From kitchen to candle studio—Crook’s Corner’s Justin Burdett is lighting the Triangle aflame. Enter Room Candle Co., a new venture with wife and co-founder Zoë Dehmer that redirects the hustle and bustle of restaurant life into a warm, inviting brand that beckons the burned-out to find calm in chaos. “I loved the loud, fast pace of kitchens—but physically it takes a huge toll,” says Burdett. “Candlemaking still gives me [the chance] to use my hands and mind—just in a calmer setting.” Launched from their garage, the small-batch studio pours scents like Sweater Weather, Fig & Sprig, and Mulled Cider—bringing to light its MO of slowing down and savoring the cozy life. roomcandleco.com
You’re cute jeans (iykyk)—especially now that Raleigh Denim Workshop has launched Field of Jeans, repurposing rare leftover Levi’s denim into fresh shrunk and field-dried ’fits for optimal wear. @raleighdenim
Mother Nature called—and she wants you to find your roots. Artist Pat Sweeney’s The Roots of Art transforms dead tree roots into poignant painted pieces that blend fine art with the great outdoors. therootsofart.com
We spy with our little eyes… Warby Parker’s newest Village District locale is setting its sights on Raleighites with too-cool-for-school eyewear—think sunnies, readers and blue-light lenses galore. @warbyparker
Vintage is so back at House of Rebellion, coming in hot to DTR with a fashion revolution of retro finds, secondhand must-haves and bold upcycled treasures to shake up any wardrobe. And those colorful, eclectic vibes? Totally tubular. @rebellionvtg
Give your wardrobe the old razzle-dazzle with Mary George Design’s curated selection of vibrant, bold and fashion-forward pieces that pop. Think dresses, blouses and shorts guaranteed to brighten any ’fit. @marygeorgedesign
Photo by Carrie Dale Photo
Now that’s a mood—Mood Raleighbows at Platform Apartments in the West End District to bring a little color into your life one nail at a time, thanks to skilled artists delivering flawless results no matter what design you may dream up. @moodraleigh
Dix Park got trolled—literally. The mastermind? Internationally acclaimed recycle artist Thomas Dambo, who just delivered his largest North American collection of troll sculptures to NC. Five gentle giants have taken root at Dix, with two more popping up in Charlotte and High Point—joining more than 150 worldwide.
Handcrafted from reclaimed wood, branches and pallets, the whimsical figures embody Dambo’s mission “to show the world trash can be turned into something beautiful—that we can create joy and connection without consuming more,” he says. Embracing that sentiment, the installations draw nearly 4.5 million visitors each year and have caught the attention of outlets like National Geographic.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity… bringing worldwide attention to Raleigh while creating a deeply local experience at Dix Park,” says Dix Park Conservancy President/CEO Ruffin Hall. As to their whereabouts, these mysterious creatures remain on the hush—because, as Dambo says, his trolls don’t like to fuss around; they like to be found. (Hint: X marks the spot on the Trollmap!) Time to go troll hunting.
Like a small-scale Shimmer Wall, the facility’s recently unveiled art installation features a large steel acorn sculpture aglow with alternating colorful lights. Crafted from laser-cut, welded and buffed stainless steel sheets, the sculpture clocks in at ~7 feet and tips the scales at nearly 900 pounds. And not to be overlooked is the intricate leaf/acorn design engraved within the metal providing fall feels and a further ode to the City of Oaks.
“This is truly an engaging piece that adds special value and further enhances what is already a dynamic space at RUS Bus,” says GoTriangle President/CEO Dr. Brian Smith. “With its compelling design that reflects genuine connection to the Capital City, this public art is sure to enrich commuters’ and visitors’ experiences for years to come.”
Raleigh’s nuttiest acorn comes after GoTriangle’s call for artists accumulated 64 responses, with Arizona-based design firm Creative Machines’ artist Joseph O’Connell, designer Ellie Franzen and project manager Alexandra Kirschbaum chosen to take the lead on the project. More than just squirrel food, the eye-catching sculpture connects commuters while celebrating Raleigh’s ongoing growth.
Slice, sip and shop at these outposts just outside the city.
Dino’s Pizza DURHAM Searching for a slice of New York without the plane ride? Two of the Triangle’s culinary vets, Matt Kelly (of Mateo, Vin Rouge, and Mothers & Son fame) and Tom Cuomo (of Raleigh’s now-closed Papa Shogun), have joined forces to debut this cheesy casual neighborhood affair that harkens back to the pizza spots of your youth. Combining Italian American classics and New York/New Jersey favorites, the nostalgic experience is worth sinking your teeth into—and making the drive to Bull City for. Round out your meal with the zingy Caesar salad, hearty chicken Parm and finger-licking cannolis that’ll have the whole famiglia obsessed. @dinospizza_durham
Madison Fann
Fable Books & Cafe HOLLY SPRINGS Cozy season is so back—time to flip open a new book and embark on a different kind of adventure through words. And with its selection of over a million books (!)—carefully curated and leaving no genre untouched and no reader unsatisfied—this bookstore and cafe is just the spot to scavenge for a good read while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. Born from the love of bookworms and the dreams of writers, the contemporary book nook brings a little bit of everything to the table—whether you’re in search of a riveting romance novel, mind-bending social science fiction or anything in between. So go ahead, get lost in the pages—and your cup. fablebooksandcafe.comv
Narrative Coffee Company DURHAM Skip the Starbs for a local brand writing a new narrative. Originally started as a humble mobile trailer (which you can still spot throughout the Triangle), the specialty coffee concept has officially opened its very first brick-and-mortar. Pouring up a cup of ambition, Narrative’s high-quality coffee is made from 100% Arabica specialty coffee beans from local vendors, furthering its tagline of “seed to cup.” Caffeinated ops range from a traditional Americano and cortado to house cold brew and cappuccinos, plus an assortment of lattes upping the sweet factor—think the Butter Beer with toffee nut and butterscotch, or the fan-fave Cookie Butter Oat feat. Speculoos and dulce de leche. And for a Zenned-out morning, there’s brewed teas, matcha and chai—because after all, there’s more than one way to sip away the bad vibes. narrativecoffeecompany.com
Wedgewood Cheese Bar CARRBORO Cheese lovers, prepare to feel like a kid in a candy store. The Triangle’s first standalone cheese bar is ripe and apt for slicing, inspired by Euro haunts, quirky cheese bars and intimate wine bars the world over. Taking your classic cheese and wine outing to the next level, the chef- and cheesemonger-led concept serves up an extensive menu of cheese boards (build your own or spring for the cheesemonger’s choice, aka “Omaqueso”), sandwiches, salads, and other bits and bobs served across its daytime and lunch menus—as well as a sprawling cheese case where you can get your wedges wrapped-to-order. And, naturally, wine is a borderline necessary pairing, expertly picked and partnered for your cheese of choice. wedgewoodcheesebar.com
The Bowerbird Agency
North Left Mercantile APEX Apex’s one-stop shop for all your wants and needs, this modern mercantile has everything and then some for everyday living. Whether you’re in search of custom goods, a new set of silverware or just window shopping for your next visit (we all do it), North Left has got you covered. The expansive collection leaves nothing to be desired, with an inventory ranging from handcrafted heirloom-worthy gifts to gourmet provisions and all-natural bath & body products—plus apparel, jewelry and unique finds from across the country. Founded by two Pacific Northwesterners, the store serves as an homage to the majestic North and their new home in the South, boasting a charmingly inviting atmosphere welcoming all to find their next best treasure. northleftmercantile.com
