by Tracy Jones | Oct 17, 2016 | Do, October 2016
Large character heads surround the store, gazing down at racks of period costumes and rows of Styrofoam molds covered in wigs. Pirate hats and platform shoes sit adjacent to the dressing room, urging customers to transform into someone or something else.
“People come in and sometimes think we’re a thrift store because of how we’re set up,” says Louie Bowen, owner of Hughie & Louie’s Costumes, Magic and More on Glenwood Avenue. “But we’re really a clothing museum.”
As the only year-round full-service costume shop in Raleigh, Bowen takes pride in the “mom and pop” approach her business offers, a business acquired from her Uncle Hughie’s original Magic Corner on Hillsborough Street. While Halloween is certainly a popular time of year for the store, Hughie & Louie’s caters to more than just the month of October.
“We deal with drag queens and Baptist preachers,” says Bowen. “We dress people for vacation Bible school, local theater, school projects, commercials, movies, drag pageants – they all come through.”
Customization is key, says Bowen, who enjoys the idea of making every costume unique for the client. A perfect example can be shown through her current project, creating a firetruck costume for a mule for Benson Mule Days, complete with foam siding and a metal grate out front.
“We’re working on flashing lights for its head and a working hose,” says Bowen. “They’re trying to win the costume contest for the parade.”
Bowen, who finds it amusing that she owns a costume shop and does not know how to sew, gets creative in other ways.
“With safety pins, duct tape, hot glue and a staples, I can custom fit,” says Bowen. “Once a company called and wanted a big Madonna bra. I bought a bra, got the cones, I’ve got glitter, elastic and two little bows and tassels and it’s done. I said, ‘Look, I’m done, ta-ta!’”
That Madonna bra was a big hit, and later amused Bowen immensely when a customer’s 6-year-old son placed it on his head, tied the straps around his chin, and declared it “the coolest alien hat I’ve ever seen in my life!”
The months of September through December are considered Hughie & Louie’s busy season, with the combination of Halloween, school projects, and Christmas. Snowmen, reindeer and nutcracker heads all sit in the back corner of the store ready to be rented.
“Whether you’re 9 or 90, everyone loves a character costume,” says Bowen. “My thing is affordable fun. Have a character come to your house. Instead of dragging your kid to the mall for Santa, rent the suit or rent the actor—which we also have. That’s a fun time.”
by Tracy Jones | Sep 6, 2016 | Retreat, September 2016, Stuff
Sometimes it is seasonal decorating or we feel the need to refresh the guest bathroom. Maybe that rehab furniture idea we saw on HGTV was just too much to pass up. Whatever the reason, our home décor rotates with our moods, lifestyle changes or simply momentary inspiration. Replacing the living room couch every month, however, is neither wise nor affordable.
Social media has turned garage sales and flea markets into easily accessible shopping. That gem you had to hunt for at the back of a warehouse is now in picture format on your phone. All you have to do is click a button. Of course some hunting is still necessary, but the journey to your perfect ottoman has gotten easier and faster.
Plus, you can feel good that you’re not adding to the city’s landfills. “The less that you buy new, the less that actually has to be produced. It reduces oil and plastic, which is beneficial,” says Kraig Bantle, owner of Garage Brothers.
Items to Avoid
Of course not everything is just as good the second time around. There are a few items to avoid when buying used.
Safety equipment: Some safety products, like car seats and helmets, could have been involved in previous accidents, affecting the integrity of the product. If it’s going to protect you while you are potentially flying through the air, buy new. (Car tires also fall into this category.)
Antique children’s items: We are talking possible lead paint and drop cribs. Just because it was good enough for your parents does not mean it follows today’s safety standards. Do your research before buying.
Mattresses: A new mattress does not come cheap, but it does come without bedbugs and other unknown hazards. Wait for a sale if you are changing up your guest room.
Items to Covet
Patience is a virtue when it comes to buying used. Regularly checking sites can lead to charming collectibles, brand-name bargains, and well-made furniture that can be rehabbed with a can of paint.
