Local News

Up & Coming Weekly Dining Guide: Spring Lake

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Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Written by Staff Report

This month, we are highlighting some of the great places to dine in Spring Lake.

LA VISTA ITALIAN
RESTAURANT
1107 N Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
910-229-3588
https://www.lavistaitaliannc.com/
Experience authentic Italian at La Vista Italian Restaurant, a cozy and casual spot with a welcoming atmosphere. Boasting a 4.5-star rating, La Vista is renowned for its delicious, traditional dishes. Embark on a culinary "Tour of Italy" or savor their generously-sized pepperoni and sausage pizza. Don't miss out on other favorites, such as the limoncello cake and flavorful garlic knots. Open for lunch and dinner, La Vista offers a wide selection of Italian staples, from pizzas, calzones, and strombolis to pasta perfection, including fettuccine alfredo, spinach ravioli, and lasagna. Wings and subs are also available for those seeking something different.

GUACAHOLIC MEXICAN GRILL & BAR
231 Skyland Shopping Center, Spring Lake
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
910-779-0879
https://www.guacaholicgrill.com/
This vibrant hotspot is renowned for its delicious food, festive atmosphere, and unique decor that transports you straight to Mexico. Savor customer favorites like the Guacaholic Fajitas, Sizzling Enchiladas, and Texas Fajitas. Vegetarian options and a children's menu ensure everyone finds something to enjoy. The bar is a major attraction, boasting an impressive selection of margaritas. Cool off with the incredibly tasty Grinch Margarita or share the towering Guac Tower Margarita with friends.

SAWADDEE THAI & CHINESE RESTAURANT
1006 N. Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake
Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
910-436-5757
https://tinyurl.com/57pzkn72
Savor authentic Thai cuisine at Sawaddee Thai & Chinese Restaurant, a beloved local gem boasting a 4.6-star rating. This casual, family-run establishment is renowned for its generous portions and flavorful dishes, including classics like Pad Thai, Panang Chicken, Red Curry, and Pineapple Fried Rice. Vegetarian options are also available. Complete your meal with a taste of their homemade desserts—the Thai Taro Custard and Fried Bananas with Honey are not to be missed.

LEGACY ROLLS
1161 N Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
919-448-5241
Legacy Rolls offers a casual and cozy dining experience centered around a unique comfort food concept. Founded by a father and son team, this restaurant features slider creations served on their signature sweet rolls – a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. Beyond their famous sliders, Legacy Rolls also offers breakfast items and a variety of tempting sides. Popular slider choices include cheeseburger, fried chicken, pork belly, and catfish. Breakfast sandwiches are also available. But the real star of the show is the sweet roll itself. Don't miss the chance to try the blueberry sweet roll – a true highlight of the menu.

CEDAR POINT RESTAURANT
997 N Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake
Wed.-Sun 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
910-497-9127
Cedar Point Restaurant is a beloved daytime diner, celebrated for its friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere and classic American comfort food. Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring fluffy omelets, stacks of pancakes, or traditional breakfast plates served with your choice of home fries or grits. For lunch, indulge in comforting classics like juicy burgers, flavorful chicken Philly sandwiches, and other satisfying dishes. The perfectly cooked jalapeño pepper jack burger and the savory chicken Philly come highly recommended. And don't forget to save room for dessert. The peanut butter pie is a must-try.

PEKING WOK
630 Lillington Hwy #128,
Spring Lake
Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sun. Noon to 10 p.m.
910-497-8884
Peking Wok serves up authentic Chinese cuisine in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that caters to both dine-in guests and takeout customers. The restaurant's extensive menu features beloved classics that keep diners coming back, including their perfectly crispy General Tso's chicken glazed in sweet-spicy sauce, tender lo mein noodles tossed with fresh vegetables, and crispy crab rangoon filled with creamy crab and cream cheese.

ABBY'S EMPANADAS
8018 Elliot Bridge Rd., Spring Lake
Mon. -Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
910-835-4004
https://abbysempanadas.com/
Abby's Empanadas is a family-owned restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, with the motto "bake you happy!" Their authentic, artisan-baked empanadas are made fresh daily with premium ingredients. Both savory and sweet options are available. Savor classic fillings like chicken, cheesy beef, or spicy chipotle chicken. Start your day—any time of day—with their breakfast empanada featuring bacon, egg, and cheese. For a sweet treat, indulge in our guava and cheese, rich dulce de leche, or seasonal caramel apple empanadas.

