5West magazine March/April 2023

THRIVING IN VIBRANCY

COLOR LOVE IN CARY

A CLEAN, DECISIVE DOWNSIZE

AVIARY ATTRACTION

+ HOME & GARDEN MARKET LEADERS

EDITOR’S LETTER

I’ve always been a “comfort” decorator. Photos of my three children hang prominently in the foyer and living room. Two 30-year-old prints prints of a rambling creek I played in as a child dominate the kitchen wall. An illustration of the summer house my great-great-grandfather built in 1910 hangs in the breakfast nook. I have heirlooms, wedding mementos and books my father wrote on display. These items make me happy, and fill our home with love.

But color is equally important. Peacock feathers from my grandparents’ property tower out of an antique crystal decanter that belonged to my great-grandmother. Every spring, I enjoy tying in seasonal accent pieces that pull out the feathers’ teals, greens and purples.

When we learned about a Design Lines Signature project in Cary that prominently features the use of color as the design schematic, we knew it would be the perfect cover story for our spring home and garden issue. On page 22, find out what happened when Design Lines Signature founder Judy Pickett took on a project for a neutral-averse client. She dubbed the outcome “Color Love,” thanks to the vibrant jewel tones and bold patterns her client selected.

A visit to Larry and Debbie Robbins’ new build in Raleigh was almost enough for me to give up my accessory-filled home! This minimalist masterpiece designed by Kersting Architecture of Raleigh and Wilmington welcomes visitors into amodern, open floor plan with expansive windows and a clean design that showcases the Robbins’ magnificent art collection. Learn why the couple packed up their 7,000-square-foot home on Lake Boone Place and made a big move toward modernism in “A Clean, Decisive Downsize” on page 28.

We transition into earthier aspects of our annual home and garden issue on page 34 with a story about NFL great Jason Brown, who started his career at UNC–Chapel Hill and went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens and St. Louis Rams. In 2012, Brown made the shocking decision to trade one field for another when he left the NFL and bought a farm in Louisburg. There Brown, his wife and their eight children run First Fruits Farm, serving what Brown considers a higher calling.

Before spring birds flutter back to your outdoor space, read “Aviary Attraction” on page 38 for advice on how to create a sanctuary for our feathered friends. You'll also find tips for growing fruitful container gardens—no matter where you live—on page 48. Discover local businesses that can help you build, design and landscape your home beginning on page 41 in our annual Home and Garden special section; and meet local professionals who can help you discover and secure that perfect home in our Market Leaders special section on page 55.

In 1868, the mansard roof helped put Cary on the map as a destination for culture. Learn how this French architectural feature influenced other nearby towns on page 50. And on page 52, meet Tazza Kitchen’s Chef Marcos Sanchez, who shares his approach to preparing fresh ingredients with artistry—and his recipe for flan!

Spring is a time for new growth, and that’s exactly what is happening here at 5 West as we introduce our new name. Beginning with this issue, Cary Living becomes 5 West magazine in recognition of the five amazing towns that make Western Wake County one of the country’s hottest places to live. We’re also excited to launch Triangle Family, a brand-new magazine for the region's parenting community. Visit 5westmag.com and trianglefamilymag.com to learn more—and be sure to check out Midtown's brand-new website at midtownmag.com! We wish you a bountiful spring, and as always, thank you for your continued support!

Beth Shugg, Editor

PHOTO BY BRUCE DeBOER

PUBLISHERS

Ronny Stephens

Kent Braswell

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Beth Shugg

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND 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

Kurt Dusterberg, Spencer Griffith, Janice Lewine, Eric Medlin, Charlotte Russell, Kristen Schrum, Melissa Wistehuff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bruce DeBoer, Abigail Jackson, Josh Manning, MASH Photography, Dustin Peck Photography

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

NC-BASED INTERIORS & ARCHITECTURE

Former designer turned interiors photographer A hands-on creator of intentionally composed, intuitively styled images that showcase your rooms, from their most breathtaking expanses to their most exquisite details

ABOVE: Pineapple Sol’s menu helps us stay on track with our New Year’s resolutions.

LEFT: Dining at Colletta is always a treat. This time we tried the branzino (whole fish), pear pizza and agnolotti.

Pamela Varela was the lucky winner of our Diamond Discovery Charitable Fundraiser, sponsored by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Pamela won a pair of David Yurman starburst earrings in 18-karat gold with pavé diamonds at our 2023 Diamond Awards.

Diners travel from all over the country to order a custom Bloody Mary from The Blind Pelican

This photo shows

version.

The last day for ice skating at Fenton’s Skate the Square featured the Carriage House Coffee truck and a Carolina blue sky.

Chef Katsuji Tanabe of a’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library delivers two signature cocktails.

Seafood House.

the “small”

5 West ’s staff celebrates the 2023 Diamond Awards.

PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

PHOTO BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Introducing a brand-new page featuring your comments on our social media posts! Also, check out a summary of our latest “Talk of the Triangle podcast episodes.

Oh, what a night! We are still dreaming about our night at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences celebrating the 2023 Diamond Award winners!

The guests

The venue

The night sky

The memories

So much fun!! Congratulations to everyone! Thank you for hosting!!!

—@barreupraleigh

Thank you for a wonderful evening!

—@liasellsnchomes

What an incredible and fun event celebrating the best of Raleigh and Western Wake!

—@sofialujanstyling

A wonderful event!

—@Di Fara Pizza Tavern

We had so much fun and are so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate with us!

—@Beth

Poland Shugg

GET SOCIAL WITH US

Congratulations to our gold Diamond Award winners in the ENTERTAINMENT + RELAXATION category!

Congratulations to the ladies on WRAL. Good job!

—@Mark Haughwout

WOW, thank you Midtown magazine!

—@WRAL Elizabeth Gardner

Wonderful, Deborah Morgan and @WRAL Elizabeth Gardner, love you both. Outstanding!

—@Laura Holder

Special giveaway! Four free passes to Skate the Square + skate rentals at @fentonnc ... The last day to skate is January 16!

For after our Monday dinner

—@jasondrealty

We need to do this before the end of the season!!!

—@racheltherealtor

The girls would LOVE THIS!

—@ky_leavitt

We’re not in Kansas anymore! @pbrcary @fentonnc = + a TON of fun!

Thanks for coming out for the fun!

—@fentonnc

Thanks for joining us!

—@pbrcary

@poot_picks Hot cowgirl you are!!

—@liv_n_thee_moment

@jolitaanna can you plz come visit now!

—@klatkin

Our “Talk of the Triangle” podcast, available wherever you download podcasts, introduces you to the people, places and events across our region worth talking about.

Our March episode features a discussion with Rebekah Laney and George Smart of NCModernist® about modernist architecture in the Triangle

Each episode drops the first Tuesday of the month. Listen to them one at a time, or binge them all at once! Either way, you’ll be glad you tuned in. Learn more at 5westmag.com/podcast

PHOTOS BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF (unless otherwise noted)

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL’S BEACH

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL’S BEACH

Start your year off SWEET with a giveaway from @sweeteaboba! Enter to win a $25 gift card from SweeTea Boba & Ice. These esthetics!

—@sweettpicnics

This looks like such a fun spot! Thanks for sharing.

—@the.bananamoonblog

@colletta at Fenton never disappoints! From the burrata + wood-fired shrimp, to the roasted pear pizza + the branzino, each bite outdid its predecessor! Don’t skip the tiramisu! It’s simply Italian at its finest!

We enjoyed serving you and your guests.

—@collettacary

Love it. Just celebreated my birthday there!

—@leahmariephoto

WINNERS HONORED AT CARY LIVING’S DIAMOND AWARDS CELEBRATION

The Cary Living and Midtown staff hosted their annual Diamond Awards celebration January 19 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, during which they presented plaques to gold winners, and decals to gold, silver and bronze winners. Adam Cave and Melissa Wistehuff emceed the event, which honored the best of Raleigh and Western Wake as selected by the magazines’ readers. Guests enjoyed charcuterie delights, desserts and beverages from Rocky Top Catering, champagne from Local 919 Craft Beer and Fine Wine, and floral arrangements from Fallon’s Flowers. Highlights were captured by MASH Photography and Alisha Cleveland Photography.

UNDER THE SILVER MOON LANTERN PARADE LIGHTS UP DOWNTOWN CARY

Hundreds of lanterns created in the Town of Cary’s community workshops since November were on view at the second annual Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade in downtown Cary January 14. Internationally renowned visual teaching artist Gowri Savoor led the workshops, which used sustainable materials in the lantern-making process. Approximately 350 community members either took part in or watched the parade, which was part of Academy Street Artwork Projects’ Glow exhibition, a series of light and technology installations along Academy Street that brighten the evening sky.

