7 Things Our Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill Editor Is Loving Right Now

As an advocate for small business in her town, Hopie Avery, editor of The Scout Guide Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, is always on the hunt for interesting finds. Recently, we checked in with her to discover what’s piquing her interest these days. Here, she shares her latest obsessions, which include dream denim, a consciousness-raising read, and more.  

1. WHAT I’M WEARING

Raleigh Denim Workshop Blue Jeans  +  Sabah Babas // “My uniform these days are my Raleigh Denim jeans with alternating favorite cashmere sweaters from Lark, Vermillion, Julian’s, and Bano Boutique. I also recently received a pair of Sabah Babas for Christmas and love wearing these shearling-lined silver slides at home and out on runs to the co-op market. I’ve also reinstated wearing pearls daily. Bailey’s is the go-to for pearls. Which reminds me, if you’re not following them on Instagram, you must. Their feed is so happy and fun—something we could all use right now.”

2. WHAT I’M EATING (AND GIVING)

Kandy Apples by K // “These candy apples are addictive and they make wonderful ‘thinking about you’ gifts. My favorite flavors are turtle (caramel/chocolate/pecan), cotton candy, and pineapple. I bought a bunch for my niece’s graduation family celebration and they were the perfect party favor.”

3. WHERE I’M GOING

The Museum Park at the NCMA and Love Over Rules Installation // “I’m always all about art, art, and more art. The Museum Park at the NCMA [North Carolina Museum of Art] is great for a walk and to visit, at a distance. Another great art sight is the Love Over Rules installation by Hank Willis Thomas that’s downtown right by CAM Raleigh and brought to us by ArtSuite. Also, the Duke Arts Annex/Satellite Park is always worth a visit.” 

4. WHAT I’M READING

From Here to Equality by Alexander Darity and Kirsten Mullins // “I heard Duke professor Sandy Darity on the Seeing White podcast last year and wanted to read his new book. It’s an eye-opening account of our history involving slavery and the issues of race and equality we face in America today. While it’s hard to say I ‘enjoyed’ reading about our difficult history, I think it is something everyone should read. Around the same time, I was reading The Good Lord Bird by James McBride, and the Darity/Mullins book gave further context to our country’s history leading up to the Civil War.”

5. WHAT I’M DREAMING ABOUT

Spa Day at The Umstead // “I’m so ready for a spa day at The Umstead with a gaggle of besties! The pandemic has curtailed our usual celebration go-tos, so I can’t wait until we have the pandemic behind us and we can celebrate with friends with a spa weekend.”

6. WHAT I’M COVETING

Design Classics at Palette & Parlor in Chapel Hill // “Right now I have brought my green thumb indoors and I am loving this copper flower pot! Other faves are the Thayer Coggins Swivel Chair and Grasshopper Table Light for my WFH desk.”

7. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Outkast  and Run the Jewels // “I’m really into Outkast and Run the Jewels on my morning runs these days. Run the Jewels reminds me of when we saw them at Hopscotch Music Festival a few years ago. Oh, to be at a crowded amphitheater on a warm fall night!”

To keep up with Hopie’s current loves, follow The Scout Guide Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill on Instagram.