Raleigh Relocation Package

Outdoor Ice Skating - Christmas Fun Things to Do

Downtown Raleigh, North Hills and Brier Creek

Even in the somewhat sultry south, outdoor ice skating CAN be a Christmas tradition!  There are three "winter" ice skating rinks available in Raleigh.  Only one has real ice, but the experience can be just as memorable no matter which ice skating rink you take your family to.

Downtown - Raleigh Winterfest Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

• Will operate until January 31st
• Next to Bank of America on Fayetteville Street
• Hours vary - see Outdoor Ice Skating Rink hours here.
• "Date and Skate" packages available

• Admission is $6 and includes skate rental

• Call 919-821-6977 with any questions

North Hills Shopping Center - Winter Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

• Will operate until January 3rd
• Open 10am - 9pm Fri-Sat, 1 to 6pm Sunday, 10am-8pm Mon-Thurs
• Artificial ice
• Portion of the proceeds to benefit Raleigh Rescue Mission
• Admission includes skate rental: $7 adults, $5 children 10 and under

• 919-995-6958

Brier Creek Commons and Triangle Town Center - Winter Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

• Operates at Brier Creek Commons until December 10th
• Operates at Triangle Town Center December 13 to 26th
• Open 10am - 9pm Fri-Sat, 1 to 6pm Sunday, 10am-8pm Mon-Thurs
• Artificial ice
• Portion of the proceeds to benefit Raleigh Rescue Mission
• Admission includes skate rental: $7 adults, $5 children 10 and under
• 919-995-6958

If you haven't experienced an outdoor ice skating rink, add this wonderful activity to your list of "new family traditions" this Christmas! 

Some very cool pottery events are coming up soon, all within easy driving distance of Raleigh!  It's just under three hours to Catawba, and what a great pottery center it is there.

Thanks Diane for letting us know about these events...

Raleigh Relocation Package

What is Y-Guides and Princesses?

YMCA Program for Dads and Children Throughout the Triangle

I've seen the bumper stickers, and finally had to find out.  What exactly IS Y-Princesses and Y-Guides?  Well, here are the facts, and I'm impressed:

YGP is a YMCA program sponsored by the Triangle's Arapahoe Nation.

- Over 12,000 dads and children throughout Wake, Durham, Johnston, and Lee counties

- Largest father-child program in the nation

- Allows fathers to spend quality one-on-one time with their kids

Fathers get started in Y-Guides and Princesses by attending a "dads only" meeting.  "Tribes" are formed based on geography and age groups.  Tribes generally have seven to nine father/kid duos. 

Activities include games, crafts, stories, songs, tricks, camping, hiking, bowling, shoes, and service projects.  Tribes meet twice a month. 

YGP begins in the first grade, and activities are structured for each year.  Fall and Spring outings are big events held at a variety of camps.

It's Time To Sign Up!

Tuesday September 1, 7 pm!

"Dads Only" Informational Meeting will be held at the Jane S. McKimmon Center on the NC State Campus in West Raleigh.  Call 919-582-2266 for more information! 

Find out more about Y-Guides and Y-Princesses here...

 

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

 

Raleigh Relocation Package

Krispy Kreme Challenge Entices Thousands of Runners!

60,456 Donuts To Be Consumed During Annual Raleigh Race

Have you ever wanted to eat as many donuts as you could, and not feel guilty?

There must be an awful lot of your fellow citizens who feel the same way.  The annual Krispy Kreme Challenge, held at NCSU near downtown Raleigh, NC, has already drawn 5038 participants.

This unique race starts at the NCSU Bell Tower.  Runners dash 2 miles towards Peace College in downtown Raleigh.  At the turnaround point, they gobble one dozen delicious glazed Krispy Kreme donuts.  Then, unbelievably, another two miles of running straight back to the Bell Tower.

The annual race is run by students, and all proceeds go to the N.C. Children's Hospital. 

This year, ESPN Sportscenter plans to tape the festivities.  Want to see the antics in person?  The Krispy Creme Challenge starts at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 7th.

What's the catch?  Well, uh, the donuts have to make it back with the runner, that is, they must remain in the runner's stomach.  Sure sounds like college students thought this one up to me! 

While this isn't a prime example of the wonderful cultural opportunities available in Raleigh, NC, it does at least reflect a fun and adventurous lifestyle....

