Date Archives: January 2019

Are you searching for the perfect Valentine's Day surprise for that special someone? It is the time of year for romantic gestures, and you'll have no trouble finding the ideal Valentine's Day gift when you live in the Triangle. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a dozen dazzling roses, or the right jewelry store to grab the perfect gift, you'll find it close to home in the Triangle. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on the best local spots for gifts and romantic dinners in the Triangle for Valentine's Day.

Love Is in the Air: How to Celebrate Valentine's Day in the Triangle

Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner

• Stanbury-Raleigh – 938 N Blount St., Raleigh – Dedicated to making the most of ingredients from local sources and sharing the unique flavors of every season, Stanbury is "the" spot for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. Choose from a wide variety of small and large plates, inspired by cuisine from around the world.

• Bida Manda – 222 S Blount St., Raleigh – Searching for a dining spot with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and truly unique flavors? Head to Bida Manda in Raleigh, where you'll find Laotian cuisine in a beautiful, laid-back atmosphere perfect for your Valentine's Day date.

• Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern – 330 Hillsborough St., Raleigh – The award-winning Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is one of Raleigh's most popular dining spots, and for a good reason. The menu is loaded with steak, seafood, and salads, all prepared with fresh ingredients, while the elegant but inviting atmosphere is sure to make this a favorite spot for date nights.

Florists for a Dozen Dazzling Roses

• Fallon's Flowers of Raleigh – 700 St. Mary's St., Raleigh – Conveniently located in Raleigh, Fallon's Flowers is a great place to find a dozen dazzling roses, and so much more. Choose from a huge selection of fresh flowers to find something that's just right.

• Angel Roses Florist – 1608 S Miami Blvd., Durham – Take a break from shopping Durham homes for sale to find the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your special someone at Angel Roses Florist, where you can find fabulous flowers for any occasion.

Chocolate Shops for the Perfect Heart-Shaped Box

• Chocolate Smiles – 312 West Chatham St., Cary – Cary homes for sale make it easy to enjoy a wide range of delicious dining options, and find great gifts at shops like Chocolate Smiles, which has been creating sweet treats since 1984.

• Escazu Chocolates – 936 N Blount St., Raleigh – Head to Escazu Chocolates to find gourmet gifts that are sure to impress, and shop for the perfect heart-shaped box of craft chocolate.

Jewelry Stores for Something that Sparkles

Searching for something sparkly that is sure to impress your sweetheart? Throughout the Triangle, you'll find a wide range of great jewelry stores, with gifts to fit every budget. Find the ideal Valentine's Day gift at Regent Jewelers or Malay Jewelers in Raleigh, or head to Durham to explore the wide selection available at Hamilton Hill Jewelry.

• Regent Jewelers – 5959 Triangle Town Blvd., Raleigh

• Hamilton Hill Jewelry – 905 W Main St., Durham

• Malay Jewelers – Triangle Town Center, 5959 Triangle Town Blvd., Raleigh

Still searching for Raleigh homes for sale, or homes in any Triangle community for Valentine's Day this year? Our local real estate team is here to help. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes throughout the Triangle.

This weekend wraps up the end of Triangle Restaurant week and what better way to work up an appetite than house hunting for your new home.

Many of our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday in some of the best homes on the market in the most popular neighborhoods and communities in the Triangle area.

So go ahead and make those dinner reservations then click through to our open house website to see all of the properties our local real estate agents have listed.

Featured Open Houses

9005 Annonhill Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$449,000

Sq Ft: 4,145 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 26 from 12 to 3 p.m.

5409 Centerville Lane, Durham, NC 27713

$575,000

Sq Ft: 3,787 | Beds: 5 | Baths:4 (full)

Open House: Saturday, January 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.

251 Gentry Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312

$800,000

Sq Ft: 3,462 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 26 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, January 27 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

12653 Gallant Place, Raleigh, NC 27614

$264,900

Sq Ft: 1,677 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, January 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.

2621 Range Overlook Crossing, Apex, NC 27523

$605,000

Sq Ft: 2,622 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full)

Open House: Sunday, January 27 from 2 to 4 p.m.

