5 West magazine – July/August 2023

GO, PLAY, SEE IN WESTERN WAKE

EDITOR’S LETTER

When I recall my family’s adventures over the years, a few rise—quite literally—to the top. ZipQuest in Fayetteville comes to mind. The kids and I soared across as many as 800 feet of treetops at a time, landing on wooden platforms 150 feet up in the air.

A few summers ago, we kayaked down the Cape Fear River as a treacherous storm approached. When lightning struck the other side of the river, we frantically rowed ashore just in time for the skies to break open. We had to walk a full mile back to the rental site—carrying the kayaks over our shoulders as lightning and thunder filled the sky. Another time, we raced around Charlotte Motor Speedway at full-tilt force during the Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour.

But nothing compares to Zion National Park in Utah, where we hiked 2,100 feet up narrow switchbacks to the park’s impressive Observation Point—elevation 6,507 feet. At the top, we encountered an even more tenuous adventure: navigating the point’s delicate ledge. We stepped very lightly out onto it for a spectacular view—and a few photos, of course.

The bonds we forged during those experiences were more valuable than the adventures themselves. In honor of our Go Play See summer fun theme, we’ve rounded up 13 heart-pumping opportunities for you to make lasting memories with your family this summer in “Bonding Through Adventure” on page 20. Whether you fight through a ninja-style obstacle course, or stop for ice cream in one of Western Wake’s five amazing towns, summer fun awaits!

For more than two decades Erica DeLong has been the voice of G105’s morning and—more recently—afternoon commute as host of “The Erica Show.” This mom of two stays on-the-go and shares her experiences as a wife, mother and radio personality in “Radio’s Sweetheart” on page 26.

Keep your child’s neurons firing on all cylinders this summer with “20 Brain-Boosting Activities” on page 30, and go on a summer reading adventure with local romance writers in “Love Stories” on page 34. Read “A Sport of Their Own” on page 38 to find out how the Town of Morrisville is making an effort to carry the ball for cricket athletes and fans of all ages.

Embark on a Crystal Coast aquaculture tour in “Dock to Dish” on page 48, and continue your summer adventures with a trip to Jordan Lake State Park or Morehead Planetarium and Science Center to do a little stargazing. In “Look Up!” on page 52, you’ll discover where you can get your celestial fix across the Triangle.

If hunting for treasure sounds like a fun summer pastime, learn about how and where to hunt for North Carolina gems on page 56. Looking for some of the best pulled pork in the area? Check out Danny’s Bar-B-Que on page 58.

Within these pages you’ll find all of this, plus our Newcomers Guide on page 41 and Education Guide on page 61. Take a copy of our July/August issue with you to all of your favorite places this summer as you soak up the southern sun. We’re glad you are here!

PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Beth Shugg, Editor

PUBLISHERS

Ronny Stephens

Kent Braswell

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Beth Shugg

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Janice Lewine

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Melissa Wistehuff

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Sherry Braswell

Paige Gunter

Stefanie McClary

Laura Morgan

DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lizana, Manager DistribuTech.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Elliot Acosta, Mario Boucher, Kurt Dusterberg, Mandy Howard, Janice Lewine, Charlotte Russell, Dolly Sickles, Anita Stone, Melissa Wistehuff

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alisha Cleveland Photography, Bruce DeBoer, MASH Photography, Jenny Midgley, Brian Mullins, Peyton Sickles

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

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

5 West magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, 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.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

Fax: 919.782.4763

CARY LIVING IS NOW 5 WEST!

When Cary Living launched in 2003, Western Wake's growth and energy was on the rise, and Cary was at the epicenter of it all. As CARY grew, so did the surrounding towns of APEX, MORRISVILLE, HOLLY SPRINGS and FUQUAY-VARINA . Each offers something unique to its citizens. All deserve a publication dedicated to sharing what makes this region special.

Cameron Kinard, Mia Green and Ian Wistehuff enjoy delicious cones of FRESH. Local Ice Cream in front of the Grow Preschool mural in downtown Apex. The mural was created by Michael Brown.

Photo by MASH Photography.

ABOVE: AVA Rooftop Bar is the perfect after-dinner spot for enjoying great entertainment at Fenton in Cary LEFT:

delicious.

A fried green tomato sandwich on the expansive patio of Crosstown Pub & Grill in Cary makes for the perfect summertime lunch.

PHOTO BY JOE WOOLWORTH

Our June podcast recording at Podcast Cary features author Tom Poland, who happens to be the father of 5 West Executive Editor Beth Shugg.

A few super cute models showed up at the Rusty Bucket in downtown Apex for a 5 West photo shoot.

Our very own Paige Gunter and Laura Morgan promoted 5 West and Triangle Family magazines at Holly Springs’ SpringsFest in April

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

A latte from BREW Coffee Bar in Cary is Instagram-worthy and

CROCHET COMEBACK

CURATED BY SOFIA LUJAN | PHOTOS BY JENNY MIDGLEY

Loosely woven, crocheted fashions made popular in the ’70s have made a comeback as designers and boutiques are reinventing new ways to wear them C rocheted styles can be worn alone or layered over other pieces. Here are three ensembles from Rose & Lee Collective in Apex featuring crocheted pieces and accessories.

Amber’s Look

Ria vest | $58

Effortless tank | $39

Leeds shorts | $54

Hand-woven rattan tote | $59

Christina’s Look

Pascal top | $48

Kinsley tank | $26

Paloma pants | $118

Brylee snake cuff | $34

Brady chain bracelet | $34

Hammered gold bangle | $18

Shelby’s Look

River tank | $59

Cohen pants | $59

Crochet yin yang bag | $48

PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE: Amber Brennan, Christina Long and Shelby Johnson modeled these looks.

Stretch Zone Apex offers a welcoming environment, knowledgeable staff and comfortable equipment, all of which allow guests of all ages to relax and experience the amazing power of guided stretching. Book a stretch session today, or pick up a Stretch Zone gift certificate.

At Stretch Zone, we work with your body to make movements easier. Our stretching methods will help to relieve your pain and encourage increased flexibility to ensure peak performance. Stretch Zone is for all ages. With locations in Apex and Chapel Hill, come see what we can do for you!

BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY 30-MINUTE STRETCH TODAY!

2038 Creekside Landing Drive Apex, North Carolina 27502 stretchzone.com/locations/apex

919.267.4007

604 Meadowmont Village Circle Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517 stretchzone.com/locations/chapelhill

919.525.2507

THE MAYTON HOSTS A LAUNCH PARTY FOR THE PECK & PLUME TERRACE

Guests enjoyed spring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres May 3 to celebrate the opening of The Terrace at Peck & Plume at the Mayton Inn in Cary. Located at 301 S. Academy Street, the four-season outdoor space features delectable modern American cuisine and boasts one-of-a-kind views of Downtown Cary Park, scheduled to open this fall. Peck & Plume also celebrated the debut of its new Private Selection bourbon from Maker’s Mark with a fourcourse dinner June 16 and 17. The experience included a welcome reception featuring a specialty cocktail and neat pour of Peck & Plume No. 1.

SONNY VACCARO SPEAKS TO THE MEN’S BREAKFAST CLUB AT THE TEMPLETON OF CARY

Sonny Vaccaro, the man behind “Air Jordans,” spoke to a local men’s group via video link May 16. Known for transforming sports marketing, Vaccarro engaged with sports enthusiasts in the Men’s Breakfast Club of The Templeton of Cary, a senior living community. Vaccaro was responsible for signing Michael Jordan with Nike, which launched the Air Jordan line and brought in billions of dollars for the company—which, at the time, was experiencing sagging sales. Vaccaro was played by Matt Damon in the movie “AIR: Courting a Legend.” In preparation for meeting Vaccaro, the The Templeton of Cary men viewed the film the evening before.

RIDERS RAISE $285,000 IN THE VICTORY RIDE TO CURE CANCER

The sixth annual Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, hosted by the V Foundation for Cancer Research, took place May 20. Riders raised over $285,000 for cancer research. For the first time, the Victory Ride kicked off at Knightdale Station Park, which offered a family-friendly atmosphere for riders and spectators to enjoy the park setting and surrounding trails, greenways and children’s areas. The event included 10-, 30and 60-mile routes that weaved through the scenic areas around eastern North Carolina. Participants enjoyed an afterparty complete with music and refreshments from local establishments like Poblanos Tacos, Chick-N-Que, Doherty’s Paddy Wagon, Bond Brothers Beer Company and others. For those who couldn’t attend in person, the Victory Ride also included a virtual option.

PHOTOS BY ERIC WATERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF IVY MARKETING GROUP

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE V FOUNDATION

POOL PERKS

When the weather warms up, the action heads poolside. Tuck your outdoor items in a colorful tote that transforms into a beach towel, throw some cold drinks in a soft cooler, and serve chips and dips in an artisan-made, two-piece set. You’re sure to make a splash!

1. Lilly Pulitzer tote/beach and picnic blanket, $54.95 | Pink Magnolia Boutique

2. Dock & Bay quick-drying, lightweight towels, starting at $34 | Swagger Boutique

3. SCOUT NC pleasure chest soft cooler, $38 | Inspirations Home Decor & More

4. Artisan-made chip and dip two-piece set, $350 | La Maison

5. Pirani 10-ounce insulated tumbler, $26.95 | NOFO @ The Pig

FENTON WELCOMES WARBY PARKER

Warby Parker, a retailer of prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses, opened its sixth store in North Carolina at Fenton in Cary on April 29. The one-stop shop in Fenton is convenient to customers in Western Wake County and Raleigh. It offers eye exams, accessories and Scout, its first-ever brand of daily contact lenses. The Fenton store also features custom artwork by artist Julian Montague.

5 Fenton Main Street, Cary 919.351.6480

warbyparker.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN LOH

FERNWEH SALON’S EARTH-FRIENDLY HAIR SERVICES COME TO APEX

Enhancing its clientele’s physical appearance while helping to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem, Fernweh Salon recently opened at 76 Hunter Street, Suite 108, in Apex. Through its partnership with Davines, an Italian sustainable beauty product line practicing biodiversity through regenerative agriculture, Fernweh Salon is another step closer to helping the planet achieve carbon neutrality. Hair services include cuts, color and highlights, conditioning treatments, updos and more. Fernweh Salon is open 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Monday–Thursday; 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Friday; and 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturday.

76 Hunter Street, Suite 108, Apex 919.446.6032

fernwehsalon.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FERNWEH SALON

DENTAL CARE AT VILLAGE WALK OPENS IN HOLLY SPRINGS

Dental Care at Village Walk, a full-service family dental practice, opened May 12 at 101 Village Walk Drive in Holly Springs.

Drs. Gilbert Carney, DMD and Jack Zhang, DMD and their team offer patients the latest products and equipment available in the dental industry, as well as the most up-to-date procedures and services. Dental Care at Village Walk offers everything from routine cleanings and simple fillings to more in-depth restorative and cosmetic services. 101 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs 984.217.3336

dentalcareatvillagewalk.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF DENTAL CARE AT VILLAGE WALK

The Perfect Piece

Halle The Cultural Arts Center

Upcoming Events

SuperFun

Saturday!

Peak City Circuit

Select Saturdays

June 24 - Sept 2

We’ll be offering family-friendly movies and concerts throughout Apex’s beautiful parks for free Load up the essentials and join!

(Formerly called the "Summer Outdoor Movie and Music Series")

Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday for "super" fun free arts and crafts!

Ages 4-12

10:30am-12:30pm

Wednesday

Night Flicks

Join us July 5 for a free movie geared for teens and adults!

7:30pm

Wednesday AM

Movie

Join us the 3rd Wednesday of every month for free family movies! 10:00am

Jazz affair

All White Attire

July 28 8pm

Featuring saxophonist Darryl "Soul Sax" Murrill and band Jazzpel. Darryl started his musical journey at the age of 13 and has mastered his talents over the years for a smooth sound! Tickets are $25 and available at the Halle box office or on etix com

A classic renovation of urban style and design Call us for more details and rates Reunions weddings performances lectures receptions business meetings

BONDING adventure THROUGH

Try something new with your family this summer

BY MANDY HOWARD

t the beginning of last summer, my family was going through a tough season. A middle schooler and two high schoolers meant we were in for a year’s worth of academic stress— amplified by ongoing issues surrounding COVID, combined with life’s everyday anxieties and frustrations. Add a job change for Mom and some not uncommon middle-age life issues … I’m not ashamed to say, there were days we were seriously riding the struggle bus.

After one too many sleepless nights of useless worry, I looked into something I knew my kids wanted to try that had also been on my bucket list for a long time: surfing. I had written stories in the past featuring WB Surf Camp in Wrightsville Beach. I knew in addition to camps, they offered a myriad of lessons and training options, so I researched that first. Before I knew it—and after the easiest sign-up ever—my three kids and I were scheduled.

