Before they shine in the City of Light, the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team will splash on the scene in the Triangle for Domestic Training Camp. Translation: The world’s top aquatic athletes—having historically included the likes of Mark Spitz, Rowdy Gaines, Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky and Natalie Coughlin—will be defying gravity (never mind the need for oxygen) here at Triangle Aquatic Center June 28–July 10.
It wasn’t that long ago that the Triangle scoring a Trials grab would be unthinkable. Sure, the area is clearly suited for swimmers—home to such greats as Olympic gold medalist and Wolfpack alum David Fox (whose TAC TITANS alum son is now attending Olympic Trials), Ashley Twichell, and Cardinal Gibbons’ alums David Greeley and Claire Curzan (see sidebar), to name but a few; a storied NC State swim team; some of the country’s most competitive year-round swim programs (including the TAC TITANS); and a citywide swath of swim clubs that make Tarheel Swimming Association summer swimming a perennial starting block for every child’s “if you can see it you can be it” dream.
But if you had stepped on a pool deck when Fox struck gold in the ’90s and forecasted the Triangle as a Trials destination, you’d have been accused of being in a fever dream. Now, that dream isn’t some farfetched fantasy. It’s a reality. And, adding to a long list of local accolades—NHL Stadium Series, rumblings of MLS and MLB Raleigh among them—it’s also another huge indication of just how significant a slice of Southern real estate the Triangle has fostered. “USA Swimming’s confidence in TAC and our community speaks volumes about how Cary and this region embraces and supports major sporting events,” says Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance Executive Director Scott Dupree.
Essentially, whether you’re a swim fan or not, having TAC lap up the Trials is just plain epic. Given the training camp only occurs in line with the summer Olympics’ four-year schedule, “this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Triangle,” says TAC Executive Director Derek Wall. “Everyone should be proud to live in an area with such quality infrastructure and amazing resources”—like TAC—and “the incredible RDU Airport just minutes [away].” Add to that, Raleigh’s position on the East Coast makes for a quick (direct!) pond jump to Europe.
As for the facility itself, it’s one of the only single-campus facilities in the nation—and optimally set up to host camp, thanks to the recent addition of an outdoor 50-meter pool and state-of-the-art fitness center to its 50-meter and short-course pools, not to mention ample parking and bus access… all of which “significantly reduces athlete travel and simplifies logistics” while upping R&R time, says Wall, who is also husband to Olympic (2020 Tokyo) repeat hopeful Twichell. Then there’s the Triangle’s straight appeal as an “ideal location” compared to other large metropolises, he adds—think airport size, temperate environment and relatively low traffic.
Now that camp is upon us, the excitement is at a fever pitch. Beyond star power, bragging rights and adding to an ever-expanding civic résumé, the Training Camp also seeks to generate remarkable economic benefit and visitor spending to the Triangle, as both Wall and Dupree note.
“But this is about much more than economic impact,” says Dupree, “The U.S. Olympic Swimming Team training in Cary shines a spotlight on TAC and positions it as a premier, national destination for swimming at the highest level. USA Swimming’s confidence in TAC and our community speaks volumes about how Cary and this region embraces and supports major sporting events.”
Much like the NHL Stadium Series, this puts us back on the world’s stage. “TAC, Raleigh and the Triangle are getting looks from other governing bodies and countries for our ideal conditions and facilities we have to offer to athletes such as swimmers and triathletes,” says Wall. And it’s not necessarily an Olympic one and done: With the 2028 Olympics in LA, he says, this area makes an ideal stop for many European Olympic teams.
That said, “we are extremely excited to host the 2024 [U.S. Olympic Swimming Team] before their departure to the Paris Games,” emphasizes Wall. “We are proud and humbled that USA Swimming recognizes the significant effort TAC has made to build the ideal training environment for swimmers. We give our all to grow the sport of swimming every day and are excited that this effort is being acknowledged both locally and nationally!”
SAVE THE DATE: July 5, 4:45–7:30pm | TAC
Lap up cocktails and apps while mingling with special guests (think David Fox, Claire Donahue and Charlie Houchin) and watching the 2024 USA Olympic Team train at this Stars and Stripes Soiree. triangleaquatics.org
SAVE THE DATE: July 6, 8:30–11:30am | TAC
Meet the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team and grab autographs before they head to Paris. Space is limited to the first 1,000, nonperishable food donations for Dorcas Ministries required for entry. triangleaquatics.org
Dive In With the Locals
Ashley Twichell
Apex resident Former + hopeful Olympian
Team that raised you: I grew up swimming for the Syracuse Chargers in my high school years.
