Triangle Family Magazine – September/October Issue

Autumn is upon us. There’s something about the fall season that makes our hearts sing—whether it’s sipping a pumpkin spice latte, savoring sweater weather or cheering on a favorite football team. Fall is the time for a fresh start, getting back into a regular routine and setting goals for the rest of the year. It beckons us to spend time outdoors, basking in the cooler weather and taking in its signature scents and colors. To put it simply, fall nurtures our souls.

My memories of past autumns bring a smile. My grandmother, who grew up on a Pennsylvania farm and lived off the land, baked dozens of pies for her family and church with the season’s bounty, never tiring of the long hours spent on her feet. My husband and I took our first hike together as almost-newlyweds during peak foliage in the North Carolina mountains, and have returned nearly every October since then. I remember my children’s excitement of finally wearing the Halloween costume they had picked out weeks earlier and trick-or-treating with friends. When I look at photos of those precious days, I’m grateful for all that autumn has given me in abundance, year after year.

I’m giddy when the first pumpkins of the season arrive at my local farmers market—not so much for sculpting jack-o’-lanterns (pity the pumpkin sacrificed for my carving skills), but for the goodness inside. My roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh out of the oven and seasoned to perfection, are gobbled up in no time. I greet each candy

hunter at my door on Halloween night—seeing a grown-up kindred spirit in costume astounds them. But my passion for fall lies in the leaves. Nature’s majestic palette of yellows, oranges, reds and purples takes my breath away. Leaves so brilliantly tinted they seem ethereal. It’s a season we all wish could last longer.

It’s now your turn to relish autumn in central North Carolina. Our robust roundup of 59 fall festivities guarantees a fun family outing. Venture to McKee Cornfield Maze in Rougemont after discovering how these complex labyrinths are built—you’ll appreciate the work that goes into them while being confounded in the “maize.”

Play a round of disc golf at more than 25 local courses, and take a walk on the wild side where untamed and exotic animals roam to their hearts’ delight—they enjoy living in the Triangle as much as we do!

In each issue of Triangle Family, we strive to introduce you to the events, people and places that make this area special. Family-friendly with a welcoming community of diverse cultures, an excellent education system and four distinct seasons, the Triangle is one of the best regions in the country in which to live. We’re always open to your thoughts and story ideas. Email them to me at janice@trianglefamilymag.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Janice Lewine

Janice Lewine, Editor

PHOTO COU R TESY OF GASTON WILLIAMS

Sean Byrne, Triangle Family’s art and web director, takes a selfie with Moon Pie at Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm in Pittsboro.

PUBLISHERS

Ronny Stephens

Kent Braswell

EDITOR

Janice Lewine

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Fran Sherman

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

James Jarnot

SECTION EDITOR

Kurt Dusterberg

Health, Wellness and Youth Sports

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

CONTRIBUTORS

Jenn McKinney Photography, Kyle Marie McMahon, Laura Tierney

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Crystal Watts

SALES DIRECTOR

Sherry Braswell

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stefanie McClary

Paige Gunter

Sophie Lapierre

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 2024. 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

Photo by Jenn McKinney Photography.

Dev (3) finds baby chickens at the Wake Forest Farmers Market.

Would you like your child featured in SOCIAL KIDS? Email your favorite photos and a short description to editors@trianglefamilymag.com.

Casen (1 month) takes a stroll in Ting Park in Holly Springs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL WATTS

Carson (10) enjoys a day of fishing at Bass Lake in Holly Springs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH LAYTON

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHA PATHAK KALE

Camdyn (7) snuggles a furry friend at a Haute House Kids event at Waverly Place in Cary.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRYSTAL WATTS

Hudson (6) and Hazel (8) enjoy an ice cream scoop from Lumpy’s Ice Cream in Wake Forest.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER ROSS

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

One way to keep kids active is parent participation. It sounds simple, but it’s easy to overlook some options:

‹ Choose a time that is convenient for the family. An after-dinner walk is a good way to keep everyone moving, or choose a night for a family bike ride.

‹ Choose activities that don’t require much equipment. Jumping rope and playing tag are easy options for adults and kids.

‹ Explore parks, hiking trails and tennis courts, and don’t forget about community centers, which provide a variety of low-cost activities.

‹ Get active with other families. Visiting with friends adds to the entertainment at playgrounds, community pools and local parks.

REDUCING THE RISK OF SPORTS INJURIES

Sports can help strengthen a child’s mind, body and spirit, but injuries are part of playing the game. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips for parents to promote an optimal experience for their children.

‹ Wear the right gear. Make sure helmets, mouthpieces, protective cups, eyewear and other equipment fit properly.

‹ Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises before and after games or practice can cut down on injury risk.

‹ Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness.

‹ Stop the activity if your child is experiencing pain.

‹ Avoid heat injury. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after games and practice. Wear light clothing.

KIDS ON THE RUN

The easiest way to get kids moving is running. The Healthy Kids Running Series began in 2009 to provide children with a fun introduction to the sport of running in an environment that builds confidence and self-esteem. The cross country–inspired program offers “dash” races for pre-K children as well as distances up to a mile for grades K–8. Each race series operates a five-week program, and kids receive a HKRS T-shirt, race bibs and a medal at the end of the race series.

The nonprofit operates in 35 states, reaching more than 50,000 children each year. The program operates in 11 communities in North Carolina, including Apex and Chapel Hill. To start a race and become a community coordinator, visit healthykidsrunningseries.org.

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ATHENS DRIVE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL NAMED NO. 1 MAGNET SCHOOL IN AMERICA

Magnet Schools of America, a national nonprofit professional education association, named Athens Drive Magnet High School in Raleigh the No. 1 Magnet School in America in April. The Wake County public school was recognized for its commitment to diversity, innovative curriculum and programming, as well as academic excellence in closing achievement gaps and exceptional student growth overall. Athens Drive Magnet High School is a center for medical sciences and global health initiatives and shares strong community partnerships with WakeMed, The Well Fed Community Garden and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences that support its magnet programming. Learn more at wcpss.net/athensdrivehs.

INVENTOR SENDS 1,000 GIRLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO CAMP INVENTION

Sara Blakely, the inventor and founder of Spanx, recently gave full scholarships to send 1,000 girls across the country to Camp Invention this summer. For more than three decades, Camp Invention, a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, has developed confidence and problemsolving skills for girls and boys through authentic, hands-on STEM activities inspired by its inductees. Camp Invention promotes STEM learning, builds leadership and encourages entrepreneurship. In addition to the financial gift, each girl received a “lucky” red backpack, which serves as a symbol of starting small while dreaming big and that everything you need is right there on your back. Camp Invention programs at elementary schools in Durham, Chapel Hill and Pittsboro are facilitated and taught by local certified educators. For more information, visit invent.org/camp.

TRACK

BY JANICE

VOLUNTEER HOURS WITH THE GIVEFINITY APP Students, educators and parents have an easier way to engage in service-learning with Givefinity. This innovative platform provides an invaluable tool for students to track service hours by eliminating paper and verification slips and providing the option for supervisors to electronically validate volunteer time. All volunteer activity is tracked through the app, which can help high school students build their college resume and apply for scholarships. Givefinity offers a mobile application, available on the App Store and Google Play, as well as a web dashboard for schools and organizations to see their volunteers’ accomplishments holistically. Learn more at givefinity.com.

10 PUBLIC SCHOOL UNITS RECEIVE GRANT FUNDING TO ADVANCE DIGITAL-AGE TEACHING AND LEARNING

The North Carolina State Board of Education recently approved 11 grant proposals for 10 public school units that will fund effective digital learning practices in North Carolina’s K–12 public schools. The state-funded competitive grant program under the state’s Digital Learning Initiative supports the development and dissemination of local innovative digital learning models. Seven Impact Grants were recommended, allowing districts to facilitate the development of innovative practices and new digital teaching initiatives. Two of these Impact Grants were awarded to Chatham County and Wake County public schools. Funding for the Impact Grant is up to $95,000 per public school unit for a total of three years. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said the 11 grants are key to helping North Carolina’s students be better prepared to compete for high-wage, high-demand careers while supporting districts in their effort to adopt new technologies and methods for teaching. For more information, visit dpi.nc.gov.

NCDPI RELEASES GUIDEBOOK FOR THE USE OF AI IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction recently released a guidebook for the use of generative artificial intelligence in public schools. It indicates that AI literacy should be infused into all grade levels and curriculum areas, and stresses the importance of incorporating AI into the classroom responsibly and using it as a tool to aid in learning. For example, teachers can use AI to automate administrative tasks, analyze student performance data and suggest teaching methods for varying learning styles. Voice-to-text and text-to-voice tools could make life easier for students with physical challenges or learning disabilities, and ESL students may benefit from AI-based translation services. For more information, visit dpi.nc.gov.

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SET UP YOUR FAMILY FOR MEALTIME SUCCESS

Let’s face it, kids can be picky eaters. As parents, sometimes it’s easy to take the path of least resistance and allow children to set the terms at mealtime. But parents can bring back the family dinner—and add a healthy emphasis—with a few easy choices, according to myplate.gov.

• Turn off the TV and place all phones in a “parking spot” away from the table.

• Ask everyone what made them laugh or what they did for fun that day.

• Try new foods. Kids need many chances to get used to new flavors.

• Have adults and older kids talk about the color, feel and flavor of foods. This might help new foods sound more appealing to younger kids who may be picky.

• On nice days, try a change of scenery. Eat outdoors or go to a nearby park for a picnic.

SIMPLE WAYS TO BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM

According to kidshealth.org, self-esteem can start early, when babies receive loving care, then later when toddlers and children can do things by themselves. As kids get older, self-esteem grows when they do the following:

• Make progress toward a goal

• Learn things at school and get good grades

• Make friends and get along

• Do favorite activities, like music, sports, art, cooking or tech skills

• Help, give or be kind

• Try hard at something and get praised

• Feel understood and accepted

WHERE DOES ALL THE SODIUM COME FROM?

