Category: Food

“Merry Christmas! Here you go!” My friend slides me a bright red tin with Santa printed on the lid.

If you are looking for a local bakery that does it all from delicious breakfast scones to beautiful wedding cakes (including gluten-free options!) then Bestow Baked Goods is your go-to spot. Bestow is locally owned and operated right here in Holly Springs. Bestow has grown from a small kitchen in the back of a coffee shop, to now having its own storefront location.

We know the holiday season can put a swing of spontaneity in the everyday moment. In case you are driving around and just feel that urge to have a holiday treat, Bestow’s bakery case will never disappoint. Here are just a few of our favorite items you can grab in a pinch (if you beat the crowds to them that is).

Sweet Potato Donuts – This is definitely one of Bestow’s quickest sellers. You may think potatoes don’t belong in donuts. In this instance, you would be wrong. They are light and fluffy, not too sweet and you get to say you are eating your vegetables. Are sweet potatoes considered a vegetable? No matter if they are or not, you will not be disappointed with these donuts.

Oatmeal Cream Pies – Take everything you know about an oatmeal cream pie and toss it out the window. These are not your snack cakes with a pilgrim baker girl on the packaging. Bestow starts with their homemade Oatmeal cookies that by themselves are a treat. However, they don’t stop there. They take their perfect, never too sweet, and never gritty buttercream icing and layer a healthy portion in between the cookies. Be prepared to take a nap if you finish one-off.

Gluten Friendly Triple Chocolate Walnut Cooking – Don’t make assumptions that the fact these are “gluten-friendly” means dry and crumbly. If you are a chocoholic then do not pass these up. They are rich, not overly sweet, and so so good.

Bacon Cheddar Scone – Have you ever wanted to put a full breakfast into a scone? Don’t you worry, Bestow took care of it for you. This scone is exactly what you want it to be. With the flavors meshing together perfectly, this is a nice way to kick off your morning.

It doesn’t matter if you want a quick bite of something sweet, or you need a birthday cake three months from now, Bestow is you go to spot.

You can order online from their website www.bestowbakedgoods.com or stop by their store located at 4208 Lassiter Rd., Holly Springs, NC 27540.

There is nothing like gathering around a table with friends. The holidays are all about moments like these. We laugh together, we share stories, and we say things like, “can I have a bite of that.” Restaurants provide so much more than a meal — they provide belonging, amusement, and community. 

Christmas is a time to make memories. Some of my fondest memories take place around a table. 

Whether it’s take-out or socially-distanced dine-in, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Holly Springs for a holiday meal. 

Whether you are looking for something quick and easy or upscale and sophisticated, Holly Springs has a place for you at the table. At Oasis church, a local organization in our community, we have a group of food-minded people called “The Oasis Foodies.” Their leader recommended checking out some of these group favorite: 

You’re likely looking for some comfort food, right? My Way Tavern is our local version of Cheers — where you’re greeted with a warm smile, cold beer, and excellent bar-food. However strange, we highly recommend their brussel sprout appetizer which is a massive plate of crispy brussel sprouts piled high with bacon, blue cheese, and a balsamic glaze. Veggies have never tasted better. For your dinner, they make a burger with Jim Beam bacon jam, jalapeños, and pimento cheese. It’s like eating the essence of the south. You won’t regret it. 

Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi is a central part of the downtown revitalization.  They provide a modern take on authentic Thai fare and a delicious selection of sushi. We recommend the Tuna Tower, which is a base of crispy rice piled high with spicy tuna and ponzu sauce. If raw fish isn’t your thing, they serve an out-of-this-world Som Tum Thai. This is a green papaya salad with shrimp, garlic, fresh Thai chilies, green beans, citrus, fish sauce, and peanuts. 

Not up for a whole meal? Then maybe ice cream will do the trick. Here in Holly Springs, Mama Birds is a great place to temp your sweet tooth. They have a flavor for every feeling. It goes way further than chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. Their menu features flavors like Cookie Monster, Boston Cream, Purple Cow, and Dulce De Leche. My favorite is the Oatmeal Scotchy which is a butterscotch ice cream with brown sugar and oatmeal lace cookie pieces. 

When you support local business, you are helping local families put food on the table and gifts under the tree. Whether you select sushi or steak, be sure to dine local this holiday season. We can assure you, Holly Springs has just what you’re looking for!