It had everything: a wood-beamed ceiling, exposed brick walls and a disco ball above the bed. The vibe sealed the deal when I booked my hotel in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, an eclectic enclave in the barbecue-centric city. This issue – filled with its many stunning spaces – had me wanting a weekend away to do what I love most: explore cocktail bars, coffee shops and local boutiques in a new place.
Looking for an aesthetic staycation closer to home? Consider Villa Pinea, a secluded Airbnb on the county line that once belonged to two Duke lichenologists. They placed the property under a conservation easement with the North Carolina Botanical Garden Foundation, which later enlisted Elizabeth Wilcox and Amy Eller of So Well Appointed to ensure the mid-century retreat could welcome guests while preserving its character. You can feel good about your stay, knowing it supports an environmentally focused organization celebrating 60 years and marking the occasion with a gala on May 15. (Find more spring happenings on page 12.)
Speaking of great causes, I encourage you to browse the new Extraordinary Thrift Store in Carrboro for a feel-good retail fix. I snagged a vintage Ralph Lauren blazer on opening day of the latest endeavor from Extraordinary Ventures, a nonprofit that creates employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Executive Director Lisa Kaylie captured the moment at the rainy February ribbon cutting: “It’s always a beautiful day when you’re opening something of this magnitude.” Meet her and seven other community leaders beginning on page 33.
Let this issue inspire where you go, what you bring home and how you show up for your own community this season. – Jessica Stringer, editor
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
34 Paula de Pano
owner, Rocks + Acid
38 Daniella Jaimes-Colina
chief executive officer, Piedmont Health Services
42 Lisa Kaylie
executive director, Extraordinary Ventures
46 Janice Tyler
director, Orange County Department on Aging
50 Vianna L. Fornville
student, Chapel Hill High School
54 The Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna
rector, The Chapel of the Cross
58 Amanda Bennett
Carrboro poet laureate
62 Caroline Riggsbee
area manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
FEATURES
30 A Closer Look at Carrboro
Explore a few of our favorite spots around this former mill town, where walkable streets lead to a lively mix of arts, outdoor adventure, independent shops and a thriving dining scene
66 Retirement Goals
How three older adults spend their post-work years
ONLY IN ORANGE
Community & culture, from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough
12 Here & Now
Events you won’t want to miss
16 Get Out of Town
Top Triangle events this season
18 Talk of the Town
Readers share their home or garden projects for spring
18 You Said It
Our readers discuss what they enjoyed in the magazine over the past year
19 The Write Stuff
New books by local authors
20 Let’s Dish
at H&H Bagels
22 News Bites
Updates on our local food scene
24 Glow Getters
Spotlighting neighbors who shine bright
28 Local Lens
A scene that captures the spirit of our towns
LOCAL LIFE
Color, character & connections in Orange County
94 Moments That Made Us
A look back at the people, places and events that shaped Chapel Hill
98 Before & After
A neutral condo evolves into a playful retreat with subtle Carolina blue accents
106 At Home in the Pines
A mid-century modern retreat finds new life as a nonprofit Airbnb, where guests can experience the beauty of the land – and help preserve it
112 Remarkable Room
A soaring dining room anchors this Hillsborough home, where personal storytelling meets texture, color and nature-inspired design
SCENE AROUND TOWN
Snapshots of local events
120 Orange Chatham Association of Realtors’ Awards Gala
122 Chapel Hill Magazine 20th Anniversary Party
123 Extraordinary Thrift Store Galentine’s Luncheon
124 Durham Tech Orange County Campus Expansion Celebration
125 Hope Animal Rescue’s Puppy Bowl Watch Party