Children in the United States ages 6-18 eat an average of 3,300 milligrams of sodium each day, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s about 1,000 milligrams more than the recommended daily intake as part of a healthy program. So, how does all the sodium creep into kids’ diets? The following foods are common culprits:

• Pizza

• Bread and rolls

• Cold cuts and cured meats

• Sandwiches, such as cheeseburgers

• Snacks, such as chips

• Cheese

• Chicken patties, nuggets and tenders

• Pasta mixed dishes, such as spaghetti with sauce

• Mexican mixed dishes, such as burritos and tacos

• Soup

Keep in mind, most sodium is already in food before you buy it or order it. To help your kids keep sodium under control, model healthy eating with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables without added sodium.

Sapphire (LEFT) and Party Girl (MIDDLE) welcomed Ari (RIGHT), who was born in July, to the herd at Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm in Pittsboro. PHOTO

2Hundreds of the world’s wildest and most exotic animals make their home in the Triangle. Here’s where to see them.

BY JANICE LEWINE

olves and lemurs and bears, oh my! For decades, the Museum of Life and Science has been a crown jewel for wild and exotic animal admirers, who flock to its renowned Explore the Wild exhibits to view red wolves, ring-tailed lemurs (two were gifted from the Duke Lemur Center in Durham) and radiated tortoises, all of whom share the dismal distinction of being a critically endangered species. The museum is also home to three American black bears—Mimi, Murray and Little.

Director of Animal Care Sherry Samuels says fall is the perfect time to see these wild animals in action. “The weather is cooler and bears are eating more, being more active, getting ready for winter. And it’ll be hard to not see a wolf when there are seven in the habitat. The same with our six lemurs and five tortoises, who share the same living space,” Samuels says, adding that the best viewing often takes place in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals tend to be more active—and that animalwatching involves being patient. “Our goal is for you to see wild animals who are hopefully ignoring you and engaging in their natural behavior. If people look and listen attentively, they might get some ‘wow’ moments.”

Two observation areas offer wide views of the 1-acre black bear habitat, where its residents splash in a waterfall, climb rocks and trees, and dig into pumpkins and watermelons. Bears are fed approximately 4,000 pounds of bear chow, over 2,500 pounds of fruits and vegetables, and 500 pounds of nuts each year.

The seven red wolves include a litter of pups who were born in April and will officially become teenagers this fall. Their expansive habitat is encircled by a former rock quarry wall that provides a vertical climbing challenge, which is also where they dine on nutritious kibble made for

Six ring-tailed lemurs share their living space with five radiated tortoises at the Museum of Life and Science.

Mimi, an American black bear, cools off in a pool at the Museum of Life and Science, where she has lived since 2006.

Oak, a red wolf—the world’s most critically endangered wolf species—poses with her pups, who were born in April at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham.

exotic canines and their favorite meal—rats. “We try to mimic diets as best as we can,” Samuels says.

Lemurs are natural climbers and spend most of their time in the museum’s trees or balancing on ropes. They keep their prominent tails— ringed with 13 alternating black-and-white bands—raised in the air, like flags, to keep their group members together. Radiated tortoises have a high-domed shell and brilliant yellow markings, and are happiest when they’re exploring and grazing the ground. Both species live in harmony in Madagascar, so it’s only natural for them to cohabitate in Durham, where guests can admire the lemurs’ liveliness contrasted with the tortoises’ slow-going pace.

The Museum of Life and Science showcases other exotic creatures like snakes, insects and turtles, along with a variety of domestic animals such as alligators, possums, turtles, songbirds, goats and pigs. In the famed Magic Wings Butterfly House, hundreds of these delicate insects flutter among the plants that thrive in an 80-degree rainforest environment— if you’re lucky, one might even land on you (Samuels suggests wearing bright colors to attract them).

“The idea of being present and slowing down at our animal habitats really connects to a meditative practice, which we know provides health benefits,” Samuels says. “The opportunity is vast here, both indoor and outdoor, to provide the connection people are looking for.” The Museum of Life and Science is open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

DUKE LEMUR CENTER 3705 Erwin Road, Durham I lemur.duke.edu

Leapin’ lemurs! Native to Madagascar, an island off the southeastern coast of Africa, these strepsirrhine primates are the most endangered mammals on Earth. Approximately 220 lemurs across 13 species— including ring-tailed lemurs, blue-eyed black lemurs, aye-ayes and sifakas—are housed at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC), a 100-acre complex located within Duke Forest on the campus of Duke University. As the largest sanctuary in the world dedicated to the study, care and protection of these primates, DLC educates more than 35,000 visitors annually, who come to observe lemurs in their natural environment on specialized tours that require a prepaid reservation.

“When you come to the Duke Lemur Center, you’re seeing animals that may go extinct in the wild in the near future. These are safety net populations of these critically endangered species, some of which only number 30 in North America, and we have most of them at the Duke Lemur Center,” says Sara Sorraia, director of communications and guest experience manager. The DLC, formerly known as the Duke University Primate Center, was the brainchild of two biologists, John Buettner-Janusch and Peter Klopfer, who combined their research perspectives in 1966 to explore the genetic foundations of primate behavior.

Lemurs share ancestral traits with early primates, but evolved over millions of years on Madagascar from what is theorized as a tsunami or storm that caused them to drift across the Mozambique Channel from the African continent on tangled mats of vegetation. There, they benefited from a bounty of resources and little competition from other mammals. Today, Madagascar claims 110 species of lemurs, yet their existence is threatened by the destruction of their tropical forest habitat due to deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture. Since 1950, 90% of the island’s remaining forests have been deforested—and once lemurs are gone from Madagascar, they are gone from the wild.

DLC’s successful conservation breeding program seeks to preserve these precious species. Accredited by the Association of Zoos &

Aquariums, DLC breeds lemurs with others from AZA-accredited facilities around the world in accordance with their Species Survival Plans. This creates a healthy and genetically diverse population that can adapt to environmental stresses. The government of Madagascar is also working with DLC to develop breeding programs on the island.

Lemurs’ unique physical characteristics make them endearing to people, mainly because they’re so human-like with their bright, round eyes and grasping hands. As social creatures, they engage in grooming, playing and squabbling, and can also express emotions like curiosity, excitement, affection and fear. They thrive from the mental and physical stimulation of a toy or puzzle and even enjoy sun worshiping, exposing their bellies to catch the warmth of the sun’s rays. These are the charming traits and behaviors that beg a closer look.

DLC offers a limited schedule of tours for the public. The main tour season is May 1–September 30 when lemurs spend most of their time outdoors, relishing in North Carolina’s tropical-like climate. In order to keep these primates safe and healthy, guests must have a tour reservation in order to visit DLC. All tours must be purchased online at least 24 hours in advance; the center is unable to accommodate walk-in visitors.

Several public tours are offered, including a General Tour, in which visitors wander a path at their own pace to view more than a dozen lemurs in enclosures or indoor habitats and ask questions among stationed docents; a Private Tour, which is a personalized version of the general tour with one dedicated tour guide for the group; a Walking with Lemurs Tour, in which small, guided groups venture into two natural habitat enclosures where lemurs leap, snack and snooze in forested habitats; and a Behind the Scenes Tour, which allows guests to view areas that are typically off-limits, seeing DLC through the eyes of its staff who are trained in enrichment and feeding (the popular, nocturnal aye-aye species is only featured on afternoon Behind the Scenes tours). Participants must be at least 10 years old to enjoy the Walking with Lemurs and Behind the Scenes tours; ages 10-15 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Because lemurs are untamed, DLC does not permit any touching or interaction with the animals.

Sorraia recognizes the tremendous impact these lemur encounters have on guests. “The ability to experience these animals that you might not ever have the opportunity to see, and see them interacting in a way that they would if they were in Madagascar, is really, really special.”

1940 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro I carolinatigerrescue.org

The roar of a lion, the chuff of a tiger, the hiss of a serval. These are everyday sounds at Carolina Tiger Rescue, a Pittsboro-based nonprofit sanctuary that provides a serene home for 13 species of wild animals that were raised in captivity. Most of its residents—tigers, lions, cougars, caracals, servals and bobcats—have been rescued from dire situations where they were kept as pets, props in roadside zoos, confiscated by authorities or simply abandoned. Now cared for by knowledgeable keepers and volunteers, these animals live comfortably in spacious enclosures in rural Chatham County, where they enjoy the freedom to exhibit their natural behaviors.

Carolina Tiger Rescue’s sole mission is to save and protect these predators, both in captivity and in the wild. “Rescue is primarily what we do,” says Louise Orr, communications director. “We focus on carnivores, but we’ve taken in other species because they need a home.” Porcupines, raccoons, kinkajous and coatimundis have found refuge at the center, along with two female red wolves—the world’s most critically endangered wolf species—who will eventually move to another accredited facility to join a breeding program.

CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE

Duke Lemur Center in Durham features 13 species of lemurs, including this noctural aye-aye.

Two Coquerel’s sifakas engage in social grooming at Duke Lemur Center, which welcomes over 35,000 visitors each year.

Saber, a white tiger, has been cared for by experienced keepers at Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro since 2016.

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Party Girl, a Suri alpaca, nibbles orchard grass hay at Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm.

Talon, a bobcat, surveys his surroundings at Carolina Tiger Rescue.

Carolina Tiger Rescue’s staff is committed to giving these animals proper care; every decision is made in their best interest, from providing the ideal habitat enclosure to supplying appropriate food, medical care and enrichment. Educating the public about preserving wild animal species in their natural habitats is crucial; when visitors learn about their former living conditions and their rescue stories, animal welfare is better understood and achieved.

Watching wild cats feed, prowl, sleep, roll in the grass and guard their territory—just as they would in their native environment—is an unforgettable experience. Each species, with its distinguishable features—unique color patterns, body size, and remarkable claws and teeth—offers a perspective that can only be appreciated up close. Their unique sounds and movements— sometimes stealthy, other times playful—offer moments of awe and reverence. Each animal has a name and is treated like family, with both staff and the public respecting their individual personalities and temperaments.

What started out 50 years ago as the Carnivore Evolutionary Research Institute founded by UNC geneticist Dr. Michael Bleyman to ensure the survival of specific keystone species through breeding practices has transformed greatly over the years. In 2002, the center ceased its breeding program after realizing a greater need for rescue and conservation, and changed its name to Carolina Tiger Rescue in 2009 to reflect this mission. Carolina Tiger Rescue is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and holding them to the highest standard of care. In accordance with GFAS and its own values, Carolina Tiger Rescue does not buy, sell, breed or trade animals.