VOLUNTEERS GATHER FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OF SERVICE IN HOLLY SPRINGS

More than 100 Holly Springs community members took part in acts of service January 16 in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A group of 20 volunteers cleaned and mulched a portion of the trail at Bass Lake Park, and approximately 80 volunteers created over 500 Valentine’s Day cards at the park for local seniors with the assistance of the Holly Springs Police Department.

NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL DRAWS RECORD CROWDS

The seventh annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, which took place November 18–January 8 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, attracted 216,000 people, which broke the previous attendance record set in 2021 at 200,000. The event, which saw 17 sold-out nights, captivated visitors with its large-scale lanterns along a 1-mile walking route and cultural performances on the main stage. The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has been taking place in Cary since 2015 and will return in November with all-new displays.

PHOTO BY ALISHA CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF @BRIANMAGEEPHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF HOLLY SPRINGS

PHOTO COURTESY OF JANICE LEWINE

COLOR POPS

Spring is a popular time for getting organized and freshening up your home. Whether you’re reorganizing, adding bursts of color or welcoming the birds back to your outdoor environment, a few small touches can bring your home back to life—inside and out.

1. “Guide to Stylish Entertaining” by Ted Kennedy Watson, $37.50 | Stylish Living

2. Ocean Conservancy tea towel, $18, and dish cloth, $13 | Stylish Living

3. Birdhouses (in various sizes) in red, blue and lavender, $22–$46 | Swagger

4. Succulent and air plant arrangement, $225 | City Garden Design

5. Leather ladies valet trays in strawberry, navy and emerald (6 inches), $24 | Designed for Joy

TRUSS VET LAUNCHES URGENT CARE VETERINARY CLINIC IN CARY

Nearly 200 visitors attended Truss Vet’s Sip and Stroll event January 28 to mark the opening of its urgent care veterinary clinic at 720 Fenton Market Way in Cary. Guests enjoyed beverages, a tour of the facility and Art by Shalimar, a local studio and gallery. Truss Vet treats non-life-threatening emergencies in dogs and cats that need medical attention quickly. Truss Vet offers same-day reservations, walk-in appointments, online reservations and extended hours of 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. Truss Vet is closed Saturday.

720 Fenton Market Way, Suite 150, Cary

919.981.9881

trussvet.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRUSS VET

FENTON

WELCOMES SPORTS & SOCIAL AND PBR COWBOY BAR

Two entertainment venues recently opened at Fenton. Sports & Social features game-day favorites, curated cocktails and local beer favorites along with live music, entertainment and special events, including its premier game-day Sports Watch activations. PBR Cowboy Bar, a 4,300-square-foot venue combines “cowboy cool” and big-time entertainment and boasts multiple signature bars, a mechanical bull, private VIP booths and outdoor patio space. The bar will soon host country music concerts. Both venues are located at 301 Fenton Gateway Drive. sportsandsocial.com

pbrcowboybar.com/cary

SHOP AND CREATE AT SAWDUST & CLAY COLLABORATIVE IN DOWNTOWN APEX

Husband-and-wife artists Jim and Amy Bishop launched Sawdust & Clay Collaborative in Apex Clay Collaborative, which highlights the work of local artists in diverse mediums and price points, as well as art classes and workshops for the public. A two-week opening event November 18–December 2 featured an opportunity to meet the artists, a Sip and Shop event with Remedy Cocktail Company, workshops and gifts for customers.

219 N. Salem Street, Suite 100, Apex 919.267.4200

sawdustandclay.com

STRETCH ZONE OPENS IN CARY

Stretch Zone, which addresses flexibility from a neurological perspective, opened February 6 at 1157 Parkside Main Street in Cary. Stretch Zone’s trained practitioners lead clients through a series of dynamic stretches to increase mobility and muscle function, and make daily movements more efficient. Stretch Zone provides a welcoming environment, knowledgeable staff and comfortable equipment so clients can relax and enjoy the benefits.

1157 Parkside Main Street, Cary

919.678.3001

stretchzone.com/locations/cary

DONOVAN’S DISH OPENS SECOND TAKE-OUT MARKET IN WESTERN WAKE

Donovan’s Dish, an award-winning company that offers full-service catering and a take-out market in Apex, recently launched a second take-out market in Cary’s MacGregor Village. Alongside the space is its new commissary kitchen, offices, Dish to Door platform and tasting area, where it will soon host “Taste the Dish” group events. The female-owned company prides itself in delivering made-from-scratch food and unparalleled service in the event industry.

107 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 131, Cary 919.651.8309

donovansdish.com and dishtodoor.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETH SHUGG

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAWDUST & CLAY COLLABORATIVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF STRETCH ZONE

PHOTO COURTESY OF DONOVAN’S DISH

JANICE LEWINE

RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS BRINGS CUTTING-EDGE SERVICES TO MORRISVILLE

restore Hyper Wellness is an award-winning industry leader and creator of an innovative category of care—hyper wellness—that involves a system of total balance, energy, proactive healing and a holistic approach. Its Morrisville clinic opened at 1608 Village Market Place February 9–12 with giveaways, raffles and exclusive deals. The facility offers cryotherapy, infrared sauna, IV drip therapy, intramuscular shots, hydrafacial, compression and other modalities to help clients feel restored.

1608 Village Market Place, Morrisville 919.930.3107

restore.com/locations/nc-morrisville-nc020

NOTES COFFEE HOUSE SERVES MUSIC-INSPIRED DRINKS IN APEX

Signature drinks—including The Elvis, Purple Rain and The Ozzy—as well as a seasonal menu, are featured at Notes Coffee House, which opened October 31 inside Rock ‘n Roll High School at 830 Perry Road in Apex. Notes Coffee House also serves tea, hot chocolate and baked goods, and boasts an outdoor patio area with tables and umbrellas. Notes Coffee House is open Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m.–3 p.m. It’s closed Sunday. 830 Perry Road, Apex 919.924.0506

notescoffeehouse.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF RESTORE HYPER WELLNESS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOTES COFFEE HOUSE

BY

TRIANGLE PHYSICIANS FOR WOMEN

TO OUR 2023 DIAMOND AWARDS SPONSORS + VENDORS

LANE & ASSOCIATES FAMILY DENTISTRY | BAILEY'S FINE JEWELRY

FENTON | PUPSI | MASTERMINDS COACHING

NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES

ROCKY TOP CATERING | ZUNA APPAREL BY CRYSTAL WATTS

MASH PHOTOGRAPHY | ALISHA CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHY

BUNN DJ COMPANY | JOSEPH WILLIAM INTERIORS

FALLON FLOWERS | LOCAL 919 CRAFT BEER + FINE WINE

COLOR LOVE

BY SPENCER GRIFFITH PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL JACKSON

A RALEIGH DESIGNER’S CARY CLIENTS THRIVE IN VIBRANCY

JUDY PICKETT DOESN’T DESIGN FOR TRENDS. “I design for the client, and this particular client is not comfortable with neutrals,” Pickett says. “She loves color.”

Owner of the Raleigh-based interior design firm Design Lines Signature, Pickett is referring to a recent Cary project she dubbed “Color Love”—for obvious reasons. One look at any of the home’s eight spaces reveals a lively update and refresh for the homeowners, who recently became empty nesters.

Having previously worked with the client helped Design Lines Signature’s team feel in tune with the homeowners’ needs and preferences, and allowed for an inspiring process that incorporated jewel tones with unique patterns. “It’s a definite contrast to what’s going on now, with all the things you see in homes that are really neutral, with just touches of color,” Pickett enthuses. “With this one, everything is color.”

BREAKFAST ROOM

The starting point for the breakfast room was its rug, featuring pinks and oranges that created the room’s palette. “While the color scheme might be a bit unusual, it’s happy—it just makes you smile,” Pickett says. Flanked by lively drapery fabric, tall windows flood the room with natural light, which enabled Pickett to incorporate darker, richer colors and dramatic fabrics.

Framed gold and white art coordinates with a prominent rock crystal chandelier to add contour and offset the jewel tones. “We still wanted to keep it light and airy while we were using these rich colors, so that was a way to give it geometry, bring out the gold, and give it texture without a big piece, like in the dining room,” Pickett explains.

GUEST ROOM

Pickett’s clients took a different perspective on the décor for this room and asked for a more subdued look, since it would serve as an area of respite for family and guests. Though it resonates a calmer feel than other rooms, it still connects with the home’s lively vibe, thanks to bright turquoise, teal and other blues in the bedding, along with the textured fabric on the end-of-bed bench.