During the entire two-hour drive there we listened to the Beach Boys—a musical education I realized I had neglected to share with my children. It’s amazing how stepping out of your routine helps you remember the things that bring you joy. Just moments into the trip, anxieties that had been weighing on us felt miles away. Instead, we debated whether we thought the word “surf” or “girl” was more frequent in the lexicon of Beach Boys lyrics. (While we were unable to factually settle that debate, I bet someone, somewhere has.)

We pulled into Wrightsville Beach with crystal-clear instructions. From parking to paddling, WB Surf Camp made the entire experience amazing. All three kids, while never attempting anything like this before, were

able to get up and catch waves. Each of them actually surfed! Their smiles and sense of accomplishment gave me chills. My feet planted on the board once. I knew what to do, but my body disagreed that I should do it. It’s OK. I have other gifts. I learned a lot and had fun.

Lack of balance and all, that day will go down as one of my all-time favorites. And somehow, a chapter flipped the moment we chose to break away. We had a choice. We could have wallowed in our stress; we could have tried to talk about it more; we could have stuck to our routine. Or, we could do something completely different to get our adrenaline pumping. We chose the latter.

As much as I’m an advocate for family dinners and game nights, sometimes it’s healthier to not talk about it—whatever your current “it” may be. Instead, go do something different. Challenge yourself and create beautiful memories.

Not sure where to start? Fortunately, you live in a state where adventure abounds. Check out some of these activities and let adventure be the tie that binds your family this summer.

OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Warrior Tech OCR

220 Dominion Drive, Suite G, Morrisville 919.230.1992

Warrior Tech Raleigh

6451 Triangle Plantation Drive, Suite 107, Raleigh 919.803.8007

warriortechnc.com

If you love NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” this may be the adventure for you. As Warrior Tech states on its website, this is not a gym, nor an entertainment center. This is a training facility that pushes limits, increases strength and allows for participants to work hard for a sense of accomplishment. Warrior Tech’s Morrisville and Raleigh locations offer a variety of classes and camps, along with birthday parties, team building and group activities. (Talk about the best family reunion with the cousins ever!)

Rock Solid Warrior

6109 N.C. 55, Suite 125, Fuquay-Varina 919.307.7448

2131 E. Williams Street, Apex 919.246.6258

rocksolidwarrior.com

If you live in Western Wake County, Rock Solid Warrior is the perfect place to slip into ninja warrior mode. In addition to ninja rigs and obstacles, you’ll also discover rock climbing challenges, competitions, camps, birthday party facilities and more. The Apex location offers 14,000 square feet of fun while the Fuquay-Varina location covers 8,000 square feet.

REACH THE SUMMIT

Triangle Rock Club

6022 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh

102 Pheasant Wood Court, Morrisville

1010 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Suite 400, Durham 919.803.5534

trianglerockclub.com

It’s good for kids to see their parents struggle, work hard and, possibly, take defeat with grace. If you’re anything like me, this defines a trip to Triangle Rock Club. Thousands of square feet of Eldorado climbing walls throughout Triangle Rock Club’s three Triangle locations allow for climbers of all experience levels to give rock climbing a go. Climbing experts guide you, keep you safe and help you reach your goals. Discounted group rates and dedicated belayers are available for parties of 6–20.

CATCH A WAVE

WB Surf Camp

222 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach

910.256.7873

wbsurfcamp.com

For our lesson, two instructors were assigned to the four of us. Surfboards and rashguards were provided, each perfectly sized based on information we provided during registration. Instruction began on the beach with, literally, the basic building blocks, and ended in the water where all three of my children, ages 12–16, actually got up and surfed. We all had an absolute blast.

WALK—OR ZIP—FROM TREE TO TREE

TreeRunner Adventure Park

12804 Norwood Road, Raleigh

919.410.7347

treerunnerparks.com

If you don’t have time to travel far but want to experience a day the whole family will remember, visit TreeRunner Adventure Park. You’ll find eight aerial courses and two ground courses split among five difficulty levels. The courses feature more than 90 obstacles, including zip lines. What makes this bonding opportunity so unique is you can choose your own adventure and go at your own pace. So there is time and opportunity to cheer one another on—no matter what skill level you are comfortable with. My favorite part? When my teens would try difficult courses, fail, then get right back up and try them again. This allowed for us all to practice encouragement and grit—something parents definitely can’t do for their kids! The Junior Park is for climbers from 4–7 years old with trails and obstacles that are 2–3 feet off the ground. Reservations are required, and parents must complete a waiver for guests under age 18. The staff offers a safety briefing at registration.

“Hideaway Woods”

Museum of Life and Science

433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham

919.220.5429

lifeandscience.org/explore/hideaway-woods

The Museum of Life and Science’s popular “Hideaway Woods” exhibit—a 2-acre nature discovery environment featuring eight handcrafted treehouses, a flowing freshwater stream guests can wade through, and ageappropriate play zones—is perfect for younger adventurers. Children up to age 6 can traverse a scaled set of mini treehouses, while older kids can scramble across cargo nets and climb ladders to treehouses offering views up to 20 feet off the ground. Access to “Hideaway Woods” is included in the museum’s admission fee, which ranges from $18–$23 per person (ages 2 and younger are admitted for free).

Canopy Ridge Farm

7115 U.S. 64/74A, Lake Lure 828.625.4500

canopyridgefarm.com

While I don’t have personal experiences with every attraction on this list, I do with Canopy Ridge Farm. This 60-acre zip line park is a few minute’s drive from beautiful Lake Lure (of “Dirty Dancing” fame). It’s consistently rated a top zip line destination in North Carolina—and the country—and provides incredible peace of mind with robust safety instructions and protocols, while providing unforgettable adventure and fun.

ZipQuest

533 Carvers Falls Road, Fayetteville 910.488.8787 zipquest.com

If you'd like to soar across the treetops a little closer to home, ZipQuest is less than an hour away in Fayetteville and offers two adventures. The waterfall expedition ($89/person) features eight tree-to-tree zip lines, three suspension bridges, three spiral staircases and a spectacular view of Carver’s Falls. The treetop excursion ($59/person) is shorter but still packed with fun. It includes five tree-to-tree ziplines, one suspension bridge and two spiral staircases.

PAGES 40–41: PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER. OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG; BOTTOM PHOTO BY SPYRAKOT - STOCK.ADOBE.COM. ABOVE: PHOTO COURTESY OF TREERUNNER ADVENTURE PARK. BELOW: PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG.

NAVIGATE THE WHITECAPS

Blue Heron Whitewater

35 Little Pine Road, Marshall 888.426.7238

blueheronwhitewater.com

Offering half- and full-day trips on class I–IV whitewater rapids, Blue Heron Whitewater is just 22 miles from downtown Asheville and calls the French Broad River its rafting home. The company is locally owned by three guides who have more than 75 combined years of rafting experience. Whether you have teens hoping to battle waves or a kindergartner just getting his or her adventure-loving feet wet, Blue Heron is a perfect choice for an unforgettable day on the water.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte

704.391.3900

center.whitewater.org

An all-access activity pass to the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte costs $75–$250 and gives visitors access to 30-plus outdoor recreation experiences, including whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking/stand-up paddle boarding, flatwater kayaking/stand-up paddle boarding, climbing, mountain biking, a ropes course, zip lines, the “world’s first deep water solo climbing complex” and ice skating. Single activity passes range from $27–$55 and allow guests to choose from whitewater rafting or kayaking/stand-up paddle boarding, flatwater kayaking/stand-up paddle boarding, climbing, mountain biking, deep water solo climbing, and ice skating.

PADDLE A LAKE

Crosswinds Boating Center

565 Farrington Road, Apex 919.387.7011

crosswindsboating.com

Give kayaking or paddleboarding a go on a quieter part of Jordon Lake in Chatham County, and experience the lake’s beauty from a new vantage point. Guests can rent single and tandem kayaks at the Crosswinds Boating Center marina. Rent a stand-up paddleboard for one, two or three hours for $20, $40 or $55, respectively. Those rates also apply to 12-foot tandem kayak rentals. A 10-foot single kayak costs $15 for one hour, $40 for two hours and $40 for three hours. Life jackets are included and there is a weight limit of 250 pounds for single kayaks and 500 pounds for tandem kayaks.

FEEL THE THRILL

Charlotte Motor Speedway

5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord 704.455.3223

charlottemotorspeedway.com/experiences/speedway-tours

North Carolina is no stranger to speedway action, and thanks to Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour ($15/person), you can experience it for yourself in a comfortable van ride offering the full-tilt force of the speedway’s 24-degree banking. Take the fun up a notch with a Fast Pass Tour ($50/vehicle), which puts you behind the wheel of your own vehicle.

HIKE TO THE FALLS

Linville Falls Visitor Center

Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 316.3

828.765.1045

blueridgeparkway.org/poi/linville-falls

You don’t need to go to Hawaii or Costa Rica for lush green landscapes or waterfall hikes. North Carolina’s got ’em—no reservations necessary. We saved this adventure for last because it’s a reminder that when you’ve got the ocean and mountains nearby, there are plenty of places to build a family-bonding adventure, free of charge. If you’re new to hiking, check out Linville Falls just southwest of Boone and Blowing Rock. From milepost 316, you’ll turn into the entrance and travel about 1.5 miles to the parking lot and visitor’s center. From there, you can choose the moderate 1.6 mile Erwins View Trail, or the strenuous Linville Gorge Trail. Believe the ratings for the courses—Linville Gorge Trail requires some steep hiking and high knees to climb up rocks. But no matter what route you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, a sense of accomplishment and wonderful family memories.

Try It ALL

Choose your challenge at an adventure park The Triangle is home to a great variety of adventure parks that offer little bit of everything.

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park at 3601 Quarry Road in Wake Forest combines water adventures—from an inflatable water park and scuba diving, to kayaking and paddle boarding. Half-day and all-day passes are available for the water park.

Learn more at gofantasylake.com

Urban Air Adventure Park at 7810 Poyner Pond Circle in Raleigh combines 17 adventures for all ages under one roof. Discover a ropes course, drop zone, warrior course, tumble track, climbing walls, bumper cars and more.

Learn more at urbanair.com/north-carolina-raleigh

OC Aerial in Durham at 3463 Coates Industrial Boulevard, Suite 200, offers a chance to navigate a ninja course, ropes course, zip line, warped wall, cargo net, top rope and boulders. Climb across monkey bars or a pegboard. You can even conquer your fears with a 22-foot belayed free fall off the Leap of Faith.

Learn more at oc-aerial.com.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE, ABOVE: FANTASY LAKE BY BRIAN MULLINS; THIS PAGE, BELOW: PHOTO BY SETH K. HUGHES/GETTY IMAGES.

PHOTO OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT: COURTESY OF BLUE HERON WHITEWATER; OPPOSITE PAGE, RIGHT: FANTASY LAKE BY BRIAN MULLINS.

Erica DeLong

BY Melissa wistehuff | photos by brian mullins

When you think of the Triangle, majestic oaks, tall pines, Tobacco Road rivalries and Carolina barbecue may come to mind. But iconic personalities also enrich the region’s allure. With over two decades as the voice of G105’s morning and, more recently, afternoon commutes as host of “The Erica Show,” Erica DeLong ranks among Central North Carolina’s signature symbols, and is to local radio what the Carolina Hurricanes are to PNC Arena.

A Durham native who made the short jump to Raleigh in the early 2000s to attend what was then called Peace College (renamed William Peace University in 2011), Erica DeLong encountered an opportunity to intern for G105’s “Bob and the Showgram” morning program during her sophomore year. “I would wake up to go to work at the same time my friends were getting home from staying out all night,” she says. “I’d go do the show, then come back to classes.”

The rest, as they say, is history. The next year, she became an assistant producer for the program, and “I never looked back,” she says.

Although DeLong moved to different cities early in her career, Carolina called her home. From zany morning show antics, to a more relatable girl-next-door tone on “The Erica Show,” DeLong’s audiences have had a front-row seat for all of her major milestones.

A self-described “open book,” DeLong doesn’t mind sharing her life with her “extended family.”

From airing her path to love after meeting husband Ken—also known

as “Boston”—to welcoming their children, Easton (7) and Ella (4), and rescuing their dog, Lucy Lou, DeLong’s audience has lived through it all with her.

Nowadays, this active family stays busy with events, volunteering and “as much travel as possible.” We sat down with Erica and Ken to chat about their adventures with Easton and Ella, their travel dreams, and what it’s like to live in the spotlight.

How do you balance all that you do in life, with your careers, marriage and children?

Erica: That’s a tough one. Ken is such a hands-on dad, which makes all the difference. If I go out of town for an event, I fly home as soon as it’s over. I don’t stay for days like I used to. As much as I want to do everything, I’d wear myself out if I don’t balance. Plus, our babies are only little for a short amount of time, so quality time with them is my priority.

