In today’s newsletter, we’ve got a must-read preview for camping season and 10 of the best Black-owned restaurants in NC, but first:

3 things happening in NC is Cardinal & Pine’s weekly guide to the stories, people, and places driving the news this week. 

In today’s edition, C&P contributor Ryan Pitkin previews a Winston-Salem tournament attracting the biggest stars in tennis, as well as a state bill that would give NC’s top judge the power to suspend elected judges. 

On Monday, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein laid into the idea, saying that “removing judges from their posts should first and foremost be determined by the people.” 

Read 3 things happening in NC here.

Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof gestures as North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein speaks in August 2025 in Fletcher, NC. This week, Stein laid into a GOP court bill that he says would allow the NC chief justice to suspend elected judges for partisan reasons. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

We’re very much in the dog days of summer, NC. Here’s what’s in the Monday C&P newsletter: 

C&P reader Jeff McDaris took this photo from Transylvania County looking toward Black Balsam Knob. He pointed out that Devil’s Courthouse—so named because Lucifer allegedly holds court in a cave up there—is to the left behind the clouds.

Got a nice View from NC? Send it to C&P!

This must be what camping in paradise is like. (Chansak Joe/Shutterstock)

Believe it or not, camping season is just around the corner.

The evenings will get cooler, the leaves will turn, and sleeping outside won’t sound like such a terrible idea.

Get yourself ready by checking out western NC aficionado (and Cardinal & Pine contributor) Brook Bolen‘s scenic camping guide. 

More at Cardinal & Pine:

1. Hiker airlifted after ‘significant’ fall in North Carolina mountains. WBTV

“Crews from several local agencies, as well as the state park, were called out to help the injured hiker. Because of the injury, crews decided a “hoist operation” was needed to get the hiker off the mountain.”

2. What is Medetomidine? The latest threat in the street drug supply. NC Health News

“Medetomidine is a powerful veterinary tranquilizer increasingly found in North Carolina’s illicit drug supply, where it is often mixed with fentanyl and can cause dangerous sedation and withdrawal.”

3. North Carolina budget expands use of license plate readers as communities raise privacy concerns. WFAE

“Communities across the country, though, have raised privacy concerns regarding the technology.”

Various dishes from Elle Et Moi Cuisine, a pan-African restaurant in Southeast Raleigh. (Elle Et Moi Cuisine)

We wouldn’t call the folks at Cardinal & Pine “foodies,” but food does make our world go around. 

If you, like us, enjoy the finest restaurants in NC and show your support for Black-owned restaurants, this is the guide for you. 

From a beloved vegan restaurant in Durham to Charlotte’s finest “soul food” destination, we’ve got you covered. 

Make sure to share this story and tell us if we missed any!

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m an NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Today’s edition includes stories from Ryan Pitkin, Brook Bolen, and Karishma Desai. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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