Midtown Magazine – March/April 2025

LAYERS OF STYLE

Contrasting touches bring this bourbon room to life

NORTH CAROLINA’S BOTANICAL GARDENS

FINDING VINTAGE TREASURES

CAROLINA BALLET’S RETIRING DANCERS

EDITOR’S LETTER

Flowers are blooming, and spring is emerging. If you are like me, you’ll probably head out to Duke Gardens to enjoy the tulips and the cherry blossoms, or to the JC Raulston Arboretum, which has such incredible plant variety. But the Piedmont has many exceptional gardens that folks in the Triangle might not know as well. The whole state has travel-worthy gardens, ranging from the coast, like the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, to the mountains, like the Biltmore gardens and grounds in Asheville. Our cover article for this issue, written by Marilyn Jones, introduces readers to regional gardens in North Carolina with which Triangle residents might not be familiar. (Based on Marilyn’s description, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is now officially on my North Carolina bucket list.)

This is Midtown’s home and garden issue, and it includes a couple of lovely home design articles. One is an article by Caitlin Wheeler on a bourbon room in Raleigh that was designed by Kate Haynes of Noble Studio. The whole concept of a bourbon room may be enough to interest you. If not, the photos will draw you in. The designer incorporates such rich colors and patterns into the space, and she manages to bring many distinctive American West details into a room with a very formal aesthetic. It’s a fun juxtaposition.

The other home design piece is an article I wrote based on Sally Nicol’s advice on how to find high-quality vintage items at secondhand markets. Sally runs The Cary Cottage, which curates vintage and other specialty items that she finds at thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets, garage sales—all kinds of places where treasures may be hiding. My gaze will be sharper at secondhand sales now that I know how to look! And Abigail Jackson’s photography beautifully showcases Sally’s amazing collection of prints, paintings and objets d’art.

In the world of the arts, three beloved ballet dancers from Carolina Ballet are retiring this season. Kristen Schrum’s article about these dancers draws a picture of the unique gifts they have brought to the stage in Raleigh, and why they will be missed. Catch their performances before they retire this spring. Also, I got to interview Durham-based Americana singer Rissi Palmer for a Kaleidoscope department piece, which was a bit of a fangirl moment for me—her music features heavily on my favorite playlist. Rissi’s talent is well-established, and her warmth and openness impressed me in the interview. I hope these characteristics come through when you read about her.

Another interesting department piece highlights Toward Zero Waste, an organization working to remove unnecessary waste from landfills. This organization has been in the news lately for its efforts to find safe ways to make unopened food from school-provided lunches available for hungry students at local schools instead of being thrown away. Samantha Carson’s article focuses on the work this group has done in setting up stations at local convenience centers for recycling food waste, so the scraps end up nourishing gardens rather than producing harmful methane in landfills.

In Local Flavor, Jennifer Primrose writes about the NC Ale Trail by Rail, a program that brings craft beer aficionados to some of North Carolina’s best breweries by train. It’s a unique and fun way to enjoy both regional tourism and each town’s most notable craft beers. Kurt Dusterberg, meanwhile, looks into Queen’s Jollof Sauce, which is a magical substance made by Apex’s Abena Antwi that, in my experience, makes all savory foods taste good. Perhaps even better than its taste is the fact that the owner donates the proceeds of her sauce to struggling people in Ghana, where she grew up.

I hope you enjoy this issue. Read it outdoors near a flower garden, or on a bench in a local park. It’s time for some sunshine!

Elizabeth Brignac

BY

PHOTO

JENN MCKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

PUBLISHER

Ronny Stephens

MANAGING EDITOR

Elizabeth Brignac

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

GRAPHIC AND WEB DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kyle Marie McMahon

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Crystal Watts

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Paige Gunter

Sophie Lapierre

DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lizana, Manager DistribuTech.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Elizabeth Brignac, Samantha Carson, Kurt Dusterberg, Marylin Jones, Janice Lewine, Sofia Lujan, Kyle Marie McMahon, Jennifer Primrose, Charlotte Russell, Kristen Schrum, Crystal Watts, Caitlin Wheeler

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Abigail Jackson Photography, Chris Walt Photography, Jessica Bratton Photography, Joshua Dwight, Josh Manning

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Three

Tips

This elegant bourbon room was designed by Kate Haynes of Noble Studio.

Photo by Abigail Jackson Photography.

DEPARTMENTS

Sai

Abena Antwi brings Ghana's flavors to the Triangle SIP & SAVOR

NC Ale Trail by Rail: A new way to explore craft beers

KidsWrite festival performs plays written by kids

The Southern soul of Rissi Palmer

Bruce DeBoer tells

Toward

Four

Local

On February 14, the Museum of Life + Science transformed into an adults-only playground for its popular AfterHours: Science of Wine event in Durham. Guests enjoyed pours of wine and mead, delicious bites, live music and a moonlit stroll through the Butterfly House— where even the creepy crawlies made an appearance! Interactive experiences like a DIY sangria station and a Bordeaux blending session made for a night of hands-on fun. Photos by Jennifer Primrose.

Raleigh’s Chef Bhavin Chhatwani is named an Emerging Chef 2025 semifinalist by the James Beard Foundation. Chhatwani is the executive chef of Tamasha Modern Indian. Photo by Harsha Sipani.

Trophy Brewing Co. and State of Beer open their newest venture, The Bend Bar, in downtown Raleigh on West Morgan Street. Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry donates $75,000 to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. The funds were raised through its “Share the Love” campaign, which donates 250 meals every time an engagement ring is purchased. Pictured is Trey Bailey with Anna Spell Miller, director of corporate and foundation relations for the Food Bank, at the check presentation. Photo courtesy of Green Light Communications.

Fenton NC and 94.7 QDR host Concerts and Cocktails. The event brought ladies together over brunch and specialty cocktails with performing artists Matt Stell and Abby Leigh at Fenton’s PBR Cowboy Bar. Pictured above is Rebecca Marks of Fenton Marketing and Midtown’s Paige Gunter. Photo courtesy of Paige Gunter.

Chanel opens a beauty and fragrance storefront in Raleigh. The highly anticipated designer retailer joins the newest storefronts in North Hills. Photo courtesy of North Hills.

Foxcroft Wine Co. opens its fifth North Carolina location, the first in the Triangle. The Charlotte-based company is known for its array of wine from around the world and full-service restaurant. Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

SPLASH OF COLOR

Shaking off the winter blahs starts with adding some color to welcome springtime. Printed towels are a great place to start, but you can add a splash with live plants, decorations, pet bowls and more.

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1. Grapewood urn with air plants, $175 | City Garden Design

2. Areawear Every Pet Eats set, $95.00 | Nofo @ the Pig

3. Light green lacquered candle, $85 | La Maison

4. Nicolette Mayer flora fauna note cards with acrylic holder, $115 | La Maison

5. Geometry towels, $18.95 | Swagger

6. Elyse Breanne tea towels in spring prints, $19.95 | Nofo @ the Pig

7. Penny wallet in seven colors, $42 | Designed for Joy

8. Moss bunny by Two’s Company, $74.95 | Inspirations

BY JANICE LEWINE

The Best of Raleigh and Western Wake

MIDTOWN’S DIAMOND AWARDS HONORS THE BEST OF RALEIGH AND WESTERN WAKE

The Midtown and 5 West staff hosted our annual Diamond Awards celebration January 23 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, during which we presented award certificates to gold winners and decals to gold, silver and bronze winners. The event honors the best of Raleigh and Western Wake as selected by our magazines’ readers. Guests enjoyed charcuterie delights, desserts and beverages from Rocky Top Catering, 360° photo experiences from Triangle Twirl and a raffle by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Pictured are red carpet hosts Sofia Lujan of Sofia Lujan Styling and Joseph Napierkowski of Joseph William Interiors.

CRABTREE HOSTS CHARITABLE EVENT FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

To bring people together for the cause during National Giving Month in December, Crabtree hosted a concert on December 14 with WQDR and country music performer Dalton Davis. The event was sponsored by Auntie Anne’s as part of the “M-All Hands on Deck” initiative for Hurricane Helene. A silent auction featured items from Crabtree retailers and proceeds benefited select nonprofit humanitarian organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse, the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Auntie Anne’s, Crabtree’s M-All Hands on Deck sponsor, also supported Samaritan’s Purse with a $2,000 donation.

Photo courtesy of McKeeman Communications.

BODY POSITIVITY TAKES CENTER STAGE AT BK PILATES IN RALEIGH

Created to empower clients through small, sustainable changes, BK Pilates opened in February at 1019 S. Saunders Street in Raleigh. On January 30, members of the media enjoyed a sneak peek of the studio, as well as an opportunity to meet co-owners Marina Kaydanova and Julia Davis. BK Pilates emphasizes body positivity, holistic health, mindfulness and stress relief for clients to live happy lifestyles. The studio offers group classes, private sessions and membership packages.

Photo courtesy of Richard Barlow.

GUESTS EXPLORE JAPANESE SAKE, FOOD AND ART AT THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART

On January 31, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) and Catering Works presented a sensory experience that revealed the history, tradition and process of sake wine while discovering the special exhibit “Samurai: The Making of a Warrior.” Guests enjoyed gyoza and Haiboru cocktails with Toki Suntory Japanese whisky, blackberry and yuzu shrub. Curator Caroline Rocheleau then led attendees on a tour of key pieces on display in the exhibit. A five-course dinner followed, with inspired food pairings from the NCMA’s executive chef, Rick Sloan. Sommelier Mitch Bowling presented on how the degrees of rice polishing affect the body and aroma of each sake variety.

Photo courtesy of Catering Works.

Photo by Jenn McKinney Photography.

BY JANICE LEWINE

PRACTICE SELF-CARE AT PETAL & PINK IN RALEIGH

Petal & Pink, a boutique that features carefully curated products designed to help individuals incorporate wellness practices into their daily lives, opened November 1 at 4800 Grove Barton Road in Raleigh. Petal & Pink provides a welcoming space for customers to find support in their personal mental health journeys and offers research-backed books, journals, gifts and emotional well-being tools. Many products can be purchased online. The store also offers a book club and hosts special events.

4800 Grove Barton Road, Suite 102, Raleigh petalandpink.com

Photo by Emanuel Lirag.

MIDTOWN OLIVE OIL BRINGS GLOBAL FLAVORS TO RALEIGH

Midtown Olive Oil, specializing in the highest-quality extra virgin olive and imported specialty oils, opened November 22 at Crabtree in Raleigh. The store offers more than 50 varieties of globally sourced olive oil, as well as balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, known around the world for its premium vinegar. Midtown Olive Oil also carries olive oil–based bath and body products, fine kitchen linens, gourmet accessories, and specialty food products such as olives, rubs and cheese straws. Owners Bethany and Ed Perkins were inspired by a local shop while skiing in Park City, Utah. After an amazing tasting experience, they decided to bring their idea to the Triangle. 4325 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 3029, Raleigh 919.510.5510

midtownoliveoil.com

Photo courtesy of Midtown Olive Oil.

ROWAN BRINGS EAR PIERCING SERVICES TO VILLAGE DISTRICT

Rowan, the premier ear piercing and hypoallergenic jewelry brand, launched its latest studio in Raleigh’s Village District in December. Rowan has built a reputation for exemplary ear piercing, beautiful and high-quality jewelry, and a team of highly skilled master piercers who are all licensed nurses. Rowan also places paramount importance on cleanliness, ensuring a sterile environment for every piercing procedure, and boasts a medical advisory board that tracks outcomes related to piercing.

