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Gift Guide
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DROLL YANKEE SQUIRREL FLIPPER FEEDER, $189.99
Country Farm and Home 101 S. Small St., Pittsboro 919.542.3353 chathamfarmsupply.com The Droll Yankee feeder not only keeps squirrels out of your bird seed, it also adds entertainment as its battery-operated flipper spins squirrels off. SIERRA KIOTO MINI GOLD BOWL AND SPOON, $56 Steel Roots Home Décor 9515 U.S. Hwy 15-501 N., Chapel Hill 919.444.2778 steelrootshd.com
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LOG CABIN INCENSE, $12 Deep River Mercantile 115 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro 919.542.8166 deeprivermerc.com Charming miniature Log Cabin incense burner with smoking chimney that really works. Available in Balsam Fir (think fresh-cut Christmas tree) or Red Cedar scents.
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This isn’t just another fruitcake – it’s a legacy of a Scott family tradition. An old-fashioned, classic fruitcake that’s moist and chewy – the way fruitcake should be – it has rich English walnuts, fresh pecans, golden raisins, dates, pineapple and candied cherries in every bite.
ROOM TO GROW
THE BARKER FAMILY FOUND MORE SPACE – BOTH INSIDE AND OUT – AT THEIR NEW HOME IN CHAPEL RIDGE
BY COURTNEY HAYES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH MANN
Alex Barker and Andrew Barker – along with their kids, Dylan, 4, and Milo, 2; pups Palmer and Finley; and cat, Moo – moved to the Chapel Ridge neighborhood in August 2020 from South Durham’s Audubon Park. “When we bought our last house, we only had one child,” Alex says. “We thought having three bedrooms was great because we had one for her, one for us and a guest room. Once we had our second child, we just felt like we were outgrowing it.” They started casually looking at homes and didn’t put any pressure on themselves to find a new one right away. But when they came across their current home, thanks to the help of Gretchen Castorina with Hodge & Kittrell
“We will not be able to go to Christmas Eve service [this year], but we will have Christmas Eve dinner with our family and my parents’ neighbors of more than 25 years, who are basically family,” Alex says.
Palmer joins storytime on the large sectional in the living room – big enough for the whole family!
Sotheby’s International Realty, they knew it was the one.
The new construction, built by Martin Beam with MJ Rose Homes, has more space – 3,470 square feet – and an open floor plan. The home was nearly complete when Alex and Andrew bought it, but they did get to choose a few customizations. They selected the paint colors for their fireplace, dining room and some bedrooms. They also had a hand in selecting some of the fixtures and mirrors for the bathrooms. “We’ve actually been able to make the neutrality of the interior colors work to our advantage because it’s allowed us to decorate as we would without restriction,” Andrew says. “Our style is definitely the rustic-yetmodern look when it comes to furniture and décor – cozy, but not cluttered, and a preference for earth tones.”
The house also feels more remote and scenic than their previous home. It sits on a half-acre, and the backyard is surrounded by woods, offering natural privacy when they sit out on their
Andrew likes the look of the living room’s built-in bookshelves, which he says have a better aesthetic than the built-ins in their previous home.
covered, screened-in back porch or around the cozy fire pit in their backyard.
“Another thing that’s different, neighborhood-wise, is that this is a community, but it feels a little bit more isolated out here,” Andrew says. “In Audubon Park, you feel like you can drive just around the corner to find restaurants or The Glass Jug Beer Lab bottle shop. It’s much more rural out here, but honestly, we like that.”
“We now love going to The Plant in Pittsboro,” Alex says. “It has so many great things for all of us, including beer, food, a coffee shop, a playground for the kids, walking trails and ax throwing. It’s also great because we can sit outside and socially distance.”
Plus, their home is near the Chapel Ridge Golf Club, which Andrew, who went to Professional Golfers Career College in Hilton Head, loves. “I actually just played there this weekend,” Andrew says, joking that he’s truly not trying to push the sport onto their toddler, who has already started picking up golf clubs and saying, “Golf!”
