Picture of the Week – Wine Bottle Garden!

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Wine Bottle Garden!

This week’s picture comes from a backyard garden experiment I am working on. I started a square foot (raised bed) garden a few years ago to avoid having to dig through all the clay soil I have in my backyard in Raleigh. Only problem I had was the wood frame I built around it to hold the soil in started to rot from all the exposure to the elements. So, I decided to get rid of the wood and repurpose empty wine bottles to create a new boarder around my garden. The only problem is I don’t drink that much wine these days!

Fortunately my friends at Vinos Finos y Picadas, a wine & tapas bar in Lafayette Village, had lots of empty bottles they were kind enough to donate for my project. I still need to add a few more bottles to round out the boarder and then plan to add some deer-resistant flowers and ornamental plants. I’ll post a follow up picture later this summer once it is all in full bloom.

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Fourth of July Fireworks in the Triangle 2013

Fireworks

Below is a list of places you can see fireworks this to celebrate Independence Day 2013. Please note actual date for each event as some town’s have their fireworks the day before/after the actual fourth of July. Raleigh is also having fireworks at two different times the same night during their celebration this year. There is a link next to each town listed that will take you to the event website for additional details. Happy 4th!!

Fireworks in the Triangle 2013

Brier Creek (Raleigh) Info
Enjoy fun for the whole family at Brier Creek Commons and Brierdale Shopping Center this July 4th. Earth Fare is having a Stars and Stripes event on Thursday from 4-8pm. Activities include outdoor grilling, bounce house, kids activities, games, contests. With one $5.00 purchase from prepared foods up to 6 kids eat FREE! After dark, enjoy the Fireworks at Brier Creek. The fireworks can be viewed from the parking lots at Brier Creek Commons and Brierdale Shopping Center.

Cary
Info
Koka Booth Ampitheatre – 3:00 – 10:00pm July 4 – music and fireworks. Patriotic performances and music combined with family-friendly activities. As the last note fades, Booth Amphitheatre will cap off the celebration with an incredibly spectacular fireworks display. Tarps, blankets & chairs allowed within venue gates; staking and tents are not permitted. Concert is FREE and open to the public.

Chapel Hill Info
Fireworks at Keenan Stadium gates open at 7 PM July 4th, fireworks at 9:30 PM.

ClaytonInfo
The Clayton Parks & Recreation is hosting their annual July 4th Celebration on Thursday, July 4th  at the Municipal Park on Stallings Street in Clayton.  Activities begin at 4:30pm with family field events, a Basketball Skills Competition, Free Ice Cream and Watermelon, a Cornhole Tournament and live music. Get sprayed down by the Clayton Fire Department (a kid favorite!) Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Durham Info
Durham Bulls Baseball Durham Bulls are playing a home games on July 4th and 5th. The baseball games start at 6:05pm. The Durham Bulls will have a patriotic firework display after both the July 4th and July 5th games.

Fuquay Varina Info
Music, kid’s games and fireworks at Fuquay Varina’s South Park – 820 N. Main Street. July 3rd, gates open at 6 PM.

Garner Info
Lake Benson Park – NC Symphony will perform. Gates open at 5pm and will have fireworks after dark July 5th (Moved due to weather forecast).

Holly SpringsInfo
July 5th Independence Day celebration at Snugg Farm Park 5-9:30pm. Musical entertainment, Food vendors, Inflatables and games, Fireworks, Face Painting and Other Games, Cornhole Tournament. The fireworks show is slated to begin at 9:15 p.m.

MorrisvilleInfo
Kick off your Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display in Morrisville Community Park July 3rd.  Bring your blankets, chairs and snacks to enjoy the spectacular show.

North Hills (Raleigh)Info
The Free Beach Music series held each Thursday at North Hills from 6-9pm will feature fireworks after the performance this Thursday July 4th.

Raleigh – Info
Independence Day Celebration featuring two firework displays! First, during the day starting at noon celebrate July 4th with live music, Beer/Wine tent, kids rides and games, Gouge Wrestling, street performers, eating contests, food and art vendors, Picnic on Fayetteville Street and much more! Fireworks will light up the sky two times!! First at 9:15 – Fireworks (Fayetteville Street ) AND 10:10 – Fireworks (Red Hat Amphitheater)

RolesvilleInfo
July 4th – Rolesville’s annual Independence Day event will be held this summer on the ball fields at Rolesville Community Park on Redford Place (behind Food Lion).

Wake ForestInfo
Fireworks Spectacular on Wednesday, July 3, at Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road.

Zebulon Info
The Carolina Mudcats will hold fireworks displays on Wednesday July 3rd, Thursday July 4th, and Friday July 5th at Five County Stadium. Gates will open at 6 p.m. each night for the 7:15 p.m. games, with fireworks and patriotic music to follow the games’ conclusion.

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Artisan Cheese Fest at The Cookery in Durham – June 29th

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If you are a cheese nut like me, this event is for you! This Saturday, June 29th The Cookery in Durham is holding an “Artisan Cheese Fest” featuring food from American Meltdown Food Truck and several other local vendors sampling fantastic cheeses and food from local producers. Their patio and front room will be open and you can wet your whistle with cocktails and local beer available for sale at the front room bar! If you haven’t had a chance to get over to the Cookery to see their awesome space, check out the cool 360 degree tour of their patio and front room from google maps below!