2034 Cameron Street, Raleigh 919.322.2796

heyrowan.com

Photo courtesy of heyrowan.com.

ASIAN CREATIONS AWAIT AT BIBIBOP IN WAKE FOREST

Promoting healthy eating through unprocessed food, Bibibop opened January 8 at 535 Dr. Calvin Jones Highway, Suite #140, in Wake Forest. The location is one of the first to feature Bibibop’s refreshed menu, which showcases bold new creations inspired by its new innovation kitchen. In addition to its usual offerings, guests can enjoy exciting additions like lemon turmeric rice, honey citrus kale, roasted Brussels sprouts and curry chickpeas, along with premium proteins such as miso glazed salmon, Korean BBQ beef and Korean crispy chicken.

535 Dr. Calvin Jones Highway, Suite #140, Wake Forest 984.234.5516

bibibop.com

Photo courtesy of Bibibop.

Biltmore’s 8,000 acres are comprised of six formal and informal gardens, a conservatory and nature trails. Photo courtesy of Biltmore.

BOTANICAL JEWELS OF NORTH CAROLINA

BY MARILYN JONES

From the majestic heights of the Great Smoky Mountains to the tranquil shores of Surf City, North Carolina is a haven for botanical gardens. These living works of art, nurtured by dedicated staff, volunteers and the state's diverse ecosystems, are a testament to human determination and creativity.

Most Triangle locals already know about the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham and JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. Here we describe some of North Carolina’s other magnificent gardens with which you might be less familiar.

MOUNTAINS

Biltmore Gardens and Grounds

One Lodge Street, Asheville | biltmore.com

T he Biltmore Estate draws many visitors to Asheville every year. In addition to touring George Vanderbilt's 250-room mansion, visitors should allocate plenty of time to explore the estate’s beautiful gardens.

F rederick Law Olmsted created the Biltmore Estate’s gardens. The landscape artist, who also designed Central Park in New York City, began his work on the grounds surrounding the Biltmore in 1888. This project was the capstone of his impressive career—and an especially impressive achievement since the land at the time was unproductive and overused. His design was a triumph that continues to attract visitors over 130 years later.

Today, guests can explore Biltmore’s 8,000 acres, which include six formal and informal gardens—a walled garden, a rose garden, an azalea garden and more. The grounds also hold a conservatory, and 20 miles of nature trails leading visitors to the French Broad River and through meadows and woodlands.

A dmission fees vary depending on season and on the visitors’ planned activities.

L ake Lure Flowering Bridge

3070 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure | lakelurefloweringbridge.org

Originally carrying traffic over the Rocky Broad River, the Lake Lure bridge was built in 1925 and decommissioned in 2011, when volunteers requested permission from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to preserve the structure for a garden. In 2013, they planted 12 raised gardens with distinct themes and varieties of plants. Volunteers continue to maintain this unique garden today.

Since its original design and completion, new gardens have been added to each end of the bridge, including the state's largest sensory garden for the blind and visually impaired. At the Rainbow Bridge, people who have lost beloved pets can honor them by securing a collar or tag on a garden bridge painted in rainbow colors. The garden is also distinguished by its sculptures, its many themed gardens and its children’s areas.

T he garden is wheelchair accessible and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Admission is free. Please note that damage from Hurricane Helene might affect your visit. To learn about the garden’s current status or to support the organization as it rebuilds, please visit the website.

ABOVE: The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge has expanded from its original 12 beds to 30 themed gardens since its initial design.

RIGHT: Visitors are invited to attach their departed pets’ collars to the rainbow bridge. Photos courtesy of Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.

THIS PAGE, FAR RIGHT AND OPPOSITE PAGE: Most of Biltmore's many thousands of tulips can be found in beds near the estate's entrance, in the Walled Garden and in Antler Hill Village. They usually bloom in April. Photo courtesy of Biltmore.

TOP: The Reynolda Gardens greenhouse dates back to 1917. Photo courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem.

BOTTOM, LEFT: The Butterfly Bungalow is a popular feature at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

BOTTOM, RIGHT: The popular Ragan Canal Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden centers on a canal lined with seasonal plants with a fountain on each end. Photo courtesy of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

PIEDMONT

North Carolina Botanical Garden

100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill | ncbg.unc.edu/ncbg

T he North Carolina Botanical Garden is dedicated to education and conservation. Our state’s ecosystems include a massive variety of flora, including many plant species that can be found nowhere else. The North Carolina Botanical Garden educates visitors about these plants and their ecosystems. It features 1,100 acres of garden and conservation areas for rare and endangered plant species. It also offers sculptures and an art gallery, nature trails, and educational programs focused on gardening, local flora and fauna, and conservation.

Habitats at the North Carolina Botanical Garden replicate ecosystems in the Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain and Mountain regions. Other gardens include the Children’s Wonder Garden, Courtyard Garden, Native American Garden, Carnivorous Plant Collection and a poisonous plants garden.

T he gardens are run by a unit of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and are wheelchair accessible. Admission is free.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont | d sbg.org

L ocated near Charlotte, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont features 30 acres of spectacular gardens, including a children’s garden, a conservatory dedicated to displaying tropical plants and orchids, the Dry Piedmont Prairie, annual and perennial displays, gardens themed around cottages and canals, and fountains and walking trails.

T he garden’s popular Butterfly Bungalow is open seasonally. Guests can watch varieties of butterflies in flight, observe them coming forth from chrysalids, and feed them on a feeding sponge. (Be careful not to touch!)

T he garden is wheelchair accessible. Admission fees vary, but there is no extra charge to visit the Butterfly Bungalow. Hours vary based on season.

Reynolda Gardens

100 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem | reynolda.org/gardens

R ichard Joshua (R.J.) Reynolds founded the tobacco company that bears his name in 1875. He established an estate near Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem in 1915. In addition to his family home, which is now an art museum, Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University retains some of the estate’s original garden and grounds features, including formal gardens and greenhouses. It also boasts woodland trails and a waterfall.

T he gardens are open year-round. There is no admission fee.

W ilson Botanical Gardens

1806 Goldsboro Street S SW, Wilson | wilsonbotanicalgarden.org

F rom the Children’s Secret Garden to monthly presentations by master gardeners, the botanical gardens in Wilson live up to their slogan: “Growing in Wilson … One Plant at a Time.”

T hese educational gardens help Wilson residents learn about the plants they can grow in their own yards. The facility includes an arboretum and gardens themed around medicinal and herbal plants, daylilies, flowers, fence and bird gardens, the Heritage Garden, a STEM garden and more. Volunteer master gardeners are the backbone of the organization.

A dmission is free except for special events. The gardens are open 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk.

Juniper Level Botanic Garden

9241 Sauls Road, Raleigh | juniperlevelbotanicgarden.org

Juniper Level Botanic Garden in Raleigh has over 10 acres of public display gardens. Its mission is to collect plants from all over the world that can grow in our region. The garden is known for its rare plant treasures, and nurtures an unparalleled diversity of zone 7B cold hardy plants. Gardeners create beds that accent each plant’s best characteristics to create aesthetically pleasing spaces each season.

Guests are encouraged to visit the garden during one of several three-day open house events per year, when the garden’s horticultural staff is available to answer questions and assist visitors with finding plants. Guests can also visit by appointment. The garden only charges admission for groups of 10 or more, and most of the garden is wheelchair accessible.

COASTAL PLAIN

A irlie Gardens

300 Airlie Road, Wilmington | airliegardens.org

Sarah and Pembroke Jones created Airlie Gardens near Wilmington in 1886 as a private garden. Over a century later, this stunning, coastal Southern garden is a regional draw with a particularly beautiful spring azalea bloom. The 67-acre garden is home to the Airlie Oak, a 500-year-old Southern live oak designated the largest in North Carolina by the Live Oak Society. It also features historic buildings, including the 1835 Mount Lebanon Chapel and Cemetery, over a dozen gardens, an extensive outdoor art collection and a seasonal butterfly house.

S everal television shows and movies have been filmed here, including Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill and Sleepy Hollow.

Hours and admission fees vary. Some paths are wheelchair accessible, and the gardens provide an accessibility tram.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A fountain and a water garden at Wilson Botanical Gardens. Photos courtesy of Wilson Botanical Gardens. Airlie Gardens is home to the 500-year-old Airlie Oak, which has been deemed North Carolina's largest live oak. Photo courtesy of Airlie Gardens. A garden and a berm near the entrance at Juniper Level Botanic Garden in Raleigh. Photos courtesy of Juniper Level Botanic Garden.

Elizabethan Gardens are designed in a style that was popular in 16th-century England, when the Roanoke colonists settled on North Carolina's coast. The gardens memorialize the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

by stock.adobe.com/spiritofamerica.

Manteo's

Photo

T he Elizabethan Gardens

1411 National Park Drive, Manteo | elizabethangardens.org

D uring Queen Elizabeth I’s reign from 1558–1603, a particular enclosed and elaborate style of garden was popular. The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, which opened formally in 1960, are designed in this style. They hearken back to the time when the first European colonists lived in Manteo and serve as a memorial to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. The grounds include over 20 gardens, marble statues, picturesque walkways and other attractions. A bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth I and a statue of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas, provide continuity to the constantly changing flora.

Hours and admission fees vary. The gardens’ main path is wheelchair accessible.

W INSTON-SALEM GARDENS

You could spend days touring the many gardens in and around Winston -Salem. In addition to Reynolda Gardens, you can visit:

• O ld Salem Museums & Gardens, which replicate an 18th-century Moravian village, including its gardens. oldsalem.org

• Historic Bethabara Park, which preserves the area’s historic buildings and grounds and includes woodland walking trails. cityofws.org/1893/Historic-Bethabara-Park

• T he Arboretum and Gardens at Tanglewood Park, which showcase and educate visitors about Piedmont flora. forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood/arboretum.aspx

• T he Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, which includes numerous themed gardens and educational programs. cienerbotanicalgarden.org

Photo of Old Salem Garden courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem /J. Sinclair

BRITISH MANOR MEETS WILD WEST IN A COZY BOURBON ROOM

BY CAITLIN WHEELER PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABIGAIL JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Terryl Hansen has a bourbon collection; Terry Hansen loves reading a good mystery; and they both enjoy inviting friends over for cocktails and conversation. They imagined adding a room to their home that would encompass all of these interests. “We wanted a ‘bourbon room’,” says Terry.

T hey turned to Kate Haynes of Noble Studio to manifest their vision.

Haynes had recently updated the Hansens’ kitchen as well as brightening their entryway and family room in shades of white. “It was like magic,” notes Terry of the transformation, “the way those spaces expanded with the white paint.”

Now it was time to redo the Hansens’ living room, a small space off the entryway. “It was just … yuck,” says Terry. Painted a ’90s-era burgundy, the room looked as conventional as a dentist’s waiting room, with stiff wing chairs and an undersized, uninviting sofa. “I would walk past without looking in,” Terry sighs. “We never wanted to sit in there.”

RETHINKING THE SPACE

Haynes was delighted with both the “bourbon room” concept and the chance to go dark and moody, and she embraced the 12’ by 14’ limitation as part of the project’s unique appeal. “It is really just a cased opening with a big window—an alcove off the foyer; a little side nook,” says Haynes. Having worked with architects and builders for a decade before starting her own firm, Haynes approaches renovation from an architectural viewpoint, immediately grasping the transformative possibilities of a space.

Here, she began by reducing the room’s small footprint even further, installing built-in cabinets and shelves along the entire width and height of one wall. “I knew the room wouldn’t feel oppressive,” says Haynes. “It has two open sides—one a window, the other an entry to the foyer—and it has a lovely high ceiling, which allows plenty of vertical breathing room, as well as a hint of European elegance.”

EMBRACING COLOR

T he room’s petite dimensions combine with the symmetry of the simple cabinets to make the room feel soothing. To add to this vibe, Terry chose what Haynes calls a “gorgeous dark green color.”

Haynes went monochromatic, painting everything the same deep green: walls, trim, cabinets, and even the ceiling. Per Terry’s request, they added luxurious green velvet drapes that could completely enclose the room on a dark night or dreary day. The result feels sheltering, but the rich tone also provides a gloss of style and, because dark colors tend to recede from the viewer, adds depth to the room.

LAYERING ON THE STYLE

W hile Noble Studio does not have a signature “look,” they do have a signature process. “Timeless design is all about contrast, balance and layers—lots of layers,” Haynes says. She planned to balance the cozy intimacy of the room with a sense of oversized drama, packing it

PAGE 36: “Once we saw the color, we knew we wanted to really drench the room with it,” designer Kate Haynes says of the deep green that is the bourbon room’s signature color.

PAGE 37: The white table at the room’s center brings the room together as a comfortable space for drinks and conversation.

LEFT: Details like the image of a rodeo rider above the bar bring moments of Wild West energy to an otherwise formal room.

with personality and style. With the moody backdrop in place, Haynes began layering.

F irst, to up the glamour quotient, Haynes selected gleaming brass starburst-shaped pull rings for the cabinets, an Art Deco overhead light fixture in matching brass, and an oversized standing mirror with a classic architectural brass frame. Each piece provides not only a dash of golden luxe, but also a source of reflected light.

“ The light fixture is unique and stunning,” says Terry. “That unexpected slice of gold emphasizes the high ceiling and really adds to the room’s elegance.”

Next, Haynes organized the furniture to create a focal point. The team chose four chairs from Coley Home, a local custom furniture company. The chairs are on the small side—a perfect fit in the tight space. “They’re so pretty,” says Terry, “and they swivel!” To make them even prettier, Haynes and Terry had them upholstered in a dark green oversized floral print. The flowers provide a terrific contrast to the “British gentleman’s club” vibe.

Haynes fit the chairs snugly around a showstopping table—showstopping because of its classical simplicity: a round white plinth with the fluted edges of an ancient Greek column. Its round shape facilitates closeness, and its lack of hard edges makes the tight space easily navigable. The table is the center of the room and establishes its purpose: a place for cozy, comfortable reading in the evenings, and the promise of intimate conversation with friends.

T he coffee table, four chairs and two side tables take up a lot of visual space, but in a comfortable way. “When a room is filled with all the right pieces,” says Haynes, “you don’t think about how busy it is—you just think it’s cool.”

CHARACTER WITHOUT CLUTTER

For Haynes, the built-in bookshelves are a key design element. The middle section has a marble backsplash and houses the bourbon bar, replete with neatly positioned cocktail glasses and handsome bottles of various sizes and shapes, filled with golden-brown liquors.

A t first glance the room suggests British-inspired stately charm, but a closer look reveals a hint of the Wild West. Terry grew up on a ranch in Montana, and she and Terryl lived there for 30 years before moving to Raleigh. “We absolutely love Raleigh,” says Terry, “but I will always have a soft spot for that Western lifestyle.”

Haynes captured this affection with details on the bookshelf. A print of a rodeo rider sits in the place of honor above the bar. “My brother used to ride rodeo,” says Terry, “and that print always makes me think of him.” She also appreciates other bits of equestrian style: the horse head bookend and the brass detailing, as well as the hide rug and leather cocktail tray.

“ We are always going for contrast and balance,” says Haynes. Here, she paired leather and flowers, dark paint and bright brass, a rustic hide rug and an elegant sleek mirror. “This kind of tension and balance creates a sense of drama, of a story unfolding,” she explains. “It really elevates everyday life.”

AVOIDING A TRENDY LOOK

Haynes says that everything can feel very one-note in the current world of online design. “Trends and ideas spread at lightning speed, and are consumed and rejected before they’re even fully explored,” she notes. She likes layering styles and mixing period pieces to help a space avoid looking quickly dated. “Don’t lean too much on any one look,” she suggests. “Be open to

historical influences as well as present-day inspiration. We always take cues from the context of our clients’ lives and loves.”

T his room is filled with unexpected design moments, but the most inspired and striking is the large black and white print of a young Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger waiting together in a first-class train car. The two stars radiate ’60s glam with an undercurrent of excitement, with their eyes locked and Jagger leaning forward. These are interesting, important people, and they are going somewhere interesting and important. The photo has nothing to do with anything else in the room or with the Hansens, who are not “huge Beatles fans”—and yet it’s perfect. “There’s something about the print that made me think of Terry,” says Haynes, “It has this great sense of mystery and fun, just like she does.” The photo puts the small room in motion, across time, on a train, at the beginning of a journey.

“It’s like she added a whole new room onto our house—space we just didn’t have before,” says Terry. “It’s perfect.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: This black-and-white print of Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger is an unexpected detail that brings the room a hint of ’60s glamour and excitement. THIS PAGE: The elegance of the mirror contrasts with the room’s rustic touches to create a sense of drama—of a story unfolding. The bright brass details, like the mirror’s frame and the light fixture set against the room’s dark green coloring, enhance this dramatic effect.

GRAND CODA

Three beloved Carolina Ballet dancers take their final bows

this season

BY KRISTEN SCHRUM

Legendary choreographer Martha Graham once said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique; they are great because of their passion.” For decades, Carolina Ballet has embodied this fusion of skill and emotion, elevating the Triangle’s artistic landscape with performances that enchant and inspire. From the cherished tradition of The Nutcracker to the debuts of bold new works by resident choreographers, the company has stitched the passionate art of ballet into the fabric of the community—a feat made possible by its extraordinary roster of great dancers.

A s Carolina Ballet heads into the 2025 season, three of its most beloved performers—Margaret SeverinHansen, Jan Burkhard and Bilal Shakur Smith—prepare to take their final bows. Together, these dancers’ passion and dedication have bolstered the company’s legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the community they’ve helped inspire.

Margaret Severin-Hansen as the Sugar Plum Fairy in the 2024 production of The Nutcracker

Photo courtesy of Joshua Dwight.

Jan Burkhard performing with Marcelo Martinez in Giselle.

Photo courtesy of Chris Walt Photography.

MARGARET SEVERIN-HANSEN:

A FOUNDING VISIONARY

P recision. Excellence. Mastery.

T hese words all describe Margaret Severin-Hansen’s movements, executed with meticulous control and an unyielding energy that commands attention. On stage, Severin-Hansen combines technical perfection with a daring approach to storytelling, creating performances that are both powerful and unforgettable.

From her beginnings on Long Island, New York, Severin-Hansen has charted a career that reflects both her personal commitment and the transformative power of Carolina Ballet. A founding member of the company, she joined during its inaugural season in 1998 as an apprentice. Reflecting on her decision to join, she credits the unique combination of high-caliber dancers and Carolina Ballet founding artistic director Robert Weiss’ ambitious vision of the company. “In the beginning, we were a small company. Still, we were able to perform roughly 85 shows a year,” she shares, with wonder in her voice. “And I think that’s how we were able to embed ourselves into Raleigh’s community in a way that feels significant.”

Severin-Hansen’s illustrious career saw her rise to principal dancer in 2002, performing such iconic roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, a ballet she describes as nostalgic and comforting, and the technically demanding Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. “Every ballet has a place for a dancer,” she says, adding that working with the talented choreographers who have come through the company has been one of her favorite aspects of her time there. “The choreography is constantly evolving, and that has been incredible to experience.”

On stage, it’s evident in every graceful extension and powerful leap that Severin-Hansen’s passion fuels her performances. Offstage, her voice carries excitement and conviction as she looks back over her career, her words laced with the same precision and emotion she brings to her art. “Being at the company has truly made me who I am today,” she says, reflecting on the personal growth her professional journey demanded. “I learned to dance expansively—to take up space.” The new generation of dancers, she notes, brings even greater artistic freedom to their work, emphasizing selfexpression in their performances—an evolution she welcomes, and credits largely to Carolina Ballet’s current artistic director, Zalman Raffael.

Severin-Hansen’s career has been celebrated both within Carolina Ballet and beyond. In addition to her prominent roles in the company’s repertoire, she received national recognition when invited to perform with the New York City Ballet for the School of American Ballet’s 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2009. Her legacy extends beyond her performances. As the director of the Ruth S. Shur Summer Intensive and co-chair of the School of Carolina Ballet, Severin-Hansen

has dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of dancers. Her influence in these roles will only grow as she transitions to a new chapter in her career. “Helping young dancers make their legacy is the only way this profession will stay alive,” she says, highlighting her commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Severin-Hansen hopes to leave the company with a “wow” factor, and she seems to be doing just that— throwing herself into every pirouette and grand jeté this 2025 season, her last, has to offer.”

JAN BURKHARD: BOLD AND CREATIVE

T he defining features of Jan Burkhard’s dancing are its softness, fluidity and warmth—like gentle brushstrokes on a canvas limning a delicate world that evokes an emotional connection with her audience. This distinctive quality was evident early in her career, catching the attention of Weiss, who personally invited her to join the company in 2005.

C oming off her impressive start at The School of American Ballet—where she performed with the New York City Ballet and earned a prestigious Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Promise—Burkhard initially saw her time in Raleigh as a temporary chapter. “I’ve always been a follower of my gut and my faith,” she laughs when explaining how the opportunity to refine her skill and thrive within the company’s collaborative environment kept her rooted. By 2011, she had risen to the rank of principal dancer, her hallmark style and unwavering dedication solidifying her place as one of the company’s most celebrated artists.

One of her defining moments came early in her career when she first danced the role of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. “The cards were stacked against me, but after stepping into that role, I grew confident in being able to tackle anything and making it work,” she recalls, excited to discuss even the challenging aspects of her career. That experience solidified her belief in the transformative power of persistence and creativity. “The company’s evolution and the chance to work with incredible choreographers taught me to be bold,” she adds.

For Burkhard, the intricate, emotional process of creation was always the highlight. “I love the creation, the working on something. It’s the process … and [asking myself], ‘How can I make it better?’ It’s all so intricate, and it’s emotional.”

O ver nearly two decades, Burkhard has embraced the opportunities Carolina Ballet has offered, from performing iconic roles such as Giselle and Juliet to helping shape the company’s artistic identity. “Seeing the generations of dancers before me and honing in on style, technique and approach helped me develop creative maturity and individuality as a dancer,” she says. “And to have created with Zalman Raffael was a huge gift—it never felt like work.”

TREASURE HUNTING

Sally Nicol, curator of The Cary Cottage, shares tips for finding high-quality vintage

pieces at secondhand markets

BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABIGAIL JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY EXCEPT

WHERE OTHERWISE INDICATED

Sally Nicol has an authenticated work of art signed in 1946 by Henri Matisse hanging on her wall. It is not an original, but a reproduction that the artist personally saw and signed, indicating his approval. Nicol found the piece in a South Carolina thrift store. It’s one of many art pieces and other household treasures she has acquired from secondhand markets over the years..

