Founder George Smart toasts 18 years of preservation at Raleigh’s newest Modernist estate.
George Smart never set out to become “Mr. Modernism.” But what began as a late-night Google search for modern houses in Raleigh led him to rediscover his architect father’s world and found NCModernist and USModernist—the world’s largest archives of modernist homes. Along the way, he’s slowed the demolition of hundreds of mid-century gems, launched tours like Modapalooza and even started a podcast, all while building a community around design once thought too niche to survive.
Now, to mark 18 years of preservation, NCModernist is hosting Moon Over Modernism Oct. 11 at the 17,000-square-foot Holton House in North Raleigh. Designed by architect Joe Trojanowski, the new estate will host a wine bar, jazz by Peter Lamb and the Wolves, close-up magic and, of course, a big dose of modernist inspiration. Here, we chat up Smart about all things modernism.
What about modernist houses resonated enough for your career change? Two things really: My dad was an architect and so I got exposed from an early age, and secondly, modernist houses are just really interesting. They have a wonderful relaxing vibe. They are generally well built. People adore them and love them, and I wanted to build a community of people who would work to preserve our best mid-century homes.
How has documentation slowed the loss of these homes? The good news is because of NCModernist, we’ve greatly slowed the rate of destruction. By making the public aware of these houses and encouraging them to buy and care for them, we’ve saved hundreds across the state.
Tell us about the Moon Over Modernism fundraiser. Every year we host a party at either a new modernist house or a classic mid-century one. It’s a fun way for people to get dressed up, have great drinks, food and jazz, and get together to support the organization for an evening. The Holton House is an extraordinary place to highlight what’s possible in modernist design today.
Fave memory from past events and tours? We’ve had wonderful participation from homeowners… Those tours take people through new modernist houses and show you can still design dream homes today. Many assume modernist houses are always expensive, but the style was born out of affordability and simplicity.
Angela Roehl
What’s next for NCModernist? A lot of people love modernism, but it’s not always their top priority in life—it might rank ninth or tenth. That’s why we keep offering so much public programming… We want to make modernism accessible and discoverable, so when people are ready to engage, we’re there.
As Smart puts it, the true success of NCModernist is not the number of parties or tours, but how many homes are saved. With an ever-growing archive and events that draw fresh eyes to the movement, Modernism’s future in NC looks stronger than ever.
Dance party meets fitness at Raleigh’s new cardio dance studio.
Step aside, Zumba. There’s a new dance-fitness queen in town—and she’s serving neon lights, DJ beats and Dua Lipa-level confidence. Raleigh-based Danz Insanity isn’t just another group workout—it’s a high-octane night-out vibe, minus the hangover.
“We basically built a nightclub,” says founder Jenn Schofield, a former professional dancer and pharmaceutical exec turned cardio visionary. “Disco balls, wild lights, dimly lit rooms—if people feel hot and sexy and cool, they’re gonna have more fun.”
After years of teaching her original choreography at gyms and studios up and down the East Coast, Schofield opened Danz Insanity this spring—and it’s already a hit. Members have “glow-ups” (her words), rack up over 100 classes in weeks and walk out feeling like Beyoncé.
Her trademarked “exercise in disguise” classes are exactly that: Think 13 to 14 high-intensity songs per session, with elements of hip-hop, Latin and strength conditioning. “It’s much more energy. It’s much more current,” she says. Formats range from trampoline rebounding to Barbie Bootcamp to the cheekily named “Meet Me at the Barre”—plus themed “Dance After Dark” pop-ups like disco night or Pitbull-themed that keep the dance party going all night long.
While Danz Insanity’s workouts are killer, it’s the community that steals the show. “You just love so hard. … It’s about the celebration of movement and doing it together and honestly owning your hot girl and owning your confidence,” emphasizes Schofield. “I’ve had women cry to me because they’re like, ‘You got me through a divorce.’” To keep the friendly vibes going, she also launched Social Circle, a monthly member-led event covering everything from pelvic health to skincare.