Furniture: Think tables, wall décor and armoires. A rocking chair that retails for $200 may only cost you $30 if someone is moving or needs some extra space. Furniture is a particularly great buy if you are crafty and able to fix it up to match your room.
Brand Names: “If buying re-purposed, look for quality, name brand items that can be purchased at significant savings,” says Debbie Cain, owner of Inspirations Home Décor & More, a boutique offering new and repurposed items. One Raleighite purchased a gently used Crate & Barrel daybed that retails for almost $1,400 for the bargain price of $40.
Entertainment: Books, musical instruments and sporting equipment are all great secondhand. Whether you want antique skis to hang on your wall or an aged piano for your parlor, options are endless.
Check out these sites for bargains
OfferUp
A better alternative to Craigslist, this site allows you to search by area and offer a bid for the items you like. Since it’s local, it also allows you to look for things you can easily pick up, like dressers and end tables, without the shipping hassle of eBay.
Etsy
For that homemade touch or something unique, Etsy sellers often personalize items. Think monogramming and custom pieces.
Krrb Classified
Pronounced “curb,” this site allows you to enter your address and search everything nearby. Contact the seller if you like his 1970s vintage Burger King cup or old-school ice cream maker.
LushPad
If your taste is a little more refined, check out LushPad’s Facebook page. Its main site is now devoted to helping buyers discover new and emerging designer furniture, but its Facebook page is a free classified site where you can buy and sell used modern and mid-century designs.
by Tracy Jones | May 31, 2016 | Do, June 2016
Thump. Thump. Thump. It started with a toddler, still in diapers, kicking a toy soccer ball around the kitchen. Adopted from a Lithuanian orphanage at 16 months and trying to adjust to his new home in America, Romas Gabbrielli had found his joy in a bouncing toy almost half his width. This joy only grew with time, Romas becoming a shining star (MVP and Sportsman of the Year) on the soccer field as he grew older.
Then came the bullying. His teammates didn’t understand him and Romas, diagnosed with autism, felt demoralized and withdrawn. Special Olympics changed that and brought the joy back into soccer.
“A lot of athletes feel like they’re outsiders, both in school and when it comes to sports because in some instances, they weren’t even able to try out to join a team,” said Megan O’Donnell, Vice President of Communications for Special Olympics North Carolina. “Special Olympics builds their confidence and their self-esteem grows.”
This June, more than 1,700 athletes will compete in sports like aquatics, cycling and softball in the 2016 Special Olympics NC Summer Games in Cary and Raleigh. Each of North Carolina’s 100 counties has a Special Olympics program, bringing the state’s athlete count to nearly 40,000. These athletes participate in seasonal sports all year, from basketball in the fall to snowboarding and speed skating in the winter.
But Special Olympics is about more than just sports. From global messengers to leadership councils, the program offers athletes the chance to shine both on and off the field of play.
Jennifer Wardlow
“It has given me a sense of pride, a sense of belonging and a sense of family,” said Jennifer Wardlow, an athlete with Special Olympics NC for more than 25 years who was also able to sit next to George W. Bush during Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s 85th birthday party at the White House. “Your peers have a disability just like you, and it has given me a voice for those who haven’t found their voice yet. We are individuals with intellectual disabilities. We have the ability to be on your board, to be in your movies, on your sports development teams and to make decisions not only for the organization, but for ourselves.”
Wardlow, who described Special Olympics NC as her rainbow during a rainy season, discovered her love of track in elementary school. It wasn’t until later in life, however, when she joined in on a basketball practice, that she became an athlete with Special Olympics NC. Since then she’s competed in track, basketball, bowling, soccer, softball and more.
“Once I found it, it was like a lightbulb went off,” Wardlow said. “When you’re in special education classes, it’s like you don’t fit in, you don’t belong, and you’re different. I said this is my place, and this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Wardlow encourages others to give back to the next generation of torch bearers. As the first female Special Olympics athlete in the world to serve as a coach at a Special Olympics World Games competition, Wardlow challenged herself by learning a new set of skills. As a coach, she had to not only deal with personalities, but athletes who are afraid and did not know how to express themselves. She also had to teach herself how to adapt and put on a strong face for her team. Wardlow points out that although she was the first, she hopes she’s not the last and encourages others to become coaches to show them how to overcome fear and doubt in life.
“When I’m not playing a sport, I’m encouraging somebody else to do their best,” Wardlow said. “If there were a book about my life, it would be called ‘A Force to be Reckoned With.’”
For the Summer Games schedule visit sonc.net/sports-competitions/summer-games/
by Tracy Jones | Mar 2, 2016 | Eat, March 2016
Think beer is only green on St. Patrick’s Day? Beer is big business in Raleigh, and the industry is only growing. Turns out, we’re green year-round. And if you like to tip a pint, doing it here can save you some green, too. Raleigh is the 10th least expensive city in the nation for craft beer drinkers.
Let’s face it, our options for a good pint of beer in Raleigh are plentiful. In the last five years alone, breweries around the state have more than doubled from 45 to 133, ranking North Carolina 11th nationally in the number of existing breweries. And we’re 10th least expensive city for beer drinkers.
While the three major breweries (Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada and New Belgium) chose the western part of the state, Raleigh’s expansion is right on its heels. Wake County houses 22 breweries, 11 of those in Raleigh, with more scheduled to open. A huge reason for this growth can be attributed to the Pop the Cap movement in 2005.
Taps at Flying Saucer
Popping the cap
On August 13, 2005, Governor Mike Easley signed House Bill 392, raising the alcohol cap from 6 percent to 15 percent. By doing so, hoppy IPAs and dark coffee stouts entered the market, allowing brewers to experiment and get creative with their products. Think of Lynwood Brewing Concern’s Once You Go Black IPA (7% ABV) and Raleigh Brewing Company’s “The Miller’s Toll Imperial Oatmeal Stout” (9.1% ABV), both of which have won awards in national competitions.
“Pop the Cap was a watershed moment,” said Mel Johnson, creator of ChaDoin, a new app designed to promote the breweries in North Carolina, particularly the NC Beer Trail. “Until you got the ABV (alcohol by volume) cap up, a lot of beers just weren’t available.”
According to popthecap.org, “This relic of Prohibition made it illegal to brew or sell one-third of the world’s beer styles, including gourmet Belgian ales, hoppy IPAs and intensely malty dopplebocks. Beers meant for sipping and savoring…nothing like the American light lagers that dominate North Carolina’s store shelves.”
Booming population
Alcohol by volume is not the only thing that has changed over the last 10 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Raleigh’s population increased 59 percent from 2000 to 2014, bringing in businesses and patrons to appreciate them. This influx, a median age of 32.4, and America’s evolving tastes in both food and craft drinks, all combine for a prime market.
“I think we’re going to see a lot more expansion,” said BrewBoss Mark Doble of Aviator Brewing Company, Inc. “A lot of people talk about a bubble, but in the U.S. a lot of people are changing the way they eat and drink, and beer is a part of that. People are demanding a higher quality. A local brewery is like a local bakery. People can see the grain and how the beer is made. I think the time of TV dinners is over.”
So what makes one brewery successful over another?
One thing all local brewers can agree on is that the quality of their beer is the most important aspect of their success. In other words, it’s got to be good.
“There was a time when craft was ‘kool’ [sic] mostly in part as it provided an alternative to big brands,” said Shaluka Perera, vice president of sales and distribution at Nickelpoint Brewing Co., which opened in Five Points of April last year.
“Quality and consistency was secondary. Craft beer patrons have matured over the years and are now not only demanding alternative solutions but also quality and consistency. I believe breweries that can maintain these two elements will succeed.”
While the total number of breweries has gone up over the years, some of those were buyouts and replacements. Big Boss Brewery Company bought Edenton Brewery, naming itself after Edenton’s popular Big Boss IPA. Blackjack Brewing Company was open from April to September of last year before relocating to Wilmington for personal reasons. Lynwood Brewing Concern bought their equipment and took over their location. Hosanna Brewing in Fuquay-Varina closed its doors for unknown reasons in 2014, giving up that space to Lincoln Brewery.
