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Fill ’Er Up

Fill ’Er Up

by | Apr 30, 2021 | Eat, May 2021

The rocking chairs lining the front porch at Taylor’s Wine Shop have witnessed a lot in the 40-plus years they’ve been situated there. First revved up in the ’70s as a gas station (dubbed Variety Picup) in what was once a rural area, the edge-of-town North Raleigh service station now sits squarely near I-540 (very much in town) as a primo wine shop.

As more (and more) suburban families moved to the area—with burgeoning subdivisions and neighborhoods to house them—service station owners Gail and Taylor Cash evolved their, well, services to keep up with growth and demand, and appeal to their evolving customer base, adding video rentals, food, beverages and, yes, wine.

The more people asked for wine, “we gained more wine knowledge and repeat customers, [and] began to expand our wine selections based upon request,” says the Cashes’ son and now co-owner, Ben Cash (mom Gail passed away in January 2011)—so much so that they officially changed the name of the business to Taylor’s Wine Shop in 2001. Talk about uncorking a community need.

Helping us make pour decisions ever since, Taylor’s Wine Shop now offers a range of bottles at multiple price points, from value-priced California chardonnay to $200-per-bottle Dom Perignon—with the most expensive bottle sold to date: a French wine, Petrus (at around $2,200). And these vinos hail from vineyards the world over—taking pride especially in some premium Napa Valley selects from wineries started by North Carolinians and former Carolina Hurricanes players (whom Taylor’s is proud to support).

“As we cultivate relationships with wineries all over the world, we love sharing our discoveries,” says Ben, adding that most of the shop’s customers are local, but their online shop, run by Ben’s sister, Melissa, has also garnered shoppers from out of state.

Oh, and they still sell gas and live bait, plus craft beer, local chocolate and coffee—and even host wine tastings and other events to boot. And beyond goods is doing good—the Cashes share a passion for local charities, donating to the local YMCA and dozens of Scout troops, as well as Frankie Lemmon School and Foundation of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to investing in scientific research and mental health initiatives, among others.


“One thing has not changed: our store is a place to connect,” maintains Ben. “The facility underwent a huge remodel in 2019, but the sense of community established four decades ago remains. Many friendships and business deals have been made in the rocking chairs that still remain in front of the store.”

So, whether you’re looking to gas up or wine down, Taylor’s Wine Shop has you covered. taylorswineshop.com

Ben and Taylor Cash
A Crafty Halloween

A Crafty Halloween

by | Oct 1, 2020 | Do, October 2020

How Raleigh will celebrate Halloween this year is a little bit up in the air, but you can bet that costumes—especially ones with masks—will still be a big part of the festivities. Craft Habit, a store for crafters and creators located in Raleigh’s Gateway Plaza, has you covered if you want to try your hand at making a costume for yourself or your kids.

“We love DIY Halloween costumes,” says Sarah Ferguson, who co-owns Craft Habit with Taylor Lee. The store carries fabric, felt, hot glue, trims, zippers, buttons, yarns, paper, beads—anything you need to bring your Halloween costume vision to life. 

“Bring in your idea and any materials you have, and we’ll offer advice on construction,” Ferguson continues. “Want to make a flower headband to pay tribute to Frida Kahlo? We have paper flower kits to get you started. Feeling space-y? We have an awesome foil-faced cotton, which has the look of silver spandex.”

Sarah Ferguson and Taylor Lee at Craft Habit in Raleigh

Before the pandemic, Craft Habit offered classes and parties in the store. Though Ferguson and Lee have stopped hosting those for now, Ferguson says customers have been understanding and a recent surge in folks taking up crafting as a hobby at home has been a boost to the business. 

“A silver lining is that many people are diving into crafts they’ve never had time for before,” Ferguson says.

This fall, Craft Habit will offer small camps for pandemic ‘pods’—groups of family members or neighbors. The store is taking reservations via email for a Craft Sampler Camp or a Sewing Intensive Camp for ages 7 to 15, from October through December.

Ferguson and Lee founded Craft Habit in 2016 and launched a successful pop-up store located downtown on Martin Street. The permanent retail spot opened in the summer of 2018.