I’m working on saying “no” without feeling guilty. I’m such a people-pleaser, so it’s a challenge to tell someone that I can’t do something or go to an event, but I’m trying to

get better at choosing what I do more carefully. Our kids are entering the sports and activities stage, too, so our weekends will soon be made up of cheering them on with whatever they’re doing. I’m excited about that.

Ken: I think we do a good job at finding a work-life balance.

Erica: Don’t lie—we fail miserably! (Laughs.)

Ken: During the week, we work on time management, especially when it comes to Erica’s events. We always prioritize time with the kids and each other.

Erica: The kids and I are so blessed that he’s such an involved dad.

Social media is a big part of your job, Erica. Have you two discussed limits for what you share about your family life?

Erica: I’ve always loved sharing my life with listeners, because it really does feel like we know each other. Since people only hear me on the radio, social media helps fans see me instead of just hearing my voice. As of now, I’m fine with showing the kids on social, but I don’t share details like where we live or what school they go to.

‘Radio’s Sweetheart’ is an open book—and proud of it

on family, work, travel and adventure

Ken: I only have family and close friends on my social media, so it’s a little different for me.

Erica: I do think we’ll have to adjust what we do on social media as the kids grow up, but as of now, I feel comfortable sharing some of our lives. What is your favorite summer memory as a child, and do you try to recreate those memories for your children?

Erica: I grew up going to Atlantic Beach in the summers, and we love taking the kids there now. Phone service can sometimes be spotty, which is a good thing! Taking a boat over to Sand Dollar Island, or packing a lunch and spending the day at Cape Lookout and renting a side-by-side UTV makes a perfect day. That whole area is a special place for me.

Ken: I grew up in Boston, and we did a lot of camping with a travel trailer. We’d go to Maine every year and spend time at Sebago Lake. I love to travel with my own family now. We took an RV up to Sebago Lake in 2020, stopping to see my parents on the way. It was really fun to recreate that trip with my kids.

Describe your ideal day with family, without venturing far from home.

Erica: My ideal day would be to play with the kids at the Museum of Life and Science (in Durham). I went there growing up, and now it’s one of our favorite spots to take the kids. We even had Easton’s third birthday party there. We also love going to a Hurricanes game or to DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) to see a show. Our favorite restaurant is Angus Barn. Yes, even with the kids! They love the treasure box, kids’ goodies and ice cream with sprinkles. For a more casual vibe, we like MoJoe’s Burger Joint. It’s fun to sit outside in downtown Raleigh, watching people go by.

Ken: The kids are at great “park” ages, so we like to go to local parks. We like to grab lunch and head to a different park, trying new ones as much as possible. We all love riding bikes, so finding a greenway trail is fun, but even

Erica’s ideal family day is to “play with the kids at the Museum of Life and Science.“

Here, the DeLong family checks out the museum’s “hideaway woods” exhibit.

riding in the cul-de-sac is great, too. We tried Urban Air [Adventure Park] today, which has indoor skydiving and zip lining. The kids love adventure like we do, so we’re always looking for something fun and active to do.

Erica: We’re really lucky to live in the Triangle, where there are so many fun options!

What is your favorite day trip outside of the Triangle?

Erica: We love to take day trips! I love any place with water, whether it’s kayaking or hiking next to a waterfall. As long as I’m near water, I’m happy. Wherever we go, I use Roadside America, which is an app that shows random attractions on road trips. It’s fun to open the app and see what unique tourist trap we’re near, like the giant muffler man in Wilson, or the King Neptune statue in Morehead City. It adds a little extra fun to road trips.

Ken: We’re always up for an adventure, even if it’s just for the day or weekend. Where is your dream, bucket list vacation?

Erica: When Easton was little, we traveled to eight countries. I strapped him to me in a carrier and we visited as many places as possible. Ella was a NICU baby, so she was sheltered more when she was a newborn. Then, the pandemic happened, so her first few years were different in almost every way, including travel.

Now that she’s older and the world has opened up more, I really want to start traveling again. So far, Iceland has been my favorite place. Our goal is to visit every continent. I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, but we’ll wait until the kids are older for that.

Ken: My favorite trip we’ve been on is Ireland, and I’d love to go back one day. I’d also like to explore more of Europe. There are so many great places there with so much history.

Erica: He always wants to go somewhere new, whereas I want to return to some of the great places we’ve been to.

Ken: One of the places I went to as a child was in Canada, called Bay of Fundy outside Nova Scotia. It’s the most beautiful place. I’ve always told Erica about it, so she very sweetly planned a trip for us to take Easton, but she planned it for the opposite side of Bay of Fundy.

Erica: That ended up being a good kind of oops!

Ken: It’s such a big place that it was actually nice exploring the other side. What are your favorite hobbies to do without the kids?

Erica: We prioritize date nights, even if it means getting a sitter and having Ken join me for a work-related event. I even brought him to Midtown’s Diamond Awards celebration! I like bringing him along as much as possible.

Ken: We’ve done dance classes, gone horseback riding and roller skating.

Erica: We hugged the wall a lot while roller skating!

Ken: Whatever adventure we can find, we’re generally up for it.

Can you describe your parenting style in three words?

Erica: I’d probably say loving, disciplined and understanding.

Ken: Gentle, hands-on and fun.

Erica: I’m the stern parent, whereas Ken’s the teddy bear. We’re both super loving, though. Even in the middle of a hard moment, we say “bring it in for a hug.”

Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

Erica: Old as hell! (Laughs.)

Ken: In a 55 and older community. (More laughter.)

Erica: You’ll be there, not me!

Erica: In all seriousness, in 10 years, we’ll be enjoying our teenagers ... Shuffling around to activities and proms. In 20 years, we’ll hopefully be cruising around on a boat with a lake house. That’s definitely a dream.

ERICA’S INSIDE SCOOP

With 20 years in the entertainment business, Erica has met the most famous celebrities, walked the fanciest red carpets and enjoyed some posh perks along the way. We asked her to dish on her favorite moments.

Favorite celebrity you’ve interviewed: I’ve talked to so many cool people, but I really liked Steve Harvey. He is so personable and has endless words of wisdom.

Dream interview: Hands down, Oprah! I wanted to be her when I was young. I still do!

Biggest diva: I met Mariah Carey for an in‑studio interview, and she was the biggest diva! She complained about puffy eyes, so I held frozen peas on her eyes during the interview.

Favorite perk of the job: I’m thankful to have a job that happens to be so community focused. I love meeting listeners, as well as participating in charitable events. It’s important to me that I am involved in so many organizations that are meaningful to me. What are you listening to right now: I love all kinds of music, but I’m partial to ’90s rap. If I want to be in a good mood, I put on some Snoop Dogg. Right now, I’m also listening to the Bible on audio.

Favorite red carpet: I love the Country Music Awards. I think country artists are generally the most approachable and down to earth celebrities. Taking a selfie with Brad Pitt on the 2020 Academy Awards red carpet is hard to beat, though!

20 BRAIN-BOOSTING ACTIVITES

to keep your child engaged over the summer

BY JANICE LEWINE

Summer is in full swing, which means plenty of sun and fun. While these lazy days offer endless playtime for kids, they can also usher in the phenomenon known as “summer slide,” which is a regression in academic proficiency that many students experience when school is not in session. Take advantage of these stimulating activities—many of which can be done at home or locally in the Triangle—that will engage your child’s mind and turn summer’s brain drain into a brain gain!

1. Read. Reading is essential for kids to maintain their language and comprehension skills while school is out. Reading stimulates the brain, increases knowledge, reduces stress and teaches empathy. Whether it’s a picture book, novel, biography or book series, have your child read for at least 20 minutes a day. Find a good read at your local library or bookstore. (Be sure to check out our story about independent booksellers in the Triangle on page 40).

2. Take a StoryWalk. StoryWalks display laminated pages from a children’s book along a walking path. As you stroll, the story unfolds as you’re directed to the next page. StoryWalks often feature activity prompts to encourage movement and discovery. Visit the parks and recreation website for your city or town to find a StoryWalk near you.

3. Explore a local park. North Carolina boasts numerous parks and greenways for kids to explore while enjoying physical activity. Two new parks will open this summer in Apex and Raleigh that will expand young minds: Pleasant Park (apexnc.org/1163/pleasant-park), located at the intersection of I-540 and Old U.S. Highway 1 in Apex, fosters creative exploration in eight inclusive play villages and a water play facility inspired by fairy tales and folklore. North Carolina Freedom Park (ncfmp.nationbuilder.com), located at the corner of North Wilmington and East Lane

streets in downtown Raleigh, features wall inscriptions, walkways and structural elements that honor African American struggles and triumphs in pursuit of freedom and equality.

4. Stroll among the sunflowers. Sunflower fields serve as pollinator habitats for bees and other species. These large flowers make it easy to identify their integral parts and, once harvested and processed, sunflower seeds create biodiesel. Sunflowers generally peak in July in North Carolina. Raleigh boasts two large fields. One is within Dorothea Dix Park at 75 Hunt Drive (dixpark.org/sunflowers) and another is on the property of the North Carolina Museum of Art at 2110 Blue Ridge Road (ncartmuseum.org/series/city-of-sunflowers). Admission to both fields is free.

5. Go on a scavenger hunt. Whether it takes place indoors or outdoors, a scavenger hunt fosters problemsolving in a tangible way. Kids hone their concentration, attention and reasoning skills, and increase their identification abilities by finding items on a list. Plan your own scavenger hunt or take part in a professionally organized one, such as those offered by Triangle Treasure Hunt (triangletreasurehunt.com) or Wacky Walks (wackywalks.com/locations/raleigh-nc).

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE RALEIGH ASTRONOMY CLUB OFFERS STARGAZING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE WILLARD ROOFTOP LOUNGE IN RALEIGH; PHOTO BY RICHARD BARLOW. ABOVE: SUNFLOWERS AT DOROTHEA DIX PARK; PHOTO BY JANICE LEWINE; CAMERON KINARD PLAYS CHECKERS IN APEX; PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY; GIRL ON A SCAVENGER HUNT; PHOTO BY NINELUTSK - STOCK.ADOBE.COM.

6. Discover a geocache. Take your child’s thrill of the hunt a step farther by geocaching. In this outdoor adventure participants use apps, such as Geocaching or Cachly, to locate cleverly hidden containers that contain small treasures such as keychains and small toys, and a logbook they can sign. Geocaching teaches kids how to navigate their surroundings, use technology to crack clues, work with others to find a cache and practice etiquette (if you take something from a cache, leave something of equal or greater value.)

7. Go birding. North Carolina is home to more than 475 wild bird species including songbirds, hawks, herons, owls and more. Watching birds as they forage for food, preen themselves and utter their distinctive sounds connects kids with nature and expands their identification skills. Learn to identify bird species using a field guide or app, and create a simple bird feeder using a pine cone covered in peanut butter and birdseed to attract them to your yard.

8. Stargaze. Observe stars, planets and constellations to increase your child’s knowledge of the night sky. Three of the season’s most prominent constellations in the Northern Hemisphere are Hercules, Cygnus and Lyra. Certain planets, depending on their orbit, are often visible with the naked eye. Three supermoons make their appearance July 3, August 1 and August 30. Even counting the twinkling stars is educational. Free celestial charts are available online.

9. Dig for treasure.

9. Dig for treasure. Mining is a fun way for kids to uncover gems, minerals, fossils and shells of the earth. Identifying these geologic finds is an enlightening experience. Find treasure at Treasure Quest Mining (treasurequestmining.com) in Apex, Spring Haven Farm (springhaven.farm) in Chapel Hill, Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning (bluediamondgemz.com) in Cary and Xtreme Park Adventures (xtremeparkadventures.com) in Durham. Head west toward Charlotte to pan for gold at Reed Gold Mine, a former working mine in Midland (historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed-gold-mine) open for tours Tuesday–Saturday. Keep heading west toward Gem Mountain in Spruce Pine (gemmountain.com), which offers flume mining and mining trips to two secluded mines.

10. Take an educational road trip. Museums, heritage sites and nature centers throughout North Carolina feature educational displays, historical interpretations, interactive exhibits and hands-on activities to discover the state’s history, art and natural environment. Learn more by visiting the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources website (ncdcr.gov/experiences/ museums-north-carolina) and the North Carolina Science Trail website(ncsciencetrail.org). Also, The North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of Art have joined forces to offer a summer passport program. Take a trip to one of the museums through August 31 to get your passport stamped while exploring family-friendly activities.

11. Play a classic board game. Nostalgic games like Checkers, Pictionary, Scrabble, Boggle, Scattergories, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Rummikub and Clue remain effective learning tools for children, who can hone their memory, reasoning and communication skills while having fun. Physical games like Charades and Twister can enhance gross motor, color recognition, observation and problem-solving skills.

