Lauren Kruchten, Author at Raleigh Magazine

Sail Away

by Lauren Kruchten | Jul 16, 2018 | Do, July 2018 / August 2018

The “sailing capital of North Carolina” is a friendly, far-flung community nestled within the tranquil inner banks of the Neuse River, along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Part of Pamlico County, Oriental was originally occupied by Native Americans, and stories about its settlement vary. The consistent theory is that sailor Lewis B. Midyette accidentally discovered the area while riding out a gale on his way home to Dare County in the 1870s. After anchoring his boat, he went ashore to explore and was captivated by the area’s beauty, especially the many creeks that converged, creating an expansive waterfront. Midyette returned home to persuade his family and neighbors to move back with him to the picturesque bit of land and make it their new home.

Originally, Oriental was known as Smith’s Creek. The name “Oriental” was established after Midyette’s wife, Rebecca, discovered the nameplate from the sailing steamer Oriental, which washed up to shore after wrecking in 1862 off Bodie Island. The town’s rich land proffered an economy of lumbering, farming and fishing; its harbor became a popular docking spot for transportation steamships and those conveying cargo along the Neuse River.

Now, the beautiful village is a popular destination for sailors and fishermen, especially, who can practice their trades year-round. The slow-paced, stress-free energy of the town is also popular for tourists looking to escape the everyday and enjoy the beauty of the Pamlico Sound. Two-and-a-half hours from Raleigh, Oriental’s promise of a carefree vacation and a breath of fresh air is worth the drive.

EAT

The Silos Restaurant

The Silos Restaurant

The Silos is a playful, fun-loving eatery serving pastas, premium sirloin steaks and signature Old World pizzas plus an Italian deli menu featuring all the traditional classics. Located inside two abandoned farm silos off of Broad Street, the restaurant is a popular hangout to enjoy live music outdoors on weekend nights at the Red Rooster Bar behind the restaurant. silosnc.com

Toucan Grill & Fresh Bar

For an exquisite dining experience on the waterfront, look no further than the Toucan Grill. The menu features local seafood served fried, sauteed, baked, grilled, stuffed or within a filling pasta dish. Fresh seafood served alongside one of many diverse wines makes for a memorable meal in a beautiful setting you won’t soon forget. toucangrill.com

Brantley’s Village Restaurant

With 34 years in business, Brantley’s is dependable and inviting, with a family atmosphere and breakfast, lunch and dinner menus full of delicious Southern classics. On Saturday nights, Brantley’s offers one of the most lauded seafood buffets in Pamlico County. On the regular menu, expect traditional eggs and country ham for breakfast, house-made deli sandwiches for lunch and a daily selection of Southern specials for dinner, including fried catfish, twice baked potatoes, soft shell crab and grilled tuna with steamed vegetables and black beans and rice. facebook.com/Brantleys-Village-Restaurant-538345269540905

DRINK

The Bean

This is the place to get your caffeine fix. Enjoy harbor views and a variety of drink options, including lattes, cappuccinos, milkshakes (with or without espresso), fruit smoothies and their specialty, “Norma Backwards,” made with chilled coffee, ice cream and a secret ingredient they’re not sharing. The Bean also serves a selection of baked goods, pastries and ice cream. beanonc.com

The New Village Brewery & Taproom

The New Village Brewery & Taproom

The New Village is Oriental’s only brewery, making its one-barrel taproom a must-visit for beer lovers. The brewery serves only North Carolina craft beers, including a rotating selection of house brews. The New Village creates an inviting atmosphere for a casual hangout with friends or a chance to meet locals or visitors from near and far. squareup.com/store/the-newvillage-taproom

Oriental’s History Museum

Oriental’s History Museum

Discover Oriental’s rich history through its town museum, open every weekend. Check out a porthole from the “Oriental” steamship, a dugout canoe, model skiffs, historic log books, signs from the original Red Lee’s Oriental Grill and other local memorabilia. Or, take a historic home and garden walking tour for a deep glimpse into the old ways of Oriental life. pamlico.com/oriental-hisory-museum.html

Neuse River Fishing Charter

Cast your line with Captain Gary Dubiel on a fishing charter trip along the Neuse for a chance to catch one of the estuary’s many striped bass, redfish or spotted sea trout, among other species. The guided charter tour allows fishermen and women of all ages to learn more about the widest river in America, which, because of its mix of fresh and saltwater, is home to a variety of rare fish species. specfever.com