Raleigh go-tos: I love Torchy’s, Tazza—and Angus Barn is my absolute favorite!
Thing you miss most from Raleigh while away: My massage therapist, Wellness by Lia
What motivates you? I like pushing myself to be the best I can be in practice every day—the best version of myself. I want to show my son what it looks like to work hard toward a goal and then compete to achieve it.
Most challenging facility to compete at + why: In 2011, I competed at the Pan American Games in Mexico, which was at altitude. I swam the 800m free in Mexico City and to date it’s still the hardest 800m I have ever done.
Go-to routine before a big race: Ice cream the night before. Preferably soft serve!
Reflecting on the dream: I remember in high school when I was trying so hard to get my first ever Olympic Trials cut thinking how cool it would be to be able to tell people I was going to be competing at the Olympic Trials for USA Swimming. I never would’ve dreamed I’d now be going to my fifth Olympic Trials—and having already been to one Olympic Games!
Claire Curzan
Cary native/resident UVA student Former + hopeful Olympian
Team(s) that raised you: Started as a Reserve Stingray in TSA at age 3, then competitively at age 7 for RSA [before] moving to TAC before I went to college
Raleigh go-tos: Sushi-Thai, Umami Japanese Steakhouse, First Watch, Fenton shopping for sure!
Things you miss most from Raleigh while away: My family and friends—and especially my dogs!
What motivates you? Personal growth and always striving to push past my limits. I like being able to race my own best times to try to propel myself to uncharted territories.
Most challenging facility to compete at + why: 2024 World Champs in Doha—the ceiling was curved so sightlines for backstroke caused you to drift into the lane lines.
Go-to routine before a big race: Some go-tos are Starbucks before finals sessions, having my lucky boots to walk out in, and watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives between sessions.
What you’d tell your younger swim self: Enjoy the process and journey because it goes by so much faster than you think—and always show appreciation to your support system. Being on my own now in college has shown me how much they sacrificed to help me get where I am, and I am forever grateful for their continued support!
David Greeley
Durham native Harvard student Olympic hopeful
Team(s) that raised you: Duke Aquatics developed my love for the sport; NCAC kept that passion; and TAC helped me take it to an elite level.
Raleigh go-tos: Cook Out—unfortunately this NC original hasn’t made its way to Boston.
Thing you miss from Raleigh most while away: Friends, family and Southern hospitality
What motivates you? Fulfilling my potential—and my family, friends and coaches who have sacrificed so much for me to be where I am
Most challenging facility to compete
at and why: Greensboro Aquatic Center—water
is freezing; deck is drafty; and pool has a
funky taste.
Go-to routine before a big race: No real routine—only key is to keep steady and conserve energy before the big race!
What you’d tell your younger swim self: Don’t obsess over the time, rather focus on the little decisions day in and day out. Time is a reflection of the quality of these decisions.
Where to get your beer, sweets and jazz fix this month
Courtesy of Pistachio Ice Cream
Pistachio Ice Cream DURHAM
Take it from Selena Gomez: “Baby, you deserve a treat!” Taking your dessert game to new heights (see ya, Ben & Jerry’s), this Persian-inspired ice cream shop sets itself apart with exotic flavors made from authentic recipes and fresh ingredients—think matcha green tea, lavender, sour cherry, ginger rosewater and saffron pistachio, natch—that will make your brain freeze beyond worth it. Choose from a variety of toppings (nuts, syrups, fresh fruit and more) for an unlimited number of mouthwatering flavor combos—best served on a homemade waffle cone with a cold brew or latte to boot. It’s ice cream chillin’ at its finest. pistachiodurham.com
Courtesy of Norse Brewing Longhouse
Norse Brewing Longhouse ZEBULON
Gather your tribe and put a brave face on for Norse Brewing’s second outpost, where good ole beer and comfort food with a Scandinavian/Southern twist collide within an apropos historic building dating back to the 1920s. Eat like a true Viking via Nordic-inspired cuisine like Frikadellar (housemade beef and pork meatballs), elk sausage, loaded pork belly and beer cheese tots, duck fat fries, and more. And, naturally, wash it all down with a perfectly paired brew, cocktail (The Old Norse with Elijah Craig, maple syrup, black walnut bitters, orange peel and cherry is calling our name) or wine on draft. Skål! norsebrewingco.com
Courtesy of Ay Por Dios
Ay Por Dios CHAPEL HILL