And, no, you don’t have to be Britney Spears-caliber to join. “Just come try us,” urges Schofield. Because at Danz Sanity, movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s about feeling good and healthy and looking like a total baddie. Slay! danzinsanity.com
This sleepaway weekend offers comfort to grieving children.
Grief doesn’t take off weekends. But giving kids age 7–17 space to hit pause on heaviness and reconnect with joy is Comfort Zone Camp, a nonprofit founded in 1998 with a mission to serve grieving children. The program returned Oct. 3–5 to Camp Kanata in Wake Forest with its free sleepaway weekend for those navigating loss.
The impact is major: In 2024 alone, CZC hosted a record 31 camps serving 1,428 children with the help of 1,815 volunteers. Since the launch, the nonprofit has supported more than 25,000 kids across the country—all at no cost thanks to donors, sponsors and local fundraisers.
Regional Camp Director Katie Pereira explains the heartbeat of the program, “We provide free weekend sleepaway camps for children who have experienced a death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.” The weekend connects kids with peers who get it. “We’re showing them that they aren’t alone, they don’t have to do it alone.”
For Pereira, the mission is deeply personal. “My dad was killed on 9/11. At camp, I didn’t feel like the kid with the dead dad. I just felt like a regular kid,” she recalls. “You could take down that armor and really just be yourself.”
And the need here is real—in NC, one in 10 children will lose a parent or sibling before age 18. That is why community advocates like Brooke Conn keep the mission going. A member of CZC’s NC Regional Advisory Council, Conn helps raise the big bucks needed to cover camp costs. “Each camp is pretty substantial for a cost… we can’t do camps without having campsites secured,” she says. Her team rallies support with cornhole tournaments, live music and movies at Village District’s patio series, plus proceeds from North Hills Beach Music.
But the real reward is watching campers transform. Conn—who has logged more than 20 camps since 2017—says the magic is when a kid arrives closed off and leaves Sunday in tears. “They don’t want to leave what we call the bubble,” she emphasizes.
That bubble only exists with serious community backing. For 60 campers, CZC recruits about 90 volunteers—everyone from big buddies to healing circle leaders to nurses. Want in? Spread the word, sign up to volunteer or show up at a fundraiser. Because in Raleigh, no child should have to grieve alone.comfortzonecamp.org
“Homicides are down 5%, robberies are down 5% and aggravated assaults are down 5%,” says Lt. David Davis of the Raleigh Police Department. And the department’s champion, motor vehicle theft, dropped by 27% since last year (see full stats below).
Davis credits the decline to Chief Estella Patterson’s leadership and the department’s “summer action plan,” which launched June 1 and runs through August 31. “That really hit on three different categories,” Davis explains. “Crime reduction strategies, the operational efficiency that [the chief] has promoted, as well as all the community engagement that we’ve done.”
The department’s full-time auto theft task force—created under Patterson—has also been key. “Stolen vehicles are often used to commit additional crimes,” Davis says. “When you disrupt that pattern, you have a good impact on not only violent crime, but property crime, because criminals don’t have access to move crime along the city in these stolen vehicles.”
Still, challenges remain. “Probably just continuing that open dialogue with the community,” Davis says, pointing to the importance of business partnerships and outreach events like National Night Out. And he’s already looking ahead: “We are excited to announce details for our community police academy. That’s gonna provide residents a unique hands-on perspective of the work that we do here in Raleigh.”
Crime may be cooling, but the work—and the buzz—is far from over.
From vineyard views to rooftop toasts and peak shopping, here’s how to dive into Charlottesville’s small-city soul.
Nestled in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville feels like Chapel Hill’s well-read, wine-sipping cousin. Where Southern ideals and modern vibes meet farm-fresh bites and rooftop cheers, it’s a place where historic brick streets and academic buzz harmonize with rolling vineyards, Saturday farmers markets and game-day bar crawls. Whether you’re chasing clever conversation, lush mountain drives or simply a killer meal, this small city serves up effortless style with a side of soul.
