WEB EXCLUSIVE Raleigh-based Emmy Award-winning production company Trailblazer Studios is celebrating 20 years of success.
Lights, camera, action! Raleigh-based Trailblazer Studios is celebrating two decades of film creations and clients—with almost 1,000 hours of content in its portfolio to show for it.
Trailblazer Studios has worked with a diverse clientele of streamers, networks and festivals, and assisting with well-known shows like Jon & Kate Plus 8, Sister Wives, Private Violence and 7 Little Johnstons. The studio has also provided services for content featured on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Amazon.
“We wouldn’t be celebrating our pivotal 20-year anniversary without the talent, dedication and vision of each team member—both present and past,” says Tom Waring, CEO of Trailblazer Studios. “Our commitment to creative storytelling coupled with the company’s mastery and pioneering of remote post-production has driven our success and further mapped our trajectory. We’re looking forward to many more years of creating and delivering content to viewers everywhere.”
As Trailblazer rings in its 2oth anniversary, it also celebrates a successful 2021. Last year, Trailblazer launched the digital series The Housley Life on YouTube, pioneered a podcast initiative with American Sport, and worked on an original television undertaking with Reuters to revise its highly acclaimed award-winning series The Body Trade.
We can’t wait to see (and stream!) what content Trailblazer comes up with next. Here’s to the next 20 years! Raleighwood, here we come…
WEB EXCLUSIVE Wake County charity organization Note in the Pocket celebrates its move to a new (and more expansive) address.
Note in the Pocket, a Wake County-based nonprofit with a mission of providing quality clothing to homeless and impoverished kids and their families, kicked off the new year with its move to Crossroad Fellowship’s Millbrook Road Campus. This facility will provide extra space to store clothing donations and host more volunteers and community partnership gatherings. With 29,000 square feet in the new space—a capacity increase of 262%—the nonprofit looks forward to serving more children and families.
“Since 2013, Note in the Pocket has worked with more than 12,000 volunteers to provide over 35,000 children and families with clothing valued at more than $5 million in donated clothing,” says Executive Director Dallas Bonavita. “We look forward to continuing and expanding this important work through our beautiful new facility.”
Note in the Pocket held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour on Jan. 13 to celebrate the opening of the space. “This expansion will allow it [NITP] to continue its transformative work for decades to come,“ says Smedes York, chairman of York Properties. ”The children in school today are our community’s future leaders, and the dignity that comes with a new wardrobe will have an immeasurable positive impact on their future.”
Want to contribute? Help lift Note in the Pocket’s impact by dropping off your unwanted clothes at its new location—that dress that no longer fits, the sweater you never wear anymore… plus anything else that’s been gathering dust bunnies in the back of your closet. There’s never been a better reason to get a head start on your annual spring cleaning game. So let’s clean out our closets for a good cause!
Peak experiences await along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We’re all about taking the scenic route. Picture this: A gorgeous fall day, windows down, sunroof open, fall foliage galore… as you wind along the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia for 469 miles of “America’s Favorite Drive” (aka the Blue Ridge Parkway).
The pleasantly picturesque route presents unparalleled glimpses of regional flora, wildlife and natural wonders—and hands-down the best views of those colorful leaves (pro tip: peak color along large swaths of the Parkway is projected for the third week of October this year—with late September to early November considered ideal leaf-peeper season).
That poetry in motion (aka your Parkway joyride) stretches along 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, ideal for both the avid adventurer and the laid-back vacationer—serving up a plethora of outdoor ops, breathtaking hikes, eclectic (and delish) downhome eateries and charming overnight accommodations.
To help you hit the road for the highlands, we did the hard work for you. Here, we hone in on three Parkway paradises and our top picks for each. Make sure to pack your hiking boots and your fave flannel fit. Coming right up: adventure, served on the rocks.
DO
Blue Ridge Hiking Company
There’s no better way to peep peak color this fall than with a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains—and Blue Ridge Hiking Company has you covered. Choose from day hikes or overnight backpacking trips, all of which are led by an educated guide, so getting lost isn’t an issue. Asheville, blueridgehikingco.com
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Travel back in time to the 1760s with a visit to the grounds of the Oconaluftee Indian Village. A Cherokee cultural expert will guide you on an interactive journey through Cherokee lifestyle and history, winding through paths featuring traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas, sacred ritual sites and more. Cherokee, visitcherokeenc.com
Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park
Despite TLC’s advice to not go chasing waterfalls, we urge you to lace up your hiking boots for a 4-mile hike through a lush forest and wildflower meadow to marvel at this majestic 150-foot waterfall. Rainbow Falls spills into a pool scattered with boulders, creating clouds of mist that, when the sun hits it just right, cast colorful rainbows—a magical sight to see. Lake Toxaway, ashevilletrails.com
EAT
Chai Pani
You won’t be able to get enough of five-time James Beard-nominated chef Meherwan Irani’s innovative Indian street fare (from chaat and pakoras to uttapam and thalis) at Chai Pani, which translates to “tea and water,” slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a snack or “a little something” (though you’re going to want to get a little bit of everything—trust us). Asheville, chaipaniasheville.com
The Falls Cafe & Grille
Dine out at The Falls Cafe & Grille for a casual dining experience with not-so-casual views. Whether you’re shoveling down some classic American grub (think burgers, sandwiches, wraps and salads) or gaping at the beautiful Toxaway Falls, this fam-style eatery promises a top-notch experience. Lake Toxaway, facebook.com/thefallscafeandgrille
Heavenly Fudge
Founded by fudge enthusiast Larry Denman (aka “Mr. Fudge”) in 1976, Heavenly Fudge features recipes that have been carefully tested, tasted and perfected over the years. Today, a variety of fudge flavors are offered, from bourbon pecan to peanut butter to chocolate salted caramel, as are hand-dipped chocolates and candy bars. Cherokee, fudgedepot.com
DRINK
Trade and Lore
Photo courtesy of Trade and Lore Coffee
This artisanal coffee shop has a whole latte love for fellow local businesses, including Cooperative Coffee Roasters (the cafe’s primary roaster), Bee Charmer (for local honey), Eat More Bakery (purveyor of vegan and gluten-free baked goods) and more. By night, post up at Trade and Lore for a local brew, glass of wine or canned cocktail on the patio. Asheville, tradeandlore.com
Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company
Home of the self-proclaimed “finest foam heads and flat breads” in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this inviting restaurant and brewery dishes signature handcrafted wood-fired pizzas, bar-friendly apps and other pub grub, alongside cocktails, wine and a plethora of local craft brews (think 10 rotating draft options from area breweries)—with majestic mountain views to really seal the deal. Cheers! Lake Toxaway, sapphiremountainbrewingcompany.com
Qualla Java Cafe
Owned by three enrolled members of federally recognized Indigenous nations and a Colombian national, Qualla Java Cafe offers high-quality small-batch Colombian coffee, as well as tea, smoothies and other noncoffee drinks—best enjoyed on the riverfront directly behind the shop. Top of the mornin’ to ya, indeed. Cherokee, quallajava.com
STAY
Photo courtesy of Greystone Inn
Haywood Park Hotel
After hitting the trails, kick up your feet at this historic boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown Asheville, complete with top-tier service and lavish amenities to boot—think on-site dining at Isa’s Bistro, in-room Jacuzzi tubs and complimentary valet parking. Plus, some of the city’s finest food, art, theater, breweries and live music, all within walking distance. Asheville, haywoodpark.com
The Greystone Inn
Do it all or do nothing at all at The Greystone Inn, a private resort located right on the shores of Lake Toxaway. Treat yourself to some R&R with customized massages, body exfoliation therapy and a facial, or get your feet wet through stand-up paddleboarding, tubing, kayaking, swimming and other outdoor activities. Lake Toxaway, greystoneinn.com
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Want to play your cards right? Test your luck (and rest your head) at North Carolina’s first major casino, also home to a 21-story luxury hotel located among the beautiful mountain setting of Western North Carolina (with superb amenities like a 24/7 fitness room, indoor pool, and outdoor pool boasting cabanas and a bar area). We’re willing to wager that you’ll find Harrah’s to be an outstanding place to stay. Cherokee, caesars.com
Calling all the ladies! Enjoy some much-needed R&R with your gal pals while strolling through Downtown Wake Forest for sales, specials and giveaways from local businesses.ladiesnightonwhite.com
9/16 RALEIGH NIGHT MARKET
Raleigh Night Market’s biggest market yet packs over 100 local vendors into both Moore Square and City Market—with DRA’s Jazz in the Square, live music, axe throwing, lawn games, food trucks and more happening at the same time—for what’s sure to be an outstanding night. raleighnightmarket.com
9/16-19 ARNEZ J
Watch an up-and-coming comedian run the stage—quite literally—at Improv this weekend. improv.com
It just goat serious. Head baaa-ck to Spring Haven Farm for movies with goats. You’re welcome. springhaven.farm
9/17–18 BREWGALOO
Roll Downtown for two brew-filled days at the country’s second-largest (yes, you read that right) craft beer fest—also voted back-to-back No. 1 Best Beer Fest in America by USA Today. Craft beer (from 110 craft breweries around NC!), food trucks, local vendors and live music collide for one buzzy event.shoplocalraleigh.org
Both heartfelt and comedic, Raleigh Little Theatre’s The Velocity of Autumn by Eric Coble takes the stage at Cantey V. Sutton Theatre. raleighlittletheatre.org
9/18 CAROLINA CLASSIC 2021
Let’s get right to the pointe. Dance on over to Raleigh’s regional dance event for a performance sure to keep you on your toes.carolinadance.com
9/18 COSMECON
Cosmetics, skincare, wellness and fashion—oh, my! All things beauty—inside and out—are happening at Belk Crabtree this weekend. cosmecon2021.com
9/18 NC STATE VS. FURMAN
Head to Carter-Finley Stadium for Ag Day and Parents & Families weekend as NC State fights Furman for the W. gopack.com
9/18 OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL
Willie Nelson and friends are on the road again with a star-packed lineup pit-stopping at Walnut Creek. outlawmusicfestival2021.com
9/18, ongoing RALEIGH DOWNTOWN TASTING TOUR
Taste your way through Downtown Raleigh on (most) Saturdays—stretchy pants recommended.tastecarolina.com
9/18 SOLA HOT MINI 5K
For the eighth year running, Sola Coffee Cafe’s Hot Mini 5K is calling for racers to raise funds in the fight against ALS (last year’s seventh annual remote race saw nearly 1,000 participants raise $94,000. Rock on!). Then, once you raise all the dollars to beat ALS and dash across the finish line, make sure to treat yourself to some hot minis—because you deserve it. Can’t race? Please donate. Read out full store here;solacoffee.com
9/18 YAPPY HOUR
Want the latest on the Dix Park Dog Park? Chat with park planners and sip on a cold one this Saturday. dixpark.org
9/21 VITA VITE BOOK CLUB
National bestselling book Hamnet is making local waves as Vita Vite’s book club choice for the month. vitaviteraleigh.com
9/22 BIG THIEF
Presented by the NCMA and Cat’s Cradle, Big Thief, an indie rock band with hauntingly beautiful melodies and bare-bones lyrics, will grace our presence and our ears at the North Carolina Museum of Art.ncartmuseum.org
9/22 CAPITAL CITY BIKEFEST 2021
Wheel on over to Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson for a three-day family-friendly fest filled with spectacular stunt shows, live music, axe throwing, food trucks and more. facebook.com/capitalcitybikefest
From Hopscotch (only the best music fest to come to town!) to BugFest to the highly anticipated Beer, Bourbon & Barbecue Festival, there’s plenty to do in Raleigh this week.
9/9 MOVIES IN THE GARDEN: DREAMGIRLS
Who run the world? Girls! Catch your fave dreamgirls—Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose—as they steal the screen at the Raleigh Little Theatre’s outdoor amphitheatre. raleighlittletheatre.org
9/9–11 HOPSCOTCH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Raleigh’s best boppin’ fest of the year is finally here! Jam out to almost every genre imaginable—rock, hip-hop, metal, folk, electronic, experimental and more—at various venues across Downtown. hopscotchmusicfest.com
9/10–11 LUKE COMBS
“What you see is what you get”—and what you’re getting are top-tier country melodies from your fave NC native country crooner, Luke Combs. No doubt you’re in for a “Beautiful, Crazy” night.pncarena.com
9/10–11 BEER, BOURBON & BBQ FESTIVAL
It doesn’t get much better than two days of booze (60+ beers and 40+ bourbons from which to choose), barbecue and bluegrass music—plus allll the fixins’, specialty foods from local vendors, games and more—during the 15th annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. Talk about a smoke show. beerandbourbon.com
9/11 NCMA CINEMA: MINARI
Beat the heat with the NCMA’s indoor film series featuring cross-cultural coming-of-age stories that will no doubt evoke inspiration this fall. ncartmuseum.org
9/11 HOUSEPLANT MANAGEMENT: YOUR PLANTS, YOUR TIME, YOUR LIFE
Learn how to flex your green thumb the proper way through Logan’s Garden Shop’s houseplant management class. Greenhouse guru Anna Vancina will school attendees on what kinds of plants work best for busy lifestyles, the challenges plant parents face returning to the workplace, and other much-needed organization practices to help keep all your frond friends in bloom. logantrd.com
9/11 SATURDAY SOIREE AT CLOUDS BREWING
Bountiful beers and delightful doggos? Sounds like heaven to us. Stay for a brew or two and leave with a new furry friend from Cause For Paws. cloudsbrewing.com
9/11 ELIZABETH LOCKE TRUNK SHOW
Browse through ancient pieces refreshed by world traveler Elizabeth Locke’s artistic vision at Bailey’s Fine Jewelry in the Village District this Saturday. baileybox.com
9/13–18 BUGFEST: PLAN BEE!
A festival dedicated to bugs? That’s pretty fly. Virtual programs will take place Monday through Thursday, but buzz over to Prairie Ridge for a Pollination Celebration and Moth Party on Saturday to wrap things up. naturalsciences.org
9/15 MAROON 5
Bring your moves like Jagger to Walnut Creek for tunes and the chance to see Levine take off his shirt (he will). walnutcreekamphitheatre.com