Four tours are offered to suit every interest and are led by trained guides, who discuss the animals’ natural instincts and environments, and the challenges they face in the wild and in captivity. All visits have limited capacity and require an advance ticket purchase or reservation. Public tours, which take visitors of all ages within 6 feet of wild cats such as tigers, lions, caracals and cougars, run year-round on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Private tours, available daily, are catered to a group, making it a more personal encounter. Twilight tours are for adults ages 18 and older and run April through October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tiger Tales, which is suitable for ages 2–7 and their caregivers, takes place once a month and features a story, an animal-themed craft and a chance to view some of Carolina Tiger Rescue’s most recognizable residents. Due to their predatory instincts, visitors do not have direct contact with the animals. Orr says those on the tour path are attention-seekers and comfortable around people, yet more than half of the sanctuary’s residents aren’t seen by the public. “Some animals are really shy, don’t like loud noises and don’t want to be on tour. Some are nocturnal and aren’t seen during the day. We’re always trying to give them what they need. We just want to make sure they’re happy and healthy.”

in Pittsboro. Spend time with this exotic breed and you’ll hear them hum (a mother and baby share their own unique hum)—or maybe see them spit, an action that serves as a defense mechanism. They race to the tantalizing sound of grain being shaken in a feed bucket. Long legs and necks, small heads and large, pointed ears are their key physical attributes; they closely resemble llamas, their solitary cousin. As herd animals, alpacas are constantly on the lookout for their safety and utter a highpitched call when sensing danger. Four Anatolian Shepherd dogs on the premises protect the alpacas from coyotes—their primary predator in this area—and other animals that could introduce ticks and other parasites.

Both breeds produce water-resistant fleece that contains no lanolin (fat or grease), making it hypoallergenic, functional for clothing and bedding, and a rival of cashmere for its luxurious feel. Huacaya fiber has crimpy waves and grows in bundles, while Suri fiber is straight and silky, and grows in locks. Both come in a spectacular breadth of colors, many of which the farm’s residents proudly display.

“Alpaca fiber is amazingly soft, dense and thick. It’s hard to tell that when you’re just looking at them, so we give visitors a chance to touch the animals,” says Em Stecker, who—along with Danette Boezio—purchased the 15½-acre alpaca farm in 2021. Alpacas consume a diet of pasture grass, specialized grain and orchard grass hay. PacaVisit guests are able to feed the alpacas orchard grass hay, while PacaTour guests feed a small amount of grain during their one-hour tour. “Everyone loves feeding alpacas. There’s something satisfying about having an animal take food from you,” she adds.

Essentially the farm’s harvest, the shearing of the alpacas happens once a year. “We clean the fiber and send it to a mill to make yarn. It’s returned to us, and we’ll dye that here to make hats, scarves, wristlets and hair scrunchies,” Boezio explains. Alpaca fiber felts well, so it’s also used for dryer balls and cat toys. At the Alpaca Owners Association’s National Fleece Show Awards in July, fleece from one of the farm’s youngest alpacas earned a National Supreme Champion award; the farm also received the Classic Fleece Cup award for the most winning fleece entries in the small Suri farm category.

“We really like that what we’re sharing with people are very nice specimens of the breeds,” Boezio says, referring to the award-winning quality of the Carolina Sunshine herd. This quality is reflected in the fiber products made and sold at the farm. Even alpaca manure, considered gardeners’ “gold” because it increases yield and doesn’t burn plants, is gathered, sun-dried and sold here. The store also carries alpaca products, such as yarns, socks, sweaters, blankets and more, many from other North Carolina alpaca farmers and some sourced fair trade from Peru.

Quirky, gentle and curious are all adjectives that perfectly describe alpacas, members of the camelid family that originated from the mountains of Peru, Bolivia and Chile and have been bred in South America for thousands of years. Most alpacas in the U.S. are descendants of the 6,000 that the Peruvian government exported from 1993–1998; today, they total around 350,000, yet are rare enough to be considered exotic livestock. Thirty-two alpacas of both the Huacaya and Suri breeds reside at Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm, located 15 minutes west of Jordan Lake

Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm offers two ways for visitors to experience these animals: PacaTours are private, guided tours of the farm, booked in advance. PacaVisits invite guests to explore the farm at their own pace, learning from observation, signage and conversation with a staff member who serves as host. PacaVisits can be booked in advance, or just walk in any time the farm is open. While PacaTours last about an hour, PacaVisits are open-ended, allowing guests to enjoy a picnic, the play area and extended time with the animals, including the friendly barn cats. The farm and store are open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

“Alpacas are such beautiful and sweet animals,” Boezio says. “Touching an alpaca and being able to hang out with them ... you can really see the connection people make with them.”

Stecker agrees. “I love sharing these animals. Our mission at Carolina Sunshine Alpaca Farm is to bring a little more joy and light into the world. We want the space to be somewhere where you and your family and friends can relax and smile—and we measure our success in smiles.”

IN THE TRIANGLE AND BEYOND

BY KYLE MARIE M c MAHON

Feeling a chill in the air? Gather the family to savor all the enchanting moments in store this autumn in the Triangle. From corn mazes and caramel apples to spirited festivals and haunted houses, our hearty selection of fall festivities offers something for everyone. At press time, not all venues had updated information for 2024, so be sure to check with event organizers before heading out.

PUMPKIN PATCHES & CORN MAZES

CROSSROADS CORN MAZE

5712 Watkins Road, Wendell I crossroadscornmaze.com

Visit the website for dates, hours and rates. Enjoy hay and rope mazes, hayrides, lawn games and s’mores. “When the Stalks Go Dark,” a haunted attraction, takes place Fridays and Saturdays in October, and requires a separate entrance fee.

DJ’S BERRY PATCH

1223 Salem Church Road, Apex I djsberrypatch.com

Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Shop for North Carolina apples, pumpkins of all varieties and sizes, and other fall produce.

THE FAMILY FARM ON AVENT FERRY

1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs I thefamilyfarmonaventferry.com

Opens September 28; Monday–Friday, 4–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. Shop for specialty pumpkins and gourds, and take advantage of family photo opportunities on a vintage John Deere tractor.

GROSS FARMS CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH

1606 Pickett Road, Sanford I grossfarms.com

Open September 14–November 3; visit the website for operating hours and ticket information. Enjoy a corn maze, pumpkin patch, Tom’s Tunnel slide, hayrides and various playgrounds.

HILL RIDGE FARMS FALL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville I hillridgefarms.com

Open September 25–November 1; Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Enjoy a wagon ride, carousel, train ride, gem mining, corn house and farm animals. Admission is $19.95–$29.95 per person at the gate; free for ages 2 and younger.

HOLDER HILL FARM

4822 Holder Road, Durham I holderhillfarmllc.com

Open daily September 20–November 3; Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Navigate a corn maze, jump on a hayride, visit farm animals, hike a nature trail, experience a play area and explore a pumpkin patch. Admission is $16 per person and includes a you-pick pumpkin.

HUCKLEBERRY TRAIL FARM

143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City I huckleberrytrailfarm.com

Open weekends September 28 through October; visit the website for operating hours and ticket information. Jump on a hayride, visit a pumpkin patch and explore a corn maze.

KEN’S KORNY CORN MAZE

3175 Benson Road, Garner I kenskornycornmaze.com

Open weekends September 20–November 10; Friday, 4–9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, noon–8 p.m.; visit the website for rates. Run through a 10-acre corn maze, jump on a hayride, explore a corn tunnel, play miniature golf and more. The adjacent sunflower field is available for pictures and flower cutting and requires a separate entrance fee.

McKEE CORNFIELD MAZE

5011 Kiger Road, Rougemont I mckeecornfieldmaze.com

Open weekends September 20–November 2; Friday, 3–7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. This 12-acre corn maze also features hayrides, a pumpkin patch, sunflower field, play areas and farm animals.

NAYLOR FAMILY FARM & CORN MAZE

6016 U.S. 401 N., Fuquay-Varina I naylorfamilyfarm.com

Open September 14–November 3; visit the website for operating hours and rates. Enjoy a hayride, farm animals, pumpkin patch, barrel train and more.

PAGE FARMS

6100 Mount Herman Road, Raleigh I pagefarmsraleigh.com

Open late September through October; Tuesday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Explore a 5-acre corn maze, hayride, cow train, farm animals and pumpkins. Admission is $12–$18 per person.

PHILLIPS FARMS CORN MAZE

6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary I phillipsfarmsofcary.com

Open September 14–November 2; Thursday, 4:30–7:30 p.m.; Friday, 3–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 1–6 p.m. Admission is $20 for ages 2 and older. Navigate a corn labyrinth, explore a sunflower field and take a wagon ride. A haunted attraction takes place in the evenings and requires a separate entrance fee of $25.

PORTER FARMS & NURSERY

7615 Ten Ten Road, Raleigh I porterfarmsandnursery.com

Open through October 31; Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Shop for pumpkins, mums and fall produce.

MUSEUM OF LIFE & SCIENCE PUMPKIN PATCH EXPRESS

433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham I lifeandscience.org

October 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27; visit the website for hours. Celebrate fall with science activities, games, pumpkin decorating and a ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway at the Museum of Life and Science. Tickets are $15 per person; free for ages 2 and younger. Museum admission is not included with the ticket purchase.

RAGAN & HOLLY’S PUMPKIN PATCH

38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex I jeansberrypatch.com

Open daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Shop for mums, pumpkins and fall produce.

SCARECROW ROW

2200 Laura Duncan Road, Apex I apexnc.org/1419/stay-play

October 25–31. See community-decorated scarecrows at Apex Community Park. Take a flashlight after sunset. Families can take part in the scarecrow decorating event on October 23; decorating is free but requires online registration. The town provides a post, hay and head for scarecrows; participants only need to bring the decorating materials.

FALL FESTIVALS

BOOFEST

433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham I lifeandscience.org

October 28–29 and October 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Don a costume for hands-on activities in the lab, a pumpkin party station with take-home goodies, and themed enrichment and encounters around the Museum of Life and Science. Activities are included with museum admission.

CLAYTON HARVEST FESTIVAL

Downtown Clayton I claytonharvestfestival.com

October 24–27; Thursday, 5–10 p.m.; Friday, 5–11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.: Sunday, noon–9 p.m. This four-day festival features carnival rides, a talent showcase, kids activities, and car and tractor shows.

