May 4, 2015 · 11:11 am

Hidden Gem: Honeysuckle Tea House in Chapel Hill


Now that spring is here I wanted to share with you about a magical place I came across hidden in Chapel Hill last year. The Honeysuckle Tea House is one of those hidden gems in the Triangle I think everyone needs to visit. It’s like no other tea house I have ever come across. The tea house is a large open air wood frame structure situated on top of four shipping containers tucked away in rural Chapel Hill. It has a great tranquil vibe and is surrounded by several acres of land with 72 raised cedar herb-beds, a green house and and a six acre berry and Camellia farm.


The primary aim of Honeysuckle Tea House is to share with the community the idea of “food as medicine” by serving certified herbal teas, locally roasted Carrboro Coffee, Tinctures, and Honeys, and other local products made on site. In addition to the healthy foods and herbal remedies the tea house hosts numerous Wellness Workshops and serves the community by hosting local musicians weekly with performances every Friday & Saturday evening, 7pm-9pm, and each Sunday afternoon, 2PM-4PM on their outdoor cedar stage (or inside the tea house if it rains). You can view the upcoming music schedule here.


The open air seating area is a relaxing place to enjoy drink or have lunch while taking in the peaceful surroundings. Food wise the menu includes wraps, garden salads and pastries (including some gluten free options). On the day I visited my wife and I shared a gluten free muffin and each had a glass of incredible jasmine herbal iced tea. It was so relaxing sitting up above the gardens and gazing out of the tea house at the blue sky as we slowly sipped away on our cool drinks. I actually felt like I was vacationing at an island oasis half a world away from the hustle and bustle of Raleigh.


A return visit to this teahouse is high on my list of things to do this week now that the weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. It makes for a fun afternoon trip from Raleigh if you are looking for a getaway or just want to try something new. The tea house is only open during the warmer months of the year and closes each winter for the season so don’t miss your chance to check it out this spring & summer. It is currently open daily Sun-Thur 9am-9pm and Fri & Sat 9am-10pm. For directions and more information about the teas and other products they offer visit their website http://www.honeysuckleteahouse.com/.

Honeysuckle Tea House
8871 Pickards Meadow Road
Chapel Hill, NC, 27516 (map)
website: http://www.honeysuckleteahouse.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/honeysuckleteahouse

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May 1, 2015 · 3:08 pm

Cousins Maine Lobster Truck Debut in Raleigh This Weekend!

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Last night I joined local food truck blogger The Wandering Sheppard  to get a sneak peek at Cousins Maine Lobster, the Triangle’s newest food truck, which is scheduled to roll out this weekend.  This is an exciting new truck that fills the seafood void in the Triangle food truck scene. The truck features fresh Maine lobster in both hot and cold lobster rolls. They also serve lobster and shrimp tacos, clam chowder, lobster bisque and even have lobster tots which is tater tots served with warm Maine lobster and cilantro lime sauce with pico de gallo. Menu entrees range between $10-$14


The truck is owned and operated by a local family out of Wake Forest (read their story in The Wandering Sheppard’s Cousins Maine Lobster “Behind The Wheel” feature). You can find the truck making its Triangle debut this Saturday, May 2nd at the Wake Forest “Meet in the Street” event. You’ll have another chance to catch the truck at the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo Sunday May 3rd from 1-6pm on Fayetteville Street. Word is they will also be visiting Durham soon with a scheduled visit to Bull City Ciderworks on June 6th.

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Cousins Maine Lobster – Wake Forest, NC
website: http://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/raleigh/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cousins-Maine-Lobster/1566211163602613
twitter: @CMLobster
instagram: @cmlobsterraleigh

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April 30, 2015 · 2:16 pm

Weekend Picks: April 30th-May 3rd

Sax

The weather forecast this weekend is looking quite nice which is great because there are a lot of fun events planned. I’ve included a number of activities in my picks this week. This week there is everything from sunrise yoga in downtown Raleigh to a market in Saxapahaw. No matter what you end up doing I hope you make it a great weekend!

Thursday April 30th

North Hills Beach Music Concert Series
The North Hills Beach Music series continues into its second week this Thursday from 6-9pm with a live music by Liquid Pleasure. This is a FREE concert series that takes place each Thursday on the courtyard at North Hills from April through the first week of August. It draws a big crowd so get there early! http://visitnorthhills.com/event/midtown-beach-music-series/

Friday May 1st

Sunrise Yoga at Happy & Hale UPDATE: Rescheduled to May 15th due to weather.
 Free sunrise Yoga in downtown Raleigh this Friday at 6:30am. Class will be taught on the turf next to Happy & Hale by Carrington Jackson, featuring musical accompaniment by Petals String Duo. There will also be free coffee from Raleigh Coffee Company and a pop up shopping experience from Edge of Urge. Plan to arrive early, space is limited. 