12. Unleash your inner artist. Draw, sketch or paint. Experiment with colors and textures. Spark creativity using everyday objects like fabric, rocks, popsicle sticks and paper plates—and turn them into beautiful works of art.

13. Create a scrapbook or journal. Encourage kids to preserve their memories of special occasions, vacations and family members in a scrapbook, or express their feelings in a journal. These personalized books help nourish creativity and boost memory, organizational and writing skills. These keepsakes will be even more precious as the years go by.

14. Make a graphic novel, comic strip or storyboard. Kids can develop their artistic, writing and technology skills by creating a digital graphic novel, comic book or storyboard. StoryboardThat (storyboardthat.com) is a drag-and-drop creation platform for comic strips and storyboards. Smilebox’s Comic Strip Maker (smilebox.com/maker/comic-maker) enables kids to upload their own photos to create a comic strip they can print and share online. Pixton (pixton.com) is an interactive platform for creating comic book storyboards using avatars, backgrounds, text and themes.

PHOTO BY BRDSTOCK.ADOBE.COM

15. Grow a sensory garden. Tending to a small garden activates children’s senses, increases their planning and organizational skills, and develops their self-confidence as they care for living things. Choose colorful flowers like begonias, marigolds and zinnias; aromatic herbs like mint, basil and lemon verbena; and fuzzy plants, like chenille and lamb’s ear. Paint smooth stones to add more color and texture in the garden.

16. Discover the joy of cooking. Cooking is a life skill that builds reading, math, science and fine motor skills in kids, and increases their knowledge about nutrition and food safety. With adult supervision, young children can measure and mix ingredients, wash fruits and vegetables, crack an egg and learn to follow a recipe. Depending on their maturity level, older children can chop vegetables, juice fruits, boil items on a stove and bake foods in an oven.

17. Be an international pen pal. Practice letter-writing and language skills with a newfound friend across the globe. The joys of learning about another culture while sharing details about one’s own can be a rewarding experience. Find a pen pal through a trusted website, such as kidsforpeaceglobal.org/peacefulpenpals, epals.com or globalpenfriends.com.

18. Build financial literacy. Talk with your child about earning, saving and spending money. Teach your child how to count coins and bills, and consider age-appropriate chores they can do to earn money. Take your child shopping so he or she understands the cost of items and how money pays for them. Open a kid-friendly bank account and let your child deposit and withdraw money from it. Older children can learn about budgeting and how to divide their money among wants and needs; the advantages and disadvantages of debit and credit cards; and how mobile payment services such as Venmo, PayPal and Apple Pay work.

19. Keep skills sharp. Review notes and worksheets from the past school year, or practice reading and math on free websites like Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) or Math Playground (mathplayground.com).

20. Attend a summer camp or class. Kids gain independence, confidence and a lifetime of memories as they connect with others and learn new things at camp. If a particular subject area interests your child, check out the parks and recreation websites in your city or town that focus on visual arts, performing arts, music, sports and outdoor activities being offered at local community centers and cultural arts centers.

TIPS FOR ENCOURAGING READING

Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill Director of Institutional Equity Shaun Satterfield, who is also a former elementary school teacher, offers these suggestions to encourage reading. “Have your child read aloud, but audiobooks are reading, too! The key is to let them listen to something that is interesting to them. Have your child limit their screen time and listen to a book while they’re cleaning their room or packing for a trip. Some reluctant readers may enjoy nonfiction, especially on topics that pique their interest. Have them read the instructions and build that bookcase you've been meaning to put together. The trick is to be creative, like hiding the broccoli under a creamy layer of cheese!” she says.

PHOTO BY PIXEL-SHOTSTOCK.ADOBE.COM

Love Stories

BY DOLLY R. SICKLES

PHOTOS BY PEYTON SICKLES (unless otherwise noted)

Dolly Sickles writes romance novels under the pen name of Becky Moore

Iwas 35 when my first romance novel was published by a now-shuttered small e-book publisher in Canada. Close friends congratulated me with a healthy dose of sarcasm and sprinkling of side-eye. For one thing, romance. For another, e-books were new, and the small Canadian publisher was as believable as me telling them I’d had cocktails with the Sasquatch family across the street. But I took it in good stride because I was once like them: I sneered at the romance my mom read in the ’80s.

When I was a kid, Mom took me to the library every other Saturday. While I grabbed two or three forgettable books, she filled her canvas bag with a dozen or more romances. I didn’t get it.

Then I went to college and majored in English, and read my body weight (and yours) in “scholarly” literature that makes my eyeballs melt now if I pull one off the shelf. Yet she continued to read voraciously, and I didn’t get it.

I don’t think I read any books, really, for a good five years after graduation. I was working and starting a family, and I was over my college literary approach. So, I still didn’t get it.

And then the “Carolina Crusher” hit the Triangle in January 2000. I was stranded in the house with my husband, a one-year-old and 24 inches of snow. We were a week away from my mom’s birthday and I had three new romances wrapped up on the sideboard, ready for her party. I was desperate for something to do. So, after my long book hiatus, I unwrapped those books and read them all in two days.

And then, I got it.

I read for the sheer joy of reading. People with harrowing journeys and family tragedies, and hopes and fears like my own, had found happiness. It was cathartic.

The Genre

Romance is genre fiction that consists of multiple subgenres. There’s contemporary and romantic suspense (my two favorites to read and write), along with historical, paranormal, romance with spiritual elements, young adult and erotic. Romance readers are legendary in their pursuit of happiness and connecting with romance authors. They’re educated, well-read, white, Black, Hispanic, Asian American, straight, male, female, bisexual, pansexual, gay, lesbian and nonbinary.

Despite its large piece of the publishing pie—including its multimedia dominance in spring 2022 with “The Lost City” at the box office and “Bridgerton” on Netflix—romance as a literary industry continues to be overlooked. Entertainment Weekly posed an interesting observation: “One typical answer to this conundrum is sexism: Female-focused content is institutionally belittled and dismissed.” It’s a short-sighted assumption, because while most readers identify as female, it doesn’t take into consideration the fact modern romance readers and writers are no longer only represented by cishet women.

Romance Writers of America tells us the romance genre makes up 23% of the overall fiction market, and its readership is 82% female. In a December 2019 Glamour magazine article, novelist and Washington Post columnist Sarah MacLean is quoted as saying, “Whatever is going on in the world, and whatever is happening to women or marginalized people, is happening in the pages of romance novels, but with the promise that everything will be okay. That no matter how bad it gets, happily ever after will come.”

If you’re reading this essay, you are probably a romance reader. If you’re not, you can be! Every individual I listed

(and also those I didn’t) is represented in the industry as an author. Could the romance industry, and publishing in general, be more inclusive? Yes! Should you read or write romance in the meantime? Yes! But don’t just take my word for it.

The Authors

I reached out to five romance authors who live in the Raleigh/Cary/Pittsboro area to ask them why they write in this genre. My first conversation was with historical author Sabrina Jeffries. I met her 15 years ago when I was just getting started in the industry. A friend of my mom’s who knew I wanted to learn more about romance writing told me Sabrina’s family had lived on our street during the ’70s and ’80s.

“I love the warm familiarity of romance and the way it depicts intimacy in both an understated and graphical way; and the fact that it celebrates love of more than one kind—family, friends and romantic interests.”

— Sabrina Jeffries

Pictured above right, with fellow author Dolly Sickles.

Sabrina answered: “I love the warm familiarity of romance and the way it depicts intimacy in both an understated and graphical way; and the fact that it celebrates love of more than one kind— family, friends and romantic interests.”

Contemporary author Reese Ryan has been married for 34 years and admits that relationships are hard. “They’re imperfect, and sometimes messy,” she says. “But when you find someone who is both worth it and willing to do the work, it’s a beautiful thing. So I enjoy crafting stories about flawed characters who navigate finding love while dealing with family drama, career crises and coming to terms with their own messy pasts.”

“I write romance because I believe in love as the most powerful, transformative

force there is,” says contemporary author Kianna Alexander. “I write it because Black women are often told, implicitly or explicitly, that they aren't worthy of love. I write it to spite those who say I can’t. Romance is more than just ‘kissing books,’ but even if it weren’t, it would still be just as valid and I’d still happily pen my smooching tomes.”

Spicy contemporary author Sawyer Bennett transitioned to her life as an author from a busy career as a trial lawyer. She counts among her reasons for writing romance the fact that it’s a great unifier of women. “I also love coming up with a story that involves people having significant growth journeys to reach their happy ending,” she says.

For me, romance on the page and in real life means I look for the happy, hopeful possibilities. A happy, optimistic ending in the story is one of the genre’s two elements—along with a central love story. But I also apply that optimism to life in general. I think it’s a choice, to be happy and hopeful. And it’s pretty universal in our industry.

For Kerry Adrienne, who writes paranormal and LGBTQIA+ romance, “Romance is a quiet thoughtfulness,” she says. “It’s about paying attention to the small things, and an extra effort to make your partner smile, feel safe and laugh.”

Contemporary romance novelist Samantha Chase believes “romance is all about a feeling—feeling loved or making someone feel loved.”

The Research

I published four more contemporary romances with small publishers before an accident and traumatic brain injury sidelined me in 2012. In many ways, I’m back to square one, but the writing and researching experiences I’ve shared with other authors are universal.

For example, while conducting research for a Christmas novella, Sabrina got brave with a burning bowl of brandy for the Regency era-game, Snapdragon. “I wanted to use it in the story,” she says, laughing. “You put raisins in a bowl of

brandy, light it on fire, and then see who can eat the most alight raisins by plucking them out of the bowl and into their mouths! To my surprise, the fire wasn’t that hot, so it wasn’t as hard as I thought. Still, maneuvering a burning bowl of brandy with raisins was not how I thought I’d be spending my Saturday.”

We romance authors are often questioned, enthusiastically, if our research is firsthand. This can result in hysterical conversations. My husband strutted around for weeks after my latest romantic suspense novel was published in 2021, because some of our new friends were certain he was the inspiration for my hero. Reese says only “dudes” ask her if her stories are written from firsthand experiences. “It’s a question they would never ask a horror writer or mystery writer.”

I laughed when Samantha described her situation so similarly to mine, because the questions always sway toward our husbands, and whether they’re the inspiration for the hero’s, uh, prowess. “My husband has asked that I never put him in a book, and we’ve had to make that point abundantly clear to his family because some of them do read my books. He wants them to know that none of the sexy stuff is based on him.”

The Reviews

Dabney Grinnan of Chapel Hill is publisher of All About Romance, a review site at allaboutromance.com (originally created in 1996 by Laurie Gold). Since All About Romance’s creation, over 16,000 reviews have been written by countless reviewers. (I’m one of them.) Today, the site receives over 50,000 visits per month. “It is clear to me that if I lived in New York, the heart of publishing, I and AAR would be able to have closer relationships with publishers—but I’m not sure that would be a good thing,” Dabney says. “There is something uncompromised about choosing, reading and reviewing books because they sound excellent rather than because a marketing team has pitched them to you.”

The Reward

Any number of powerhouse romance authors, representing a wide range of genres, are dynamos and live right here in the Triangle. Sabrina writes historical romances and is a New York Times bestselling author of more than

“My husband has asked that I never put him in a book, and we’ve had to make that point abundantly clear to his family because some of them do read my books. He wants them to know that none of the sexy stuff is based on him.”

— Samantha Chase

50 books. Reese hosts “The Story Behind the Story,” a YouTube show during which fellow authors join her for interactive discussions with readers based on a variety of topics—from writing love scenes, to the need for more books with older characters, and writing historical fiction based on historical figures.

Samantha is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of 95 books. “The Christmas Cottage” is now a Hallmark movie. Sawyer is a USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her 100th book was published at the end of February. Kianna is an author and national speaker with over 40 titles across romance, women’s fiction and historical genres. Kerry is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon No. 1 bestseller in gay romance and gay fiction, and counts among her honors a Rainbow Award Honorable Mention and EPIC Awards e-book finalist.

The Dream

I left full-time work a dozen years ago because, at the time—and before my traumatic brain injury—I had three romances and one children’s book published. I taught creative writing classes at Wake Technical Community College. I was a freelance journalist and a book reviewer. I still do all those things, and I still tell stories for a living, and I still love what I do. But as

Samantha sums it up, “writing is hard.”

Today’s authors are small business owners and experts in the industry. All six of us are hybrid authors, meaning we’re traditionally and self-published. Some of us self-published from the get-go. Some of us self-publish books that roll off contracts once the rights revert to us. Some of us are with big publishers. Some of us are with small “indie” publishers. Some of us publish in hardback. All of us publish in paperback and digitally; and all of us are experts in marketing, merchandising, editing and touring. We pay our taxes and must think about survivor rights for our works after we’re gone.

“Being an author was always my dream, but I had no idea [about] all the work that goes with it, whether you’re traditionally published or independent,” Samantha says.

