Let’s be blunt: As one of just 13 states that have not yet legalized medical marijuana, it’s high time NC steps up to the plate—and that time could be now. The bill that would legalize it just passed through a key committee on Wednesday, June 1, and is expected to pass through the full Senate as soon as Thursday, June 2—moving NC one step close to making the bill into a law.
And the bill’s sponsors are “cautiously optimistic” it will pass the House before going to the governor for final approval, according to Garrett Perdue, a supporter of Senate Bill 711 and the CEO of Root Bioscience.
This wasn’t the first time a bill to legalize marijuana in NC proceeded through the state legislature. A bill to legalize medical marijuana for a select group of people diagnosed with certain medical conditions (called the NC Compassionate Care Act) made great headway in 2021—but it was just one step from a vote in the NC Senate—it stalled and has not come up for a vote again. Until now… so could 2022 be the year?
But before you get too buzzed about it, know that the bill is very, very tightly drawn. Only people diagnosed by a doctor with a “debilitating medical condition”—think cancer, epilepsy, positive HIV or AIDS status, or PTSD—would qualify for a medical marijuana card. So while a majority of NC voters are proponents of medical and recreational marijuana use (Perdue says that some 70% of North Carolinians support it), most won’t be able to legally toke up anytime soon. “This is a good place to start,” says Perdue—and this bill passing could be the first step in rolling out more laws.
And for those following the pending expiration of the famed Farm Bill, NC is also very close to permanently legalizing hemp (and differentiating it from marijuana). Senate Bill 762 passed the Senate unanimously on Tuesday, May 31, followed by passing the House with bipartisan support on Wednesday, June 1. If the Senate concurs on the modifications the House made, the bill will go to Cooper’s desk for approval.
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry EST. 1948* 75 Years “Every woman wants a Bailey’s box.” … Like most bejeweled stories, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry’s began as a love story—the love of two people for jewelry and each other—and like its now-famed black-and-white boxes, the jewels of that love have stood the test of time. Craftsman and watchmaker Clyde Sr. and “Mama” Ann Bailey opened the first Bailey’s in Rocky Mount in 1948. Seventy-four years and five locations later (including the largest jewelry store in NC at Village District—and a recent addition in LA!), Bailey’s is now in its third generation of family ownership, with Clyde Jr. and his wife (and high school sweetheart) Jane, alongside their son Trey and wife Marci, continuing the legacy of making Bailey’s North Carolina’s premier destination jewelry store. The luster no doubt comes from the family feel and their connection to the communities they serve. And Bailey’s shine isn’t dulling anytime soon. In addition to their love for what they do and big hearts (naturally), Bailey’s employees are the most accredited professionals in the jewelry industry—made up of graduate gemologists, master bench jewelers and watchmakers, Gemological Institute of America accredited employees, and more. They say diamonds are forever… baileybox.com
95 Years Fallon’s Flowers EST. 1926*
55 Years Homewood Nursery EST. 1967
30 Years Main & Taylor EST. 1993*
25 Years Father & Son Antiques EST. 1997
15 Years Raleigh Denim EST. 2007
10 Years Deco EST. 2012
*Celebrated anniversary last year or are celebrating next year
Former bank executive-turned-artist is leaving her mark on Midtown—and propping up kids in the process.
When most people gear up to retire, they hope to focus on traveling, hobbies and family. But for local artist Chris Young, going into retirement meant spending more time on art, community involvement and philanthropy. The former regional executive of First Citizens Bank, Young was also on the board of Midtown Raleigh Alliance for several years, even serving as its chairperson for one. And as part of her community leadership and engagement work with MRA, she was on the team that spearheaded the original MRA banner contest in an attempt to facilitate more art in Midtown. Now, starting in June, it’s Young’s designs that will decorate the banners across Midtown—a full circle moment.
Following MRA’s 10th anniversary, “we thought this was a wonderful opportunity to cast light on one of the organization’s founding members, who is a talented artist with a strong connection to Midtown,” says MRA Executive Director Tara Lightner Robbins about Young.