FALLING FOR LOCAL

101 Blair Drive, Raleigh I shoplocalraleigh.org/slr-events/falling-for-local-dix-park

October 5, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Take the family for hayrides, inflatables, lawn games, kids activities and a free pumpkin patch on the Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park.

FESTIFALL ARTS MARKETS & MORE

Downtown Chapel Hill chapelhillarts.org/calendar/festifall-arts-market-carolina-day

October 26 and November 2; visit the website for hours. Chapel Hill’s annual fall arts festival features three separate markets offering interactive art experiences, entertainment and artisan vendors.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR

4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh I ncstatefair.org

October 17–27; visit the website for hours and rates. Rides, music, live entertainment, livestock competitions and every fried food you can imagine highlight this annual fair and agricultural exposition at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.

OKTOBERFEST AT LAFAYETTE VILLAGE

8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh I lafayettevillageraleigh.com

September 28, noon–4 p.m. Enjoy German-inspired foods, fall brews, live music and wiener dog races at Raleigh’s Lafayette Village shopping center.

POEFEST

224 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh I poehealth.org

October 12, 1–4 p.m. The Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education hosts PoeFest, a free community festival to celebrate healthy choices. Enjoy food and prizes, interactive theaters, local entertainment and more. Free books and produce will be available.

TRIANGLE OKTOBERFEST

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary I triangleoktoberfest.org

October 4, 5–10 p.m.; October 5, noon–8 p.m. Celebrate all things Bavarian with live music, authentic cuisine, beer sampling, wiener dog races, a German car show and a KinderPlatz Zone at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Tickets are $15–$25 per person; free for ages 15 and younger.

WENDELL HARVEST FESTIVAL

115 N. Pine Street, Wendell I wendellchamber.com

October 5, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Usher in the fall season in downtown Wendell with a parade, stage performances, vendors, food trucks and an evening concert.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

FUQUAY-VARINA HAUNTED TRAILS

301 Wagstaff Road, Fuquay-Varina I fuquay-varina.org

October 19, 5–6 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. Don a costume and interact with characters along the sunlit Family Trail, 5–6 p.m. The Full Fright Trail, 7–9 p.m., is a scary journey through the nighttime woods and is not recommended for children under the age of 10. Children between the ages of 10–12 should be accompanied by an adult. Park at the Fuquay-Varina Community Center and take the shuttle bus to Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park.

GOBLIN’S GROOVE FAMILY DANCE

237 N. Salem Street, Apex I thehalle.org

October 26, 5–7 p.m. Costume contests, cool games, dance contests and a haunted gallery await kids and their parents at Halle Cultural Arts Center. Admission is $5; $2 for ages 2 and younger. Purchase tickets online.

HALLOWEEN BOO BASH

301 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest I wakeforestnc.gov

October 19, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Attractions in downtown Wake Forest include inflatable slides, live music, food trucks, and ghostly games and activities for kids 12 and younger.

HALLOWEEN FOOD TRUCK RODEO

501 Foster Street, Durham I durhamcentralpark.org

November 3, noon–4 p.m. Enjoy more than 35 food and beverage trucks, cuisine from all over the world, vegetarian and vegan options, DJs and face painting at Durham Central Park.

HOLLY SPRINGS HAUNTED TRAILS

2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs I hollyspringsnc.gov

October 12, 7–10:45 p.m. Take a spooky walk in the dark and encounter zombies, scary clowns and more at Sugg Farm Park. Recommended for ages 14 and older; younger children should be accompanied by an adult.

“JEKYLL & HYDE”

2 E. South Street, Raleigh I carolinaballet.com

October 17–November 3; visit the website for showtimes and tickets. Carolina Ballet’s interpretation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel explores the haunting duality of Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego, Mr. Hyde.

MAGIC AND MISCHIEF: A WIZARD’S MARKET

820 Clay Street, Raleigh I paperandstarsstudio.com/rsvp

November 9; visit the website for hours. Young wizards and witches enjoy activities, crafts, music, handmade goods, and magical food and drink at Fred Fletcher Park. Admission is free.

MAIN STREET TRICK-OR-TREAT

348 E. Main Street, Clayton I townofclaytonnc.org

October 31, 1–3 p.m. Meet in Horne Square before trick-or-treating in costume at participating merchants in downtown Clayton. After filling your bag, stop at Town Square to snap a festive picture and play some games.

MARBLES’ KOOKY SPOOKY HALLOWEEN PARTY

201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh I marbleskidsmuseum.org

October 25, 6–8:30 p.m.; $20 for members and $22 for nonmembers. Experience the magic of Marbles Kids Museum after dark with activities like ghost games, spooky science, a dance party and more. Advance ticket purchase is required online.

MORRISVILLE BOO BASH

1520 Morrisville Parkway I morrisvillenc.gov

October 26; visit the website for times. Venture down a trail and trick-or-treat for candy, vouchers and coupons from local businesses at Morrisville Community Park.

HALLOWEEN STORYTIME ON THE ROOF AT THE DURHAM

315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham I thedurham.com

October 30, 10:30–11 a.m. The Durham partners with the Durham County Library for a free Halloween-themed storytime. Children can wear a Halloween costume and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.

PUMPKIN FLOTILLA

801 High House Road, Cary I carync.gov

October 25, 4–7 p.m. Enjoy live music, food trucks and boat rentals from 4–6:15 p.m. at Bond Park Boathouse. At twilight, watch as carved jack-o’lanterns set sail across Bond Park Lake. Drop off a carved pumpkin at the boathouse from 4–6 p.m. the day before the event. Pumpkins are left floating and relit the next evening to be viewed from the waterfront at the boathouse.

SPELLBOUND

1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh I paperandstarsstudio.com/rsvp

October 26; visit the website for hours. Encounter mysterious creatures, magicians, fortune tellers and vendors selling handmade items and treats at Mordecai Historic Park. Wear your best Halloween finery to enter the costume contest and parade. Admission is free.

SPOOKTACULAR AT SUGG FARM PARK

2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs I hollyspringsnc.gov

October 12, 1–4 p.m. Attractions include candy stations, slime-making, a costume contest and s’mores for ages 3–11.

TRACK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN EXPRESS

3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill I triangletrain.com

October 12, 19 and 26; rides depart at 2:15, 3:30, 4:45, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.; visit the website for rates and to purchase tickets. Take a ride on the New Hope Valley Railway to view scenes of flying witches, smoking cauldrons, Count Dracula and other friendly creatures on a train ride through the New Hill woods. Passengers can play Mummy Mayhem, a game where riders search for 13 mummies hidden along the train tracks. Listen to songs by the singing pumpkins in the rail yard and watch model trains zip around the Garden Railway.

TRICK-OR-TREAT IN DOWNTOWN FUQUAY-VARINA

Downtown Fuquay-Varina I fuquay-varina.com

October 25, 2–5 p.m. Trick-or-treat in costume at participating businesses in both downtown districts.

TRICK-OR-TREAT THE TRAIL

2400 Aversboro Road, Garner I garnernc.gov

October 31, 3–6 p.m. Trick-or-treat along a 1-mile trail at White Deer Park in costume and enjoy creepy crawlies in an exhibit in the nature center. Food trucks available.

THE WITCH’S HAUNTED BARN

4911 Hunt Road, Hillsborough I fireflyfarmnc.com

October 5, 12, 19 and 26; noon–7 p.m.; visit the website for rates and to purchase tickets. A witch and other Halloween creatures delight children at Firefly Farm’s haunted barn.

WITCHES NIGHT OUT IN DOWNTOWN APEX apexnc.org

October 25, 5–9 p.m. Dust off your broomsticks and pointy hats and head to participating businesses along Salem Street for Witches Night Out, featuring magic potions and spellbinding discounts.

ZOMBIEPALOOZA

327 S. Academy Street, Cary I thecarytheater.com/zombiepalooza

October 25, 7 p.m. Wear a costume and enjoy zombie-themed and family-friendly movies outdoors at Downtown Cary Park’s Great Lawn & Pavilion. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes prior to the film screenings. Admission is free.

HAUNTED ADVENTURES

CLAYTON FEAR FARM

1620 Loop Road, Clayton I claytonfearfarm.com

Visit the website for dates, hours and rates. Creatures of the night haunt this farm in Clayton, which adds new horror features each year.

CREEPY CRABTREE

1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville I wakegov.com

October 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit Lake Crabtree County Park to combine Halloween thrills with hands-on learning about the natural world’s spookiest aspects. Register online for a 60-minute session.

DARKSIDE HAUNTED ESTATES

11959 N.C. Highway 222 W., Middlesex I darksidehauntedestates.com

Visit the website for dates and hours. Bring your nightmares to life in an insane asylum, haunted hotel, mayhem hayride, spooky cemetery and more. Admission fees vary depending on the date.

EDWARD’S BATTLE HAUNTED HOUSE

9401 S. Mere Court, Raleigh I facebook.com/edwardsbattlehauntedhouse

Follow Edward’s Battle Haunted House on Facebook for dates and hours about this year’s event. Drive past a haunted yard in Raleigh filled with ghosts, goblins, vampires and other ghouls created by a Raleigh teen who has battled cancer. Donations are accepted and benefit foundations that help kids with cancer.

HAUNTED TALES AT THE OLD HOTEL

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary I carync.gov

October 26; visit the website for hours and fees. Feel the presence of the past at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, formerly Cary’s grand hotel, with ghostly legends and haunted tales.

GRANVILLE HAUNT FARM DRIVE-THRU DRIVE-IN

4534 U.S. Hwy 15, Oxford I granvillehauntfarm.com

Open Fridays and Saturdays, October 4–November 2, and October 31; gates open at sunset. Enjoy thrills and chills from the safety of your car. Admission is per vehicle: $25–$35 for up to 4 passengers, $45–$55 for 5–8 passengers and $65–$75 for 9 or more passengers. Children ages 5 and under are free.

HAUNTED FOREST AT PANIC POINT

2808 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville I raleighhauntedhouse.com

Open September 27–28; Fridays–Sundays, October 4–November 2; and October 31. Gates open at sunset. Explore haunted attractions including a zombie escape hayride, haunted forest, dark trail swamp, creepy corn maze and ominous farm. Visit the website for admission fees. Purchase tickets online or at the gate.

