Life In Wake Forest NC.....

You know, I pride myself on knowing the "odd" things in life, the little tid-bits that you can throw out at a party - I call them my little "Pearls of Wisdom". For the longest time I use to throw out this one...

Why is it that when you buy a bag of nuts in the store there are never any cashews yet when you buy mixed nuts in a can they are in there?  I know, doesn't bother many of you but it did me!  Well, had to research and come to find out - cashew shells are highly caustic - the oil can and does burn your skin.  There ya go..... 

Now, on to the post.....

In doing all of this research for the College teams around here I learned a great deal.  Have you heard the song Tobacco Road?  It was originally recorded by John Loudermilk.  Since the original version there have been re-recordings by numerous artists such as Lou Rawls, Jefferson Airplane, Edgar Winter, Bobby Gentry and MANY others.  In 2006 it was featured in the finale of the hit television show American Idol, and was performed on the show by contestant Phil Stacey in 2007 (remember, the bald one with the BIG eyes and sultry voice) and Syesha Mercado in 2008.  The songs original intention was autobiographical in that it told the story of growing up in the rough East Durham area of Durham.  (Folks, before ANYONE decides to come down on me for that comment - I make peace!  This was back in the 60s and I am certainly not making a statement about Durham!)

WELL - Tobacco Road also refers to Interstate 40 which traverses the country from east to west.  From Wikipedia here is a little tid-bit that YOU can throw out at the next party.....

Tobacco Road refers to the tobacco-producing area of North Carolina and is often used when referring to sports (particularly basketball) played among rival North Carolina universities. The phrase actually originated as the title of a novel set in Georgia, but it naturally migrated to North Carolina because of the state's primacy in tobacco production.

The usual universities referred to by the moniker "Tobacco Road" are the following:

• Duke University (Blue Devils)
• North Carolina State University (Wolfpack)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Tar Heels)
• Wake Forest University (Demon Deacons)

All of these schools are separated by no more than 25 miles from any of the others with the exception of Wake Forest, which lies an hour and a half drive away via Interstate 40. In fact, all four are no more than six miles from Interstate 40, so the road is sometimes informally known as the "Tobacco Road". The proximity of these schools to one another and the membership of each school in the Atlantic Coast Conference have created a natural rivalry among students and alumni.

Wake Forest University used to be in Wake Forest, North Carolina, just a few miles north of Raleigh, until it moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, about 100 miles west of the Triangle. Since Wake Forest University is in North Carolina, and in the same city as the headquarters of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a member of the ACC and still near the other three schools, Wake remains in the "Tobacco Road" group. These four universities are also known in the state as the "Big Four".

Pretty cool, huh?  And you thought this blog was only about real estate........

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Continuing on from my previous post The Epicenter of Collegiate Sports...Feel the Vibe?  Part I .....

North Carolina State University Wolfpack!!!

Basketball:

NC State University Wolfpack is one of the four teams that make up the Big Four and is also the biggest rival to UNC Tar Heels.  The air gets pretty electrified here in NC during game times.  You either bleed Wolfpack Red or Carolina Blue.  (And then ya gotta throw in the whole Blue Devils and Demon Deacons into the mix......later post!)

Some great stats and trivia for the Wolfpack are:

• The tradition of cutting down the nets after winning a championship was started at NC State
• The alley-oop was invented by David Thompson (considered by some to be the greatest college player of all time) and Monte Towe (currently the Pack's assistant coach) during their time at NC State
• Camping out for tickets became a tradition at NC State during the late 1960s and early 1970s, by accounts of alumni that went to the school during this time. The tradition would spread on to UNC in the mid-late 1970s and on to Duke, who, beginning in 1986, took it to an extreme level with the start of Krzyzewskiville, probably the most recognized student camp out in the nation
• NCAA Tournament Champions in 1974 and 1983
• NCAA Tournament Final Four 1950, 1974 and 1983
• NCAA Tournament Final Four 1954, 1955, 1956, 1959, 1965, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1983 and 1987
• Conference Regular Season Champions 1955, 1956, 1959, 1973, 1974, 1985 and 1989

Football:

Of the 23 bowl games that the Wolfpack has played they have won twelve!  No surprise that the rivals include UNC Tar Heels, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Duke Blue Devils and the East Carolina Pirates.  Some stats that you may find interesting for NC State Wolfpack are:

• ACC Championships: 7 (1957, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1973, 1979)
• Notable recent players include Manny Lawson (2002-05), Philip Rivers (2000-04), Mario Williams (2003-05), Jerricho Cotchery (2000-04) and Adrian Wilson (1997-01)

Next post?  Duke Blue Devils, of course! 

Just a little FYI - I learned something that I never knew before - nope, not sharing now - you will have to wait until I am done with my own version of the BIG FOUR!!!!  Posts, that is.

    <----------------  My Wolfpack RED!

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

Wow - why didn't I think of that?

The Cotton Company sincerely values it patrons and their opinions and THEY LISTEN!  They are always open for feedback and suggestions.  How do I know?  Here is the proof!

You asked for it - they're back!  The Cotton Company offers Mimosa Monday every, you guessed it - MONDAY from 10am - 1pm.  For those of you not familiar with The Cotton Company you should check out a previous post of mine - it is a wonderful place to find those unique gifts, visit artist's studios and grab a bite to eat! 

Happy shopping and Happy Mondays! 