DO
Nina Cummings
Historic Downtown Mall Brick-lined streets and leafy canopies set the stage for buzzy local shops and vibrant eateries spilling out onto the block like one big community living room. Expect buskers strumming bluegrass, indie art tucked into old storefronts and plenty of caffeine stops to fuel all-day wandering. visitcharlottesville.org
Monticello Wine Trail Think of it as your own DIY wine safari—over 40 swoonworthy vineyards tucked into rolling hills throughout the area, all pouring glasses that would make Jefferson proud. From crisp viogniers to bold reds, each stop serves up sips with panoramic Blue Ridge backdrops, sun-soaked patios and that perfect excuse for “just one more.” monticellowinetrail.com
Skyline Drive Cue the road-trip playlist. … This winding byway through Shenandoah National Park offers cinematic vistas of blue-hazed peaks and valleys that stretch for miles—begging you to indeed go chasing waterfalls. Pack a picnic, pull over at overlooks and let the mountain breeze reset your soul. visitskylinedrive.org
EAT
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint Exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble into after an adventure-soaked day, the award-winning lively dive is where peanut butter bacon wagyu burgers meet deep beer lists—and late nights often end with fried Oreos and new best friends. jackbrownsjoint.com
The Doyle
Tavola This intimate Italian gem in the Belmont district plates up handmade pastas and mouthwatering antipasti (burrata and trio di bruschetta, anyone?) that all but demand a second glass of vino. The vibe’s equal parts rustic and romantic, making for the perf place for date night or lingering with close crew. tavolavino.com
Bodo’s Bagels A Hooksville icon, these legendary authentic New York-style bagels are a must on any visit, made fresh daily in-house every day since 1988. Stuff yours with lox cream cheese or egg salad—or spring for a meaty lunch sando with all the fixins’. Real talk: There’s almost always a line, but it moves fast. bodosbagels.com
DRINK
Crush Pad Wines “I came, I saw, I drank.” A crash pad for seriously good wines and even better conversations (NTM delish snacks to pair)? Say less. At this urban winery downtown, local vinophiles pour playful flights while sharing inside stories of Virginia’s grape renaissance—ideal for swirling, sipping and savoring. crushpadcville.com
The Doyle Hotel Rooftop Bar Elevate your evening—literally and otherwise—on the chic rooftop of The Doyle Hotel, where craft cocktails complement sweeping Blue Ridge views, and golden hour feels like a built-in filter. With plush seating areas, progressive bevs, local brews and upscale bar bites, the sky is indeed the limit. sizzlingsteakconcepts.com
Potter’s Craft Cider
Potter’s Craft Cider An apple (cider) a day… Tuck inside the renovated centuries-old stone church tasting room for pours ranging from tart dry blends to aromatic florals—all made with VA apples in Charlottesville and best enjoyed under patio twinkle lights with live acoustic tunes drifting by. potterscraftcider.com
STAY
Keswick Hall
Keswick Hall A historic estate turned luxe resort, Keswick wraps you up in manicured lawns, infinity pool splendor, impressive dining and drinking, and interiors rich with local art. In essence, it’s where Old Dominion heritage mingles with five-star pampering. Pro tip: Do not skip sunset wine on the terrace. keswick.com
The Draftsman Just off West Main Street, this boutique stay channels the hip, art-filled energy of the surrounding area—from nearby UVA and the Downtown Mall to Monticello. No matter where the day takes you, it’s the perfect home base for a comfy and contemporary setting to relax and refuel. thedraftsmanhotel.com
The Townsman Cheekily dubbed an “unhotel,” these elegant guesthouses truly feel like a home away from home. No staff, no front desk—just beautifully appointed rooms, primo location, and complimentary access to Charlottesville’s Common House social club right next door. thetownsmanhotel.com
