Author Archives: zonker

‘Here I am’ – Van Eure’s Raleigh

by Stacy Chandler Before she married and had children, Eure developed the habit of working into the wee hours at the helm of the iconic North Raleigh restaurant her father co-founded in 1960. But as dear as Angus Barn is to…

All hail the regal OSTRICH FERN

by Tony Avent illustration by Ippy Patterson In my travels through much of the northeastern United States, I have always been struck by the amazing masses of ostrich fern happily congregated in low wetlands. I was determined to grow this…

In spring everyone’s a gardener

by Helen Yoest Daffodils are dancing to the rhythm of the season, birds are singing a chorus of love, and we humans are channeling our inner soil sister. In spring, everyone is a gardener. Now’s a great time to feed…

A Preacher-Girl I Was

by L. Teresa Church Neither called, nor sent, the kind that just went hat and hymnal in hand,   my make-believe pulpit a chair, porch rail, bedroom dresser top,   anywhere Gran sat, listened to sing-song sermons I preached  …

An uncanny mystery

text and photograph by John Rosenthal A visionary splendor: the Titanic’s grand staircase. A glittering chandelier. Bronze cherubs, carved balustrades, oak paneling, glass domes high above, shedding light. Of course visionary, especially if you were traveling first class. James Cameron…

Paris Alexander shows us how it’s done

photographs by Mark Petko When Raleigh’s Artspace studio challenged 50 artists to create works from a box of mystery materials in a limited amount of time, Paris Alexander raised his hand. The sculptor – a maker of monumental public art collected…

VISIONARIES: People who get things done

by Charles Meeker photograph by Mark Petko The qualities of a visionary today differ from what one supposes. The thought of a dreamer first comes to mind.  But practical persistence defines a visionary now. Let’s go over first things first….

Kevin and Stacy Jennings: Family values and restaurant success

by Andrea Weigl photographs by Lissa Gotwals Stacey Jennings sets platters of mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, spinach salad and coq au vin blanc on the dining room table and calls to her children. “We need to eat,” she says. “It’s on…

FIELD OF DREAMS: Envisioning Raleigh’s Central Park

by Amber Nimocks photographs by Missy McLamb The grass is thick beneath your palms and bare feet as you recline atop Dix Hill, watching the liquid glow of the sunset reflected in the glass walls of downtown Raleigh. You’re tired in the…

Strumming up a community: HARRY’S GUITAR SHOP

by Charles Marshall photographs by Geoff Wood Each weekday morning, a veritable supergroup of top local musicians gather in a fabled spot on Glenwood South. But they don’t plug in and jam together. Instead, they disappear into tiny rooms to…

The ultimate vintage spirit: MOONSHINE

by Charles Upchurch photographs by Juli Leonard “In my mind I’m gone to Carolina – can’t you see the sunshine, can’t you just feel the moonshine…” I think we all know what Sweet Baby James was singing about. North Carolina…

Melting Away

by Charman Driver I have a super-active lifestyle, so once in a while, I book a massage with a therapist to help ease tension and reduce pain in my overworked muscles. I stretch every day, but I dream of having…

Made in Raleigh: Rack ’em

photograph by Geoff Wood A stone’s throw from the Greek Revival capitol building in downtown Raleigh stands the oldest maker of pool tables in the state. Met-Tech, founded in 1943, specializes in custom pool tables made from oak, Siberian birch,…

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