Date Archives: April 2022

Spring is here at last! Our real estate agents have been looking forward to another year of beautiful, thriving plants at our Raleigh and Durham homes for sale. In their time working on local properties, they have seen some incredible examples of gardening prowess and learned which plants grow best in this area of North Carolina. Here are some of the plants they are most excited to recommend to local gardeners this year. 

• Rosemary 
  Rosemary is a common herb used to add an earthy flavor to soups, stews, and bread, but that doesn't mean it can't be an attractive part of a garden arrangement as well. This herb's distinctive tall shoots covered in short, straight leaves can look great in the right surroundings.  
  
  Like most herbs, rosemary is hardy and doesn't need too much water or attention. It does best in full sun, so try to find it a sunny spot near the middle of your plots to help it grow. 
  
  
• Wood Geraniums 
  Wood geraniums are modest, cheerful-looking flowers that grow natively in North Carolina. They make an excellent addition to any Raleigh resident's garden, but those with lots of nearby wildlife may appreciate them even more. Their strong smell has sometimes been shown to have a mild repellent effect against deer, rabbits, and other woodland creatures.  
  
  These flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer, so plant them soon to enjoy their beauty for several months. They need neutral soil but can survive in either sun or partial shade.  
  
  
• Carolina Silverbell 
  If you want to make your garden feel like a magical respite, look no further than the Carolina Silverbell tree. This plant's dainty white blossoms look like something out of a fairy tale.  
  
  This tree needs neutral or mildly acidic soil and lots of sun but can handle periods of shade. Expect to see it bloom each year in late spring or early summer and develop stunning yellow foliage in the fall.  
  
  
• Sandhills Fire Lily 
  Looking for a striking centerpiece for your garden? The Sandhills Fire Lily might be just the plant you need. With their exotic orange blossoms and their rippling downward-pointing petals, these lilies bring dramatic flair to any outdoor space.  
  
  Fire lilies bloom in mid-summer and need lots of sun to thrive. They also do best in mildly acidic soil. They'll do great in spots near the middle of your garden where they can enjoy both the sunshine and the spotlight. 
  
  
• Lavender 
  Lavender is well-known for its soft purple flowers and delicate scent. It is often used in teas, bath scents, and massage oils for its calming fragrance. Growing your own allows you to enjoy this relaxing aroma anytime.  
  
  This plant is hardy and can survive in most conditions, but it does best in full sun and fully-drained alkaline soil. It is prone to root rot in damp conditions, so be sure not to overwater it.  
  
  
• Flowering Dogwood 
  The flowering dogwood's distinctive white clusters of blossoms are both eye-catching and understated, allowing them to easily fit into most Raleigh gardens. This plant's blooms also happen to be North Carolina's official state flower! 
  
  Dogwood trees need moist, acidic soil with partial shade. Their blossoms will appear in late spring and early summer before developing into small red fruits that give the tree a striking new look. Humans cannot eat these berry-like fruits, but many birds enjoy them and will be happy to visit your yard for a snack when you have a dogwood tree on your property. 

Eager to get started on your new garden? Contact us for more information on our roster of properties and find your perfect landscaping canvas today.  

Having trouble deciding where to go for dinner? Head on over to one of Wake County's awesome food halls, where you'll have no shortage of dining options.

Food halls have become an increasingly popular component of most major cities due to the variety of food options they offer. But they also play an important role in the community. Food halls often give local entrepreneurs an easy platform to startup and test new concepts, and some of our best local restaurants today were born out of food halls.

Our real estate agents love checking out all the great dining concepts our local food halls have to offer. Here are the three great food halls you'll want to visit in Wake County:

• Craften Neighborhood Food and Drink - 706 Money Ct, Suite 101, Knightdale, NC 27545
  Whether you're grabbing dinner or catching the game, Craften Neighborhood Food and Drink is a great local venue with plenty of dining options. Food options include Fiori Pizza, Poblanos Taqueria, The Corner Venezuelan, and Finca Burger, so there is truly something for everyone. There is also plenty of comfortable indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of TVs around. This food hall has become a neighborhood staple and a great community hangout. The best part is that there are some amazing Knightdale homes for sale just down the road.
  
