Date Archives: May 2021
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- March 2023 | 2 Posts
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- 2021 | 52 Posts
- 2020 | 94 Posts
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26
All About North Carolina BBQ
With all due respect to Memphis dry rub and Alabama white sauce, we have our own way of doing barbecue here in North Carolina. We like it tangy, saucy, and smoky.
It's not unusual to let a whole hog slowly smoke for an entire day before serving it up, but that patience pays off. If you're in the mood to try some of the best authentic North Carolina barbecue the Raleigh area has to offer, our real estate agents are more than happy to point you in the right direction. To celebrate National BBQ Month, check out one of these local spots!
- The Pit - 328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
They do things the old-fashioned way at The Pit. Located in the Downtown Warehouse district just minutes from many Raleigh homes for sale, The Pit serves old-fashioned, pit-cooked whole-hog barbecue, and you can really taste the time that goes into making their meat perfect. You can choose from a varied menu at The Pit, but their staple is the classic North Carolina Barbecue Tray, which includes your choice of meat—including chopped BBQ, pulled pork, or Carolina-style ribs—and any two of their 14 different sides. - Ole Time Barbecue - 6309 Hillsborough St #1148, Raleigh, NC 27606
A classic barbecue joint with a diner-like atmosphere, Ole Time Barbecue is a 25-year staple of the Raleigh barbecue scene. They specialize in old-fashioned "meat and three" plates for lunch and dinner, like the hand-chopped barbecue pork plate, with side options including collard greens, coleslaw, fried okra, and some of the best hush puppies this side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. - Clyde Cooper's BBQ - 327 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Clyde Cooper's BBQ first opened its doors in 1938, and not a whole lot about their restaurant has changed since then. And to be honest, it doesn't need to. They know what they're doing. Their pork shoulder is slow-cooked over wood and seasoned with their own house-made vinegar-based barbecue sauce. This place has some quirks—their hours are prone to unannounced changes, and they just started accepting credit cards in 2020—but they serve the kind of barbecue that can only be perfected over the course of 80-plus years. - Carolina Barbecue - 733 US-70 E, Garner, NC 27529
You'll find a little bit of everything at Carolina Barbecue. They serve incredible Southern-fried chicken, fresh cooked-to-order seafood, and of course, smoked-to-perfection Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue. Be sure to save room for their homemade banana pudding or peach cobbler! Located in the community of Garner, NC, Carolina, Barbecue is just a short drive from Raleigh and minutes from these Garner homes for sale. - The Humble Pig - Cary, NC 27511
You might have to do a little work to find the Humble Pig... but it's worth it. One of the best barbecue food trucks in the Raleigh area, the folks at the Humble Pig move their operation from place to place during the week. Bond Brothers Beer Company, a local craft brewer near these Cary homes for sale, is where you'll find the truck most Saturday nights, but you can also track the Humble Pig's whereabouts on their website. They cater private events too, and their pulled pork sandwiches and BBQ tacos are about as good as it gets.
Great barbecue isn't the only thing we love about life in North Carolina! Contact us today to learn more about what makes North Carolina special.
19
Interior Design Mistakes You Might be Making
When you find furniture, artwork, or a decor scheme that you love, it's natural to want to incorporate it into your own home. However, our real estate agents know that some stylistic components aren't a good fit for every home; they may make the room appear small, cluttered, or unattractive. Your space will then be unappealing to you and potential buyers. Here are some common interior design mistakes you might be making and some simple solutions for fixing them.
- Choosing the Wrong Area Rug Size
Your area rug is intended to help you frame the furniture in a room. This means that your furniture should be touching or resting on the rug, with some of the rugs still showing. For example, in a bedroom, your bed will rest on the rug, and the rug should still be visible. In your living room, you want the legs of your furniture to touch the perimeter of the rug. If your rug is too small for your space, you have a few options. In a bedroom, you can place the rug on the side of your bed and use it to anchor your nightstand and sitting chair. For a living room rug that's a tad small, you can try putting just the front legs of your couch and end tables on the rug. The effect should be similar, even with a small rug. Or, you might choose to use the rug in another room and replace it with one that's better suited to the size and layout of the room.
- Buying Cheap Linens
Cheap linens and bedding can detract from a beautifully designed bedroom. You don't have to spend a fortune on your bedding, but you should invest in quality linens in a classic style and colors that compliment the room. This ensures that they'll enhance your bedroom while providing you with a relaxing haven to get an amazing night of slumber.
- Thinking All Your Furniture Has to Match
It's a misconception that you have to use all the pieces from a matching set of furniture. While there's nothing inherently wrong with a set of furniture, it can make the room feel generic and impersonal. Instead, incorporate a few pieces in a complementary hue or with different textures. This will add depth and visual appeal to the room.
- Neglecting to Incorporate Enough Lighting
Raleigh homes for sale that lack ample lighting aren't as appealing to potential buyers as their well-illuminated counterparts. A well-lit room is inviting and shows off your gorgeous pieces. In addition to a central source of lighting (like a chandelier or overhead lighting), add floor lights, table lamps, and desk lamps to integrate additional layers of light. Your lighting should be functional (making it possible for you to accomplish all the tasks you do in the room) and visually appealing (lending a cozy touch to the space, like wall sconces do in the dining room).
Now that you've addressed these interior design mistakes, are you ready to put your home on the market? Contact us today to start the process!
14
HPW Open Houses | May 15 - 16
Attention home buyers – this is THE weekend for you to find your new home and we're ready to help.
Our in-the-know real estate agents will be hosting open houses this Saturday and Sunday in nearly every corner of this prospering Triangle region and Goldsboro, too. It's time to map out a plan to make the most of this spring weekend.