For her own part, Young says she’s always considered herself a creative person, but she didn’t really start painting until her son went away to college. “I was like, ‘You know what, there’s a hole, and what should I fill that hole with,’” she says. It wasn’t until she saw a Monet exhibit at the NCMA, though, that she picked up a paintbrush and started doing workshops—while still working at First Citizens Bank. “I was a weekend kind of a painter,” adds Young. “It was something at that time that really balanced that business/analytics side of my life with the creative and artistic side.”
While Young’s art typically tends to be more landscape, the two different banners she created for MRA—her first public art project!—are comprised of big, bold geometric and abstract shapes that are easily visible from street level and lend a vibrant energy to the area. They also both have people in them. “I wanted the banners to convey that Midtown is a great place—day or night—in a really colorful and positive way,” says Young. “And we [Robbins] were talking about how experiencing Midtown—and Midtown as a destination of choice—is just something we wanted to celebrate in the banner.”
To boot, Young marries her passion for art and philanthropy by donating a majority of her art sales to nonprofits. The proceeds from this particular project will go toward the YMCA of the Triangle, specifically to support scholarships for kids to go to camp this summer. “I love the Y,” says Young. “Our son went to the Y; we’re individual donors; and I’ve helped with fundraising over the years. I just love how they help kids who might not otherwise have that experience. These annual campaign dollars really make that happen.” midtownraleighalliance.org
If you thought parking was a problem on Glenwood South before—wait for it. The city recently approved resident-only parking zones on several blocks both on and directly off of Glenwood Avenue. The 800 & 900 blocks of Glenwood (near Peace Street), and the 500 blocks of side streets Cleveland and Tilden are now Residential “H” Permit Zones (Devereux Street is already H Zone)—and residents will have to apply for permits. The move comes after many residents of the bustling district complained to the city about not being able to find parking near their own homes (not to mention disturbances like noise, trash, etc.). With the new rule, nonresidents will no longer be allowed to park in these zones from 11pm to 7am on any day. Given Glenwood South’s recent surge in popularity—arguably surpassing its prepandemic status—and its void of parking possibilities, the new zoning will either just push the problem down the street, or worse, detract would-be Glenwood South-goers and negatively impact businesses in the borough. And with the potential to make area parking even less plentiful, city leaders voted in March to eliminate parking minimums for new developments, regardless of size (as previously allotted). But, hey, there’s always still Uber…
No matter what kind of vacationer you are (shopper, eater, beachgoer), you’ll thrive in Charleston.
Whether you’ve been a hundred times or haven’t been in a while (or have never been!), there’s plenty of new reasons to make the drive down 95 to Chucktown.
Before our April press trip, I’d only been to Charleston once (#SpringBreak2016, baby!)—in college (aka college broke) and below drinking age. Ergo, I didn’t do Charleston right. Meanwhile, my EIC had frequented the Holy City—and even almost moved there. And, for both of us, the wonder of returning to the charming coastal oasis with its walkable cobblestone streets, slate sidewalks, steeple-dotted skyline and revered architecture (the city itself is a museum without walls) was awe-inspiring—a nod to the city’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) that serves to oversee that this Southern jewel remains authentic.
While that rich history, purposefully preserved character and Southern charm is what drives us to keep coming back, Charleston is also a veritable playground of happening new hot spots worth your return.
