In a community growing as quickly as Southern Wake, there’s a lot to keep up with. Through six magazines each year, bimonthly email newsletters, and ongoing social media, we try to report on what’s new and noteworthy, and always welcome your suggestions. Here’s a look back at our top stories of 2026.
Most-read stories of 2026
1. Goats Gone Wild
By Tara Shiver
Published May 2026
In this follow-up to our 2024 story “Goats Gone Viral,” which introduced Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary, Executive Director Jesi Wilde shared the need for fundraising to repair the sanctuary’s perimeter fences to ensure the safety of the 59 goats in residence and the ability to continue to host community tours and events, such as yoga and bingo, on the property.
2. 2026 Maggy Awards
By Emily Uhland
Published March 2026
The announcement of our annual readers’ choice awards is a perennial favorite, and 2026 was no exception. We dove deep on the local favorites — in restaurants, services, shopping, and lifestyle — that Main & Broad readers support and adore. Voting for the 2027 winners is open until Nov. 20 — cast your vote today!
3. Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen
By David McCreary
Published March 2026
Biscuits, brisket, and breakfast bowls continue to impress guests at downtown Fuquay’s Truman’s Smokehouse & Kitchen, the community eatery that sprang from a successful food truck run by Truman White.
4. Frankie Frankk’s Hot Dog Cart
By David McCreary
Published May 2026
This quick and affordable walk-up lunch hotspot captured the appetites of many in Holly Springs and beyond. Frank McGoldrick operates his hot dog cart at The Family Farm on Avent Ferry, where you’ll often find a line queuing for the creative combos, including whipped pimento cheese and hot honey or onion sauce and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
5. Meet & Greet: Bogdan & Nicole Ionescu
By Emily Uhland
Published January 2026
Ordway Glass Company, run by husband and wife duo Bogdan and Nicole Ionescu, earned the designation of producing the Coolest Thing Made in NC, a contest administered by the North Carolina Chamber. The couple’s custom stained glass creations are made to order, by hand, using centuries-old techniques.
6. Good(ish) Things Coming to Southern Wake in 2026
By Fuquay-Varina Memes
Published January 2026
Since the first issue of Main & Broad, anonymous internet personality and columnist Fuquay-Varina Memes has elicited laughter and shock with their satirical analysis of life in Southern Wake County. This installment detailed the imminent openings of businesses — like Target and Circle K — expected to wow the populace.
7. Bold Beginnings
By David McCreary
Published July 2026
Creative, shareable, and often the best bite of a meal, appetizers stand out at Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina eateries. The five dishes detailed in “Bold Beginnings,” including Duke’s Kitchen + Taphouse Giant Brauhaus Pretzel and Irish Egg Rolls from Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, showcase the tastiest around.
8. A New Fable
By Emily Uhland
Published January 2026
Friends and business partners Nirmaliz Colón and DeAnna Kalk transformed an old house into a cozy café, bookshop, and gathering place — Fable Books and Café — in downtown Holly Springs. The welcoming retreat was an instant hit, offering plenty of special events, seasonal drink specials, and a tailored selection of titles and genres.
9. Made for Shade
By Emily Uhland
Published May 2026
Raleigh-based Shibumi Shade, makers of the popular two-toned, wind-powered beach shade, celebrated 10 years in business in 2026. Dane Barnes, who founded the company alongside his brother, Scott, and best friend, Alex Slater, reflected on their early DIY beginnings, new product launches, and challenges still facing the hometown brand.
10. The Hope Closet
By Emily Uhland
Published September 2026
When Fuquay-Varina resident Ashley Manstedt put out a call for donations to assist residents in local Section 8 housing, the community answered — filling her garage with household goods in 48 hours. From that overwhelming response grew The Hope Closet, a nonprofit that provides household essentials and community connection to neighbors in need.
11. Crazy for Collectibles
By Emily Uhland
Published May 2026
Board games, trading cards, comic books, and LEGO — collectibles are infusing Southern Wake with nostalgia and fun, boosted by five destination shops that offer specialty inventory, collaborative vibes, and the thrill of hunting down your next great find.
Encores
Great reads stand the test of time, including these articles from years past that continue to top our most-read list.
Quirky Sights in NC
By Fuquay-Varina Memes
Published March 2025
Ever heard of the clamshell Shell oil station in Winston-Salem or the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point? Discover North Carolina’s weird crap quirkiest roadside finds.
Uncovering Spookquay-Varina
Published October 2024
By Emily Uhland
Storytellers and historians Liz Pardue and Kelly Prestipino released Fuquay-Varina Ghosts, Legends and Lore: Vol. 1, a collection of supernatural phenomena and terrifying tales in August 2024, alleging Fuquay-Varina as the most haunted small town in the South. The book release piggybacked on the popular Fuquay Ghost Tours, which brings selections of the book to life in downtown Fuquay every October.
Mobile Menus
By Emily Uhland
Published August 2023
Food trucks fuel neighborhood pool parties, brewery trivia nights, and town festivals. Meet the faces behind popular and delicious trucks, including Mr. Puebla Tacos and The Portable Portugy, that deliver chef-driven cuisine to our local streets.
