As we move into the dog days of summer – into new phases of reopening – I’m filled with hope. For those who are my age, we’ve experienced several national crises in our lives, from the Great Recession and 9/11 to the NASA space shuttle Challenger disaster. But none prepared me for a global pandemic that would threaten our economy and cancel my daughter’s wedding at Governors Club on May 25. The cancellation has kept her in Denmark until her new wedding date on May 15, 2021. I watched as she booked vendors all over again and ultimately postponed one of the most anticipated moments in her life.
We’ve all been affected by the crisis. My daughter’s delayed return home pales in comparison to the businesses trying to keep their livelihoods ongoing and to those who have lost loved ones or jobs to COVID-19. And yet, I see the resolve in Chatham to rebound, to come together and support one another. And even with the pressures of the pandemic, signs of new businesses are still popping up – Goodness Gracious Juice Co., Perch Coworking, Vortex Roasters, The Old Place Catering and Events, O’YA Cantina and The Hill Nutrition. Structures are coming out of the ground at Mosaic and new homes are appearing in Chatham Park. Pittsboro Roadhouse is relocating and creating a new concept. Read more about it on page 54.
Despite how troubling these past few months have been, we continue to see with rose-colored glasses. I’m not taking anything for granted, especially the burgers and beers from my one of my favorites, Carolina Brewery (learn more about how it is faring on page 54 as well). You can be sure I’ll frequent its new patio over these next couple of weeks. I hope you’ll do the same for your top spots. This annual Food & Drink issue covers some of them, plus our local farmers on page 36 and even a sustainable seafood service on page 50. Do them the honor, and give ’em a read. – Chris Elkins, associate publisher
FOOD & DRINK ISSUE
36 Homegrown Happiness
Farmers who are making their living off the land and loving every bit of it
50 Fish Tales
Discover sustainable seafood at a farmers market near you
54 Changing Courses
Restaurants rethink the future
FEATURES
26 Take a Hike
As summer shifts into fall, spend some time outdoors at our major parks and hiking trails in Chatham, Orange and Durham counties
68 State of the Arts
This fall will undoubtedly look different in many ways, but there are still opportunities to experience and appreciate the arts in our community
78 Can You Dig It?
Three thoughtfully designed gardens and landscapes that are the definition of #BackyardGoals
110 Taking Care
A guide to area vets, animal hospitals, groomers, boardersand pet sitters
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
120 Wedding
Kayli Blankenship & Garrett Scott
SILVER LININGS
12 Lib Mason’s 92nd birthday at Twin Rivers Independent Senior Living
14 Bynum Front Porch distributes grants to local students
16 Chatham Outreach Alliance food distribution at its monthly Mobile Market