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12
Memorial Day Weekend Getaways Near the Triangle
Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of summer! Plan a weekend getaway near the Triangle to these destinations that are only a short drive away.
- Cliffs of the Neuse State Park - 240 Park Entrance Rd., Seven Springs, NC 28578
There's no secret about the main attraction at Cliffs of the Nuese State Park. The 350 Yard Trail leads to the majestic overlook that towers 90 feet above the Neuse River. In addition to four other hiking trails, the pet-friendly park features an 11-acre swimming lake with a sandy beach and diving platform. With 30 picnic tables and 10 grills, there's plenty of space to enjoy a BBQ. Family and group campsites are available, along with camper cabins, if you want to stay the whole weekend. Park hours are 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily and admission is free. Swimming fees are $6 for adults and $4 for kids ages 3-12. - Old Edwards Inn and Spa - 445 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741
If R&R is your idea of the perfect holiday weekend, your dream awaits you at Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Indulge in total pampering at the full-service spa, shop till you drop at the fashionable boutiques within walking distance, and dine on an upscale farm-to-table meal at Madison's. Just in case you feel the need to get up and move, there is an onsite fitness center along with a golf course and tennis courts. Several different styles of guest rooms and cottages accommodate any needs. Visit the website for rates and reservations. - Blackbeard's Lodge – 111 Back Rd., Ocracoke, NC 27960
When you stay at a place with an address of, "Back Road," you know you're really getting away from it all. Blackbeard's Lodge, located on the secluded barrier island of Ocracoke, is a delightful blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Fishing, boating, and sightseeing are just minutes away. For those who prefer more laid-back activities, the lodge has a swimming pool and game room with a pool table, foosball, and air hockey, along with an arcade and board games. Pet-friendly rooms are available. Visit the website for rates and reservations. - Pisgah National Forest – 1001 Pisgah Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
Want to feel on top of the world, literally and figuratively? Hike Looking Glass Rock at Pisgah National Forest for dazzling 360-degree views that will leave you awestruck. If that's a little more challenging than what you're looking for, the 500,000-acre forest includes more moderate trails, including Graveyard Fields with its pair of waterfalls. Pet-friendly Pisgah National Forest is open 24/7 and admission is free. - Carowinds – 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273
Thrill-seekers of all ages know Memorial Day weekend as the opening of Carowinds, a thrilling amusement park just over two hours away from Raleigh homes for sale. More than 2 million people visit Carowinds each year for attractions such as Fury 325, North America's longest roller coaster. The 1.25-mile ride, lasting approximately 3.25 minutes, crosses North and South Carolina state lines. When it's time for a break, cool off at Carolina Harbor Water Park, which is included in the price of admission. Visit the website for schedules and ticket prices.
Every day's a holiday when you live in the Triangle. And our real estate agents can help make that a reality! Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston for all your real estate needs.
5
National Shrimp Day: Seafood Restaurants in the Triangle
Did you know that May 10th is National Shrimp Day? There's no better way to celebrate than to head to your favorite seafood restaurant and place an order. Whether you prefer your shrimp battered and fried, tossed in Cajun seasoning, or made into scampi, the following are some of the top seafood restaurants our real estate agents recommend in the Triangle area.
- NC Seafood Restaurant: 1201 Agricultural St., Raleigh, NC 27603
If you happen to be looking at Raleigh homes for sale, then NC Seafood Restaurant is a delicious spot to check out. This restaurant is located within the North Carolina Farmers Market, so you can shop for local produce and other specialties while you're there, too. NC Seafood Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and they've been around since the early 1990s.
The perfect order for National Shrimp Day is the large shrimp plate, which comes with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and home fries. The spicy peel & eat shrimp are another favorite; you get a half-pound per order. Finish your meal with a slice of the delicious lemon or chocolate pie. - Locals Oyster Bar: 530 Foster St. Suite 1, Durham, NC 27701
Locals Oyster Bar is the place to celebrate National Shrimp Day near Durham. You may enjoy it so much that you decide to look at Durham homes for sale. It's located inside the Durham Food Hall.
While you might assume oysters are the star of the menu here, they do have an entire section just for shrimp dishes. The in-shell shrimp are incredibly fresh and delicious. Another top choice is the shrimp sausage roll, which is topped with caramelized onions and horseradish aioli. - Hook & Reel: 2608 Erwin Rd. Ste 104, Durham, NC 27705
Hook & Reel is a lively seafood bar with upbeat music and a friendly atmosphere. They make all 6 of their signature sauces in-house, and they're known for their Cajun flair.
If you're in the mood for a classic Cajun seafood boil, then you can custom-order one to your liking, adding your own seafood selections, sauces, and extras. Shrimp and crawfish with garlic butter and corn on the cob is exceptional. Another great choice is the shrimp po'boy, which is served in a lovely, fluffy bun. - Capt. John's Dockside: 11550 US Highway 15 501N, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Capt. John's Dockside is a welcoming, family-owned restaurant to visit if you're looking at Chapel Hill homes for sale nearby. They really welcome families here; there's even a play area for the kids!
On National Shrimp Day, your go-to order at Capt. John's Dockside really should be the fried jumbo shrimp. They're perfectly crispy and served with hush puppies and your choice of potato. - The Cortez Seafood + Cocktail: 413 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603
Looking for a fresh spin on the seafood flavors you love? Stop by The Cortez Seafood + Cocktail for a memorable meal that highlights international flavors. The menu features small plates and dishes that rotate regularly based on seasonality and what Executive Chef Oscar Diaz's finds at local farmers markets. Guaranteeing your seafood is as fresh as possible!
If you'll be in the Triangle area on National Seafood Day, there are plenty of delicious spots to celebrate. Contact us if you're still looking for a real estate agent in Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill.