Accolades 2015 - Best City for Jobs

Congratulations, Raleigh. Click here to see the report.

The Long Gray Stretch

RALEIGH ~ We're in the gray days of winter, and although the sun's out, I miss warm temperatures and the leaves on the trees. So I pulled this out from last Fall to remind me, or at least get me excited for, what's to come in the next few months. I hope this year to get out on one of these canoes to explore LAKE JOHNSON from a different perspective.

A Day at the Vineyard - Muscadine Grapes in Zebulon

ZEBULON - No, I wasn't sipping wine at a vineyard on Friday morning, but rather picking grapes for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. (More about them in a moment.) The kind farmer who opened his vineyard to us was there on site, helping us navigate the various fields, answering any questions we had, and offering his first-hand knowledge on all things Muscadine. 

We were there to "glean" the excess harvest after the commercial picks were done for the season. Picking in late October was quite an anomaly since harvests are known to wrap up in September. There was more than enough left on the vine though, enough to fill the back of a pickup truck. And with the help of a couple dozen volunteers, ages 5 to 55, we did just that. 

We picked the Nesbit variety when we were there. I had never tried ANY Muscadine grape before, I had only seen them in the grocery store. These were the color and size of black olives. There was definite discussion on how one goes about eating these fruits. I got a first-hand lesson in the field. The "guts' are similar in texture to an oyster or hard jello, semi-sweet and full of tiny seeds, which you need to filter out - like a watermelon. Most spit out the outer skin, which can be tough. The grapes are used in wine, juice and jams.

The Inter-faith Food Shuttle is a non-denominational, hunger-relief organization headquartered in Raleigh, NC. I checked them out online a couple years ago after seeing their box trucks all over town. Although I personally focus my energies on the gleaning aspect of the organization, they do so much more—from recovering millions of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste, to educating and training individuals in the kitchen and on the farm. The following video explains all that the Food Shuttle does -- why and how -- much better than I ever could (Click here.) I couldn't be more honored to work with these folks. Not only are these good people, they are clearly making a big difference in the community. 

Spring's A-Comin'

The signs are all here. Spring is on it's way and it can't come fast enough! Took this at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum over the weekend. 

Raleigh Convention Center

Raleigh's Convention Center, the hub of much of the city's activity...http://www.raleighconvention.com/

Harvest Season

Spinach and Bok Choy are in abundance at the Farmers' Market this time of year. Christmas trees are making their appearance as well. To see the full North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Chart for "What's in Season", click here.

Harvest Season

North Carolina

I picked these tomatoes and basil from my patio this weekend. You have to love NC sun. Everything grows in abundance. To see the full North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Chart for "What's in Season", click here

Pullen Park

Pullen Park [ Raleigh, NC ]

When I first arrived in Raleigh, Pullen Park was undergoing a massive renovation. It was a big ol’ pile of dirt, fenced in, boarded up, and bulldozers were the only sign of life. It reopened in November 2011. It wasn’t until the following spring on April 26, 2012 that I finally drove into the parking lot to explore by foot.

What a sweet place (the first public park in North Carolina). Frankly, I think parents use their children as an excuse to visit. There are winding paved trails and a playground, but it has so much more. A working miniature train carries ticketed passengers of all ages around the park, whistle tooting along the way; a vintage, indoor carousel (relocated from a park in the Five-Points section of Raleigh) with 52 hand-carved animals spins at the sound of a Wurlitzer organ; a bright red, Norfolk Southern Railway caboose stands proudly as folks climb in and out; and a lake beckons boats which can be rented.

There’s a statue of Andy and Opie, from the Andy Griffith Show, in the park. But shhhh, don’t tell the folks of Mount Airy, NC, the fictional town that Mayberry was based upon. Apparently, the residents aren’t happy this statue found its home in Raleigh instead. 

I visited the park early in the morning, so I did not have a chance to check out the Café. I went online later to discover the gem that is was, offering the basics (hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn) that you would find at any amusement park, but also a few unexpected treats. It’s not everyday you find hummus, baked sweet potato topped with cinnamon spice butter, chai tea, s’mores and carrot muffins on a menu…in the middle of the woods! Citing the café’s website, ““At Pullen Place, we believe everyone should have access to affordable, local, healthy, and most importantly, delicious food”. The prices are more than reasonable. Picnic tables or the shade of a nice oak tree provide great places to chow down. I look forward to returning, bringing with me an appetite.

Market Imports

Market Imports [ Raleigh, NC ]

I'm ready to pack my bags and just move in. I fell in love the moment I walked through its doors. This place is both a furniture and accessory shop as well as an outdoor space (two acres in total) with row-after-row of garden pots and planters in ever shape, size and color.

The furniture is from all over the world. There are antiques here, along with vintage pieces and reproductions, covering all price points. The furniture is rustic and comfortable. No need to worry about putting your feet up on that coffee table you bought here. It just gets better with age and abuse.

Inside the rooms are decorated with farm tables and accent furniture; mirrors, signage and giant clocks hang on the walls; scattered among it all are candle holders, lanterns, old medicine bottles, copper pans, wooden trays, drawer pulls and ceramic vases to name just a few of the items available here.

The stone work outside is diverse and not going anywhere without the assistance of a forklift or four of your muscle-head friends. There are benches, buddhas and birdbaths, gargoyles and garden urns. Whimsical metal work in the shape of farm animals keeps Market Imports from taking itself too seriously, despite being surrounded by "mansion" garden decor.

If you've been to the State Farmers' Market in Raleigh, you know where this place is. It's right across the lot. Be sure to build in some time; this could take a while. Here's a link to their website: http://www.market-imports.com/