Entertainment

Heritage & Harvest Bourbon Showcase: A Celebration of Southern culture at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Dive into the world of Southern bourbon at the Heritage & Harvest Bourbon Showcase, set against the picturesque landscape of Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Bourbon is more than just a drink in the South—it's a testament to craftsmanship, community, and tradition. Experience the smooth, complex notes of curated bourbons and learn about the rich history and meticulous process behind each bottle.
This event offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry that goes into bourbon making, from the selection of grains to the aging process in charred oak barrels. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, from seasoned bourbon connoisseurs to curious newcomers.
“We wanted to create a way for the community to connect with Eastern North Carolina’s farming history and the Garden’s Heritage Garden. A conversation with a member sparked the idea of highlighting North Carolina’s bourbon distilling tradition—a craft deeply rooted in the region’s agriculture,” said a spokesperson from the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
“After seeing how much visitors loved our previous event, Horticulture, Hooch, and Fast Cars, we knew a bourbon-focused celebration would resonate with both our members and the wider community.”
Embark on a journey through North Carolina's thriving distillery scene, with tastings from some of the state's most renowned producers. Confirmed distilleries include Oaklore Distilling, Buffalo City Distillery, Defiant Whisky (Blue Ridge Distilling), BHAWK, and Olde Raleigh Distillery. Each distillery brings its unique take on bourbon, offering a diverse range of flavors and styles to explore.
Learn about the local ingredients and traditional methods that make North Carolina bourbon stand out. Engage with distillers and gain insights into their craft, from the initial distillation to the final product. This showcase is a celebration of the state's burgeoning bourbon industry and its passionate following.
Enhance the bourbon tasting experience with live music from Whiskey Pines, performing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Their soulful tunes will provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of Southern charm and hospitality. The event also features an array of seasonal foods that highlight the flavors of Eastern North Carolina, making it a feast for all the senses.
From savory to sweet, the local cuisine will complement the rich notes of the bourbons, creating a harmonious blend of taste and tradition. Savor the culinary delights while soaking in the vibrant, festive atmosphere of the Garden.
In addition to bourbon tastings and live music, the Heritage & Harvest Bourbon Showcase offers a variety of handcrafting demonstrations that celebrate Southern heritage. Watch skilled artisans in action as they showcase blacksmithing, basket weaving, and quilting. These crafts not only highlight the region's rich history but also provide a deeper connection to the community's roots.
The event will also feature the Cumberland County Beekeepers, who will share their knowledge and passion for beekeeping. Cedar Creek Farms will showcase some of its most popular animals, further enhancing the family-friendly appeal. Anstead's Tobacco Company will operate a cigar lounge, offering a nod to North Carolina's agricultural history with a selection of fine cigars.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden promises there will be something for everyone at this great event.
“Guests can enjoy farm animals, a hayride, corn husk doll making, and traditional period-style games and clothing. For those who are not bourbon connoisseurs, there will be beer and wine available for purchase, as well as soft drinks.”
Don’t be afraid to bring the whole family.
“Vendors will be on site, and reenactors in historic costume will bring the Heritage Garden Farm House, General Store, tobacco barn, and corn crib to life. When little ones need a break, the Eleanor and Raymond Manning Children’s Garden offers a perfect spot for fun and exploration.”
Prepare for an unforgettable afternoon on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m., providing ample time to explore the beautiful landscapes, enjoy tastings, and participate in various activities. The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is located at 536 N. Eastern Blvd.
Tickets are available for General Admission and Garden Members, with a limited number of VIP tickets also available. To purchase tickets, visit the Garden's website at https://shop.capefearbg.org/EventPurchase.aspx?dateselected=9/20/2025.
Even as the fall season approaches and seasonal blooms begin to fade, the Garden's majestic trees, winding paths, and Heritage Garden offer a serene and picturesque setting. The Heritage & Harvest Bourbon Showcase promises a unique and enriching experience that celebrates the best of Southern culture, nature, and community.

CFBG's Garden After Dark, Spooky Edition

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Get ready to hit the dance floor with a live DJ spinning beats all night long. The music will set the perfect vibe under the stars, making it impossible not to get up and move. But that's not all—this year, the Garden is turning up the fun with a full-on foam fest under blacklights. Come prepared to dance, glow, and get soaked in an unforgettable experience.

