Features

A New Fable

“Books are a great way to live a million different ways and also to exist in a million different places,” says Nirmaliz Colón, founder of Fable Books and Café.

The awe in her tone suggests a lifelong love of reading, of storytelling, of the escape a good book brings.

“To be a teen again, unbothered... Read More

2025 Wrapped: The Year’s Top Features

Another year is (almost) in the record books! Per the December tradition, we are taking a look back at the year that will soon be in the rear-view mirror. It’s no surprise to the staff of Main & Broad that the year’s most-viewed stories highlight the grandeur of our state, the purported best mixologist in... Read More

Technology Providing Solutions for Healthcare Access in Wake County

Few among us have been able to avoid healthcare inconveniences. Difficulties finding primary care physicians, long waits for appointments, and delayed specialist visits are symptoms of the excellent care quality and booming population in Wake County. According to Senator Gale Adcock, the 66 new residents moving to the area every single day are exacerbating healthcare... Read More

Redefining Midlife

The midlife years should be a time of opportunity in a woman’s life: The kids have launched, the puppy trained, and the ladder climbed. Instead of feeling energized for new challenges, many women in midlife — loosely between ages 45 and 55 — feel drained, anxious, and “off.”

Jamie Gallagher experienced those same complaints as... Read More

Food & Dining

Recipes from Readers: Harira Moroccan Ramadan Stew

This hearty vegan stew is traditional for breaking the fast during Ramadan, which begins February 17.

¼ cup brown lentils, uncooked 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 tablespoon turmeric ½ teaspoon ginger 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro 7 cups water 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 medium tomatoes... Read More

Restaurant Spotlight: Serafina Ristorante

April McCall describes Serafina Ristorante, the new eatery on Salem Street in downtown Apex, as “upscale casual Italian.”

But there’s nothing casual about the restaurant’s approach to crafting a top-notch dining experience.

“Our goal is to bring anybody and everybody in to enjoy the experience of sitting down with each other and eating. … We... Read More

Now & Next

See & Do: January to February 2026

Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival Jan. 10, 12:30 & 6 P.M. Kerr Scott Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

Indulgences of all kinds unite at the NC State Fairgrounds — from hand-rolled truffles to luxurious fondue to an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. And that’s just the chocolate. Tickets include unlimited samples of all... Read More

See & Do: November to December 2025

Fuquay-Varina First Fridays November 7 December 5 5–9 P.M.

Take to the streets of Downtown Fuquay on the first Friday of each month to enjoy dancing, live music, local shopping, and a thriving arts scene. On November 7, 8 Count Country and Stick Boy Bread Co. host a swing and line dance event. December 5... Read More

Life & Style

Good(ish) Things Coming to Southern Wake in 2026

Breathe a sigh of relief, friends, because the emotional Chernobyl that was 2025 is now over. Yes, 2026 is sitting on the shelf like a murderous Annabelle doll, but we are going to pretend that we don’t see her waiting in the wings. This is the year of change.

While 2025 bid farewell to many... Read More

Meet & Greet: Bogdan and Nicole Ionescu

Stained glass tends to conjure images of historic churches or grandma’s sunroom, but one Fuquay-Varina couple is working to change that.

Bogdan and Nicole Ionescu founded Ordway Glass Company out of their Fuquay-Varina home. After only one year in business, the duo won the North Carolina Chamber’s Coolest Thing Made in NC contest in the... Read More

Travel

Escape to Edenton

“Edenton’s waking up,” says Inner Banks Inn proprietor Susan Martin Cyr about the scenic town tucked into the Albermarle Sound and surrounded by water on three sides in the state’s northeastern region. While it has long been considered a historical gem, Edenton has also been what Susan “would call a sleeper.” But now, she says,... Read More

Mountain Air

Vibrant towns, mountain landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and outdoor exploration — you can find it all in the North Carolina High Country. Destinations such as Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock often headline a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there’s a quieter alternative overflowing with small-town charm that deserves a place in the spotlight.

The... Read More

Home & Garden

A Retreat for Two + Friends

A one-room transformation, that’s all the Holly Springs homeowners sought — until they started working with Amanda Steinert-Francfort of ASF Interiors. Under Steinert-Francfort’s expert hand, their project turned into a refresh for the new home’s entire first floor.

The clients wanted unique design elements to reflect their individual styles, and to upgrade construction-grade lighting and... Read More

Fresh Statement

Homeowners Jennifer and Leo Young love statement-making details, including antique furniture, grand staircases, and Tudor architecture. They also love open living, indoor/outdoor spaces, and quiet luxury, so the couple partnered with Spotted Interior Design to refresh an outdated home in Cary.

“We immediately saw great bones,” says Jennifer. “And it’s an extremely convenient location. We... Read More