704 Sarazen Drive, Clayton, NC 27527

$277,500

Sq Ft: 2,478 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, January 27 from 2 to 4 p.m.

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Saturdays are full of possibilities, and Apex has a wealth of cultural and entertainment activities to explore. The vibrant pedestrian-friendly downtown area retains its charming ambiance thanks to a number of beautifully restored buildings, some dating back to 1870. 

Where do you start? Our real estate agents offer suggestions for their favorite activities that take you from morning to night on a Saturday in Apex.

1. Belgian Cafe - 1232 W. Williams St. 
   Start your day with some European flair at Belgian Cafe. The highlight of the breakfast menu is their signature petit dejeuner français, which includes two croissants with butter and jelly, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee. Don't forget to pick up some delicious macarons or tartelettes to take home.
   
   
2. Apex Farmers Market - 220 N. Salem St. 
   For your next stop, head to the Apex Farmers Market and savor the bounty of fresh, locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. Their selection of artisanal baked goods, cheese, sauces, and salsas add punch to any style of cooking. 
   
   
3. MGC Boutique - 219 N. Salem St. 
   Take your BFF along to browse the stylish and versatile clothing and accessories at MGC Boutique, which is short for "My Girlfriend's Closet." The industrial-chic space features brick walls dating back to 1909 and large, warehouse-style skylights and windows. You'll see why MGC Boutique calls itself "Anthropologie at a more affordable price point."
   
   
4. The Provincial - 119 N. Salem St. 
   The Provincial is just down the block from MGC Boutique, making it a perfect stop for lunch. Choose from a menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches that satisfy any appetite, large or small. If you want to try something new, check out the rotating selection of small and big plates. Beer and wine specials are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
   
   
5. The Red Canvas - 127 N. Salem St. #A
   Whether your interest in art involves doing or just looking, the Red Canvas is a great spot to immerse yourself in the creative spirit. The Red Canvas is a working studio for owner Catherine Martin, and works on display are painted by Martin and her students. Martin likes to promote a true community feel by featuring paintings designed to inspire awareness of social issues.
   
   
6. Common Grounds Coffeehouse and Desserts - 219 N. Salem St.
   Housed in a historic Apex building called the Promenade, Common Grounds is an ideal spot to chat with friends or enjoy a good book over a cup of coffee. Tables, lounge areas and free WiFi encourage leisurely visits. Specialty flavors like Snickers and Coco Mocha are treats by themselves, but feel free to choose one of the decadent desserts supplied by Cary's Custom Confections.
   
   
7. Mamma Mia Italian Bistro - 708 Laura Duncan Rd.
   Cap off a delightful day by meeting a friend for some traditional Italian favorites at Mamma Mia Italian Bistro. Classic preparations such as Marsala, Parmigiana, and Piccata are offered with your choice of chicken or veal. Try one of the chef's specials or build your own dish by selecting your favorite pasta and sauce. And what's an Italian restaurant without pizza? House wines are available by the bottle or glass.  

\Whether you're a social butterfly or you prefer cocooning, Apex homes for sale accommodate any lifestyle and family size. Contact us and let our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents help you find the home of your dreams.

Wondering what to do this weekend? Pull out the raincoat, grab your umbrella and hunt for a house. Don't let the rain showers stop you from starting your home search.

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents have planned open houses in the beautiful homes they've listed and are ready to show you around.

Take a look at our agents' open houses to figure out which homes you'd like to tour on Saturday and Sunday.

Featured Open Houses

2209 Wide River Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

$525,000

Sq Ft: 4,622 | Beds: 6 | Baths: 6 (full)

Open House: Saturday, January 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

5000 Beckwyck Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$400,000

Sq Ft: 2,505 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

10144 Mizner Lane, Raleigh, NC 27617

$309,900

Sq Ft: 2,516 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.

9 North Julip Court, Pittsboro, NC 27312

$709,900

Sq Ft: 4,100 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 19 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, January 20 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

409 Parkman Grant Drive, Cary, NC 27519

$674,900

Sq Ft: 3,980 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, January 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

275 Paddy Lane, Youngsville, NC 27596

$317,000

Sq Ft: 2,385 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. and

Sunday, January 20 from 1 to 4 p.m.