“So, when people hear what you do and say things like ‘Oh, maybe I should write a book,’ it leads me to believe they think this is easy. It’s rewarding and can definitely be fun, but trust me, it’s exhausting—both mentally and physically. Still, I wouldn’t trade this career for anything. I know I’m blessed to have this success, and I’m thankful for it every day.”

NEW RELEASES

Check out the latest romance novels by the authors featured in this essay.

“Fae” by Kerry Adrienne, kerryadrienne.com

“Can’t Let Her Go” by Kianna Alexander, kiannaalexanderwrites.com

“Cannon” by Sawyer Bennett, sawyerbennett.com

“Tempt Me” by Samantha Chase, chasing-romance.com

“What Happens in the Ballroom” by Sabrina Jeffries, sabrinajeffries.com

“Mine By Design” by Becky Moore, beckymoore.net

“Return to Hummingbird Way” by Reese Ryan, reeseryan.com

WHAT ARE ROMANCE AUTHORS READING?

The authors featured in this essay are currently reading these books:

“Wellington’s Spies” by Mary McGrigor

“The Family You Make” by Jill Shalvis

“To Catch a Raven” by Beverly Jenkins

“Single and Ready to Jingle” by Piper Rayne

“The House at the End of the World” by Dean Koontz

“Oscar Wilde: A Life” by Matthew Sturgis

“Lady in Waiting” by Anne Glenconner

“What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia” by Elizabeth Catte

“Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano

“Reverb” by Julie Kriss

“Cruel Seduction” by Katee Robert

PHOTO COURTESY OF REESE RYAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAWYER BENNETT

“I love coming up with a story that involves people having significant growth journeys to reach their happy ending.”

— Sawyer Bennett

Reese Ryan says only “dudes” ask her if her stories are written from firsthand experiences.

“It’s a question they would never ask a horror writer or mystery writer.”

A SPORT OF THEIR OWN

Morrisville boasts a thriving cricket community for kids and pros

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Babar Baig is accustomed to being asked how his favorite sport is played. The easiest way to start is with a quick overview, so he explains that cricket is a ball-and-bat sport. “Our bats, they’re flat,” Baig says. “And the concept is to score as many runs as you can in your inning, pretty close to what baseball does.”

In the Triangle, cricket is wildly popular in Morrisville. The town is a hub for cricket—a sport with worldwide reach, particularly in India. “The population of Morrisville is predominantly South Asians,” says Baig, a past president of the Triangle Cricket League. “The town has been very open about this idea of supporting cricket. They have gone to great lengths to help us as much as they can. The community comes together to make sure cricket happens here.”

For Americans, the baseball comparison is a good place to start. Cricket is played between two teams of 11. The batter tries to hit a throw from a “bowler” in an attempt to score runs. There are a variety of ways to get a batter out, but the most common is when a batter misses the ball and “bails” are knocked off “stumps.”

Triangle Cricket League has more than 3,000 participants, most of whom are from India. Rec league teams begin at age 8, with adult leagues that cater to players all the way into their 50s. “The second generation of people who are here, they’re putting their kids into the sport as well,” Baig says. “There are a few who are coming here [to Morrisville] because there’s a lot of competition in India. The sport is growing, so it’s easy to get into the system here.”

CRICKET ARRIVES

Cricket began to take hold in Morrisville in the late 1990s when a group of adults formed an alliance with several cities in the mid-Atlantic region. In 2007, local rec leagues began to form. A decade later, the town of Morrisville couldn’t find enough fields for all the teams.

“We were renting fields to Triangle Cricket League already, and we needed a larger field [that could accommodate] truly competitive-level cricket,” says Jerry Allen, the town’s community services supervisor. “The fields they were renting from us weren’t regulation size. We had the first regulation-size public cricket field in the region when we opened Church Street Park in 2016.”

With the opening of Church Street Park, Morrisville drew increased attention. Minor League Cricket, a professional developmental league, formed in 2021 with the Morrisville Raptors among its 27 teams. The venue was chosen to host the league finals for the first two years, and will again play host in 2023.

But for all the added attention brought by the Raptors, most of the focus remains on the Triangle Cricket League. The preteen age groups are for skill development, but like young athletes in traditional American sports, cricket players can advance to travel

OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTO BY BRIAN JACKSON - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

THIS PAGE: PHOTOS OF THE MORRISVILLE RAPTORS BY ROB MIRACLE

teams from U11 to U19. The program even attracts players from other states that don’t have access to competitive programs. Geetika Kodali and her family moved from California to Cary for a better training environment in the league. Now she is the captain of the women’s U19 national team.

“Especially in the youth part, we have a lot of talented kids who go through daily training,” says Baig, who is now part of the Raptors’ management. “But we also travel around the world. Each age group will have two or three teams. We travel everywhere you can play tournaments.”

The sport has come a long way in Morrisville since the early days, when cricketers had just one place to play—the too-small field at Shiloh Park. “They do occasionally lose a few balls in the trees,” Allen says with a chuckle. “For us, it’s a way of recognizing the recreational interests of so many in our community and providing opportunities for them to enjoy a sport that they enjoyed growing up.”

Not only is Church Street Park regulation size—it also has bleachers and plenty of room for spectators to bring their own lawn chairs. In 2018, an international game between the United States and Canada drew more than 2,500. The town plans to expand seating capacity and add LED-lighted practice fields. After more than 25 years in Morrisville, cricket has put down roots in a community that might help spur more growth on the American sports landscape.

“That’s the vision, basically: to grow cricket in a way that it’s recognizable everywhere,” Baig says. “There are programs that are going to start introducing cricket in schools. It’s an uphill battle, but absolutely I’m very hopeful that in the next five years or so we will get there.”

RAPTORS ATTRACT THE BEST OF THE SPORT

The Raptors compete at a level that is near the pinnacle of professional cricket. Minor League Cricket includes professional franchises across the country. The Raptors play in a five-team division with the Atlanta Fire, Atlanta Lightning, Fort Lauderdale Lions and the Orlando Galaxy. In 2022, the Raptors finished 9–4–1 and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Minor League Cricket is the second-highest level of play in the U.S.; one rung under Major League Cricket, a six-team league that is playing its inaugural season in the summer of 2023. The minor league season runs June–September, with games played on weekends. Players can earn $5,000–$10,000 per season.

Two of the Raptors players, captain Dane Piedt and Jacobus Pienaar, moved from South Africa to play for Morrisville. Lahiru Milantha moved from Sri Lanka to join the team. Follow the Raptors on Instagram at instagram.com/morrisvilleraptors

PHOTOS OF THE MORRISVILLE RAPTORS BY ROB MIRACLE

Welcome to the Triangle!

We’re so happy you are here. As you settle into your new home, refer to this list of important websites to help you explore the area and all it has to offer.

Wake County wake.gov

Wake County Cities + Towns

City of Raleigh: raleighnc.gov

Town of Apex: apexnc.org

Town of Cary: carync.gov

Town of Clayton: townofclaytonnc.org

Town of Fuquay-Varina: fuquay-varina.org

Town of Garner: garnernc.gov

Town of Holly Springs: hollyspringsnc.org

Town of Knightdale: knightdalenc.gov

Town of Morrisville: townofmorrisville.org

Town of Wake Forest: wakeforestnc.gov

Town of Wendell: townofwendell.com

Town of Zebulon: townofzebulon.org

Wake County Public School System wcpss.net

Private Schools

North Carolina Department of Administration’s directory of nonpublic schools: ncadmin.nc.gov/divisions/non-public-education/private-schools/school-directory

YMCA of the Triangle ymcatriangle.org

Restaurants 5westmag.com/dine-draft + midtownmag.com/dine-draft

Hiking Trails

American Tobacco Trail: wake.gov/departments-government/ parks-recreation-open-space/all-parks-trails/american-tobacco-trail

Bolin Creek Trail: townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/ parks-and-recreation/greenways/bolin-creek-trail

Eno River State Park: ncparks.gov/state-parks/eno-river-state-park

Harris Lake County Park: wake.gov/departments-government/ parks-recreation-open-space/all-parks-trails/harris-lake-county-park

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve: carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/ parks-greenways-environment/parks/stevens-nature-center-athemlock-bluffs-nature-preserve/trails-at-hemlock-bluffs

Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail: visithillsboroughnc.com/ things-to-do/historic-occoneechee-speedway-trail/

Horton Grove Nature Preserve: triangleland.org/explore/ nature-preserves/horton-grove-nature-preserve

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area: ncparks.gov/state-parks/ jordan-lake-state-recreation-area

Little River Regional Park & Natural Area: orangecountync.gov/ facilities/facility/details/little-river-regional-park-natural-area-7

Neuse River Greenway Trail: raleighnc.gov/parks/places/ neuse-river-greenway-trail

North Carolina Museum of Art Park: ncartmuseum.org/visit/museum-park

William B. Umstead State Park: ncparks.gov/state-parks/ william-b-umstead-state-park

Fairs + Festivals

5westmag.com/north-carolina-festivals

Museums

CAM Raleigh: camraleigh.org

COR Museum: cityofraleighmuseum.org

Kidzu Children’s Museum: kidzuchildrensmuseum.org

Marbles Kids Museum: marbleskidsmuseum.org

Museum of Life and Science: lifeandscience.org

Nasher Museum of Art: nasher.duke.edu

North Carolina Museum of Art: ncartmuseum.org

North Carolina Museum of History: ncmuseumofhistory.org

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: naturalsciences.org

North Carolina Railway Museum/New Hope Valley Railway: triangletrain.com

Malls + Shopping Centers

Crabtree Valley Mall: shopcrabtree.com

Fenton: fentonnc.com

North Hills: visitnorthhills.com

The Streets at Southpoint: streetsatsouthpoint.com

Village District: shopvillagedistrict.com

Movie Theaters

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh: drafthouse.com

Cinemark Raleigh Grande: cinemark.com

CMX CinéBistro at Waverly Place: cmxcinemas.com

Marbles IMAX: marbleskidsmuseum.org/imax

Marquee Cinemas (various locations): marqueecinemas.com

Paragon Theaters (Fenton and Parkside): paragontheaters.com

Regal (various locations): regalmovies.com

Rialto Theatre: Soon to reopen under new ownership

Pet Rescues

Wake County Animal Center: wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services

SPCA of Wake County: spcawake.org

Saving Grace Animals for Adoption: savinggracenc.org

Safe Haven for Cats: safehavenforcats.org

5 West + Midtown Diamond Award Winners

5westmag.com/2023-diamond-awards

midtownmag.com/2023-diamond-awards

Thank You Partners

Thanks to the following advertisers for supporting our Newcomers Guide

7 Voyageurs Travel Agency: 7voyageurstravel.com

Bald Head Island Services: baldheadislandservices.com

Bebe Ellis Salon: bebeellissalon.com

Blake Interiors: blakeinteriors.co

Mary Carreno, Coldwell Banker HPW: marycarreno.hpw.com

Mr. Handyman: mrhandyman.com

Theresa Lunt Real Estate Group, Exp Realty: theresalunt.exprealty.com

Luxury Home Marketing Group: luxuryhomemarketinggroup.com

Pupsi: pupsiinc.com

Southern Accent Shutters and Blinds: southernaccentshutters.com

Congratulations ... "Best Salon West Cary" four years running!

"We are so proud of our team! They are the Best of the Best!" Owner, Barbara, beams with pride

Bebe Ellis is an AVEDA salon with media recognition for its expert color services and precision cutting techniques.

COLOR SERVICES

Balayage ⅼ Foilyage ⅼ Ombre ⅼ Highlights ⅼ Lowlights ⅼ Glazes

Retouches and Dimensional Color Transformations ⅼ Precision Cutting Services Including Layers (long and short) ⅼ Bobs ⅼ Under Cuts ⅼ Pixies Specialty Razor Cuts ⅼ Curly Cuts

NEED TO DEFRIZZ?

Try Bebe Ellis' Renewal Keratin Treatment for total frizz control. It delivers long-lasting nourishment and protection, reduces excess volume and improves hair texture. This amazing service reduces blow dry, ironing and overall finish time by 50%.

Bebe Ellis Salon's reservation team will help you choose the best artist for all of your hair care needs. CALL TODAY! Check out their work on Instagram, Facebook and Google.

LUXURY HOME MARKET REAL ESTATE LEADERS

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 19 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

FRONT ROW (left to right) : MARGARET STRUBLE , Compass | SHERI HAGERTY , Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty

LINDA TREVOR , Compass LESLIE YOUNG , Coldwell Banker HPW/Global Luxury | SHAWN BRITT , Realty World ® Triangle Living

BACK ROW (left to right) : JILL REKUC , Olde Raleigh Real Estate | KATHY BEACHAM , Coldwell Banker HPW/Global Luxury | DEBBIE VAN HORN , Compass | MOLLIE OWEN , Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty | KIMBERLY CONROY , Coldwell Banker HPW/Global Luxury ANN MATTESON , Berkshire Hathaway Home Services York Simpson Underwood

Bald Head Island is a golf cart only island located at the tip of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean.