HAUNTED HISTORY WALKING TOUR

200 N. Blount Street, Raleigh I eventbrite.com

October 5, 4:45–6 p.m. Learn about the history of some of downtown Raleigh’s most important landmarks as tour guides tell a ghost story at each stop. Admission is pay-what-you-want, cash only; online registration is required. Tour departs from the North Carolina Executive Mansion.

HILLSBOROUGH HALLOWEEN SPIRIT TOURS

Downtown Hillsborough I visithillsboroughnc.com

Tours usually take place the last weekend in October; visit the website for dates, times and rates. The Orange Community Players lead visitors through the historic district to encounter ghoulish former residents.

LEGENDARY CARY: LIVING HISTORY MEETS

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS

facebook.com/groups/thecitydoctorproductions

Tours in October; visit the website for times and tickets. Take an immersive journey to the very places where chilling events occurred, with exclusive access to a new historic location in downtown Cary.

MYRTLE GROVE HAUNT

3510 N.C. Hwy 86 N., Hillsborough I myrtlegrovehaunt.com

Visit the website for dates, hours and rates. Face your fears in a two-level haunted barn.

RALEIGH GHOSTS AND GHOULS HAUNTINGS TOUR

1 E. Morgan Street, Raleigh I usghostadventures.com/raleigh-ghost-tour

Operates year-round; tours depart at 8 p.m. Explore the darker side of North Carolina's capital. From ghosts of former governors to spectral cats, hear true stories of supernatural encounters on a one-hour walking tour. Admission is $28 for adults, $16 for ages 6–12; tickets must be purchased online.

RALEIGH HAUNTED FOOTSTEPS GHOST TOUR

tobaccoroadtours.com

Operates year-round Friday–Sunday; 90-minute tours depart at 7:30 p.m. Ghost stories, history and folklore are interwoven in a 1.5-mile walking tour that stops at several ghost and paranormal sites. Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for ages 8–14; tickets must be purchased online. Tours depart from Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh (meeting location provided after ticket purchase).

SPIRITS OF WAKE FOREST

301 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest I wakeforestnc.gov

Thursdays–Saturdays, September 26–October 31; visit the website for times and ticket fees. Learn about the restless spirits that make up a piece of downtown Wake Forest's haunted history. Walking tours last 75 minutes.

Whether for competition or casual family fun, disc golf is flying high

By Kurt Dusterberg

Brian Cooke had just finished his round of disc golf at Apex Nature Park when he started thinking back to his earliest memories of the sport.

“My dad took me out when I was in elementary school, around age 6 or 7,” Cooke says. “I picked my favorite disc out of my dad’s bag. It was a DX Leopard (a straight-flying fairway driver), and I would throw that over and over.”

Cooke spent most of his school-age years playing competitive soccer, but returned to disc golf six years ago when a friend’s invitation to play helped rekindle his interest.

“I played it again, and I got hooked,” says Cooke, a 23-year-old Cary resident attending graduate school at North Carolina State University. “Just the way the discs fly is really fun to watch. It’s a sport that anyone can pick up and play. Not everyone can just pick up a golf club and swing it. I also just love the variety of courses— some with trees, some that are open, some with elevation changes.”

Cooke is among a growing number of people who are attracted to the game. The Professional Disc Golf Association has 255,000 registered disc golfers in the United States. According to udisc.com, participation has nearly doubled since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic sent people searching for outdoor activities that allowed for social distancing.

Stumbling on a Sport

Marc Moore had played ultimate (a team sport originally known as ultimate frisbee) for 30 years, but health issues eventually ended his participation. When he was asked to play disc golf in April of 2020, he jumped at the chance. “We were playing four or five times a week because it was something to do,” he says. “People were looking to get outside during COVID.”

One year later, Moore and his friend, Andy Joslin, opened Yeet Street Discs in Morrisville. “We’ve had at least 25% growth each year we’ve been in business,” Moore says. “We continue to get people coming to the shop saying, ‘I’m a new player.’”

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, with players trying to complete each hole in the fewest strokes—or throws. The player throws from a tee box, navigating the natural terrain and throwing from where the disc lands. The “hole” is an elevated basket, typically with metal chains. The two games also share similar rewards and frustrations. Players take joy in executing a straight drive or sinking a long putt, but a shot into the trees—or into a pond—can leave you muttering under your breath. Most holes are par 3s, typically between 200 and 250 feet long. Playing a round of 18 holes can take as little as 90 minutes.

Judah, Shelly and Brian Berman are elite-level disc golf players. PHOTO

Marc Moore (LEFT) and Andy Joslin (RIGHT) opened Yeet Street Discs in Morrisville in 2021.

Easy to Get Started

As for the equipment, veteran players carry a backpack with a variety of discs—distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges and putters. Some fill their bags with more than 20 discs, but beginners can play with just three or four as they learn the sport. Quality discs begin in the $15 range, but some are cheaper. Yeet Street also offers a wide variety of used discs at discount prices.

“The fundamentals are pretty easy to learn,” Joslin says. “You basically want to keep the disc at a controlled release angle. You don’t necessarily want to throw it nose up, or you get kind of weird action. You don’t want to have a swing that’s wide, because it will go in directions you didn’t intend it to go. You want to get it moving in a straight line across your body and use your arm as a whip. Once you learn that, people a month into playing are starting to see discs fly how they are intended to fly.”

The relatively short time it takes to become proficient is one of the reasons the game enjoys steady growth. Wilmington resident Robert Shields has played disc golf for six years. He dropped by Yeet Street looking for a new disc before participating in a tournament in Chapel Hill. “It took six months to a year,” he says. “I just kept at it. It’s therapy for me. I try to play at least three or four times a week. There’s nothing that’s not fun about it. Just getting out with people or by yourself in nature.”

Here’s another plus for the game: Most courses are constructed on public lands, and free to play. “The great thing about disc golf is there’s a very low barrier to entry,” Moore says. “There’s no greens fees, and the community of players, they’re all chill. Before it really blew up, it was sort of known as a hippie sport. It was just people who are laid back, out in the woods. And it’s a little bit of a niche sport, where we know a lot about it, so it’s fun to talk about it. There still is that element, but it’s attached to more business-like people, too.”

A Good Fit for Kids

Disc golf is also attracting a young crowd. Brian Berman and his wife, Shelly, have played together since they met, and their 15-year-old son, Judah, has picked up the sport as well. All three are elite-level players.

“It’s always something we get to do on vacation, which is unique,” Berman says. “No matter where we go, there’s a disc golf course there. If we’re just going to visit the family, then we bring a couple of discs and look like we’re hackers.”

Berman is the tournament director for the North Carolina Junior Disc Golf Championships, which is held each June in Kittrell. This year’s event, where Judah placed second, attracted 40 under-18 players. Those kids are among the quarter-million registered players in the U.S., but there are countless others who are helping grow the game.

“There are millions of people who play this sport who are under the radar but aren’t PDGA members, and they are the majority,” Berman says. “Through the pandemic, they turned out to be families. I tend to think [the sport] is sticking with anybody who likes things that fly.”

For Judah, a sophomore at Durham School of the Arts, the ultimate accomplishment in the sport would be to play the pro tour. But for now, disc golf gets him outdoors, where he loves a good challenge.

“It has a physical aspect to it, but it’s very much a mental game as well,” he says. “If you can master the mental part of it, it propels you to the high levels of the game. I really like the challenge of it.”

According to udisc.com, there are at least 25 disc golf courses in the Triangle. Some are 18-hole courses, some are 9-hole. The majority are in public parks and are open year-round, but others are open seasonally. And while the majority are free to play, some are private courses and require a membership and a fee.

For a complete list of courses by community in North Carolina, visit udisc.com/places/northcarolina-united-states.

Here are a few of the top-rated public courses in the Triangle:

Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh

Cedar Hills Park, Raleigh

Kentwood, Raleigh Sheetz Gold Course, Durham Valley Springs Park, Durham

Leigh Farm Park, Durham

Diavolo at New Hope Disc Golf, Cary

Fit Fort at Fortnight Brewing Company, Cary University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Dogwood at Southern Community Park, Chapel Hill

An avid disc golf fan, Brian Cooke says anyone can pick up the sport. He enjoys playing on the Triangle’s varied courses.

Johnston County resident Hanley House was named Miss America’s Teen in January.

Crowning Achievement

Johnston County senior is making the most of Miss America’s Teen title

By Kurt Dusterberg

Hanley House is taking a breather, if you can call it that. Compared to her recent schedule, talking by phone from a High Point hotel room is a bit less allin than an appearance as Miss America’s Teen.

“I just got home from Arizona, and Ohio and the Kentucky Derby,” House says. “And I was dancing with the New York Knicks, so we have been very, very busy.”

The Johnston County teen has been living a life she never imagined since winning the pageant title in Orlando, Florida in January. House, a rising senior at Cleveland High School and a student at Wake Technical Community College, first tried her hand at pageants just a year ago. She did not place in the “Miss Cleveland’s Teen” competition, but pageant coordinator and Cleveland High assistant principal Cora Godwin saw a spark in House and encouraged her to enter Miss North Carolina’s Teen. Her win in the state competition launched her to the Miss America’s Teen pageant, a division of the Miss America program for young women ages 13–18, where she performed a lyrical dance routine to the Journey classic “Don’t Stop Believin.’” As part of the prize package House will receive either a $60,000 scholarship grant to use at her discretion, or a four-year scholarship to the University of Alabama.

Today, House is balancing her old dreams and her new opportunities. She has spent most of her life as a competitive dancer, studying in ballet programs with Joffrey Ballet School in New York City and Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco. To make those dreams happen, she started her own business at age 12, which inspired her to create a community service initiative called Passion to Profit.

Where the pageant success will take House is unclear. The 17-year-old had dreams of her own before the remarkable turn in the gown-and-crown life. Her whirlwind year has been thrilling, but she is also grounded in a life full of family and friends. And now, college is on the horizon.

“Just being able to look at all these amazing opportunities I was able to [take part in] and the amazing people I was able to meet along the way,” House says. “That’s something that is really important to me. I’m excited to look back and feel so grateful.”

So let’s start with your recent string of appearances. What were you doing at these events?

