Triangle Family magazine – July/August 2023

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 then had to walk a full mile back to the rental site—carrying the kayaks over our shoulders as lightning and thunder filled the sky.

But nothing compares to our trip to Zion National Park in Utah, where we hiked 2,100 feet up narrow switchbacks to Observation Point—elevation 6,507 feet. At the top, we encountered an even more tenuous adventure: navigating the point’s delicate ledge. We stepped lightly out onto it for a quite spectacular view—and a few photos, of course. The bonds we forged during these experiences were more valuable than the adventures themselves. All five of us persevered through mental and physical challenges together, supporting each other through it all. On page 10, Mandy Howard shares some of her family’s adventures and suggests 13 heart-pumping opportunities for making lasting memories with your family. She also offers this encouraging message: Let adventure be the tie that binds you this summer!

On page 16, Erica DeLong shares her experiences as a wife, mother and local radio personality with Melissa Wistehuff. For more than two decades, Erica has served as the voice of G105’s morning—and, more recently—afternoon commute as host of “The Erica Show.” Known to many locals as “Radio’s Sweetheart,” this mother of two stays busy with events, volunteering and “as much travel as possible.” We enjoyed our June photo shoot with Erica and her family at the Museum of Life and Science—one of their favorite spots!

Summer may be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean your kids’ minds have to go down the “summer slide.” Keep their neurons firing with Janice Lewine’s 20 brain-boosting activities on page 20. And on page 26, get to know the sport of cricket, which has become wildly popular in Morrisville. Kurt Dusterberg hones in on how the town is making great strides to carry the ball for cricket athletes and fans of all ages.

Local mom and time-management expert Megan Sumrell offers back-to-school advice on page 30, including how to spend the week before and after the first week of school, and ways to make mornings and evenings more productive.

We also take you on a Crystal Coast family getaway (page 36), suggest a new way to learn the game of golf (page 38) and present a guide to local independent bookstores (page 40). Read advice for changing your child’s school (page 42) and parenting neurodivergent learners (page 43), and check out our Newcomers Guide on page 32.

You’ll find all of this plus family events and more in our July/August issue. Take a copy with you to all of your favorite places this summer as you soak up the southern sun. We’re glad you are here!

Beth Shugg, Executive Editor

MELISSA WISTEHUFF, ERICA DELONG AND BETH SHUGG; PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLINS

PUBLISHERS

Ronny Stephens

Kent Braswell

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Beth Shugg

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Erica de Flamand-Shugg

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

SECTION EDITORS

Janice Lewine

Calendar, Education and Technology

Melissa Wistehuff

Travel and Entertainment

Kurt Dusterberg

Health, Wellness and Youth Sports

Mandy Howard

Parenting, Growth and Development

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

CONTRIBUTORS

MASH Photography, Brian Mullins Photography

Dr. Emily King, Ph.D., Megan Sumrell

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Melissa Wistehuff

SALES DIRECTOR

Sherry Braswell

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Laura Morgan

Stefanie McClary

Paige Gunter

DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lizana

Berry Media Group DistribuTech.net

Triangle Family 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.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS

6 print issues per year Available online at trianglefamilymag.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763

ON THE COVER. Erica DeLong with her husband Ken, daughter Ella and son Easton at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLINS

Zendi (16) lifeguards at her neighborhood pool in Raleigh’s Dutchman Downs subdivision.

Charlie (10) of Holly Springs takes a break from exploring the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail in Hillsborough.

WISTEHUFF (Photos courtesy of families, unless noted)

Cashton (3) of Fuquay-Varina has fun with bubbles at Middle Creek Park in Apex.

Christian (1) of Raleigh explores the new “Play to Learn” exhibit at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

Harper (13) and Hunter (10) of Raleigh enjoy a cool treat at North Carolina State University’s Howling Cow Creamery.

Durham Parks and Recreation offers three outdoor seasonal pools: Forest Hills Pool (1639 University Drive), Hillside Pool (1221 Sawyer Street) and Long Meadow Pool (917 Liberty Street). Daily admission is $3 for adults (ages 19 and older), $2 for seniors (ages 55 and older) and free for ages 18 and younger. The department also operates four spraygrounds through early fall: East End Park Sprayground (1200 N. Alston Avenue), Edison Johnson Sprayground (500 W. Murray Avenue), Forest Hills Park Sprayground (1639 University Drive) and Hillside Park Sprayground (1221 Sawyer Street).

dprplaymore.org/facilities

RALEIGH SKATEPARK NEARING COMPLETION

The City of Raleigh offers eight pools and aquatic centers, including four year-round locations: Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center (5908 Buffaloe Road), Millbrook Exchange Pool (1905 Spring Forest Road), Optimist Pool (5902 Whittier Drive) and Pullen Aquatic Center (410 Ashe Avenue). In addition to daily passes, monthly and annual passes are available. Summer pools include Biltmore Pool (701 Crown Crossing Lane), Lake Johnson Pool (5863 Jaguar Park Drive), Longview Pool (321 Bertie Drive) and Ridge Road Pool (1709 Ridge Road). Daily admission fees and punch passes (15 admissions) are payable at the front desk of each location.

raleighnc.gov/parks

Skate Raleigh is putting the final touches on plans for The Conlon Family Skatepark, which is expected to be completed this summer. Located at the intersection of Capital Boulevard and Dortch Street, the park will accommodate 75–100 users at a time. A $100,000 donation from the Conlon family is part of the initial $250,000 raised. The group held fundraisers in March and April to reach a goal of $500,000. “The downtown Raleigh location is much more accessible to people in the city and people coming through the city,” says Cody Charland, executive director of Skate Raleigh. Skate Raleigh will lease the city-owned property through 2025. Many amenities are portable, allowing them to be moved to future locations. The more money raised, the more attractions the skatepark can offer. “We will have boxes, rails, ramps and hopefully spectator areas, so people can sit and watch their friends or their kids,” Charland says. We hope to have storage space and bathrooms. Eventually we would like to have lights and vendor space for when there is a competition.”

skateraleigh.com

PHOTO BY DROBOT DEAN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

TAKE A SWING

Swing Racquet + Paddle will offer a brick-and-mortar Wilson-branded retail experience for multi-racquet sports when the venue opens in Raleigh in 2024. The Raleigh campus will feature a Wilson stringing bar for tennis racquets and serve as a testing ground for Wilson’s new technology-driven consumer experiences. The venue also plans to host national and international tournaments. swingnc.com

PHOTO BY MIKE ORLOV - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

MAP IT OUT

Google Maps and the National Park Service have partnered to help make visits to the nation’s 424 national park sites safer and easier to access. New updates simplify navigation of the parks and their trails, and display reviews and information about the trails, such as:

• Whether the trail is paved, dirt, a loop or an in-out trail.

