Tag Archives: Raleigh

August 13, 2013 · 1:13 pm

North Wake Landfill Park in North Raleigh – An Unexpected Green Space

Top of the Hill Trail

Top of the Hill Trail

As I prepare to run in my first marathon this fall I find myself constantly looking for new places to avoid getting bored using the same old route. Since the race I am running, the City of Oaks Marathon, is right here in Raleigh it is also important that I incorporate some hill work into my routine so I am ready for of the topography on race day. Fortunately I live just down the road from the relatively new North Wake Landfill Park located off Durant Road in North Raleigh which provides a short hill perfect for hill training

View from the Top

As the name implies this the North Wake Landfill District Park is in built on top of a now closed landfill. The landfill was capped a few years ago and is now used as a park with fantastic open green space with a small playground, walking and mountain biking trails, picnic shelter, and great views from the the top of the “Big Hill”.

North Wake Landfill Park

Park Map

I pulled the map above from the park’s official website. It shows the location of the trails, parking and various recreational areas. It is a small park, but I find it to be a great place to do short runs and work on hill repeats. If you are looking for longer runs you can take one of the trails that connects to the the much longer Neuse Greenway trail that stretches on for miles

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Top of the Hill Trail

I need to give a “tip of the hat” to the River Run Club for the idea of using this park for “hill repeat” runs.  This place is so convient to my neck of the woods and the hill is challenging but not impossible so it makes for a good training spot. The “Top of the Hill Trail”  is only .07 miles long with an elevation climbing to 469 feet above sea level. Once up top you your efforts are rewarded with a nice view of the surrounding area including downtown Raleigh. I enjoy running up and down 5-6 times then doing a quick loop around the park.

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Another View from the Top

The park is open from dawn to dusk. Signs currently posted at the entrance indicate exactly what time the gates will close at night. Right now the park is ope from 8am to 9pm. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a new place to run, walk, or just get some nice views from the hill. Park brochure with addition information.

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August 9, 2013 · 12:31 am

Weekend Picks! August 9-11th

Weekend Picks August 9-11th

Weekend Picks August 9-11th

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? This week I focus on Raleigh with three cool things to check out, from food trucks to unique art. Enjoy!

Friday August 9th

Final weekend for ‘0 to 60’ exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Art: All weekend
Cool exhibition that explores the nature of time through contemporary art.
Info: website

Saturday August 10th

Logan Trading Company Festival of the Arts: 11am-4pm
This is a free art show at the plant nursery featuring all kinds of local art including 2D, 3D, performing, musical and more.
Info: website

Sunday August 11th

Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo: 4-9pm
This is the third large rodeo along Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Over 70 trucks expected. Visit the website to view the trucks. Make a list of the ones you want to visit and get there early to avoid the lines!
Info: website

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July 23, 2013 · 2:01 am

Parking Lot Party This Wednesday at Taylor’s Wine Shop in North Raleigh!

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Taylor’s Wine Shop ~ North Raleigh

Taylor’s Wine Shop & BP has been around for over 30 years and is an institution of North Raleigh. Long ago, the savvy owners realized the need to diversify and have developed a great little shop offering an impressive selection of wines, local and other craft beers, local coffee (including Larry’s Beans and Carrboro Coffee) and even sell locally made Escazu chocolate and Pleasant Bee Honey along with an assortment of other items like handmade jewelry and Faerie Made Soaps.  Of course, you can still pick up bait there for your fishing trip to Falls Lake as well.

If you’ve never been to Taylor’s this week is the perfect time to check them out. They are holding a huge wine and beer sale, as well as a Parking Lot Party Wednesday July 24th from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

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Inside Taylor’s

Event Details
The parking lot party will feature food from C.J.’s Street Food truck, free wine and beer tastings (including French Broad Brewing & Bottle Tree Beer Co.) and live music from local band Velvet Goldfish. A big tent will be set up out in the parking lot with the band playing underneath and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the outdoor live music. Beer tasting will take place outside with wine tasting going on inside the shop. In addition, there will be a Larry’s Beans Cold Brew Coffee Demo and a demonstration booth by Green City Bottles.

Along with the food and entertainment there will be great beer and wine sales going on inside the shop including 10% off 4-packs and 6-packs & 20% off cases of craft beer, 10% 1-5 bottles of wine, 15% off 12 or more bottles, and 20% off select cases of wine.

When: Wednesday July 24th from 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Taylor’s Wine Shop & BP – 1005, Six Forks Road (just north of I-540)

For more info about Taylor’s Wine Shop visit:
Taylor’s Website: http://www.taylorswineshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wineman.cash
Twitter: @TaylorsWineShop

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July 16, 2013 · 2:37 am

Pop-Up Ice Cream Parlour in Downtown Raleigh!

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You’ve probably heard by now that a cool Pop-Up Ice Cream Parlour has opened up in downtown Raleigh. It is located at 131 S. Wilmington Street just north of Hargett Street and right next to the restaurants Gravy and Sitti around the corner from Morning Times.

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Several of the people I follow on instagram have been posting fun pictures of the parlour so I decided to walk down there on my lunch break a few weeks ago and check it out. Being a “pop-up” style place means it is temporary and will only occupy the current spot until the end of August. Even though it is only temporary they have done a great job with place. It has lots of tables spaced out across the hardwood floor and great lighting. The parlour has a nice open feeling with huge windows at the front of the shop overlooking the busy sidewalk along Wilmington Street.

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The ice cream shop features locally produced ice cream. Right now the offer ice cream from two local producers but have plans to open their own creamery in the future to sell once they open their permanent location down the road. Given the temporary nature of the shop, the menu is surprisingly inclusive offer a wide range of flavors (14 regular flavors and 4 rotating ones). In addition to traditional ice cream by the scoop in a cup or cone they also have ice cream floats, sundaes and smoothies.

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I opted for a single scoop of the strawberry ice cream in a cone and it was fantastic. I live it when strawberry ice cream has large chunks of actual strawberries in it. I was pretty hungry since I hadn’t had lunch yet so I scarfed this cone down in record time, but I had the presence of mind to grab a picture before I made it disappear. Something I’m not always good at!

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I really enjoyed my visit to the Pop-Up Ice Cream Parlour and was glad I had the chance to visit. During subsequent visits downtown I’ve noticed they have been quite busy so it appears word has gotten around and people are enjoying access to great locally produced ice cream.

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Last week, the news and observer reported that the owner, Laura Suther, is planning to open a second Pop-Up location downtown at 6161 N. Person St. next door to PieBird. This second location is still being negotiated but the plan is to sell ice cream as well as some locally produced items like milk and eggs. The Person street location may become a year-round operation should it prove successful in that neighborhood. I think it will!

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While plans for the second location are being finalized you can continue to get your ice cream fix at the Wilmington Street Pop-Up Ice Cream Parlour through August 31st.

Pop-Up Ice Cream Parlour
131 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC (Open through August 31st)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PopUpIceCreamParlour
Twitter: @popupicecream

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July 15, 2013 · 10:45 am

Jingle in July at City Limits Saloon July 18th!

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Capital City Clauses are gearing up for a great summer event this week to benefit the Wake County Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer Program. The 2nd Annual Jingle in July is this Thursday, July 18th from 5:30-8:30pm at City Limits Saloon in Raleigh.

Event Details – Music, Food Trucks, Local Beer, Raffle
Enjoy an evening of fun while supporting a great cause! The event will feature live music by Raleigh’s favorite Southern Roots Band, Old Habits. Food trucks American Meltdown, Chirba Chirba & Valentinos. There will also be drink specials including beer from local brewer Top of the Hill There’s even a 50/50 Raffle. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Salvation Army of Wake County’s Christmas Cheer Program and the ever growing need to provide toys to our area children for Christmas!

How You Can Help
Attendees are asked to either bring a toy valued at at least $10 or make a $10 donation to the toy buying effort.

For More Info
A Facebook Page has been set up for this event so you can share with your friends. Spread the word!

About Capital City Clauses
The Capital City Clauses is a federally registered, non-profit organization comprised entirely of volunteers. Each year they host the Jingle Ball, where admission is a new unwrapped toy. All toys and gifts collected at the annual Jingle Ball are distributed to children in need through The Salvation Army of Wake County’s Christmas Cheer Program. To learn more about the annual Jingle Ball or the Capital City Clauses, please visit their website at www.jingleball.org.

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