Features

Presenting the 2025 Maggy Awards: Best of Main & Broad

After thousands of votes across four categories, we are excited to unveil the fourth-annual Maggy Awards: Best of Main & Broad winners — as selected by you, dear readers. We tallied thousands of votes for your favorite restaurants, service providers, professionals, and retail spots. Read on to discover who took top honors.

Click one of... Read More

Remembering the Crush of Covid

On Friday, March 27, 2020, Governor Cooper announced a statewide stay-at-home order to combat the increasingly rapid spread of covid. I’m sure there’s no need to remind you that nonessential businesses closed their doors. City streets were empty. Students began virtual learning. Overwhelming uncertainty surrounded the disease and the ramifications it would bring.

Five years... Read More

2025 Maggy Awards: Restaurants

The Library Steakhouse Best New Restaurant, Best Steakhouse

Once upon a time, a princess and her prince charming (Sara Lindsay and her husband, Charles) transformed an old public library building into a sophisticated steakhouse. The entire kingdom (of Fuquay-Varina) rejoiced for their new elevated dining experience. With a moody atmosphere, elegant bar, and plenty of... Read More

2025 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle

Home Court Pickleball Best New Business (non-restaurant), Best Place for Family Fun, Honorable mention: Best Place for a Fun Night Out

Fuquay-Varina residents Joe and Kat Entwistle didn’t open Home Court Pickleball because they are pickleball experts. In fact, they consider themselves novice players. Instead, the husband-and-wife pair saw the potential that a welcoming indoor... Read More

Food & Dining

Small Business Spotlight: Dupre’s Coffee & Company

It’s 7:30 a.m. on a brisk Saturday, and an eager group of java enthusiasts are standing in line to get their favorite cup of morning delight. Perhaps you think these folks are queued up at a chain store recognized by its ubiquitous mermaid logo. Or maybe you believe they are in downtown Fuquay at one... Read More

Dig In & Drink Up: Den of Dragons

Tazza’s bar team is known for the thought and attention they put into crafting drinks. When bartender Haley Brogden set out to create a cocktail inspired by her favorite show, House of the Dragon, she wanted something bold — alcohol forward and with a spicy bite. But with warmer weather and springtime on the way,... Read More

Now & Next

See & Do: March to April 2025

Art LAB March 15, April 12, May 10, 1–4 P.M. Fuquay-Varina Arts Center

The Arts Center lobby becomes a free studio once a month at Art LAB, open to artists of all ages and skill levels. Instructor Charlene Bowling leads creators through a unique project each month, exploring drawing, bookmaking, collage, painting, sculpture, and more.... Read More

Spring Break Day Trips

Looking for something different this spring break? Try one of these destinations within an easy day-trip drive of Raleigh. Sylvan Heights Bird Park Scotland Neck, about 90 minutes from Raleigh open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. until April)

A hidden gem for animal lovers! This 28-acre bird park is... Read More

Life & Style

Quirky Sights in NC

There’s some weird crap in North Carolina that nobody knows about except for everyone who can google but me — so consider this the ultimate guide for your next NC road trip. I’ll be your snarky shepherd, you can be my dumb sheep, and I will lead you to all the wild and wonderful places... Read More

FVM’s Winter Survival Kit

The dark days of winter are upon us, and it’s time to kickstart your new year’s resolutions get depressed. Yes, you’ve gained weight over the Chrismahanakwanzika, and no, the dryer is not to blame. You’re about to be on your 500th bowl of chili since chili season began, and you’ve tried every cookie recipe on... 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

Travel

The Art of Restoration

“It felt … not alive to me,” says Lynn Bregman Blass about the painting leaning at her feet. Before Helene, the canvas had hung on the psychotherapist and mixed media artist’s studio wall. After the disaster, which she admits “is informing my work,” Lynn verbalizes a feeling palpable in Asheville’s River Arts District: loss.

By... Read More

NC Festivals Worth the Drive

In a state full of so much bounty — unique landscapes, robust agriculture, and rich traditions — there are many reasons to celebrate. If you plan to tour NC this year, check out these signature events for a taste of local culture and family fun.

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival March 16–23 Asheville

Multi-day, multi-venue... Read More