May 19, 2013 · 7:14 am

Jitters Coffee ~ Local Coffee On The Go In Cary!

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Jitters Coffee ~ Cary, NC

I love to explore locally owned coffee shops in the Triangle and recently my coffee adventures took me to a unique little drive thru coffee shop in Cary called Jitters Coffee. Jitters is located in the entrance to the Food Lion shopping center parking lot off Kildaire Farm road just outside of downtown Cary. There are two things that make this little coffee shop so unique. The first is that it is a drive-thru coffee business that operates out of what I would describe as a coffee “hut”. You pull up to Jitters in your car and a friendly barista takes your order, creates your drink and hands it to you through a window. The second thing is Jitters is the only place in Cary that serves locally roasted Carrboro Coffee.

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Jitters Latte made with Carrboro Coffee

Don’t let the small size of Jitters fool you. They offer a full selection of coffee and espresso drinks that rivals the menu of any larger coffee shop. They even have fruit smoothies and a host of flavored shots to add to your favorite hot or cold beverage and offer various seasonal specialty drinks throughout the year. Their menu even features a frozen espresso drink called a “Granita” which is similar to a frappe but has a lot less calories. I had a sample of their Granita on my first visit and it was delicious. Of course my two favorite coffee drinks are lattes and cortados, and on this occasion I had a perfectly crafted latte (pictured above) and it even had some cool latte art action going on.

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The Drive-Thru Window at Jitters

Jitters has been serving the faithful coffee crowd in Cary for several years now but is under new Management as of October 2012. That’s when local residents Jennifer Vaaler and Brett Coleman took over the business. Since taking the reigns, Jennifer & Brett have brought new inspiration to Jitters by offering locally roasted Carrboro Coffee, which is one of my favorite coffee roasters – their espresso is amazing! They have also been updating the landscaping around the coffee hut by planting a cool little garden out front surrounding the larger than life coffee mug fountain. They even added some cool tropical banana plants along the backside of the hut making Jitters feel and look like a little coffee oasis.

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Jitters ~ A Coffee Oasis!

When it comes to great coffee spots, it is the little things the count. For example, while I was at Jitters taking pictures I saw several regulars pull up, Jenn & Brett knew them by name and began making them their “usual” drinks without even having to be asked. A neat little finishing touch on each hot drink is an easy to remove lady bug sticker on the “to go” cup lid to keep the steam in and the coffee warm. I highly recommend local coffee fans check out Jitters if you are looking for a new place to grab your coffee on the go or just want to try something new. I think you will be glad you did!

(Jitters is open 6:30am until 4pm Monday through Friday, 8am-3pm Saturday, and closed Sundays.)

Jitters Coffee
920 Kildaire Farm Road
Cary, NC 27511
Website: http://jitterscarync.wordpress.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JittersCary/info
Twitter: @JittersCaryNC

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May 16, 2013 · 11:12 am

This Weekend’s Picks! May 17-19th

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This weekend is packed with events. Everything from urban chickens,  to BBQ contests and art festivals . See below for my top picks for things to do this weekend. Enjoy!

Friday May 17th

Got to Be NC Festival (Fri/Sat/Sun)
Free family friendly event at the NC State Fairgrounds with an agricultural twist. Enjoy carnival games and rides, live music, food, animal and agricultural displays, antique tractors, and more. 

When: Friday / Saturday / Sunday 6-9:00
Where: NC State Fairgounds
More Info: website

Hillsborough Hogg Day (Fri/Sat)
Now celebrating its 31st Anniversary, Hillsborough Hogg Day offers family fun, good food, live music, crafters, merchandise vendors, games and rides, and a classic auto show – all in downtown Hillsborough!

When: Friday / Saturday
Where: Downtown Hillsborough – Behind Courthouse
More Info: website

Saturday May 18th

Tour D’ Coop
Raleigh’s city chicken owners invite you into their backyards for a first-hand look at keeping chickens in an urban environment.  This self-guided tour provides the opportunity to see over 20 coops, from tiny urban gardens to sprawling suburban lots. This is your chance to glean creative ideas from neighbors who are incorporating chickens and permaculture garden designs into their home landscapes to create an inspiring urban adventure.

