Summertime, and the Livin’ is Easy
I couldn’t see out my back window. There I was on 15-501, backseat full of pool floats borrowed from Unscripted Durham on my way to Chapel Hill. The June afternoon sun beat down as we pulled up at the home that real estate agent Martha Bick gave us access to in order to stage the photo that you see on our cover. The homeowner’s curiosity drew him outside to see what we were up to; he later climbed on the outdoor kitchen to snap his own photo. My neighbors, Rob and Brendetta, had the toughest job of all: lounging in a huge pool while contributing photographer Estlin Haiss’ drone hovered overhead, humming away.
I’m betting that Beth Mann never thought she’d be charged with pushing around doughnuts and pizza with a pool skimmer. But our new staff photographer was more than game to get the pool floats into position, along with help from Creative Director Kevin Brown, for our cover. (That eggs float was a wily opponent thanks to the breeze!) It took a talented team to produce the final striking image that represents the Best of Chapel Hill, and I couldn’t be more proud.
Inside these pages, you’ll find the full list of old standbys and newcomers our readers chose as their favorite coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques, spas and salons, realtors (it was fitting that Martha was one of the favorite four!) and so much more. Think of it as your local bucket list. You’ll also find Beth’s photography throughout as she captured summertime in The Oaks, a beautiful secret garden and much more. I hope you enjoy reading the issue – it pairs well with a cold beverage – and have a wonderful summer.
–Jessica Stringer, Editor
48 The Best of Chapel Hill 2018
FEATURES
10 In Memoriam: Mildred “Mama Dip” Council
36 Your Guide to a Very Chapel Hill Summer
Discover summer reading recommendations, cool ways to beat the heat and pickleball
44 What’s New in Hillsborough
102 What We Love About Living in The Oaks
116 The Salvaged Sanctuary
The story of one family’s secret garden
120 Why I Retired Here
Retirees share their motivations for spending their golden years in our communities; plus, a full directory of retirement options
PEOPLE & PLACES
20 TASTE 2018
21 Cooking the Books
22 Math Fair at McDougle Middle School
23 NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet
24 The ArtsCenter’s Always Inspiring Gala
25 FRANK Gallery’s Off the Wall
26 Walk the Runway Fashion Show
27 Empowering Journeys Luncheon
28 Project Graduation 2018
29 PlayMakers Gala
30 SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals celebrates 10th birthday
31 Women Build
32 Chapel Hill-Carrboro Meals on Wheels’ Dining for Dollars
33 Rock The Baby Family Festival; Learning Outside’s Meadow Lark fundraiser
In Every Issue
8 Letter from the Editor
14 Noted
34 5 Events Not to Miss
137 Dining Guide
Plus, a dish from Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill and a recipe from Moreton Neal
149 Engagement
150 Weddings