DINING ROOM

The dining room rug—which blends orange, lilac and cranberry purples—also plays an influential role. By using it as a departure point, the space exemplifies Pickett’s belief that not only is it easier to design a room with a bold color scheme, but the results are more dynamic. “When you do a neutral, you have 50,000 choices,” she says, half-jokingly. “When you’re doing raspberry and coral and purple, your choices may be more limited … Finding those fabrics with the oranges and pinks and purples was so much fun because people usually aren’t into that much of a color contrast.”

As in the breakfast room, the natural light allowed for a darker wall color that helped other colors pop. “We did the walls in a dark raisin color, and that just set off the bright colors perfectly,” Pickett says. The homeowners already owned much of the dining room furniture, including the table and upholstered chairs. The LED chandelier and end chairs—with their circular suzani pattern—were new additions. Abstract art adds additional interest, while the valance design—an earlier addition to the room—was recovered with a new, coordinating fabric.

MUSIC ROOM

Pickett introduced new furnishings and a custom patterned rug featuring blues and purples in the music room, while retaining gold-framed artwork and the piano as anchors. A patterned ottoman pairs beautifully with the vivid raspberry walls, while an angular mirror, geometrically patterned wing chair and “funky floor lamp” adorned with gold banana leaves enhance the gold accents.

BONUS ROOM

Pickett carved out an intimate space in the bonus room, which also accommodates a large TV and sectional, using a color scheme that features raspberry, coral and red. She added a contemporary flair via chairs with clean lines. The multicolored Roman shade enhances the niche’s playful personality.

STAIR LANDING

The stair landing’s intimate seating space offers an additional example of Pickett’s savvy use of patterns. A neutral stair runner alludes to an animal print while the floralpatterned pillows continue the purples, raspberries and blues used in other rooms. They also offer a pleasant interruption to the velvet cushion’s honeycomb pattern.

Design Lines Signature is located at 1611 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 103, Raleigh.

View additional projects in the firm's online portfolio.

DESIGNLINESLTD.COM

A CLEAN , DECISIVE DOWNSIZE

LARRY AND DEBBIE ROBBINS MAKE A MOVE TOWARD MODERNISM

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

PHOTOS BY BRUCE D e BOER

Larry and Debbie Robbins knew it was time for a change. Their four grown children had long since moved out of their house on Lake Boone Place in Raleigh, and the family dynamic was shifting toward their growing number of grandchildren.

“I kept telling my husband we had to downsize because that house was so big,” Debbie Robbins says. “He just said, ‘If we do it, we’ll do a modern house.’ That was easy for me because I was an interior design major and that’s all I ever did.”

So Larry and Debbie packed up their 7,000-square-foot home on the quiet cul-de-sac, ready to move on from the house where they raised their kids. Not wanting to stray too far from familiar surroundings, they settled on nearby Randolph Drive.

“We looked for two years for a lot, because we wanted to still be in our neck of the woods,” she says. “We lived on a cul-de-sac, so there was not any traffic. Randolph is a street just one block long, and when Randolph became available, the lot was the right size to fit this house.”

“I kept telling my husband we had to downsize,” Debbie Robbins says. “He just said, ‘If we do it, we’ll do a modern house.’”

LEFT: The Robbins' home surrounds a spectacular outdoor space featuring modern furnishings along with a pool, fireplace and TV.

ABOVE: Larry and Debbie Robbins enjoy their new, downsized home with their dog, Buddy.

A DIFFERENT VIBE

Larry and Debbie have been in their new home for almost a year-and-a-half, enjoying the very essence of modernism. The house features an elegant open floor plan, expansive windows and clean lines— characteristics that date to the original hallmarks of mid-century modern homes in the 20th century.

Designed by Kersting Architecture of Raleigh and Wilmington, the home reflects Debbie’s style, dating to her college years when she studied interior design at UNC–Greensboro. Now settled in the 4,000-square-foot-space, she is accustomed to hosting friends and family, along with offering the occasional tour. On this day, as she points out favorite features, her 8-year-old English yellow lab, Buddy, follows a few steps behind.

Visitors pick up on a different vibe the moment they approach the front door. A Thomas Sayre earthcast sculpture presents as a sentry in the front yard. The foyer accommodates a Steinway piano, framed art and Mark Hewitt pottery, which can also be found on the front porch. The formal living room features soft blue low-profile sofas and chairs in front of an intricate stone wall featuring a glassed-in fireplace. “In our other house, there was tons of wallpaper— tons of colors,” Robbins says. “But in a house like this, you’ve got stone and wood and art wall space.”

PAGES 30–31, ABOVE: Art by Diana Fonseca of Cuba serves as a focal point for the living room. Matching blue sofas and a triangular marble table add contour to the space.

PAGE 30, BELOW: A glass wall separating the living room and outdoor space rolls up to bring the outdoors in. The yard showcases a wood sculpture by Charles Sherman of California.

PAGE 31, LEFT: The bright foyer showcases Mark Hewitt pottery, a Steinway piano and art by Rigoberto Mena of Cuba.

RIGHT: The light-filled hallway leading to the master bedroom is lined with art and sculptures by Thomas Sayre, Alex Bernstein, Mark Hewitt, J. Michael Powers and Seagrove potters. John Dodd of New York created the foyer table and vertical rest.

PAGE 32, ABOVE: To the right of the kitchen, a scullery accommodates the catering staff during parties and special events. BELOW: The dining room chandelier, created by John Pomp, floats majestically across from an Alan Steward painting and above a VAE bowl on the custom marble table. What appears to be a wood wall separating the living room and dining room is actually a custom cabintery piece. The wall is adorned with a Clarence Hayward painting, as well as vases and bowls created by Laney and Emily Burn, Chihuly, Stephen Rich, and other VAE artists.

PAGE 33, ABOVE: The breakfast room wall features art by Jason Craighead and pottery by Ben Owen, Missions and Seagrove potters. Bridges Street pottery serves at the centerpiece of the breakfast table. CENTER: Mark Hewitt pottery welcomes guests at the front entry. BELOW: A Thomas Sayre sculpture stands sentry to the property

SURPRISING REVEALS

Among the home’s more striking features is a free-standing wood wall at the end of the living room. The wall does not reach the exterior walls or the ceiling, teasing what might be hidden behind it. A walk to the other side reveals the dining room, featuring a custom marble table that seats 12, modern art and a sculptured glass chandelier. The wood wall, it turns out, reveals to be the backside of a stylishly efficient display of modern cabinetry.

The house has four bedrooms, with one serving as a workout room and art studio for Debbie’s contemporary painting. Several of Debbie’s works adorn the walls, along with pieces she and her husband purchased over the years. While the decor features exquisite touches, there are few knickknacks or photos on the counter spaces—another clue revealing the couple’s modernist preferences. “That’s just me,” she says. “I don’t like the clutter, and we love having little grandbabies free to run around the house.”

As Debbie walks the house, she is quick to point out a special luxury in the kitchen—one designed to make it easy to entertain guests. “This is the one thing I love—a scullery,” she says. “Any time we have events here, the caterers are back here. There’s an extra sink, refrigerator, dishwasher and ovens. Also, I didn’t want guests to see or smell the kitchen.”

THE GATHERING SPACE

While the scullery is best suited for behind-the-scenes, the Robbins’ outdoor space delivers the wow factor for guests. Tall sliders open the living room to the back yard, where pods of comfortable furniture surround a serene, rectangular pool. A magnificent corten steel sculpture created by California artist Charles Sherman anchors the southern corner of the backyard. “I love the outdoors. Fireplace, TV, heaters,” she says. “I live out here a lot. When we have events, I open up these windows all the way back.”

The Robbins’ brought just three furniture pieces from their previous house—so there were plenty of purchases to make before move-in. Seated on one of their matching couches, Debbie says, “Once we did go shopping, I wanted to sit on it. I didn’t want to just order it.” And when it comes to agreeing on the furnishings, Debbie lets out a little chuckle about her husband Larry’s role in the process.

“He pretty much knows that I pick it out and it’s correct,” she says. “I knew exactly everything I wanted because I always know. It’s a yes or a no. That’s me.”

FIRST FRUITS why jason brown traded football for farm life

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

PHOTOS BY JOSH MANNING

(UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

On paper, Jason Brown was living every athlete’s dream. Born and raised in Henderson, where he attended Northern Vance High School, Brown played college football for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was drafted in 2005 by the Baltimore Ravens as one of the league’s best available centers, and the NFL eventually recognized him as one of the NFL’s highest paid centers. In 2009, the Ravens traded Brown to the St. Louis Rams, where he played until 2011.