When: Saturday 10am-4pm
Where: Various Locations in Raleigh (see map)
Tickets: See website for ticket information
More Info: website


Artsplosure (Fri/Sat/Sun)
Artsplosure’s mission is to produce high quality annual festivals that celebrate excellence in the performing and visual arts; to promote and bring recognition to national, regional, and local artists; and to bring artists and the larger community together to improve the quality of life and cultural environment.

Since its first festival in April 1980, Artsplosure has presented thousands of established and emerging artists whose works span across many disciplines and art forms in both traditional and non-traditional indoor venues and outdoor settings.

When: Friday / Saturday  / Sunday
Where: Moore Square – Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website

Sunday May 19th

Pop-Up Sunday at Ornamentea
POP-UP Sunday is a monthly event that gives local businesses, artists and the community a chance to mingle. It’s not just art or antiques or food trucks, it’s a handpicked mix of all that and more! May 19th is going to be one big block party on West Street. POP-UP Sundaywill start up at noon for a food-truck-tailgate and shop-a-pallooza leading up to the Battle of the House Bands across the street at Southland Ballroom til 7:30pm. All the money raised from both events will benefit Haven House Services, a non-profit agency that changes outcomes for struggling youth and their families.

When: Sunday 12-5pm
Where: Ornamentea Parking Lot – Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website

Seeds Pie Social
Do you like pie? Then come to the Seeds Pie Social for an afternoon of sweet and savory pie. A $10 donation includes 4 tasting slices of pie or 5 if you bring your own fork and plate. All proceeds go to Inner-City Gardeners. Enter the best pie contest and you could win $500!!

When: Sunday 1-5pm
Where: Durham Central Park Pavillion
More Info: website

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May 13, 2013 · 8:44 pm

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo Success!

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Food Trucks on Fayetteville Street

In case you missed it, this past Sunday downtown Raleigh was the host of a huge food truck rodeo – the biggest ever in Raleigh with over 40 food trucks in attendance. Trucks were set up along Fayetteville Street starting just south of the Capital Building. The inaugural event ran from noon to 5pm on Sunday, but if you missed it don’t worry, similar food truck events will be held on June 9th, August 11th, and October 13th. Visit DowntownRaleighFoodTruckRodeo.com for updates about future events.

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Barone – New Meatball Food Truck

Raleigh has checkered past with food trucks. While the food truck rules in the City of Oaks are not quite as lenient as in Durham, contrary to popular belief foods trucks are allowed in Raleigh. This was just the first time so many of them were all together at one time here in Raleigh. All in all I think the event organizers did a good job with this first event. There were over 40 trucks spanning a wide range of cuisine including meatball sandwiches, pizza, Korean bbq, and dumplings. Several of the local fan favorites were on hand like Klausie’s Pizza, Chirba Chirba, and American Meltdown. There were also a few new trucks I’ve never seen before from neighboring Greensboro like Urban Street Grill, and Great Escape.

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Seating Area

Everyone I talked to was appreciative of the seating areas provided so people had a place to sit and eat instead of being forced to stand and balance their plates. Of course there were some complaints about the usual long lines and wait times for some of the more popular trucks, but I have been to enough of these events to know it comes with the territory. Some say you should have more trucks, but honestly that just draws even more people and the popular trucks will always have a big fan base waiting in line. In general a good rule of thumb is to come early and come with a game plan so you don’t waste time looking for trucks you want to try.

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Local Beer – Aviator Brewing out of Fuquay Varina

Another great aspect of the rodeo was that it featured some of our great local breweries too. Three local breweries, Aviator Brewing, Carolina Brewing Company, and the City of Oaks newest addition Raleigh Brewing Company, were all on hand selling their brew. All three did a great job of ensuring they had enough beer and kept the line of thirsty rodeo fans moving.

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Sweet Stacey Cakes – Cupcake Food Truck aka “Smiles”

Several of my favorite trucks were at the rodeo and I made a point of hitting them first before the long lines started forming. I got a smoked turkey sandwich from Sympathy for the Deli and followed it up with a “Thin Mint” cupcake from Sweet Stacey Cakes. I never miss a chance to get food from these trucks when I see them and they never disappoint. Both really hit the spot on Sunday! Another favorite of mine is the Parlour Ice Cream truck. Their salted caramel ice cream is heavenly!

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Food Truck Fans

Looking back on Sunday’s event I think this first large scale rodeo in Raleigh will go down as a big success for the city and serve as an example of the growing demand for such events in Raleigh. Hopefully city leaders will continue to recognize the positive role food trucks play in the evolving downtown scene and will create an environment that encourages more of these events in the future. For information about future food truck rodeos in Raleigh check out DowntownRaleighFoodTruckRodeo.com or follow them on facebook.