BROOKLYN PIZZERIA
1125 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
910-436-5666
https://brooklynpizzeriaspringlake.com/
Brooklyn Pizzeria offers a laid-back dining experience specializing in authentic New York-style pizza, featuring perfectly crispy thin crusts and generously-sized slices that satisfy any appetite. Beyond their signature pies, this welcoming establishment serves up a delectable array of traditional Italian favorites, including homemade baked lasagna layered with rich cheese and hearty meat sauce, and tender ravioli filled with savory ingredients. Customers can also enjoy fresh submarine sandwiches, crisp garden salads, and crowd-pleasing sides such as freshly baked garlic knots and flavorful chicken wings tossed in various sauces.

NAVARIAH'S KITCHEN
1114 N. Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake
Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to
7:30 p.m.
Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
910-229-2701
Navariah's Kitchen delights diners with its vibrant Caribbean-soul food offerings, bringing authentic island flavors to every plate. The restaurant's signature dishes showcase traditional Caribbean cooking at its finest, from tender, slow-cooked oxtails in rich gravy to perfectly seasoned curry chicken. Other must-try specialties include their smoky jerk chicken, hearty brown stew chicken, and aromatic curry goat. Complete your meal with their irresistible sides - creamy mac and cheese, fragrant rice and peas, and sweet, caramelized fried plantains.

NOBLE MEATS & EATERY
2469 Lillington Hwy #1847, Spring Lake
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
910-436-6022
Noble Meats & Eatery offers a unique dining experience, combining a custom butcher shop with a barbecue restaurant. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere, generous portions, and flavorful barbecue favorites like brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends. The menu also features a variety of sandwiches and lunch plates. Beyond the delicious barbecue, you can visit the butcher shop and select from a wide array of fresh cuts of meat and homemade sausages.

DAB'S SOUL FOOD CAFE
412 N. Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake
Mon. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tues. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thurs. & Fri. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
910-436-0110
Dab's Soul Food Cafe is renowned for its authentic Southern soul food. While the menu changes daily, offering a delightful variety, you can always count on classics like crispy fried chicken, tender smothered pork chops, savory turkey wings, and homestyle meatloaf. These mainstays are complemented by a rotating selection of delectable sides, including creamy mac and cheese, sweet candied yams, and flavorful collard greens.

LOS PRIMOS
316 Lillington Hwy, Spring Lake
Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
910-436-0306
Los Primos is a beloved Mexican restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine. Their menu features classic dishes like handmade tacos, burritos stuffed with fresh ingredients, and traditional tamales wrapped in corn husks. The restaurant has earned a reputation for its flavorful house specialties, including richly sauced enchiladas, tender steak tacos, savory birria tacos, and hearty Mole de Olla soup.

K-FOOD SEOUL
600 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. Noon to 8 p.m.
910-263-8200
K-Food Seoul, a popular Korean restaurant boasting a 4.5-star rating, is praised for its authentic and flavorful dishes. The menu features Korean classics, including CupBop, a layered rice bowl customizable with various toppings such as Beef & Mandu, Pork & Chicken, or Pork & Beef Bulgogi. Beyond CupBop, K-Food Seoul offers enticing entrees like marinated grilled beef ribs and hearty stews like Kimchi Jjigae. You can also savor other Korean favorites, including crispy fried chicken, flavorful dumplings, and comforting beef rib soup.

NAK WON KOREAN
RESTAURANT
138 N. Main St., Spring Lake
Wed. & Thurs. 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun. 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
910-497-8858
Nak Won Korean Restaurant is a family-run eatery celebrated for its authentic Korean cuisine and generous portions. Savor classic dishes like Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Pork Bulgogi, and Bibimbap. Guest favorites also include Kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), crispy Goon Yaki Mandu (fried beef dumplings), Tteokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes), and sweet Korean rice donuts filled with creamy custard. Vegetarian options are also available.

ARMORED TACOS & GRILL
RESTAURANT
110 S. Bragg Blvd. #28390, Spring Lake
Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
910-920-1060
https://www.armoredtacosandgrill.com
Savor the authentic flavors of Mexico at Armored Tacos & Grill, a casual and cozy restaurant where every dish is made fresh to order. They specialize in both traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, offering a menu packed with vibrant flavors and generous portions. Sink your teeth into their signature tacos, filled with your choice of savory carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, carnitas, or barbacoa. Be sure to explore the hefty burritos, sizzling fajitas, cheesy quesadillas, crispy chimichangas, and their famous "bomber fries," piled high with your favorite toppings and meats.

