Forget hot girl summer – this is hot dog summer.
I’ve been saying it for years: the humble hot dog is wildly underrated. And now? The rest of the world seems to be catching up. No longer confined to ballparks (though Dollar Dog nights at Bulls games are must-attends) or backyard cookouts, the classic dog is getting a culinary glow-up. Artisanal twists, gourmet toppings and chef-driven creations are redefining what a hot dog can be – without losing what made them great in the first place: fun, comfort and a little bit of messy joy.
When I lived in Old West Durham, Dain’s Place was my third place. I never swayed much from my go-to orders: the grilled chicken sandwich, a basket of loaded tots or a glorious grilled cheese built on my three Ps – pepper jack, provolone and pimento – all paired with a cool draft or the most interesting can of beer from the cooler. And of course, an all-beef kosher dog nestled in a fresh-baked roll, topped with whatever wild combo suited me that day. So getting to reconnect with Dain Phelan and Jenn Phelan for this issue’s hot dog feature (page 30) truly felt like revisiting old friends. Their four imaginative creations – cooked up just for us – reminded me exactly why their food has stood the test of time (and that I was long overdue for a meal here).
These days, I’m lucky enough to live near The Dog House’s location off North Roxboro Street, and I’ve loved discovering newer takes like The Pushcart in Oxford during a pop-up at Delafia wine bar. Whether classic or cutting-edge, the hot dog renaissance has arrived – and I’m here for it.
But it’s not just dogs in this issue. We caught up with Fullsteam’s Sean Lilly Wilson about finding Durham’s flavor identity (page 20), sat down for our first bites at The Lenny (page 26), dug into the buzz around hemp-infused beverages (page 38), and explored the cultural significance behind a Japanese tea ceremony led by the former owners of a legendary local eatery (page 42).
The beginning of fall also means packed calendars – school starts, art seasons launch and the Bull City comes alive with energy and events. In this issue, you’ll find: the best art, stationery and planning tools from Durham shops (page 16); a look at the African American Quilt Circle’s community and cultural impact (page 48); an artist who turned a personal hardship into powerful work (page 52); our cover story on how Walltown Children’s Theatre shapes Durham’s youth (page 56); an interview with the conductor bringing fresh energy to The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (page 62); and the fall arts guide, your go-to for concerts, exhibits and more (page 66).
Thanks for diving into another edition with us – preferably with your calendar open and a perfectly topped hot dog in hand.
– Executive Managing Editor Amanda MacLaren
FOOD & DRINK
20 Tomorrowland
Fullsteam’s Sean Lilly Wilson on finding Durham’s flavor identity
26 Let’s Dish
at The Lenny
28 News Bites
Now serving: the latest Bull City restaurant news
30 Bun Intended
Local hot dogs you’ll love at first bite
38 In High Spirits
The buzz around hemp-infused beverages
42 Steeped in Tradition
Former owners of a legendary Durham eatery now offer guests an immersive cultural experience
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
16 Supplied & Ready
Stock up for the season with beautifully curated school and planning essentials from some of the Triangle’s top stationery spots
48 Common Threads
The African American Quilt Circle weaves history, sisterhood and self-expression into every vibrant piece – preserving culture, one stitch at a time
52 Breaking the Mold
A former architectural designer transformed personal adversity into a mission-driven artistic practice
56 Stage Might
Walltown Children’s Theatre honors the past, uplifts the present and builds a future for Durham’s young artists
62 Code of Conduct
The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle’s conductor strikes a new chord with modern audiences as the organization enters its 43rd season
66 Fall Arts Guide
Can’t-miss concerts, exhibits and more
FEATURES
76 Home, Reimagined
Design duo transforms a historic Morehead Hill property into a welcoming, modern family retreat
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
10 Go.See.Do.
Our top picks for a sensational summer
96 Wedding
Suchomel & Watson
PEOPLE & PLACES
89 Triangle Media Partners’ Women of Achievement luncheon
90 Animal Protection Society of Durham’s Walk for the Animals
91 Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties’ 2025 Great Futures Breakfast
92 Durham Technical Community College Endowment Announcement
93 Durham Tech’s Spring Commencement
93 United Way of the Greater Triangle and Triangle Community Foundation’s Bull City Future Fund
94 Empower Dance Studio’s A Decade of Dance
95 Durham Library Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration
95 Durham Literacy Center’s 18th Annual Leaders in Literacy Benefit Luncheon