Most of Nicol’s discoveries aren’t as dramatic as a signed Matisse art print, but they are high-quality pieces: furniture, works of art, lamps, china and porcelain, and other decorative and useful household items. She keeps some of what she finds, but she sells most of it through The Cary Cottage, her online shop for curated vintage treasures.

Nicol’s profession started as a hobby. At a transitional time in her life when she was both pregnant and job hunting, she needed a distraction. “I started going to thrift stores to find furniture pieces to make over, mainly for our home. I would find really great pieces,” she says. She and her husband started a side business painting, repairing and reselling furniture. “When I was outsourcing the furniture, I would also come across amazing little vintage, decorative pieces—art objects,

things like that—that I began to collect and stage with our pieces,” Nicol explains. “And eventually, those items became more successful than the furniture.”

Now on Thursday evenings, The Cary Cottage releases 10–20 pieces Nicol has found—mostly vintage items that sell the night she releases them. She shops for her pieces in person rather than online. “I like to hand source all of my items,” she says. “I also occasionally do online auctions, but it’s probably 90% thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales—pretty much anywhere you would shop secondhand.”

WHY BUY VINTAGE?

Nicol finds these items in the same thrift stores and yard sales we pass every day. How does she identify them as special? And how can ordinary shoppers looking to find treasures for their own spaces do the same?

Sustainability is one reason many people buy vintage items. “You’re saving something from going to a dump or otherwise being tossed out. And obviously, when you rehouse it and love it in your own home, that’s even better. [You get to] have something unique that you selected. Something sparked a joy in it for you,” says Nicol.

I

nterior designer Cameron Jones usually incorporates vintage pieces into her projects. “I’m a huge advocate for incorporating vintage for a few reasons,” she says. “Obviously, there’s the price point. It tends to be, in general, more cost-effective to [buy vintage]. Two—and most importantly from a design standpoint—I think that there is an originality, a uniqueness, a patina, a soul … I think vintage gives you that without your even really having to try.” In addition to being a unique and sustainable choice, she says, vintage items are often higher quality than mass-produced products available today. “It’s better for the environment to use or reuse something than to go and buy something brand-new, especially newer things that aren’t made as well,” she says.

Finally, antiques and vintage items are currently fashionable. “A Federal-style sideboard or a Chippendale-style mirror, something that your grandparents may have had—all of that is on trend,” says Nicol. “A lot of things that have a traditional, English look to them are very desired right now.”

WHERE—AND HOW—TO LOOK

A ny secondhand market or sale may be selling something special. For thrift shops, Nicol says, the

secret is repetition. “You have to go very often to find pieces. You can walk in and not find anything, but if you go often enough, it increases your odds … They’re constantly putting new things out,” she says. “That’s the neat thing about thrift stores. I always feel like I’m treasure hunting a little bit because you just never know what you’re going to find.” Sometimes she drives to small towns and explores their antique and secondhand stores as well. These shops can be less picked over than shops in more urban areas.

E state sales are an underused resource, Nicol says, because they are not on people’s radar to the extent that other shops and stores are. “Estate sales are a great way to find really unique, and often older, collectors’ pieces—definitely for a bargain,” she adds. These sales are exactly what they sound like: public sales of people’s belongings after they die or downsize. They are held for single estates and for groups of estates. You can find out about where and when they will take place at estatesales.net. Often, you can get a sense ahead of time of what will be on sale in order to help decide which sales to attend.

Occasionally, people might learn about smaller estate sales just from seeing signs posted in their area or announcements on neighborhood forums.

PAGE 48: Sally Nicol found this table at an estate sale. “The gleaming brass frame paired with a pristine glass top creates an airy elegance, making it the perfect statement piece,” she says.

PAGE 49: Nicol poses with items from her collection.

OPPOSITE PAGE: A vintage pair of Louis XV-style armchairs. THIS PAGE, TOP LEFT: Nicol looks for items at The Raleigh Market at least once a month. TOP RIGHT: Nicol describes this planter as “a grand thrifted find. This oversized footed brass and pewter planter showcases a striking mix of aged metals and old-world charm.” BOTTOM RIGHT: The Raleigh Market includes book vendors as well as other secondhand items. “Small objects for vignettes always catch my eye, but old books are the treasures I can never leave behind,” says Nicol. BOTTOM LEFT: Nicol found this signed Matisse print at a thrift store in South Carolina. Photo courtesy of Sally Nicol.

PAGE 52: This coffee table is characterized by aged patina and a faux bamboo motif.

“Sometimes these can even be the best ones, because they’re not so publicly advertised,” says Nicol. Other sales can be very large. Black Rock Galleries in Apex, for example, offers huge auctions every weekend to which consigners bring estate items.

Nicol is also a fan of The Raleigh Market, held each weekend at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. “They have traveling vendors that come from out of state,” she says. “There are usually a lot of good vendors that come from Pennsylvania who always bring really nice items.”

A nother resource people don’t always consider: family furniture. “Sometimes when people want to get into decorating with vintage and antiques, I’ll say, ‘Well, have you ever shopped at your grandma’s house? Have you shopped at your mom’s house?’ Especially if they kind of have a fondness for decorating themselves, family can be an excellent place to find beautiful pieces,” says Nicol.

IDENTIFYING TREASURES

E xperience is a valuable teacher in this area. Nicol recommends browsing design publications to help with “training your eye. If you look at a lot of design

books or magazines, you can [study] the colors or the texture or the types of pieces they’re displaying and use that as a guide when you go into a thrift store.” She also recommends Google Lens as an excellent tool to identify vintage items. A quick photo taken through this app pulls up similar items off of Ebay, Etsy listings, and other resources that can help determine whether the item is an antique or vintage piece or a mass-produced item made to look vintage. Look for stamps, labels and identification marks. Google Lens can scan details like these and identify them on similar items, helping shoppers understand what they signify.

A s explorers grow in experience and confidence, they discover what materials and styles they like, colors that appeal to them, and sometimes themes—like coastal art or travel-themed pieces—that unify their look. With experience, shoppers can identify not just valuable or vintage pieces, but their treasures, honing in on exactly what pieces interest them

“It’s just amazing what you can find,” says Nicol. “There’s really nothing better than the thrill of the hunt.”

A s she prepares for retirement, Burkhard looks forward to focusing on her family while remaining deeply connected to Carolina Ballet as a coach and mentor. Reflecting on the company’s distinctive ability to nurture dancers, she says, “It’s all there for a person’s taking if you’re open to it.”

BILAL SHAKUR SMITH: A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

Bilal Shakur Smith’s journey with Carolina Ballet has been one of discovery and growth. Originally from Baltimore, Shakur Smith began his ballet training at the age of 14 after being accepted into the Baltimore School for the Arts. He further honed his craft with full scholarships at prestigious institutions, including Houston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Nashville Ballet. In 2015, he joined Carolina Ballet as an apprentice and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the corps de ballet in 2016 and a soloist in 2021.

Reflecting on his time with the company, Shakur Smith expresses gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped his career. “Here at Carolina Ballet, I got so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else,” he says. Shakur Smith’s favorite roles have included performances in Messiah, Rubies and Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto, each showcasing his technical skill and emotional depth. “I felt beautiful on the stage,” he reflects, highlighting how these roles deepened his connection to the art.

Shakur Smith’s legacy is one of resilience and artistry, reminding dancers and audiences alike of the transformative power of ballet. As he steps into the next chapter of his career, he plans to explore other dance opportunities while carrying forward the lessons and inspiration he has gained at Carolina Ballet.

CONTRIBUTING TO LEGACIES

T he retirement of these three great dancers marks a significant moment for Carolina Ballet, but their legacies will continue to shape the company and the broader arts community for years to come. Their contributions underscore Carolina Ballet’s role as a cultural gem in Raleigh—a company that not only showcases the beauty of ballet, but also nurtures the next generation of artists.

Bilal Shakur Smith performing as Dr. Smith in The Nutcracker, dancing with Ashley Hathway as Mrs. Smith.

Photo courtesy of Joshua Dwight.

HOME & GARDEN

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TAKING PRIDE WITH OUR CUSTOMERS

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Tucked in the northern Wake County countryside, Grand Highland Estates is only six miles from downtown Wake Forest and convenient to Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area—an ideal balance between country charm and city amenities.

From the gated entrance to the spectacular homesites and meticulously designed homes inside, Grand Highland Estates is sure to impress. Discover why it’s one of the most coveted places to call home.

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TWENTY YEARS OF PERSONALIZED SERVICE

Where innovative designs meet quality materials

Splash Galleries has established itself as the premier destination for decorative plumbing and hardware, proudly celebrating 20 years in business. With an unwavering commitment to customer service, their team is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the selection process, ensuring that each project is executed with precision and care.

As a family-owned business, Splash Galleries takes immense pride in the trust placed in them by homeowners, designers and builders alike. They believe in a personalized approach, recognizing that each project is unique and deserves careful attention to detail. Their expert team is committed to providing tailored recommendations

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We love growing and selling plants and have been at it since 1967! In addition to happy, healthy plants, Homewood also offers a wide selection of pottery, garden supplies and more. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to help you find the right plants and solutions for your gardens and landscapes. Visit our gift shop, which has a rotating seasonal array of gifts and home décor. Stroll through our sunlit greenhouses to discover plants for your home, kitchen garden or flowerbeds. Walk under the pines to view a vast selection of trees and shrubs as well as our plantings. A family-owned, independent, Top 100 Garden Center (and a consistent winner in local business votes), Homewood is your happy place for all things gardening!

Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 | 919.847.0117 | homewoodnursery.com

A TOUCH OF PARIS IN RALEIGH

Martha Schneider, Owner & Lead

Designer of La Maison Home Boutique + Atelier and Trellis Floral Boutique

tep inside La Maison home boutique and discover beautiful furnishings, fabulous lighting, original art and unique gifts. After years of working with clients at La Maison Home Boutique + Atelier, Martha Schneider opened Trellis Floral Boutique to offer fine florals, hand-trimmed topiary, fine pottery and gifts to those who love to add beauty to their homes.

The combined retail storefront in North Hills allows Martha to curate items she loves and bring them to the hands of her customers. From antiques straight from France to our flower bar full of stems for bespoke bouquets, Martha has created a collection of brands that brings an intimate, Parisian feel to the heart of Raleigh.

With Vibe Cabinetry and Design Co., you can unleash your home vibes with purposeful, beautiful cabinetry and interior design.

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Visit our booth at the Fairgrounds Southern Ideal Home Show, April 11–13.

Sarah Riley, Founder and Lead Designer

by

MARKET LEADERS

Photo

AWARD WINNING LOCAL & NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Angela Drum is a recognized leader in the real estate industry, emerging as one of North Carolina’s top awardwinning real estate agents. Celebrated for excellence in client care, innovative marketing strategies, advanced use of technology and strong negotiation skills, she has earned prestigious designations such as “Top 1% in North Carolina” (Real Estate Executive Magazine), “America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents” (Top 1% of Real Estate Professionals Nationwide), “Raleigh’s Best” (The News & Observer) and “Guild ELITE” (Institute for Luxury Home Marketing).