Brown accrued millions of adoring fans, a beautiful home and a growing family with his wife, Tay. In 2012, however, he made the shocking decision to flip the script by announcing that he was trading in one field for another. Brown walked away from bright stadium

lights to peaceful farm fields in his home state of North Carolina.

Now parents of eight children ranging in age from 3 to 15, Jason and Tay look back in amazement on a decade of accomplishments and trials. There are still reminders of Brown’s football days—he will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame’s class of 2023 in April—but Jason and Tay are enjoying the new path they have carved. As owners and operators of First Fruits Farm in Louisburg—a 1,000-acre charitable farm about 35 miles northeast of Raleigh—the Browns welcome thousands of volunteers each year. They have given away over one million pounds of produce to food-insecure families across the state. “First Fruits Farm is more than a food ministry,”

Brown says. “It is a beacon of hope where folks can see the gospel and love of Jesus Christ at work.” From gridiron grasses to soil and silos, Brown shares his remarkable journey.

What made you decide to leave football to become a farmer?

The first question I always get asked is, “Why?” By all accounts, I was living the American dream. I had everything I wished for, yet there was a feeling that I wasn’t living the life that God wanted me to. I was 27 years old—the same age that my brother was when he was killed in a mortar attack in Iraq—and I knew that I was not living my purpose. So, one day, I asked God what He wanted me to do with my life. His response was clear: He wanted me to move back to North Carolina and feed His people.

OPPOSITE, ABOVE: Former NFL center Jason Brown and his wife, Tay, have eight children ranging in age from 3 to 15.

THIS PAGE, BOTTOM LEFT: In 2012, Brown made the decision to trade the football field for a farm field.

THIS PAGE, BOTTOM RIGHT: One of Brown’s sons works in the greenhouse.

PHOTO BY MARK GREGORY D. JIMENEZ

I knew nothing about farming. This was a total leap of faith, but I knew I had to follow His will. The farm life isn’t “Learn as we go.’ It’s ‘Learn as we grow.’ Poverty should not be synonymous with hunger. Being a farmer means that you always have food on the table. For us, it means that we can make sure that our neighbors have food, too.

How did you learn to farm?

As a football player, I spent the day after every game watching videos of plays to see what went right or wrong. When God told me that my ministry would be in farming and providing food to needy families, I turned to videos again. I scoured YouTube to learn how to farm. You’d be surprised how much useful information is out there!

Once we found our farm, we had a moment of, “What now?” Neighbors came through for us and showed us how to get started, generously giving their time and resources to help us. When we

needed equipment, prayers were answered and equipment was donated. God placed a call for service on our hearts, and He has found a way—with the help of the community—to help us succeed through every step of the way.

What does an average day look like for your family?

With eight children, no day is average! Everyone in the family has responsibilities, and chores depend on the age of the child. Our youngest children gather eggs and care for the chickens. Our oldest care for the larger livestock—the cows, goats and pigs—as well as other needs on the farm. Each season brings different needs, whether it is planting or harvest time, so every day brings new adventures and new duties.

Since our children are homeschooled, everything is multiplied: School work, cooking, laundry (farm life is dirty!), managing thousands of volunteers each year—yet still carving out time for

devotion and fun. We have created a unique model for our lives, and each day on the farm brings something new— weather challenges, equipment that needs to be fixed, field trips scheduled … Life is never dull.

How are you able to make the farm sustainable, since you give away all your harvest?

We rely on “human resources.” Without our volunteers, we would only be a fraction of what we are today. If we had to pay a dollar amount for the countless hours of labor it takes to plant, grow and harvest our produce, we would simply not be able to help as many people as we have.

We recently renovated one of the barns and turned it into a beautiful rental space for weddings and other gatherings, so we are able to use those profits to support the farm. We are looking into other agritourism options to help supplement costs, as well.

What is the most challenging aspect of running First Fruit Farms?

The pandemic threw us for a loop. With so many organizations and churches closed in 2020, we not only had a steep drop in the number of volunteers—we also had a much harder time getting food to the people in the community. The need was higher because so many people were without steady incomes, but it was infinitely more challenging to serve. Even though farming was considered an essential service, restrictions made it difficult to maintain our mission. Our momentum was disturbed, but we are hopeful that we can get back to our pre-pandemic numbers of volunteers and field trips this year.

Do you have a stand-out moment since you began this journey?

I love hosting field trips, because it is the first time that many of the children have ever been on a farm. Therefore, [it’s] the first time they have seen, firsthand,

where their food comes from. Early last year, students from the Governor Morehead School visited the farm on a field trip. Giving a farm tour to blind children was a unique learning experience—certainly for them, but for me as well. I could not simply point to places on the farm and say, “look at that.” I had to be descriptive with my words, explaining how blueberries are harvested, taking the time to physically feel rows of bushes, touch the wet nose of a farm animal and actively listen to sounds. This tour was more like painting a picture than showing a group around. It gave me a chance to pause and appreciate the intricacies of the farm in a way that I had not before.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would you say?

I have given myself that scenario so many times, but in the end, there is no cheat code for the last 10 years. There is

no one thing that I could possibly tell my younger self that would have made this adventure easier, because it was not supposed to be easy. When you heed God’s call, it’s probably something that is going to take you out of your comfort zone. In my case, farming was considerably out of my comfort zone, and although we have days when we wonder if we are making the right decisions, we continue to keep the faith. So, I guess I would tell myself to keep going. Don’t be fearful; be faithful. For more information about First Fruits Farm, as well as ways to donate or volunteer, visit wisdomforlife.org.

OPPOSITE PAGE AND THIS PAGE, ABOVE RIGHT: The Brown family renovated one of the barns into a rental space for weddings and other events. Profits from these ventures are used to support the farm.

THIS PAGE, ABOVE LEFT: Every member of the Brown family has chores. The younger children gather eggs and care for the chickens, while the older children care for the largest lifestock.

PHOTO BY MARK GREGORY D. JIMENEZ

aviary attraction

create a sanctuary for your feathered friends

BY KRISTEN SCHRUM

as winter thaws and the first hints of spring perfume the air, the Triangle slowly begins to bloom with buzzy activity across its foliage and verdure. Birds of every shape, size and color quickly flutter back into our gardens alongside azaleas, dogwoods, tulips and thick-leafed oaks. Attracting these chirping tree ornaments suddenly becomes an enchanting spring activity in which anyone can participate

THE PROPER CARE AND FEEDING OF BIRDS

According to Lorie Dailey, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited located in Raleigh and Cary, putting up proper feed for birds is one of the easiest ways to start creating your backyard avian paradise. “If you put a feeder out with decent seed, I can guarantee sooner or later you’re going to start getting birds coming to it,” Dailey says.

Bird feeders are one of the best ways to draw birds into your yard, but in order to attract a variety of species, different feeders with different types of feed are necessary. Tube feeders remain very popular among birders; however, not all tube feeders are created equal. When choosing a tube feed, be aware of the size of the hole from which the food is dispensed. Feeders with smaller openings are generally designed for a specific seed or seed blend such as thistle seed or a fine seed blend. Though not conducive for larger birds, many birders will put up one or two of these smaller feeders specifically for the American goldfinch, a gorgeous yet elusive avian with yellow-gold feathering.

To attract a variety of birds, seed blends of sunflower seed and peanut pieces—both shelled and unshelled—prove most effective. Birds such as bluebirds, wrens and warblers are considered non-seed eaters. Their beaks are too small to open shells; therefore, they require unshelled seeds in their feed. “I love just a good overall mix where black oil sunflower is the primary ingredient,” Daily informs. “If you only want a single-seed feed, you should go with the sunflower.”

Another single-seed option is the safflower seed. “Safflower seed has a more bitter taste, but the reason why people will use safflower seed is to deter black birds and squirrels,” Daily explains. Often, you will see chickadees, cardinals and finches fly automatically to this seed to escape the hustle and bustle of other feeders.

To attract larger birds, choose tube feeders with larger openings and attachable trays. The red-bellied woodpecker, also famous for its coloring, will be attracted to peanuts from a tray feeder or suet feeders. Often dispensed from a wire cage, suet feeders mimic a natural feeding position for the birds. Suet is a compound of beef fat particularly enticing to woodpeckers, chickadees and blue jays. Birders can easily find suet, as well as other types of feed, at Wild Birds Unlimited and other such stores dedicated to birding.

AN ACCOMMODATING ENVIRONMENT

North Carolina is home to a beautiful variety of birds that include the northern cardinal, blue jay, Carolina wren and eastern bluebird, among other famous feathery friends. In order to create the proper environment for them, however, your backyard needs to emulate a bird’s natural habitat. Planting native shrubs such as elderberry and viburnum help attract northern cardinals, which are fussed about for their dazzling red plumage and are known to circulate shrubbery woodlands.

