Date Archives: August 2022

A delicious meal often tastes just a little bit better when you can enjoy it outdoors on a beautiful Raleigh day, and there are plenty of great restaurants that offer al fresco dining around the city. Whether you're in the mood for an elegant night out, a family meal, or a quick, creative bite from a local favorite, you're sure to find something to love at the many outstanding restaurants in the Triangle. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on some of the excellent al fresco dining options around Raleigh and beyond.

• Gravy Italian-American Cuisine – 135 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27601
  What could be better than enjoying some of the best authentic Italian dining near Raleigh real estate in an outdoor courtyard that feels like it was transported straight from Italy? That's just the start of the experience that you can expect when you visit Gravy Italian-American Cuisine. Ingredients for every dish are sourced from a long list of local farms, and the delicious, flavorful pasta sauce that complements most meals is prepared fresh every day. The result is one of the best Italian-American dining experiences that the Triangle has to offer.
  
  
• Humble Pie Restaurant – 317 S. Harrington St., Raleigh, NC 27603
  With a menu designed for sharing and served on a covered outdoor patio, Humble Pie Restaurant is a great choice for a date night or a group dinner with friends. The chef-inspired menu here is built around meals that are designed to share, with a focus on using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Chef Josh Young oversees everything on the menu and is passionate about creating seasonal meals that change throughout the year. Humble Pie also boasts one of the most scenic and atmospheric outdoor dining spaces of any restaurant on our list.
  
  
• Local 22 Kitchen – 2200 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27705
  Whether you're in the mood for a sandwich, salad, artisan pizza, or elegant entree, Local 22 Kitchen has you covered at its convenient location near Durham real estate opportunities. When you walk through the door at Local 22 Kitchen, you will see chalkboards detailing all of the fresh ingredients that have just arrived. Each meal on the menu is prepared with those fresh ingredients to create unique spins on your favorite dishes.
  
  
• Tazza Kitchen – 600 Ledgestone Way, Cary, NC 27519
  A mix of gourmet salads, starters, brick oven pizzas, tacos, and tempting entrees are all on the menu at Tazza Kitchen, which you can find around the corner from homes for sale in Cary. The menu here is built around wood-fired cooking and partnerships with local suppliers. Reservations are recommended for this popular dining spot, especially if you plan to enjoy your meal on the patio.
  
  
• Abbey Road Tavern & Grill – 1700 Center St., Apex, NC 27502
  The award-winning burgers at Abbey Road Tavern & Grill go perfectly with the live entertainment that you can often enjoy while dining outdoors at this local establishment near Apex homes for sale. When you're in the mood for something simple and delicious, it's hard to top the selection at Abbey Road. In addition to the burgers, the salads and sandwiches here are always great choices.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to visit your favorite restaurants around the Triangle? Our local team is here to help with all of your real estate needs. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Raleigh, NC, area.

When you look at Raleigh homes for sale, you know you're considering an area known for its strong economy and outstanding research output. But the Triangle is also steeped in history, with a range of cultural institutions that have been in the area for decades. Theater and the arts are crucial to its unique flavor.

Our real estate agents are always glad to help homebuyers discover all the Triangle has to offer. When it comes to the performing arts, Raleigh is surrounded by historic venues. You can have a truly memorable night out with concerts, the symphony, ballet, and dramatic productions of all kinds.

The Triangle is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after areas on the East Coast, and its vibrant relationship with the arts is another reason why. Today, we'll take a closer look at some of the historic theaters that help provide wonder and excitement to life in the Raleigh area.

Raleigh Little Theatre

Located at 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh, NC 27607, Raleigh Little Theatre is in many ways the centerpiece of the dramatic arts here in the RVA. Lovingly known as the "RLT," it was first opened to the public back in 1936 and is now one of the country's oldest continuously operating community theaters.

The grounds of the Raleigh Little Theatre consist of the Stephenson Amphitheatre and the Raleigh Rose Garden. Contemporary, family-friendly movies are screened under the stars in the Garden. By contrast, the community dramatic productions are usually held in the 298-seat main theater or the Amphitheatre.

There is always something new to see in the Raleigh Little Theatre. Thanks to the 150-seat Teaching Theatre added in 1990, even those with no experience can begin to enjoy participating. Every year, thousands of visitors from all over North Carolina and the world attend RLT performances.

The 2022-2023 season of Raleigh Little Theatre promises to be a splendid one, with each member of the RLT community working hard to restore the theater experience after two years of safety precautions. Pride and Prejudice, Blood Wedding, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be shown.