Angela is the founder of Angela Drum Real Estate, which features a hand-selected group of top industry professionals. Angela’s leadership and personal involvement in every transaction has earned this team a spot among North Carolina’s top 1% of real estate agents statewide. They have achieved national recognition and awards, including being named among the “Best Real Estate Teams in the United States” (RealTrends Verified), “Top 10 Real Estate Teams” (Triangle Business Journal) and Best Female-Led Real Estate Team — North Carolina” (Women in BUILD).

Partnering with top firms both nationally and globally, Angela Drum Real Estate connects with leading real estate professionals to ensure that every listing reaches the broadest possible market. Their marketing approach is unmatched, elevating properties to an international audience through prestige media brands like The Wall Street Journal, James Edition and Robb Report, while gaining international exposure through their global network with over 60 platforms, including Mansion Global and The International MLS

“Our compassion for others and commitment to community, family and pursuit of excellence set us apart. Our vision to become North Carolina’s most trusted name in real estate drives us to continually exceed industry standards.”— Angela Drum

HOW CAPITAL TO COAST IS REDEFINING

REAL ESTATE IN NORTH CAROLINA

Pam Saxman, founder of Capital to Coast Realty, has built a thriving real estate business, brokered by Real Broker and rooted in helping others.

Transitioning from pharmaceutical sales, she obtained her real estate license in 2013 and launched Capital to Coast Realty in 2021 after noticing a need in the market.

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Elite Agent and Global Luxury Marketing specialists. Saxman emphasizes the importance of relationships, agent development, and embracing challenges. Looking ahead, Saxman and Sottini, along with their partners at national firm Real Broker, are focusing on building a strong agent community and navigating industry changes.

Beyond real estate, Saxman enjoys boating with her family, while Sottini is actively involved in community service. Their shared philosophy: Success is about lifting others up.

“We are your real estate partners to get you where you want to be,” Saxman concludes.

Pam Saxman, Owner/Broker, Capital to Coast Realty

FOUR GENERATIONS OF EXCELLENCE IN RALEIGH REAL ESTATE

For over a century, our family has proudly called Raleigh home, building a legacy of dedication, excellence and integrity in the real estate industry. From my grandfather’s being a founding member of the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors in 1923 to four generations of realtors who’ve carried the torch, our roots in this community run deep. But real estate isn’t the only field where we’ve strived for greatness. In addition to four generations of Raleigh Realtors, our family also boasts four generations of Division 1 football players as well as one player in the NFL—proof that perseverance and teamwork are part of our DNA. My 38 years of selling real estate in Raleigh and our family history

made me a great fit for the Compass Sports & Entertainment Division, and I am honored to be a part of this elite group of Realtors.

Whether you’re buying or selling, my team and I are committed to carrying forward our family’s legacy of excellence, helping you find your place in the vibrant, ever-growing Raleigh community. Let’s make your real estate journey one to remember.

Kate Kenney, Realtor, Nationally Ranked by RealTrends

SERVING THE HIGH COUNTRY OF NC:

The Leslie Eason Real Estate Team continues to set the gold standard for service and client satisfaction in North Carolina’s High Country. For generations, this region has been a beloved second-home escape for Raleigh residents. In just three hours you are a world away, with cooler temperatures, incredible mountain views and endless outdoor activities.

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LUXURY HOME MARKETING GROUP

REAL ESTATE LEADERS IN THE LUXURY HOME MARKET

FRONT ROW: Leslie Young, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury • Cara Pierce, Compass • Kimberly Conroy, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury • Jill Rekuc, Olde Raleigh Real Estate • Ann Matteson, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services YSU Realty

BACK ROW: Shawn Britt, Realty World Carolina Properties • Sheri Hagerty, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty • Mollie Owen, Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty • Debbie Van Horn, Compass • Margaret Sophie, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury • Kathy Beacham, Coldwell Banker HPW Global Luxury • Margaret Struble, Compass • Jonay Zies, Compass • Linda Trevor, Compass

Get to know the Luxury Home Marketing Group at luxuryhomemarketinggroup.com

Celebrating 21 Years of Partnership in the Luxury Home Market.

A coalition of real estate leaders sharing their knowledge and expertise on the luxury market.

• Powerful advertising across multiple platforms.

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• Marketing your home to the group’s collective network of luxury clients.

• A network of trusted vendors for a seamless experience throughout the process.

ABOVE: Heather VanWagner at work in her studio. OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: VanWagner at her launch of Sai Sei. BOTTOM: VanWagner chatting with fashion stylist Sofia Lujan of Sofia Lujan Styling.

RE FASHIONED

BY SOFIA LUJAN PHOTOS BY JESSICA BRATTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Designer Heather VanWagner spent years working with fashion luminaries like Vera Wang as well as working at Raleigh’s own Bevello boutique before opening her own fashion studio, Sai Sei Upcycle, last year.

In these photos, Heather VanWagner showcases vintage finds and designs in her studio. She looks forward to April, when she will launch a new website on which visitors will be able to shop and buy clothing directly. The website will post images of two different models wearing clothing items to show how different types look in the outfits. The models’ dimensions will be shown as well, so visitors will get a sense of which items might look and fit best on them.

VanWagner’s sustainable designs bring new life to vintage clothing, remaking historic pieces with modern silhouettes, historic trims, hand-painted designs and contemporary touches.

Her work shows how a creator ’s vision can transform vintage clothing into wearable art.

To find Sai Sei designs and learn more about VanWagner’s work, go to saiseiupcycle.com.

AWESOME SAUCE

An

Apex resident relies on her West African heritage for her versatile, aromatic jollof sauce recipe

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

For nearly two decades, Abena Antwi has developed skin care products for Burt’s Bees. As a chemist, she formulates products such as lip balms, facial creams and shampoos. “It’s like you’re cooking in a kitchen,” she says. “It’s like a chef. You have to know the ingredients, combine them and come out with a product.”

Queen's Jollof Sauce owner and chef, Abena Antwi. Photo by Jenny Midgley Photography

So when Antwi merged her knack for blending ingredients with her love for cooking, something good seemed almost inevitable. During her childhood in Ghana, her mother and grandmother taught her to make jollof rice, a tomato-based dish that is a staple of West African countries. (Yes, for those invested in the jollof wars, this is Ghanian rather than Nigerian jollof.) When COVID-19 hit in 2020, she had a garden full of tomatoes at her home in Apex and plenty of time on her hands. “So one day, I just took the tomatoes and made a big pot of sauce and bottled it,” she says. “My sister said, ‘Why don’t you post it on Facebook and see if people will resonate to it?’ I think I made five jars. And it was like, if you want it, come get it.”

Her neighbors came for those first five jars, but soon they were lining up at her home every time she made another batch. The positive reviews from her neighbors sent her off to the Apex Farmers Market, where she whipped up the first 100 jars of Queen’s Jollof Sauce. “I had my display and the products, and I had the jollof rice cooking. I would mix it and serve it as a sample. We sold out.”

Antwi continued with her solo efforts, appearing at markets in Holly Springs and other communities, always getting the same feedback. “If they try it, they buy it,” she says with a gentle laugh. “I would say 90% of my sales come from people who try the product.”

Queen’s Jollof Sauce and other seasoning products Antwi has created are available at specialty shops around the Triangle, which keeps the products in demand and keeps her on the go. She recently returned from a business trip for Burt’s Bees, only to find she was down to her last case of sauce. The same day, she headed to her commercial cooking space and began turning out another batch. “Within six hours, I can make 300 jars,” Antwi says. “It’s a slow process. You have your tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, oregano and parsley. You have to roast the tomatoes first, then blend it and cook it. That’s where you develop the flavor.”

The proceeds from the business are used to address the poverty and living conditions Antwi endured as a child. “We slept on the floor growing up in Ghana,” she says. “I grew up in one room we rented. I would get a table and sell boiled raw peanuts for a dollar. We would buy sugarcane, bread and milk to help the family. My dad was always struggling, looking for a better place for us to stay.”

On a recent business trip to Ghana, Antwi helped dedicate a project she funded to build flushable toilets in her childhood community. She also brought 200 book bags for the children. “I was like them,” she says.

Antwi’s father came to the United States and worked as a dishwasher at Denny’s, saving money to put himself through school to become a nurse. He brought the family to the United

States in the early 1990s when she was 15, where she graduated from college before earning a graduate degree in cosmetic chemistry. In 2008, after nine years at L’Oréal, Antwi moved to the Triangle. “My dad, he instilled hard work [in me],” she says. “I always had an entrepreneurial spirit.”

That tendency is evident when Antwi speaks of her products, offering hints and ideas with enthusiasm. “I use jasmine rice for flavor and fragrance,” she says.

She serves the sauce for her own family nearly every day, putting together meals for her boys, ages 18 and 11. “As busy as I am, I just made chicken last night. Just stick it in the oven, drop this in, cut onions, bell peppers and that’s it.”

But wait, there’s more.

“ You can take this and add it to your eggs. You can warm it and add it to pasta,” says Antwi. “You can use it to make chili, pizza … It’s very versatile. It’s already flavored, so you don’t have to do any work. It acts as a base for almost everything.”

Eventually she would like to scale up her line of Queen’s products. (Wondering about the brand name? “The ‘B’ [is] from Abena,” she says. “So then my friends started calling me Queen Bee.”) But working with co-packers has been difficult, given the attention to detail required for the recipe. In the meantime, the queen of jollof sauce will roast, blend, bottle and label her all-purpose delight on her own.

“Sometimes I catch myself like, you need to celebrate some of this,” Antwi says. “It’s been three years now. I just know if this was my full-time job, this could be really big.”

Abena Antwi poses at the Cary Farmers Market with her array of sauces and spices. Photo by Elizabeth Brignac.

LOCAL FLAVOR SIP & SAVOR

HOP ABOARD!

NThe NC Ale Trail by Rail blends train travel and regional craft beer exploration

BY JENNIFER PRIMROSE

orth Carolina’s craft beer scene has gotten a unique twist with the launch of the NC Ale Trail by Rail, a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild and NC By Train. The initiative invites beer enthusiasts to explore the state’s vibrant craft beer scene by train. It “promotes the idea that you can use the train to explore our state—in particular, our breweries—in a fun, safe and easily accessible way,” says Les Stewart, president of the NC Craft Brewers Guild.

The Ale Trail connects cities along the train route from Charlotte to Raleigh, with stops in Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Cary—all home to thriving craft breweries. Each destination offers a chance to discover something new, from traditional lagers to experimental ales.

Lisa Parker, executive director of the NC Craft Brewers Guild, is thrilled about this new collaboration. “We are delighted to partner with NC By Train to introduce this new and novel way for visitors and residents alike to explore the craft breweries of North Carolina,” she says. “As community gathering hubs, our North Carolina breweries offer welcoming taproom and tasting experiences.”

A NEW KIND OF BEER ADVENTURE

NC Ale Trail by Rail allows travelers to explore breweries within walking distance or a short ride from train stations. No car rentals or navigation skills are required—just hop off the train, grab a pint and continue your journey. Trophy Brewing’s Morgan Street location and The Bend Bar in Raleigh are prime examples of how this initiative benefits breweries close to train stations.

“I think the clear benefit is access to a new type of explorer,” Stewart says. “As breweries located in a market not known for tourism, we focus a lot on our local population. The Ale Trail gives us an opportunity to speak to a new kind of customer and introduce our company and our city to them.”

Stops along the way include standout breweries like Bond Brothers Beer Company (Cary), New Sarum Salisbury Brewing Co. (Salisbury), Atomic Clock Brewing Co. (Durham) and Oden Brewing Co. (Greensboro). Each city offers its own charm— from Charlotte’s bustling beer scene to the quieter, more intimate atmosphere of High Point.

