Community - 5 West Mag

Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

5 West Mag

Advertise With Us

Community

07

Community People & Profiles

How a café in downtown Raleigh feeds our hunger for human connection

By Amanda Lamb | In this column, I’ll focus on stories about people that are shrinking the space between us—people who have consciously decided to meaningfully connect in a digital…

07

Drink Features Food Local Business Sip & Savor

How Chef Michael Lee turned early food memories into a thriving restaurant group across the Triangle

By Dathan Kazsuk | Long before M Sushi became one of the Triangle’s most talked-about restaurants, and before Durham became the center of his growing M Restaurants world,…

13 minRead time

07

Features Food Local Business Sip & Savor

The local bakeshops that are skipping the hype and sticking to what works

By Deanna Martinez | In a world filled with towering milkshakes, glitter-drenched cupcakes, and desserts designed more for Instagram feeds than plates, some bakers are sticking to the…

12 minRead time

07

Fashion Features Local Business

A conversation with jewelry designer Kenda Kistenmacher

By Sofia Lujan | Kenda Kistenmacher is the founder and designer behind the Raleigh-based jewelry brand Kenda Kist—a collection of hand-forged, everyday fine jewelry rooted in metal design…

10 minRead time

05

Fashion Features Local Business

Serotone Swim is Redefining the Culture of Swimwear

By Kyle Marie McMahon | Named after the “feel-good” chemical serotonin, Serotone Swim is built on the belief that when we feel supported—literally and figuratively—our entire presence changes.

11 minRead time

05

Beauty Features Local Business

How self-care has affected approaches to men’s grooming

Story by Samantha Carson | In the past, men coming into a barbershop might expect a simple haircut and shave, maybe a hot towel. Today, however, men’s attitudes have changed,…

05

Features History Home & Garden Local Sightseeing

JC Raulston Arboretum celebrates five decades of diversifying the Southeast landscape

Story by Beverly Hurley | What was once Raleigh’s best-kept secret is today recognized as one of the nation’s premier arboretums, with a plant collection unequaled in the Southeast. And…

01

Community Family & Education Features Nonprofit

Cache In: Geocaching is a way to help clean the trash out

Geocaching is a scavenger hunt for all ages. People around the world put items inside small containers called geocaches or caches and hide them for others to find using a…

28

People & Profiles Special Sections

2026 Influential Women of Western Wake – Kenda Kist

By Dathan Kazsuk | I’m inspired by how jewelry can transform how someone feels—fierce, confident, or beautiful.

28

People & Profiles Special Sections

2026 Influential Women of Western Wake – Kat Hamlil

By Dathan Kazsuk | I started this journey five years ago as a solo cleaner while attending nursing school and supporting my family.

28

People & Profiles Special Sections

2026 Influential Women of Western Wake – Sheri Hagerty

By Dathan Kazsuk | From thoughtful updates and intentional staging to strategic pricing and elevated marketing, I approach every property as a product that deserves care and precision.

28

People & Profiles Special Sections

2026 Influential Women of Western Wake – Amanda Steinert Francfort

By Dathan Kazsuk | Every turnkey project we get our hands into is a blank slate where structure, emotion (sometimes a lot of it), and imagination connect.

28

People & Profiles Special Sections

2026 Influential Women of Western Wake – Lauren Burns

By Dathan Kazsuk | I find energy and inspiration in growth. Over the years, learning to adapt and embrace change has taught me to see possibility everywhere.

28

People & Profiles Special Sections

2026 Influential Women of Western Wake – Jenn Birch

By Dathan Kazsuk | My inspiration comes from the Birch Therapy team of clinicians and staff. I genuinely look forward to work each day.

01

Family & Education

Classes and Online Resources are Plentiful for Standardized Testing

By Kurt Dusterberg | In some cases, scoring well on the SAT or ACT can be the difference between acceptance at a student’s number one choice or settling…

01

Apex’s New Father-Son Spice Shop

By Kate Koeffel | As customers step into The Spice & Tea Exchange in downtown Apex, they’re greeted by an expansive mix of earthy, herbal, and fresh tea…

01

Community Features Special Sections

2026 Diamond Award Winners

5 West readers voted for their favorite businesses, services, and venues. Now, we are excited to present this year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners! Select a category, browse the…

01

Community Special Sections

Health + Beauty Diamond Award Winners 2026

We are excited to present this year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners for the 2026 5 West Diamond Awards! Browse the list to see if your favorites are there, and…

01

Community Special Sections

Sports + Fitness Diamond Award Winners 2026

We are excited to present this year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners for the 2026 5 West Diamond Awards! Browse the list to see if your favorites are there, and…

01

Community Special Sections

Arts + Entertainment Diamond Award Winners 2026

We are excited to present this year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners for the 2026 5 West Diamond Awards! Browse the list to see if your favorites are there, and…

Subscribe to
our Magazines

Subscribe to
our Newsletter