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May 10, 2013 · 7:59 am

Weekend Picks! May 10-12th

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This weekend I have the garden on the brain so my picks favor farmers’ markets and garden tours. There is also a huge Food Truck Rodeo coming to downtown Raleigh that is sure to be quite the scene Sunday. See below for my top picks for things to do this weekend in the Triangle. Have a tip or suggestion for next week? Send me an email at TriangleExplorer@gmail.com.

Friday May 10th

Art After Hours in Wake Forest
It’s the second Friday, and that means it’s time to head down to Downtown Wake Forest for an evening of family entertainment, food, and to see what the local merchants (your neighbors) have on offer.

The event brings out a good crowd of folks, and tonight’s cooler temperatures are a nice excuse to get out and walk around.

When: Friday 6-9:00
Where: S. White Street, Wake Forest
More Info: website

Saturday May 11th

Durham Farmer’s Market
Strawberry Season is here so it means it is time to visit your local farmer’s market and stock up on locally grown NC Strawberries. The Durham Farmers’ Market is my favorite market to visit. Not only do they have tons of great local farmers with a great selection of produce, but there are also food trucks, live music, and great people watching. This market is very popular and has a great energy. It is a great way to start your saturday!

When: Saturday 8-12
Where: 501 Foster Street (Durham Central Park)
More Info: Website

Share Your Wake Forest Garden (Sat/ Sun)
A Self-guided tour of gardens in Wake Forest. List and directions to gardens available on the website below.

When: Saturday 11-5 & Sunday 12-5
Where: Various Locations in Wake Forest
More Info: website


Sunday May 12th

Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo – 40+ Trucks!
Downtown Raleigh is set to have its biggest Food Truck Rodeo to date this Saturday. There will be over 40 food trucks lined up single file on  one side of the street starting at the State Capital buidling and running several blocks along end Fayetteville Street. There will also be beer and coffee for sale, in addition to live music and seating. There is sure to be a crowd, so get there early and avoid the long lines!

When: Saturday 12-5pm
Where: Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website

Wild Food & Herb Market in Carrboro
The Wild Food + Herb Market is a monthly outdoor market featuring foragers, herbalists, wild food cultivators and local nature educators. The Market is the first of its kind in the United States. This market is a great place to buy, sell, trade and gather with others interested in wild foods and herbs.

When: Sunday 1-4pm
Where: 301 West Main Street, Carrboro
More Info: website

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May 2, 2013 · 10:58 pm

This Weekend’s Picks! May 3-5

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This weekend features Food Trucks in Wake Forest, the return of Raleigh’s First Friday and Cinco De Mayo celebrations all weekend long. See below for my top picks for things to do this weekend in the Triangle. Have a tip or suggestion for next week? Send me an email at TriangleExplorer@gmail.com.

Friday May 3rd

Spring Fling & Food Truck Rodeo in Wake Forest
The Wake Forest Elementary PTA is hosting a fun community event in Wake Forest to raise funds for a new park.The Event will feature severla food trucks: Traditions Sweets (Cupcakes), Captain Panchos Tacos, Sarges Chef, Pie Pushers, and Delicious. The fun will also include games for the kids, giant slide & obstacle course, photo booth, silent auction and raffle

When: Friday 5-8:30
Where: 136 W. Sycamore Avenue, Wake Forest
More Info: website

First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Raleigh
First Friday is a free self-guided tour of downtown’s cutting edge cultural hot spots. Local art galleries, art studios, alternative art venues, and museums stay open late the first Friday of every month to welcome thousands of art-seeking enthusiasts downtown. The event runs from 6 pm-9 pm, but some venue hours may vary. My favorite places to visit are the Oak City Cycling Project where you can find Slingshot coffee. Other great venues to visit include Artspace and the Clark building. For detailed venue information, click here.

When: Friday 6-9pm
Where: Various locations throughout downtown Raleigh
More Info: website

Saturday May 4th

Brew Durham
If you enjoy tasting local homebrew and sampling scrumptious treats from local restaurants, then Brew Durham 4 is the event you don’t want to miss! Brew Durham is a beer festival that celebrates the art and craft of making home brewed beer. The festival takes place on Belt Line Station, an old train platform that has been converted to a unique outdoor event space at The Cordoba Center for the Arts in Durham. Attendees will be invited to taste 50 types of beer crafted by 25 of the Triangle’s finest home brewers.

