Another year is (almost) in the record books! Per the December tradition, we are taking a look back at the year that will soon be in the rear-view mirror. It’s no surprise to the staff of Main & Broad that the year’s most-viewed stories highlight the grandeur of our state, the purported best mixologist in the Triangle, a fleet of powerhouse women, a bona-fide family deli, and a dash of humor from fan-favorite FVM.
#1 NC Festivals Worth the Drive
Celebrating the bounty of culture, cuisine, and tradition across North Carolina, our roundup of festivals from the mountains to the coast was our most-viewed online feature this year. Fest themes include black bears, Cheerwine, kites, wine, pickles, and loads more. While this year’s fests have passed, most are annual events, so give it a peek to start your planning for 2026!
#2 Meet & Greet: Andy Cullen
Ted Powell, owner of Niche Cocktail & Wine Lounge, asserts that Andy Cullen is the best mixologist in the Triangle: “Not because I think he’s that good, because I listen to my customers.” We met up with Andy to learn his cocktail philosophy, thoughts on what makes an excellent bartender, and how many times he stirs the perfect Old Fashioned.
Bonus: Andy shared a recipe for his Cucumber Sunshine creation, which also ranked in the top 10 most-clicked features of the year.
#3 Blazing Forward
The Holly Springs Fire Department became the first department in Wake County with an all-female crew early this year. “We’ve seen life leave the world, and we’ve seen life come into the world,” says Lieutenant Kendall Stinson. “It’s got some ugly moments, and it’s got some really beautiful moments, and we get to experience all of it.”
#4 Fratelli’s Delicatessen
Food is always our readers’ fave, and this new family-owned eatery in Apex offers a delightful selection of New York– and Chicago-style breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads, all inspired by the owners’ love of delis and the family matriarch who emphasized the importance of togetherness.
#5 Quirky Sights in NC
Everyone’s favorite sassy columnist was bound to make the list. Fuquay-Varina Memes presents a guidebook of the wacky stops across the state to inspire your next road trip: “I’ll be your snarky shepherd, you can be my dumb sheep, and I will lead you to all the wild and wonderful places in the state that no one really cares about because they get hung up on silly attractions like the Outer Banks and the Great Smoky Mountains.”
A Personal Pick from Senior Editor Emily Uhland: Cozy up with a Good Mystery
I was delighted to discover not one, but two, cozy mystery series written by Fuquay-Varina–based authors earlier this year. The series are shaped by different settings (one in the Adirondacks, one in a fictional Fuquay-inspired town), but lovable characters and engaging puzzles to solve endear these books to readers.