CREATING BUZZ

The initiative has generated significant organic interest. “Yes, we worked to produce a promotional video and communicated with our member breweries to share the campaign,” Stewart explains. “But a lot of the buzz has been organic. NC By Train has also worked to ensure the campaign has had visibility in the train stations, online and elsewhere.”

PAGE 78: Les Stewart is the co-owner and head brewer at Raleigh's Trophy Brewing Company and the current president of the NC Craft Brewers Guild. Photo by Josh Manning.

PAGE 79: Stops such as Oden Brewing in Greensboro, New Sarum in Salisbury, Bond Brothers in Cary and Trophy Brewing in Raleigh are just a few of the stops one can encounter when doing the NC Ale Trail by Rail. Photos by Dathan Kazsuk and Jennifer Primrose.

PAGE 80: Durham's Atomic Clock is near the tracks and offers over a dozen beers on draft. Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

In addition to NC By Train’s promotion, Lowes Foods, the program’s sponsor, and local tourism organizations such as Visit Raleigh, Discover Durham, Visit Greensboro and Visit High Point, have also amplified the trail. This collaboration highlights the importance of connecting breweries both to their communities and to visitors across the state.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Planning your trip is simple. Visit drinkncbeer.org/nc-ale-trailby-rail, where an interactive map highlights breweries along the route and their distances from the train station, complete with links to their websites.

Each city has something unique to offer. Greensboro and Durham are known for their innovative breweries, such as DSSOLVR Durham, Durty Bull Brewing Company and Joymongers Brewing Co. Beer lovers might want to stop in Cabarrus County, where strolls to Buzzed Viking Brewing Company, Cabarrus Brewing Co. and High Branch Brewing Co. will tickle your fancy with hazy IPAs, fresh lagers and mead.

“I’m excited about the idea of introducing North Carolinians who may not have experienced the fun and ease of using the train system to explore our state,” says Stewart. “Hopefully, they’ll explore our great craft breweries in North Carolina, but

if not, then maybe they’ll check out a ball game, a museum or a festival. We live in an amazing state with people doing wonderful and unique things.”

Trophy Brewing, known for its playful approach to beer and branding, may even create a train-themed beer to celebrate the Ale Trail. “Oh, it’s certainly possible!” Stewart teases.

For breweries like Trophy, the initiative isn’t just about attracting visitors—it’s about sharing North Carolina’s craft beer culture with a broader audience. “We hope people seek and find these jewels,” he says.

A SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY

Combining craft beer with rail travel, the NC Ale Trail by Rail offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional road trips. Trains produce a lower carbon footprint, making it easier for beer enthusiasts to explore multiple breweries sustainably.

Tickets for the NC Ale Trail by Rail range from $6 to $27 for business class, and there are a total of 10 daily trips across the state. So whether you’re a native looking for a fresh adventure or a visitor eager to explore North Carolina’s craft beer culture, the NC Ale Trail by Rail is the perfect way to sip and savor your way across the state. Grab your ticket, hop on board and experience the vibrant world of North Carolina craft beer—one pint at a time.

ACT ONE, SCENE ONE

B urning Coal Theatre’s KidsWrite program brings young people’s work to the stage

B Y ELIZABETH BRIGNAC

Playwrights may persevere for years before they have the chance to see a theater company perform their work. The challenge of finding professionals who are ready to bring a new writer’s play to the stage is no joke. So when each year, a few of North Carolina’s kids get to experience a company of actors bringing their plays to life on stage, it is an opportunity to which playwrights of all ages aspire.

Each spring in its KidsWrite festival, Raleigh-based Burning Coal Theatre Company performs several short plays written by kids between sixth grade and their senior year of high school. The company treats these performances with the respect they would give plays written by adults. They develop the plays as they would for any other theater festival, consulting with the student playwrights as they develop the performances.

KidsWrite was the brainchild of artistic director Jerome Davis almost two decades ago. “I had the sensation as a young person that I was often told what I might do but never given the chance to do it,” says Davis. “The idea of being able to think of a story, write a story and then help make the story fully realized felt like a rare opportunity for young people.”

Technically, KidsWrite is open to Wake County and surrounding counties. “But if a teacher from somewhere up

in the mountains writes and asks if they can do it, we’re not going to say no to them, honestly,” says Davis.

Kids submit plays through their schools or on their own, either by themselves or in groups. Plays must be entirely original. They must not exceed 25 pages, and they must limit character and setting numbers.

The number of plays submitted varies each year, averaging around 30 or 40. The staff collaborates on play selection, choosing as many as the actors can perform in two hours, which usually works out to about five plays per year. As with plays written by adult playwrights, the theater must take practicalities into account as well as writing quality. “We do look at things like how producible it is,” says Davis. “You know, if it has 40 characters in it and they each have to have 10 costume changes, we’re probably going to reconsider that one.” He adds, “There’s an educational component to that aspect, because playwrights do have that restriction … most plays that are done nowadays have under 10 characters in them.”

For plays that are producible, the first selection criterion is quality. The staff also tries to represent a diverse group of writers. For example, says Davis, “For years, it seemed like it was all girls writing the plays, and so we started saying, ‘Are there any guys in the mix that we could put

in?’ And the same with different ethnic groups.” They also seek geographic diversity. “Rural communities have less access to art as a general rule. To me, part of what makes a life in the arts possible—other than being filthy rich, which helps—is if you don’t think of artists as ‘those people way over there’ … but artists that are like you, that live in the same world and breathe the same air and do the same things. And so we look for geographic diversity as well,” says Davis.

Every play submitted receives commentary from the staff, whether it is accepted for performance or not.

To the extent that their inclination and distance allow, the playwrights are included in the production process. “The first thing we do is make notes and send them to the writers, and we don’t insist that they make those changes, but we do strongly encourage it. If they’re serious writers, often they’ll take those notes,” says Davis. This step mirrors experiences of adult playwrights working with producers and directors to edit their scripts. “We also encourage the playwrights to come and be part of the rehearsal process,” says Abbe Fralix, Burning Coal’s development director. “They’re invited to come and sit in on any of the rehearsals, and the directors will often talk with them about what is working and what isn’t, and suggest changes.” Most playwrights show up for at least one rehearsal, though for students who live far from Raleigh, distance can be a challenge.

The most moving plays are not always written by the oldest students or the top English class students.

“Last year, we had one of our youngest-ever playwrights participate,” says Fralix. “He was a sixth grader, and he wrote, I thought, one of the most compelling plays that we had in the series last year … It was about three friends. You saw them on the same day over the course of 15 years, and every scene took place five years later in the same spot. And so you watched their lives begin and fall apart and come back together. This is from a 12-year-old!”

Another standout play came from a student for whom English was a second language. “Her teacher printed out and read the email telling her that her play was one of the plays selected in front of the whole class. She told us that the girl was shaking with happiness when she heard that,” says Davis. “It was no small thing for her I don't have any quantifiable evidence, but I can tell you what I think—which is that [seeing their work performed] is an exceptional moment in their young lives.”

This year's KidsWrite festival will take place on May 23–24. To learn more about the KidsWrite festival, or to submit an entry, go to burningcoal.org/kidswrite-festival.

OPPOSITE PAGE AND THIS PAGE: These photos depict scenes from Burning Coal's 2023 KidsWrite festival. Photos courtesy of Scott Halford.

The Southern Soul of RISSI PALMER

BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC

Durham’s Rissi Palmer is one of only eight Black women ever to hit the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, which she did with her song “Country Girl” in 2007. Her 2019 album Revival was included in Rolling Stone’s 2024 article “The Best 25 Country-Soul Albums.” She hosts an Apple Music radio show called Color Me Country Radio with Rissi Palmer, and she’s a correspondent for Country Music Television (CMT).

So it’s interesting that these days, she doesn’t really think of herself as a country musician.

Since Palmer’s 2007 album Rissi Palmer, which established her as a country music artist, her style has evolved. “I feel like my music is Southern soul,” she says of what she is doing now. “It’s a really cool marriage of gospel elements, and there are some country elements to it. There's definitely an undercurrent of old soul—1970s kind of soul—in the thing we’re doing right now.” She adds, referring to the roots music category that emerged in the late 1990s, “In the very beginning of my career, there was no such thing as Americana. [Today] I think a lot of things fit within the basket of Americana, and this is one of them.”

scheduled to release in May, the title of Survivor’s Joy is based on a conversation Palmer had with Canadian musician Allison Russell on Palmer’s radio show.

Palmer asked Russell how she maintained a relatively light—even joyful—approach to the world after a harrowing childhood. Palmer paraphrases Russell’s response: “People talk about survivor’s guilt, but nobody really discusses survivor’s joy. And the fact that the things that you’ve been through— you’ve gotten over them. You got through them. And, God willing, you’ll never face them again.”

I want to empower all artists, because that's what it's going to take...

— Rissi Palmer

Palmer’s new album, Survivor’s Joy, leans heavily into her current Southern soul style, which she began exploring in depth with Revival in 2019. She compares its feel to Al Green’s music of the 1970s. Tentatively

Survivor’s Joy took four years to create—much longer than Palmer usually takes to make an album. “A lot of life has happened,” she explains. “I’m divorced now. That’s not the only [event], but that was a major one. This album has been reflecting a lot on relationships—not just my marriage, but [other] relationships and friendships.” It’s an inward-looking album, reflecting on Palmer’s having turned 40; the career resurgence that has allowed her to help other artists come up in the music field and other shifts her life has taken in recent years.

One element of that career resurgence has been Palmer’s Color Me Country radio show, on which she interviews musicians from demographics traditionally

underrepresented in country music. The show’s name is an homage to Linda Martell, whose 1969 single “Color Him Father” hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart (then called the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart)— the highest-peaking single by a Black female country artist until 2024, when Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” hit number one. Martell was the first Black woman ever to play the Grand Ole Opry, and her only album was called Color Me Country “I wanted to pay homage to her, because I see her as a foremother,” says Palmer.

In addition to Allison Russell, Palmer has interviewed Alice Randall, Darius Rucker, Rhiannon Giddens, Mickey Guyton and many others on her program—some established musicians and some up-and-comers. These interviews add to the cultural conversation about the definition and characteristics of country music, which audiences and critics debate often, in part due to the different ways fans identify with the genre. “I think Cowboy Carter, and Post Malone and Jelly Roll and all these different people entering the chat definitely changes the shape of things,” Palmer says. She adds that country music “is one of the last bastions of terrestrial radio having ultimate power and say over who gets to be a star and who doesn’t. There are very few people who get to be stars who aren’t mainstays on country radio—Kacey Musgraves being one of the few.” Palmer’s interviews on Color Me Country add depth to the changing conversation about what types of musicians and what types of song “count” as country music.

As if her radio show, her new album and her work with CMT were not enough to keep her busy, Palmer will also be touring this spring with the second North American tour of Trailblazing Women of Country: From Patsy to Loretta to Dolly alongside Atlanta-based singer Kristina Train and a fiveperson, all-women band. The tour, which will cover music by Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton, kicks off from Nashville February 20.

“I love the fact that they’re giving me an opportunity to interpret this music in my own way, and to pay homage to it, because these women really are part of the female Mount Rushmore of country music … I’m really excited about it,” says Palmer.