Cape Beard supports food bank with event

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Written by Katie Herring

Beneath the impressive beards and meticulously styled moustaches of Fayetteville’s Cape Beard club lies a powerful commitment to community service. As one of the largest facial hair clubs in North Carolina, this non-profit organization has been harnessing the unique skills of its members to make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbors since 2011. With a remarkable track record of raising over $252,376 for local causes and even receiving a proclamation from the City of Fayetteville, Cape Beard proves that facial hair can be a force for good.
The club’s momentum is growing with each charitable endeavor, driven by the unwavering support of local families, businesses, and friends. Now, they’re inviting the public to their highly anticipated “Show Us Your Cans” event, a day that perfectly encapsulates their mission: a fun-filled day of camaraderie, celebration, and giving back.
Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20 at Louie’s Sports Bar, the event promises a lively atmosphere for all. Attendees can immerse themselves in the local music scene with live performances from talented Fayetteville artists, while enjoying the club’s beloved signature "Beard Burgers" and "Stache Dogs." More than just a party, “Show Us Your Cans” is a critical fundraising effort designed to combat local food insecurity.
To join the festivities and contribute to the cause, all that’s required is a $5 donation or five non-perishable food items. All proceeds and donations from the event will go directly to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina.
Second Harvest is a vital organization on the front lines of the fight against hunger. Through an extensive network of partner agencies, they work tirelessly to provide nutritious food to individuals and families in need. The food bank's efforts extend beyond simple distribution, with programs focused on nutrition education, advocacy, and addressing the root causes of hunger. By supporting this event, the community is helping Second Harvest ensure that no one goes without the nourishment they need to thrive.
The "Show Us Your Cans" event is a perfect opportunity for community members to connect, have a great time, and make a meaningful impact. The party kicks off at noon and goes until 6 p.m. Facial hair aficionados ready to show off their growth, music lovers looking for a good time or those who simply want to help a worthy cause, Cape Beard invites all to join their brotherhood and demonstrate the power of unity and generosity.
Even if you can’t make it to Louie’s on Sept. 20, you can contribute to the cause of fighting hunger in the community. Cape Beard is partnering with other local organizations that will serve as drop-off locations. Those interested in contributing can drop off non-perishable food items at the following locations: Dad Bod Dive Bar, Dogslingers, Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, Cheers Too, Smoking Guns Tattoo, and The Dragon’s Lair comic book store.
If Cape Beard sounds like your kind of people-those who want to celebrate facial hair of all lengths, sizes, and colors, connect with their community, and give back- then check out Cape Beard’s monthly meetings. They are held on the first Monday of every month, though the locations vary. Check out their Facebook page for updates on meeting locations.
For more information on the event and to learn about Cape Beard’s ongoing community efforts, visit their website at capefearfof.com and social media pages. Come on out and "Show Us Your Cans” to help feed hope in Fayetteville.

The Language of Jewelry

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Tuesday, 09 September 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

Jewelry is a language that does not need words. It speaks volumes about who we are,
and what we hold dear – Unknown.

