July 10, 2015 · 11:50 am

Tickets to Beericana Craft Beer & Music Festival on Sale Saturday

Beericana 2015

Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10am for Beericana, a craft beer & music festival in Holly Springs on September 12, 2015. Beericana is in its second year and all signs point to it being even better than last year. The festival will feature over 60 breweries from across the state and beyond, more food trucks than last year with at least 20 trucks and entertainment from 3 live bands playing throughout the day. The event is put on by the people at 919 Beer and they have put their vast beer knowledge and festival experience to work to put together a great event.

Tickets are $45 for general admission, $75 for VIP (with early entry and VIP bathroom access), and $15 for designated drivers. Tickets can be purchased online at Beericana.com starting at 10am on Saturday July 11th. Visit the event website to see the full list of breweries and list of food trucks. Parking is Free.

Beericana Craft Beer & Music Festival
September 12th, 2015
Sugg Farm Park – Holly Springs, NC (map)
www.beericana.com
For updates & inside notes follow @beericana and @919beer.

All attendees are urged to taste responsibly. Please know your limits. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted into the show. Valid photo identification must be presented. Check out the FAQ on the the event website for additional details.

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July 6, 2015 · 9:41 am

Picture of the Week: Rainbow of Colors in Raleigh

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Sometimes I bring my camera with me when I go running in case I stumble upon anything interesting. Two weeks ago I switched up my morning run and followed a new route through downtown that took me along Oakwood Avenue. When I came across this row of colorful “shotgun” style houses across the street from the Oak Cemetery I just had to stop and snap a picture.

Based on my research online these homes were all built sometime around 1930 and were most recently renovated around 2009-2010. They were recognized by the Sir Walter Raleigh Awards for Community Appearance in 2010 for “outstanding new contributions to the character, environment and appearance of the City of Raleigh. If you are into unique architecture and older styles of homes I encourage you to get out and explore Oakwood and surrounding fringe neighborhoods.

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July 2, 2015 · 1:52 pm

Sunflower Fields along the Neuse Greenway

Sunflower1

The Neuse Greenway stretches 27.5 miles from Falls Dam in Raleigh all the way down to Clayton. I’ve explored the upper sections of the trail extensively, but yesterday I took a run along the lower portion near the Wake and Johnston County boarder to get a peek at the famous sunflower fields along the trail. These fields are located between mile markers 23 and 24 near the intersection of the trail and Brown Field Road (map).

Sunflower2

I’ve tried to get pictures of this field before but my timing in the past was off and I always missed the flowers in bloom. If you want to see them you need to go out there by mid July otherwise the plants start dying off from the heat. (Update: I’ve gotten reports that the sunflowers are already “spent” from the intense heat – best to try and catch them next year). To get there I parked my car at the the parking lot along Mial Plantation Road, which is a little past mile 26 on the trail. I then ran about 2.25 miles to mile marker 24 which is where the fields are located. If you don’t want to run or bike there you should be able to pull off the road along Brown Field Road and sneak a peek at the field.

Sunflower3

Many don’t realize this, but these fields are owned by the City of Raleigh and are used to land apply treated wastewater. The plants are grown on the fields to take up the nutrients from the wastewater, which basically acts like a fertilizer for the flowers. Because it is City of Raleigh property you’ll need to enjoy the view of the field from behind the white fences that line the fields. To learn more about the Neuse Greenway and download a full map of the trail visit the Neuse Greenway website here.

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June 26, 2015 · 10:34 am

Gonza Tacos y Tequila Summer Menu Preview

<i>Gonza Tacos - N. Raleigh</i>

Gonza Tacos y Tequila ~ North Raleigh Location

Gonza Tacos y Tequila is one of my favorite local restaurants so I was pretty excited when earlier this month I had the opportunity to attended a media preview of there new summer menu specials. I live in North Raleigh so I visit the Gonza location on Lead Mine Road by Sola Coffee fairly regularly. Over the past year Gonza has also opened locations in Wake Forest and downtown Durham, and has a fourth location in the works on  Hillsborough Street by NC State. The new summer specials will rotate throughout the summer months as weekly drink, appetizer or entree selections at all three locations. (note: the Hillsborough Street location is set to open in late August)

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Ceviche

The tasting kicked off with some new ceviche offerings including a unique roasted red pepper citrus infusion with a side of spicy popcorn. Also new is the tuna & watermelon ceviche and “four citrus” ceviche with bay scallops & cucumber. I’m a bit new to ceviche, but I enjoyed exploring these complementary flavor combinations of citrus and spice and think they make a great summer addition to the menu.

Summer Tacos

Summer Tacos

There are also three new tacos (short rib, shrimp adobado, and smoked brisket) that will appear as entree specials this summer. I loved the tasty short rib taco with creme fraiche, charred poblano, and corn salsa. The marinated smoked brisket tacos with three chile salsa and carrot & cabbage salsita is also a flavorful new addition. Sadly I am allergic to shell fish so I could not try the pan seared shrimp tacos with avocado and tomatillo salsa but they got a thumbs up from my fellow foodies lucky enough to enjoy them.

photo 2

New Summer Cocktails

Gonza already has an impressive bar setup and expansive drink menu, but they are offering some new signature drinks this summer that are well worth exploring. In explaining the new drinks, the bar manager expressed a desire to expose customers to the versatility of tequila beyond your typical margarita. New additions include the ginger tamarind made with fresh ginger, tamarind puree, tequila, triple sec, and sea salt.  Also new are the pineapple cilantro, watermelon mint, and sage melon cocktails – all of which are sure to be refreshing on a hot summer day.