Palmer also runs a nonprofit, the Color Me Country Artists Grant Fund, that partners with The Rainey Day Fun to support underrepresented artists in country music. “To date we have raised over $200,000 and given over $82,000 to artists of color who want to pursue careers in country, Americana and roots music,” says Palmer. The fund has also taken artists overseas to play international festivals and supports other enrichment programs. “I want to empower artists, and that’s what we’re using this nonprofit to do,” Palmer says. “And it’s not just artists of color. I want to empower all artists, because that's what it's going to take in order for us to combat all the hurdles that the modern music business has presented us with.” To learn more about the Color Me Country Artists Grant Fund, go to colormecountry.com/color-me-country-artist-grant-fund

Palmer may be a nationally respected musician, but her heart belongs in Durham. “I have found [the Triangle] to be the most artistically stimulating, opportunity-rich place that I’ve ever lived,” says Palmer, whose band and recording studio are Durham-based, along with many collaborators and co-writers. “I have been really inspired by the way people work together here,” she says. “I’ve lived in New York. I’ve lived in Nashville. I lived a short time in Los Angeles, and I lived in Atlanta. And it’s competitive Here, you’re more likely to get a phone call and have someone say, ‘Hey, can you come sing on this?’ Or, ‘Would you mind coming through and maybe helping me write this song?’ It’s just a very collaborative, community-oriented music [culture] here.”

She adds, “I really, really love it here. I love raising my children here, and I just really feel like I have grown—that because of the Triangle, I am the artist that I am.”

PAGE 86: Rissi Palmer with her band, The Smoke. From left to right, the members are Charles Newkirk (guitar), Michael Johnson (percussion), Branden Williams (keys/music director) and Darion Alexander (bass). They are all based in Durham. Photo by Chris Charles.

PAGE 87: Palmer performing at the RushSouth Music & Outdoor Festival in October 2023.

Photo by Matt Brewster.

THIS PAGE: Palmer at the studio where she records Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer. Photo courtesy of Apple Music.

BRUCE D E BOER

CALVERT ISLAND, BC, 2007 SHOT ON A CANON 5D MARK II WITH A 24–70 MM LENS PRINTED ON CANSON INFINITY PLATINE FIBRE RAG 310 GSM, 24 " X 36 "

STORYTELLING THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Visual storytelling is the foundation of Raleigh‑based photographer Bruce DeBoer’s award winning commercial and fine art photography. With over 40 years of experience in commercial film photography, DeBoer combines a variety of digital photography techniques while capturing the essence and feel of film to convey his concepts. Whether shooting black and white landscapes or colorful still lifes of flowers, DeBoer transforms ideas into graphic visuals that encourage viewers to see the subjects in a new light.

Texture, color, movement and light play crucial roles in narrating the stories behind DeBoer’s works, exemplified in his piece Calvert Island, BC This photograph was shot in the Hakai Pass, situated in western British Columbia, Canada. While photographing a local fishing resort for a client, DeBoer discovered a compelling scene on the beach on the island’s west side. In this photograph, the visceral texture and scale of the rocks convey humor, as the entire composition centers on the smallest rock within the frame. DeBoer applies the same composition techniques to his digital photography that he employed in his film work, framing landscapes to tell a story.

Having retired from commercial advertising photography, Bruce is concentrating on his fine art practice. His past commercial endeavors include work with notable brands such as Hallmark, Erickson Productions, Audi, Healthy Choice, Harley Davidson and Anheuser Busch, among others. To explore more of his fine art, visit deboerfineart.com; for his commercial work, go to brucedeboer.com; and check out his Instagram at @deboerworks

“I approach photography as a graphic designer would when creating a logo. In my work, many graphic harmonies come into play.”

– Bruce DeBoer

TOWARD ZER WASTE

IA local nonprofit is diverting waste from landfills— one step (or banana peel) at a time

BY SAMANTHA CARSON

t was a cool February day in 2024 when Cary’s second food waste recycling drop-off site opened in Mills Park. The town’s first food waste recycling program had opened at the Citizen’s Convenience Center in 2022, and in February of 2023 the Town of Cary had announced that the program was so successful that it would become permanent.

The Mills Park site represented the culmination of years of work between the Town of Cary and the nonprofit Toward Zero Waste (TZW) to reduce waste by diverting food scraps from the landfill back into the

community. The program has since expanded its efforts into Raleigh as well.

STARTING THE JOURNEY

It started on Facebook.

Residents Dargan Gilmore and Leigh Williams met in an international zero waste group on the social media site in 2016. Quickly discovering a mutual interest in reducing waste, they started a meetup group with one key difference from similar efforts: It emphasized the journey of moving toward a zero-waste lifestyle instead of trying to do everything at once.

Toward Zero Waste volunteer Kate Wood works a shift at the compost drop-off at Cary ’s Citizen, s Convenience Center.

Photo by Leigh Williams.

G ilmore had been inspired by Bea Johnson’s book Zero Waste Home , but she found the idea of reducing a family’s trash to an amount fitting into a small jar impractical.

“I was like, ‘That's incredible. I’ll never be able to do that,’” says Gilmore. “And I read the book, and I was like, ‘OK, I can make steps toward this.’ So Leigh and I were very careful when we named the organization. We wanted to make sure we had that ‘toward’ in it, because it is a journey for everybody.”

Williams and Gilmore started educating community members by holding meetings and setting up tables at local events, but they quickly found they needed a more organized approach.

They initially started an LLC, but soon realized that a nonprofit fit their goals better—so they closed the business and opened the nonprofit in 2020. Since then, they have offered information at numerous events, farmers markets and festivals in the Triangle; taught Zero Waste 101 classes and held events at local businesses.

A MEASURABLE IMPACT

Since its inception, TZW has had a measurable impact on the Triangle.

In 2019, waste characterization studies conducted by Wake County and the Town of Cary found that food waste comprised roughly 27% of the waste produced by singlefamily residents. In light of this finding, TZW helped Cary establish a food scrap recycling drop-off site at Citizen’s Convenience Center in 2022, then the Mills Park location in 2024. It also partnered with the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and Midtown Farmers Market to establish drop-off sites in Raleigh.

The result has been an estimated 343,721 pounds of food waste diverted from our landfills as of January 2025, and an estimated 34,347 pounds of compost going to community partners like Good Hope Farm.

Nor are food scraps the only waste TZW is diverting. The organization’s Makers group meets every month to sew reusable shopping bags using donated scrap fabrics, which they provide for free to local businesses. They have made 1,055 bags as of January 2025, diverting more than 100 pounds of fabric from landfills.

Those recyclable cups offered in Downtown Cary Park? They’re also a result of TZW’s work. And TZW is currently working on a program to recover unopened food safely from school-provided lunches at some local schools to make it available to students.

REDUCING WASTE

Residents have many options to begin their own journeys toward zero waste.

Gilmore emphasizes the impact each person can have by composting. “I think the composting is huge—getting organic matter out of the landfill, finding a compost bin, learning how to compost in your backyard or finding compost pickup options—that’s something that can have a huge impact, not only on the landfill mass but on climate change,” she says. Diverting food waste from landfills greatly reduces methane emissions

Kathleen Liebowitz, TZW’s executive director, says, “Supporting businesses that are doing the right thing for the earth [is key]. Put your money into the businesses that are taking the right steps." She also recommends paying attention to the policies of local officials. “I’ve gotten to know my city council people, and having those relationships has made me feel more part of the community,” she says. “Sign up for their newsletters. See what they’re doing. Taking the time to get to know what’s going on is a way to help.”

To learn more about Toward Zero Waste and how to start your journey, go to towardzerowaste.org.

Toward Zero Waste volunteers run an information booth at North Carolina State University's 2024 Earth Fair.

Photo courtesy of Toward Zero Waste.

WHERE EVERYONE CAN PLAY

Special needs sports in the Triangle

BY KYLE MARIE M C MAHON

When my youngest child was diagnosed as autistic at the age of three—during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic—it was easy to feel overwhelmed. It still can be. As a sports-loving family, we hoped he could participate in the games he was so excited about, but traditional team sports were not a good fit for him.

Then, a friend told us about a special needs baseball league. That league led to a soccer program, which led to hockey and more. Each step expanded not only my son’s horizons, but also our family’s sense of community. Here are some of the incredible local programs in the Triangle that foster inclusion, joy and connection for athletes with special needs.

MIRACLE LEAGUE OF THE TRIANGLE

Since its inaugural game in 2006, the Miracle League has grown to include over 600 players across 42 teams at fields in Cary and Durham. Each team has five

or six coaches, and the league’s Buddy program pairs players with volunteers, offering one-on-one support. This support can look different depending on the age level: In my son’s elementary school–age group, it’s “controlled chaos,” while in the adult leagues, it’s more about peer-age companionship.

A game is two innings, meaning two chances for each player at bat and in the field. Each player is introduced as they come up to bat—accompanied by their chosen walk-up music—and gets to round the bases. At the end of the game, the score is always tied. After all, it’s not about winning or losing; it’s about having fun, making friends and being themselves.

“Parents love seeing a place where their kids are accepted,” says Cyndy Vagle, director of baseball operations. “They don’t have to advocate or fight for them. They are celebrated right from the start. You don’t have to apologize for who your child is at Miracle League.”

NORTH CAROLINA FC YOUTH TOPSOCCER

TOPSoccer began about eight years ago, when an NCFC staff member sought a program for his brother with Down syndrome. They began playing at WRAL Soccer Park. Liane Barber, chief financial officer at NCFC Youth, brought her four-year-old, but the late time slot wasn’t ideal, so she helped add earlier sessions and an additional field in Cary.

The morning sessions are typically for younger players, so they loosely work on skills and play fun games. “It’s all about just loving the ball, getting them out there, having fun and being part of a team,” says Barber. The night sessions add the chance for the more skilled players to scrimmage. Each player is paired with a buddy, providing both skill-building and emotional support, and the coaches have extensive soccer experience and a history of working with players who have special needs.

For families, the program provides a rare opportunity to step back and simply enjoy watching their child play. “It may look different,” says Barber, “but it’s for these kids to be able to feel like they are on a team and participate like their peers.”

JOURNEY LEAGUE BASKETBALL

Journey League began when Michael Schoor, whose stepdaughter has special needs, returned to the Triangle and couldn’t find the same inclusive basketball programs they’d enjoyed in California. He approached Cal Maxwell, a student athlete whom Schoor had previously coached, and they debuted the league in 2016 with just 20 athletes. Now with seven locations and over 500 athletes, the program is designed to be high-energy with a focus on drills, full-speed practices and building independence. With the help of a small group of volunteer coaches, players are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying the camaraderie of the game.

The program also builds a strong community, seeking ways to inform people about life with special needs. They play at halftime in approximately 10 college games per season. Schoor says, “The community and togetherness fostered by athlete leaders shows a level of empathy that is amazing and encouraging. It’s the most positive peer pressure you’ll ever see. When we play at Duke or State or Carolina, we are showcasing their hard work for a new audience—people who may have thought they couldn’t. That’s where the advances are made.”

TRIANGLE SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Jack Cotterell started the Triangle Special Hockey Association in 2007 for his autistic son. Starting with only seven participants, it has grown just as quickly as the area’s interest in hockey. Since ice time is in high demand, the organization also offers ball hockey (no ice involved). They accommodate players at all skill

levels. Advanced skaters practice real hockey drills and scrimmage, while new players learn to skate safely, all with a mentor at their side.