“Oh, my God” is right (!), as this elevated Mexican restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression thanks to fresh, seasonal dishes honoring Mexican heritage and culinary techniques—not to mention its bar partnership with Clase Azul, statement ’tails (looking at you, black margarita!) and ’Grammable surrounds. Indulge in traditional dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and tacos made from recipes passed down for generations, or branch out via eccentric dishes like the Langosta Rellena, aka lobster stuffed with marinated shrimp over pasta. There’s even a selection of handrolled sushi, birria dishes and brunch. Everybody wins! aypordiosnc.com
Photo by Chris Charles, Courtesy of Missy Lane’s Assembly Room
Missy Lane’s Assembly Room DURHAM
If you’re still looking to soften the sting after the closure of C. Grace (RIP), look no further. This coffee-by-day, cocktails-and-jazz-by-night establishment joins the few Black- and women-owned music venues in the Triangle. Stacked with performances from talented jazz artists every week, the space prides itself on expanding the local jazz audience and community by giving them a spot to perform, socialize and enjoy. Spring for the Club Deluxe Membership to reap exclusive benefits, and swing by every Tuesday for Eloquent Soul open mic night, or the last Wednesday of each month for Old Havana Nights. Let’s get saxy! missylanes.com
Photo by Adrian Etheridge, Courtesy of Soul Cups
Soul Cups CARY
Good for the soul, indeed! Transport overseas via authentic Korean desserts that “tell a delicious story” with every bite. Bingsoo, a traditional milk-based shaved ice dessert, is the star of the menu, with myriad flavor offerings available—think almond, fruit, black sesame and classic red bean, each topped with tasty toppings like mochi, fresh fruit, condensed milk, whipped cream and more. But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. … Sweet tooths will also want to dig into mochi doughnuts and croffles (croissant dough pressed into a wafflemaker #genius), while savory lovers can get behind the trendy Korean hot dogs traditionally made with potatoes and cheese. It’s giving a whole new meaning to the term Seoul—er, soul—food. cafesoulcups.com
How one couple’s innovative side hustle became all the buzz for kids, parents and brew lovers alike.
What do you get when you combine a power couple with invaluable skills and a passion for entrepreneurship + a novel idea combining an indoor play space for children and cafe for their parents? Meet Libby and Mark Azzarello’s Bumble Brews. A side gig-turned-unexpected success story, Bumble Brews—which serves to entertain both kiddos ages 6 months to 6 years and adults with buzzy brews (think coffee + beer and wine)—now boasts two locations in Cary and Raleigh, the latter of which opened Dec. 1.
Libby, a residential real estate agent, and Mark, a former corporate professional, embarked on this entrepreneurial journey in December 2022. “My husband always wanted to pursue entrepreneurship,” shares Libby, reflecting on the early days of their venture.
Assisted by a franchise coach who helped them fine-tune their aspirations, the couple was originally working on different ideas—until they met Bumble Brews original owners Blair and Brendan Byrnside.
“We used to take our daughter to the Cary location and loved the combination Blair dreamed up of a safe and fun place to play, but also incorporating our love for coffee and local beer,” reflects Libby. “It appealed to me for the creativity and children part, and Mark for the beer and coffee.”
Libby, self-dubbed as the “food, beverage and entertainment” connoisseur of their marriage, and Mark, the “operations and logistics”-focused half of the partnership, found their perfect match in Bumble Brews. In September, Mark took a bold step by leaving his full-time job to dedicate more time to the business. Libby continues to practice residential real estate, cleverly integrating her work into the play cafe.
“I’m excited to tie real estate into Bumble Brews, and I’ve shifted a lot of marketing to help moms and families connect with each other,” she says. “Some of our guests have asked me to be their real estate agent, so it’s been nice to see an organic growth to my full-time business.”
In addition to serving great brews and providing a fun space for kids, Bumble Brews has become a hub for community gatherings and casual coffee meetups. The full cafe is buzzing with a range of local beer, wine, cider and Champagne selects. And it’s not just for parents.
“One of our most asked questions is ‘Can I visit and purchase coffee if I don’t have a kid?’, and I always tell people, ‘Yes!’” maintains Libby. “You don’t have to be a parent to enjoy our coffee shop. The Raleigh location is positioned underneath an apartment building, so sometimes people just want to grab a coffee.”
With their joint vision, Libby and Mark Azzarello aimed to create a space that was not only female-friendly, but also a comfortable hangout for dads. “The whole industry is more female-leading because you’re working with moms, but we wanted to create a space where dads felt comfortable,” Libby explains.