The Cheese Fest event is free and there will be opportunity to see demonstrations and try samples, but also look for great cheeses and products available for purchase from the many great local vendors. For a full list of vendors who will be there, visit the facebook event page here.

Artisan Cheese Fest Details:
When: Saturday June 29th 1-4pm
Where: The Cookery ~ 1101 West Chapel Hill Street, Durham

 

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Picture of the Week – The Neuse River!

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The Neuse River – Taken June 23, 2013

I went for a run along the Upper Neuse River Greenway last night and snapped the picture above right by the parking and canoe launch area. This spot is located just below the dam and the recently opened Falls of Neuse Bridge. Water levels have dropped since the heavy rain last week, but there was still a nice flow to the river. I noticed several people enjoying the river, taking pictures, fishing, and even a few kayaks. I love walking along the Upper Neuse Greenway and enjoying the great waterway. A real gem of North Raleigh!

In addition to my posts on this blog you can follow me over on Instagram to see my daily pics of the Triangle Area.

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Weekend Picks! June 21-23rd

June 22

As we head into the first official weekend of Summer there are lots of fun things to check out. Including a few very unique events like Kirby Dirby on Saturday and Yoga at Raleigh Brewing Co. Sunday.  But first, the weekend kicks off with a pop-up ice cream shop and beer/wine store celebrating their grand openings tonight!

Friday June 21st

Ice Cream Pop-Up Shop in Downtown Raleigh Grand Opening!
Thanks to an announcement by New Raleigh, I learned of a  pop-up ice cream shop that is opening tonight in downtown Raleigh. The temporary shop will be located on Wilmington Street in the space next to Gravy where Kindred used to be. This space is only temporary (through August 31) after which they hope to open in a permanent location. They will start out serving locally made Maple View Ice Cream. Doors open for the very first time tonight (Friday June 21st) at 6pm

When: Friday 6pm
Where: 131 S. Wilmington Street
More Info: Twitter account

Wine 101 Raleigh Location Grand Opening!
Wine 101 in Wake Forest is opening up a second store this weekend with a new Raleigh location. Their new shop is located on Duraleigh Road and Raleigh and will offer an expansive collection of both wine and craft beer. The soft openening is this Friday, June 21st from 12-8. They will also have a very special tasting (cost $10) to raise money for “Meals On Wheels” from 5-7.

When: Friday 12-8pm
Where: 5910 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh,
More Info: facebook


Saturday June 22nd

Kirby Dirby “Wonderland”
Kirby Derby Day is an annual day of Raleigh awesomeness on a Saturday close to the Summer Solstice.
It begins at 4pm and lasts a long time. Events include:pine car mini-racers at 4pm, parade at 5:30, “drag” races at 6:00ish, soapbox derby at 6:30ish and an after party at darkish featuring music by Corn & the Colonels! Food trucks: The Humble Pig & Captain Poncho’s Tacos and Hot Dogs and Veggie Dogs by Silas.

When: Saturday 4pm until ?
Where: Kirby St / Bilyeu St in Raleigh
More Info: website

Wake County Animal Center – Adopt an Addition
Come celebrate our third annual Adopt an Addition event here at the Animal Center. We will have adoption specials on all the adoptable animals, live music, rescue partners with adoptable animals, “Not Just Icing” cupcake truck for your sweet tooth, vendors and raffle items. The event will run from 11am until 6pm. Come on out and meet your new family member!

When: Saturday 11am-6pm
Where: Wake County Animal Center
More Info: website

Peak City Pig Fest – Apex
A free, day long event in Historic Downtown Apex. Activities begin at 9:00 am, music begins at 11:00 am. Beer Garden open from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. A KCBS sanctioned barbecue cookoff held in Historic Downtown Apex, NC. Presented by the Apex Sunrise Rotary Club.

When: Saturay
Where:  N. Salem Street – Downtown Apex
More Info: website

Carolina Brewing Company Big Bash
On Saturday stop by Carolina Brewing Company in Holly Springs for food, live music and delicious beer as they hold a “Big Bash Celebration” complete with food trucks and live music. This is a kid-friendly event. Food Trucks and Ice Cream Truck will be on hand. Music by “Live Centre”  playing their timeless Classic Rock tunes. CBC and food trucks will be donating a portion of all sales to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.Come out and drink your favorite pint. Stay for the music and food.

When: Saturday 5-10pm
Where:  Carolina Brewery – Holly Spings
More Info: website

Sunday June 23rd

Yoga at Raleigh Brewing Company
Raleigh brewing Company is starting a yoga series to take place at the Brewery every other Sunday starting this Sunday. Yoga at the Brewery will offer an all levels Vinyasa based flow that will build on itself throughout the 4 weeks. The goal is to create an individualized practice that you can take home and enjoy. Join in for breath, movement, and deep stretches designed to make you relax and feel limber from head to toe. Afterwards, stick around for a post yoga brew from Raleigh Brewing Company’s incredible selection!

When: Sunday 10:30am-12pm – 4 week series (every other Sunday from 10:30- 12:00)
Cost: 4 classes for $20 or $10 drop-in
Where:  Raleigh Brewing Company – 3709 Neil Street, Raleigh
More Info: website

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