I'm Levitating

Since we're all ready to die on the hill of proclaiming the staying power of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill," we asked you on Instagram — what song would pull you back down to Earth if Vecna had you suspended in the Upside Down?

• "Stick Season" by Noah Kahan: _natalie_walter_
• "Lose Yourself" by Eminem: marieandmarcele and snshnrn 
• "SevenTwentyFive" by Weymouth the Band: jp_digiorno (of Weymouth the Band) 

Turns Out, Granny is Getting a Facelift

On a hot tip from a reader (thanks, Ashtyn A.) we stopped by Granny's Donuts last night to find a new twist in our ongoing investigation — a U-Haul parked behind the restaurant and a missing front counter.

We immediately returned to our mysterious text thread — and this time, got a definitive answer from longtime owner Vina Phromsavanh. When we say longtime owner, we mean Vina's parents bought Granny's 30-something years ago, and he started working there when he was 18. 

CUE THE DRUMROLL, BECAUSE HE. HAD. GOOD. NEWS.

"My wife and I decided to open back up. We are going to do a little renovation. Will let you know the exact date soon." 

There you have it. While the full story is to come, we expect that we'll one day be able to set an iPhone alarm with the label 👵 🍩. Stay tuned, gang.

• Until then, enjoy this letter we received (in the actual mail) from a retired professor detailing his own detective work — including a 30-minute stakeout.

See You On The Streets

Friday, Aug. 5, 5-8 p.m.: A lack of events does not make for a happy event newsletter, so join us in seeing how lively DTSP can be because First Friday is back. Enjoy live music, beer, wine, popcorn and a performance from the band Dangermuffin on the outdoor stage. Food trucks Xavi Davi and Tanks & Franks will be there to feed the masses. Drink tickets are $5, but having a good time is aways free. Squad up.
 

• Saturday, Aug. 6, 2-5 p.m.: Queen of Wines will be at Triangle Wine Company in Southern Pines for a complimentary tasting of Corsican and Italian wines. Wine not?
• Saturday, Aug. 6, 4-6:30 p.m.: Help celebrate Your Pet Care Connection's fifth anniversary at Red's Corner, with local pet rescue groups. Woof.
• Sunday, Aug. 7, 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Give your new plant a pot that doesn't succ. Paint your own while sipping pints from Southern Pines Growler Co. Plants and paints are provided. Reserve your spot in advance, cost is $35. Get creative.
• Tuesday, Aug. 9, 7-9 p.m.: Bring some freshly washed 'fits for a clothing swap, try on threads from Hazel + Grace Rentals, create a vision board with Abi Ray of Legacy Mag, enjoy sweets from Pony Cakes, or just make friends during Gals' Night, hosted by Persimmons Creations at at Soirée on South. Tickets here.
• Saturday, Aug. 13, 1 p.m.: Get bean baggin' and bragging because Hatchet Brewing Co. is hosting a corn hole tournament. Cost to play in the 16-team double elimination is $20/ team. Music and food trucks will also be present. The winning team receives two $50 brewery gift cards. 

SPONSORED BY SANDHILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Learn With It, Earn With It

Take a step toward actually affording your lifestyle by registering for fall semester classes at Sandhills Community College. Quick train in HVAC, plumbing or medical assisting. Stay a little longer by enrolling in engineering, information technology or medical lab programs — or get a business administration degree and become one of dem franchise boys (or girls). Classes begin Aug. 15. You'll keep a big bank, and we know they like that.

Aim Small, Miss Small

Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Bring your Mel Gibson fan fiction to life with the annual reenactment of the 1781 Tory and Whig skirmish at House in the Horseshoe. Otherwise known as the Alston House, the circa-1772 Sanford home still has bullet holes from the original battle. Learn about what Revolutionary War life was like in NC's backcountry through activities and demos, and stick around for the battle reenactment at 2 p.m. Admission is $5 cash. 
 

Gas Pedal, Gas Pedal

Slow down, don't ram the wall. Tuesday morning, a driver crashed into Royal Nail & Spa in the Lowe's Foods shopping center on Morganton Road in Southern Pines — and pushed into the wall of the adjacent Kataphora Boutique. We figured the driver was in need of an emergency manicure, but they just accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake. 

The attempted drive-thru caused an estimated $32,000 in damage, but no one was injured — including the driver, who was given a ticket for "moving too fast for conditions."

"It's really wild but we’re very lucky,” says Jorden Denny, owner of Kataphora Boutique. Expect both places to be closed for several weeks until they're polished up, manicured, and ready to go. 
 

SPONSORED BY MANIFEST BOUTIQUE

Win the Best Dressed Superlative 

Whether you're going back-to-school wardrobe shopping or just want to try on a new you, Manifest Boutique can bring new energy into your closet. Shop jeans, dresses, shirts, hoodies, accessories and more in styles that are anything but ordinary. We see you, Little Miss Shops Local.

MORE WAYS TO SHOP AND SUPPORT: 

• Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5-6: Revive Spa & Lash Lounge celebrates its first anniversary at its new location, 650 SW Broad St., with food, raffles, music, snacks and more. Get the VIP ticket you deserve.

It's Officially Hotter Than a Hoochie Coochie

But way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, aka in Robbins, country boys and girls are still getting down in the barn ahead of the 67th annual Robbins Farmers Day. Enjoy a boot scootin' boogie and carnival rides from 6 p.m. to midnight plus a 10:15 p.m. firework show on Friday, followed by more music, more rides, and two, count 'em, two parades on Saturday — one for horses and buggies and one for tractors. Saddle up.

MORE REASONS FOR HOOTIN 'N HOLLERIN:

• Saturday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Bynum Peach Farm celebrates its 100th anniversary and NC Century Farm designation with live bluegrass music and treats. Find it at 119 Gallimore Road, Ellerbe. Peach, please.
• Sunday, Aug. 7, 1-7 p.m.: Join James Creek Cider House for its inaugural Peach Romp. Taste peach cider, peach ice cream, peach desserts and more. There will also be a farmers market and live music. Ain't that peachy?

SPONSORED BY CAROLINA CINEMAS SANDHILLS 10

Get (Movie) Buff

Break up your midweek routine and exercise your eyeballs with Carolina Cinemas Sandhills 10. Need more reasons to get pumped? All movies are $7 on Tuesday, meaning you can see even more and always be ready to flex your movie knowledge. Go get big...screen. 

• Bullet Train (Aug. 5): Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock star in an action-packed story about an assassin on the world's fastest train — who's surrounded by other assassins and has to figure out how to get off. All aboard.
• Mack & Rita (Aug. 12): A 30-year-old gets trapped in a 65-year-old's body, which is how we feel getting out of bed every morning. But with Diane Keaton starring, it's actually funny, instead of sad. You'll want extra popcorn for this.

• Friday, Aug. 5, 9:30-10:30 a.m.: S.L.A.M. Southern Pines is having a flower power fifth birthday party, with a free workout, cupcakes and raffle prizes. RSVP here.
• Tuesday, Aug. 9, 5:45 p.m.: Get your bikes and buds together for a round of riding and beer at Southern Pines Growler Co. Get it in gear.

We Asked. You Answered.

Your hot takes on QR code menus: 

• From Ashley G.: "I am so pro QR code. I also bartend at a restaurant that uses them so maybe I’m biased.
  1. It stops so many trees from being cut down.
  2. 98.9% of the time people are on their phones anyway, and proceed to get on their phones AFTER making their order. Why not just continue keeping your phone in your hand??" 
• From Michelle A.: "The QR codes suck. By the time my phone downloads the teeny tiny menu which I can barely read, I’m so frustrated that I’m not hungry anymore!"
• From Mandy G.: "If I can’t look at the menu before I show up, I’m probably not going to begin with. I won’t show up not knowing the three cocktails I’m ordering, my appetizer, and my main meal. Dessert is the only surprise I accept in the game of dining. Signed, girl who makes the entire table order immediately upon sitting down."

We'll Be Back Around on Monday.

Your homework: Tell us what noise would send you running toward the Upside Down. We'll go first: another Slack notification. Or the Paw Patrol theme song.