Cape Fear Studios is hosting their annual 2025 Jewelry Invitational. The exhibit features artists Erica Stankwytch Bailey, Lynn Burcher and Jennie Keatts. Cape Fear Studio members included in the exhibit are Linda Sue Barnes and Gail Ferguson. The 2025 Jewelry Invitational is supported by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council. The art show is being held at Cape Fear Studios,
at 148 Maxwell Street, until Sept. 23. The exhibition is available for viewing Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission is free to the public. For more information, visit the Cape Fear Studios website at www.capefearstudios.com or call 910-433-2986.
Erica Stankwytch Bailey is the owner of ESB, a design studio that makes handmade contemporary jewelry for conscious customers who like unique, bold, and easy-to-wear pieces. Every design is unique because each piece is made by hand with sterling silver and carefully curated gemstones. She received her BFA in Metal Design from East Carolina University. After graduation, she began teaching metal-smithing and jewelry
fabrication courses at a local community college. She also attended the North Carolina School of Arts with a concentration of metal smithing. Bailey switched gears from teaching to creating and selling contemporary sterling silver jewelry. Growing up, Ms. Bailey was always involved in creative endeavors. She has created and thrives as a woman-owned company with a focus on sterling silver jewelry in Asheville, North
Carolina.
Lynn Burcher of Gilded Lily Glass resides in Hillsborough, North Carolina, and shares, “Glass is an amazing medium because it can be manipulated by so many processes with such a variety of results. I was attracted to glass due to its color saturation but grew to appreciate the kinetic quality of the material. My focus is on making jewelry for the enjoyment of working on a small scale. Small pieces afford me more opportunity for
experimentation. I can also make more reasonably priced art for everyday use. It is really gratifying to see someone wearing a piece of jewelry that I created.”
Jennie Lorette Keatts’ sterling silver jewelry designs are “created by a process that features handmade designer ceramic cabochons, created from Jugtown Pottery clay and glazes. Sterling silver is the prime element in the chains, ear wires, and ear backs, accented with semi-precious stones. The pottery cabochons utilizing Jugtown Pottery clay and glazes with additional experimental glazes are fired at least twice (sometimes
more) for layering, refining, depth, and color.
“The second line is torch-fired using a vintage enamel that contains lead. Lead provides a deep and vibrant color. There are other pieces with lead-free enamel, which are safe to wear. The designs are scratched into dried enamel with a fine point and fired for building layers. The process is inclusive of preparing ink from ceramic pigments for drawing and painting, of individual one-of-a-kind pieces,”said Jennie Lorette Keatts,
creator of JLK Jewelry. She resides in Seagrove, North Carolina.
Gail Ferguson, Jewelry Artist Member of Cape Fear Studios, Fayetteville, says her experience is the intersection of spelunking, social work, and silversmithing “As a rockhound from an early age, I did science projects in middle and high school, and within the military in Korea. After an explosion in Korea and military discharge, I was having a hard time adjusting not to do the hobby I love: spelunking. The Ralph Geilds gem and mineral show in Ohio was a defining moment in my life. Ralph Geilds is a silversmith who convinced and taught me how to cut stones and set them into silver,” she said. “I also learned how to construct channel-set inlay pendants. William Holland Lapidary School of Art instructed me on silversmithing styles, Mac Thornton added to my skill set, Southwest Jewelry style. Dawn Thorton taught me wire wrapping. While in
the Military, I earned my BS in Science and earned a master’s in social work. My case management population was substance misuse (drugs and alcohol) and the chronically mentally ill. Silversmithing and lapidary (stone cutting) were great stress relievers when conditions at work were out of my control. I could cut and polish a stone or take a piece of silver and coax it into a piece of beauty based on my vision. I won prizes in the
Professional Level Jewelry competition at the Indiana State Fair, county fairs, and the North Carolina State Fair. I am encouraged to share my love of lapidary and silversmithing with others in a more tangible way. I added courses at Fayetteville Technical Community College.”
Linda Sue Barnes, Jewelry Artist Member of Cape Fear Studios, Fayetteville, and retired Professor of Biology- Methodist University, shares her passion about the creative art of jewelry. “Making jewelry is fun. I make jewelry because it is fun. My favorite part of making jewelry is using natural stones and fossils. I love to cut into a slab of stone and see the beautiful cabochon emerging. The challenge is to display the stone or fossil securely without covering its beauty. I like to use plants and animals as models for jewelry. It is interesting to see how many ways I can incorporate daisies into my jewelry. I have incorporated enamel in my pieces. My husband and I work together in the wood shop creating pens, ornaments, and whirligigs. We are also using scrap pieces of wood to make beads or focal pieces,” she said.
“Media is an important part of the process. A sizable number of my jewelry pieces have a natural theme. The forms of media are wire, metal, clay, enamel, resin, and wood. When I am working in the botanical garden or walking in the woods, I find myself wondering how I can use that twig, leaf, or seed pod in a piece of jewelry. I am constantly trying new things and currently working with copper metal, clay, enameling
on sheet metal and silver and copper clay. I enjoy making kaleidoscopes. I also enjoy attending daylily meetings, photography, and singing in the choir at Bluff Presbyterian Church. I volunteer at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens.”
Pandy Autry, Cape Fear Studios Board President, shares her thoughts about the 2025 Jewelry Invitational, “This show features work from three visiting jewelers: Erica Stankwytch Bailey of Asheville, North Carolina (former member of Cape Fear Studios), Lynn Burcher of Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Jennie Lorette Keatts of Seagrove, North Carolina. Gail Ferguson and Linda Sue Barnes, Cape Fear Studios Members.
See you at the 2025 Jewelry Invitational at Cape Fear Studios.”
Ralph Lauren observes that wearing jewelry is a way to express the joy of being alive. Experience the joy of being alive by attending the 2025 Jewelry Invitational at Cape Fear Studios.

(Photo by Lenna Simmons)