CONTRIBUTORS

From a weekend away with the girls, to a fun vacation with the family, or a romantic getaway, we have packages that are perfect for any occasion.

Our Rendezvous Package is ideal for any stay, greeted with wine upon your arrival, dinner in our award-winning restaurant, and breakfast in bed.

(855) 421-2884

HELEN WILDY / WRITER

RACHEL SIMON / WRITER

Helen Wildy is a comedian originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Helen jokes about growing up “American Irish” in comedy clubs all over the U.S. She can be seen regularly at Goodnights Comedy Club and has worked with greats like Dave Attell, Moshe Kasher and Cameron Esposito. In January 2023, Helen recorded her first comedy album, Bomb Threat, with Helium Records (to be released later this year). She spends rare nights in with her partner, Victoria, and their cat, Manny, in “the lesbian hotspot known as Apex, North Carolina.” “It’s a dream to write for WALTER magazine and share these stories with the great city of Raleigh.” courtesy contributors

BOB KARP / PHOTOGRAPHER

Bob Karp received his BFA from Syracuse University. He was a photo editor, staff photographer and multimedia producer for Gannett NJ Press Media Group for 30 years. He moved to Raleigh four years ago to become a freelance documentary photojournalist. “I have a strong love for animals, so I was happy to visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue for this article. I am grateful that I can share the great work they do, and find myself humbled to be in the presence of these gorgeous creatures. Visiting Carolina Tiger should be on everyone’s bucket list.”

Rachel Simon is the author of Pickleball for All: Everything But the “Kitchen” Sink and a writer for The New York Times, NBC News, People, Glamour and more. She also teaches writing with Redbud Writers Project and Gotham Writers Workshop. She lives in Raleigh with her husband. “I love getting to travel and explore the world, which is why it was so exciting to discover all of the direct flights that RDU has to offer!”

TREY THOMAS / PHOTOGRAPHER

A lifelong passion for architecture and interior design, coupled with a serious love of photography, led to Trey Thomas switching careers in 2012 to focus exclusively on interiors and architectural photography. “I was fortunate enough to tour this home during Oakwood’s Candlelight Tour, and was left practically speechless. This led to much excitement when, only a few months later, Laura asked me to photograph this gem. Matthew is passionate and encyclopedic in his knowledge of historic homes and this detailed restoration is an incredible achievement. On top of that, the furniture, art and uniquities he has amassed over his travels are a treasure in their own right.”

We love to hear from you! A few recent notes...

Many people wrote in about “Right on Time,” about basketball great Phil Ford.

“Great article about a great basketball player and better man.”

— Roger Threadgill

“When I was in high school in Elizabeth City, I watched him play against us in basketball and baseball. He was a great shortstop as well. A great athlete.”

— Beth Fletcher Dabagian

“I went to high school with Phil Ford’s sister, Jackie, and later to UNC-Chapel Hill, as his sister did too. He was a hero all my teen and adult life. He was one of my dad’s all time favorite players. What a great article!”

— Jackie Freeman Bullington

Our article, autographed!

“Inspired by Mike Dunn’s article Swan Season, my girlfriend and I took a trip to Pungo Lake. It’s a beautiful drive out, with the last bit on dirt ‘roads.’ You’re out in the middle of nowhere, then all of a sudden it’s swan world. The sounds are incredible!”

— Trey Thomas