Additionally, Bumble Brews’ party room offers a blank canvas for guests to curate their own theme with decorations to bring the space to life. If planning an event, guests can book the open-play area, the party room or the entire space.
Another unique feature of the Raleigh location is the consignment bookshelf where local authors can display their books. “We want to support as many local authors as we can,” says Libby.
While managing a business on top of a full-time job can be challenging, Libby attributes much of the success to their supportive network and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage others’ strengths to avoid burnout.“I am surrounded by experts and people who want to help. It’s hard as a business owner, when you’re used to being independent, to lean on other people,” she shares. “But my friends told me, when I ask for specific help, I’m giving them a gift.”
Reflecting on their journey, Libby shares a candid insight: “We’re building the plane as we fly it—we’re learning as we go.” As they continue to navigate the intricacies of entrepreneurship, the Azzarellos are not just brewing up a successful business, but a community where families can connect, relax and have fun.
It’s all about the mems in this festive kitchen nook given new life by a pop of color via interior designer Grey Joyner’s ~colorful~ vision, updating the room’s original all-white trim and pastel embroidered cafe curtains to create a crisp, clean feel via high-gloss oil paint in a vibrant turquoise hue that craftily matches the serging on the rug. “Color, to me, brings a space a new life,” says the interiors pro. “A lot of people who come into this room call it a ‘jewelry box’—and that’s exactly what I wanted to achieve here… a place that is special and where many memories will be created.” ’Tis the season. Here, we tap Joyner for intel on how to emulate the look. greyjoyner.com
Designer’s Tips
Gloss It Up High-gloss paint on trim creates a crisp, clean feel—and, bonus, dries harder and ages better for well-lived-in homes (aka kids & dogs banging into doors). Pro tip: Apply to ceilings in quaint spaces to “enlarge” the space.
Holiday Hues Pair pink and turquoise with touches of red and green, respectively, for a festive feel, like those red berries with a pink bow, or the green ornaments with turquoise velvet ribbon.
Texture Treasure A mix of textures can up the festive factor. From velvet and silk ribbon to raffia place mats, they all create interest and make a room a true work of art.
From ballet slippers to microphone—check out this Raleigh artist’s musical journey.
McKenzie Van Oss may have retired from the Carolina Ballet—but she hasn’t permanently hung up her ballet slippers just yet. The 27-year-old multitalented artist recently released the latest music video for her single “reminder,” which not only incorporates her professional ballet background, but also features her former colleagues from the Carolina Ballet (dancers, costume, hair/makeup).
The Wisconsin native-turned-Raleighite joined the local ballet company at 18 years old—but during a period of less strenuous rehearsals and no school, she began dabbling in songwriting and performing at open mics. It wasn’t until an injury that led her to leave the Carolina Ballet in March that her music career really took off. Now, the indie-rock artist creates music about her life and experiences while still honoring her dancing roots in music videos. Here, we chat with the rising star about her artistic identity.
How has your training shaped your career as both a dancer and musician?As a kid, I had no time for other extracurricular activities because all my time went to ballet. Then, as I got older, I just really started loving music—but I love I was able to use my body to interpret it. Around age 11, I decided I wanted to be a professional dancer. It’s funny—when I was in the eighth grade, a friend and I wrote in our yearbook what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote ‘ballerina musician,’ which is hilarious—but at that time, I was taking the ballet route. Music was always there, but I put it on the back burner.
What finally sparked the transition from ballet dancer to musician? I got injured during COVID, and in 2021, I found out my back was broken. I was in a lot of pain, so I decided to write songs that I wanted to make bigger than just me. I got to work with my brother who’s also a musician, and he produced one of my songs. I was like, ‘Wow, I really want to do this. I love being in a position of artistic freedom and creating a safe and fun environment—no judgment or pressures.’
What influenced your latest single, “reminder”? I wrote this song during COVID. It was to give myself therapy—looking at my younger self and seeing it from a perspective of growth. I think “reminder” can be applied to my experiences within a toxic relationship and my hardships with ballet. It’s funny sometimes how multiple things can be happening in your life and have a similar effect.
What do you have coming up next? At the moment I’m pretty much locking myself away in my room and writing. I’m securing grant funding and raising money to make another music video for my single ‘Hot Air Balloon,’ which will be out in November. And on Oct. 28, I’ll be performing in the third annual Hauntaculer at Bond Brothers Eastside in Cary.