The Carolina chickadee, meanwhile, flourishes in a backyard filled with oaks, beeches or hickory. No trees? Small log piles will do just fine. Fragrant honeysuckle and other climbing vines are another great way to attract avians such as the pileated woodpecker and eastern bluebird, which both dazzle with color. Natural and native foliage is best to use when creating a beautiful bird sanctuary. In addition, you should avoid using pesticides and planting invasive or non-native verdure, as birds are sensitive to what they consider unfamiliar.

eastern bluebird

prothonotary warbler

carolina wren

red-bellied woodpecker

FRESH WATER OASIS

Fresh water is not easily found in the wild, even for animals. That is why a watering hole that is fresh and clean not only attracts all kinds of birds, but makes them loyal customers to a particular area. For birders, creating fresh water sources can be done by inserting water features and bird baths into their backyard. While the options for bird baths and water features may seem overwhelming—avid birders put up everything from simple spray trays to installing backyard ponds—there are several considerations to make before committing to any water feature.

When it comes to bird baths, size matters. Small bird baths, while easy to set up, may quickly run out of water in the Carolina heat, requiring more attention, refills and maintenance. Larger baths, however, can hold more water and can be used by multiple birds simultaneously without the risk of being monopolized by one territorial species. A backyard birder will also want to consider the height of the bird bath. Taller bird baths attract smaller birds like chickadees, bluebirds and wrens, who may be looking for secure heights on which to keep an eye out for predators. Water basins sitting at ground level will attract larger ground feeders such as blue jays and woodpeckers.

NESTING NECESSITIES

While most North Carolina birds can be found year-round, setting up birdhouses or nesting trays for birds to raise their young is an activity reserved for spring. There are many cavity birds attracted by these famous yard decorations—chickadees, nuthatches, swallows and wrens to name a few. However, Triangle bird enthusiasts love to set up birdhouses for the beloved bluebird, a gorgeous little avian with shining blue and rose beige plumage. From late February to mid-August, the bluebirds court, mate and breed. A female bluebird can have anywhere from one to three broods per season, allowing birders an entertaining spring full of hatchlings.

When choosing a birdhouse box, take into consideration its build and location, as it must be suited to the type of bird in the area. Each bird prefers a different size entrance hole. Bluebirds and swallows, for instance, favor boxes with a hole diameter of one-and-a-half inches. Meanwhile, smaller chickadees and titmice prefer a diameter of one-and-one-eighth to one-and-one-quarter inch. “I tell people that if you don’t care what kind of bird you get, get a bluebird box,” Dailey advises. “It’s going to give you your biggest opportunity.”

How and with what the birdbox is constructed also matters. Breathable materials such as natural wood create a more organic home, whereas the chemicals in pressure-treated wood deter the bird from nesting in it. Proper vent and drain holes must be present as well. Another feature to keep in mind is that a birdhouse needs to be easy to open for monitoring the birds and cleaning out the boxes when the nest has been used. Look for birdhouses with unique two-way opening systems that allow you to view the birds as they breed, hatch and grow, in addition to making the house easy to clean.

Mounting a birdhouse on a pole is best, and many birders attach a baffle to their poles in order to prevent squirrels and snakes from climbing up to it. If perched on a tree, the nest becomes more susceptible to predators.

SEASONAL BIRDS

While the Triangle’s climate facilitates a year-round habitat for most of its birds, there are a few exceptions. The warbler, one of the state’s tiny songbirds, is more commonly seen in winter, and this past November a few rare western tanagers made their appearance in the Raleigh area. Perhaps the most famous seasonal bird, however, remains the spectacular hummingbird.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only native hummingbird to the eastern U.S. From late October to March, hummers will fly nonstop across 500 miles of water to

Central and South America, where they will spend winter. Hummingbirds generally return to the Triangle in early April, when spring grows warm and temperate.

In order to attract these gorgeous little birds, hummingbird feeders and sugar water are all you need. Hummingbird expert Susan Campbell, one of 175 licensed hummingbird banders in the U.S., suggests clustering anywhere from four to six hummingbird feeders in a single location.

Dailey echoes Campbell’s advice. “If you only put up one or two feeders, even on completely opposite sides of your yard, you’ll have one hummingbird going back and forth between those two feeders defending his territory,” she says. “But if you cluster your feeders—I can’t tell you what the magic number is—but if you have about six feeders, then one can’t be dominant.”

Hummingbirds are insect and nectar feeders; therefore, use sugar water—and lots of it—to fill your yard with the hum of iridescent feathers. It’s best to make a quart of sugar water at a time and change the feeders every other day, since sugar water can ferment in the warm Carolina heat.

Anyone can enjoy the pleasures of birding. “It can get addicting,” Daily says. With only a few feeders and an adventurous attitude, you’ll start to see a variety of birds fluttering about your garden. You’ll soon discover they are more than happy to enjoy spring with you, your family and your friends.

OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTOS BY: BIGWEST1/GETTY IMAGES, WILLIAMSHERMAN/GETTY IMAGES, OUTTAKES/GETTY IMAGES, JOHANN SCHUMACHER/GETTY IMAGES

PHOTO BY CLARK42/GETTY IMAGES

LORIE DAILEY’S RECIPE FOR HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR

ruby-throated hummingbird

HOME & GARDEN

Discover new developments and builds, design professionals and landscape resources.

EASTERN TURF MAINTENANCE

Eastern Turf Maintenance has been the Triangle’s top choice for lawn care for more than two decades. Trusted by some of the area’s top athletic stadiums for turf management, Eastern Turf Maintenance provides best-inclass lawn care services for homeowners who seek better results for their lawns and landscapes. From the stadium to your backyard, Eastern Turf Maintenance is helping happy grow one customer at a time.

Fertilization & Weed Care

Experience a healthier, greener, weed-free lawn with the right combination of nutrients and weed control for your grass. Eastern Turf Maintenance is known for its science-backed approach to lawn care that is timed for the current season.

Ornamental Tree & Shrub Care

Landscaping is likely your largest uninsured investment. Offer your trees and shrubs the care they need to thrive throughout the year. Protect your landscapes from common pest and disease damage, and encourage flowering and new growth.

Mosquito Care

Nobody wants an itchy, irritated mosquito bite or the risk of disease these pests bring to your family and pets. Well-timed, selective treatments with pollinators in mind can drastically improve your outdoor experience.

Aeration & Seeding

Triangle homes vary when it comes to grass type. Some homeowners have warm-season lawns like Bermuda and zoysia, while others have cool-season fescue lawns, or perhaps a combination of both. Warm-season core aeration or cool-season aeration and seeding is an important complement to any lawn care program. It literally helps your grass grow.

Call for a free estimate!

BUDGET BLINDS

Locally owned and operated for over 24 years, Budget Blinds provides custom window covering solutions to both residential and commercial spaces across the Triangle. The company’s expert design and installation staff create the ideal interior to elevate any home with a stunning array of blinds, shades, shutters and home automation products.

Now, Budget Blinds can transform spaces inside and out with top-quality exterior motorized screens and awnings that make spending time outdoors even more enjoyable. Their aesthetic beauty is balanced with year-round functional benefits like weather, insect, heat and UV protection. For every client, the team is united in their priority: providing an absolutely exceptional experience throughout the entire design and installation process.

Budget Blinds believes strongly in the importance of giving back to their community. They have consistently provided window coverings for Habitat for Humanity homes, organized annual food drives and, in 2015, launched a campaign to donate a portion of every sale to support local nonprofits. Since then, they have donated more than $150,000 to organizations such as Hope Reins, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and many others. Visit the Triangle’s largest window covering showroom or call Budget Blinds today to schedule a free consultation with one of the company’s experienced designers.

Today it’s important to have green spaces that are multifunctional and provide solitude and comfort. Thanks to the pandemic, however, a lot of us are making those spaces productive as well. We want to create a place for peace, reflection and relaxation, but also a place to grow nourishment for our bodies after witnessing how fragile our supply chain is.

Tiayonna Liska, founder and head garden coach, is helping transform residential green space into a multifaceted food haven. Touted as the Triangle’s kitchen garden expert, Liska is working to bring the cultivation of fresh, organic foods in your yard back to being commonplace. She’s a certified garden consultant and provides clients with options that bring beauty and functionality to your existing landscape.

