autism in Motion (AIM) Clinics has opened in Apex and is now enrolling new clients. AIM Clinics provide life-changing applied behavior analysis therapy for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder. The organization’s mission is to support and inspire children with autism, their families and their communities.
2311 Energy Drive, Building #9, Apex 919.589.4523
aimclinics.com
Photo courtesy of Advantage Chiropractic
ADVANTAGE CHIROPRACTIC BRINGS TAILORED CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT TO APEX
Advantage Chiropractic held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its grand opening in Apex. Dr. Jared Surbaugh uses multiple techniques, including Diversified, Gonstead, Pettibon and Activator, to tailor unique treatments to each patient’s needs. The practice’s mission is to provide an excellent level of care in an atmosphere that treats each client as its No. 1 priority.
1460 Kelly Road, Suite 102, Apex 919.728.7774
advantagechironc.com
CARY COMPANY OFFERS WHOLE-HOME AIR TESTING
Indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Wake Air Testing brings professional air quality services to homes and offices, including testing for radon gas, airborne air pollutants, dust allergens and mold spores. Wake Air Testing’s whole-home air testing starts at $295.
2500 Regency Parkway, Cary 919.300.7070
BY CINDY HUNTLEY
EVENTS | DINE & DRAFT | NEW AROUND TOWN | SIGHTINGS | KALEIDOSCOPE
Photo by Neil Boyd Photography
FENTON DEVELOPMENT TOPS OUT
Fenton, a mixed-use district coming to the I-40 and Cary Towne Boulevard intersection, celebrated its “topping out” in August, which was when the development reached its maximum height. The event featured remarks by Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Von Kekel Director Paul Shultz, and guests were invited to sign the final I-beam, which will be placed in a building adjacent to Fenton Square. Fenton is scheduled to open in April 2022 and will encompass restaurants, office space, apartments, a hotel, entertainment venues, and national and local retailers such as Pottery Barn, Athleta, Von Kekel Aveda Lifestyle Salon Spa and Bailey’s Fine Jewelry.
Photo courtesy of Marge “Madness” for 3D Mammograms
Marge “Madness” for 3D Mammograms and its sister nonprofit, Generations United for Awareness, Hope and a Cure, hosted their first free mammogram event at Cary’s Prestonwood Country Club, which provided 16 women with free screenings. Marge Morena, who was diagnosed with breast cancer via 3D mammogram, and Ava Jeffs, a high school senior with a history of breast cancer in her family, founded the organizations to enable low-income women to access preventive screenings. The local nonprofits also provide care packages to chemotherapy patients and funding to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
Photo by Brandon Bell
PURPLE HEART DINNER HONORS RECIPIENTS
Gold Star Mothers hosted the second annual Triangle Purple Heart Dinner at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in RTP. The Walk of Honor opened the event, which honored more than 70 Purple Heart recipients, 13 Gold Star Mothers, and fallen law enforcement officers from across the Triangle and the state. The Purple Heart is a combat decoration awarded to U.S. armed forces personnel who are killed or wounded in action. Gold Star Mothers and Families is the designation reserved for families of military members who have died in the line of duty.
OUT&ABOUT
EVENTS | DINE & DRAFT | NEW AROUND TOWN | SIGHTINGS | KALEIDOSCOPE
JOE GODFREY
THE WANDERER: BACK BAY, BOSTON WATERCOLOR ON PAPER, 2019 21 BY 15 INCHES
RANI RAY
FISHING AT BOND PARK, CARY WATERCOLOR ON PAPER, 2020 12 BY 9 INCHES
A PARTNERSHIP EN PLEIN AIR BY CHARLOTTE RUSSELL
Cary-based watercolorists Joe Godfrey and Rani Ray have a unique partnership, friendship and connection through painting. They grew up in different parts of the world—Godfrey from Boston and Ray from Calcutta, India. Art is their common bond, and by working alongside one another they find synergy in their painting styles, landscape as their subject matter and watercolor as their medium.
Both artists are drawn to nature. Godfrey worked as a landscape architect while Ray, a former banker, finds inspiration from travel and the local landscape. Painting en plein air around Cary and the RTP area, each brings a unique voice and interpretation to the same scene. Sharing their artistic journey together exemplifies the power of connection through art. View their watercolors online at raniandjoeswatercolors.com, via their Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/raninjoeswatercolors and at Instagram @ranichaudhury.ray.
