Perfect Summer Pairs

By Emily Uhland
Photography By Jonathan Fredin May 1, 2026

For Kids: Storytime and Snow Cones

Fable Books & Café children’s corner

Books come to life at read-aloud storytimes, which introduce new characters and adventures in a fun social setting for children and families. Held frequently at both Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina Community Libraries, and every Saturday at Fable Books & Café, storytime sessions often include music and movement to stimulate the senses and keep listeners engaged.

Afterward head to Pelican’s SnoBalls in Fuquay-Varina for an icy treat. Run amok on their fenced-in playground that includes swings, cornhole, and outdoor games. More than 100 flavors of New Orleans–style shaved ice offer colorful and customizable options to suit the pickiest palate. Generous servings can easily be shared and do melt quickly.

wake.gov/libraries
fablebooksandcafe.com
pelicanssnoballs.com

Fluffy New Orleans-style shaved ice is best served in the Pelican’s picnic area.

Family Storytime Schedules

Fuquay-Varina Community Library
Tuesday & Thursday at 10 a.m.
Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Fable Books & Café
Saturday at 11 a.m.

Editor’s Note:
The Holly Springs Community Library will be temporarily closing this summer for renovations. Residents can look forward to fresh storytime offerings upon reopening later this year.

Also try:

Waves Shave Ice
wavesshaveice.com

Sweet Southern SnoBalls
southernsnoballs.com

For Teens: Thrifting and Tacos

Lunch at Casa Amigos

If it’s tough to keep your teen away from Target and Sephora, suggest a thrift shop outing instead. InterAct’s Pass It On Thrift Store in downtown Fuquay-Varina offers an upscale resale shopping experience with amazing bargains. Clothes are separated by size and often include overstocks from area boutiques.

“Donors tell us, ‘I saved the good stuff for you,’” says Anne Bohli, assistant retail manager at Pass It On. “We often have designer or new-with-tags apparel donated, though we happily accept all women’s clothing and accessories.”

“It feels good shopping here. The money goes to a good cause,” Anne continues.

Clothes are organized by size at Pass It on Thrift in Fuquay-Varina.

Ninety cents from every dollar spent at Pass In On goes directly to InterAct’s programs and services that support victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“We hope that people don’t need the services of InterAct,” says Anne. “But we are glad that it is here if they do.”

After the retail therapy sesh, stroll next door to Casa Amigos for a tasty taco pick-me-up. Delicious chips and salsa appear on the table within moments, allowing hungry teens to dive right in. Classic Mexican street tacos and quesadillas are sure crowd pleasers.

Casa Amigos offers colorful nonalcoholic takes on blended beverages, like a strawberry daiquiri or piña colada crowned with whipped cream and edible flowers, that make the outing extra indulgent and Instagram-worthy.

interactofwake.org/pass-it-on-thrift-store
casaamigosnc.com

More to explore:

Serendipity Consignment Boutique
Serendipity Consignment Boutique showcases high-end brands you know and love, such as Free People, Loft, and Anthropologie, in a curated resale environment, occupying the middle ground between thrift shops and buying new.
serendipity-consignment.com

Guardian Angel Thrift
guardianangelthrift.org

El Cantartio Bar & Grill
elcantaritobarandgrill.com

Fiesta Time Mexican Restaurant Bar and Grille
fiestatimenc.com

Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant
micancunmx.com

Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila
ayetoronc.com

For Adults: Sports & Sips

One of four sports simulator bays at Golf Hour

The bustling new retail center of Oakview Commons has a lot to offer local residents: restaurants, a coffee shop, nail salon, and more. For a laid-back adults-only outing, we recommend booking one of four simulator bays at Golf Hour.

“We are more than golf,” says owner Ron Evans, a Holly Springs resident. Football, soccer, disc golf, and even hunting are among the available simulations. Golf Hour keeps all the necessary equipment onsite (bring your own golf clubs to ensure proper fit).

“It’s great for variety and uniqueness,” says Ron, “gives you the opportunity to do something you wouldn’t typically do.”

Stay refreshed with the self-pour beer tap wall. Golf Hour doesn’t have a kitchen, but guests are welcome to bring their own food in. It’s easy to reserve a time slot online and relax between games in the comfortable lounge area.

The lounge area at Golf Hour features a self-pour tap station with craft beer options.

When time runs out, head a few doors down to Switch Craft bar and bottle shop. Enjoy local beer, a glass of wine, and an easy atmosphere to catch up with friends.

“We wanted it to be a comfortable, laid-back place where people just enjoy hanging out,” says owner Rob Schneider. “We have a space for people to catch a big game. We’ve got TVs. We’ve got a huge patio space for people to hang out outside.

“We are also adding a bunch of events,” continues Rob, including live music, dueling pianos, music bingo, and poker night.

Feeling snacky? Both Golf Hour and Switch Craft maintain a partnership with nearby Oakview Public House. Place an order, via QR code, from a limited Oakview menu, and the food will be delivered directly to your location.

golf-hour.com
switchcraftcocktails.com

Need ideas to fill summer days when temperatures rise and boredom threatens? We’ve got you covered.