“At the Derby, I was able to make a ton of appearances. I walked a few red carpets, which was really, really cool. I had never walked a real red carpet before. My mom got

to walk it with me. In Ohio, I was modeling for one of our sponsors, Henri’s Cloud Nine formal wear in Columbus. That’s something I was really thankful for. But throughout my appearances, I am dancing. Last week I was at the Miss Arizona [pageant] and I performed my talent. When I was in New York, I was able to meet up with the New York Knicks dance team. We did a little fun choreo.”

This all started with an appearance in the Miss Cleveland’s Teen pageant?

“I call it my little Michael Jordan story. I competed for the high school pageant and lost. After that, I worked really hard for about six months and went to Miss North Carolina and won. Then I had an additional six months to prepare for Miss America’s Teen. There was a lot that went into preparing. A lot of mock interviews. They’re hard. They can get political.”

What do you recall about that moment when you were crowned Miss America’s Teen?

“I can feel it and see it. I was thanking God for all of the prayers that He listened to along the way. That was something I definitely remember. I remember the chills running down my back. When it was just me and [Miss] Ohio, that was a moment I just kind

of blanked out. I forgot everything that was happening. I just remember the crowd going wild and [me] thanking God for everything. I was really grateful this opportunity was meant for me, just because I knew how much I could do with the title of Miss America’s Teen.”

Passion to Profit is your initiative for young entrepreneurs. I understand that was the result of a business you started when you were 12 years old.

“I was around 10 years old when I was auditioning and being accepted into some of the most respected ballet schools in the country. And for me, that meant increased cost. So if I wanted to pursue my dreams, I would have to help pay for it. I started a small business called ‘Two Little Blondes.’

“One year for Christmas, I got a Silhouette—a vinyl cutting machine. I started making stickers, but I was also able to make monograms and labels, and pregnancy announcements. I started selling my creations and my art, and it did really, really well.

“That ended up giving me so much more than a monetary gain. This was financial skills, time management, brand marketing, little things like that. So I’m going into schools and using social media to promote those real-world skills that teens need to be successful.”

Where does dance fit into your life these days? Have you had to back off with all your pageant appearances?

“I haven’t let go of it one bit. I’ve actually grown my love for dance. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve latched onto it more. It’s a way that I can just express my emotions and have fun. I’m trained in all styles. Lyrical and contemporary are my favorites.”

Cleveland is a small area. What kind of support did you receive from your community?

“I’ve had a community rallying around me, whether it’s my dance career, my pageant career or growing my small business. Going door to door when I was little, selling stickers. No matter what, the Cleveland community has

always supported me, and that is something I will be forever blessed to have. Everybody knows everybody. I think that is exactly why I was able to accomplish my dreams.”

And I’m guessing family is important to you as well.

“I have a very strong relationship with my family. My mom is my best friend. I look up to my dad so much, and my little sister is the coolest person I know. That’s the short way to put it.”

College is right around the corner. Do you know where you would like to go?

“I want to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and study business management. I have a big goal of being on the [UNC–Chapel Hill] Dance team. I am really excited for college, but I have such a strong relationship with my family, so I will probably be home every weekend (laughs). It’s about an hour away. I am a huge UNC fan.”

When you have some free time and you can just be a kid, what do you like to do?

“Something my friends and I are into right now is pickleball. We love playing at our local pool and the courts around our house. I always love going on golf cart rides with my family. We have a golf cart and a pond in our backyard. And I have my driver’s license, so [my friends and I] go to Cook Out. We do it way too often, almost every weekend. It’s fun. I’m glad to still have a high school life and a life outside of pageants.”

Will you pursue pageants in the future?

“I love the actual competing portion of pageants. That has always been so fun. But I don’t know. I have very big dreams. When you win, you have to put your life on hold for a second. As much as I love the Miss America opportunity, I don’t know if I’ll be back. Maybe I will surprise everybody and make a comeback, but I have no idea. I have goals of owning and operating my own interior design business and being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, and doing all these amazing things.”

The crowning moment in Orlando, Florida is seared into House’s memory.

Miss America’s Teen is a division of the Miss America program for young women ages 13–18.

House performed a lyrical dance routine to win the title.

SPOTLIGHT

Youth Sports

SULLENBERGER AVIATION MUSEUM TAKES FLIGHT

Where imagination meets innovation

By Kyle Marie McMahon

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum is named for Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, best known for piloting the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009.

Aviation Museum.

Charlotte’s Sullenberger Aviation Museum is more than just a collection of historic aircraft. It is a free-flowing museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, interactive touchpoints and hands-on learning activities to bring the love of aviation to kids of all ages. The newly expanded museum reopened on June 1, and visitors can now explore special exhibit areas, each focusing on a specific theme.

Innovation Nation showcases the history of aviation, with its many risks, challenges and victories in the advancement of flight. It features one of only two Skystreak planes used to test the sound barrier, an F-4S Phantom jet, replicas of the Wright brothers’ Flyer and Glider planes and more. Visitors can view the damaged Airbus A320 from US Airways Flight 1549, better known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” This famous flight was en route from New York City to Charlotte in 2009 when it struck a flock of birds and lost all engine power. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger guided the plane to land in the Hudson River, saving all 155 passengers, including 74 Charlotteans. The museum was renamed in 2022 in the captain’s honor. Ric Elias, one of the survivors and museum donor, says, “Flight 1549 changed the course of my life and gave me the ultimate gift of a second chance. The museum is a tribute to the courage of Capt. Sullenberger and the entire flight crew, and my hope is that it will also inspire young innovators to change the world.”

Innovation Nation also has many areas offering interactive activities. Guests can create spy gliders and test their ability to fly in a vertical wind tunnel. There are also three computer-based flight simulators where visitors can climb into the cockpit and take flight. The outdoor section features larger aircraft, like the military transport EC-130E Hercules, and Planespotting Point, where visitors can watch private and commercial jets and military aircraft taxiing and taking off from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport just 200 feet away.

In addition to iconic aircraft like the F-14D Tomcat, the Aviation Society exhibit introduces visitors to the Carolinas Aerospace Industry. Kids can learn about industry employers and career opportunities with interviews and oral histories from people working in the field across the Carolinas. “A primary focus of the museum is providing transformative experiences that connect kids to careers. We are committed to helping create the next generation of innovators, particularly those from communities who have traditionally been underrepresented in the aviation industry—namely women and people of color,” says Vice President of Advancement Robert Touchstone.

The Honeywell Makerspace is a creative space for kids of all ages to tackle engineering challenges hands-on and learn more about the science of flight. Explore the space by creating a cardboard prototype and testing your invention. The space also features a scarf wind tunnel and a paper airplane and rocket launcher. Throughout the museum, visitors will find augmented reality tablets with additional information and games to play, like “Which aircraft are you?” and a “Rescue Response Challenge,” where they are faced with emergency scenarios and must choose the best aircraft to use.

The final thematic area, Aviation City, will open in early 2025. It will focus on the Charlotte region’s comingof-age story through the golden age of aviation and feature several new aircraft, including an F-84 Thunderjet. “You don’t need to be an aviation enthusiast to appreciate our museum, but we challenge you to visit and not walk away with an appreciation for the world of flight,” Touchstone says.

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Sullenberger Aviation Museum is located at 4108 Minuteman Way in Charlotte and is open Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Sundays, noon–4:30 p.m. Admission is $24 for adults, $20 for seniors 65 and older, $18 for children ages 5–17, and free for children under 5. Learn more at sullenbergeraviation.org.

Innovation Nation showcases the history of aviation.

Take control of a flight simulator and experience piloting different aircraft.

Well-designed exhibits enlighten visitors of all ages.

BY JENN

Digging Her Decision

RALEIGH’S OLIVIA BRASWELL IS EAGER TO TAKE VOLLEYBALL SKILLS TO WEST POINT BY

KURT DUSTERBERG

Like so many young athletes, Olivia Braswell gained her love for a sport by watching an older sibling. When her sister Kaeli was playing volleyball in sixth grade, Braswell was soaking it in as a second grader.

When Kaeli went on to play at Furman University in South Carolina, Braswell followed in her sister’s footsteps at Raleigh’s Grace Christian School as an all-conference and all-state performer. After a five-year varsity career, Braswell was also ready to consider a college volleyball career, but during the process she received an unexpected recruiting pitch. Years earlier, Kaeli had been recruited by the United States Military Academy at West Point by coach Alma Kovaci Lee.

Braswell was a successful high school varsity and club level volleyball player.

“I was not really looking toward the military path,” Braswell says. “But the West Point coach reached out to me. The coach knew my family. They had all met before, but I had never met her. She reached out to me and said, ‘Hey, I have a setter spot on my team if you’d be interested.’ We started talking from there.

“My sister also did ROTC at Furman, and she just commissioned as a second lieutenant. Just watching her experience with the Army and how much she enjoys it and the amazing relationships she’s built is just eye-opening to me. I’m going to have so many doors open to me in my future.”

Braswell enjoyed a successful high school career, but her skills were sharpened at the club level.

She played for the 18 Diamond team at North Carolina Volleyball Academy, qualifying for the national championships.

“Our school team was very competitive,” she says. “We won our state championship this year, but it’s a different environment. In club, most everyone’s goal is to play at the next level, to get recruited—and to beat out whoever is in their spot on their team. That’s just a mindset that everyone has.”

Braswell has risen to the upper levels of competitive volleyball with a unique focus. She doesn’t feel the pressure of individual performance.

PHOTO

“Volleyball for me, it’s competitive, but it’s never been a stress factor for me,” she says. “It’s been a stress reliever. When I go to practice or I play, everything else that’s happening in my life—I can completely forget about it in that moment. I’m there to play. I’m there to do a job and be there for my teammates, and work hard. I can focus on that and be in the moment with my teammates.”

And while she led her high school team in assists and finished second in digs as a senior, she doesn’t lean on statistics to define her role on the court.

“I think my best qualities as a player are more mental than physical,” Braswell says. “I bring a lot of energy, and I lead my court very well as a setter. You have to build close connections to everyone you’re playing around, be able to trust your teammates and be a very trustworthy teammate.”

Braswell made her first trip to West Point over the summer, where she learned much more about the expectations that go with her appointment.

“I would probably be one of those people who is actually eager to start,” she says. “I’m very excited. It’s going to be difficult, and I’m going to have no contact with anybody from home for a month. I think it’s good for a detox from social media and everything that plagues everyone’s everyday life.”