The Carolina Theatre of Durham

The Carolina Theatre of Durham stands at 309 West Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. As the biggest of theaters near Durham homes for sale, it has a special place in the local arts scene. Opening for the first time in 1926, it is even a little bit older than its sister theater in Raleigh.

The Carolina Theatre hosts a full spectrum of events, and the stage is always busy, even when there are no dramatic productions on the docket.

Classic films are also aired, running the gamut from the 1944 romance Frenchman's Creek to 1985's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. Sundance Short Films and acclaimed documentaries also feature prominently in the schedule. The Carolina Theatre is known for plenty of kid-friendly programming and great variety.

Last, but not least, you might want to enjoy the educational programming. Family Saturday promises fun bonding for all, while the Art Discovery Educational Series helps young audiences to encounter the magic of the theater and the transformative power of artistic expression.

This is only the beginning of what you can discover in the Triangle. There are countless other theaters, museums, and much more. The story of Raleigh is continuing to unfold, and you can be a part of it.

We are here to help. Contact us to find out more about Raleigh and the Triangle.

Did you know that every August 17 is National Thrift Shop Day? Thrift shops play a vital role in communities by raising money for charitable organizations, providing affordable products to the community, and offering a place to search for unique finds that aren't available anywhere else. National Thrift Shop Day presents the perfect opportunity to explore all that local thrift shops have to offer and show your support. Our real estate agents have the details on 5 thrift shops in the Triangle that you can visit for National Thrift Shop day this year.

• ReTails Thrift Shop – 2821 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC 27616
  Operated by the AnimalKind non-profit organization, ReTails Thrift Shop offers a little bit of everything at its convenient location near Raleigh homes for sale. In addition to clothing, household goods, electronics, furniture, art, and jewelry, ReTails Thrift shop has a fantastic selection of pet supplies that you won't find at other thrift shops. There is also a monthly schedule of sales on many items, which is updated every month on the ReTails website.
  
  
• A-Z Thrift Shop – 1621 N. Market Dr., Raleigh, NC 27609
  The A-Z Thrift Shop is one of the primary fundraising sources for the Assistance League of the Triangle Area, a non-profit which supports women, children, and families through a variety of community programs. This thrift shop is an excellent choice if you need to shop for nearly any type of home goods or you love to search for antique finds. For senior citizens, A-Z Thrift Shop offers a 25 percent discount on all items on the first Thursday of every month.
  
  
• Deja Vu Thrift – 1301 Buck Jones Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606
  With everything from artwork and furniture to holiday decorations, Deja Vu Thrift is a great place to shop when you're looking to add something new to your home. This shop is operated by Hope Connection International and is one of the Triangle's largest thrift shops. Whether you're searching for unique, antique furniture or items that are closer to brand new, the selection here is sure to feature something for you. There are also plenty of great gift items available, along with an extensive selection of books, children's toys, artwork, and much more.
  
  
• Adore Boutique – 8111 Creedmore Rd., Ste. 125, Raleigh, NC 27613
  Interested in shopping at a thrift store that focuses on high-end, luxury goods? Then you're sure to love a trip to Adore Boutique, where you can find a great selection of designer fashion with even better prices. The luxury handbags, accessories, and clothing at this store are constantly updated with new items, so you never know what you might find. Need to clear a little space for all of those new items in your wardrobe? Adore Boutique also offers consignment services, which make it easy and convenient to sell any items that you no longer need.
  
  
• Mode Raleigh – 441 Daniels St., Raleigh, NC 27605
  Featuring designer fashion at affordable prices for women and children, Mode Raleigh is the perfect place to add something new to your wardrobe. The lineup of products here includes the biggest names in fashion, with gently used items that allow you to enjoy fantastic fashion at an affordable price. Fashion items available include designer handbags, shoes, accessories, jewelry, designer denim, and tons of other great clothing.

Whether you're buying or selling, our team is here to help with all of your real estate needs in the Triangle. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Raleigh area.

Whether you're looking for outdoor activities or just a chance to get back to nature, there's nothing like a day at the lake. Spend some time this summer at these wonderful lakes that are just minutes away from Raleigh homes for sale. 