Billions for North Carolina
There is no magical formula for a successful brewpub, though North Carolina seems to have found its way as it houses more craft breweries and brewpubs than any other state in the South. According to Margo Knight Metzger, Executive Director of NC Craft Brewers Guild, the annual economic impact of North Carolina-produced craft beer is estimated at $1.2 billion, which supports more than 10,000 jobs in the state and production is expected to increase dramatically over the next several years.
Beer in the Burbs
An “open” bar – White Street Brewing Company
Dino Radosta likes old buildings. A few years ago when he was considering some of Wake Forest’s downtown real estate, he kept coming back to the White Street building.
Somewhat of an eyesore, this pink stucco building had been a Chevy dealership in its heyday. Radosta wanted to buy it, but had no idea what to do with it, only that he wanted it to be a destination that would draw people downtown.
He considered a movie theater and a bowling alley and then thought, “Why not one of those brewery things?” remembers his wife, Tina Radosta.
Beer resonated with nearly everyone, and the brew scene hadn’t yet hit Wake Forest, a town with a seminary background. In 2012, the Radostas opened the doors to the White Street Brewing Co.
“We’re so proud of our impressive brewhouse—that it’s in full view for all to see,” says co-owner Tina Radosta. “No glass windows or walls to hide it.
From the taproom has exquisite wood accents and original exposed-brick walls, you can enjoy tasty brews, darts and great conversations.
Notable: When you visit White Street, you’ll notice there are no stools around the bar. Initially, the stools didn’t arrive in time for the grand opening. They asked guests to bring their own chairs, which was a huge success. Eventually the stools arrived but the Radostas found they cluttered up the space so they kept the bar “open.” whitestreetbrewing.com
All Woman – Bombshell Beer Co.
Established in 2012, Bombshell Beer Co. is the first 100-percent female-owned microbrewery in North Carolina, also in Holly Springs. According to founders Ellen Joyner, Michelle Miniutti and Jackie Hudspeth, craft beer is not just for guys.
There should be more female brewers; after all, it was once considered “woman’s work.” And a woman actually created the first beer recipe.
“The goddess, Ninkasi is recognized for creating the oldest beer recipe in existence, dating back some 3900 years. Until Medieval times, it was the woman’s job to brew beer for the household and laws of that time stated that the tools of brewing were solely the woman’s property. The role of men in brewing began to grow with the rise of monasteries during the Middle Ages. Until the age of “Enlightenment” and “Industrialization,” women represented seventy-eight percent of licensed brewers. From that period on, the role of women in brewing declined rapidly, which the founders of Bombshell say in jest, was the downfall of the art of brewing.” bombshellbeer.com
Buy the bottle at Bottle Rev 3
Not to be confused with the ABC Store, here you can taste, try and take it with you.
Raleigh didn’t used to have bottle shops. You could go to the ABC Store or the grocery store to buy libations and crack open the spoils at home. Or you could meet friends in a bar or restaurant to share a drink.
The modern day bottle shop is the go-between. A little bit bar and a little bit retail.
This month in our beer issue, we feature breweries and take a close look at the economic impact of businesses who make beer in-house. But we can’t ignore the industry’s natural offspring: the bottle shop.
Jon Seier opened Bottle Rev 3 in Raleigh about a year ago. Variety often distinguishes the bottle shop from a brewery. The bottle shop doesn’t brew, but stocks quite a bit. There are also 13 beers on tap to enjoy while you browse.
“We have over 625 varieties of beer that are sold by the can and bottle, 100+ wines, plus meads and ciders that can be bought to drink onsite or take home,” says Seier.
Seier said one of his biggest challenges is simply keeping track of what he orders and sells—and tasting it all. (Nice work if you can get it, we say).
Demand is high, and Seier says he’s been surprised at the breadth of his foot traffic.
“Stereotypically, one would think that our customer base is primarily men,” he says. “That is not true; we have an equal number of women enjoying our beer, and our customer base also spans many generations.
The biggest perk is free beer, but Seier enjoys the gathering aspect of it. “It’s great to create a casual, atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine or beer, maybe have a meeting or finish the work day while enjoying a good beer—we also have Coke, coffees, local sodas—and then grab some great beer to take home.”
Style Guide:
Belgian Ale:
Belgium is the place for premium beer. Even when brewed in the states, you’ll find a fruity flavor and an aroma that you’ll smell before you even take a sip.
Pale Ale:
Hops is more concentrated here, tasting bitter to some, but refreshing in small sips.
Brown Ale:
Hops is reduced and the smell sweet and nutty; great for pairing with pork and strong cheeses like Asiago and White Cheddar.
Amber Ale:
Perceptible in malt and intense in hops, this rosy-hued brew, usually American, is fruity and solid.
Wheat Ale:
Wheat malt gives this ale a cloudy appearance but the color can range from pale to dark; the hop intensity varies depending on the brand. Heavy carbonation brings crispness.
India Pale Ale:
Loaded with hops, the aroma is herbal and powerful with a bitter kick to the tongue.
Porter:
Packed with nightly campfire flavor and a smoky aftertaste, it’s exceptionally sweet and malty (usually in the chocolate variety). Hops are well balanced.
Stout:
Seen as the original porter, these very dark beers are brewed with roasted barley infusing a smoky or burnt flavor (think coffee or chocolate). Mixing flavors like coffee and oatmeal add more bulk.
Imperial Stout:
Russian-inspired, this brew is very malty and has low carbonation. American and European breweries are experimenting with similar flavors.
Pilsner:
Originally from Czechoslovakia, the malt-and-hop harmony is balanced for a fresh floral flavor.
Bock:
Intensely German with barely any hop, the focus is all on the malt in this brew.
Dopplebock:
A serious winter beer with some serious alcohol content; it’s the stout of lagers, dark in color and high in malt.
by Tracy Jones | Feb 2, 2016 | February 2016, Retreat, Stuff
When local artist Sal Recca ran out of wood one day, he turned to a discarded wood pallet.
It made a great piece of furniture.
“It’s a Cinderella story at its best,” says Recca, who owns Unrefined Designs, LLC of Raleigh. “I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try it out, so I cleaned it and planed it to strip away the outer grime and found that underneath it all were these gorgeous planks of wood with natural colors and wormholes that give it so much personality.”
Pallet art has become popular in recent years as the rustic chic aesthetic has taken over and the appeal of upcycling has grown. The combination of the beauty of hidden cracks and crevices and the strength of wood meant for cargo makes pallet wood ideal for furniture construction. According to the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association, there are more than 1.8 billion pallets in service in the U.S. every day.
Trash for some; inspiration for others.
“When I see a pile of pallet wood, the wheels are turning, and I get creative at the first glance, like love at first site,” says Gloria Jarema of Southern Home Design, who works with her husband. “Our love to restore and design organically shines through our art.”
While wine racks and painted signs are common pallet art, local designers are branching out to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Examples include a horse wagon seat bench from Southern Home Design, end tables and cabinets from Carolina Homemade and Adirondack chairs from Swift Creek Goods.
Unlike the cost typically associated with most woodworking projects, pallets can be acquired at little to no cost. Some artists work with pallets as their primary business, while others just want extra spending money.
“I am a disabled Navy Veteran,” says Hal Whisnant of Swift Creek Goods. “My brain injury means I have good days and bad days. Because pallets are found at low to zero cost and I can build when I feel up to it, building with pallets has given me the ability to support my family in a way I haven’t been able to for many years.”
The pallet world is opening its doors to novices through “pallet parties.” Popular nationwide, artists offer short classes that allow newbies to create customized pallet art.
“For a small fee to cover cost of supplies, each participant buys a blank pallet canvas, and we supply the paint, brushes, stencils, etc., and they get to make their own creations,” says Meghan Pettet of Carolina Homemade.
“We have used this concept for fundraisers as well and the feedback has been extremely positive.”
Etsy’s guide to Raleigh local vendors:
• Unrefined Designs, LLC
• The Crafty Sea Otter
• Southern Home Design
• Swift Creek Goods
• Hot Shot Palletworks
• Pallets4Paws
• Carolina Homemade