If you're getting an urge to eat a fresh, hot glazed donut (or maybe two), click here for the nearest Krispy Kreme location.  See you there!

 

 

You may also be interested in:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

 

Raleigh Recreation - Raleigh Relocation Package

North Carolina Ski Resorts

Enjoy the Snow in NC! Day and Weekend Ski Trips

Do you love the beautiful white slopes? Can't wait for winter to roll around so you can strap on your skis and glide down the mountain? Whether you are a long time resident or just thinking of moving to the area, here is a list of the North Carolina slopes to help keep your winter fever in check.

Appalachian Ski Mountain 

940 Ski Mountain Rd
Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Located just off of U.S. 321 near the Blue Ridge Parkway, about a 3.5 hour drive from the Raleigh area, Appalachian Ski Mountain is open now through mid-March.  With 10 slopes and a total of 4 lifts and a handle-tow, there is plenty of ways to get up the mountain. Appalachian also offers outdoor ice skating and many special events such as Ladies Park Night. Weekday life tickets start at $25 for kids, Seniors and Military and $33 for general admission. Weekend rates are $36-$50. If you need rental equipment, rates run from $9-$21 for the day. For more rates and information, please check out their website. If you would like to make a weekend trip, you can stay in one of four Chalets all within a mile of the slopes. Please click here for more information.

Cataloochee Ski Area

About a four and a half hour drive from the Raleigh area, Cataloochee is just off U.S. 19 near Maggie Valley.  You can find directions and maps here. With weekday rates starting at $24 for kids, and $31 for adults, there are also student and half day rates.  Weekends run from $41-$51 for a full day lift ticket. Equipment rental is also available running from $16-$22. Starting January 14^th, every Wednesday is family day and children 17 and under are free with an adult ticket purchase. Check out more details on their Kids Ski Free program here. With three lifts and 3 conveyors, half of the slopes geared towards intermediate skiers, there are also many choices for beginners and advanced skiers. To save time in line once you get there, print two copies of the rental form in advance and get ready to strap your ski's on!

Beech Mountain Resort

1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy
Beech Mountain, NC 28604

The highest ski area in Eastern America, Beech Mountain is about four hours from the Raleigh area. Beech Mountain offers 15 trails, 10 lifts and 95 acres of beautiful snow to glide down. Rates start at $38 for full day regular admission and $30 for kids and seniors, for additional rates here are the details. Starting December 19^th, night skiing will be available. Beech Mountain also has two terrain parks as well as outdoor ice skating and snow tubing, both of which are offered this weekend. In addition to other specials, military personnel and their immediate family members get discounted lift tickets. Grab your hats and gloves and come on out!

Sugar Mountain  Resort

1009 Sugar Mountain Drive

Banner Elk, NC 28604

Just under four hours away from Raleigh, Sugar Mountain is open for the season through March. General admission for lift tickets is $39 on weekdays and $64 on weekends and holidays. Children start as $30 for weekdays and $43 for weekend lift tickets. Sugar Mountain offers discounts for all students and military personnel, just make sure that you have your ID with you.  Ski Equipment rental is also available. If you are not into skiing, Sugar Mountain also offers snow tubing and ice skating with rates from $15-$25. With 20 slopes, 6 lifts and several terrain styles to fit different levels of skiers, there is something for everyone. If you are looking for a getaway weekend, consider the New Year's Eve Celebration Package, or Sugar Mountain Lodging.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Four and a half hours from Raleigh and just half an hour from Asheville, Wolf Ridge has been rated best ski slopes in Western North Carolina. With five lifts, 20 slopes and 82 acres of skiing area, Wolf Ridge is just waiting for you to show up. Rates start at $36 on weekdays and $52 on weekends for adults, with discounts for children and students with valid ID. Ski and snowboard rentals run from $14-$30 each. The inner tube run is open all day and starts at $15 per hour with children six and under free with a paying adult.  Cabin rentals and lodging is available for weekend getaways and special events.

Go Hit the Slopes! 

Now that you know where to go, grab your ski gear, hats, gloves and your friends and head out for a day or the weekend to enjoy the beautiful snowy North Carolina Mountains.

 

You may also be interested in:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

 

Raleigh Relocation Package - Kids Activities

Staying Sane on Rainy Days - Keep Those Kids Bouncing Off the Walls!

The cold weather has moved in and that means it's harder for the kids to play outside to burn their extra energy after school and on the weekends.