• Pullen Park - 520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh, NC 27606
  Is it an amusement park? Is it a green space? As the first public park in North Carolina and the fifth oldest amusement park in the country, pet-friendly Pullen Park is a delightful blend of both. As many as 10,000 people visit each day for activities such as traveling across beautiful Lake Howell in a pedal boat. Kids love riding the carousel and Pullen Park Caboose, an authentic train car. Get a workout at the aquatic center and tennis courts, or nurture your creative spirit with programs at the Pullen Art Center. Park hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
  
  
• William B. Umstead State Park - 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27617
  When one lake just isn't enough, head to William B. Umstead State Park. With not one but three lakes, there are lots of opportunities for boating and fishing. An extensive network of hiking and biking trails circles the lakes, so you can enjoy the views from several vantage points. The Crabtree Creek and Reedy Creek sections include picnic tables and grills under a soothing canopy of trees. Crabtree also has two reservable picnic shelters that accommodate up to 100 people. Bring Fido along, as leashed dogs are welcome. Park hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily, and admission is free.
  
  
• Shelley Lake Park - 1400 W. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614
  If you're looking for a quiet spot to relax and reflect, head to Shelley Lake Park. Boats are not permitted on the water, creating a peaceful ambiance as you and your leashed dog hike the two miles of paved trails around the lake. Fishing is allowed, and there is a playground and a basketball court for the kids. Shelley Lake Park is home to the Sertoma Arts Center, which features exhibits and classes in a variety of media. Hours are 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Durant Nature Preserve - 8305 Camp Durant Rd., Raleigh, NC 27614
  Before the city purchased Durant Nature Preserve in 1979, it served as the headquarters of the Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts. Summer camps are still held there, but the pet-friendly preserve is open to the public for all to enjoy. In addition to two lakes with hiking trails along the shores, the preserve has a bird garden, butterfly garden, and interpretive tree trail. Check out a Discovery Backpack at the visitor center to learn more about animal tracking and other topics. Durant Nature Preserve is open from 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Lake Wheeler Park - 6404 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603
  In 1956, the namesake body of water at Lake Wheeler Park was constructed for water supply. Today, it serves double duty as a site for boating and fishing. A playground and sand volleyball court provide lively dry-land fun. Leashed dogs are permitted in the park. Hours are 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily. Admission is free, but there is a boat launch fee of $5 for city residents and $7 for non-residents.

Raleigh is truly a city for all seasons. Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston for cheerful and experienced help from our real estate agents. 

A functional and beautiful outdoor space can help make your summers more enjoyable, and when it comes to creating the perfect outdoor oasis, hardscaping has a big role to play. Our real estate agents always make it a point to invest in new outdoor elements that enhance the outdoor experience. New hardscaping not only helps to improve your home value, but it can also be aesthetically pleasing.

Below, we'll discuss the importance of hardscaping and how you can use it to make the most out of your yard this summer.

What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping is a term that describes any man-made outdoor elements, such as sidewalks, stairs, patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and more. It's basically a term used to describe landscaping elements that are not plants. Hardscaping can be used to expand your living space, guide outdoor traffic, or increase the overall functionality of your yard. It's also very low maintenance!

Hardscaping Tip
Good hardscaping requires a lot of time and planning, but the end result is often well worth the investment. Here are some hardscaping tips to make your project a success:

1. Always Evaluate The Space
   Before starting any hardscaping project, you'll want to make sure the space can support your vision. Therefore,  it's important to conduct a thorough analysis of the space. You'll want to consider the type of soil, the quality of the drainage, and the shape of the terrain before you begin building. Make sure you always measure the space.
   
   
2. Supplement With Greenery
   It's easy to get carried away with hardscaping, but man-made elements shouldn't be the dominant theme of your outdoor space. Make sure you're keeping greenery in the picture. Whether it's flowers, shrubs, or potted plants, make sure there is plenty of plant life around.
   
   
3. Stick To A Consistent Theme
   When hardscaping, you'll want to choose colors that match your home's exterior to create a seamless transition from indoors to the outdoors. Also, be sure not to go overboard. Try to keep it simple and stick to one or two textures across all your hardscape elements. For inspiration on beautiful hardscaping themes, take a look at a few of these Raleigh homes for sale.
   
   
4. Keep Things Balanced
   Humans find real beauty in balance and symmetry, so keep this in mind when you're planning new outdoor elements. Use repetition when adding rocks, boulders, decor, or other elements. Make sure your items fit nicely within the natural space of your yard. Don't be afraid to add curves to your sidewalk or build a non-traditionally shaped patio.
   
   
5. Consult A Professional
   Great hardscaping can be difficult to create. While it can make for a fun summer DIY project, you shouldn't be afraid to consult with a professional. If you're really looking to boost your home value, hiring a professional can really pay off.

Whether you're looking to create a new space for entertaining guests or your own private oasis, hardscaping is a great investment. Contact us today for more ideas about how to improve your outdoor space.