• The trail’s level of difficulty.

• “Good for” suggestions, such as hiking with dogs and wheelchair accessibility.

• The best time to hike it if you want to avoid crowds.

Some of North Carolina’s national park sites include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and Wright Brothers National Memorial. blog.google/products/maps/google-maps-update-national-parks-features

PHOTO BY JON BILOUS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO BY SERGEY NOVIKOV - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

NEW PLAY SPACE UNVEILED AT THE MUSEUM OF LIFE AND SCIENCE

Curious young minds have a new play space in which to flex their imaginations, practice new skills and engage with others at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. “Play to Learn” opened March 21 and features four zones where kids ages 5 and younger can enjoy physical and sensory activities, building blocks, pattern play and storytimes. This reimagined exhibit is almost three times the size of the previous one, and includes more amenities to delight kids and caregivers.

433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham lifeandscience.org

AREA MUSEUMS OFFER SUMMER PASSPORT PROGRAM

The North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of Art have joined forces to create a Summer Passport program, which started June 1 and runs through August 31. Participants can download a passport or pick one up at one of the museums, then earn stamps for each activity they complete. By checking off the activities at all three museums, participants can earn a North Carolina Traveler patch.

ncmuseumofhistory.org/news/events/super-summer-passport-art-history-science

DISCOVER THE NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE TRAIL

In 2015, an idea was proposed within the North Carolina Science Network to connect the state’s science destinations and resources into a virtual trail. In April, the North Carolina Science Trail launched with 63 “trail partners” encompassing museums, nature centers, botanical gardens, wildlife experiences, aquariums and more. The trail’s website also lists weekly science and nature events. The trail made its debut in conjunction with the North Carolina Science Festival in April and the inaugural North Carolina Year of the Trail, which celebrates the state’s network of trails, greenways and blueways.

ncsciencetrail.org

GENES IN SPACE WINNER

In May, Genes in Space announced that Davis Drive Middle School student Ananya Tadkod won a Junior Scientist Award in the nationwide Genes in Space STEM competition. This event allows students to propose DNA science experiments to run on the International Space Station. Her proposal included studying the impact of microgravity on proteins found in neurons. The award is given to five middle school proposals.

genesinspace.org

APEX HIGH TEAM WINS 2023 NORTH CAROLINA JUNIOR CHEF COOK-OFF

Eight high school finalist teams competed in the annual North Carolina Jr. Chef Cook-Off in March to create unique school lunch entrée recipes. The “Waffle House” team from Apex High School of Wake County Public School System won first place with their Sweet Potato Waffle With Maple Barbeque Chicken and Apple Slaw. The “NHS Culinary” team from Northern High School of Durham Public Schools won second place for their Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken on Sweet Potato Steamed Buns With Kale and Apple Salad. Teams were evaluated on recipe development, use of locally grown ingredients, presentation and other factors. Finalists were recognized in a virtual awards ceremony and received North Carolina Jr. Chef coats and hats, certificates, and medals based on team scores.

dpi.nc.gov

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM OF LIFE AND SCIENCE

PHOTO BY HALFPOINT - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

AWARD WINNING TRIANGLE TEENS

PHOTO OF ANANYA COURTESY OF GENES IN SPACE

PHOTO COURTESY OF APEX HIGH SCHOOL

ARIANA DEBOSE VISITS HOMETOWN HOSPITAL IN SUPPORT OF STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

Actress Ariana DeBose recently visited WakeMed Children’s Hospital locations in the Triangle in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation to make toy deliveries to children on behalf of the organization. The LEGO deliveries are part of the nonprofit’s mission to deliver happiness to hospitalized kids. DeBose is best known for her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of “West Side Story,” for which she received an Academy Award. While growing up in Raleigh, she attended Wake Forest-Rolesville High School, and performed with CC & Company Dance Complex and North Carolina Theatre.

SCREENING AND TIMED DELIVERY MAY PREVENT PREECLAMPSIA

A recent study of more than 86,000 pregnancies at two U.K. hospitals published in the journal Hypertension revealed that 57% of at-term preeclampsia cases could be avoided through screening and timed delivery. Preeclampsia, a sudden spike in blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy, occurs in 2–4% of pregnancies, and also increases the risk for organ damage or failure, stroke, seizures and coma in pregnant women. According to the researchers, at least 75% of all preeclampsia cases take place when a woman is considered at-term or ready to deliver—between weeks 37 and 42 of pregnancy.

‘SECRET MILESTONES’ VIDEO GOES VIRAL

Pediatrician and self-described TikTok mom Dr. Sami recently released a video sharing “secret milestones” parents can watch for as their babies grow. She states that her goal is to alleviate, not add, anxiety for parents—since there is often too much worry surrounding the major milestones parents obsess over, such as walking, talking and growth charts. Dr. Sami notes that hiccups, crying, pulling hair, sticking out their tongue and even shaking their head frequently are normal milestones. Dr. Sami also advises parents to avoid “milestone-comparing” with friends because it leads to unnecessary stress. Instead, she says, just keep an eye on your baby and let your pediatrician know if you have any concerns.