The program creates a fun, social environment for kids while fostering acceptance and understanding among the broader community. “Parents find support here, and volunteers grow empathy and understanding,” says league director Barb Baranski. Youth hockey teams frequently volunteer, helping their young players understand that hockey— and life—isn’t just about competition.

“ When people come out to help as volunteers or mentors, it grows awareness and understanding, more empathy,” says Baranski. “To see these kids grow—see the little victories— brings joy.”

A WIN FOR EVERYONE

These programs offer far more than sports. They provide safe, joyful spaces for athletes with special needs, moments of rest and community for families, and opportunities for the wider community to embrace empathy and gain awareness about people who differ from them. Become a part of the special needs “found family” by visiting one of the program’s websites to participate or volunteer. As the Miracle League likes to remind us at the end of every game: “And the winner is … everybody!”

PAGE 94: The Miracle League of the Triangle offers kids with special needs a way to partake in America's favorite pastime. This two-inning leauge has more than 600 players throughout Cary and Durham. Photo courtesy of the Miracle League of the Triangle.

THIS PAGE: A mother helps her child play a game with the North Carolina FC Youth TopSoccer program. Photo courtesy of North Carolina FC Youth.

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS:

• Miracle League of the Triangle: mltriangle.com

• NCFC Youth TOPSoccer: ncfcyouth.com/ topsoccer

• Journey League: journeyleague.org

• Triangle Special Hockey Association: trianglespecialhockey.org

SPORTS & FITNESS TRIANGLE ATHLETICS

N.C. STATE’S SANIYA RIVERS HITS 1,000 CAREER POINTS

BY KYLE MARIE McMAHON

N.C. State women’s basketball standout Saniya Rivers achieved a career milestone on January 26, becoming the 39th player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points. Teammate Aziaha James hit the milestone earlier this season during a game against Kent State. Rivers, a senior guard, accomplished this feat during the Wolfpack’s game against Virginia Tech, where she delivered a standout performance on both ends of the court. A Wilmington native, Rivers transferred to N.C. State in 2022 after a year at South Carolina, where she was part of their 2022 National Championship team. Since joining the Wolfpack, she has solidified herself as a leader and consistent contributor. Known for her versatility, defense and ability to create opportunities, Rivers is averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season, helping N.C. State remain competitive in the ACC.

Photo courtesy of N.C. State Athletics.

FANS SAY GOODBYE TO BELOVED BAT DOG, RIPKEN

The Triangle community is mourning the loss of Ripken, the beloved bat dog who stole the hearts of sports fans across the region. The 8-year-old black Labrador retriever passed away unexpectedly on New Year’s Day, leaving behind a legacy that went far beyond his role on the field. Trained by his owner, Michael O’Donnell of Sit Means Sit Dog Training, Ripken was a fixture at Durham Bulls and Holly Springs Salamanders games, where he retrieved bats after plate appearances. Known for his playful personality, he became a fan favorite and expanded his career to include retrieving the tee after kickoffs at N.C. State football games, ceremonial puck drops for the Hurricanes, and appearing on his own TOPPS baseball card. Ripken created cherished memories for all who met him, and his memory will continue to inspire joy for years to come.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Marie McMahon.

UNC’S KENAN STADIUM REVERTS TO NATURAL GRASS

Big changes have been happening for the UNC Tar Heels’ football program in the offseason. After signing former NFL coach Bill Belichick to a five-year contract, Carolina Athletics made the decision to convert Kenan Stadium back to natural grass. This decision comes after careful consideration of player safety and performance. Studies have shown that natural grass reduces the risk of certain injuries compared to artificial turf, and players often prefer the feel of grass underfoot. The change will also make hosting future international soccer friendlies easier, which UNC did over the past two summers, as these games require real grass to play. The artificial field was installed in 2019 and is nearing the end of its lifespan. The transition will take approximately 12 weeks, and work is expected to begin immediately following the conclusion of spring football practice. The new field will be ready for the 2025 season opener

Photo courtesy of Carolina Athletics.

STREET HOCKEY RINKS COMING TO APEX COMMUNITY PARK

The Town of Apex has partnered with the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL to build t wo brand-new street hockey rinks at Apex Community Park, offering a space for residents to enjoy the sport without the need for ice. Due to the exponential growth and interest of hockey within the area, ice time is difficult to come by, so these two rinks will help alleviate some of the demand. The project, announced in January, is part of the NHL’s ongoing efforts to grow the game of hockey at the grassroots level, particularly for youth, creating lifelong fans and increased participation. One rink will be for hockey only, while the other will be outfitted as a multipurpose court for use in hockey, basketball and futsal. The rinks will be open to players of all skill levels, and they will host programs designed to introduce newcomers to the sport Rink construction is set to begin soon, with completion expected in the spring.

Image by Michael Brown/Canesvision

News for Raleigh foodies compiled by the Midtown staff, with contributions from Triangle Food Guy Sean Lennard, who blogs at trianglefoodblog.com

A second location of State of Beer has opened at 849 W. Morgan Street in downtown Raleigh. The bottle shop and restaurant occupies a second transformed bungalow next door to The Bend Bar, a recently opened neighborhood spot serving local craft beers, wine and craft cocktails. The new location offers items such as harissa dry rubbed wings, homemade mozzarella sticks and chicken cutlet sandwiches. The space features a seven-seat bar, two dozen indoor seats, a deck connecting the bungalows, and a spacious backyard with fire pits and seating areas nestled among the trees.

Toastique, a gourmet toast, juice and coffee bar franchise, will debut its first Raleigh location in the third quarter of 2025 on the ground floor of 1000 Social Street in The Exchange Raleigh. The restaurant will feature gourmet toast, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, coffee, espresso and more.

Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar, a familyrun burger and soda shop, has opened a fourth Triangle location at 7224 GB Alford Highway in Holly Springs. The restaurant serves burgers, hot dogs, salads, sides and desserts.

Two new concepts are underway at 1601 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. Que Pashoo Mariscos offers guests a variety of tacos made with high-quality, fresh ingredients alongside craft cocktails. Squeeze, a juice bar and cafe focused on health and wellness, is preparing fresh juices, acai bowls and customizable smoothies along with salads, sandwiches and flatbreads. Both are expected to open in March.

Farmside Kitchen is coming to 316 Colonades Way, Suite 212 in Cary’s Waverly Place. The menu consists of hearty, wholesome and nutritious grain bowls, salads and grilled proteins. Farmside Kitchen has an existing location at 5431 Page Road in Durham.

Tiny House Treats, a family-owned, drivethru-only frozen custard and dessert shop, has opened at 1013 E. Broad Street in FuquayVarina in the Walmart parking lot. Sundaes include Canela Churro, Honey Comb and Banana Split.

Zweli’s Ekhaya at 406 Blackwell Street in Durham is offering Sunday brunch from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Look for creations such as caramel rum bread pudding and bananas foster French toast with caramelized pistachios and honey ricotta cream.

Brewery Bhavana, the brewery and dim sum restaurant based in downtown Raleigh, is set to expand with a second location at Cary’s Fenton development in April. The Cary location will offer a spacious outdoor patio with seating for close to 60 guests, along with a large courtyard. Guests can look forward to the dim sum menu, as well as popular entrees like General Tso’s chicken and Peking duck.

Marian Cocktails & Kitchen, a tapas bar, has opened in Raleigh’s Glenwood South at 301 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100. The fully plant-based eatery comes from the owners of popular vegan restaurants The Dirty V, Element Plant-Based Gastropub and De Plantas food truck. It will serve cocktails and globally inspired small and large plates.

A second Chick-fil-A location has opened at 1001 S. Hughes Street in Apex near Walmart. The fast-food chicken chain also has a spot in Beaver Creek Commons. Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant Cava has opened its first Durham location in Southpoint’s Renaissance Village retail center at 8128 Renaissance Parkway in the former Harvest 18 spot.

PrimoHoagies has opened at 121 Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The shop uses bread from Philadelphia, paired with PrimoHoagies or Herr’s Potato Chips. Sides include potato salad, macaroni salad and coleslaw, with a variety of cookies and dirt pudding for dessert.

Coffee Studio has plans to open in The Walker, the apartment complex at 370 S. Walker Street in Cary, in the former Howdy Homemade Ice Cream location. Cookout opened a new location at the corner of Hwy. 98 and Northpark Drive in Wake Forest in the former PDQ location.

The Bend Bar opened in December and is next door to the brand-new State of Beer. Both are owned by the guys who brought to you Trophy Brewing Co. Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

Raleigh’s Brewery Bhavana will soon open a second location inside Cary’s Fenton. Illustration by Liezl Pacult.

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Smoked

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1. BRU’S PUBLIC HOUSE, CARRBORO

Short rib sliders with pickled red onion and jalapeño.

Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

3. STATE OF BEER, RALEIGH

Housemade mozzarella sticks. Photo by Julie Leonard.

2. LITTLE REY, RALEIGH

Chicken Wings with salsa macha, deep-fried peanuts and chiles, and jalapeño ranch. Photo by Dathan Kazsuk.

4. THE OVERLOOK, RALEIGH

eared ahi tuna. Photo courtesy of The Overlook.

PATRIOTIC PRIDE

Fayetteville and Four Oaks Preserve America’s Past

FAYETTEVILLE

The Fayetteville area played a key role in some of history’s most significant events, including the American Revolution and Civil War. History buffs will recall the circumstances leading to the Liberty Point Resolves in 1775, North Carolina’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789 and the Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads in 1865. Fayetteville spans over 750 miles of historic trails and decades of stories that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

Travel the American Independence Trail to view the places where our forefathers fought for our independence, starting in 1775 as the city’s leaders protested the actions of Great Britain. Peer into the past on the African American Heritage Trail, which comprises historical sites of African Americans who resided in Cumberland County and uncovers the hard labor endured by enslaved persons and the entrepreneurship of free Blacks.

Fayetteville reflects a rich sense of its patriotic culture, including the city itself having been named for the Marquis de Lafayette, a famous general of the American Revolution. Drive the Patriots Past & Present Trail and honor those that created and continue to uphold our nation. On the Historical Markers Trail, observe structures built in the 1700s and 1800s that have stood the test of time.

Learn more at distinctlyfayettevillenc.com/things-to-do/ museums-history

FOUR OAKS

Just 40 miles from Fayetteville lies Four Oaks, which saw a Confederate army fail to halt a Union advance through eastern North Carolina, eventually leading to the largest Confederate surrender of the Civil War. The Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina’s largest conflict in the war, was fought March 19–21, 1865 in Four Oaks and involved 80,000 troops.

Watch as thousands of living historians descend on Bentonville Battlefield March 15–16 to bring the past to life in the 160th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Bentonville. In addition to combat scenarios, the two-day occasion features 19th century living history displays, free lectures, period music and dozens of “sutlers” selling Civil War–related items.

Four Oaks also offers unique shopping experiences, like Stanfield’s General Store with its vast collection of antiques and local wine and art. Gastronomic pleasures await at Four Oaks Restaurant, JP’s Chicken and Ribs, and Backroads Pizza, locally known for its chocolate chip pizza.

Learn more at historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bentonville-battlefield and johnstoncountync.org

Historic downtown Fayetteville offers several picturesque stops, such as the Downtown City Center on Hay Street, which features art and sculptures. Civil War canons and other historical objects are viewable at the Bentonville Battlefield site in Four Oaks. Photos by Dathan Kazsuk and Stock.Adobe.com/PT Hamilton.