Try her Super Simple Summer Squash Casserole recipe using your own gardengrown veggies. Cut 1 pound of squash and 1 pound of zucchini into thin ¼-inch slices. Sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a baking dish. Create rows of alternating squash and zucchini. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of cheese, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of pepper over the squash and zucchini. Cover it with foil and bake it at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Tiayonna Liska, owner of Carolina Garden Coaching

MR. HANDYMAN OF WESTERN WAKE COUNTY

Mr. Handyman of Western Wake County specializes in making your home your happy place! Our talented team of technicians will skillfully complete your home repairs and improvements in a timely manner.

We have been servicing your area for the last 12 years, bringing customers positive experiences from the time they contact our office until their jobs are completed. Look for our newly designed vans driving around town! Same professional service with a new look!

Our handyman services include drywall repair, caulk and grout, tile installation, door and window repair, carpentry, wall mount TVs, aging in place, deck repair, fascia and soffit repair, wood rot repair and more.

Serving the Triangle and surrounding areas since 1998, Southern Accent Shutters and Blinds has been the go-to choice for residential and commercial window coverings. Customer service is what sets us apart from the rest, delighting customers with our gorgeous handcrafted shutters and custom window coverings. We specialize in automated window treatments to compliment your smart home, and our team of designers are here to help you make your selections. From the complimentary in-home consult to install, we strive to make the process easy and stress-free!

Molly and Russ Allred, owners

C O NTAINER G A R D ENI NG Tips for growing fruitful plants

BY JANICE LEWINE

Container gardening is an attractive alternative to gardening in the ground because it saves money, time and space. A potted garden also makes a stunning and useful addition to any landscape. Ready to dig in? Consider these tips from Jody Keye, co‑manager of greenhouse retail sales at Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center in Raleigh.

1 Decide where you want the container placed, then determine how much light it will receive in that location and how much energy you want to spend taking care of it.

2 Select a container color, size and style that will be pleasing to your eye, and one that is the right size for the space and type of plants you will be growing (seasonal, herb/vegetable, tropical or evergreen). Any container will work if it can hold plants and provide good drainage. Use a coffee filter to cover the drain hole in your containers, which allows the water to drain while keeping the soil in.

3 Keep plants and containers in proportion. The total height of the fully grown plants should be no more than two times the height of the container.

4 Once you’ve decided on a color palette and design for your container, choose plants that like the same light, water and growth habits. Shade plants like two hours or less of direct sun, while sun plants will need four or more hours of direct sun. Morning sun offers the best light in the long summer months, and the hot western sun will require more watering.

5 Always use potting soil. Soil taken directly from your yard might introduce weeds and insects. When placing the soil in your container, keep it loose. Roots need oxygen to stay healthy, and loose soil helps with drainage. Be sure not to overcrowd the containers so plants have room to grow. For extra large containers, use crushed water bottles with the lids on to reduce the amount of soil needed and to help with drainage.

6 Try the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” technique. Thriller is the main pop of color in the pot, spiller is a plant that will drape over the edge of the pot, and filler is the plant that fills in between. When adding plants to the pot, be sure to consider where the container will be placed. If you are able to see all the way around the container, the thriller will be placed in the center of the container, with the filler and spiller planted around it. If one side of the container is out of sight, the thriller can be planted towards the back with the filler and spiller placed in front.

7 Vegetable and herb containers can be pretty and delicious. Most vegetables need bright sunlight. Most containers

have only one plant (such as tomato or pepper squash) in them, but you can plant a combo container of veggies. Just remember not to overcrowd the pot. Using a container of at least 5 gallons, you can plant a tomato plant (thriller) with cucumber (spiller) and lettuce (filler), and add marigolds for a splash of color. In the same container, you can add carrot or beet seeds to sprout and fill the pot.

8 Daytime watering is best. Water the soil, not the plants, and continue until water exits the drain holes.

9 Use deer and rabbit resistant plants, such as caladiums, angelonia and coleus.

10 Know your plants and save their tags. Deadheading (removing faded blooms) and trimming the plants is an important and relaxing activity.

You can plant an herb in its pot into a larger container to restrict root growth.

lovely

This illustration shows a cross-section of various plants growing in a single container.

Pansy, ground ivy, sage, basil and nasturtium make a

summer urn.

THE HOUSE THAT CARY BUILT

BY ERIC MEDLIN

About 150 years ago, Cary was little more than a bundle of houses and a stop on two railroads. A small community with little to distinguish it from hundreds of other towns that dotted the North Carolina Piedmont, Cary was about to receive a building that would add culture, class and a bit of Paris to western Wake County. The Page-Walker Hotel, topped by a striking mansard roof, would symbolize the little town’s growing prosperity and herald its eventual development as one of North Carolina’s largest cities.

While Cary was not incorporated until 1871, it was founded in the 1850s, and soon became a junction for the North Carolina Railroad and Chatham Railroad. The arrival of the latter in 1868 brought the budding community newfound wealth and prestige. It also led to a substantial number of visitors, many of whom needed accommodations for a night or two before continuing their journey to Asheville or New Bern.

A STATELY HISTORY

Allison Francis “Frank” Page stepped in to meet this demand. The founder of Cary, Page would become the ancestor of one of North Carolina’s most distinguished families. His eldest son, Walter Hines Page, would become the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, while his other sons became state cabinet members and gubernatorial candidates. But before this fame, the elder Page was a lumber magnate interested in making money from the town’s many travelers. He constructed a second empirestyle brick hotel in 1868 at a point near both railroad lines. The structure was two-and-ahalf stories tall, containing sitting and dining rooms on the first floor and bedrooms on the second. Page’s wife had experience in the hotel business and likely managed it before 1878, when Mrs. A.J. Clegg (first name unknown) became the proprietor.

Page, the likely designer of the hotel, capped off his new establishment with a mansard roof. This term describes a roof that slopes twice with angles on all four sides. It is best known for its role in French architecture, having been named for François Mansart, a French architect from the Old Regime. Mansard roofs decorated thousands of French buildings lining the avenues of Paris following renovations

managed by Baron Haussmann, a French administrator known for managing urban renewal projects that helped modernize Paris. The roofs had multiple purposes: bringing light into attics, overcoming height restrictions—even gaming a French tax system based on the number of windows a building had.

But abroad, the inclusion of the so-called French roof became a symbol of craftsmanship and luxury during the Gilded Age. It was one of the many architectural details that made up the eclectic Victorian style in which architects picked and chose elements of classical, Gothic, and other forms of architecture to make a statement about their work. A mansard roof showed a builder’s love of ornamentation and commitment to a style that was then in vogue.

TOP OF PAGE: Allison Francis “Frank” Page, founder of Cary, constructed the original Page-Walker Hotel.

PHOTO COURTESY OF “THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF WALTER H. PAGE.” FRAME BY ELEMENTALIMAGING/ GETTY IMAGES

ABOVE: The Page-Walker Arts and History Center was originally a hotel, and was the first structure in Cary with a mansard roof.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIC MEDLIN AND THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL RESOURCES

EXTENDING THE ELEGANCE

Putting a mansard roof on an 1868 North Carolina hotel would have been meaningful in any town. The state had few mansard roofs at that time, and North Carolina was one of the poorest states in the Union, with high rates of illiteracy and only one town accommodating more than 10,000 residents. A mansard roof would remain out of reach for most homeowners, who could barely afford a simple pitched roof to cover their small houses. The mansard roofs that did appear over the next few decades were limited to a handful of homes and public buildings, such as the Guess-White-Ogle House in Cary, the Heck-Andrews House in Raleigh and the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern.

The Page-Walker Hotel made news in Cary and beyond. A November 13, 1877 edition of the Raleigh News described it as a “firstclass house in every respect.” Owned by J.R. Walker after 1884 and run by his wife, Nancy Walker, the hotel hosted guests of the 1891 Southern Inter-State Exposition in Raleigh, which attracted visitors from over a dozen states. The hotel and its mansard roof helped Cary build a reputation for elegance and upper class living, which was reinforced by

the exclusive Cary High School, incorporated in 1896, along with several Victorian houses downtown. The town continued to grow during the early 20th century.

By the 1920s, Cary had electricity and a paved road to Raleigh. The town later grew considerably with the opening of Research Triangle Park, located less than 10 miles from its downtown core. Cary’s population doubled every decade between 1950 and 2000. This growth went along with a decline in rail travel and a subsequent deterioration of the PageWalker Hotel. It changed hands numerous times before being bought by the Cary Town Council in 1985. Now, the hotel is an arts center and event space that also houses the Cary Heritage Museum.

Known today as the Page-Walker Arts and History Center, it boasts the only mansard roof in Cary built before the late 20th century and is one of only a handful remaining in Wake County. Those roofs were built to show Victorian elegance and extravagance. Cary’s emphasized a town on the move—one that had high hopes for municipal growth in the late 19th century. The mansard roof symbolized what Cary believed it could—and has—become: a sprawling, prosperous city with historical significance.

