What’s old is new again! Bargain hunters will delight in this charming antique store specializing in vintage handmade, upcycled and reclaimed furniture, and home decor. Sisters Heather Mize and Hannah Linares began the biz out of a passion for giving new life to old stuff, which they credit to growing up experiencing their parents’ love of yard sales, farm auctions and thrift stores. The bulk of Salvage Sisters’ inventory is sourced from flea markets, antique shows and estate sales, but if the siblings see a good-looking piece of furniture on the side of the road, they won’t hesitate to pick it up and give it new life. As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! salvagesistersnc.com
02
Josh Cellars Jazz Series: Freeport Jazz Cary
In the mood for some sax? Koka Booth Amphitheatre is back, y’all (with safety protocols in place)—and so too is the popular Josh Cellars Jazz Series, now in its seventh year. Be sure to catch four-piece contemporary smooth jazz band Freeport Jazz for this year’s series finale on May 5. This can’t-miss quartet has recorded and shared the stage with the likes of Gerald Albright, Bob James, Paul Brown and Grover Washington Jr., to name just a few—and two of the four band members are Grammy-recognized. So, reserve a lawn pod or table, and soak up the soulful music against some fresh air and live music. Dreams realized. boothamphitheatre.com
03
Trophy Room Chapel Hill
Sink your teeth into a plate of nostalgia at Trophy Room, a hip, colorful new bar and resto inside the Graduate Chapel Hill hotel specializing in playful cocktails and “youthful” bites highlighting regional ingredients. Dishes reminiscent of the halcyon days of youth include chicken tenders, Frito pie, a PB&J burger, and pimento cheese and pepper jelly served with Ritz crackers (yummy in our tummies!). On the flip side, take advantage of the perks of adulthood with cocktails like Cherry Bourbon Cola, Jungle Juice and Adult Capri Suns (OK, so maybe we’re still living in the past a little…). And while you’re feeling nostalgic, a Jell-O shot or two will really get the party started. graduatehotels.com
04
Flying Bull Beer Company Durham
Take flight with craft beer flights at this local beer-focused Durham brewery. Flying Bull (which opened midpandemic in August) features 24 drafts from all over NC—plus a ton of unique cans from both lesser-known and uber-popular breweries—perfect for sipping inside the rugged taproom or out on the sun-filled patio (#goals). Besides beer, Flying Bull places a large focus on celebrating the melting pot of culture in Durham and its community—that is, the local artists, bands, painters, fellow breweries and other businesses who struggled during the past year. We raise a glass to them—and to brighter days ahead! flyingbullbrewery.co
05
Di Fara Pizza Tavern Cary
One of New York City’s most renowned pizzerias recently opened a new location in Downtown Cary, and we can’t wait to get a “pizza” it. The legacy of original owner Dominic DeMarco (who established Di Fara Pizza in 1965 in Brooklyn) will live on in the Cary digs through authentic pies starring dough made with a New York WaterMaker—which replicates the signature thin yet chewy crust for which The Big Apple is known. Choose from a traditional, square or white pie, and load it up with toppings of your choosing—or go for the Di Fara Classic topped with sausage, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Slice, slice baby! difarapizzatavern.com
Local, local, local—this charming family-owned retail spot in downtown Clayton is a must-shop for finding something new, neat and North Carolina-made. Local merch is on full display (national brands are on offer as well) via a range of home goods (from furniture and decor to gourmet kitchen items and beyond), plus apparel, handmade goods, fun foods (jalapeno pepper spread and candy unicorn popcorn!) and tons of gift options. We dare you to not walk away with a unique piece or the perfect gift. threelittlebirdsnc.com.