First Friday and Crude Bitters Open House
There is always lots to do in downtown Raleigh on First Friday. From checking out art studios to fire dancers on Hargett Street. I also recommend checking out the Crude Bitters Open House showcasing their classroom bar. We’ll have FREE Crank Arm Brewing Company beer and light snacks. https://www.facebook.com/events/1844266819130904/

Blues on the Plaza at Northgate Mall in Durham
Northgate Mall hosts their “Blues on the Plaza” music series each Friday in May.  This Friday’s musical guest is the Tornado Blues Band. They also have at least one food truck scheduled for each event. You can view the full schedule with bands and food truck lineup here: http://www.northgatemall.com/mall-events/blues-on-the-plaza/

Saturday May 2nd

Wake Forest Meet in the Street & Lobster Food Truck Debut
The 35th Annual Meet in the Street festival will take place Saturday, May 2, at 10 am in historic downtown Wake Forest. Meet in the Street offers a day filled with food, fun and entertainment, including live music and children’s activities. Admission is free. Also bee on the look out for the debut of a new Lobster Food Truck – Cousins Maine Lobster.

Saturdays in Saxapahaw
The Saxapahaw Rivermill summer series starts up again this year in May. The weekly festivities include performances by top bands featuring bluegrass, back porch, blues, folk, gospel, latin, celtic, funk, roots, americana and old time music and a thriving Farmer’s Market with fresh local produce, cheese, eggs, baked goods, flowers, honey, organic meat, locally produced wine, hand made arts and crafts and more.  Festivities take place every Saturday from 5pm-8pm through the end of August. Admission is free though donations are appreciated.  http://www.rivermillvillage.com/saturdays-in-saxapahaw-2

Mystery Brewing Public House 2nd Anniversary – Hillsborough
Mystery Brewing in Hillsborough celebrates their 2nd anniversary this weekend. May 2nd is our Pub’s 2nd anniversary! A day long celebration on Saturday will feature food from Al’s Burger Shack from 12pm to 3pm, music by Juliana Finch at 6pm and Scott Barkan at 9pm. Of course there will be plenty of their beer with 16+ beers on tap including some new releases.  https://www.facebook.com/events/1575154876074615/

Gizmo Brewworks 2nd Anniversary – Raleigh
In Raleigh Gizmo Brewworks is also celebrating their 2nd year. They’ll have Beer, Food Trucks, and Live Music. Food trucks scheduled are BO’s kitchen, King’s Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, Arepa Culture NC, and Cockadoodlemoo Truck. They’ll also be releasing a special anniversary beer, a special cask ale, and a commemorative pint glass. https://www.facebook.com/events/1591919377686828/

Sunday May 3rd

Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
Downtown Raleigh will play host to another huge Food Truck Rodeo on Sunday from 1-6pm. Trucks will line Fayetteville Street from the Capital Building to City Plaza. Over 50 trucks are schedule to attend. You can see the full truck lineup here:  http://www.downtownraleighfoodtruckrodeo.com/food-trucks.html

Six Sunday Concert Series at Joyner Park in Wake Forest
Bring the kids, friends, a picnic, and a blanket! The Six Sundays in Spring concert series is held on consecutive Sundays through the end of May. These free concerts are held at E. Carroll Joyner Park Amphitheater at 701 Harris Rd. in Wake Forest. The music will be starting at 5 pm and ending at 7 pm. You can view the full music schedule here: http://wakeforestarts.org/events/six-sundays/

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April 27, 2015 · 9:00 am

Spring & Summer Music in the Triangle

Coffee Barn Stage

Music at the Coffee Barn Stage ~ Shakori Hills

Update May 12, 2015
There are several free concert series kicking off across the Triangle over next several moths. Check out the event websites below for additional details. As always, if you think I’ve missed an event please let me know in the comments section and i’ll add it to the list.

Raleigh

Durham

Chapel Hill

Carrboro

Cary

Apex

Clayton

Hillsborough

Wake Forest

Saxapahaw

Pittsboro

  • First Sunday Market
    Market featuring handmade crafts and music every first Sunday March through December 12-4 pm

High Point

Chatham County

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April 23, 2015 · 1:13 pm

Weekend Picks: April 23-26th

Seeds

I can’t believe April is already almost over.  Fortunately there is plenty to do this weekend to end the month with a bang. Saturday is a particularly busy day. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. In the meantime see my rundown below of things to check out this weekend. Happy Exploring!