PHOTO

OKSANA KUZMINA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

NC HOUSE AND SENATE REDUCE LEARNER’S PERMIT DRIVING PERIOD

In May, the North Carolina House and Senate passed a bill that reduces the amount of time a teen must drive under the supervision of a parent or guardian before gaining a provisional license. The new law changes the learner’s permit period from 12 to 9 months starting January 1, 2024. (During the pandemic, the time was reduced to 6 months, but it went back to 12 months in 2022.) Gov. Roy Cooper declined to sign or veto the bill, stating, “I have concerns that this law could make our roads less safe, and I encourage the Division of Motor Vehicles and the legislature to monitor its effects closely.” The bill attempts to alleviate a DMV backlog resulting from COVID-19 shutdowns. Teens are still required to be 16 years old, fulfill all driving and classroom requirements, and pass a road driving test in order to receive their provisional license.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

BY

PHOTO BY VALERII HONCHARUK - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO BY RIDO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

BONDING adventure THROUGH

Try something new with your family this summer

BY MANDY HOWARD

at 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 of academic stress— amplified by ongoing issues surrounding COVID-19, combined with 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, 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 the 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 zip lines, one suspension bridge and two spiral staircases.

PAGES 10–11: PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER. PAGE 12, TOP: PHOTO BY BETH SHUGG. PAGE 12, 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 paddleboarding, flatwater kayaking/stand-up paddleboarding, 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 paddleboarding, flatwater kayaking/stand-up paddleboarding, 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 Jordan 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. Renting a stand-up paddleboard costs $20 for one hour, $40 for two hours or $55 for three hours. Those rates also apply to 12-foot tandem kayak rentals. A 10-foot single kayak costs $15 for one hour, $30 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 316.4

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 316.4, you’ll turn into the entrance and travel about 1.5 miles to the parking lot and visitors 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 which 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 a 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

on family, work, travel and adventure

BY Melissa wistehuff

mullins

When you think of the Triangle, Carolina barbecue, majestic oaks, tall pines and Tobacco Road rivalries 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

illustration by WinWinstock.adobe.com

photos by brian

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

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

Describe your ideal day with family.

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 the 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.

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” AND “MAGIC WINGS BUTTERFLY HOUSE” EXHIBITS.

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!

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 the 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.

THE RALEIGH ASTRONOMY CLUB OFFERS STARGAZING OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE TRIANGLE, INCLUDING AT THE WILLARD ROOFTOP LOUNGE IN RALEIGH.

PHOTO BY RICHARD BARLOW.

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 the natural environment while enjoying physical activity. Two new parks are set to 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 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)

ABOVE: SUNFLOWERS BLOOM AT DOROTHEA DIX PARK IN RALEIGH, BY JANICE LEWINE; GIRL ON A SCAVENGER HUNT, BY NINELUTSK - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; CAMERON KINARD OF FUQUAY-VARINA PLAYS CHECKERS IN APEX, BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY.

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. 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 and you’ll reach 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 between through August 31 and get your passport stamped while exploring family-friendly activities.

11. Play a classic board game. Nostalgic games like 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, problem-solving and observation 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 your child 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 kids nourish their creative side and boost their memory, organizational and writing skills, and 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 BRD - STOCK.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 globalpenfriends.com, epals.com and kidsforpeaceglobal. org/peacefulpenpals.

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-SHOT - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

A SPORT OF THEIR OWN

Morrisville boasts a thriving cricket community

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

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

THIS PAGE: PHOTOS OF THE MORRISVILLE RAPTORS BY ROB MIRACLE

advance to travel 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 MORRISVILLE RAPTORS BY ROB MIRACLE.

Back-To-School Transition Tips 4

BY MEGAN SUMRELL

Friends!

PHOTO OF MEGAN SUMRELL BY REVOLUTION STUDIOS

LOWER PHOTO BY LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - ADOBE IMAGES

It’s that time of year again … when we trade in our pool bag and swimsuits for backpacks and back-to-school outfits. If you’re like me, you started the summer so ready to throw your school schedule out the window and enjoy a slower pace of life. But now you’re ready to get back to school and the routine that comes with it. Here are four tips to help your family make the transition.

1. Map out a morning routine. Creating a routine as you and your family start each day will make a huge difference in how the day unfolds. Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to get up at 4 a.m. and meditate—or do yoga for an hour. Instead, consider this approach. First, determine what time the kids need to be out the door. Then, make a list of everything that needs to be done before that time. Think through how long each one of those tasks will take to help you decide what time your kids need to wake up. Then, think about yourself. What do you need time for in the morning to set yourself up for the day? How can you best serve yourself before helping your family? For example, would your morning run smoother if you are able to have 15 minutes of quiet time and a cup of coffee before the kids wake up? No one loves waking up early, but oftentimes just an extra 10–15 minutes for yourself will completely transform how the entire house feels during the morning rush.

2. Create an evening routine. As you progress through your first week of school, note recurring tasks that add stress to your mornings. Then, identify what tasks you can actually take care of the night before to help make your morning run smoother. For example, can you pack lunches and school bags right after dinner? Can you ensure clothes are picked out the night before?

Can the kids pick out their snacks ahead of time and have them ready to go? Can you lay out dishes or food for breakfast ahead of time?

3. Be thoughtful about how you spend the week and weekend before school starts. Make sure you reserve time for back-to-school shopping, rest and relaxation. It’s so tempting to squeeze in “one last trip to the beach,” but if that creates stress and anxiety due to last-minute shopping and prep work, it often just isn’t worth it.

4. Don’t schedule anything the first weekend after school starts. That first week of school can sometimes feel like a never-ending marathon. By Friday afternoon, our family is usually ready for some serious sleep and downtime. I already have Saturday and Sunday after the first week of school blocked out on my calendar, reminding me to avoid scheduling anything that weekend. That allows the entire family time to adjust, rest and regroup. I also use this time to evaluate how the morning and evening routine went and think about any changes we may need to make.

Triangle mom Megan Sumrell is a former corporate techie-turned-entrepreneur. As a time-management expert for women seeking work-life harmony, Sumrell teaches specific strategies to help women get on top of their time, calendar and goals while getting rid of stress, overwhelm and exhaustion. For free training on how to achieve work-life harmony, visit megansumrell.com/freetraining

Welcome

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.