Lou Mac Park

Kayaking in the Neuse River at Lou Mac Park

Though this “mini park” is a half-acre in size, it showcases miles of the Neuse River’s expansive beauty, a favorite spot for watching sunsets and sunrises. Relax on the famous “dancing chairs,” rumored to dance under the stars all night and land in a different spot each morning. There’s also a fishing pier and river launch spot and a wooden boardwalk for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. pamlico.com/lou-mac-park.html

STAY

The Inn at Oriental

Many of The Inn’s rooms include an outdoor deck, offering a morning wake-up call of fresh, river air. With rooms only $109 a night and a prime location just a few blocks from the harbor, The Inn is the perfect option for a tranquil stay. innatoriental.com

Oriental Marina & Inn

You can’t stay any closer to the water than at the Oriental Marina & Inn, a motor-style hotel just steps away from the river, shops, galleries and restaurants in the heart of the village. If you’re arriving by boat, the marina offers dockage and access to the Pamlico Sound, as well as to paddleboarding or kayaking along the three creeks that converge at the harbor. orientalmarina.com

Neuse River Suites

Neuse River Suites

The newest hotel in Oriental offers suite-style rooms with breathtaking views of the Neuse River and plenty of outdoor space to relax along the waterfront and enjoy sunrises, sunsets and everything in between. riverneuserentals.com

Fancy a Fry?

by Lauren Kruchten | Jul 1, 2018 | Eat, July 2018 / August 2018

French fries are one of those classic American comfort foods known to give rise to insatiable cravings. With their simple but almost drug-like allure, it’s hard to pass them up as a side order at one of the many restaurants that have fries on the menu here in Raleigh and, due to the diverse food scene we’re so fortunate to partake in, there’s no shortage of fry styles and flavors to choose from. We’ve got everything from the traditional hand cuts at Chuck’s to the lavish truffle-covered frites at Coquette, along with addictive favorites like the twice-fried, extra crispy French fries at Clouds Brewing that may just have you ordering seconds, or even thirds. We asked our social media followers to name their favorite French fry spots and compiled a list of some of the best and most unique places to get a fried food fix. We also threw in a couple favorites of our own. Be sure to celebrate Raleigh’s exceptional fry selection on July 13, National French Fry Day, by heading to one, some, or all, of these noteworthy friteries.

: Frites- hand-cut fries with truffle oil, cantal cheese, fines herbs at Coquette Brasserie

: Waffle fries at Oak & Dagger

: Crinkle-Cut French Fries at Snoopy’s

: French fries at Clouds Brewing

: Hand-cut fries with two sauces plus ketchup at Chucks

: House seasoned fries at Cowfish

Color Crave: Tropical Tones

by Lauren Kruchten | Jun 9, 2018 | June 2018, Retreat, Stuff

This summer, we’re catching serious island vibes with the color of the moment, a palm tree green that comes in various shades ranging from a dark emerald to a faded jade. The bold shade is perfect for eye-catching accents or striking centerpieces, with a natural energy. Palm Tree Green is great for dressing up your home in a tropical atmosphere that’s almost as enjoyable as the real thing.

Large fishing float, $49.95; Form & Function

Koi painting by Lauren Ivey, $90; Inspirations Raleigh

Rosanna set of four 8″ leaf plates, $60; Zest Café & Home Art

Green vase, $48; Zest Café & Home Art

Crocodile print tray; $28; Zest Café & Home Art

Making Midcentury Modern book, $35; Form & Function

Decorative artichoke, $4.50; Affordable Chic

Pottery coaster, set of 4, $38.95; Form & Function

Small green planter, $25; Form & Function

I love the richness of this deep green. It would look striking against white trim and other white accents in a sunroom….think lacquered white bamboo chairs and other white garden accents. It would make a fabulous front door color against Crisp Linen SW 6378 on the exterior siding.

—Carole Marcotte, Form & Function, formandfunctionraleigh.com

I love SW Talipot Palm SW6726. Dorothy Draper dressed the walls of many amazing rooms in Palm Greens. I love the fact that tropical colors can bring the outside into your home. Palm Green is often used to define the architecture of a room. Used in fabrics, draperies and accessories, it always adds glamour and vibrancy to any space.

—Tula Summerford, Design by Tula, designbytula.com

Amy Howard’s One Step Chalk Paint in “Easy Street” is a shade of green that looks as though it were plucked right from the garden! It’s a pretty spring green that’s deep enough to carry you through every season. For your spray painting needs, try Amy Howard’s lacquer spray in Easton Green.