A downstairs bedroom was turned into a dedicated playroom for the kids to enjoy. “That’s nice because we don’t feel like the kid stuff is all out all the time,” Alex says. “Also it’s nice for the dogs, because they will eat anything. We can close the door and shut them out.” It will become a guest room for Andrew’s parents when they come to visit, but for now, the kids get to use it as a space for their toys and imagination. “Our daughter loves to make villages with blocks and put the dolls and furniture all around,” Alex says. “Because we can close that door, her villages can stay up for days on end without being in our way or getting eaten by a dog.”
The room is also conveniently close to the kitchen, so Alex can keep an eye on them while she’s cooking dinner. “I love
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to cook and bake, so the kitchen is, I would say, my dream kitchen,” Alex says of the bright space that opens up to the living area. “I don’t know if I would have done anything different with it.” She also is thankful for the scratchproof floors that run throughout the house, which she says are a must if you have kids and pets.
Also necessary for a growing family – a showstopping pantry. “I never in my life thought I would have this, but the pantry is 9 feet [deep],” Alex says. “Our next goal is we want to get some awesome organizers in here,” Alex says, so that they can keep the space looking neat and tidy.
Another feature that allows for more utilitarian use are the striking built-in bookshelves in the living room. Andrew says their former home also had builtins, but they were bulky and didn’t have a great aesthetic. “These are very much integrated into the construction and just look really nice,” he says.
Both Andrew and Alex enjoy the open floor plan, “but you still feel like you have your designated rooms,” Alex says. “We didn’t want a house that felt like it was one big space.”
Upstairs, Milo and Dylan each have their own bedroom and share an extended “Jack-and-Jill” bathroom. “When they’re older, they will have their own space and sink and can close the door,” Alex says.
The master bedroom is also on this floor, along with a space that Alex, a research assistant at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Andrew, a national account manager at Bandwidth in Raleigh, use as an office while they’re both currently working from home.
On the third floor is a bonus room that serves as another play area for the kids and also as a place for Andrew and Alex to host vinyl nights, a more regular occurrence prior to COVID-19. “We have family come over and everyone brings a record, and we will listen and have drinks,” Andrew says. “It’s one of our favorite activities.”
In the few months they’ve lived in Chapel Ridge, Alex and Andrew have been on the hunt to curate perfect pieces of decor and furniture for their new home. Sentimental items that they inherited are mixed among styles from Pottery Barn, West Elm, Target and Home Goods. “We are very excited about our dining room set that we got from the Unfinished Furniture Outlet in Sanford,” Alex says. “We also have family pieces, such as our kitchen table, which we had refinished.
The kids’ playroom is just off to the side of the kitchen. “It’s so convenient to have them close when I’m cooking dinner and also gives them their own space away from the living room,” Alex says.
My great-grandmother bought it in the 1920s. We also love Smallwoods, an online printing shop. We have a few large canvas prints we ordered from them. We are also starting to explore the Pittsboro boutique stores like Chatham Home, New Horizons and Deep River Mercantile. Pittsboro Toys is a big favorite of our children!”
