Features

Nonprofit Spotlight: Restored Mission Shoppe

Spend just five minutes with Tonya Baker Nelson, and you’ll quickly discover she has a heart for serving women in crisis who are looking for support, employment opportunities, and renewed hope. That’s why in 2024 she founded Restored Mission Shoppe, a not-for-profit coffee shop and gift boutique located at Sexton Commons shopping center in Fuquay-Varina.

... Read More

Woman to Watch: Laurie Braxton

Laurie Braxton cultivated a 20-year career with pharmaceutical giant GSK, serving in roles encompassing external supply, business development, supply chain integration, and site management. The catalyst?

A cool pair of pants.

“The recruiter was wearing leather pants, and I was like, “North Carolina … pharmaceuticals … It looks like they have a pretty cool team.... Read More

Stay Awhile

The tree-lined gravel drive leading to The Ellie Inn, marked only with an understated black and white sign, is easy to miss. Residents on their way to Fuquay’s T.J. Maxx and pOpshelf pass easily by the entrance without realizing an oasis of Southern hospitality sits behind the trees.

For those that venture onto the 3-acre... Read More

Blazing Forward

In January the Holly Springs Fire Department became the first department in Wake County with an all-female crew. Lieutenant Kendall Stinson, engineer Kayelei Carter, and firefighters Joy Hernandez, Allison Krause, and Olivia Kulinski serve together on Holly Springs Engine 2.

“I don’t look at it like having an all-female crew,” says fire chief LeRoy Smith.... Read More

Food & Dining

Dig In & Drink Up: Specialty Lattes

At Lovegrass Kitchen, wholesome nourishment has been a priority of founder Meron Afework Kassa since the café opened three years ago in The Block on Main in Holly Springs’ Village District. The Strawberry Matcha Latte and Turmeric Latte are no exception, both using organic ingredients rich in antioxidants.

“Matcha is like concentrated green tea. The... Read More

Global Snack Attack

Broaden your palate and your snack pantry with imported selections from international markets that will kick up the heat this summer. Step aside, Goldfish — pool snacks are going global.

1. Chocolate Cream Roll, $4.39 Vegan Indian-style pastry filled with chocolate cream.

2. Masala Peas Spicy Chickpeas, $1.79 Light and crunchy roasted chickpeas add a... Read More

Now & Next

See & Do: September to October 2025

Jason Adamo Presents North Carolina Songwriters in the Round Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Holly Springs Cultural Center

A unique musical experience where artists perform in an intimate “in the round” setting, sharing their songs and the stories behind them. This one-of-a-kind behind the music event features NC artists Jason Adamo, Clare Means, Chris Hendricks, Azul,... Read More

McWally’s: A New Name in Fun

Get ready for fun times and unforgettable experiences right here in Fuquay! McWally’s opened its doors on August 22, bringing 42,000 square feet of fun to town. The new entertainment center offers traditional favorites like 60 arcade games, a 5,000-square-foot multi-level laser tag arena, and 20 bowling lanes (including 6 VIP lanes with... Read More

Life & Style

Announcing Autumn

Animal print makes a bold return this fall as a standout trend that works like a neutral. Whether layered with denim, paired with solid tones, or mixed with other prints, it adds effortless edge to your look.

Top, $36 Pants, $149 Bag, $188 Sneakers, $90 From Rose & Lee Collective

Chocolate brown is the new... Read More

The Untold Story of Varina
(… Liberties Were Taken)

It was brought to my attention that the Sept/Oct issue of Main & Broad is the women’s issue, and given that I’m a woman, I thought I’d contribute in a meaningful way.

The story of how Fuquay-Varina got its name is a Hallmark movie come to life. Before it was the beloved hyphenated mouthful we... 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