Brew Durham 4 also includes a new tasty treat for ticket holders – food served by local restaurants prepared with local ingredients! Six downtown Durham restaurants will provide a delicious sampling of small bite snacks prepared specifically to accompany the home brew during the festival. Participating restaurants include: Monuts Donuts, Toast, Geer Street Garden, Dos Perros, Mateo Bar de Tapas, and Loaf.

When: Saturday 1:00-8pm
Where: 923 Franklin Street, Durham
Tickets: $35 in advance / $40 at the door
More Info: website

Handmade Market
This one day, indoor designer craft market features fine art, apparel, jewelry, accessories, housewares, paper goods, and more. Find unique, handmade gifts or treat yourself to something special. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for (and more!) at The Handmade Market.

When: Saturday 11am-4pm
Where: Cobblestone Hall – City Market, Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website

Cin De Mayo at Dos Taquitos Xoco (Sat / Sun)
Dos Taquitos Xoco in downtown Raleigh is holding “Weekend de Mayo” on Saturday & Sunday. It’s a block party in their neighboring parking lot with great Mexican bands, great food, margaritas and Mexican beer!

When: Saturday noon-11pm
Where: Dos Taquitos Xoco, Glenwood Avenue, Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website

Apex Peak Fest
Peakfest is the largest public event in Apex and, it is about more than fun. Live music all day, artist of every kind (jewelry, pottery, watercolor and acrylic), a bmx show, skateboard demonstrations, entertainment for the kids, food that you would find at the fair, and so much more! Vendors are charged a fee to participate and businesses become sponsors, helping to offset the expenses of the day.

When: Saturday 9am-5pm
Where: Salem Street, Downtown Apex
More Info: website

Sunday May 5th

Cinco De Mayo at Dos Taquitos – Creedmoor Road
We’re closing down the parking lot in front of Dos Taquitos to celebrate the best day of the year! We’ll have a margarita waiting for you! Festivities and face painting kicks off at noon with live music at 5pm!

When: Sunday noon-11pm
Where: Dos Taquitos, Creedmoor Road, North Raleigh
More Info: website


New Business Alert! Local Brewery Now Open In Clayton!
Check out Clayton’s new brewery, Deep River Brewing Company! If you can’t make it down to the brewery, here are several opportunites to sample their beer at bottle shops in Raleigh:

Wednesday 5/1 tap takeover at BottleMixx
Thursday 5/2 tap takeover at Tasty Beverage Company
Thursday 5/2 brewery open at 5pm (D’burritos food truck)
Thursday 5/9 Tasting and Tap takeover at Bottle Revolution
Thursday 5/16 Downtown Clayton, NC concert series.

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April 29, 2013 · 10:35 am

Picture of the Week – ELF!

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This week’s picture was taken while I was over in Carrboro a couple of weeks ago. I spotted this little guy while walking down Weaver Street.  It is called the “ELF”.  The ELF is a One person pedal/solar hybrid commuter vehicle invented by the people at Organic Transit in Durham. They design and build “Organic Transit Vehicles” or OTVs. They are billed as the “perfect solution for people who want to get out of their cars but need or want more than a traditional bike can offer.”

Here is more about the ELF model from the Organic Tranist website:

“The ELF is designed with the busy commuter in mind. The ride height puts you in sight of other drivers while the body is still slim enough to navigate bike trails. There is plenty of room to stash your laptop case and pick up several bags of groceries on the way home. Recharge the removable battery pack by parking your ELF in the sun or by plugging it in to a standard outlet. Upgrade to a more powerful solar panel to stay off grid or add a NuVinci 360 hub to ease your ride.”

For more information about the ELF check out this cool youtube video:

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April 26, 2013 · 10:47 am

This Weekend’s Picks! April 26-28th

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This weekend is absolutely packed with outdoor events! From beer festivals and food truck rodeos in Raleigh to live music in Wake Forest! See below for my top picks for things to do this weekend in the Triangle. Have a tip or suggestion for next week? Send me an email at TriangleExplorer@gmail.com.