If you are looking for something to do to keep the kids entertained while staying warm and dry, here are some fun indoor play places that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Jumpin' Beans

218 Nottingham Drive, Cary, NC 27511, 919-469-5997

With a location in Cary and Wake Forest, Jumpin' Beans offers inflatable play areas for kids ages 1-7, kids up to age 10 are allowed if you book a private party. Parents are able to keep a close eye on the kids while relaxing in the café.

If you are looking for a quiet night out without the kids, Jumpin' Beans offers Parents Night Out every Saturday from 6-10pm for kids ages 2-10. For $25 the kids get jump time, dinner, games, and movie time. General Admission is $5 for ages 1-2 and $7 for ages 3-7 for the entire day. Parents are free. Please click here for hours and other general information.

 

 

Monkey Joe's

1747 Walnut Street, Cary, NC 27511, 919-461-7171

Jumping, sliding, crawling and lots of exercise is what you'll get at Monkey Joe's. Located in Cary with a location coming soon in Raleigh, Monkey Joe's offers fun for kids of all ages. Admission is $5.00 for kids age 2 and under and $8.49-$9.49 for kids age 3 and up, parents are free. With slides, bounce zones and mazes for the older kids, there is also a tot play area for kids age 3 and under.

Parents are able to kick back and relax in the TV/internet area while the kids play away - and kids aren't allowed to leave the building without being matched back up to their parent's armband!  You can book a birthday party or just drop-in for hours of fun. There is a snack bar with pizza, drinks, hot dogs and other yummy snacks. For more information and hours, please click here.

Jump Zone

250 Premier Drive, Holly Springs, NC 27540, 919-249-7320

Jump Zone offers slides, jump zones, themed inflatable toys, and obstacle courses and more for kids ages 2-12. General admission starts at $6.00 per child and varies by day/event, parents and kids under age 2 are free.

Birthday party packages are offered as well as Thursday Night Family Night which includes admission for two children, pizza and drinks for $25, please call ahead for reservations. There is a play first, eat last rule, so make sure the kids are really done before ordering snacks or drinks. For special discounts, daily hours and rates, please click here.

 

The Hopper House

1500 Town Side Drive, Apex, NC 27502, 919-363-3109

Jumping in the bounce houses, climbing, sliding, basketball and rock climbing are just a few of the things you can do at The Hopper House in Apex. Geared towards kid's age 1-12, admission is $7.50, babies and parents are free for all day play.

Friday Night Fun is for kids age 2 and up for supervised play while mom and dad take a break. Play time, dinner, games and movie time is included for $30 each and you must book in advance. Hoppers House also offers drop-in child care starting at $8.00 an hour, half day programs and more. For additional information and hours, click here.

And the end result - some great nap times!

Now that you know where to go, pack the kids, grab some socks (required) and get ready for a fun, energy burning day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may also be interested in:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

 

Raleigh Fun Things to Do

HollyFest 2008 - Fall Festival in Holly Springs, NC

Looking for a great activity for the kids and the whole family on a crisp autumn day? 

Well, we live in North Carolina, so the number of days that are actually "crisp" are limited, but one of the best things to do on a Fall day is attend one of the wonderful local festivals!

HollyFest is held annually in Womble Park, just one street over from quaint downtown Holly Springs, NC.

The beautiful, open park undergoes a transformation.  Booths are set up, and local artists, craftsmen, and businesses lay out their wares.

Inflatable slides, moonwalks, and obstacle courses are set up.

A hay maze is carefully laid out, waiting for groups of laughing children to wander.

 

 

The path will be marked for the annual HollyFest 5K, which starts at 9 am sharp.  The one mile fun run and tot trot is another option - bring the stroller! 

Local entertainment will be setting up mikes and instruments on two separate outdoor stages.  Bring a blanket, and let the kids dance! 

Classic and muscle cars will start turning in to the upper lot at Womble Park for the HollyFest Car Show.

Food vendors will begin cooking up all the standards - local churches and other organizations do a brisk business with hot sandwiches, drinks, and BBQ. 

For the second year, the Pirates! Shadow Players Stage Combat Group will entertain the crowds with mock sword fights, bullwhip demonstrations, and lots of good natured ribbing.  (Be careful what you volunteer for!)

Plan to visit HollyFest 2008 between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, October 25th.  It's a great way to get into the festive Autumn mood!