It is the southernmost point in North Carolina. Enjoy a 20-minute ferry ride and arrive at this unique 13-mile island consisting of untouched beaches, marsh and maritime forest preserves.

BALD HEAD ISLAND SERVICES

Rentals, Sales + Property Management

Bald Head Island Services is about making a house a home.

Whether you are coming to the island for vacation, or you're an owner who wants to rent your property, we are here for you every step of the way. And if you're thinking about purchasing a Bald Head Island home, we can provide exceptional experience and expertise with that, as well.

Customer service is the heartbeat of our company, and we strive to build every business transaction into a lifelong relationship. Because we live and work here, we understand how to make your Bald Head Island experience the very best it can be. Now, how can we help you?

Meet Blake Interiors, the go-to spot for all things home furniture, accent decor and personalized design. Founded by Travis and Kelsey Thomas, we’re all about connecting with you to bring your unique style to life. Whether you’re looking for furniture to take home today or a custom design, we’ve got you covered. Let’s connect, create, and make your home truly yours at Blake Interiors, where exceptional service and timeless elegance meet.

919.473.6341

Theresa serves clients throughout Cary and the surrounding Triangle area. Having been featured in area prominent publications Top Agent Magazine and Triangle Real Producers, she is an expert on the local market, and leverages her background in the financial sphere with acute knowledge of her region.

Theresa has earned a fantastic reputation throughout the Triangle area, with the majority of her volume coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Voted Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor, she remains focused on the elite standards of integrity that have set her apart.

“I’m constantly guiding my clients through the transaction,” she says. “After all, communication is the cornerstone of every successful relationship, and for that reason, I’m always available for my clients —no matter what.”

dogs first since 1993”

dogs first since 1993”

DOCK TO DISH

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

North Carolina’s rich history of agriculture harvests more than just vegetables and tobacco. From the mountains to the Piedmont—and up and down the coast—aquaculture is forging its way to the top of the Tar Heel State’s list of best industry contenders.

Aquaculture—the process of growing and farming fish and aquatic plants—creates sustainable seafood in fresh or salt water, both in indoor and outdoor settings. North Carolina’s plentiful natural water resources make it possible for the aquatic farming industry to boom across the state.

Our main source of sustainable seafood farming comes from trout in the west, catfish in the central regions and oysters along the coast. According to North Carolina State University’s NC State Extension, which has an aquaculture division, the flourishing industry produced $56.5 billion in state revenue during 2019. With numbers like that, North Carolina is considered a big fish in the sustainable farming industry.

We visited two Crystal Coast aquaculture farms to see firsthand how it all works. Hint: It was shuck-ingly interesting!

OYSTERS CAROLINA

While oysters were once plentiful along the North Carolina coast, overharvesting them became problematic due to unsustainable practices that depleted oyster beds. Until the 1880s, small oyster gardens were manned by local fishermen.

By the end of the decade oysters were being harvested at an unprecedented rate, as large out-of-state dredgers sailed along our coastline, kicking off the “Oyster War” between North Carolina and Maryland. Today, local oyster farmers report that numbers have still not returned to what they were at the peak of the late 19th century—but with an uptick of interest in sustainable farming, they hope this will soon change.

Enter Oysters Carolina. Durham native Ryan Bethea heard the ocean calling in 2011. Bethea says he was immediately drawn to the world of oyster farming when he read a story in a local magazine about how the North Carolina coast is prime real estate for oysters, yet we have so few oyster farmers. “I love my home state, and I’ve always loved the water. Plus, oysters are delicious!” says the Oysters Carolina founder and owner. “I combined all three and dove right into the oyster world, learning as much as I could.”

Keeping oysters alive can be tricky, since factors such as weather and natural disasters fall outside of Bethea’s control—not to mention the intricate scientific details that affect the life and viability of an oyster. “Oysters are part of a delicate ecosystem,” he says. “They’re a keystone species, meaning that if they weren’t here, everything around it—the seagrass, the other sea life—would all be affected,” he explains.

Bethea leases water off the coast of Harkers Island, which is considered one of the saltiest waterways in the country. The salinity of the water there creates a naturally saltier oyster. Bethea takes pride in ensuring that all his oysters are harvested and delivered within 24 hours. “There is a big difference in the taste of an oyster that is fresh, versus one that has been out of the water for several days,” he says. Try out Bethea’s “fresh is best” theory yourself! All oysters served at Herons in Cary are delivered within 24 hours from Oysters Carolina. Learn more at oysterscarolina.com.

MARSHALLBERG FARM

According to a February 2020 report from Business Insider, China supplies one-third of the world’s caviar. Since Chinese caviar farms are significantly less regulated than U.S. caviar farms, much of this imported seafood is created in conditions lacking environmental, chemical and hormonal regulations. Marshallberg Farm set out to change this by

How aquaculture along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is making fresh seafood more attainable—and tastier—than ever

CLOCK WISE FROM TOP: Oysters Carolina owner Ryan Bethea explains the oyster harvesting process. Oysters pair well with spicy condiments such as hot sauce and cocktail sauce. To produce caviar, Marshallberg Farm must raise Osetra, a critically endangered Russian sturgeon.

sustainably producing Osetra caviar in indoor facilities located in the western town of Lenoir, and just outside of Harkers Island in Marshallberg.

Marshallberg Farm is the only farm in the country that utilizes the state-ofthe-art recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology. Ranked a “Best Choice” for sustainability by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, RAS works much like that of an aquarium and is the newest way to raise fish without negatively impacting the environment. “Our mission is to support sustainable aquaculture in America,” says owner Lianne Won-Reburn.

To produce caviar, Marshallberg Farm must raise Osetra, a critically endangered Russian sturgeon found in the Caspian Sea. By using RAS, Marshallberg Farm can recycle more than 95% of its water, as well as responsibly dispose of waste, instead of releasing it into the environment.

“By using a recirculating system, we are not at the mercy of outside pollutants and maintain full control of our water quality,” Won-Reburn says. “This system is more like a water treatment plant than a fish farm. We filter about 1 million gallons a day, giving us the highest filtration possible for our fish.”

In addition to serving as the primary source of caviar, sustainable aquaculture of sturgeon is considered the most important component of wild sturgeon conservation. Marshallberg Farm “walks the walk” by supporting other organizations committed to sustainable aquaculture. North Carolina State University’s Marine Aquaculture Research Center, for example, was founded in 2009 in part from a generous Marshallberg Farm donation.

Learn more about Marshallberg Farm and where to buy its caviar and other products at marshallbergfarm.com.

MEL’S MEALS

5 West Social Media Manager Melissa Wistehuff spent a week being wined and dined along the Crystal Coast. Here are her top picks for eateries to check out the next time your family visits the region. 1 2 3

BREAKFAST

The Village Market, Emerald Isle thevillagemarketofei.com

Try: Country-style ham, egg and cheese on a croissant.

Do: Shop for local artisan crafts while waiting for your food.

The Banks Grill, Morehead City facebook.com/thebanksgrill

Try: Biscuit and gravy.

Do: Share a “soon-to-be-famous” jumbo cinnamon roll.

LUNCH

Black Sheep, Beaufort blacksheepbeaufort.com

Try: Any of the brick oven pizzas.

Do: Catch the nearby Island Express Ferry from Beaufort to Shackleford Banks.

Surf’s Up Grill & Bar, Emerald Isle (photo 1) surfsupemeraldisle.com

Try: Cocktails—both shrimp and on the rocks.

Do: Walk out on the neighboring Bogue Inlet Pier.

DINNER

Moonrakers, Beaufort (photo 2) moonrakersbeaufort.com

Try: Baked shrimp with a cup of clam chowder.

Do: Sit on the rooftop and take in the view of Carrot Island.

Prime Bistro, Morehead City (photo 3) eatprimebistro.com

Try: The seafood tower.

Do: Leave the kids with a sitter and make this a date night.

LOOK UP!

Stargazing in the Triangle

BY MARIO BOUCHER | PHOTOS BY BRUCE D e BOER (unless otherwise noted)

Stargazing offers us an opportunity to look up at the marvels of stars and planets. Jonathan Pishney, head of communications at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Nature Research Center in Raleigh, reminds us that astronaut training isn’t necessary to appreciate what makes space so cool. “I fell in love with astronomy in grade school, when one of my teachers would gather students on the playground at night and let us look through a couple of telescopes,” he says. “I was so amazed at how many more stars were in the sky that you couldn’t really see with the naked eye. A telescope showed so much more.”

Those early educational experiences paved the way for Pishney’s lifelong love of space. “From there, I started learning— way before the internet was a thing—about constellations and the different star names,

as well as the moon and planets,” he says. “It was fun to share that knowledge with my daughter as she was growing up.”

Nick Eakes, a science education specialist at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill—and native of the town—attended UNC–Chapel Hill and has been involved with the planetarium for 16 years, thanks to working there as a high school volunteer. Since 2015, Eakes has coordinated both the Mobile Planetarium and Skywatching programs, which have given him the opportunity to travel to all 100 North Carolina counties in order to bring stargazing to students who may not be able to make the trip to Chapel Hill.

“Gazing up at the night sky sparks the curiosity of most people who try it. The cosmos can make us feel so small, but working to understand these distant objects brings everything a bit closer to home,”

he says. “Understanding the way things work beyond our Earth helps to inform how we approach physics, chemistry, biology and much more here on our planet. People across the world have used the sky to explain their own cultural stories and the happenings of their daily lives throughout human history.”

THE GREAT UNIFIER

Since 2014, Eakes has also served as a NASA JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) Solar System Ambassador, hosting events and informing local communities about current NASA missions and research. “To me, this just speaks to the fact that we can look at the sky through a cultural and scientific lens at the same time,” he says. “The night sky is a great unifier. There is a lot of value in the fact that we all are a part of a larger universe, despite our differences here on the surface.”

Bruce Betts’ interest in astronomy and space exploration since childhood led him to earn a doctorate in planetary science from the California Institute of Technology, before settling in as chief scientist and LightSail program manager with The Planetary Society, based in Los Angeles. “Even as a kid I loved staring up at the sky,

enjoyed learning constellations at camp, and loved seeing pictures of other worlds as they came back from spacecraft exploring the solar system,” he says. “I did research studying spacecraft and telescope data of planets and moons. I managed some programs at NASA, and then I came to The Planetary Society to manage science and technology programs.”

Betts is enthusiastic about finding ways to share his love and knowledge of astronomy and space exploration with the public. “There’s always something new to look at, for the soothing experience of looking back at beautiful things you’ve already seen before,” he says. “There are so many different things that we continue to learn and discover, and so many mindblowing facts to digest and ponder. Seeing planets, the moon or stars in the night sky can be interesting, and it can also be a profound experience to see things so far away—weird and wild.”

Eakes remembers his own personal fascination with the night sky during his childhood. “I visited Morehead [Planetarium] as a small child and was enraptured by the giant Zeiss projector in the center of the theater—creating images and moving us through the stars,” he says. “Though we’ve moved away from the Zeiss projector and on to digital projection technology, my fascination for astronomy remains. If I can inspire students of all ages in our state to simply look up and dream, I can rest easy as a small part of this beautiful universe.”

LOCAL STARGAZING EXPERIENCES

What marvels can Triangle residents see when they look up at the stars and planets? Opportunities to view constellations and craters abound—in places you might never have suspected.

Pishney lives in the city’s outskirts near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Apex, where less light pollution allows him to clearly see the stars and moon through a telescope. “It’s crazy to see all those craters up close,” he says. “Crazier to think of the astronauts who have set foot on the moon. And soon, perhaps a new generation of astronauts will do the same.”

Books, the internet and apps like Night Sky, SkySafari and SkyView can provide in-depth insight into what to look for in the sky. To see the moon, planets and stars brighter and clearer, a pair of astronomy binoculars can cost as little as $50 and an amateur telescope can cost $100–$300.

“An important thing to realize is that you don’t need any equipment to explore the night sky, though certainly having binoculars

or telescopes will open up additional possibilities,” Betts says. “One of the best ways to get started is to just look up with your eyes and start learning constellations and stars, and look for the planets and note how they move across the sky over days, weeks and months. There are telescopes which allow you to see additional things—from the rings of Saturn to gaseous nebula.”

More can be seen 30–60 minutes away from city lights. Explore the night sky at public parks like Little River Regional Park & Natural Area in Rougemont, Eno River State Park in Durham, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Apex, and Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Wake Forest.

Eakes says anyone can go outside, look up and “find a clear patch of sky and wonder what is out there, free of charge. Our ‘Carolina Skies’ show at Morehead Planetarium gives an overview of the types of objects you can find in your own backyard here in North Carolina, so I recommend that program for the curious stargazers out there.”