They were thrilled to have more space to welcome their loved ones in for Thanksgiving, ensuring the first holiday season in their new home is a memorable one. “We have kept our family in our bubble the entire pandemic (partially because our parents watch our children during the day), so we [are] still able to see them,” Alex says. Christmas will be spent with her folks, “opening stockings (a big deal in our family) and presents from Santa and one another followed by an early dinner with a roast, potatoes and lots of different side dishes.” CM
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NORTH CHATHAM BRIAR CHAPEL 501 Pharmacy Scoops of Maple View Farm ice cream, plus malts and shakes. 98 Chapelton Ct., Ste. 300; 984-999-0501; 501rx.com Breakaway Cafe A casual “cycling-inspired” cafe serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and small plates, along with Counter Culture coffee, beer, wine and Maple View Farm ice cream. The patio is now open; the inside dining area remains closed. Orders can be placed at the counter, online or over the phone. 58 Chapelton Ct., Ste. 100; 984-234-3010; breakawaync.co Capp’s Pizzeria & Trattoria Traditional Italian cuisine including homemade fresh pastas, salads, sandwiches and a trattoria menu. 79 Falling Springs Dr., Ste. 140; 919-240-4104; cappspizzeria.com
O’YA Cantina Latin cuisine from all over the world. 72 Chapelton Ct.; 984-999-4129; oyacantina.com
Town Hall Burger and
Beer Gourmet burgers plus shared plates, tacos, wings and salads. Open for dine in and curbside pickup. 58 Chapelton Ct.; 984-234-3504; townhallburgerandbeer.com
GOVERNORS VILLAGE Flair Restaurant & Wine Bar High-quality French-influenced American food, coffee, wine, beer and brunch. 50100 Governors Dr.; 919-967-9990; flairfusionrestaurant.com Gov’s Burger & Tap Salads, sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs. 50050 Governor’s Dr.; 919-240-5050; govsburgerandtap.com Papa John’s Pizza Pizza crafted with quality. 50010 Governors Dr.; 919-968-7272; papajohns.com Tarantini Italian cuisine. 50160 Governors Dr.; 919-942-4240; tarantinirestaurant.com
NORTH CHATHAM VILLAGE/ COLE PARK PLAZA
Captain John’s Dockside Fish & Crab House
American seafood dishes. 11550 U.S. Hwy. 15501 N.; 919-968-7955; docksidechapelhill.com
Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant
Mexican dishes with vegetarian options. 11552 U.S. Hwy. 15-501 N., Ste. 205; 919-929-8012; guanajuatomexicanrestaurant.net Marco’s Pizza Traditional Italian dishes, pizzas. 141 Chatham Downs Dr., Ste. 201; 919-3914090; marcos.com
Moon Asian Bistro
Asian fusion restaurant offering sushi, Chinese dishes like sweet-andsour chicken, Thai curry dishes, rice and noodles. 111 Knox Way, Ste. 100; 919-869-7894; moonasianbistroch.com
Panda Garden Chinese dishes like chow mein and egg foo young. Not currently offering dine in. Takeout is available. 11312 U.S. Hwy. 15501; 919-960-8000; chapelhillpandagarden.com Village Pizza and Pasta A neighborhood pizza place serving up subs, calzones, pastas and salads. 11312 U.S. Hwy. 15-501 S., Ste. 300; 919-960-3232; villagepizzapasta.com
PITTSBORO U.S. 15-501/FEARRINGTON VILLAGE Allen & Son BBQ Eastern N.C. barbecue; open for takeout only. 5650 U.S. 15-501; 919-5422294; stubbsandsonbbq.com The Belted Goat Casual dining for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Coffee & wine shop. Open for outdoor dining and takeout. Orders can be placed online or at the pickup window. Fearrington Village Center; 919-545-5717; fearrington.com/belted-goat
Carolina Brewery Pub fare from local sources like Boxcarr Handmade Cheese and Lilly Den Farm. Outdoor seating available. 120 Lowes Dr.; 919-5452330; carolinabrewery.com/ pittsboro-brewery
