No sparks flying here—fireworks are still far from legal in NC.
Bad news for locals—and good news for the lineup of fireworks stores along our southern border: Fireworks don’t look to be legal in NC anytime soon. Instead, the longstanding explosive debate remains, despite unrestricted access below (score one, SC).
No doubt a potential economic boon for our state—data from the American Pyrotechnics Association shows the fireworks industry has seen an annual revenue growth in consumer fireworks from $407 million in 2000 to $2.3 billion in 2022—bills regarding the legality of fireworks have been introduced by legislators almost annually for years to no avail, thanks to lobbying by such groups as North Carolinians for Fireworks Safety.
Sure, NC has legalized controversial products and services of late in the name of benefiting the economy (see: sports betting), but legal fireworks and roadside NC stands remain but a pipe dream.
The lore behind these restrictions actually dates back to a circa-1931 incident in Iowa (!)involving a dropped sparkler that ignited a pile of fireworks, thus sparking a blaze that leveled 80 businesses and clocked over $2 million in damages. Perhaps as expected, legislators and emergency responders cite such high risk of fires and personal injuries among the reasons popular pyrotechnics aren’t any closer to becoming legal.
“The dangers range from children losing fingers and parents losing eyes to shooting aerial fireworks and [having them] land in a barn, the roof of a house or in the gutter with pine needles and setting the house, barn or whatever on fire,” says Tim Bradley, executive director of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association.
In 2022, 10,200 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries, with 11 of those injuries resulting in death. Naturally, summer is prime time for such afflictions, with a whopping 73% of incidents occurring in the weeks before and after Independence Day.
Ultimately, it looks like NC will opt to kill the spark in the name of safety for the foreseeable future. So explosive-leaning residents will have to cross their fingers on the Fourth that a bolder neighbor stocked up over the border—or make plans to party via city-run fireworks shows and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.
Five Points java hot spot extended its hours—and added a ~dope~ lineup to its offerings
Prepare to perk up. Local fave Five Points java + foodie joint The Third Place lengthened its hours by popular demand Fri.–Sun until 2pm (!). And extending the grind, the nearly 30-year-old spot (nee 1994) recently debuted a WINK line of Delta-8-infused baked goodies.
“After our 4/20 celebration [last year], our customers started asking for our recipes to include Delta-8,” says the shop’s operations manager JJ Johnston. “We are thrilled to offer our traditional in-house baked goods right next to the new, ‘special’ (*wink, wink*) baked goods and beverages our customers have loved for the last thirty years. Come hang out with us until 2pm!”
Beyond the buzz, keep your eyes peeled for WINK-infused bevs in the works. … Ready to get your munch(ie) on? thirdplaceraleigh.com
Form Furniture debuts office products for the future at Interior Elements
By Kelsie Barton
When, where and how we work has transformed drastically in our post-COVID world. (WFH, WFO, WFA… who can keep up?). And no one is more aware of the shift than Jonathan Johnson, CEO and founder of Form Furniture.
“I believe the time is right to offer a new company that is more in step with how office work and design is changing—and, critically, is more in step with the generations and professionals affecting those decisions,” says Johnson. “After working in all sides of the design industry for over 20 years, now is the time to offer something more simple, more authentic, more beautiful and at better prices.”
Enter Form, a line of modern furniture for both home and office that champions effortless style, comfort and truly affordable luxury. Johnson and his team launched the company in fall 2023, partnering with Interior Elements as the exclusive dealer partner throughout most of the Southeast, including Raleigh.
“Raleigh is a huge focus for us as it has such a growing business landscape and thriving community,” Johnson shares. “Not only are we thrilled to work with Interior Elements, but we get to work with their team and their customers all over the South, including both North and South Carolina.”
The collab with the fellow industry leader known for delivering remarkable workplace interiors resulted from Johnson’s hometown connection. “They started in Birmingham, which is where I’m from and worked earlier in my career,” the design pro reveals. “Watching Interior Elements grow and thrive was always inspiring to me.”
When he began developing Form, Johnson wanted to ensure he was not making decisions in a silo, so he called his friends at Interior Elements for their perspective. “Their support and feedback were invaluable to me and naturally turned into a larger conversation for the future of our relationship,” he says.