The Nature Research Center is a wing of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh that houses an astronomy research lab with two on-staff astronomers. Outside the lab, discover interactive computer displays highlighting the moon, sun, solar system, distant planets and stars; a moon rock collected during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972; and a lunar meteorite displayed under a microscope with changing lights to highlight the different minerals. For more information, visit naturalsciences.org.

Since 1949, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center has been on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus. There is a full-dome planetarium with a variety of shows and newly expanded interactive exhibits that demonstrate current scientific research at UNC. The planetarium will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024 with a series of community events, including a solar eclipse watch party. Learn more at moreheadplanetarium.org

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham offers an “Aerospace” exhibit, which features space artifacts from the Apollo era such as astronauts’ space suits, a Mercury capsule that carried the first U.S. animal into orbit, a moon rock and a prototype of the Apollo 15 Lunar Lander. Learn more at lifeandscience.org/explore/aerospace.

Founded in 1978, the Raleigh Astronomy Club is a nonprofit organization promoting amateur astronomy to increase members’ knowledge and pursuit of astronomy. In 2021, membership increased to more than 400 astronomy enthusiasts. The club provides educational lectures, public observing sessions, astronomy workshops and social connections for amateurs. There are no requirements to join the Raleigh Astronomy Club, and some of the benefits include the use of club-owned telescopes. Learn more at raleighastro.org.

The Planetary Society is the world’s largest space interest group, with tens of thousands of members worldwide. Visit planetary.org for information on how to join the organization.

ASTRONOMY EVENTS TO CHECK OUT

JULY 24: Stargazing with Morehead Planetarium on The Durham’s rooftop. thedurham.com/ events/views-from-the-durham

AUGUST 13: Peak of Perseid meteor shower. in-the-sky.org/news.php?id=20230813_10_100

AUGUST 19: Stargazing at the North Carolina Museum of Art. ncartmuseum.org/events/ summer-stargazing-2/?occurrence=2023-08-19

AUGUST 27: Saturn is at opposition of the sun, appearing brighter and larger. in-the-sky.org/ news.php?id=20230827_12_100

AUGUST 31: The Raleigh Astronomy Club will stargaze from The Willard Rooftop Lounge, which will offer celestial-inspired cocktails during this free event. thewillardraleigh.com/ happenings/stargazing

OCTOBER 14: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will host a solar observing session for the partial solar eclipse with, potentially, two telescopes (H-alpha and white light) so guests can see different layers of the solar atmosphere. timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/ usa/raleigh

METEOR SHOWERS

PERSEIDS (peak August 12–13)

DRACONIDS (peak October 8–9)

ORIONIDS (peak October 22)

LEONIDS (peak November 18)

GEMINIDS (peak December 13–14)

URSIDS (peak December 22).

PAGE 52: Melissa and Jason Wistehuff, Jason and Nancy Anderson; and Rae and Austin Hackney gather at The Willard Rooftop Lounge to enjoy celestial cocktails and views of the constellations.

PAGE 53: Raleigh Astronomy Club member Tony Verdone shows a guest constellations that are viewable from the Willard Rooftop Lounge.

THIS PAGE, TOP: Raleigh Astronomy Club telescopes; photo by Richard Barlow.

ABOVE: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center; photos by Mario Boucher.

The Willard Rooftop Lounge’s talented bar team shared a few out-of-this-world cosmic cocktail recipes with us! Find them at 5westmag.com so you can make the Full Moon (left), Limon-Stellar (center) and Galaxy Guest (right) to enjoy under your own little piece of the night sky.

BACKYARD TREASURES

BY ANITA B. STONE

If rocks and colorful stones fascinate you, you’re in luck. North Carolina is blessed with a highly mineralized soil composition containing an abundance of colorful minerals, semiprecious stones and precious gems waiting to be found—sometimes in your own backyard. North Carolina is among the best rockhounding states in the country, where quality minerals aren’t hard to find—if you know where to look and what to look for.

Rockhounding is the recreational study and collection of rocks, gems, minerals and fossils from their natural environment. Crystals, gemstones, fossils and artifacts are there for anyone who

wants to search for them. They can be found lying in plain sight along roadsides, lurking in gravel pits and piles, resting in creeks or stream beds, and possibly in your backyard garden dirt. You need only take the time to explore.

THE MANY COLORS OF QUARTZ

Sometimes referred to as the most common mineral on earth, quartz is a plentiful backyard crystal that appears in many shapes and forms. Semiprecious varieties of quartz are used in lapidary projects, or simply put on shelves for display. Quartz can appear as a beautiful clear transparent crystal or include other minerals, which produces white,

grey, milky or pink coloring (pink quartz crystals are referred to as rose quartz). Quartz can also take the form of the beautiful purple crystal known as amethyst, which can also be found across the state.

Quartz compacted in soil is referred to as chalcedony, a term that encompasses flint, onyx, jasper, agate and chert. All of these chalcedony quartz crystals can be of gemstone quality and feature multiple colors and astounding beauty. Agate can appear black, brown, yellow, red, green or white, depending on its mineral inclusions. Jasper, an equally colorful and prized quartz material, will not allow light to

Find crystals, gemstones, fossils and more— if you know where to look

PHOTO BY MVH/GETTY IMAGES

penetrate its surface. These stones vary in color, are sometimes striped and are considered semiprecious gems.

Uncertain as to the validity of your quartz? Test its hardiness. If you’re unable to scratch your rock with a knife blade, it’s most likely some form of quartz. The value of any rock depends on its rarity, as well as current social demand. Value generally depends on the stone’s hardness, desirability and beauty.

Aside from quartz, North Carolina is home to many other fascinating rocks valued for their uniqueness, rarity, gem quality or history. Some, such as opals, pearls or fossils, are organic in origin, while others are composed of mineral combinations separate from quartz, such as rhyolite, staurolite, obsidian, garnets and mica. You can even find precious gems like emeralds, rubies and sapphires. Various mineral combinations within one rock can create beautiful stones, forming stunning additions to any rock collection.

ROCKHOUNDING TIPS

To start your search, travel no farther than your own backyard. Just ask Daniel Coleman, a rockhound veteran who is head of Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite and digs in the dirt daily. “Rocks speak to me,” says Coleman, whose touring group, Digging with Daniel, helps rockhounds learn where and how to find crystals and gems in their backyards. “There might be treasure right under your feet. You have to know where to look.”

Coleman posts news about his group on Facebook (search for “Digging With Daniel”), as well as videos about how to recognize and hunt for gems and minerals. “It’s never-ending,” Coleman says. “Over the years I have found the equivalent of 30 tons of gems.”

Coleman suggests clues rockhounds can look for to spot where to dig for gems and minerals. “If you find mica, then it’s a good indication of the presence of quartz and gemstones,” he says. “Just keep digging.” But, he adds, if you rockhound on private property, be sure to “get permission from the owner before you bring your spade or shovel.”

Additional tips from Coleman and other local rockhounds include:

• Look for gems in nearby creeks and streams. Check the bottom silt and watch for flashes of color or light.

• Check road cuts and crumbling embankments where erosion is occurring.

• If you are safely—and legally—able to roam a construction site, they can also be good gem hunting locations.

• Invest in a good rockhounding book. Rockhounding often begins at home, whether in a backyard, hidden stream or eroding embankment. The excitement of finding your first gem or mineral ensures that once you begin the hunt, you will continue for many years to come.

GEM HUNTING SITES

These local and statewide mining sites and businesses offer guidance and a pretty good chance of discovering treasure.

Treasure Quest Mining, Apex treasurequestmining.com

Spring Haven Farm, Chapel Hill springhaven.farm

Blue Diamond Gemstone Panning, Cary bluediamondgemz.com

Anita Stone has been collecting rocks for more than 30 years. Additional sources for this story include the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, fellow rockhounders Stone is associated with and the following books:

• “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Minerals, Rocks & Fossils of the World” by John Farndon and Steve Parker

“The Practical Geologist” by Dougal Dixon

“National Geographic Pocket Guide to Rocks and Minerals of North America” by Sarah Garlick

“National Audubon Society Field Guide to Fossils” by Ida Thompson.

Xtreme Park Adventures, Durham xtremeparkadventures.com

Emerald Hollow Mine, Hiddenite emeraldhollowmine.com

Reed Gold Mine, Midland historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed-gold-mine

Gem Mountain, Spruce Pine gemmountain.comw

Quartz compacted in soil is referred to as chalcedony. It can be of gemstone quality and feature multiple colors.

PHOTO BY URBAZON/GETTY IMAGES

Kevin, Adam and Barbara Thompson work together to run Danny’s Bar-B-Que.

DANNY’S BAR-B-QUE

Serving perfectly smoked meats with a sauce for every preference

BY ELLIOT ACOSTA | PHOTOS BY ALISHA CLEVELAND

Danny’s Bar-B-Que has been serving the town of Cary smoked meats out of its hickory smoker for more than 30 years. A departure from traditional North Carolina pork barbecue, Danny’s has established itself as a beloved local barbecue joint by offering a variety of meats accompanied by a range of different sauces.

When owner Danny Thompson arrived in the Triangle during autumn 1992, he had a difficult time navigating the Tar Heel State’s narrow definition of barbecue. Rather than indulge in North Carolina’s vinegar-based smoked whole hog, Thompson was looking for something more akin to what he was used to while living in Florida—a pit filled with hickory smoked meat, not limited to just swine.

Thompson had moved himself and his family to Cary when his longtime employer migrated north from Florida. Not long after, the company was sold and a number of jobs, including Thompson’s, were cut. So, he decided to open the kind of barbecue restaurant he had been desperately trying to find in North Carolina since arriving here.

Thanks to his stellar reputation in the community for a style of barbecue that he cooked at his sons’ sporting events, banquets and fundraisers, this was an easy transition. Thompson loved the joy of feeding a big crowd, so he pursued his passion and opened Danny’s Bar-B-Que at 682 Cary Towne Boulevard. In 1995, he moved the joint to its current location: 311 Ashville Avenue, Suite G, in Cary.

Three decades later, Danny’s Bar-B-Que is still going strong with a sister location in Durham at 2945 S. Miami Boulevard, Suite 118. Thompson is now semi-retired but still oversees much of the business. Daily operations have been passed on to Thompson’s wife, Barbara, and his sons, Kevin and Adam. Danny’s third son, Brian, manages the RTP/Durham location.

Adam says he wears many hats at the restaurant, but his favorite is pitmaster.

PERFECTING THE MEAT

At the heart of Danny’s Bar-B-Que is the same Southern Pride smoker the restaurant has been using since its inception—a smoker so large a wall had to be removed in order for it to be properly installed. Pitmasters begin cooking the pork and beef over hickory wood around 7 p.m. the night before service, then let the meat smoke overnight. Other meats requiring different levels of smoke and heat—like ribs, sausage and beef brisket—are placed in the smoker at different times the day of service.

“There are several factors that can alter how long something takes,” Adam says. “It is almost a mix of science and art—learning how the smoker operates, and what and when to do something to get the desired output. It’s certainly not as simple as just turning it on and setting a timer.”

Through decades of understanding the science and art of properly smoking meats, Danny’s Bar-B-Que has established its following. “It’s truly just about letting the meat be the focus,” Adam says. “The chopped pork is our staple and is what brings the people coming in looking for great barbecue.”

For those who like to experiment, Danny’s Bar-B-Que provides multiple sauces. The most popular stays true to Danny’s Florida influences: a sweet barbecue sauce called “High on the Hog.” Additional choices include vinegar, mustard and hot sauces. Being able to choose from these options gives diners the opportunity to discover their perfect match, or combine flavors.

Despite being influenced by Florida’s barbecue scene, Danny’s Bar-B-Que’s longevity in the Old North State has prompted diners to refer to it as a true North Carolina barbecue joint. In truth,

the restaurant’s blend of barbecue from Florida, North Carolina and even Texas has created a style unique to Western Wake that appeals to a variety of preferences.

“Cary and the surrounding areas have grown tremendously since the time we first opened. This has brought people from all across the country to the area,” Adam says. “And similar to Danny’s experience when he moved here, we often hear customers say they have recently moved here from Florida or Texas or elsewhere, and [that they] haven’t been able to find barbecue that resembles their home state—until they found us.”

DANNY’S RIB RUB

Ingredients

8 ounces of brown sugar

4 ounces of white sugar

4 tablespoons of paprika

2 tablespoons of salt

2 tablespoons of lemon pepper

Directions

Combine all ingredients and rub the blend generously on your ribs before smoking them.

EDUCATION GUIDE

PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

Explore this guide to learn more about the education resources available here in Wake County.

PHOTO BY IMAGE SOURCE/GETTY IMAGES

KNOWN, VALUED AND LOVED AT GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Our desire at GRACE Christian School is that every child who walks through our doors learns that they are known, valued and loved by Jesus Christ—and by the adults around them. This is the atmosphere that sets GRACE Christian School apart and a large reason why the Association of Christian Schools International, the lead accrediting organization of Christian schools from across the world, granted the school its Exemplary Accreditation, making it one of only 19 schools in the world—and the first in the Triangle—to receive this prestigious designation.