Compadres Tequila Lounge Mexican restaurant with a variety of classic dishes. 193 Lowes Dr., Ste. 107; 919-704-8374; compadresnc.com The Fearrington House Restaurant Fine-dining French cuisine offering a chef’s tasting menu. Reservations required. Fearrington Village Center; 919-542-2121; fearrington.com/house House of Hops Relaxed bar and bottle shop with a large craft beer selection on tap. Outdoor seating available. 112 Russet Run, Ste. 110; 919-542-3435; houseofhopsnc.com New Japan Hibachi-style Japanese cooking, dine in or carry out. 90 Lowes Dr.; 919-542-4380 Papa John’s Pizza Pizza crafted with quality. 120 Lowes Dr.; 919-545-7272; papajohns.com Roost Beer Garden Wood-fired pizza, local brews and live music. Open April through October. Offering outdoor seating and takeout, which can be ordered online or at the restaurant. Fearrington Village Center; 919-542-2121; fearrington.com/roost
The Root Cellar
Sandwiches, prepared salads, desserts and more. Beer and wine only. Offering online ordering and pickup, weekly prepared meals, groceries to-go box and Friday night specials. 35 Suttles Rd.; 919-542-1062; 750 MLK Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill; 919-967-3663; rootcellarchapelhill.com
EAST STREET China Inn Chinese dishes, dine in or carry out. 630 East St.; 919-545-0259 Copeland Springs Farm & Kitchen Farm-totable restaurant serving grains and greens bowls in addition to small plates/bar snacks. Orders can be placed online. 193B Lorax Ln.; 919-261-7211; copelandspringsfarm.com Greek Kouzina Made-from-scratch hummus, gyros, kebabs and more available for dine in, curbside pickup and delivery. 964 East St.; 919-542-9950; greekkouzina.com Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Burgers, cheesesteaks and frozen custard. 987 East St.; 919-542-1312; hwy55.com/locations/pittsboro Michoacán Mexican Grill Traditional Mexican dishes including arroz con pollo and burrito texano. 440 East St.; 919-704-8751 San Felipe Mexican dishes including fajitas, burritos and combo plates. 630 East St.; 919-542-1008; sanfelipenc.com
Small B&B Cafe Farm-to-table breakfast and lunch. Offering outdoor dining with online ordering. 219 East St.; 919-537-1909; smallbandbcafe.com Starrlight Mead Tastings of honey wines and honey. 130 Lorax Ln.; 919-533-6314; starrlightmead.com
WEST STREET Al’s Diner Traditional American classics for breakfast, lunch and supper. 535 West St.; 919-542-5800; alsdiner.net Al’s Lunchbox Walk up or drive-thru sandwiches, homemade ice cream, freshsqueezed orangeades and lemonades. 517 West St.; 919-542-0813; alsdiner.net Angelina’s Kitchen Seasonal dishes of the Greek and Southwestern variety including gyros, rice bowls and family dinners for pickup. 23 Rectory St.; 919-545-5505; angelinaskitchenonline.com Goodness Gracious Juice Co. Burritos, sandwiches, salads and wraps as well as smoothies and juices. Open for drive-thru takeout and delivery. 517 West St.; 919-726-2033; goodnessgraciousnc.com ODDCO Art and design store and music venue featuring regional craft beers. 684 West St.; 919-704-8832; realoddstuff.com The Phoenix Bakery Small-batch, seasonal baked goods like apple pie doughnuts, caramel-pecan rolls, scones, cookies and specialty cakes. Dine-in area closed. 664 West St.; 919-542-4452; thephoenixbakerync.com
LOCAL FRESH FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED HILLSBORO STREET/DOWNTOWN Aromatic Roasters Small-batch coffee shop specializing in espresso shots, Aztec mochas, raspberry lemonade, chai lattes and Thai teas. Orders can be placed online for in-store pickup. 697 Hillsboro St.; 919-259-4749; aromaticroasters.com Blue Dot Coffee Joe Van Gogh coffee, lattes, smoothies and pastries. To-go orders can be placed at the window or by phone. 53 Hillsboro St.; 919-704-8064
Buzz Cafe at Chatham Marketplace
Sandwiches, daily changing hot bar, sushi, salads and baked goods. 480 Hillsboro St.; 919-542-2643; chathammarketplace.coop The City Tap Hoagie and grilled sandwiches, plus classic bar snacks. 89 Hillsboro St.; 919-545-0562; thecitytap.com Davenport’s Café Diem Coffee and espresso offerings, plus tea and alternative milk/sugarfree options. 439 Hillsboro St.; 919-704-4239; davenports-cafediem.com
Elizabeth’s Pizza
Pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, salads and pasta. Offering curbside service. 160 Hillsboro St.; 919-545-9292; elizabethspizza pittsboro.com
FIRST IN FLAVOR
Proudly serving Award-Winning Beers, Scratch-Made Food, and NC BBQ since 1995.