1425 Lagerfeld Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$318,900

Sq Ft: 3,124 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Sunday, January 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.

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Whether you're already experienced in the kitchen or you're looking to sharpen you're cooking skills for the first time, there are a ton of great reasons to consider taking a cooking class. It's a fun way to meet new, like-minded people when you move to a new community and develop skills that you can use for the rest of your life. Cooking classes are also great places to learn about healthy eating options, find new recipes, and enjoy some delicious food while you learn. Our real estate agents are here to help you pursue your passions, with a guide to the five best places to take a cooking class in the Triangle.

New Friends, New Flavors, New Ideas

1. Flour Power 201 Park at N Hills St #101, Raleigh
   Raleigh homes for sale make it easy to enjoy a wealth of great dining options, and to develop your cooking skills at local classes. At Flour Power Studios, even the kids can get in on the cooking action! Flour Power has been offering kids cooking classes for more than 10 years, in a supportive, engaging, and fun environment. Schedule a class at Flour Power, and help your kids develop skills that will last a lifetime.
   
   
2. Sur La Table – 4421 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh
   Don't worry, there are plenty of great cooking classes for adults in Raleigh, too! At Sur La Table, you'll find in-store classes on a wide range of popular culinary topics, from making your own pasta to cooking the perfect meal for a date night. It's also a great place to schedule a private cooking class for a special event.
   
   
3. Capri Flavors – 867 Bass Pro Ln., Cary
   If you're shopping for homes in Cary, a cooking class will be an excellent way to meet people in your new community. Capri Flavors brings the classic flavors of Italy to your table in Cary and offers the chance to learn from true culinary experts. Proprietors Costanzo and Titina Vuotto, who spent most of their lives in Capri, Italy, are happy to teach you the secrets of traditional Italian cuisine.​​​​​​​
   
   
4. Taste Buds Kitchen Apex – 1475 Beaver Creek Commons Dr., Apex
   Whether you're shopping for Apex homes for sale or already live in the community, cooking classes at Taste Buds Kitchen are a great way to pass the time. From kids cooking classes to adult cooking events, Taste Buds Kitchen Apex offers something for every member of the family. Take a semester class, enjoy a private lesson, or participate in a class designed for the whole family. Taste Buds is a kids kitchen by day, and a BYOB adult kitchen by night, which makes for a great atmosphere no matter when you visit.​​​​​​​
   
   
5. Chapel Hill Cooking Classes – 11312 US Hwy 15 501 N #107, Chapel Hill
   Homes in Chapel Hill offer much more than great scenery, with plenty of fun, local activities including cooking classes. Head to Chapel Hill Cooking Classes to enjoy expert instruction from chef Amanda Cushman, who is happy to share the secrets she's picked up from a long culinary career. Chapel Hill Cooking Classes offers private, public, and team-building cooking classes, with a busy schedule of classes available every month.

Still searching for the perfect home in the Triangle, where you can put all of those cooking skills to work? Our local real estate team is here to help. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes throughout the Triangle.

Where do you want to live? What type of home do you live? Stepping up or moving down?

Whether you're a renter ready to take the homeownership plunge, a seasoned homeowner searching for new digs, or simply want to expand your investment property portfolio, HPW.com has the homes you seek.

The most comprehensive real estate website in the state, HPW.com is the perfect place to start your house hunt.

Our Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agents know the market inside and out and are ready to show you the homes they've listed and answer the questions you may have.

Click through to our open house website to see all of the properties our local real estate agents have listed and go visit them this weekend. 

Featured Open Houses

120 Heartsease Lane, Morrisville, NC 27560

$425,000

Sq Ft: 2,808 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

5001 Corner Rock Drive, Rolesville, NC 27571

$439,900

Sq Ft: 2,782 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, January 12 from 1 to 3 p.m.

2647 Cashlin Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616

$299,900

Sq Ft: 2,866 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.