—Laurie Ledbetter, Affordable Chic, affordablechicshops.com

My favorite shade of Palm Tree Green is Rosemary by Sherwin Williams SW6187. This is my favorite green go-to paint for cabinets and built-ins. It’s a very classic color that works well with anything. This green in my eyes is magic!

—Stephanie Tidwell, Stephanie Tidwell Interiors, stephanietidwell.com

Style-Savvy Sandals

by Lauren Kruchten | May 31, 2018 | June 2018, Polish, Stuff

These clogs will knock your socks off: made with vegan materials, pretty, hand-sewn prints, all-natural beech wood and constructed in an innovative way, they capture everything you love about the 1940s vintage look.

Started by couple Amber Cummings, a textile designer, and Ian Sheeley, a mechanical engineer, Raleigh-based shoe manufacturer Sedette Sandal Company was inspired by a stint in the Netherlands. Cummings, who holds a master’s degree in Footwear Innovation, was studying in the Dutch city of Waalwijk; for her thesis, she had to come up with a new, innovative method of constructing footwear. She fell in love with this clog style, which the Netherlands is well known for, along with the ideas of vegan and eco-conscious design.

“It was part of my innovation process, to make sure we’re not wasting a lot of materials or doing something that’s overtly bad for the environment,” Cummings says.

The company, which launched in 2016, doesn’t use leather in its designs, eliminating the chemical processes and waste involved with cutting the patterns. Instead, the clogs are constructed using vegan-only components, including an all-natural wooden sole with woven textile straps and connected via wooden dowels that were developed using 3D printing technology. The dowels are used in place of staples or nails in traditional clogs.

Black and White Gingham Sandals by Sedette Sandal Company.

Cummings says the design and construction process was inspired by North Carolina woodworking traditions, giving the sandals a truly local feel. You won’t find shoes like these anywhere else, as the sandals’ unique wooden sole design— created based on drawings and renderings from Sheeley—is patented.

Cummings practiced upholstery and textile design in High Point before completing a textile design program at the University of Cincinnati in 2012. Sedette Sandal’s Coral Trellis and Vintage Palm designs were each hand drawn by Cummings, who describes the clogs as “playful and fun.” The sandals’ pastel prints and colors are perfect for summertime and easy to take from the office to the beach to a casual dinner downtown.

While Sedette Sandals is still a relatively new venture, Cummings hopes to expand into Raleigh boutiques and, eventually, find a manufacturer in western North Carolina. Sedette Sandal Company currently offers one style in six different patterns, with a moderate wedge and vintage looking ankle ties, ranging in price from $96 to $112. For now, Sedette sandals are only available for purchase on the company’s website, but these on-trend clogs have been spotted on the feet of both locals and style-savvy fashionistas all over the world, including in California, Australia, Russia and the Netherlands.

With clogs making a comeback, pick up a pair or two of Sedette sandals for a summery, feminine vibe that will keep you cool all season long at sedettesandals.com

The Mills and The Falls

by Lauren Kruchten | May 21, 2018 | Do, May 2018

Rocky Mount, just an hour northeast of Raleigh, makes for the perfect escape for a day or two from the hustle and bustle of the city—its small town charm, coupled with its growing food and beer scene, is utterly delightful.

The recently developed Rocky Mount Mills lends a modern, live-work-play experience to 150 acres on the Tar River. Located less than a mile from Rocky Mount’s downtown—which is experiencing a vibrant cultural transformation of its own—Rocky Mount Mills houses the town’s first two breweries, venues for live music, restaurants and access to the Tar River Paddle Trail.

Though Rocky Mount is becoming popular as a sprawling destination spot, it’s rooted in a rich history of Native American settlement, industry and war. Settlers claimed the area near the Tar River falls around 1734, giving it the nickname “rocky mound,” due to its rocky terrain. The official name was coined in 1816 after the first post office was established at the falls of the Tar River, and it incorporated as a town in 1867.

Rocky Mount’s first industry, Battles Mill, joined the post office by the falls as a gristmill, but later became a cotton mill, the state’s second oldest. The mill earned Rocky Mount a stop on the region’s first railroad line, The Wilmington to Weldon, which contributed to growth and prosperity in the eastern part of the state. The turn of the century saw the construction of the Imperial Tobacco Company Facility, which remained active until the 1980s. The building has since been renovated and turned into the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, a cultural hub in downtown with galleries, a theater and more.