THAI-ESAN RESTAURANT
803 N. Main St., Spring Lake
Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
910-497-3795
https://www.thaiesanrestaurant.com/
Savor the authentic flavors of Northeast Thailand at Thai-Esan Restaurant, a family-owned gem known for its exquisite Esan cuisine. Chef and owner Pennapa Hinnant personally crafts each dish, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience true to her heritage. Explore popular favorites like Pad Thai, rich Red and Panang Curries, savory Beef Bulgogi, and the fiery delight of Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao).

OSAKA JAPANESE EXPRESS
624 Lillington Hwy Unit 200, Spring Lake
Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
910-835-5711
https://www.osakaspringlake.com/
Osaka Japanese Express offers a casual dining experience, specializing in delicious hibachi and teriyaki dishes for both takeout and dine-in. Their menu features a wide selection of Japanese favorites, from classic hibachi and teriyaki entrees to flavorful fried rice and ramen bowls. For sushi lovers, they also offer a dedicated sushi bar.

CHOPSSTIXS THAI & ASIAN CUISINE
414 N. Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake
Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
910-436-2728
Savor the Flavors of Asia at Chopstixs Thai & Asian Cuisine. This casual and welcoming restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both classic Thai favorites and popular Asian dishes. From the rich aromas of Pad Thai and a variety of curries to satisfying Chinese dinner combos like General Tso's Chicken and Mongolian Beef, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a relaxing dine-in experience, grab a quick and tasty takeout meal, or have the flavors of Asia delivered right to your door.

Heath & Wellness: Lillington mom finds right place for her baby’s care

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Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Written by Lia Tremblaya

When Kristen Rosser and her husband, Grant, were awaiting the birth of their first child, they did what most expectant parents do. They stocked up on diapers, discussed names they liked and researched the best cribs and highchairs.
They also made sure to carefully choose their pediatrician. Kristen knew they wanted a practice that would take their time with the baby, and with them as new parents.
“I wanted to make sure it was a place where we would feel like we weren’t just a number,” she said. “Somewhere I could ask about any concern, no matter how small, and get a real answer.”
She asked around to see who other moms recommended, and that led her to Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care in Lillington. The location, just a few minutes away, was the first plus for Kristen.
“We live in a rural area where there wasn’t always a ton of access to healthcare,” she said. “But this is right down the road, which is really nice.”
Just days after baby Levi’s long-awaited birth, he had his first visit to the practice. Right away, Kristen said, she knew she had picked the right place.
“From the time you walk in the door to the time you leave, you feel like family,” she said. “They know us when we come in, and they take their time with whatever questions we have.”
Alison Vurnakes, MD, is Levi’s pediatrician and says it’s important for the practice to have that kind of atmosphere.
“We always want this to be a warm and welcoming environment,” she said. “We make a really big effort to make families comfortable so they can feel open to ask us anything.”
That’s especially important with a new baby, Dr. Vurnakes added.
“It’s really hard to have a newborn,” she said. “Sometimes the birth didn’t go the way you expected, or breastfeeding isn’t off to an easy start. And you’re not getting any sleep. So we try to be very reassuring, and almost like cheerleaders, to let them know they’re doing a good job.”
Building that rapport doesn’t just mean a pleasant time in the office, Dr. Vurnakes said. It helps to build an ongoing relationship, which contributes to a healthier childhood overall.
“If I already know a child, and I know their history, it makes it easier to figure out what’s happening when something is wrong,” she said. “If you haven’t met this child, or they haven’t come in regularly, you spend a lot of time trying to get caught up with their history, and you might miss something.”
It also helps parents to feel more comfortable asking about pressing issues and to feel more confident in the answers they get. Dr. Vurnakes said vaccine hesitancy is a good example of this, with misinformation on the rise in recent years.
“I try to reassure parents as much as I can that vaccines are well studied and very safe,” she said. “They need to know there are some serious life-threatening consequences from not being vaccinated, and it’s easier to accept that advice from a doctor they have gotten to know. I think it helps to add that my own children are vaccinated, and I am glad I made that choice for them.”
As her patients grow and have their own questions, Dr. Vurnakes added, having a long-standing relationship with them helps to smooth the path to more sensitive conversations.
“It makes a big difference with teenagers,” she said. “If they're going through bullying or anxiety, depression, peer pressure, they're a lot more willing to talk to you if they feel like they have a connection.”
The teen years are a long way off for baby Levi, of course, but as he approaches his second birthday, Kristen is glad to have found a long-term relationship with Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care.
“They have always been so quick to respond when he’s sick, and to answer any questions we come in with,” she said. “It’s nice when a doctor’s office truly cares about the community and the people they’re serving.”

Photo:To make an appointment with Cape Fear Valley Pediatric Care – Lillington, call 910-892-4248. Photo courtesy of Harnett Pediatrics)

CFVH Receives $1.5 Million grant from The Duke Endowment

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Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Written by Staff Report

Cape Fear Valley Health has received a $1.5 million grant from The Duke Endowment to support start-up operational costs for the new Methodist University Cape Fear Valley School of Medicine.
The grant will help fund critical early infrastructure and operational needs for the medical school, which is scheduled to welcome its first class of 64 students in 2026, pending approval from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Located on the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center campus, the school is part of a strategic partnership between Cape Fear Valley Health and Methodist University to train and retain the next generation of physicians in the region.
“This grant from The Duke Endowment is a vital investment in the future of healthcare for our region,” Mike Nagowski, CEO of Cape Fear Valley Health said. “It will allow us to build the foundation needed to educate and train the next generation of physicians right here in our community, strengthening our ability to care for those we serve today and for years to come.”
“We are deeply grateful to The Duke Endowment for their generous $1.5 million gift, which will play a pivotal role in establishing the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley School of Medicine,” Dr. Hershey Bell, founding Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the School of Medicine said. “This support will enhance healthcare access and foster workforce development in southeastern North Carolina, empowering us to train the next generation of physicians dedicated to serving our community’s diverse needs.”
Based in Charlotte, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke. It supports efforts in North Carolina and South Carolina to nurture children, promote health, educate minds, and enrich spirits. Since its founding, the Endowment has distributed more than $5 billion in grants. While it shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, all are separate organizations.
For more information about Cape Fear Valley Health or how to support this initiative, visit www.capefearvalley.com.

Enriching non-sports extracurricular activities

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Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Written by Staff Report

A school experience goes beyond lessons learned in the classroom. Part of what helps shape well-rounded students are the skills they sharpen and memories they make while engaging in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular involvement shows that students can stick with activities for extended periods of time, indicates they have passions and interests, and illustrates that they can take initiative outside of their schoolwork.
Athletics is a popular extracurricular activity. A love of sports often develops in elementary school, with children participating in recreational or school-based leagues each year. That enjoyment of the game only builds in middle school and high school. However, there are plenty of students who are not sports enthusiasts but still fill their after-school hours with activities that can help cultivate leadership, teamwork, time management skills, confidence, and much more. The following are some extracurricular activities that go beyond the scholastic playing fields.
Arts activities: These can include painting, sketching, ceramics, jewelry-making, and yarn work.
Band or chorus: Music instruction is ideal for those who want to explore a passion for singing or playing an instrument.
Theater: Students can participate in theater productions after school. It's possible to get involved both in front of the curtain and behind with positions in the cast, crew and even promotional team.
Newspaper: Many schools still produce student-led newspapers in print or digital versions. Students handle all of the roles, from reporting, editing, photography, and managing the publication.
Foreign language clubs: Students may want to expand on their foreign language studies by participating in language clubs. Often, these clubs include learning more about the cultures where specific languages are spoken, including exploring culinary delights and possible travel.
Philanthropy: Like-minded students may want to participate in school-organized volunteer activities. These keep students busy, but also benefit recipients in many ways. Activities can include beach sweeps or volunteering at animal shelters.
Coding and programming: Students can learn the basics of writing code and building computer applications or websites.
Culinary arts: Certain schools may be equipped with kitchen facilities and still offer elective courses in culinary arts, while others may reserve cooking classes to extracurricular activities. If a school does not have a culinary club, chances are students can find a cooking class offered through a private group.
There are plenty of extracurricular activities to engage students who are not interested in athletics. Students can also start new clubs if there are deficits in offerings at their schools.