Parking and the HollyFest 2008 event are free!

(Get Directions)

 

 

You may also be interested in:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

 

Raleigh Recreation - Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival! 

Looking for a great free activity for the family, or a fun date afternoon?

The 32nd Annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival filled downtown Cary to nearly bursting point today - but everyone had a terrific time, and I spotted dozens of festival goers leaving with carefully wrapped one-of-a-kind works of art.

Nearly a dozen streets are shut down and transformed for this one day festival that has become known nationally. 

Chatham Street was recognizable only by the trademark clock and street light.

 

 

 

I passed three different stages as I wandered through what seemed like miles of booths covered by white awnings. 

A rock and roll band played in front of the Fidelity Bank building, keeping the crowd rocking as it walked from booth to booth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Lazy Daze is one of the South's premier arts and crafts festivals, the artisans fairgoers will find here are the "best of the best", and have to go through a long approval process to become part of the rows and rows of exhibitors. 

These windchimes were certainly unique - silver teapots, from which hung a variety of silver spoons.

Each booth noted the name and hometown of the artisan or craftsman.  I saw Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and of course plenty of great local North Carolina artists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These vases, bowls, and wine holders by Red Oak Pottery featured, of course, red oak leaves.  

The delicate cut outs around many of the leaves helped this potter stand out.

The only decision left to be made?  Whether to place the bowl on the dining room buffet, or display it above the mantel!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were easily two dozen booths dedicated to framed art alone. 

One photographer/artist even featured large landscapes, with hand-painted coordinating landscapes painted on the matting around the photos! 

Wandering clowns and pirates helped keep children entertained as parents pushed strollers and couples strolled hand in hand. 

 

 

 

This Lazy Daze booth featured a children's American Indian theme. 

Teepees on solid pole supports were surrounded by Peter Pan, pirate, and American Indian costumes. 

The bows and arrows were the biggest "draw" - with crowds of young boys waiting for their turn to purchase one of these homemade sets. 

The craftmaster's demonstration showed that these foam tipped arrows could probably make it halfway across the backyard! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The rock climbing wall was pretty popular, as was the Beer Garden (sorry kids, they were checking ID's pretty thoroughly at the gate of the garden!). 

Another sign that Lazy Daze has made the arts and crafts festival "big time"?

Two years ago, the 30th anniversary was commemorated by 200,000 Diet Pepsi cans distributed throughout North Carolina.  And the Sunshine Artist Magazine has ranked Lazy Daze as the #13 Best Festival in the Nation - which actually makes it the #1 One Day Festival!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bring $5 for parking, or park at Cary Towne Center and wait for the free shuttle.  

Last year's attendance was over 60,000 - all during this one day festival, so be prepared for crowds, but everything is very well planned. 

There are plenty of food and drink vendors, not to mention the high school band fundraisers - bottles of water hawked from rolling ice chests. 

The Lazy Daze Festival is great fun - and a great way to get started on a very unique Christmas list. 

If you're in the Raleigh area on the 4th Saturday in August, don't miss it!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

You may also be interested in:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

 

Raleigh Recreation - Festivals and Events

Old Fashioned Farmers Day

Labor Day Weekend 2008

The Old Fashioned Farmers Day event can actually be a bit misleading - this country festival actually runs across 3 days, and offers lots of home-grown farm fun just 40 minutes from Raleigh. 

If you love going to the State Fair, but long for the simpler days, this festival is bound to be lots of fun.

What to Do at the Old Fashioned Farmers Day Event!

View Local Crafts and Products

Over 200 vendors came to hawk their ways for the 2007 event, and participation should be close this year!   Visitors can look at homemade jams and jellies, clothing, wood crafts, metal crafts, pottery, and more.  Not only that, but there's a huge antique presence with a great "flea market" feel to the presentations. 

Eat Great Food

You'll find southern BBQ plates, hot dogs, chicken, and more - and that's just the main event!  Snack on cotton candy, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, funnel cakes and more. 

Try Some Southern Homemade Ice Cream

This ice cream is so good, over 7000 cups were served last year!  An antique steam engine will churn away throughout the day, serving homemade ice cream.  You'll want to come back for seconds!

Listen to some Bluegrass

Concerts are held both Saturday and Sunday, and midday and at 7pm.  Come for some great gospel and bluegrass music.