Friday April 26th

“Flash Food Truck Friday” at Rebus Works
Rebus Works is hosting a Flash Food Truck Friday at the gallery this week. It is to promote the presence of 3 huge Food Truck Rodeos that will be happening in downtown Raleigh throughout the summer. This event will feature beer from Foothills Brewery and Raleigh Brewery, a DJ spinning tunes, and four awesome local food trucks (including two new ones! (D Burritos, Baton Rouge Cuisine, Captain Poncho’s Tacos, Hibachi Express).

When: Friday 6-9pm
Where:  Rebus Works, 301 Kinsey Street – Downtown Raleigh
More Info: website

Saturday April 27th

Day One Pop Up Restaurant – This Week: Vegan Menu!
Day One is a pop-up restaurant that takes over Ninth Street Bakery once a week, Saturday nights, from 5:30PM-11PM. Seating is first-come, first-served. The menu this Saturday will be a  ”Southern Soul” Vegan theme. The menu will include Vegan Mac and Cheese, Hoppin’ John Salad with Tabasco Vinaigrette, “Chicken-Fried” Tofu, Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Collards with 2 Gravies, Apple Cobbler, Agave Sweet Tea, Mango Juice, Beer. As a special treat, Southern Folklife musicologists Jason Perlmutter and Josh Davis are contributing a DJ mix of exclusively rare soul tunes that were recorded/produced right here in Durham.

When: Saturday 5:30-11pm
Where: 136 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham
More Info: website

Piedmont Farm Tour (Sat/Sun)
Come learn about the Triangle’s local and organic farm & food scene. Meet local farmers & tour their farms! Load up a car with your friends and family, choose the farms you’d like to visit on the map or brochure below and get out in the countryside! The tour is self-guided and farms and sites are located throughout the Triangle in Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Person counties. Visit any farm in any order.

When: Saturday & Sunday 1-5pm
Where: Various Farms (See Website)
Cost: $25 per car / $30 day of tour
More Info: website

Brewgaloo
Shop Local Raleigh  presents their second annual Brewgaloo local beer festival in downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza. Brewgaloo 2013 will feature 25 craft breweries from North Carolina including several favorites from right here in the Triangle.  There will also be 14 local food truckson hand to feed the hungry crowd and live music  provided on two stage from 8 different local bands.

When: Saturday 3-9pm
Where: Raleigh City Plaza, Downtown Raleigh
Cost: Free Admission / Beer tokens $5
More Info: website

Festival of Legends (Sat/Sun)
North Carolina’s newest fantasy faire, the Festival of Legends returns April 27-28 2013 to Storybook Farm in Chapel Hill, NC! Come frolic with all manner of creatures mythical and enjoy fine mead and beer while a host of extraordinary entertainers performs on  stage; peruse unique artist’s creations and dance to the beat of tribal drums! It will be a party retold in stories for a long time to come!

When: Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm
Cost: see website
Where: One Storybook Lane, Chapel Hill, NC
More Info: website

Sunday April 28th

Children of the Horn – Wake Forest Six Sundays Music Series
Bring the kids, friends, a picnic, and a blanket! Town of Wake Forest, the Six Sundays in Spring concert series returns for 2013 on consecutive Sundays from April 28 through June 2. This week’s headlining band is Children of the Horn (Soul/Funk with horns!). These FREE concerts are held at E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater. Opening bands starting at 3 pm, with the main acts starting at 5 pm and ending at 7 pm. Food vendors will there include VFW food trailer, the Lemon Tree, Sweet Traditions by LeAne (cupcakes) and Lumpy’s Ice Cream!

When: Sunday 3-7pm
Where: E. Carrol Joyner Park,  701 Harris Road, Wake Forest
More Info: website

Help Give These Two Local Businesses a Kick Start!
These two great local businesses in Raleigh and Durham have initiated Kickstarter campaigns to help raise funds make their visions a reality and on the ground and running. Check out their kickstarter websites (listed below) for more information!

The Market – Restaurant, Grocer, Caterer - The Market is moving into a new location and expanding the vision. They needs the communities help to bring fresh produce/prepared foods (grocery), restaurant and catering services utilizing locally based suppliers, an in-house butcher featuring humanly raised meats, and other basic sundries to downtown Raleigh. Visit their Kickstarter Page to learn more about their vision and how you can help!

Rose’s Meat Market & Sweet Shop – Justin & Katie moved here with a dream of opening a whole animal butcher and pastry shop in downtown Durham. Check out their  Kickstarter Page to learn more how you can help make this happen! 

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