CITIES, TOWNS + COUNTIES

City of Durham: durhamnc.gov

City of Raleigh: raleighnc.gov

Town of Apex: apexnc.org

Town of Carrboro: townofcarrboro.org

Town of Cary: carync.gov

Town of Chapel Hill: townofchapelhill.org

Town of Clayton: townofclaytonnc.org

Town of Holly Springs: hollyspringsnc.org

Town of Fuquay-Varina: fuquay-varina.org

Town of Garner: garnernc.gov

Town of Hillsborough: hillsboroughnc.gov

Town of Knightdale: knightdalenc.gov

Town of Morrisville: townofmorrisville.org

Town of Pittsboro: pittsboronc.gov

Town of Wake Forest: wakeforestnc.gov

Town of Wendell: townofwendell.com

Town of Zebulon: townofzebulon.org

Chatham County: chathamcountync.gov

Durham County: durhamnc.gov

Johnston County: johnstonnc.com

Orange County: orangecountync.com

Wake County: wake.gov

SCHOOL SYSTEMS

Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools: chccs.org

Chatham County Schools: chatham.k12.nc.us

Durham Public Schools: dpsnc.net

Johnston County Public Schools: johnston.k12.nc.us

Orange County Schools: orangecountyfirst.com

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

RESTAURANTS

Midtown Dine & Draft: midtownmag.com/dine-draft

5 West Dine & Draft: 5westmag.com/dine-draft

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

FAIRS + FESTIVALS

midtownmag.com/north-carolina-festivals

MIDTOWN + 5 WEST DIAMOND AWARD WINNERS midtownmag.com/2023-diamond-awards 5westmag.com/2023-diamond-awards

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

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/departmentsservices/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/

White Pines Nature Preserve: triangleland.org/ explore/nature-preserves/white-pines-nature-preserve

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

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

THANK YOU PARTNERS

Thanks to the following advertisers for supporting our Newcomers Guide.

Cary Ballet Conservatory: caryballet.com

Chesterbrook Academy: chesterbrookacademy.com

Koka Booth Amphitheatre: boothamphitheatre.com

North Carolina Theatre: nctheatre.com

Sitter Saturdays: 984.318.3851

to the Triangle! We’re so happy you are here!

Explore North Carolina’s Crystal Coast

This special region in Carteret County offers 100 miles of coastline that includes 12 towns

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

The town of Beaufort (BOH-fert), North Carolina—not to be confused with its South Carolina counterpart with a different pronunciation—is located in North Carolina’s Intracoastal Waterway region. Blackbeard ran his ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, aground here in 1718, and while you can’t visit the shipwreck site, you can view artifacts from the historic shipwreck at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, located at 315 Front Street.

For a more entertaining take on the town’s pirate history, book a Pirate Treasure or Ghost Float cruise with Beaufort Pirates Revenge. Stroll along Front Street to search for your own treasure in the town’s many unique shops, then wrap up the night with a cocktail on Moonrakers’ famed rooftop bar overlooking the water. Of course, while there’s plenty to see and do in Beaufort, the things you can do from Beaufort are often what draw visitors to this picturesque town. Take the ferry to Shackleford Banks to see the wild ponies, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Beaufort Paddle and explore the Rachel Carson Reserve’s inlet marshes to see the variety of wildlife that makes its home there, or take a shelling cruise to Cape Lookout, North Carolina’s most remote lighthouse.

Less than 5 miles west you can explore Morehead City, which offers unique boutiques, eateries and fishing events, like the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, which takes place annually in early June. Seafood fans won’t want to miss the annual North Carolina Seafood Festival in October.

Emerald Isle offers 12 miles of beaches and a host of fun family activities, including The Salty Pirate Water Park. Families will find plenty of lodging options and can fish at the Bogue Inlet Pier, or just soak up the sun and listen to the waves roll in. Pine Knoll Shores is home to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the Crystal Coast Country Club, where golfers can enjoy a day on the green. History buffs can head to Bogue Banks, just past Atlantic Beach, to tour Fort Macon State Park. Other Crystal Coast towns include Cedar Point, Cape Lookout, Harkers Island, Salter Path, Indian Beach, Newport and Cape Carteret. Learn more online at crystalcoastnc.org

MEL'S MEALS

Triangle Family Travel and Entertainment Editor Melissa Wistehuff spent a week being wined and dined across the Crystal Coast. Here are her top picks for eateries to frequent the next time your family visits the region.

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: Biscuits 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 surfsupemeraldisle.com

Try: Cocktails—both shrimp and on the rocks. Do: Walk out on the neighboring Bogue Inlet Pier.

DINNER

Moonrakers, Beaufort 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 eatprimebistro.com

Try: The seafood tower. Do: Leave the kids with a sitter and make this a date night.

Splash Into Adventure in Downtown Raleigh

OPPOSITE

Looking for a coastal adventure a little closer to home? Head to downtown Raleigh to check out “Splash”— Marbles Kids Museum’s newly reimagined exhibit. This visionary gift from longtime Marbles Kids Museum supporters Susie and Jim Erlinger features a new water table that will include river and dam channels, boat docks, squirt guns, a fishing pond and much more. Kids can also board a three-story pirate ship and go under the waves in a yellow science submarine. Learn more at marbleskidsmuseum.org/splash.

ABOVE: SHACKLEFORD BANKS

PAGE, CLOCKWISE: BEAUFORT PADD LE, DIRECTIONAL SIGNS, THE SALTY PIRATE WATER PARK AND THE WISTEHUFF FAMILY

ABOVE LEFT: MOONRAKERS’ BAKED SHRIMP ABOVE RIGHT: PRIME BISTRO’S SEAFOOD TOWER

Want to Learn to Play Golf? Operation 36 allows beginners to enjoy early scoring success

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Ryan Dailey was thinking ahead, even before his first child was born. The PGA teaching professional knew the golf course provided a good environment in which kids could build a healthy outlook on life, and the soon-to-be dad wanted to put together something specific: a community where kids could come together and thrive.