The Heck-Andrews House in Raleigh (top) and Guess-White-Ogle House in Cary (bottom) were also built with mansard roofs.

TOP PHOTO BY DAVID HOFFMAN

BOTTOM PHOTO BY ERIC MEDLIN

TAZZA KITCHEN Serving fresh ingredients from a scratch kitchen

BY KRISTEN SCHRUM | PHOTOS BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

At the age of 16, Marcos Sanchez worked his first restaurant job as a busboy. “But I would always watch the chefs,” he says, reflecting on the beginning of his culinary journey. “At some point, the chefs got tired of me always watching them, and they told me to just join the line.”

Since then, Sanchez has always found himself in the kitchen, moving

up into management positions. After years of overseeing restaurants across the Southeast with companies such as Moonlight Management, Sanchez ended up at Tazza Kitchen, where, amid the clattering of chef knives and blazing roar of wood-fired ovens, his culinary team has spent the last six years putting their unique twists on America’s melting pot favorites.

Tazza Kitchen serves handcrafted burgers, wood-fired pizzas, braised

meat tacos and a variety of fresh salads, in addition to more classically inspired main dishes. Overall, the restaurant staff is ready to serve anyone who walks through its doors.

“I like to say Tazza sort of has an identity crisis,” Sanchez laughs, referring to the restaurant’s versatile menu. “We’re not New American. We’re not Italian. We just cook good food.”

Chef Marcos Sanchez believes chefs are artists in their own right.

RIPE PRIORITIES

Tazza Kitchen may not have a fixed identity, but it does have a mission: to serve amazingly fresh food with artistry and creativity. To Sanchez, chefs are artists in their own right: Imagination, patience, hard work and skill are all required to create original, delicious entrees. Tazza Kitchen encourages artistry among its kitchen staff, and the resulting creative menu centered around fresh ingredients gives Tazza Kitchen an edge over competitors.

“You can have one of our pizzas anywhere else, but you can’t get the same taste because our ingredients are unique to us,” says Sanchez, who selects all of Tazza Kitchen’s ingredients from local produce vendors and small businesses. Sanchez recognizes that there is a drastic difference in the quality and taste of the food that is bought in-season. When bought out of season, even organic produce holds but a fraction of its authentic taste.

In addition, local farmers know their product and are aware of when it reaches optimum growth and taste, and they harvest accordingly—as opposed to corporations that harvest produce months before it is ripe in order to have the product ready for stores. Tazza Kitchen places great importance on sourcing its food from natural, fresh sources. From buffalo mozzarella made by BUF Creamery in Colombia, to locally sourced steaks from Seven Hills Food Company’s beef, Sanchez and his kitchen staff keep nothing frozen as part of their mission to create authentic, fresh dishes from scratch.

When asked about his own creative process, Sanchez always begins with the ingredients. “I like to see what’s fresh and in season,” he says. From there, he caters to his own palate, saying, “A lot of my dishes are things I would cook as a family meal for my team.”

Much of Sanchez’s culinary experience is rooted in Italian cuisine—using original ingredients and cooking in wood-fired ovens to transform typical Italian dishes,

such as pizzas and chicken Marsala. His popular apple and goat cheese pizza is served alongside fresh red onion, arugula and black pepper honey. Sanchez has added an elevated twist to a typical baked salmon by cooking it within the brick oven beside earthy parsnip, hearty purple potatoes and rosemary cream cheese.

SHARED SUCCESSES

Tazza Kitchen shares recipes across its locations, so the menu becomes a harmonious blend of ideas from the head chefs at each location. Even the bartenders strive to put together cocktail menus that represent the restaurant’s fresh, unique concept. About three to four times a year, the kitchen and bar will roll out new menus that complement each other and the season, which is part of what creates the restaurant’s high-energy ambiance.

The bar and kitchen are both openconcept. Guests can see the bar’s beautiful array of cocktail ingredients and colorful glass bottles, as well as the kitchen’s wood-fired ovens and hard-working chefs. This type of “scratch cooking,” demonstrated with transparency and authenticity, builds Tazza Kitchen’s trust and rapport with its clientele. It’s a big part of why the restaurant has such a loyal customer base.

Farm-to-table and scratch-kitchen restaurants such as Tazza Kitchen rely on being able to trace each and every ingredient back to its origin. From there, chefs like Sanchez and his team lead the charge in creating amazingly fresh and

CHEF MARCOS SANCHEZ’S FLAN RECIPE

Ingredients

5 eggs

1 pound of cream cheese

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

12 ounces of evaporated milk

16 ounces of sweetened condensed milk

5 ounces of caramel sauce

DIRECTIONS

Cut the cream cheese into 1-inch pieces. When it reaches room temperature, add it to a mixing bowl. Slowly mix the cream cheese in a stand mixer until it’s smooth and free of lumps, for about 3–4 minutes. Scrape the mixture off the sides of the bowl halfway through with a spatula.

Mix the eggs and vanilla together, then add the mixture to the cream cheese in three stages. Scrape the bowl well. Continue mixing it on medium speed for 10 minutes.

While mixing, combine both milks in a large bowl and set the milks aside. When the cream cheese and egg mixture is ready, gently fold it into the milk.

Portion ½ ounce of caramel sauce into 10 5-ounce ramekins, making sure the caramel sauce covers the entire bottom of each ramekin. Then top each with 4 ounces of the flan base.

Place the ramekins into a shallow hotel pan, making sure to leave at least an inch of room between each one. Fill the pan halfway with hot tap water, making sure to not spill any water into the ramekins.

Cover the hotel pan with foil and bake the ramekins at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake them for an additional 5 minutes. The flan is done when a toothpick can be inserted into the center and comes out clean.

When finished, remove the ramekins from the water bath and cool them in the refrigerator. Store them in refrigeration until you are ready to serve them.

“I like to see what’s fresh and in season. A lot of my dishes are things I would cook as a family meal for my team.”

CHEF MARCOS SANCHEZ

Tazza Kitchen

MARKET LEADERS

Margaret Donovan Struble, Compass NC, Founding Agent

MARGARET DONOVAN STRUBLE QUINN DONOVAN STRUBLE

HELPING FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD

In 10 short years, COMPASS has become the No. 1 real estate brokerage in the U.S. in sales volume. When COMPASS expanded to the Triangle, the company searched for a select few highly respected, top-producing agents to represent COMPASS as the NC Founding Agents. Margaret Struble was honored to be selected as one of eight Triangle Founders.

Additionally, as a longtime member of the Luxury Home Marketing Group, an elite coalition of local realtors, Margaret has the unique opportunity to collaborate with other luxury agents to leverage their network of active buyers and sellers. Trusted and respected by her clients and peers, Margaret has 25-plus years of experience and is the advisor you can trust when investing in what is most likely the single largest transaction in your portfolio.

Joining Margaret at COMPASS is her son Quinn, a successful Realtor in his own right with eight years in the industry. Margaret and Quinn provide a unique perspective on today’s market. Quinn’s personal experience with the challenges facing first-time home buyers combined with Margaret’s wealth of knowledge will guide you through this turbulent market. Whether buying or selling, they will advise you on how to best position yourself in the current fluctuating market, and negotiate to attain your best personal and financial outcome.

Quinn Donovan Struble, Realtor/Broker, Compass NC

DASH CAROLINA REAL ESTATE

RITA WALIA – YOUR TRIANGLE REAL ESTATE RESOURCE

Working in the real estate industry has been something more fulfilling than I ever thought it could be. From my first-time home buyers to my experienced home buyers, the process seems to always have something a little different, which makes every transaction a learning experience. I feel fortunate when we find the right house and I’m a true believer that when it happens, it is meant to be. I’m proud to be a 2022 Diamond Award winner, and my greatest joy is finding the right house my clients can call home. That is true success. I would love to help you find a place to call home!

Thank you to this wonderful community for the award of Best Real Estate Agent! It’s an honor to serve you. I have been guiding Triangle buyers and sellers with confidence, care and expertise since 2006. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or ready to move into your dream luxury home, I am here to Navigate you every step of the way. Contact me today for a free home consultation. I’d love to partner with you to make 2023 the year your real estate dreams come true!

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.

CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP

302 Colonades Way, Suite D209 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

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

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

peakofthevine.com

our

and

all

Jumbo Chicken Wings, Hot Sub Sandwiches

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPRIOTTI’S SANDWICH SHOP

OUT + ABOUT | THE FOODIE

Compiled by the 5 West staff with contributions from Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard, who blogs at trianglefoodblog.com .