Our mission is to spiritually and academically equip, challenge and inspire students to impact their world for Christ. In the elementary years, teachers emphasize experiential learning that involves field trips, class demonstrations and labs. Our college preparatory academic program is designed to prepare our middle and high school students to excel in a high-quality academic environment. Additionally, our teachers utilize the latest technology to enable students to be responsible digital citizens and prepare them for the constantly evolving digital landscape. GRACE Christian School provides a competitive athletic program with 30-plus sport offerings in middle and high school and a thriving fine arts program.

At GRACE Christian School, we provide biblical instruction, service opportunities and avenues of worship that allow young people to see their purpose, value and identity not through the lens of the culture-at-large, but through the eyes of a loving God. We pursue academic excellence for each child, knowing that individual excellence cannot be defined by a one-size-fits-all approach. We equip students with the skills they need to thrive in any circumstance, challenging them to overcome obstacles, and inspiring them to be all that they can be—not for their own glory, but for the cause of Christ. We build world-changers who will influence culture for years to come.

CARY ACADEMY: DISCOVERY, INNOVATION, COLLABORATION AND EXCELLENCE

Our community runs on it. Curiosity, that is. At Cary Academy, we challenge our students to be enthusiastically inquisitive: to seek adventure, revel in curiosity, follow passions, broaden worldviews, take risks and try new things.

In our diverse and inclusive community (55% students of color), there is no shortage of different voices with which to collaborate, share new ideas, or get a different perspective. We’d love to add yours. You belong here.

Learn more at caryacademy.org/admissions.

Application opens September 6, 2023. Financial aid is available.

EXPERIENCE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AT CARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Every child who enters our building is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of their creator. Each day our students are encouraged to claim their identity in Jesus Christ as they pursue extraordinary outcomes. We seek to cultivate practical wisdom grounded in the Gospel, equipping our students academically, spiritually and socially so they may flourish in the modern world.

Our desire is to offer a place equal to each student’s capacity for wonder, providing an education that is meaningful and enjoyable. Please visit our website to sign up for a tour so we can share our classrooms, campus and culture with you.

1500 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary | 919.677.3873 | caryacademy.org

1330 Old Apex Road, Cary |

| carychristianschool.org

This list represents the Western Wake restaurants that have advertised with us since the start of 2023. Looking for our comprehensive Dine & Draft directory? Check out 5westmag.com/dine-draft for a detailed foodie guide to Western Wake. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find.

ABBEY ROAD TAVERN

1700 Center Street, Apex 919.372.5338

1195 W. Chatham Street, Cary 919.481.5383 abbeyroadnc.com

ACME PIZZA

204 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs 919.552.8800

2101 Grace Park Drive, Morrisville 919.650.2902

acmepizzaco.com

THE AGENCY BAR & SOCIAL

Inside Paragon Theaters at Fenton 21 Fenton Main Street, Suite 110, Cary 919.473.9676

paragontheaters.com/agency-bar-and-social

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP

302 Colonades Way, Suite D209, Cary 919.932.8882

order.capriottis.com/store/6386

DI FARA PIZZA TAVERN

111 E. Chatham Street, Cary 919.678.5300

difarapizzatavern.com

KWENCH JUICE CAFE 772 W. Williams Street, Apex 984.214.1763

kwenchapex.com

PEAK OF THE VINE 301 N. Salem Street, Apex 919.267.9828

peakofthevine.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF DI FARA PIZZA TAVERN

1. CAROLINA BREWERY & GRILL Low Country Boil at Carolina Brewery & Grill in Pittsboro.

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

2. URBAN ANGEETHI Navratan Korma (left) and Lamb Rogan Josh (right) at Urban Angeethi Indian Restaurant & Bar in Cary.

PHOTO COURTESY OF URBAN ANGEETHI

3. LILY DEN FARM Mac & Cheese Bowl with chopped chicken from Lily Den Farm at The Plant in Pittsboro.

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

4. BUOY BOWLS

The Hau’ Oli acaí bowl from the Buoy Bowls food truck, which services various locations across Wake County.

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

News for Western Wake foodies compiled by the 5 West staff, with contributions from TriangleFoodGuy Sean Leonard, who blogs at trianglefoodblog.com

NOW OPEN

1 Chido Taco has opened its second Triangle location at 151 SE Cary Parkway in Cary, next to Trader Joe’s (where Tijuana Flats was). Owners and cousins Salvador Alvarez and Joel Ibarra also own Totopos across the street. They plan to open a third Chido Taco in Raleigh this summer.

2 Mamacita Modern Mexican + Cocktails has opened at 9928 Chapel Hill Road in Morrisville, where Flying Mayan used to be located.

3 Eggs Up Grill has opened in Apex at 1421 Kelly Road in the Publix Pointe Shopping Center This marks the fifth Eggs Up Grill restaurant in the Triangle.

4 Smashed Burgers & Cocktails has opened in Holly Springs’ Town Hall Commons at 242 S. Main Street, Unit 118. It will offer lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, patrons can enjoy brunch from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and dinner from 4–9 p.m.

5 Crumbl Cookies has opened at 1105 Pine Plaza Drive in Apex. Sink your teeth into warm cookies featuring traditional flavors like milk chocolate chip, along with creative combinations such as banana bread, strawberry cake and chocolate milk.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRUMBL COOKIES

SOUTHERN CHARM ALONG THE ALBEMARLE SOUND

Travel to Edenton and Elizabeth City to savor life in the slow lane

EDENTON

Founded in 1712, North Carolina’s beautifully preserved first Colonial capital was named for Royal Governor Charles Eden. Today, it boasts an extensive historic district with architectural styles spanning 250 years, including the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse National Historic Landmark and the restored 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, one of the last surviving screw pile lighthouses of its kind in the U.S.

Start your discovery at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center, known as “Edenton’s Living Room” for its views of Edenton Bay, where you can learn about the town’s storied past. Hop aboard the Edenton trolley, which showcases the town’s historic homes, buildings and waterfront, or discover Edenton from the water by taking a relaxing bay cruise or paddling excursion.

Sample Southern fare at restaurants offering “catch of the day” options and farm-to-table vegetables grown in Chowan County, named for the Chowanoac Indians who occupied both banks of the present-day Chowan River in northeastern North Carolina

The Table at Inner Banks Inn, Waterman’s Grill, 309 Bistro and Spirits, and Edenton Bay Oyster Bar are just some of the town’s beloved eateries. Learn more at visitedenton.com.

ELIZABETH CITY

Elizabeth City enjoys an ideal location on the Pasquotank River and Intracoastal Waterway that is frequented by sailors and landlubbers alike. Luring visitors for weekend jaunts and travelers to and from the Outer Banks and Virginia’s Hampton Roads area, Elizabeth City offers museums, historic sites, dining and entertainment that bring the region’s culture to life.

Mariner’s Wharf offers free dockage for 48 hours at one of 14 complimentary boat slips. Its neighboring park features a large greenspace that hosts the Summer Sounds Concert Series, Music on the Green and Mariners’ Wharf Film Festival. Live music flows from establishments like Ghost Harbor Brewing Company and Seven Sounds Brewing Company, while Water’s Edge Boutique, Bijoux Vibes and Lazzy Frog showcase trendy fashions. Nature and history lovers can view the dark waters of the Dismal Swamp Canal, which begins in Elizabeth City and extends to Chesapeake, Virginia, to reflect on the defining moments that have happened along the waterway—from Native American tribes who hunted for fish and game, to freedom seekers who sought refuge in the 1800s. Albemarle Fishing Charters offers tours of the canal, where you can enjoy abundant wildlife along its shores. Learn more at visitelizabethcity.com.

The cannons and Penelope Barker House overlook the Albemarle Sound in Edenton.

Elizabeth City is located on the Pasquotank River.

Patrons hang out at Seven Sounds Brewing Company in Elizabeth City.

APEX FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays through December 2, 9 a.m.–noon

1479 Beaver Creek Commons Drive, Apex Shop for farm products or produce from vendors located within 150 miles of the market. Goods include organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, pastured and sustainably farmed meats, artisanal food products and a variety of crafts. Kids Day, featuring fun and games, takes place July 8. Four-legged companions are welcome at Dog Days of Summer August 12. apexfarmersmarket.com

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

July 5, 3–9:30 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

Salute the red, white and blue with patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics from the North Carolina Symphony and a grand display of fireworks over Symphony Lake. Gates open at 3 p.m., and family activities, including contests, rides and magic shows, take place until 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but fees are charged for an ice cream-eating contest, gem mining and rides. boothamphitheatre.com

UNC HEALTH SUMMERFEST 2023

July 8 and 16, 8 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

Enjoy live music under the pines during Summerfest 2023 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. On July 8, singer Camille Zamora performs tango classics with award-winning Argentine dancers. The Catalinas bring their energizing beach and soul music to the stage July 16. Lawn tickets for either show are $24. ncsymphony.org/summerfest-2023

WAVERLY PLACE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23; 5–8 p.m.

302 Colonades Way, Cary

Groove to local bands playing a variety of genres. Performances include the Tyson Brothers July 12, Stone Age Romeos

July 26, The Embers August 9 and The Amazing Lounge Lizards August 23. waverlycary.com/summer-concert-series

FUQUAY-VARINA ICE CREAM SOCIAL

July 16, 4–6 p.m.

Fuquay Mineral Spring Park

104 Spring Street, Fuquay-Varina

Enoy free ice cream, iced tea and lemonade on National Ice Cream Day at Fuquay Mineral Spring Park. fuquay-varina.org/844/ice-cream-social

COMMON RUSH TRAIL RUN

July 22, 8 a.m.

Harris Lake County Park

2112 County Park Drive, New Hill

This mid summer race offers 5- and 10-mile course options that include single-track and open field running along beautiful Harris Lake in New Hill. Enjoy post-race food, music, a free kids race and an awards ceremony with giveaways. Race fees are $45–$55. Register online.

runsignup.com/race/nc/newhill/ commonrushtrailrun

BEER, BOURBON & BBQ FESTIVAL

August 4, 6–10 p.m.;

August 5, noon–6 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

Experience all the pleasures that true Southerners live by: beer, bourbon, barbecue, bacon, biscuits, boots and bluegrass. A souvenir tasting glass is included with your admission ticket so you can enjoy unlimited beer and bourbon sampling. cary.beerandbourbon.com

POPSICLES, PLAYTIME & PUPS

August 13, 4–6 p.m.

Jack Smith Park

9725 Penny Road, Cary

Enjoy this end-of-summer festival of fun, games and dog-friendly activities. Strut with your pup in a parade at 4 p.m., take a photo at the Pup-A-Razzi, make a commemorative paw print and cool off at the sprayground. Take a back-to-school supply item for a Cary public school or a bag of dog food for a local animal shelter. carync.gov

LAZY DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

August 26–27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Downtown Cary

Dating back to 1977, this juried craft show celebrates the lazy days of summer and brings together nearly 300 artists from 16 states across the country. Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival offers a beer garden, numerous interactive art activities, a kid’s world area, and demonstrations from professional craftsmen on the Town Hall Campus. Admission is free. carync.gov

Before you head out, be sure to check the websites for the events listed here to ensure they are still taking place.

The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is coming to Cary August 4–5.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DRINK EAT RELAX

MARINA BOSETTI

GARDEN FANTASY, 2023

6 X 6 X 84 INCHES

SCULPTURED GARDEN DELIGHTS

Raleigh-based ceramic tile artist Marina Bosetti takes a painterly approach to clay. The painters, sculptors and drawing instruction she received while earning her bachelor’s in fine art from Pratt Institute in 1982 influenced her ceramic tile practice.

Bosetti creates custom tile pieces inspired by the client and his or her home, such as her recent tile sculpture, “Garden Fantasy,” which was installed in the garden of a New Jersey home; the client commissioned Bosetti to create it for her daughter as a thank-you gift for allowing her to move into a new suite in her home. Bosetti, who always incorporates personalized elements into commissioned work, added geraniums and other floral features from the client’s garden, along with a bird at the top of the sculpture to represent the client’s grandchildren, who will one day take flight. The sculpture consists of nine interlocking sections that are stacked so that the sculpture is not permanent. One day, this sculpture can be taken apart to move with the family.

Bosetti’s Boylan Heights studio is located at 1201 W. Lenoir Street in Raleigh, and is typically open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. View her work online at bosettiarttile.com and on Instagram @bosetti_art_tile.

“Ceramics are incredibly complicated, to the point where it is almost magical.”

– Marina Bosetti

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Gottschall

| gottschallphotography.com

Scan me to learn more!

Alicia B. Patient

Lane & Associates