1901 Haley Pines Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$725,000

Sq Ft: 3,900 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 12 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, January 13 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

9709 Dayton Court, Raleigh, NC 27617

$644,900

Sq Ft: 4,165 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, January 13 from 12 to 2 p.m.

5704 Creekfall Lane, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

$459,990

Sq Ft: 3,200 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, January 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.

8617 Stacked Stone Trail, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$349,900

Sq Ft: 2,664 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, January 13 from 2 to 4 p.m.

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If you are considering a move to the area and will be spending time in town looking into Garner homes for sale, attending some local events can really help you get a feel for the community. The Garner Performing Arts Center is a great place to start. This center is located in a historic building, constructed in 1923, that was once the local high school and then became an elementary school before falling into disuse.

In 2006, its historic auditorium was extensively renovated into a modern performance venue and given new life as the Garner Performing Arts Center, a facility dedicated to preserving the arts and being of service to its community. As such, it hosts a wide variety of events year-round, and we'll outline some upcoming events here.

If you'll be in the Garner area at the start of the new year, here are some larger events happening in January and beyond at the Garner Performing Arts Center:

• Garner's MLK Celebration, Jan. 20
  Hosted annually by the Garner Performing Arts Center, Garner's MLK Celebration focuses on the life and teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Attendees can look forward to an evening of entertainment, including performances by the Wake Baptist Grove Youth Choir and the Creech Road Elementary School Chorus, among others.

• Jeff Kready, Jan. 26
  This event features a performance by Broadway star Jeff Kready. A top young leading man in the Great White Way, Kready has is currently performing in "Tootsie," and has distinguished himself in other top Broadway productions, including "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder," "Billy Elliott," and "Les Miserables," among many others.

• Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Feb. 9
  Known as the "Queen of Bluegrass," Rhonda Vincent is an award-winning performer backed by an award-winning group of musicians. Between them, they hold more than 80 awards, including a fistful awarded by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Attendees will be treated to a performance that is a unique blend of contemporary sounds and authentic bluegrass traditions.

• Mike Farris, March 2
  This event features a performance by Grammy Award winner Mike Farris, a Roots Gospel performer who will present his original material, as well as his famous interpretations of traditional gospel music. His musical style is described as funky, danceable, blues-rock with New Orleans swagger and vintage Memphis soul.

• Duty, March 8, 9
  The fifth installment of a series of plays about the local community, "Duty" explores the many ways the community, which lost eight men in the Vietnam conflict, was and still is affected by the Vietnam era.

The events listed above represent just a few highlights of the many events and happenings that are presented by the Garner Performing Arts Center. If you're interested in finding out more about the community or in buying or selling a home in the Garner area, please contact us. Our real estate agents are always happy to put their extensive knowledge and experience to work for new, potential or existing residents.

We are excited to announce that two of our leading Triangle realtor teams, The 360 Concept and 220 Agents, have reunited to join forces to create Dash Real Estate, becoming one of the largest real estate teams in the Triangle.

"We are excited to see these two successful teams reunite," said Don Walston, Founder and Chairman of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston. "The combined experience of this new team brings market expertise and leadership that area buyers and sellers trust."

Dash Real Estate consists of more than 40 highly-skilled agents with a combined 675 transactions and $185 million in 2018 sales. The new team's goal is to continue their progress in making the time between selling/buying to closing as seamless as possible.  

Dash Real Estate brings a powerhouse of experience as the two teams were ranked internationally within Coldwell Banker in 2017.  The 360 Concept ranked 8^th and the 220 Agents at 17^th, this year both are expected to be within the top 10. The merger allows team members to leverage resources among industry experts and sales professionals with valuable insight and provide clients with continued personalized attention.

It may be the beginning of the new year, but it will feel like spring this weekend in our beautiful area of the state. So, plan on getting outside, maybe taking down those outside Christmas lights and decorations (finally) then head out to tour homes in, Raleigh, Wake Forest, Durham or any other Triangle suburbs that you prefer.

You'll find newly listed properties and homes in all shapes and sizes that will check off all of the boxes on your "must-have" list.