“In the beginning, it was all about, how do I get five other kids his age to come out here so they can hang out and be outside, to be in an environment where people aren’t swearing, there are no drugs,” Dailey says. “It’s a good atmosphere for them to grow up in.”

Operation 36 is the result of a decade of fine-tuning his approach to teaching the game. Dailey began by putting together an after-school program in 2009 while he was a faculty member at Campbell University in Buies Creek. But retaining the kids year over year at Keith Hills Golf Course was difficult. Just learning the fundamentals did not hold the attention of his young golfers. They needed something else to keep their attention.

“It takes playing the golf course, getting them out there on a consistent basis, being able to hit different clubs, shooting certain scores,” he says. “When they make their first par ever, their first birdie—those experiences keep you hungry and excited.”

But pars and birdies don’t come easy on a standard golf course, so Dailey developed Operation 36. The trick was to teach the game on a much smaller scale, where measurable success can happen in a couple of weeks rather than a couple of years. Enjoying success on the course begins with a few easy steps.

Golfers play nine holes from just 25 yards away from the green. You have four shots to make a “par.” Once you shoot or break par for nine holes

(36 or better), you move to 50 yards and try to repeat the achievement. With each successful round of par, golfers move back 50 yards until they are beginning each hole from 200 yards away. Then it’s back to the actual tee boxes, where there are five more steps. That’s 10 divisions in all, but only when a golfer is ready.

“To get someone to feel competent, you can do all of that from 25 yards away,” says Dailey, who has licensed his program to 730 courses in 15 countries. “The average score for the first time they play is a 48. They will usually beat 36 after four or five attempts. That can take them a month, two months.”

By allowing new players to test out the sport, it also eliminates some of the initial costs. At 25 yards, golfers need just a couple of clubs, which are provided by Operation 36.

“Instead of starting on the driving range, where you have to buy a $500 driver and get frustrated, just see if you like it,” Dailey says. “You can do it with your wife or your kids. It’s amazing how fun golf is at its most basic level.”

The Operation 36 program is offered at 12 courses around the Triangle, with locations in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and other communities. Classes meet twice a week. The first class is reserved for learning the basics of the game, while the second is an evening set aside to play the course under the supervision of a coach.

“There’s going to come a point where they need to upgrade their skills. That’s what the classes are for,” Dailey says. “You’re going to think technically when you’re in class with the coach. But when you’re on the course, you need to problem-solve how to get the ball in the hole.”

Learn more about Operation 36 and its locations at operation36.golf .

Go on a Reading Adventure Explore independent bookstores across the Triangle

BY JANICE LEWINE

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a great book. Locally owned bookstores offer extensive knowledge to help your child find that perfect read, whether it’s a novel, picture book, memoir or book series. Many stores also host storytimes, book clubs and author readings to connect with the community and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Here are 10 independent booksellers in the Triangle where your family can discover new reading adventures.

Quail Ridge Books

4209-100 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh 919.828.1588

quailridgebooks.com

One of Raleigh’s oldest independent booksellers, Quail Ridge Books features new and popular titles as well as readings with contemporary authors. Its children’s department received the Pannell Award from the Women’s National Book Association, which recognizes the work of booksellers who stimulate, promote and encourage young people’s interest in books. Under the Tree Storytime, which highlights new picture books and beloved classics for young booklovers, takes place Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings from 10:30–11 a.m. Kids ages 14–18 can join the Currently Young: YA for Young

Adults Book Club, which meets the third Sunday of the month at 2 p.m., for free. Quail Ridge Books also offers summer book clubs for ages 5–7, 8–10 and 11–13 for $35 per child, as well as an online store.

The Regulator Bookshop

720 Ninth Street, Durham 919.286.2700

regulatorbookshop.com

Since 1976, this independent bookseller has sold new books in a range of genres for young adults and beginning and middle readers. It also offers board and picture books for infants, as well as an online store. Take advantage of The Regulator Bookshop’s monthly children’s subscription program featuring age-appropriate new titles.

Flyleaf Books

752 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill 919.942.7373

flyleafbooks.com

Flyleaf Books stocks a large selection of new and used adult and children’s titles, in-store and online. It also hosts storytime Saturdays at 11 a.m. and weekly author events. Flyleaf Books even offers author visits for local schools, and coordinates orders of signed copies of the author’s books to be delivered to the school the day of the scheduled appearance.

McIntyre’s Books

220 Market Street, Pittsboro 919.542.3030

fearrington.com/mcintyres-books

Nestled in Pittsboro’s picturesque

Fearrington Village, McIntyre’s Books has delighted readers of all ages since 1989 with new book releases in a variety of genres. Started by Keebe Fitch, the daughter of Fearrington’s creators R.B. and Jenny Fitch, McIntyre’s Books also offers bookrelated gifts, puzzles, games and more. Items can be purchased in-store and online. Toddlers and preschoolers can join Johanna Banana for storytime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Liberation Station Bookstore

208 Fayetteville Street, Suite 201, Raleigh 919.867.6604

liberationstationbookstore.com

Inspired by local author Victoria Scott-Miller’s family’s struggle to find children’s books by black authors and illustrators that feature characters of color, Liberation Station Bookstore opened its brick-and-mortar location June 17 in downtown Raleigh after spending the last three years as a pop-up shop. The 364-square-foot space carries more than 1,000 titles divided into four curated sections, including The Anchor, which features pairings of adult titles with children’s books to foster and encourage intergenerational conversations.

PHOTO COURTESY OF QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS

Mr. Mike’s Used Books

6440 Tryon Road, Cary 919.809.8990

mrmikesusedbooks.com

Mr. Mike’s boasts a wide selection of high-quality, used books, including a large children’s book section which spans the gamut from infant board books to teen fiction. Nearly all of its selections are priced at half of the original publisher’s price or less.