As expected, that relationship has only continued to blossom. “Our team is excited to work with Jonathan and his team,” adds Merritt Atkins, a Raleigh native who works in market development for Interior Elements. “[Johnson] said, ‘Furniture doesn’t have to be hard’—and he’s right, it should be an enjoyable experience for designers and clients. At Interior Elements, our mission is to provide an exceptional client experience while making a difference in the world around us. Form fits right in with that mission.”
As such, Raleighites can now find Form’s sleek, adaptable high-quality products locally at Interior Elements’ Hillsborough Street locale—think the attractive and oh-so comfortable On Board conference chair, or the Stash cart, which serves as a stunningly simple and spacious storage solution. “I really wanted to include storage pieces in our line that are fresh but familiar—and not too trendy,” says Johnson of the Stash series, his personal favorite. “They are simple, with clean lines, minimal materials and are incredibly versatile. These designs will stand the test of time—and at a great price.”
As Form expands its distribution and business partners across the country (“I’m even in talks with some NC-based manufacturers for our new collections,” hints Johnson), the company will remain on the cutting-edge of workplace design through its philosophy of “furniture made simple.”
As a consumer and designer myself, I want quality, beauty and simplicity at a price I can afford,” he maintains. “Clients and designers who are working in the contract/commercial space want the same thing.”
Spare yourself the scaries of loading a dirty dog into your car—this day spa will come to you. Zoomin Groomintakes care of all the pampering—from baths and trims to nail clipping (bless!). Furry hair, don’t care. @zoomingroomin_northhills_nc
What better way to get your pup’s tail wagglin’ than a shopping spree and spa sesh at Woofinwaggle?Fido is sure to be left looking fetch—and deserving of a sweet treat for being the goodest boy. @woofinwaggle
Skip the stale kennel and leave Sarah Jessica Barker in style with K9 Resorts. After a choice of daylong group or solo playtime, your pooch can stroll down the chandelier-lit hall to private accommodations, a primo meal and Dog TV entertainment. It’s giving The Plaza Hotel—dog version. @k9resorts_apex
Woof, there it is! Let your furry child relax with an on-site grooming sesh at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming while you scour the baked bites to treat your boy/girl. Bone appetit! @wolfgangnc
Take it from the “biter-in-chief,” aka President Biden’s chomp-happy German Shepherd: A well-trained dog is key. Let Zoom Room handle the ruff stuff with agility classes and puppy training, or join in the fun via a playgroup or private gym. A-paws, please! @zoomroomcary
Five Points East is coming into its own! The ever-expanding (s/o soon-to-bow Trophy Brewing Outpost!) offshoot of central Five Points is burgeoning into a destination—boasting a smattering of personality-filled shops and tasteful sup spots.
All is fair(view) in love. … Meet the mod, rustic event venue flaunting DTR views, cozy powder rooms and light-filled spaces—perf for getting hitched or hosting any kind of social gathering. @thefairviewraleigh
Belgian inspired 🤝 Carolina crafted. Sip on experimental and contemporary brews while digging into Euro-style fare like croque-monsieur, roast duck and the like. Alfresco vibes strongly suggested. @neuseriverbrewingco
*Donut* hold back on these doughy decadent sweet treats made from locally produced organic flour. For that bonus bright spot, wash ’em down with Black & White coffee.@brightspotdonuts
Come over! Taste the diversity of the Mediterranean and Middle East via Cheetie Kumar’s vibrant cuisine and energetic atmosphere. Pro tip: The creamed feta is a must. @ajjaeats
Consider your preexisting beauty enhanced. Truly a cut above—color, cuts, styling and extensions’ll keep those lovely locks looking and feeling their best. @bungalowhairshop
“Where urban meets vintage,” this curated outpost touts home decor pieces of days past—from hard-to-find lighting to midcentury-mod pieces. Your home is sure to serve *lewks*! @urbage
Answering the call for “trendy and affordable” kids clothing, this stylish consignment spot hosts a smorgasbord of ops for the tots—from elevated brands to toys, books and baby gear. @littleoakcollective_raleigh
Gear up for bikes, custom cycle fittings and an active cyclocross team at this local outpost riding toward a total bicycle renaissance. After all, “you see the world differently on a bike.” bergerhardwarebikes.org
Saturday is every day when you can tap into good brewskis and an even better time via 16 taps and a chill hang sesh or catching your fave team on the telly. Cheers! @rnd_brewing