The combination of school, military training and athletics will prove to be another stress test, but it’s one she is willing to embrace.

“Yes, it’s going to be hard, but it’s so worth it,” Braswell says. “Everything that’s worth doing is hard.”

BY JENN M c KINNEY

Braswell now combines military training, school and athletics at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

PHOTO

For Love of Country— & Football

JUSTIN REED JUGGLES ACADEMICS, MILITARY TRAINING WITH HIS ATHLETIC PASSION. BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Justin Reed is a busy man.

The Apex Friendship High School grad is a senior midshipman at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. For most people, a rigorous schedule of schooling and military training would be plenty, but Reed’s daily grind includes something else. He is also a starting defensive lineman on the Navy football team.

“It’s a lot of time management,” Reed says. “Our schedules are pretty packed here with school, military and, of course, football. So it’s a lot. But it’s [so] rewarding. We’re able to gain so much. It’s preparing [us] for the future in the real world.”

Reed is in select company, attending a service academy while playing collegiate sports at the highly competitive Division I level. As an academy athlete, there is no question about priorities. Military training comes first, but those responsibilities can help build a better athlete.

“It starts with being held accountable,” Reed says. “That makes you grow up so fast. You’re responsible for your actions regardless. You start off young in a situation where it’s OK to make mistakes here in a training environment, but it allows you to prepare for those environments when you graduate and you’ve got lives in your hands. This place allows you to build up maturity very fast, and it sets you up for success—whether it’s football, the military or life in general.”

After attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School during the 2020–21 academic year, Reed has made a steady ascent on the football team’s depth chart. As a freshman he played mostly on special teams, but he took over as a starter for the last nine games of his junior year in 2023.

At 6-foot-3, 263 pounds, the midshipman cuts an imposing figure. But as an edge rusher playing Division I football, Reed is just a bit small for the position. You’d never know it by looking at his statistics. As a junior, he had 49 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and a team high of 4.5 sacks.

Reed was a defensive lineman for Apex Friendship High School and plays the same position for the Navy Midshipmen.

After he graduates from the United States Naval Academy, Reed will have the option of serving active duty with the Navy or Marine Corps— or play for the NFL if he makes a roster.

“I’m a little bit undersized, but you have to find a way to get your job done,” he says.

“Through the years, I have developed my pass rushing ability. How can I use my body to do things that they wouldn’t expect? I use my speed and agility. It’s going to be very difficult for an offensive lineman to figure out what I’m going

Every defensive lineman covets the chance to bring down the opposing quarterback and fire up a crowd. There is nothing quite like it for an edge rusher, and Reed is happy to put the

“It’s such a crazy feeling, when you see that quarterback and he’s right there,” he says.

“When you lay that hit, you can feel the crowd, you can feel the energy. Then you get up and you see your boys running toward you, and it’s just like, you did it. Just knowing you were a factor in the game. You’re setting your team up for success. You’re feeding off the crowd. It’s such

When Reed graduates next spring, he will have the option of serving five years of active duty with the Navy or the United States Marine Corps. But his football career could add a wrinkle to those options. If he makes an NFL roster, he can apply to have his service deferred, allowing him to play professionally. In the meantime, he is content to have football and military service exist side by side in his busy life.

“When I came here for my official visit, I saw the guys on the team interacting with one another, and that was the kind of family bond I wanted to have,” Reed says. “You build such close relations here. I could never put a price on it. I’m just happy I’m a part of it.”

CORNTASTIC!

Kernels of truth

FACTS ABOUT FALL THAT ARE BEYOND BE-LEAF

Chill out this autumn with these fun facts that are simply beauti-fall! By Janice Lewine

Peel back the leafy green husk on an ear of corn and you’ll find hundreds of silks and kernels. Silks catch pollen so it can travel down the corn cob to fertilize the plant. Each silk will convey pollen to one site on a developing ear of corn, making it possible for a kernel of corn to grow. So there is one silk for each kernel of corn! The number of kernels per ear can vary from 500 to about 1,200, with a typical ear having about 800 kernels and 800 silks. A-maize-ing!

Source: Iowa Corn Growers Association / iowacorn.org

AUBURN, AMBER AND CRIMSON

The science behind the changing of the leaves

In summer, a pigment called chlorophyll gives deciduous leaves a basic green color. Chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis, the chemical reaction that enables plants to use sunlight to manufacture sugars for food. As days grow shorter and nights grow cooler, chlorophyll production slows down and biochemical processes start up, resulting in the magnificent autumn palette of browns,

oranges and reds. The three key factors that influence the color and brilliance of fall leaves are leaf pigments, the length of nights and the weather.

Chlorophyll masks two other pigments that are already present in leaves: carotenoids, which become unmasked from the decrease in chlorophyll production to reveal yellow, orange and brown hues; and anthocyanins, which form when sugars get trapped in leaves and turn particular plants red, purple and orange-red. Leaf colors are characteristic of particular tree species—oaks are red, brown or russet; hickories are golden bronze; dogwoods are purplish-red; and beeches are light tan. The wide variety of maples produces an array of colors, anywhere from brilliant scarlet to glowing yellow.

Nature’s twists and turns can greatly influence autumn’s tapestry. The most spectacular color displays are the result of a warm, wet spring, favorable summer weather and warm, sunny fall days with crisp nights.

Source: USDA Forest Service / fs.usda.gov

ART IN THE

McKee

Cornfield Maze in Rougemont reveals

how these intricate labyrinths are built.

By Janice Lewine

Tucked in a corner of northern Orange County lies Cedar Creek Farm, a bucolic homestead that has been in David McKee’s family for over 100 years. Like many farmers needing to stay profitable, he and his wife Vickie diversified by planting a medley of crops— wheat, soybeans and corn. More than two decades ago, they envisioned a different sort of moneymaker: a 12-acre corn maze. Every autumn since then, McKee Cornfield Maze has attracted thousands of

visitors eager to become “cornfused,” as Vickie happily describes it, in one of the Triangle’s largest labyrinths.

“Creating a corn maze is a blend of art, science and a touch of magic,” she says. “It’s not only about growing corn and carving out pathways; it’s about envisioning a design that will entertain and provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.”

Plenty of twists, turns, infinite trails and dead ends are essential to a successful maze, where rustling corn stalks envelop

participants in a dizzying conundrum that can often evoke feelings of déjà vu. But getting lost in the “maize”—and feeling victorious at the finish—is all part of the fun, which at McKee Cornfield Maze starts with a detailed drawing and roughly 320,000 corn seeds.

Making the Maze

A gifted artist, Vickie finds inspiration for her maze designs in a milestone or significant event for the county. After

McKee Cornfield Maze boasts a new design each autumn to confound thousands of visitors.

creating a sketch on graph paper, it’s imported into AutoCAD—a design software application that assigns it hundreds of numbered coordinates. Out in the field, corn seeds—which have been cross-planted to result in a lush field and are grown in mid-summer to extend the life of the maze into the fall—are starting to see their green stalks emerge. When they reach about a foot high, members of the McKee family use a backpack GPS tracker to pick up the numbered coordinates and mark each one with a corresponding flag in the ground. They spend several days mowing rows in a connect-the-flags fashion, a technique that shapes a sprawling network of paths in the soon-to-be towering stalks. In a good growing year, these stalks can sprout up to 12 feet from the magical formula of sunlight, rain and fertilizer.

Making the corn maze is “labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it’s fun,” Vickie says, while acknowledging other ways farmers create labyrinths. Some use GPS-controlled planters to sow seeds in a particular design, while others “will just go in and mow around to get a walking path, but ours is a little more detailed.”

Because corn is a type of grass and continues to grow where the rows have been cut, the paths are mowed weekly. The edges of the stalks are also trimmed so maze participants can walk side-by-side on the 5-foot-wide trails, which are flat and able to accommodate strollers. Before the maze opens, a drone takes aerial photos to ensure that the final product matches Vickie’s sketch—a few tweaks with a mower is often all that’s needed. This is when the intricacies of her design reveal themselves as easily recognizable words, shapes and Orange County symbols— indecipherable on the ground but astonishing from above.

A-maize-ing Amusement

With all the effort involved in creating these agricultural works of art, do people ever become truly lost and unable to find their way out? Vickie offers reassurance for those wanting to explore McKee Cornfield Maze. “We give our visitors a map to navigate the maze and they’re

making decisions to locate checkpoints, where they punch a ticket in a sort of scavenger hunt. Some people have gotten lost and we help them, but that doesn’t happen very often,” she chuckles. “Families help others find their way, and there is an emergency exit in the back.”

Depending on which way they turn, visitors can end up walking 3 or 4 miles through the maze. For athletic groups, it’s the perfect distance for training.

“ We’ve had cross country teams here to run the maze, and the [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill] softball team came out for a fun team-building event. The field provides good walking paths that make for a fun outing.”

In addition to the 12-acre feature, the venue also boasts an easy, 2-acre maze where the young and young at heart can follow alphabet letters, colors and shapes on their quest to find the exit. “We try to educate families on not just the corn maze and the farm, but where your food really comes from,” Vickie says. “It’s not just bought in the grocery store; it’s produced by farmers, and it’s dependent on Mother Nature as to how our crops grow and how the seeds germinate.”

Corn mazes have a finite season, usually lasting until early November. What happens to all the corn in the field then? Conveniently, it finds another life at harvest time. Once the stalks have turned brown and the ears of corn have completely dried out, a combine cuts down the stalks and strips the kernels off each ear, feeding them into a large hopper. The kernels are used as cattle feed or sold for other purposes.

Hayrides, a barrel train, ice cream, pumpkins and gourds, and farm animals— including goats, chickens and a friendly donkey named Charlie—add to the allure at McKee Cornfield Maze. Visitors can also enjoy picnic and play areas with a giant slide and a brilliant field of sunflowers.

McKee Cornfield Maze is located at 5011 Kiger Road in Rougemont and is open September 28 through November 2. Hours are Friday 3–7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday 1–6 p.m. For more information, visit mckeecornfieldmaze.com.

Vickie and David McKee created their first maze over 20 years ago.

McKee Cornfield Maze features a 12-acre maze and an easy 2-acre maze.

Guests at McKee Cornfield Maze can interact with goats, chickens and a donkey.

The McKees have owned Cedar Creek Farm for over 100 years.