There’s no better time than now to take a trip to Rocky Mount, to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary. Spend a day making the rounds of all the breweries, restaurants and cultural activities that the town has to offer. You might just find yourself going back for more.

EAT

Lou Reda’s An American Table

This modern American eatery serves up a variety of delicious staples, including ribeye, brisket burgers, mac and cheese and grilled salmon, as well as a weekly roundup of dishes exploring the cuisines of various regions across the country. Stop in at dinnertime for a scratch-made, comforting meal alongside a classic bourbon-infused cocktail. louredas.com

The Prime Smokehouse Barbecue and Beyond

Head to The Prime Smokehouse for ribs, brisket, barbecue-pulled pork, pork links and more, fresh off the smoker. The homey restaurant also provides exquisite meat-free dishes as well, all cooked to order in a friendly environment that delivers the utmost in Southern hospitality. Come in during the weekend for dinner and a show from local, regional and national touring musicians and entertainers. primesmokehouse.com

Anne’s Donuts

Don’t leave Rocky Mount without stopping in for a hot, fresh donut or pastry at Anne’s. Donuts are baked in-house daily. After 65 years in business, Anne’s old fashioned donuts will make your mouth water, with flavors like apple, strawberry-filled, Bavarian cream and classic chocolate glazed. Bring home some cookies, cupcakes, danishes or cinnamon rolls to satisfy your sweet tooth long after you’re gone. annesdonutsandbakery.com

DRINK

HopFly Brewing Company

One of the many breweries located in Rocky Mount Mills, HopFly opens its tasting room Friday through Sunday. Visitors can enjoy some of HopFly’s signature brews, crafted with only the finest ingredients, from jalapenos to amarillo to biscuit malt. The large outdoor patio is ideal for enjoying a cold one with a friend to a soundtrack of live music from local artists. hopflybrewing.com

Koi Pond Brewing Company

“The Pond,” Rocky Mount’s first craft brewery, serves a rotating lineup of seasonal and specialty craft beers created with local produce in diverse and unique ways. Brews include the Strawberry Lotus, made with local strawberries and honey, and the Rising Sun Mocha Java Stout, brewed with locally roasted Cackalacky Nicaraguan Dark Roast Coffee. Enjoy with takeout from one of the brewery’s neighboring restaurants for a splendid adult picnic on the lawn. koipondbrewingcompany.com

Morning Addiction Coffee House

Locally owned and operated, the MACH lives up to its name as one of the only neighborhood coffee shops in Rocky Mount for both locals and tourists to get their caffeine fix. The brightly decorated shop offers freshly roasted Italian brews, along with all the classic espresso drinks—including flavored cappuccinos and frozen lattes—as well as fruit smoothies. Pair your morning pick-me-up with a baked goodie for an on-the-go breakfast you can easily enjoy while strolling through the town. facebook.com/morningaddictioncoffeehouse

DO

Tar River Reservoir Bluegrass Festival

Ring in the first weekend of summer with a full day of local bluegrass bands at the Reservoir Country Store on Saturday, May 19. Featured bands include Highway 56, Rollin’ Coal, Black River Express and Flatbed. A $10 ticket gets you lawn seating for front and center enjoyment, along with access to the Reservoir’s famous bar and grill. tarriverbluegrass.com

Imperial Centre for Arts & Sciences

The Imperial Centre is the quintessential hub for all things culture in Rocky Mount. It houses an art museum with more than ten galleries, a children’s science museum, a planetarium and a 300-seat theater featuring both local and nationally known musical and theater performances. It’s the perfect destination for a day loaded with fun and educational activities. imperialcentre.org

Tar River Trail and Waterways

The Tar River offers plenty of outdoor activities for a warm spring day, including a 4-mile biking and walking path, three parks and the Tar River falls. The waterway provides 10 canoe and kayak access locations to explore more than 20 miles of Rocky Mount through gentle waters. Pack your sunscreen and a picnic for a day of sightseeing and adventure. rockymountnc.gov/departments___services/parks___recreation/trails

Sunset Park

With a 1920 Herschell-Spillman “County Fair” style carousel, miniature Model G-16 train, playground and spray park, Rocky Mount’s main park feels more like a fair than anything else. The 25-acre outdoor area features concession stands, recreational courts and fields, picnic shelters and a disc golf course.rockymountnc.gov/departments___services/parks___recreation/parks/sunset_park

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