I first came across Evans Sutton of Sutton Stems this spring while covering the most recent Design Matters, an annual celebration of design, art and architecture held at The Carolina Inn. The UNC alumna shared details about her stunning tablescapes on display at the event. A few weeks later, I attended my first Art in Bloom at the North Carolina Museum of Art and spotted her work again – this time, she had assisted on an ethereal installation by West Queen Studio. She capped off her first year in floral design by earning enough votes from our readers to be named one of the area’s best florists. It was a well-deserved honor after she pivoted into the field for its creativity and flexible pace.
Naturally, we turned to this rising star for our Best of Chapel Hill cover. Evans was all in, designing a celebratory arrangement featuring ranunculus and zinnias in a summery palette. The result is a joyful triumph that reflects the spirit of this issue – vibrant, rooted in community and in full bloom with local talent. Find the full list of this year’s award recipients – from frozen treats to tailors – starting on page 92. – Jessica Stringer, editor
THE 14TH ANNUAL BEST OF ISSUE
30 Smiles & Snapshots
High school sweethearts and local business leaders Dr. Shaina Holman and Trevor Holman root their lives in family and community
34 Pint Just Right
The founder of Carolina Brewery tapped into the world of craft beer before it was cool and has shaped an enduring brand in the three decades since
38 Cafe Crawl
Enjoy seasonal standouts this summer from these readers’ favorite coffee shops
48 Blueprints & Bright Ideas
Local architects reflect on inspiration, process and what makes a space unforgettable
54 Outdoor Oasis
Discover stunning open-air projects designed by some of our area’s home and garden experts
58 Get into Gear
Head to our readers’ favorite bike shops for anything from a tuneup to a new ride, and join in a group cycle
62 Summer Style
Chapel Hill’s most fashionable shops showcase their signature summer style with curated, head-to-toe looks that blend trend, personality and plenty of local flair
68 Full-Circle Harmony
A musical couple returned to Chapel Hill to lead the school where one of them first found her voice
72 Beyond the Beads
A history of artistry and community strings together every chapter of this beloved bead shop
76 Made to Last
Chapel Hill native Heba Salama captures life’s milestones – now through both photography and floral resin art
82 In Good Hands
Dr. Chas Gaertner has built a chiropractic practice rooted in hands-on care
86 Strength in Numbers
Our editor tries three readers’ favorite fitness studios in one week and finds motivation, muscle and a little magic in community
92 Best of Chapel Hill 2025 Award Winners
120 Built for Belonging
Mental health nonprofit Club Nova earns Chapel Hill Magazine’s Social Impact Award
FEATURES
124 A Beautiful Work in Progress
The Keefes’ home is a story of design in motion, refined over 20 years and counting
146 Creature Comforts
A guide to area vets, animal hospitals, groomers, boarders, pet sitters, dog parks and rescue organizations
DEPARTMENTS
10 Blast From the Past
One of the best baseball teams ever assembled came together by chance in Chapel Hill during World War II
8 Going Places
Meet two Chapel Hill women who turned travel smarts into full-time ventures – from dream itineraries to stress-free luggage hacks
12 About Town
Events not to miss
16 Big Picture
Chapel Bill
18 Carolina on Our Mind
Happenings at UNC
20 Glow Getters
Jung Cho
24 What We’re Eating
News from our restaurant community, plus a dish we love
PEOPLE & PLACES
138 Women of Achievement Luncheon
140 Table’s Spring Fundraiser
141 P.E.A.C.H. Ribbon Cutting
142 Carrboro Elementary Fair
144 The ArtsCenter’s GALAxy 51
WEDDINGS
150 Clendaniel & Woodring
151 Bonnici & Metivier
152 Garcia & Tilley