EASE YOUR CHILD INTO TECH WITH THE “ROOKIE, VARSITY, PRO” APPROACH

BY LAURA TIERNEY

As a social media educator to students across North America and around the world—and a mom to two young boys—one of the most frequently asked questions I hear from parents and educators is: What is the right age to get my child a smartphone?

While movements like “Wait Until 8th” have been around for years, data from The Social Institute’s Annual Student Survey shows the average age a child gets their first smartphone is age 11, and other research reveals 91% of students have a smartphone by age 14.

My perspective? I believe there is no magical age, and it’s up to the family. My advice is simply to have a plan and be

sure that plan provides appropriate education so that at any age a student can understand how to navigate device use, social media, or other technology like AI in positive, high-character ways.

With the health, social, educational and professional consequences that can arise, we just can’t assume that the next generation will learn how to use such complex, emotional, and sometimes life-changing (positive and negative) technology all on their own. It’s up to us to ease them into technology, gradually.

At The Social Institute, we call this approach “Rookie, Varsity, Pro.” Our goal is to avoid having children jump

straight into the “Pro” level, where they can use their device(s) without restrictions. By gradually introducing them to technology through the years, we help our kids develop their “mental muscle” by allowing them to navigate age-appropriate situations, little by little. Here’s how it might look.

Rookie: In the “Rookie” stage, your child is using shared family devices in common areas. We suggest creating a family standards agreement (available at https://thesocialinstitute.com/ insight/family-standards-agreement-abstract-rookie-varsitypro-edition) for when and how they are allowed to use the device. During this stage, it’s important to realize that not all device use is the same—there is active, educational use; there is co-consuming content with someone else where you can also talk about it (we recommend an adult or older sibling); and there is passive viewing, which should account for the least amount of time spent on devices. Parental control features can be helpful during the Rookie phase to disable WiFi at times and block certain websites.

Varsity: In the “Varsity” stage, your child graduates to having their own device, but with limitations of when they use it and what they use it for. The family standards agreement should be updated to grow with your child. Examples of what

might be included in your family agreement for a child who has their own smartphone include:

• At night, phones will charge in a common area, rather than in a bedroom.

• No phones during meals.

• We will text and share content that reflects our values.

• If we choose to get on social media, our accounts will be set to private.

• Tech time comes after other responsibilities (homework, chores, band practice) have been completed.

Pro: “Pro” is when a child has a device with fewer restrictions. While we don’t recommend any specific age, we often see this stage happening during high school, given they’ll have unlimited access when they’re on their own after graduation. When your child hits this stage, it’s more important than ever to keep the lines of communication open. In fact, research from Pennsylvania State University found that children and teens want to huddle with parents about what they’re experiencing on social media, but they often don’t bring it up because they fear their parents will overreact and confiscate a device or restrict access. One of the best ways to do this is to “huddle, not helicopter.” This means huddling up with your teens and asking them to coach up and show you what apps they’re using, and then role-playing positive moves they can take in response to real-world situations, such as getting asked for nudes, seeing mean comments about a friend in a group chat, or receiving a friend request from a stranger.

And during all of these stages, it’s equally important to have an educational component that goes beyond family huddling. Check with your child’s school to understand how they support and reinforce healthy decision-making, technology use and related topics.

The bottom line? The “Rookie, Varsity, Pro” approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. It enables students to gradually grow in their tech use, building the skills needed to navigate their tech-fueled and social media–filled worlds with confidence, resilience and integrity.

Laura Tierney is the founder and CEO of The Social Institute in Durham; the leader in understanding student experiences; and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators and families to navigate social experiences—online and offline—in positive, high-character ways. Follow Tierney and her team’s work at @thesocialinst.

JOEL LANE MUSEUM HOUSE TOURS

Tours take place weekly Wednesday–Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.; Saturday 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

160 S. Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh

Explore the beginnings of Raleigh, Wake County and North Carolina from the Colonial era through the Revolutionary War with costumed docents, who tell compelling stories about the first years of a new nation. Admission is free. joellane.org

ALL

SMILES: THEATRE FOR THE VERY YOUNG

September 4–15

Raleigh Little Theatre

301 Pogue Street, Raleigh

Designed for ages 2–5, this delightful show utilizes music and movement to demonstrate how all smiles are unique. A sensory-friendly performance takes place September 14 at 10 a.m. Purchase tickets online. raleighlittletheatre.org

HILLSBOROUGH HOG DAY

September 13, 6–10 p.m.; September 14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough

A tradition since 1983, Hillsborough Hog Day features a barbecue cook-off, craft vendors, kids area, car show and the Pigs on Parade art project. hogday.org

BUGFEST

September 14, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

“LAURIE

BERKNER LIVE: THE GREATEST HITS SOLO TOUR”

September 15, 3 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

Sing and dance with Laurie Berkner as she performs her most well-known songs, including “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Rocketship Run” and newer hits. Purchase tickets online. boothamphitheatre.com

FESTA ITALIANA

September 21, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Town Hall Campus

73 Hunter Street, Apex

Celebrate Italian culture with live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, street vendors, food trucks and a kids zone. apexnc.org

THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

September 27–29

Jim Graham Building

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

Cultural performances, traditional cuisine, live music and a naturalization ceremony highlight this celebration of the Triangle’s diverse ethnic groups. theinternationalfestival.org

HUM SUB DIWALI

October 12, 10 a.m. –9 p.m. Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

The annual Hindu Festival of Lights showcases live entertainment, authentic cuisine, a bazaar and a dazzling display of fireworks. humsub.org

WEST END POETRY FESTIVAL

October 17–19

Various locations in Carrboro Poetry comes alive through youth workshops, readings and appearances by featured guest poets. Visit the website for a listing of events and venues. carrboronc.gov/2781/West-End-Poetry-Festival

“DISNEY

JR. LIVE ON TOUR: LET’S PLAY”

October 24, 6 p.m.

Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham

Mickey is getting ready for the biggest playdate ever with his favorite pals Minnie and Goofy, Ariel and the Puppy Dog Pals, but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” save the get-together? Purchase tickets online. dpacnc.com

PET-A-PALOOZA

October 26, noon–4 p.m.

Lafayette Village 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh

Take your furry friend for an afternoon of treats, music and animal-friendly vendors, or adopt one on-site from a local rescue shelter. lafayettevillageraleigh.com/pet-a-palooza

COME HUNGRY

New treats to taste, opportunities to learn and recipes to try

TRY

We’re headed toward cooler nights, when a nice warm treat makes a good way to wind down the day. Why not bring kids in on the fun? Gemsonthego.org suggests an easy-to-make Snickerdoodle Cozy Mug Treat. All you need is a mug, a microwave and a few common ingredients.

MUG CAKE INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ½ teaspoon vanilla

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

TOPPING

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

Mix mug cake ingredients in a separate bowl. Layer spoonfuls of cake into a mug, sprinkling topping between layers. Add remaining topping and cook in the microwave for 1–2 minutes on high. Let cool before eating.

LEARN

Sur La Table

4421 Six Forks Road, Suite 107, Raleigh surlatable.com

Sur La Table cooking classes are designed for kids ages 7–11 and teens ages 12–17. Instructors are professional chefs with hands-on teaching experience, so they know how to guide kids every step of the way.

The content of each class is based on a theme, whether it’s cooking techniques, baking skills or even opening a restaurant. Budding chefs will enjoy plenty of mixing, prepping and cooking thanks to small class sizes that encourage active participation. Menus consist of tasty snacks and meals such as pizza, chips and queso, barbecue chicken, cupcakes and cinnamon rolls. At the end of the week, each student goes home with a printed menu, an apron, a graduation certificate, and a coupon for an in-store purchase during the class series.

TASTE

Coquette Brasserie

4351 The Circle at North Hills Street, Raleigh coquetteraleigh.com

Coquette has traditional offerings on its children’s menu, including hamburgers, chicken fingers and buttered noodles. They dial up the offerings for Sunday brunch (9:30 a.m.– 3 p.m.). For a festive treat, enjoy French toast feuilletine with maple syrup. Other selections include pasta with ham and cheese in a cream sauce; breaded chicken tenders with choice of haricot verts, pommes puree or frites; and fresh berries with crème chantilly.

Farmside Kitchen

5431 Page Road, Durham farmsidekitchen.com

Farmside Kitchen adds a healthy twist to traditional children’s menu fare. Enjoy crispy baked or grilled chicken nuggets, along with mac ‘n cheese or brown rice and a kids veggie or fruit. Their grilled cheese is served on sourdough and also comes with brown rice and a veggie or fruit, and even the drink selections are a change of pace, with organic white or chocolate milk, Honest Kids apple juice or sparkling water.

Wilson’s Eatery

1053C E. Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh wilsonseatery.com

The offerings are simple: a single cheeseburger, grilled cheese and cheese pizza. But other items are also suited to kids’ tastes, including a big pretzel, Belgian fries, and chips and dip with guacamole. For dessert, there are daily cookie flavors and house-made bars with toasted rice cereal, peanut butter, butterscotch and chocolate.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JANICE

COURTESY OF GEMSONTHEGO.ORG

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“WHAT

IS YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY FALL TRADITION OR TRIANGLE FALL VENUE?”

Love sharing our farm Holder Hill Farm with others! Hearing the kids (big and small) giggle and laugh throughout the farm makes my heart happy. We have a hayride, corn maze, corn crib, animals, slides (lots of slides!), and many varieties of pumpkins! –Ashley J. Walker

We go to @pagefarmsraleigh every year! –crystalcwatts

Fall birthdays at @phillipsfarmsofcary are so fun! Apple slingshot FTW! –emersonpauley

My favorite fall tradition is turning on Christmas music and putting up Christmas decorations, and snacking on leftover candy after the last trick-or-treater has stopped by on Halloween! –Misty Dawn Cayton

Explorative [ex·plor·a·tiv]

Done with the intention to discover more about something, or the intention of discovering new things.

Jack (5) takes a keen ride through nature by kayaking on Lake Crabtree.

Want to be in the Tfam Club?

Go to trianglefamilymag.com to submit a photo and description that includes your child’s first name, age, town or city, and location where the photo was taken.

By submitting your photo, you’ll also receive special Tfam Club deals and discounts.

P HOTO C OURTESY OF SARAH LAYTON