Golden Fig Books

200 N. Greensboro Street, Carrboro 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard., Durham 919.908.8368

goldenfigbooks.com

Started in 2019 by UNC–Chapel Hill alumnus David Bradley, Golden Fig Books’ inventory in its Carrboro and Durham stores primarily consists of gently used and children’s books, as well as a selection of new titles. Browse books in-store or online.

Letters Bookshop

116 W. Main Street, Durham 919.973.2573

lettersbookshop.com

This independent store offers gently used books, carefully selected new paperbacks and hardcovers, and a children’s section stocked with new and used books. Operated by Land Arnold, a veteran Triangle bookseller, Letters Bookshop relocated to a larger space in the heart of downtown Durham in 2021. Books are also available online.

Page 158 Books

415 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest 919.435.1843

page158books.com

This independent bookseller in downtown Wake Forest recently expanded its square footage to offer an even wider variety of new titles for infants through young adults, which can also be purchased online. It hosts

storytimes, author readings, a kids book club that meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 4 p.m., and a variety of book clubs for adults. Its nonprofit, New Kids on the Books, provides reading materials to children in need throughout Wake Forest and the surrounding communities. Page 158 Books will also host the Wake Forest Lit Fest in October.

Wentworth & Leggett Books

905 W. Main Street, #20D, Durham 919.688.5311

wentworthleggettbooks.com

Located in Durham’s Brightleaf Square, Wentworth & Leggett offers new and used items priced to attract students and casual readers, as well as the discriminating collector. Its cozy and inviting store features numerous board books, picture books, chapter books and older book series, such as The Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew Mystery Stories.

Changing Schools

through with the decision to switch. “I encourage parents to really reflect on why they are making this decision. ‘Is there something genuinely wrong, or did I have a bad interaction with someone? Did I put myself in an uncomfortable position, or is the school really not partnering with me?’ Sometimes, we can get caught up in our own egos as parents. We get bruised, we get embarrassed. But in the end, we have to ask ourselves, am I making this choice because of me, or because it’s right for my student?”

She also adds that if the situation involves bullying, drugs or other dangerous factors the school can’t or won’t resolve, pulling your child out is probably the only option.

The Prep

Is

it too late to switch the school my child attends?

BY MANDY HOWARD

The answer? Of course not … with caveats. Of all the stressors parents face today, choosing the “right” school ranks among the top. How do you know which school is best—and what happens if you make the “wrong” choice?

The Variables

When choosing a school—or making the switch to a new school—parents must consider the school’s size, educational rigor, faith, electives, athletics, transportation and future schooling paths. Melanie Lachance, dean of student services at Wake Early College of Health and Sciences, has also worked as a counselor at private, charter and public schools, and recognizes the stress parents feel when it comes to sending their student to the “right” school. But she also cautions against the notion that there is, in fact, any such thing. “From what I’ve seen, changing the environment doesn’t always make the difference parents hope for,” she says.

Lachance has personal experience in choosing two different middle school paths for her children. For her daughter, she determined that a smaller school was

the better fit. It provided personal attention and offered activities her daughter was interested in. Meanwhile, a larger public school provided her son with electives that suited him. “I would feel comfortable sending my child to almost any school knowing they’ll be OK,” she says. “Will it be perfect? No. I’m a realist. When my daughter was in private school, there were issues there as well. Nowhere is perfect.”

The Approach

When situations arise that prompt a desire to switch schools, Lachance encourages reaching out to a teacher or administrator. If that doesn’t lead to a resolution, contact a counselor. “Counselors are there to be an advocate and support students,” she says. “They are the people in the school who can reach out to multiple folks.”

Fully consider all options before you go

If you decide to change your child’s school, research the educational offerings first. For example, the Wake Early College of Health and Sciences high schools allow students to earn their high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Often, the students there graduate with professional certifications, providing direct pathways to great careers and advanced degree opportunities. However, if your child is passionate about sports or craves electives, this path may not be the best fit. “Do the research early,” Lachance encourages.

If a magnet, charter or private school is your choice, keep in mind that they often take applications as early as October the year prior to enrollment. If home-schooling is best for your child, there is a wealth of resources, support and peer-education programs available to you.

One final thought for you to consider: It’s not whether your child is in the “right” school, but whether the school is right for your child.

THE PANDEMIC EFFECT

According to the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education, private schools saw the biggest enrollment growth in 50 years during 2022 due to COVID-19 policies. Private schools’ in-person schooling, less stringent masking and quarantine requirements contributed to the allure.

PHOTO BY THOMAS BARWICK/GETTY IMAGES

Parenting Neurodivergent Kids Why traditional approaches don’t always work

BY DR. EMILY W. KING, PH.D.

As a child psychologist who has worked with kids and teens for the last 20 years, I have learned to be a flexible thinker. Because every brain is different and relationships are dynamic, there is no one therapy approach or parenting style that works for all children. This is especially true when parenting neurodivergent children: those who have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or a learning disability, or those who are autistic or twice-exceptional (gifted plus a learning difference). In many ways, traditional systems of education and parenting expectations do not fit the asynchronous development of the neurodivergent brain.

Yet, many of us were raised with traditional parenting styles through which we were expected to do as we were told—or face the consequences. If we didn’t do things by certain ages, we were viewed as giving our parents a hard time. Because parenting styles are repeated over generations, traditional approaches are how many of us began our parenting journey. However, if you are raising a neurodivergent child whose milestones are out-of-sync with their neurotypical peers, you may have noticed that just repeating yourself, or giving consequences, isn’t working. Here’s why.

Neurodivergent brains develop at their own pace—not based on which birthday your child recently celebrated. We have to throw out chronological time frames because the neurodivergent brain develops according to each unique child. We cannot will our children to reach milestones, so we have to flex our expectations, adjust their environment and add support where needed to nurture their growth.

We have to shift our mindset from expecting kids to achieve things when it’s convenient for us, to supporting their independence as their skills unfold.

This might mean your child with ADHD is not able to handle long wait times until he is in middle school, or your autistic child may not look someone in the eye because eye contact is uncomfortable for her.

That’s OK! We have to let go of the idea that our children’s lack of compliance is a choice for them. They are not giving us a hard time; they are having a hard time. If you have asked your child a million times to do something and he hasn’t done it yet, he likely does not have the skills to do it independently … yet. Try this instead.

1. Make it visual. If you find yourself looking at your child thinking, “You’re smart; you should be able to do this!” then you might have an executive functioning weakness on your hands. Our intelligence actually has little to do with our attention span. Visuals never get tired of repeating themselves, so make your child a list and direct her there next time she asks, “What am I doing next?”

2. Incorporate interests. Our engagement increases when we are interested. Traditional parenting approaches ask us to work first, then play. But many neurodivergent kids need to incorporate play to increase engagement during the task. Trust me: Playing laundry basketball also gets the clothes in the hamper, and you will both be less stressed.

3. Reduce demands. It’s more important for a child to feel successful with one task than to feel defeated with five. The next time you find yourself irritated by your child’s difficulty to get out the door in the morning, think about why it’s hard for them, simplify, or join them in getting it done—then step back as your child becomes more independent.

Dr. Emily W. King, Ph.D., is a licensed child psychologist and former school psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent children. Learn more about her services at dremilyking.com

PHOTO BY PHYNART STUDIO/GETTY IMAGES

“ART OF THE BRICK”

Through August 31

6240 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh feverup.com/m/126885

Marvel at over one million LEGO bricks that have been transformed into more than 90 sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya. View his original sculptures as well as reimagined versions of famous masterpieces like Michelangelo’s “David,” Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” Tickets are $11.90 for children and $19.90 for adults.

ENOFEST

July 1 and 4, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. West Point on the Eno 5101 N. Roxboro Street, Durham enofest.org

EnoFest raises awareness and funds for land protection in the Eno River basin. Enjoy live music from over 60 bands, a juried craft show, food and crafts. Tickets are $25 for adults, $16 for kids ages 5–17, and free for ages 4 and younger.

GEEK AND GRUB NIGHT MARKET

July 8 and August 12, 6–10 p.m.

Fred Fletcher Park

820 Clay Street, Raleigh eventbrite.com

Don’t miss the fun as geeks of all ages unite for giant board games, yummy food and geeky items from more than 50 artisans. A superhero theme highlights the July 8 market, and the August 12 market features an anime theme.

GEM MINING AT SPRING HAVEN FARM

Year-round Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 5306 Homer Ruffin Road, Chapel Hill springhaven.farm/gem-mining

Sift through mining rough to uncover fossils and precious gems of all colors. Interact with and feed the farm’s goats, cows, horses, chickens and pigs. Ride the tractor train, make crafts and play games. Purchase tickets online, which cost $13.50 for ages 4 and older.

BOOK HARVEST SUMMER BLOCK PARTY

July 22, 1–4 p.m.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park Concourse

409 Blackwell Street, Durham bookharvest.org/blockparty

Family activities and entertainment, and an abundance of free, culturally inclusive children’s books highlight this festival celebrating National Summer Learning Week. Kids of all ages, from infants to high schoolers, can choose books to take home.

MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK

July 22 and August 5, 8:30 p.m.

E. Carroll Joyner Park

701 Harris Road, Wake Forest wakeforestnc.gov

Take a blanket or chair to enjoy the family-friendly movies

“Zootopia” July 22 and “Spiderman: No Way Home” August 5 under the stars, and vendors selling snacks and beverages. Arrive early as space may be limited. Movie-related preshow activities begin at 7:15 p.m.

SUPER DUPER DUCK SPLASH

July 22, noon

WRAL Soccer Park

7700 Perry Creek Road, Raleigh duckrace.com/wakeforest

Adopt a yellow rubber duck for $5 and watch it race to the finish line for a chance to win cash and other prizes totaling more than $3,000. The fifth annual Super Duper Duck Splash is sponsored by the Wakefield Rotary Club to benefit local youth nonprofit initiatives.

“DISNEY AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S MARY POPPINS”

July 25–30

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

2 E. South Street, Raleigh nctheatre.com

North Carolina Theatre brings the world’s favorite nanny to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium through unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance performances and impressive stagecraft.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPRING HAVEN FARM

P HOTOS BY ROSS JOYNER/NCSU

PAPERHAND PUPPET INTERVENTION SUMMER SHOW

August 4–September 17

123 S. Boundary Street, Chapel Hill paperhand.org/summer-show

Creatures and characters of all shapes and sizes come alive in Paperhand Puppet Intervention’s annual pageant at the open-air Forest Theatre. Family-friendly shows are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. with a 6:20 p.m. preshow, and also on Labor Day. Matinees take place September 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. with a 2:20 p.m. preshow. Purchase tickets online.

ART ADVENTURES

August 12

Ackland Art Museum

101 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill events.ackland.org

Kids ages 6–9 create masterpieces inspired by works of art at the Ackland. Register online for either the morning (10:30 a.m.–noon) or afternoon (1–2:30 p.m.) session. Programs are free for museum members at the Household Level and above, and $5 for a nonmember child.

REPTICON

August 12, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; August 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Exposition Center

4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh repticon.com

Reptiles and exotic animals slink and slither into this expo that features breeders, vendors and animal encounters on the hour each day. Tickets cost $6–$15.

POPSICLES, PLAYTIME & PUPS

August 13, 4–6 p.m. Jack Smith Park

9725 Penny Road, Cary townofcary.org

Enjoy this end-of-summer festival of fun, games and dogfriendly 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.

PACKAPALOOZA

August 26, 2–10 p.m. Hillsborough Street, Raleigh packapalooza.ncsu.edu

Packapalooza is North Carolina State University’s all-day block party and street festival capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week at the start of the academic year. Celebrate in NCSU style with great music, activities throughout the day and entertainment for the whole family.

KICK-OFF TO KINDERGARTEN

August 19, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Marbles Kids Museum

201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org/kick-off-to-kindergarten

This fun event allows kids on a traditional school schedule to practice a lunch line, hop on a school bus, try out school day play and connect with community resources. Event admission and museum admission are free for rising kindergartners and their families. Online registration for timed entry is required.