EAT
Lewis Barbecue, Andrew Cebulka
Lewis Barbecue
First things first, you should know that the line is going to be long. Every. Day. … But, believe us, pitmaster John Lewis’ Central Texas barbecue—prepared in massive custom-made smokers welded by Lewis himself—is worth it. Order your meats by the pound—and since it’s Carolina, you’re obviously gonna wanna try the pulled pork—but the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, saucy ribs and juicy Austin-style sausage are definitely worth a splurge. Just don’t forget napkins! And when it comes to sides, the green chile corn pudding will change your life (not an exaggeration). lewisbarbecue.com
Rancho Lewis
John Lewis’ (of Lewis Barbecue fame) newest concept is an interpretation of the food he grew up eating in El Paso—aka “border-food-meets-cowboy cookin’”—feat. ingredients sourced directly from the Northern Rio Grande Valley. Grab a seat on the covered, light-strewn and greenery-filled patio for freshly made guac, red chile beef enchiladas, chiles rellenos and old-fashioned tacos; then wash everything down with an extra-cold marg or a Mexican martini—made with 100% blue agave tequila, lime and olive (there’s a two-drink limit on this bad boy). Ay caramba! rancholewischs.com
The Longboard
Seas the day at this Sullivan’s Island mainstay placing an emphasis on cuisine and cocktails inspired by coastal regions around the globe, including the Caribbean, where the first Longboard location was actually born in 2015. You’re gonna wanna pop a squat at the bar—made of real sea glass and oyster shells—for oyster happy hour (weekdays 3–5pm; weekends 2–5pm) and a well-balanced drink from one of the helpful, friendly bartenders. thelongboardsullivans.com
HERD Provisions, Andrew Cebulka
HERD Provisions
If you haven’t herd of this, you’re in for a real treat. What rolled out as a food truck is now a rustic bistro dishing casually elevated fare—from burgers and steaks (“they have the meats!”) to a host of can’t-miss staples & sides. The roasted mushrooms (with garlic aioli and smoky tomato sauce—reminiscent of pizza) are sneaky good, as are the Brussels, handpulled mozzarella and pastas. And no matter how full you are, get dessert—swear. herdprovisions.com
Millers All Day
It’s always millers time here. And by that we mean breakfast all day—so feel free to roll outta bed at 1pm and treat yo’self to a big ’ol plate of biscuits & gravy. If you’re more of a sweet brekky person, we were blown away by the banana bread (we dare you to name a better one) and huge cinnamon roll. And if you’re in need of an elixir, the “Prescriptions” bar’s gotcha covered—think four types of bloodys, five mimosas and more. Bottoms up! millersallday.com
Basic Kitchen
There’s nothing basic about Basic Kitchen—and after a few days of heavy eating, the fix is in at this healthy resto spotlighting nourishing (and delish!) dishes. The bright and airy sup and sip spot spins seasonal, local ingredients to curate such colorful staples as cauli wings, sweet potato fries (served with a yummy vegan cashew ranch), salads and bowls. And if you’re really feeling bogged down, spring for a juice or wellness shot. Healthy never tasted so good! basickitchen.com
STAY
The Spectator Hotel
The spirited Jazz Age meets the charm of the Old South at this LS3P-designed boutique jewel—the only hotel in the Holy City with personalized butler services (amen!). Situated in the bustling historic district just steps from the Charleston Art Market and an easy (complimentary) bike ride from the waterfront and Rainbow Row, the well-appointed rooms and Prohibition-style bar with ’tails crafted by “drink builder” Allen Lancaster make it hard to leave—but easy to return. thespectatorhotel.com
French Quarter Inn
While sister property The Spectator Hotel oozes elite, contemporary class, the French Quarter Inn is rooted in tradition—though modern touches like Italian marble bathrooms, a seven-pillow menu and turndown service ensure you’ll feel pampered (the custom-made FQI mattress made right in Charleston doesn’t hurt either). Spend happy hour in the lobby or on the terrace with wine and charcuterie—or later for a nightcap of port wine and cookies. fqicharleston.com
DRINK
The Co-Op, Aleece Sophia
The Co-Op
“Walk this way…” to The Co-Op for a strawberry frose that tastes like, well, strawberries on a summer evening (Harry Styles would be proud). Its four SC locations (our rec: The Co-Op’s Sullivan’s Island spot with its beach vibes, colorful murals, Instagrammable frosé wall and inflatable couch) make it the perf perch to cool down—and fuel up, thanks to its bevvy of breakfasts, signature sammies & salads. Yes way, frosé! thecoopsi.com
Republic Garden & Lounge
Through an arch doorway awaits this downtown garden oasis—read: open-air bar and lounge complete with tons of greenery, live music, neon signage and all-around perfect summer patio sipping vibes. And on weekend nights, the adjoining indoor elevated lounge opens with DJs, tables and bottle service. So VIP. republicreign.com
Burns Alley Tavern
Located literally down an alley—hence the name—you’d miss this lively watering hole if you weren’t looking for it. A dive of beautiful chaos, confiscated IDs dot the bar, bumper stickers and ’80s and ’90s pop culture posters plaster almost every other surface—and the Jukebox, photo booth, pool table, Skeeball games and retro ’90s alt rock promise to make you feel like this is your “wonderwall.” facebook.com/burnsalleytavern
DO
If you’ve been to Charleston then you know, but if you haven’t, these are Chucktown’s must-dos.