NOW OPEN

1 Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar hosted grand opening festivities at Cary’s Fenton development on February 9. Sports & Social features an elevated food and beverage menu, which includes brunch, along with watch party experiences for big games. PBR Cowboy Bar will offer popular country music (old and new), and the area’s only professional endorsed mechanical riding bull. 2 Donovan’s Dish opened its second Take Out Market location on January 30 at 107 Edinburgh S. Drive in MacGregor Village. The original location is at 800 W. Williams Street in Apex.

3 Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe opened at 108 Grand Hill Place in Holly Springs at the end of January. The fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant will also offer delivery and to-go services. 4 The team behind Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing has opened the Twisted Ladder in Research Triangle Park at 8 Davis Drive in Durham. The new concept offers upscale American breakfast and lunch with counter service.

COMING SOON

5 SoCo in downtown Pittsboro will welcome its final tenants, Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant and Havoc Brewing Company, sometime during 2023. SoCo is located next to Pittsboro’s historic courthouse in the roundabout and features a mix of locally owned restaurants, bars and businesses.

1. DRAM & DRAUGHT

Kentucky Spritz featuring Wild Turkey bourbon, aperol, grapefruit, lemon, vanilla and prosecco.

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

2. COLLETTA

Colletta’s meatball appetizer, with lasagna for the main course.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLETTA

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPORTS & SOCIAL

3. SUPERICA

Fried catfish taco, steak quesadilla and chicken suizas enchilada.

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

4. SASSOOL

Pick-4 Sampler featuring chicken salad, orzo pasta salad, autumn root salad and fava bean salad.

PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG

My

JAZZLIVE CONCERT

March 5, 3 p.m.

Halle Cultural Arts Center

237 N. Salem Street, Apex Groove to jazz music from renowned Steinway artist and jazz pianist Lenore Raphael, and special guests Aaron Gross on bass and Wayne Wilkinson on guitar. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. etix.com

REPAIR CAFE

March 11, 1–5 p.m.

Herbert C. Young Community Center

101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary

Repair your appliances, toys, lamps, jewelry, electronics and furniture with the help of local experts who share their skills and talent to help you fix most anything— and keep it out of the landfill. townofcary.org

RUN O’ THE PEAK

March 11, 8:30 a.m.–noon

Apex Town Hall

73 Hunter Street, Apex

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early by taking part in a 5K or 10K race. Enjoy local food trucks, beer vendors and a health fair. The event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Race fees are $35–$40. Register online. event.racereach.com/run-o-the-peak5k10k/register

ART IN BLOOM

March 15–19

North Carolina Museum of Art

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

This floral fundraiser, presented by PNC Bank, features more than 30 floral arrangements connecting visitors with art through floral interpretations of the museum’s latest acquisitions and visitorfavorite works. Purchase tickets online. ncartmuseum.org/bloom

SPRING FLING

March 25, 10 am.–noon

Ting Park

101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs

Welcome spring in Holly Springs at the Spring Fling, which features games and activities geared toward ages 8 and younger, inflatables, and an egg hunt on the baseball field at noon. hollyspringsnc.us/360/spring-fling

DREAMVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL

April 1–2; doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Dorothea Dix Park

1030 Richardson Drive, Raleigh

Curated by internationally acclaimed hip-hop superstar and Fayetteville native J. Cole, Dreamville Music Festival is an outdoor weekend music celebration featuring performances from some of the biggest names in rap, hip-hop and

R&B, along with a family-style cookout. Purchase tickets online. dreamvillefest.com

“LES

MISÉRABLES”

April 4–9

Durham Performing Arts Center

123 Vivian Street, Durham

“Les Misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption— a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. ticketmaster.com

FOLLOW ME TO FUQUAY-VARINA

April 13, 20, 27 and May 11; 6:30 p.m.

Centennial Square

Main and Academy streets, Fuquay-Varina

Take the family for free music in the downtown district featuring Liquid Pleasure on April 13, Band of Oz on April 20, The Embers on April 27, and Crush on May 11. Food and beer are available for purchase. fuquay-varina.org/414/ FM2FV-concert-series

HISTORIES AND HAUNTS OF HIGH HOUSE: A TWILIGHT TOUR

April 15 and 22; 6:30 p.m.

High House area of Cary

Dr. Katherine Loflin and Al Parker have joined forces to offer a tour exploring the histories and haunts of Cary’s High House neighborhood. The tour lasts 60–75 minutes. Additional information will be sent via email after you complete your order and sign your waiver. Purchase tickets onlinefor $30 plus processing fees. thecitydoctorproductions.ticketspice. com/histories-and-haunts-of-high-house

CHILDREN’S DAY FESTIVAL

April 22, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Page-Walker Arts & History Center and surrounding spaces

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary

Celebrate the colorful mosaic of cultures that make up the Triangle. Enjoy games, performances by local youth, make-andtake international crafts, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks and more. A community corner featuring childfocused businesses and services rounds out the event. Admission is free. Presented by ATA-NC and Sister Cities of Cary. townofcary.org

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN-TURKISH ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA

BOTANICAL GARDEN GETAWAYS

CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDEN

Fayetteville

Nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek, Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers a picturesque floral respite in the military town of Fayetteville.

Loaded with specialty gardens and blooming ornamental plants, the garden is home to camellia, daylily and shade gardens in addition to the Butterfly Stroll and Children’s Garden. Amble along the scenic river trail to take in the water views, participate in a guided tour or relax on the patio overlooking the Cypress Pond. The garden hosts events such as tai chi and yoga, and creates a fairytale backdrop for weddings.

Fayetteville is home to one of the country’s largest military complexes: Fort Bragg. The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum, located in downtown Fayetteville, showcases the history of this branch of the military. Downtown Fayetteville is walkable and quaint, with shops and restaurants. Stop by Gaston Brewing Company for a local craft brew, then cheer on the Woodpeckers—Fayetteville’s hometown minor league baseball team.

Learn more about Cape Fear Botanical Garden at capefearbg.org.

WILSON BOTANICAL GARDENS

Wilson

Not only a pretty place to meander, Wilson Botanical Gardens also seeks to welcome even the youngest botanists. The Children’s Secret Garden is a magical play area with a garden tunnel, rain wall, dinosaur dig and banana split sundae garden. The STEM Garden promotes horticulture education through the use of outdoor classrooms. This part of the garden is divided into four areas, providing students of all ages with hands-on experience with STEM—science, technology, engineering and math—in a unique setting. Divided into four areas, the garden brings each STEM concept to life.

On a breezy day, visitors also flock to Wilson to see the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park—a truly one-of-a-kind experience featuring wind-powered structures made from metal scraps by farm machinery repairman Vollis Simpson. Continue your whimsical adventures over at Imagination Station Science & History Museum, where families can explore interactive science experiments. No visit to Wilson is complete without a stop at Parker’s Barbecue—a local mainstay for more than 75 years.

Learn more about Wilson Botanical Gardens at wilsonbotanicalgarden.org.

Two towns offer beauty and fun within an hour’s drive of Raleigh

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF THOMAS KEEVER, WILSON BOTANICAL GARDENS AND THE CITY OF WILSON

“There is a depth of knowledge on stonework that is not being passed down anymore. It became this very deep, very rewarding experience as I learned to be a stonemason. We didn’t have masters. We didn’t know how to access this knowledge. It has been a learning process, and it is fulfilling to see the fruits of my labor at the end of the day.”

— Brooks Burleson

BROOKS BURLESON

OM, 2015

LILAC-COLORED PENNSYLVANIA

BLUE STONE

11 X 11 INCHES

CREATION, INCLUSION AND CONNECTION

The symbol of “om” has many different meanings in different cultures. For Raleigh-based artisan and stonemason Brooks Burleson, om signifies creation, inclusion and connection. A self-taught stone carver, Burleson carved this universal symbol into lilac-colored Pennsylvania bluestone to exemplify his turn to yoga to better his physical and spiritual well-being. Om is propped against the entry stairs to his home—a reminder to live a healthy lifestyle and continue the legacy of stone masonry.

Burleson credits his love of old trades, like stone masonry, to his grandfather and childhood summers spent in the mountains of North Carolina. In high school, Burleson turned to art as an outlet. Showing artistic promise, his art teacher invited him on a trip to Europe where he saw ancient stonework, such as aqueducts. This fascination with stone sparked a lifelong journey to stonework, which he continues today in his carvings, mosaics and stonework as the owner of Natural Stone Installation.

View his work at Duke Gardens, at stonecraftsman.com and on Instagram at @ natural_stone_installation