Be sure to check the websites for these events before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.

P HOTO COURTESY OF PAPERHAND PUPPET INTERVENTION

P HOTOS BY ROSS JOYNER/NCSU

P HOTOS COURTESY OF MARBLES KIDS MUSEUM

FOOD TRUCK EDITION

Summer events in the Triangle offer plenty of opportunities to experience the culinary joy of food trucks.

TASTE

BytheGrace

919.714.2844

bythegrace.co | @bythegrace4

BytheGrace is a Raleigh-based food truck and catering company specializing in scratch-made comfort food. The unique truck is a refurbished rescue vehicle, honoring the challenging medical history of owner and founder Heather Stallings, who spent much of her childhood in a hospital bed. Today, the truck that once brought healing is nicknamed “Faith” and now offers comfort in the form of delicious barbecue, cheesy meatball subs and creamy mac and cheese. Stallings and her crew also know how to whip up a delicious dirt cup for dessert!

Host a Lemonade Stand

Every kid should experience running a lemonade stand! Here’s all your family needs to enjoy a successful day at the market.

Make the Product

• Lemons or lemonade mix

• Several gallons of water

• Sugar

• Pitchers

• Disposable cups

• Ice

Whether you make lemonade from scratch or use a mix, practice a few iterations prior to the event. Let friends and family members taste-test your product to ensure it’s not too sweet, too sour or too watery.

Prepare the Location

• Sturdy table

• Chairs

• Festive tablecloth

• Signage

• Money envelope or cash box (consider accepting Venmo payments with an adult’s help)

Gatsby’s Kitchen

6109 Maddry Oaks Court, Raleigh

919.307.8000

gatsbysbarraleigh.com

While listing what appears to be a bar-centric food truck might seem strange to the parents of our Little Foodies, what makes Gatsby’s Kitchen so appealing is its incredible family-friendly atmosphere. A great location for a bite to eat, or as the best-kept secret for a catered event, Gatsby’s Kitchen offers delicious dishes for the whole family. Try the plant-based Beyond Burger, get truffle fries for your group to share, or go for the nacho platter and Philly cheesesteak. Indoor and outdoor seating with a great atmosphere make this location a delight for the entire family.

All American Food Truck

919.999.0916

allamericanrdu.com

Summer is filled with patriotic-themed holidays and events. Why not level up your celebrations with the American flag–themed All American Food Truck?

Chef Terrance Conway, a graduate of the culinary arts program from The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham, prepares patriotic and delicious options including The All Star Chicken Philly, The Californian Veggie Pita and, of course, The All American Cheeseburger.

Prior to the big day, scout possible locations. Look for a place with good foot traffic. If you choose a place near a street, make sure it’s a location where cars can either pull over easily or turn around. Make sure the signs are bright, inviting and list what you are selling—including the price.

Promote the Product, Share the Profit

The day before you host your lemonade stand, promote it by posting a notification on social media and neighborhood boards, like Nextdoor. The day of, wave at cars, offer taste-tests, and keep your product fresh and your table clean. Consider giving a portion of sales or tips to charity. When customers know their money is going to a good cause, they are more likely to spend. Choose a charity you are passionate about.

Start Your Own Food Truck Business

Wake County Office Building

336 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh wake.gov

Food trucks provide an opportunity for people who love food to own their own business. Wake County provides monthly Q&A sessions for anyone interested in obtaining a food truck permit. Upcoming events are scheduled for July 12 and August 9. Register online for the events, which are free to attend.

P HOTO BY EDGAR HUFF PHOTOGRAPHY

P HOTO S BY NEW AFRICA - S TOCK.ADOBE.COM

P HOTO BY ATSTOCK PRODUCTIONS - S TOCK.ADOBE.COM

LUCKY 7

Heptathlete Alexa Nestor is ready for college competition

Alexa Nestor is one of the top athletes at Green Level High School in Cary, but as a track star, she’s used to a bit of anonymity. “No matter how successful you can be, it’s one of those sports that does fly under the radar,” she says.

But Nestor is no longer a well-kept secret. The senior finished third among 18 competitors in the heptathlon at the 2023 New Balance Nationals Indoor in March, earning all-American status. She will take that accomplishment with her to Kent State University in Ohio this fall, where she has earned an athletic scholarship.

Her future school didn’t appear on her radar until the track coach reached out to her on Instagram. Nestor made a visit and knew immediately that the school was a good fit.

“I absolutely loved it,” she says. “The team was so amazing, and they were super sweet and welcoming. The coach was a decathlete himself, and I thought it would be amazing to have a coach who knows what it takes to do the event that I’m doing. I felt like I fit in. They felt like family.”

The NCAA women’s multi-event competition consists of seven events, usually scheduled in this order: the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter run, long jump, javelin throw and 800-meter run. The running and jumping events come naturally to her, but the throwing events will take some work.

“For javelin and shot put, I’m starting from scratch pretty much right now,” says Nestor, who got her

start in track with the high jump, long jump and hurdles as a freshman. “I think if I work at it for a while, I will get better. Honestly, it [doesn’t take] as much strength as you would think. It’s really form, and transferring your power through your movement. Right now, it’s a work in progress.”

Nestor will arrive on campus well prepared in the classroom, too. She carries a 4.3 grade point average at Green Level High School. “I haven’t found my passion in academics yet, so I want to make sure I have a backup plan—which is good grades,” she says.

Do you know a Good Sport who deserves recognition in our next issue? Email editors@trianglefamilymag.com to share your news.

P HOTO BY EDGAR HUFF PHOTOGRAPHY

joy·ful [‘jȯi-fəl]

Experiencing,

Ian (10, top left) of Raleigh, Cameron (10, bottom right) of Fuquay-Varina and Mia (5, in the middle at top right) of Raleigh savor one of summer’s most joyful treats in downtown Apex in front of the Grow Preschool mural by Michael Brown.

Photos by MASH Photography; ice cream provided by FRESH. Local Ice Cream in Apex.

causing or showing joy: HAPPY