by Heidi Reid | Aug 27, 2024 | Do, September 2024
Carolina Coops is hatching new horizons with its sustainable chicken coops.
The only thing better than fresh eggs is farm fresh eggs in your backyard—and Carolina Coops is bringing that luxury to city dwellers.
The Creedmoor-based coop biz was hatched by founder Matt DuBoise, who combined his love of construction and a grade-school project involving the care of chickens to offer custom-built and design-orientated (think Joanna Gaines-esque) coops—and his brand has since gone global.
Each coop is crafted to fit the specific needs of both the flock and the owner—especially crucial for those living in city limits with confined space. And, yes, the City of Raleigh *does* allow residents to house chickens, dependent on land mass.
“That is a big deal because customers don’t always know where the best place is for a coop,” says Kelly Alley, the brand’s PR and marketing specialist. “Coops have to be completely level in order to ensure the integrity stays intact.”
Alley adds that any coop will work for a first-time flock, but notes many customers need a bigger coop than they may think because of “chicken math.”
“It’s a real thing,” says Alley. “Which coop you choose is going to depend on how many chickens you have. Everyone says they’ll start with a few—and next thing you know, they have eight because they can’t stop getting them.”
And first-timers shouldn’t shy away. “Anyone can have chickens. It’s incredibly easy—and that’s why we’re doing everything we can to educate.” Talk about flocking together. carolinacoops.com
by Alexandra Drosu | Oct 24, 2016 | Do, October 2016
Cedar Creek Gallery, Creedmoor
Transformed from an old tobacco field, this arts and craft gallery offers local, accomplished artisans (over 200) an opportunity to showcase their work. Many of the craftsmen have works permanently exhibited at the Smithsonian and The Mint Museum, and once a year they celebrate their craft with the Fall Pottery and Glass Festival. Visit the glass pumpkin patch, watch glass blowing demonstrations and raku firings (a type of ceramic art) while enjoying live music and eating from a variety of food trucks. cedarcreekgallery.com
Glass Half Full, Carrboro
It might be tempting to go to this wine bar and shop just for a glass of Malbec, but we assure you the restaurant is well worth the visit. Featuring seasonal, contemporary American cooking, don’t miss the fried brussels sprouts or mini lobster rolls. Dishes are meant to be shared, and they offer 3 oz. wine servings to encourage exploration of the extensive selection. The wine shop offers nearly 300 options, mostly from small and family owned wineries, which you can uncork during your meal or take home. glasshalfullcarrboro.com
Cocoa Cinnamon, Durham
At a recent concert, singer Sarah McLachlan gave a shout out to this Durham coffee and chocolate shop, saying it was the best cup she’d had on tour so far. Offering pour-overs, espressos, house-made syrups and a range of signature coffees with bold flavors—such as Moctezuma, a latte with dulce de leche and cayenne pepper, or the Temujin, a white chocolate latte topped with ginger—pop in the next time you’re in Durham. But the community hub offers more than coffee; it’s a place where locals and visitors enjoy conversation. The café will be opening a micro-roastery in Chapel Hill soon. Cocoacinnamon.com
White Street Brewing Company, Wake Forest
You’ve probably had its Kölsch on tap, but have you visited the brewery yet? Built in a 1930s car dealership, the founder Dino Radosta stripped away the façade to restore the building to its original brick character. Inside you’ll find the taproom along with its flagship beers and limited releases, such as the Friar’s Spoils, a Belgian Tripel brewed in collaboration with home brewer David White, the winner of the 2016 White Street Brewer’s Guild Open. Also, check the calendar for food truck schedules and entertainment. Whitestreetbrewing.com
LaPlace Louisiana Cookery, Hillsborough
You don’t have to travel all the way to New Orleans to let the good times roll. Instead, take a ride out to Hillsborough and grab a bite at LaPlace Louisiana Cookery. This intimate eatery has a vintage charm with a long wooden bar and the specials written on a chalkboard. The menu features house-made sausages, Cajun cuisine, Po’ Boys and more, along with “Build your own Bloody Marys” and unique craft cocktails, like the Blueberry Shrub Collins. laplacehillsborough.com
