Don't Try to One-Up 2020.

We never doubted that the cabin fever is real — but you all got a little freedom and turned the dial straight to 11. From diving into a quarry to ripping down the caution tape at a park, you all know how to make Phase 2 interesting. 

People Are Filipin-out Over This Food Truck 

Mas-A-Wrap Filipino and Asian rolled out for the first time last Saturday. Within a few hours of being parked in the lot beside Pony Espresso in Southern Pines, the truck ran out of food, and customers blew up Facebook with rave reviews. 

Photo courtesy of Pam Partis

After three years of toying with the idea to start a food truck, owners Mary Ann and Steven Brown have rolled out Mas-A-Wrap, which loosely translates to "delicious" in Filipino, in a renovated Frito-Lay truck.

"Filipino food is kind of left out when it comes to Asian cuisine," Mary Ann said. "I decided this was my way to introduce it to our community."

The menu features items like the Halo-halo (above) a dessert with purple yam, sweetened mung beans, kidney beans, palm nut, milk and shredded young coconut. Oh, and tiny umbrellas.

Taylortown to get Standalone Starbucks

Next year, Taylortown will have a Starbucks across from another Starbucks.

According to Steve Trythall, of C.F. Smith Property Group, construction is set to begin this summer. The new location, complete with a wrap-around drive-thru, could be open in the first few months of 2021.

• China Garden Buffet has completed its renovation of the former Ruby Tuesday restaurant, just around the corner from its home of the past 21 years, and has opened for takeout. 
• Maxie's Grill and Tap Room is reopening with a limited menu on Friday.
• The Pine Crest Inn is reopening its dining room, with pub menu and bar service, on Tuesday.
• Chapman's will be closed for renovations beginning Monday.
• The Wine Cellar has reopened its indoor and outdoor seating for sales of wine and beer by the glass.

SPONSORED BY MONKEE'S OF THE PINES

Emerge From Hibernation Like a Boss  

The days of living like a grizzly bear in head-to-toe sweats are slowly ending, so step out looking like you haven't spent the past two months glued to your couch. Monkee's of the Pines is now open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday with appointments available on Sunday, and they're offering 30 percent off new arrivals in store and online through May 31. Here's your chance to finally tell yourself to "go off, sis" — we suggest you take it. 

SPONSORED BY THE COUNTRY BOOKSHOP

The Book Fair Must Go On 

Online school didn't seem so bad until little Aeighdenn missed his chance to marvel over the Captain Underpants display in the media center, and now his allowance is burning a hole in his velcro wallet. Help him spend it wisely with The Country Bookshop's online store.

Their entire inventory is sorted by genre on their website — including books, puzzles and games for all ages. Choose in-store pickup at checkout, or have your purchases delivered to your door.

SWAYSCRIBER PERK: Use the code SWAY20 and receive 20 percent off your order from now until June 4. 
 

Let the Self-Inflicted Burns Commence

You can once again tempt fate by sticking your finger into a scented candle at Mockingbird on Broad. The shop closed after owner Sundi McLaughlin tested positive for coronavirus, but Sundi announced this week that the shop would be open for limited hours — and that she's being featured on 4 Things With Amy Brown.

Bonus: Looking for more ways to burn through cash? Here's our updated list on what's open for browsing.

SPONSORED BY FIRSTHEALTH FITNESS

When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip

FirstHealth Fitness has reopened its Pinehurst facility for swimming, small outdoor group exercise classes and massage therapy from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, giving you more excuses to make up for lost time with the queso at your favorite restaurant.

You must have a temperature of below 100 degrees, bring your own towel, bring your own lock, keep your keys with you and keep six feet of distance from the swole bro in his first Cardio Burn. The kid center is open, too, in one-hour intervals for reservations only.

See the ways FirstHealth is working to keep you safe while you sweat.

County Parks & Rec Opens Splash Pad 

Moore County Parks and Recreation announced this afternoon that the Hillcrest Park splash pad will open on Monday, adding that those not in the water should wear face masks and cultivate a tan line known as "the bandit." Here's how other towns are handling their water:

• Southern Pines: Though Phase 2 allows pools, the pool and splash pad at Pool Park will remain closed until the town works out the logistics of social distancing guidelines. 
• Pinehurst: "We are not planning to open at this time, but are hopeful we will open the Splash Pad in Phase 3," said Melissa Holt, a spokesperson for the village of Pinehurst. Government facilities are set to reopen June 15, but rentals at the community center and Fair Barn won't resume until June 26. 

Meanwhile, July 4 Celebrations are Cancelled

The Carthage Rotary Club announced today that it was canceling the Independence Day parade it organizes in Carthage each year. This comes days after Aberdeen announced it was nixing its fireworks display due to concerns over crowd control.

Pinehurst is expected to make a decision on its Fourth of July events next week — we're crossing our fingers on the annual pet parade, which is the only place we can expect to see a chicken wearing a red, white and blue top hat.

SPONSORED BY LIBERTY SOCCER ACADEMY

Kick Boredom to the Curb

You've been waiting for summer camps since school went virtual, and Liberty Soccer Academy is coming to the rescue with a full slate of camps for ages 3-14 at Cannon Park in Pinehurst — from hour-long sessions for the littlest kickers to half-day ball mastery camps for those 7-14.

This U.S. Club Soccer-Sanctioned academy, which focuses on youth development both on and off the field, is keeping coach-to-player ratios low for each of its six weeks. Reserve your spot here.

Unleash That Majestic Stride

Run from something besides your responsibilities during quarantine with the Rock N' Run virtual 5K June 12-16. No, the running part isn't virtual, but you get multiple chances to beat your own PR, no one will know if you take a walk break, and proceeds from the race benefit Friend to Friend and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

You have until June 10 to register. Do it here, then be sure to post a pic in your race swag and tag Friend to Friend on IG.
 

Skipping Leg Day Really Isn't An Option Now 

After two months of living room cardio sessions and buffering internet connections, sweating it out on the hot asphalt beats dodging your dog's head every time you attempt a push up. Many local gyms have started to offer outdoor classes in addition to virtual ones. Think of the heat as an added calorie-burning bonus. Here's who's throwing down in the parking lot. 

Howell's Masonry is looking for a part-time bookkeeper and office manager who's organized, reliable and well-versed in Microsoft Office and Quickbooks.

To apply, call 910-944-0878. For more information or to submit your resume, email howellsmasonry@yahoo.com.
 

That's all for Now.

Your homework: Don't do anything we wouldn't do.