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Dining Area at Gonza North Raleigh Location

For me these new summer menu items offer an opportunity to explore new flavors beyond my regular favorites at Gonza. I’m a bit of a creature of habit when it comes to ordering food, so I’m looking forward to changing things up and ordering these new items over the summer. No matter what you order I highly recommend visiting any one of their locations. I’ve been consistently impressed with the food, service, and atmosphere at all three locations and look forward to checking out there new restaurant on Hillsborough Street once its opens.

Gonza Tacos Y Tequila
Locations in Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Durham (locations & hours)
website: http://www.gonzatacosytequila.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GONZATACOSYTEQUILA
twitter: @Gonza_Tacos
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gonzatacosytequila

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June 23, 2015 · 10:45 am

Triangle Fourth of July Fireworks 2015


Theworks

Below is my annual updated list of places to see Fourth of July Fireworks around the Triangle this year. Please note the actual date for each event as some towns celebrate before/after the fourth of July. There is a link next to each event listed that will take you to the event website for additional information. If I missed an event leave a comment below and I will be sure to update the list. Thanks and have a happy and safe 4th!

Fireworks in the Triangle 2015

A.E Finley YMCA (North Raleigh) – Info
A.E Finley YMCA Finley Freedom Festival Sunday, June 28th 6:30-9pm.This is the 25th year of the festival which will feature music, games, inflatables and local food trucks Sarge’s Chef, Barone Meatball, Chirba Chirba, Red Hot & Blue, Not Just Icing and Jam Ice Cream. Of course there will also be a great Fireworks finale at dusk!

Brier Creek (Raleigh) – Info
The fireworks on Saturday July 4th will be set off around 8:30pm and can be viewed from the parking lots at Brier Creek Commons and Brierdale Shopping Center. There is also am artisan fair scheduled from 4:30-7pm that will take place in the Eath Fare parking lot.

Cary – Info
Celebrate at Koka Booth Ampitheatre 3-10pm July 4 with music & fireworks. Music by the NC Symphony capped off 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 Kenan Stadium – Info
Fireworks at Kenan Stadium. The gates open at 7 PM July 4th. Family friendly activities including live music by Transit Vocal band and watermelon eating contest. Fireworks at Dusk.

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

Durham – Info
Durham Bulls Baseball game on July 4th will be followed by their annual Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza. Tickets are required for the game, but gates will open for general admission at the end of the 7th inning. The dynamic fireworks show will begin immediately following the game.

Franklin County – Info
Fourth of July Celebration at Louisburg High School Saturday July 4th. Games, inflatables, music, food, and fireworks. Free admission. Gates open at 5:30pm.

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

Garner – Info
The town of Garner has their fireworks on Friday, July 3rd at the beautiful Lake Benson Park. The NC Symphony & Soul Play Band will perform. There will be a kidzone and arts and crafts as well. Gates open at 5pm with fireworks launching after dark following the NC Symphony performance.

Holly Springs – Info
Sunday, July 5th Independence Day celebration at Jefferson L. Snugg Farm at Bass Lake 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.

Knightdale – Info
This is Knightdale’s Second Annual July 4th Celebration at Knightdale Station Park. Featuring fireworks, family activities, food trucks and music from The Embers. The event will begin at 5pm and conclude with the fireworks at 9:15pm. Make sure you come hungry – this event has a great food truck lineup with over 30 local food trucks!

Morrisville – Info
Kick off your Independence Day celebration with a fireworks display in Morrisville Community Park Friday, July 3rd. Bring your blankets, chairs and snacks to enjoy the spectacular show. Music and activities will begin at 6:30pm; the Fireworks display will begin at dark, approximately 9:30pm.

Mebane – Info
Family Music Festival and Fireworks on Saturday, July 4th at the Mebane Arts & Community Center. The Entertainers will be playing Beach & Top 40 favorites beginning at 7:00pm until 9:30pm with fireworks following at 9:40. Bring your own seating to this fun-filled family event.

Raleigh – Info
All day celebration Saturday, July 4th noon-11pm with bands playing 3 stages, beer/wine tent, kids rides and games, street performers, eating contests, food and art vendors. Fireworks will light up the sky over the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts AND The Redhat Amphitheater starting at around 9:30 pm. View full event map & schedule here.

Wake Forest – Info
Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, July 3, at Wake Forest High School, 420 W. Stadium Drive. Gates open at 5:30. Beach music by Jupiter Jones at 6:30. Admission $5. Children under 6 free.

Zebulon – Info
The Carolina Mudcats will hold fireworks displays on Friday July 3rd, Saturday July 4th, and Sunday 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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