02
Rofhiwa Book Cafe Durham
This Black- and queer-owned bookstore and cafe just opened in east Durham. Together, founders Bev Tumi Mahkubele and Naledia Yaziyo created Rofhiwa (which translates to “we are given”) as a safe space for people to learn, process and have conversations about its curated collection of diverse Black literature and the Black experience. Check out the new spot, dive into a book, spark conversation over a cup of coffee—and join the open dialogue. rofhiwabooks.com
03
LuLuBangBang Durham
LuLuBangBang’s elevated Pan-Asian street food and Tiki drinks satisfy the craving of traveling to some place new and experiencing different cuisines. The cool, modern space features two private rooms, a gorgeous outdoor patio and a spacious edgy main dining area—each which makes noshing on chef/partner William D’Auvray’s eclectic dishes all the more delightful. Choose from char-grilled meats, pad thai (and other wok-prepared faves), soups and tasty apps (scallion pancakes, please). Wash it down with an array of tropical-inspired cocktails, wine, beer or mocktails for the perfect pairing. lulubangbangnc.com
04
Bar Virgile Durham
An air of sophistication can be found in all things at this famed Durham bar and restaurant, from the interior decor and vibe to the food and drinks. Cozy up in a leather banquette or take in can’t-beat Bull City views from the patio with crafted cocktails and seasonal small and large plates created with quality local ingredients (think vegetable risotto, linguini Bolognese and pork chop al pastor). Bar Virgile boasts one of the largest liquor selections in the Triangle and rotates its beer and wine offerings often to keep you coming back. barvirgile.com
05
Venable Bistro Carrboro
Located in the historic Carr Mill, Venable Bistro serves up delectable global comfort food every day of the week. Chef-owner Andrew Moore, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, incorporates local ingredients into each menu item and draws inspiration from his past cooking experiences in Italy, as well as from French, Asian and Mexican cuisine. Seasonal faves include the panko-crusted fried chicken, Korean pork BBQ bahn mi and vegetable tamales. For an unparalleled dining experience, take in a meal and a craft cocktail in Venable’s industrial open-air space. venablebistro.com
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you have your own personal stylist to help you stand out from the crowd (in the best way possible), stop by Bano Boutique. Owner Sima Rafizadeh is at the store daily and offers appointments for wardrobe consulting; services include custom tailoring and alterations, too. Bano Boutique is unique in that Rafizadeh handpicks clothes during each of her four seasonal buying trips to Europe, New York, Canada and other locations. She rarely buys pieces in bulk, which makes your time browsing, trying or buying the clothes in her store an unforgettable experience. banoboutique.com
Milk Lab
6418 Tryon Road, Cary
You’ve likely seen the enchanting internet videos of ice cream being flattened and rolled into perfect cylinders for a picturesque treat. If you haven’t, no worries—you can go experience the cylindrical ice cream in person at Milk Lab! The dessertery opened in Cary last month and offers homemade Thai-style ice cream rolls with unlimited toppings, boba milk tea with tapioca balls and other delicious sweet options. Milk Lab opens daily at 11:30 a.m., so stop by soon for a fun treat that’s not too out of the way. milklabcafe.com
Freedom Balloon Fest
Fleming Loop Park, Fuquay-Varina
May 25-28
This one-of-a-kind experience is an event that the whole family can enjoy over Memorial Day weekend! Hot air balloons are a beautiful sight when they’re overtaking the sky, but they’re especially beautiful when they’re flying to support military families. This festival is a fun way to support local military service members. In addition to watching the hot air balloons soar, the weekend-long festival features field games, balloon competitions, food competitions and music. Visit the website for specific event schedules and have yourself a patriotic Memorial Day Weekend! freedomballoonfest.com
A Safe Space for the Soul
546 Loblolly Drive, Vass
May 26 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
In the third session of a five-session tour, retreat leaders Diane Petteway and Sandie Merriam guide you through an exploration of your inner landscape for a tranquil renewal of the heart, mind and spirit. Participants separate into small groups and work to discover themselves through poetry, short readings, art, music and journaling. This year’s tour focuses on personal meditation and reflections. Petteway and Merriam work for the Center for Courage and Renewal, a national education nonprofit aimed at fostering courage and integrity in the personal and professional realms. This session costs $50. Register online. eventbrite.com/e/a-safe-space-for-the-soul-tickets-42389435944
May Baby Goat Yoga
Spring Haven Farm, Chapel Hill
May 19-20, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.
Baby animals have a way of instantly improving the moods of everyone around them, and yoga is proven to bring relaxation and zen. So it only follows that combining the two makes for the perfect event! At Spring Haven Farm, experience an all-levels yoga class with the help of some of the farm’s baby goats. Lindsey Alexander makes the dream a reality and, having cultivated a large following of yogis, she decided to make the class a monthly event for all animal and yoga lovers to enjoy. springhaven.farm
Benson is the moonshine capital of North Car- olina’s “Broadslab” region, known for its high-quality home-brewed whiskey. BroadSlab Distillery is the first farm distillery in the state to craft premium whiskey and moonshine, a family legacy that owner and master distiller Jeremy Norris has continued into modern times. BroadSlab offers five diff erent, uniquely-crafted authentic spirits. Distillery tours are $12 and take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.; learn exactly how these once covert, always delicious spirits are made. broadslabdistillery.com
2. Rumors
Rumors
Chapel Hill
Best friends Casey and Marshe opened this trendy thrift store off of West Franklin Street in 2013, and it’s a unique spot to buy, sell and trade your clothing. At Rumors, you can shop around for high quality secondhand clothes, consign your clothes for handpicked sale in the store or donate your clothes for a good cause. Open daily, Rumors offers a variety of stylish, vintage clothing for men and women and it’s an interactive way to get involved with the Chapel Hill community on a student’s budget. shopatrumors.com
3. Beau Caffe’s Latin Vibe on Thursday Nights
Durham
Thursdays at 9 p.m.
Get a head start on the weekend and dance the night away every Thursday evening with live music at Beyu, downtown Durham’s most stylish and sophisticated cafe and live music venue! The CoboBrothers Dance Co. offers Salsa dancing lessons followed by a dance party to Latin-inspired music, including a deep blend of Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba. Entry costs $8—$10. beyucaffe.com
4. Family Wilderness Survival
Bond Park, Cary
March 16, 5–7 p.m.
With our modern reliance on technology to guide us through the trappings of our daily lives, do you ever stop to wonder what would happen if you somehow got lost in the wilderness? This month, bring the whole family to navigate survival in the great outdoors when all devices fail. Learn shelter- and fi re-building and other hands-on skills that, for anyone planning to go off the grid any time soon, are sure to come in handy. townofcary.org
Acme Restaurant
5. Acme Restaurant
Carrboro
Acme is a cozy neighborhood restaurant that, due to its support for local, sustainable farms, gives customers lots of reasons to come back for more. Open for dinner nightly at 5:30 p.m. and for brunch on Sundays, Acme offers cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and desserts that everyone can enjoy. Gluten-free options such as spaghetti squash and pan-roasted duck breast are crowd favorites, and the menu is filled with takes on traditional Southern fare, including soft shell crab, fried chicken, pulled pork, pickles and slow-churned peach ice cream. Located in historic downtown Carrboro, Acme’s menu changes seasonally. acmecarrboro.com
Now through Jan. 8, visitors to the botanical gardens will get a chance to explore an unusual display of nature, including an 8-foot hummingbird and 7-foot rose. Artist Sean Kinney, one of only 13 LEGO Certified Professionals worldwide, has crafted sculptures made from more than 500,000 LEGO bricks capturing the natural world. Guests to the 80 acre garden, nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek just two miles from downtown Fayetteville, can also enjoy strolling along the waterways, exploring winter blooms, and participating in family friendly activities.
Named one of the top 50 restaurants in the United States, this eatery fuses Asian flavors with locally sourced ingredients derived from chef Andrea Reusing’s exceptional culinary talents. The menu is on the pricier side, but expect attentive service, a great wine selection, and beautifully presented dishes. Fans have called it “mind blowing” and a “culinary adventure.”
This boutique brewery, owned by veterans, just celebrated its first anniversary and offers a cozy taproom featuring a rotating menu of seasonal and handcrafted beers (including Udder Brother Pecan Maple porter and What the Buck Pale Ale). Weekly events such as music bingo, wine and design and open mic nights provide a fun way to unwind. Pet lovers will appreciate its dog-friendly patio; open Thursday through Sunday afternoons and evenings.
This local cooperative gallery features modern and contemporary works from 21 artists, including sculptors, painters, jewelry makers and more. During the month of December, the gallery hosts a yearly event called The Art of Giving focused on giftable pieces, such as Lynn Wartski’s fanciful botanical sculptures made from copper, glass and fabric or Evelyn Ward’s beautifully crafted salt-fired stoneware. The gallery also presents a featured show opening on the last Friday of every month.
A 2013 and 2014 semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Pastry Chef award, owner Phoebe Lawless showcases classic southern techniques at her cozy bakery that seats only 18 and offers a small yet inventive lunch and brunch menu, including eggplant fattouche or a Po’ Boy Benedict. But the real stars are the made-from-scratch pies with seasonal fillings. The youngest of eight children, Lawless watched her mom do all the cooking at family gatherings, inspiring a love affair with food that is felt in each sweet bite.
Fainting Goat Brewing Company
Scratch