Here's a brief schedule of events for Old Fashioned Farmers Day in Chatham County:

Friday August 29th

• 6pm - Gates Open

• 7pm - Tractor Pull

Saturday August 30th

• 9am - Grand Opening Session, Raising of the Flag by Boy Scout Troop 911.
• 9:15am - Saw Milling
• 9:30am - Shingle Milling
• 10:15am - Rock Crushing
• 10:30am - Junior Dairy Show - Showmanship and Fitting
• 11:00am - Threshing, Baling and Corn Shredding
• Noon - Whistle Blow and Lunch Break (home cooked pintos, fried chicken tenders, pork barbecue, homemade ice cream!)
• 12:30pm - Outdoor Music Begins!
• 1:00pm - Shingle Milling
• 1:00pm - Junior Dairy Show - Type Classes
• 1:30pm - Saw Milling
• 1:30pm - Kids Games, Kiddie Tractor Pull
• 4:30pm - Threshing and Baling
• 6:00pm - Supper (home cooked pintos, fried chicken tenders, pork barbecue, homemade ice cream!)
• 7:30-10:30pm - Evening Music on the outdoor stage

Sunday August 31st

Sunday the 31st has a similar schedule, with a raffle drawing schedule for 7 pm.

Music will be offered by:

• The Rocky River Ramblers - Originally a father/son group, the Rocky River Ramblers are based in Siler City and play bluegrass with a touch of gospel.
• A Touch of Blue - Bluegrass band
• Nu-Blu - Mixture of traditional and contemporary bluegrass
• The Circuit
• The Harvesters - The Harvesters Quartet has been performing gospel music since 1954, and is well known in the gospel circuit.  Will perform on Sunday. 

• The Blackwelders

Admission and Directions:

General Admission is $5.00 per day per person, children under 6 FREE.

Parking is free.

Old Fashioned Farmers Day is held just northwest of Pittsboro, in the Silk Hope area.  About 25 minutes from Chapel Hill by the back roads, or about 40 minutes on the highway, Silk Hope consists of beautiful, rolling wooded countryside, dotted by family farms.

Located between Siler City and Pittsboro, on Silk Hope Gum Springs Road at the intersection of Silk Hope Lindley Mills Road.  From the Raleigh area, take 64W to Pittsboro, then right on 87N (exit 381), travel 2 miles.  Left on Silk Hope Gum Springs Road, travel 7 miles. 

Head on out for some Old Fashioned Family Fun!!  Just another example of the wide variety of activities - and the heritage - of the Raleigh area!

Sponsored by Silk Hope Ruritan Club. Proceeds used in support of Community Service Activities.  General Information Contact: Buddy Lemons at Baker Limestone (OFFD Chairman) 919/742-4881 Vendors: Ned Gaudette 919/ 542-2224 Campers: Harold Rogers 919/ 742-4406 David Hobson, for the Publicity Committee Email: silkhoperuritan@yahoo.com

 

You may also be interested in:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

 

Raleigh Recreation - Downtown Raleigh!

Ride a Rickshaw, Carriage or Wagon

Tour Downtown or do a Rolling Pub Crawl!

Downtown Raleigh, NC is a wonderful mixture of the old and the new.  Skyscrapers are visible behind centuries old stone churches.

And the transportation options are just as varied - anything from "Raleigh Rickshaws" to horse drawn carriages and wagons.

Visitors can enjoy a ride in a plush seat in the gleaming white carriage from J&L Carriage, LLC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The carriages pick up passengers at Edenton St. between the State Capitol and the North Carolina Museum of History from Sat-Sun (12 noon-5 pm) and from the intersection of Hargett St. and Fayetteville St. from Fri-Sat (6 pm-11 pm). 

Call 919-936-2586 for more information.  Cost is $10 per person for a 15 minute tour, with many other options available. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or opt for a ride in a Raleigh Rickshaw. 

These bicycles are built for carrying passengers swiftly through the streets of downtown Raleigh, and are so popular that the service keeps expanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are now at least 16 rickshaws operating 7 days a week, whizzing passengers past the State Capital, or from one hot nightspot to the next. 

For a pick up, or general information, call 919 623-5555.

And if you love to ride a bike, and want to help give passengers a lift, give them a call - they may just have a place for you!

 

 

 

 

 

Raleigh Rickshaws and downtown carriage rides are just another way to enjoy all that downtown Raleigh has to offer.  Try one next time you visit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may also be interested in:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide