I, like many of you, could not be more excited for the temperatures to drop this year. This summer has brought heat waves, flooding and fallen trees to our community – including one on my own roof at the end of June. Though it was pitch-dark and still raining, our neighbors rushed over to help, donning gloves and boots, grabbing ladders, flashlights and chain saws to help assess and alleviate the damage, both that night and the days that followed. As Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” We felt surrounded by so many helpers.
This is just one example of what makes our county such a beautiful place to live; others are all of the restaurants, businesses and service providers that make everything from our date nights to dental visits to home repairs running smoothly. We are thrilled to share the results of the eighth annual Best of Chatham poll in this issue, where a record number of readers made their voices heard! Your votes hightlight favorites across a wide range of categories, from dining and services to home & garden, retail, and arts & entertainment. Flip to page 29 to read features about some of the honorees – including Sabine Farer-Buers of SaBeans Coffee, who makes it her mission to brighten customers’ days – and find the complete list of winners on page 78.
Much like autumn itself, this issue is about the things that bring us together – whether around a table, at an arts festival or in support of the local businesses that add so much vibrancy to our county. Thank you for celebrating with us, for being good neighbors and for continuing to be part of what makes Chatham special. – Morgan Cartier Weston, executive editor
BEST OF CHATHAM
30 Sips & Smiles
Sabine Farer-Buers pours her heart into SaBeans Coffee – brewing joy, one cup at a time
34 Biscuit Bliss
Sink your teeth into these award-winning, buttery layers baked with heart, consistency and community spirit
38 Just in Queso
Grab the chips, and get ready to dip
42 Use Your Noodle
Satisfy your comfort-food cravings this fall with pasta dishes from three award-winning spots
46 Style of the Season
Chatham’s most fashionable shops showcase their signature fall style with curated, head-to-toe looks that blend trend, personality and plenty of local flair
50 Forever Home
Deep River Mercantile’s roots grow stronger in downtown Pittsboro
54 Starting Strong
Inside our readers’ fave new Chatham businesses
64 Weekend Wonderlands
Explore the best of Mosaic, downtown Pittsboro and Siler City with bakeries, unique shops, craft breweries and family-friendly fun
72 Toast of the Town
Fearrington Village earns its place as a beloved backdrop for weddings and milestones
78 Best of Chatham 2025 Winners
98 Hunger Heroes
CORA is the inaugural recipient of Chatham Magazine’s social impact award
104 Well Framed
Every detail tells a story at this custom lakeside retreat
116 Pet Shop
Meet the fluffy ‘empawlees’ at a few of Pittsboro’s top locales
FEATURES
13 Fall Arts Guide
Can’t-miss concerts, exhibits and more
120 Creature Comforts
A guide to area vets, animal hospitals, groomers, boarders, pet sitters, dog parks and rescue organizations
122 Fields of Dreams
A multigenerational family farm thrives by letting nature lead the way through sustainable, regenerative practices
DEPARTMENTS
10 Out & About
6 events you won’t want to miss
18 Shifting Focus
‘Luna Moth Bench’ by Theresa Arico
22 Who’s Who in Town & County Government
Chatham County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Robertson
140 Here We Grow Again
Updates on developments, real estate and future projects
PEOPLE & PLACES
128 Triangle Media Partners’ Women of Achievement Celebration
129 O’Mara Landscaping & Lawn Care’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
130 CORE’s Juneteenth Black Arts Festival
132 Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources’ Arts Center Grand Opening
134 Pittsboro Pride Festival
136 American Legion Memorial Day Commemoration
138 Chatham Literacy’s 14th Annual Spring for Literacy Luncheon
139 Chatham Chamber of Commerce’s Women of Achievement Celebration