“We have both been making crafts since childhood, and enjoy the making and learning process even more than the finished results,” says Ferguson. “We wanted to share that with our community. You don’t have to be an expert to be a maker. Our favorite thing to hear is, ‘I just found out about this place!’ from an excited new face. Word-of-mouth advertising is the best endorsement we can ask for.”

Craft Habit currently offers limited, in-person shopping from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. You can buy craft kits and supplies online, too, at crafthabitraleigh.com. Check out the store’s social media pages and newsletter for tips and tricks for putting together your own unique Halloween costume.

A Rare Breed

A Rare Breed

by | May 7, 2019 | Do, May 2019

Attention, gardeners and green thumbs! JC Raulston Arboretum’s annual Rare Plant Auction and Garden Party happens this month and it’s the perfect opportunity to get your hands on a variety of unusual and hard-to-find plants. 

This year, the nearly three-decade-old annual fundraiser will feature the “Flamethrower,” a new version of the redbud plant that arboretum director Mark Weathington describes as having golden foliage that darkens to a rich burgundy color, which transitions to coral and then to chartreuse.

“Since new growth continues through the year, there is a kaleidoscope of colors,” Weathington says. “It’s truly amazing.”

The Flamethrower results from more than 20 years of breeding work by former JCRA director Denny Werner. It’s currently available for viewing in the arboretum, but is not available for sale to the general public yet. 

“That plant won’t be available in nurseries until a year from now, so it’ll give somebody a chance to get a plant that won’t be seen in any other garden for quite a while,” Weathington says in a recent interview with a communications liaison from NC State. “We look for rare specimens, brand new selections, and reliable performers which aren’t readily available in the trade.” 

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In addition to the Flamethrower, tropical plants and several types of succulents will be available at the auction–popular choices for decorating offices, patios, townhomes and other small spaces. Less rare plants to be auctioned include Japanese maples, hostas and hellebores, and new types of hydrangeas. 

“Some of them [are] from our own collection,” Weathington says. “Other plants come from specialty nurseries and other botanic gardens across the United States. We really try to go for things that are difficult, if not impossible, to find at other spots.”

All available plants will be onsite for the auction and proceeds will be used to help keep the arboretum open all year. Bidders must be present for the live auction. 

“Every year, we’re getting a younger and more diverse audience, making it an event where you get a cross section of people in North Carolina,” Weathington says, adding that one of the arboretum’s missions is to get plants into the hands of people who will enjoy them. “A big part of the experience is being out here in the garden at one of the prettiest times of year.”

Tickets to the Rare Plant Auction and Garden Party cost $125-$150; sales are limited. Tickets are available at jcra.ncsu.edu.

Fly Like Zen

Fly Like Zen

by | Oct 8, 2018 | Do, October 2018

She’s known for her clever verses, catchy hooks and upbeat, colorful style. A self-described perfectionist with a limited cache of songs, Raleigh-based rapper ZenSoFly has become something of a sensation in the three years she’s been performing her distinct style of music, which she describes as “a blend of dance, electronic and rap.”

The artist, whose given name is Zenaida Reyes, self-released the “Little Miss Perfect” and “Sunflowers” EPs in September of last year. Since then, she’s been drawing enthusiastic crowds at local clubs like the Pour House. She has also performed at popular music festivals, including, most recently, Hopscotch, MoogFest and Groove in the Garden.

“It’s been out for a year and it’s the best feeling when I play a show and people know my songs, word for word,” the rapper says of “Sunflowers,” which features six memorable tracks including “Culprit,” “Something Special,” and “Getting Started,” her favorites. ZenSoFly’s fans, unsurprisingly, want more from the artist, both in terms of new music and in what she shares about her life in her songs.

“I’m getting more comfortable with talking about my personal life in my music,” ZenSoFly says. “It’s tough to be completely transparent. I’m always writing and I like to take my time with recording. I’m definitely sitting on a lot of unreleased music. I like to test [songs] out at shows to get feedback before I release them.”

Though she’s released only EPs so far, ZenSoFly says she is “strongly considering dropping an album next year.” She also has several music videos posted on YouTube, with plans to make more in the works.

“I love the music video part,” she says. “The visuals are just as important as the songs to me. Music has given me the opportunity to have a great life and travel.”

ZenSoFly will perform at Ponysaurus Brewing Co. in Durham on October 19, as part of the Don’t Be Mean to People event, a two-day music festival to benefit the ACLU of North Carolina. It’s a worthy cause, and one the rapper believes in.

“Don’t Be Mean to People is a commitment at Ponysaurus Brewing Co. for community engagement, to protect the voices and rights of everyone,” ZenSoFly says.

Find her music at soundcloud.com/zensofly. It’s also available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

Bands & Beer

Bands & Beer

by | Jul 9, 2018 | 2018, Do, July 2018 / August 2018

The Pour House in downtown Raleigh serves up the best of both.

Band flyers and posters adorn the glass windows outside The Pour House Music Hall on Blount Street, across from Moore Square Park. You pay your cover fee at the door and pass through the iron gates, then follow a narrow alley decorated with graffiti. Inside, an intimate space with a small stage awaits.

If you’re at all familiar with Raleigh’s burgeoning music scene, you’ve visited The Pour House, a crucial component of the city’s music history.

Adam Lindstaedt

Adam Lindstaedt

Chicago native Adam Lindstaedt has owned the venue since 2012 and books all the artists and bands who play there. But the cavernous, two-story music club’s legacy dates back more than two decades, to 1997, when it opened as a beer bar and lounge.

“It was the only place downtown at the time that had 30 drafts,” Lindstaedt says. “One day, the original owner booked a band, and it worked well. Over the next few years, the focus of the business evolved to shining the light on live performance.”

Lindstaedt, who attended college in San Diego and has a master’s degree in music business from Berklee College of Music in Boston, moved to Raleigh in 2009. After stints with PlayMakers Repertory Company and Carolina Theatre, Lindstaedt became The Pour House’s sole talent buyer, a one-man booking and marketing operation promoting more than 400 shows a year.

“We feature local, regional, national and international talent seven nights a week,” Lindstaedt says. “We’ve had lots of bands get their start at the venue that have now made it big.”

These acts include The Avett Brothers, a folk rock band from Concord, and American Aquarium, an alternative country band from Raleigh. Longtime favorites, such as Raleigh-based heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, have played The Pour House multiple times.

“My main focus for booking is featuring exciting, touring acts and pairing them with our up-and-coming local bands,” Lindstaedt continues. “The ultimate goal is to feature… the best bands so people can show up to the venue any night of the week, regardless of who’s performing, and know they will receive a great show at a great value.”

But Lindstaedt doesn’t see The Pour House as being in competition with any of Raleigh’s other great music clubs.

“Music is all about community,” he says. “We’re all best served if we work together. The majority of Raleigh venues book a variety of genres. This gives us all the ability to cater to several different markets. Working together, we try to avoid putting shows on at the same time that will split the crowds.”

Since late 2015, The Pour House has hosted the weekly Local Band Local Beer concert series, which moved after its original host, neighboring restaurant Tir na Nog, closed. Lindstaedt says the format of Local Band Local Beer changed slightly at the end of last year; now, a dozen people from around the Triangle put together four to five shows for the year. This way, the lineups—and the crowds—are more diverse.

For local singers and bands looking to book more gigs, Lindstaedt’s advice is simple: “Practice, practice, practice.”

“No matter how massive the tour is or how big the opportunity, if your music is not the best it can be, it will not sustain,” he says. “You can have the best publicist, hire the best manager and do everything right, business-wise, but at the end of the day, art comes first. Keep learning. Go see shows that are completely different than the style of music you play. Engage with different people. Build life experiences. Connect with people.”

It’s that connection that, for Lindstaedt, is at the core of what makes music so meaningful and so important.

“Music is a way to express feelings, thoughts and emotions better than anything else,” he says. “I see the transformative power of live music constantly, bringing groups of strangers together for a shared experience. Music can heal. Music can save. Music can be a guide in life. Many would be lost without music. Myself included.”

View upcoming events at thepourhousemusichall.com