John’s Pizza Restaurant Pizzas, pastas, wraps, calzones and strombolis. 122 Sanford Rd.; 919-542-5027; johnspizzarestaurant.com
The Mod Wood-fired pizza, salads, small plates and a full bar. Outdoor seating available. 46 Sanford Rd.; 919-533-6883; themodernlifedeli.com
Postal Fish Company Fresh seafood from North Carolina’s coast prepared thoughtfully by chef Bill Hartley. Serving dinner only. 75 W. Salisbury St.; 919-704-8612; postalfishcompany.com S&T’s Soda Shoppe Soda fountain, American fare. 85 Hillsboro St.; 919-545-0007; sandtsodashoppe.com Sweet Bee Caffé Temporarily closed. Virlie’s Grill Breakfast, lunch and supper options like biscuits, salads, subs and barbecue. 58 Hillsboro St.; 919-542-0376; virliesgrill.com Willy’s Cinnamon Rolls Etc. Bakery selling cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, cookies and bread with ’40s and ’50s flair. 35 W. Chatham St.; 252-305-9227; willysrolls.com
SANFORD La Dolce Vita Pizzeria Salads, specialty pizza, focaccia sandwiches and dessert, with an outdoor patio. 226 Carthage St.; 919-777-5277; ldvpizzeria.com
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THEMODERNLIFEDELI.COM 919-533-6883
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LOCATED IN CHAPEL HILL & PITTSBORO www.carolinabrewery.com
Voted Favorite Pizza and Italian
160 Hillsboro St Pittsboro, NC
ELIZABETHSPIZZAPITTSBORO.COM 919.545.9292
SILER CITY Bestfood Cafeteria Southern comfort food. 220 E. 11th St.; 919-742-2475 (cafeteria), 919-742-6033 (steakhouse); bestfoodsilercity.com Brownie Lu’s Restaurant Southern comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 919 N. Second Ave.; 919-799-7250 Chris’ Drive-in Burgers, hot dogs and fries. 1329 N. Second Ave.; 919-663-2333
Compadres Mexican Restaurant
A variety of classic dishes. 115 Siler Crossing; 919-663-5600; compadresnc.com Courtyard Coffee and Soda Cafe Coffee, Italian sodas, smoothies and bakery items. Outdoor seating available. 138 N. Chatham Ave.; 919-663-2152 Dry Dock Seafood A variety of seafood dishes and daily specials. Providing curbside pickup services. 408 N. Second Ave.; 919-742-2177; drydockseafood.com Elizabeth’s Pizza Pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, salads and pasta. Offering curbside service. 119 Siler Crossing; 919-663-5555; elizabethspizzasilercity.com Hayley Bales Steakhouse American-style salads, steaks, chicken and seafood. 220 E. 11th St.; 919-742-6033; hayleybalessteakhouse.letseat.at Johnson’s Drive In Burgers, hot dogs and fries on Highway 64 since 1946. 1520 E. 11th St. Nericcio’s Family Restaurant Temporarily closed. New China Inn Chinese dishes. Dine in or carry out. 203 Chatham Sq.; 919-663-0889 Oasis Fresh Market and Deli Local and organic soups, sandwiches and recipes + local events Mediterranean specialties. Offering takeout and online ordering. 117 S. Chatham Ave.; + foodie news 919-799-7434; oasisfreshmarket.com San Felipe Mexican dishes including fajitas, burritos and combo plates. 102 Walmart Supercenter; 919-663-7333; sanfelipenc.com CHAPEL HILL SOUTHERN VILLAGE Al’s Burger Shack Gourmet burgers and fries made with local ingredients. 708 Market St.; 919-914-6694; 516 W. Franklin St.; 919-904-7659; alsburgershack.com La Vita Dolce Espresso & Gelato Café eat& drink Pastries, sorbet, gelato. Patio seating available. 610 Market St., Ste. 101-C; newsletter 919-968-1635; lavitadolcecafe.com Market and Moss New American cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. 700 Market St.; 919-929-8226; marketandmoss.com Rasa Malaysia Authentic Malaysian dishes. 410 Market St.; 984-234-0256; rasamalaysiach.com Town Hall Grill Temporarily closed. Weaver Street Market Hot bar and salad bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 716 Market St.; 919-929-2009; weaverstreetmarket.coop
ASIAN BISTRO
Asian Fusion Restaurant Specializing in Chinese, Thai and Japanese, including Hibachi, Teriyaki and Sushi Outside Patio Dining Open • Curbside Pickup Third-Party Delivery Options Available
111 Knox Way, Chapel Hill Polk’s Village behind UNC Pediatrics moonasianbistro.com (919) 869 7894 or (919) 869 7819
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