Thursday April 23rd

North Hills Beach Music Concert Series
The North Hills Beach Music series kicks off the 2015 season Thursday from 6-9pm with a live music by The Embers. This is a FREE concert series that takes place each Thursday on the courtyard at North Hills from April through the first week of August. It draws a big crowd so get there early! http://visitnorthhills.com/event/midtown-beach-music-series/

Friday April 24th

Art of Cool Project Festival
The Art of Cool Festival is a three-day music festival in Durham with two outdoor stages, five indoor venues and more than 30 world-class performances presented by Art of Cool. This is a ticketed event, but things launch Friday with a free Kick-Off Party from noon-5pm with live music and a food truck fest at Durham Central Park. This event is one of the premiere music events in the Triangle and I highly recommend checking out the group of great musicians it brings together for one special weekend in Durham.  http://aocfestival.org.

Front Porch Music Series at the Carolina Inn Chapel Hill
Fridays on the Front Porch features the music of some of North Carolina’s best bands for 27 consecutive Fridays from 5-8pm through late October. One of the area’s most popular musical groups, Big Fat Gap, starts things off this Friday. A new feature this year is the addition of food trucks. This Friday Chick-n-Que and the Chirba Chirba truck will be there to feed the crowd. http://www.carolinainn.com/about/chapel-hill-event-calendar

Live Music at Sola Coffee
Sola Coffee & Cafe remains one of my favorite places to see live music in North Raleigh. They schedule music almost every Friday & Saturday and have a great menu of food, coffee drinks, as well as craft beers and wine. This Friday they will have a cool indie folk duo based out of Montreal, Quebec called Bride & Groom playing guitar and cello. http://www.solacoffee.com/new-events/

Saturday April 25th

Brewgaloo NC Beer Festival
A huge celebration of North Carolina Beer is going down this Saturday 2-10pm all along Fayettville Street. The event will have over 300 beers on tap from 70 NC breweries, over 45 local food trucks, and live music from 17 bands. Drink ticket pre-sales are available at local stores, Ray Price Harley Davidson and Galatea Boutique or online at http://shoplocalraleigh.org/brewgaloo/. Tokens will be on a special sale of 5 tokens for $20 through April 24! Pre-sales will also be able to arrive early to get their tokens, wristband and cup on the day of the event.

Seeds Pie Social in Durham
On Saturday from 1-5pm visit the SEEDS’ garden at 706 Gilbert Street in Durham for the 7th annual DIG Pie Social. There will be games, face painting, activities, music, and of course pie! Suggested Donation = $10 for 4 tickets. With your tickets you can get pie slices, and participate in games and activities. https://www.facebook.com/events/684754264981286/

Midtown Music Fest at North Hills
Rescheduled to June 7th due to weather
 North Hills has more live music on Satrday from 3-9pm as they celebrate everything Raleigh. Midtown Music Fest will feature local vendors from around the area, a spring fashion show, and Raleigh bands including The Jason Adamo Band, Four Founders and American Aquarium.
http://visitnorthhills.com/event/midtown-music-fest/#sthash.h6GWoYWz.dpuf

Mordecai Market
Craft market and plant sale from 10am-2pm at 1 Mimosa Lane in the Historic Mordecai neighborhood in downtown Raleigh. Craft and plant vendors, live music, and the Bull City Foods food truck! https://www.facebook.com/MordecaiMarket

Sunday April 26th

Pop-Up Sunday at Ornamentea
POP-UP Sunday is this Sunday from 12-5pm in the Ornamentea Parking Lot. This event is an open air market, chock full of vintage clothing and housewares, recycled local art, food trucks and more. POP-UP Sunday is a FREE pet and family friendly shopping experience in downtown Raleigh that partners with local businesses to raise awareness for needs in our community. Always a fun time and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
http://popupsunday.com/

Looking Ahead to Next Weekend:

Lobster Food Truck Debuts at Wake Forest May 2nd
Earlier this week local food truck blogger The Wandering Sheppard broke the news that the Triangle’s newest food truck, Cousins Maine Lobster, will make its first public appearance in Wake Forest at their annual “Meet in the Street” event on Saturday May 2nd. This is a new and exciting addition to the local food truck scene and I’m sure it will quickly become a fan favorite. To stay on top of all the breaking local food truck news and read in depth stories about the trucks and people behind them I recommend checking out The Wandering Sheppard’s blog. You can also follow him on facebook and twitter at @RUWandering.

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