  
• Morgan Street Food Hall - 11 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
  Rated one of the top 10 best new food halls in the country in the USAToday's 2019 Readers' Choice Awards, Morgan Street Food Hall is an awesome local amenity. The food hall consists of 22,000 square feet and about 20 dining options, so you're sure to find your new favorite meal. In addition to tacos, burgers, and sandwiches, you'll also find a number of creative concepts like crepes, Thai rolled ice cream, and lobster rolls. There is plenty of indoor seating as well as a nice outdoor patio making it a great place to hang out with friends. The outdoor space is also pet friendly! Looking to host a birthday party or shower? You can even book special events at the food hall.
  
  
• Transfer Co. Food Hall - 500 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  Located in the historic Carolina Coach Garage in the Olde East neighborhood, Transfer Co. Food Hall opened in 2019 and is now home to 9 local vendors. Dining options include a bagel shop, empanadas, cookies and ice cream, Indian cuisine, burgers, a burrito shop, and an oyster bar. You can also catch a nice view of downtown Raleigh from the interior seating area or hang out outside as the weather permits. The food hall is constantly expanding, and future plans include a grocery store and an expanded outdoor plaza. Transfer Co. also hosts live music, events, games, and more. After grabbing dinner, you'll want to be sure to check out these nearby Raleigh homes for sale. 

Food halls make for a great community gathering place, and we're lucky to have some of the country's best in Wake County. For more local recommendations, contact us today.

Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh, the Zebulon Historic District is one of the largest in Wake County. In February, the NC National Register Advisory Committee nominated the district for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, making this a great time for our real estate agents to take a look at this fascinating area.

• Carolina Mudcats - Five County Stadium, 1501 NC 39 Hwy., Zebulon, NC 27597
  What's summer without the sights and sounds of baseball? Enjoy a hot dog and beer as you watch the Carolina Mudcats take the field at Five County Stadium, right down the street from Zebulon homes for sale. This Low-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers has featured players such as reigning Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes on its roster. The 2022 season starts on Friday, April 8, against the Down East Wood Ducks. Visit the website for the full schedule and ticket prices.
  
  
• Zebulon Artisan Market - Zebulon Municipal Complex, 1003 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon, NC 27597
  Zebulon is a fertile community of artists and small business owners, producing goods from fresh produce to handmade jewelry. Support these industrious entrepreneurs by purchasing directly from the source at the Zebulon Artisan Market. This year's vendor lineup includes My Zen Acres, featuring bath and body care products, and Batten Acres, selling specialty poultry and pork. The market is held each Saturday from April 23 through June 5. Hours are 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  
  
• Zebulon Town Hall - 1003 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon, NC 27597
  As Zebulon Town Hall majestically presides over the Municipal Complex, it serves as a microcosm of the district's storied past. The building opened in 1909 as Wakelon School, one of four high schools in the county. In later years, the school was converted to a training facility for GlaxoSmithKline before its current incarnation as the seat of local government. As a bonus, the halls are filled with the works of community artists. Zebulon Town Hall is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. - to 5 p.m.
  
  
• Zebulon Community Park - 401 S. Arendell Ave., Zebulon, NC 27597
  Zebulon's history encompasses more than buildings and events. Mother Nature makes her presence known at Zebulon Community Park, 47 acres of fun for the whole family. Test your skills on the park's 18-hole disc golf course, considered one of the best in the state. Other features include two multi-use athletic fields, a toddler playground, two basketball courts, and walking trails. Leashed dogs are welcome, so bring Fido along, as well as a picnic lunch. The park is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.
  
  
• McLean's Ole Time Cafe - 418 W. Gannon Ave., Zebulon, NC 27597
  Family dinner is even better when another family does the cooking and cleaning. Since 1956, McLean's Ole Time Cafe has been serving comfort food favorites such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken with sawmill gravy. Want to eat around your own dining table? Call ahead for a carryout order. Breakfast and lunch specials are offered on weekdays. Hours are 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.

Find out why Raleigh homes for sale are perfect for singles, couples, and families. Contact us at Howard Perry and Walston to learn more.