Visit our open house website to scroll through all of the homes you can stroll through this Saturday and Sunday and then hit the road to see them.

Featured Open Houses

6551 Battle Bridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27610

$265,000

Sq Ft: 2,155 | Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1425 Lagerfeld Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$318,900

Sq Ft: 3,124 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full)

Open House: Saturday, January 5 from 12 to 3 p.m.

11319 Ridgegate Drive, Raleigh, NC 27617

$574,900

Sq Ft: 4,111 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.

7513 Dover Hills Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$750,000

Sq Ft: 3,800 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 5 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, January 6 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

7345 Waterlook Way, Wake Forest, NC 27587

$775,000

Sq Ft: 4,045 | Beds: 5 | Baths: 4 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 5 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, January 6 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

8225 Clear Brook Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615

$360,000

Sq Ft: 2,725 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 2 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Saturday, January 5 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and

Sunday, January 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.

2019 Golden Belt Parkway, Durham, NC 27703

$405,000

Sq Ft: 3,243 | Beds: 4 | Baths: 3 (full) 1 (1/2)

Open House: Sunday, January 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.

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Have you started planning your New Year's resolutions for this year? For many of us, the start of a new year is an opportunity to focus on the things that matter most, including health, wellness, and fitness. The Chapel Hill area is a great place to make your New Year's resolutions count, whether you already live in the area or are still searching for Chapel Hill homes for sale. If your plan for making the most of the upcoming year involves physical fitness, our real estate agents have seven great gyms and fitness centers in Chapel Hill where you can get started on your New Year's resolution.

1. UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont – 100 Sprunt St., Chapel Hill
   With more than 52,000 square feet of space filled with state of the art exercise equipment, the UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont is a great place to work out for all ages. The facility also includes an indoor aquatic center, basketball court, and track, as well as extensive trails for biking and walking outdoors.
   
   
2. CrossFit 15-501 – 11552 Highway 15-501 N., Chapel Hill
   Interested in trying something different for your workouts this year? At CrossFit 15-501, everyone is welcome. Beginners and experts exercise together, with workouts that scale to each individual's experience/fitness level. The experienced CrossFit coaches here work hard to establish a sense of community.
   
   
3. Snap Fitness – 300 Market St., Chapel Hill
   Trying to fit your New Year's resolution into a busy schedule? Snap Fitness is a great spot for fitting in a workout whenever you have free time, open 24/7 with modern equipment, personal trainers, and a busy schedule of classes every day of the week.
   
   
4. Chapel Hill Community Center – 120 S Estes Dr., Chapel Hill
   Whether you're working out indoors or outside, the Chapel Hill Community Center has the facilities to help you achieve your goals for the new year. There's an indoor aquatics facility, gym, and climbing wall, along with extensive outdoor recreation facilities.
   
   
5. TITLE Boxing Club – 2140 Environ Way, Chapel Hill
   Enjoy a unique full-body workout and pick up some pugilistic skills along the way at TITLE Boxing Club, where the exercise program is based on an authentic boxer's workout. Classes at TITLE focus on boxing, MMA, and kickboxing, with fast-paced workouts available for every experience level.
   
   
6. Barre3 Chapel Hill – 201 S Elliot Rd., Chapel Hill
   Barre3 combines a variety of fitness disciplines to deliver a workout tailored to each individual, including pilates, ballet barre, and yoga. This studio has a class to fit everyone and provides everything that you need to enjoy a great workout. There is also a play lounge available, where kids can hang out while their parents work out.
   
   
7. Franklin St. Yoga Center – 431 W Franklin St., Chapel Hill
   Geared toward empowering people who wish to live a healthy lifestyle, the Franklin St. Yoga Center features a variety of classes that benefit both mind and body. Participate in a yoga class, relax with a meditation class, or jump into a bootcamp workout perfect for getting in shape. The experienced teachers at the facility come from a wide range of backgrounds, so there is always something new to try.

Is finding the perfect Chapel Hill home also high on your list of New Year's resolutions? Our team is here to help. Contact Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston to buy and sell homes throughout the Chapel Hill, NC area.