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

A great new networking tool was launched today in Raleigh, NC.  SLINGSHOT

SLINGSHOT is an on-line marketplace that has been designed to bring small businesses of a variety of backgrounds together in one location to share ideas, attract customers and find partners. 

As with other networking sites you can create a profile which can include your business vitals, your services offered, post pictures, etc.....

Check them out and see what you think....great idea for the local area!

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

In my previous post I mentioned some great sports teams here in the Raleigh area.  Well, several of my dear friends "called me out" and chastised me for not mentioning the College side of sports here in the area.......Well, here goes!  This is for you Eleanor Thorne and Cynthia Tilghman....and all of my other faithful readers......

You see, Raleigh doesn't have a "sports" season.  No, my friends, the pandemonium is year round!  Between professional teams and collegiate teams there is enough sports fever in the area to satisfy the MOST avid sports devotee...While I will not debate who is the best or which team I personally follow I will show you what we have and you can decide!

UNC TAR HEELS!

Basketball:

The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill boasts one of the finest Men's Basketball teams in the nation!  A few of the accolades to mention are:

• The 1957 National Championship game versus Kansas was the only triple overtime contest in championship history.
• The Tar Heels have only reached the Final Four four times without winning the ACC Tournament (1993, 1995, 2000, 2005).
• UNC has appeared in 39 NCAA Tournaments, which ties them for second most all-time with UCLA behind Kentucky (48).
• UNC has been the number one seed in the NCAA Tournament 11 times, the latest being in 2007 (most #1 seeds all-time).
• UNC has been in the Sweet Sixteen 27 times, the latest being in 2007. The 27 appearances is the all-time NCAA record.
• UNC has been to the Final Four 16 times (2nd all-time).
• UNC has been ranked in the top 25 616 times (1st all-time).
• UNC has the most consecutive 20-win seasons, with 31.
• Brendan Haywood recorded the first triple-double in UNC History against the University of Miami December 4, 2001 with a 18 point, 14 rebound, and 10 blocks (also a UNC record) in the contest.

There have been quite a few basketball players from the Tar Heels that have gone on to shine well beyond their college years.  You may have heard of one or two....

• Michael Jordan - ever hear of him?  Does anyone know if he needs a new house?
• Larry Brown
• Walter Davis
• Brad Daugherty
• Matt Doherty
• Rick Fox
• James Worthy

Football:

A mention of UNC Chapel Hill must also include the The North Carolina Tar Heels football team.  While the football team might not be quite as prominent as their basketball team it is most definitely a contender in the ACC Conference.  The Tar Heels have participated in 25 Bowl Games and have won 5 Conference Championships.  A few of the most notable notables include:

• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first college team to use the forward pass in 1895
• The Tar Heels received 20 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 7, 2007. Three student athletes had already enrolled before National Signing Day making this class relatively large with 23 commitments.
• At the beginning of the 4th quarter, AC/DC's "Hells Bells" is played and students hold up four fingers indicating the quarter.

A few of the prominent players to go on and makes waves after the college years are:

• Lawrence Taylor
• Jeff Saturday
• Alge Crumpler
• Willie Parker
• Greg Ellis
• Dre Bly
• Julius Peppers

In 2007, the team got an enormous boost in the form of former Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns Head Coach, Butch Davis.  Optimism is at an all time high!  In addition, the school pledged to fund the football program on a level equivalent to that of the Men's and Women's Basketball teams.   The winds of change are in the air......

Stayed tuned for Part II - North Carolina State Wolfpack!

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

The Raleigh area is FULL of thrilling sports teams, some of which are great contenders, all within a short drive!  If you are looking for your fix then let me lay it all down for ya.......First up on deck?

THE CAROLINA HURRICANES!!!!!

The winds started churning in Raleigh NC in 1997!  That is when the announcement was made that the New England Whalers would soon be relocating and changing their name.  The only problem?  We didn't have a space for them!  So for the first few seasons the Carolina Hurricanesplayed their games in Greensboro NC which is a 1.5 hour drive from Raleigh.  Fan enthusiasm was minor given that we didn't know much about hockey and the drive was a drag.  Construction began on the ESA and a few short years later the Carolina Hurricanes debuted in their new arena.  The first years were lackluster but, nonetheless, the fan base began to swell.  Then, lo and behold, we got our hands on that highly coveted Stanley Cup!!!  Yep, we did it and the fever has continued to rise in the area.  I gotta say, even if you are not a hockey fan, a Carolina Hurricanes game is a MUST!!!  I was hooked after my first game and I knew NOTHING!  Personally, I think the whole "Power Play" should be renamed to "Odd Man Out" - just one girls musing.......

THE DURHAM BULLS!!!!!

Hockey not your bag - no biggie - what about baseball?  Since 1998 the Durham Bulls are a AAA affiliate with the Tampa Bay Rays.  And, since 1998, the Durham Bullshave played in 5 Governors' Cup championship series walking away twice with the Governors' Cup!  The ballpark was designed by the architects of Camden Yards, Jacobs Field and Coors Field - it is a fantastic facility!  We have affectionately nicknamed the Durham Bulls Athletic Park the DBAP - so, if you hear DBAP think Durham Bulls!

Still not enough?  Oh, come on.....who wouldn't want their picture taken with Wool E. Bull!!!  The mascot is a hoot and both adults and kids look forward to his antics during the games.  Great restaurants snack shacks are at the facility and they have WONDERFUL promotional nights! 

When you get the chance - check out a Game.....

MOVING ON......NOPE, STILL NOT DONE......

THE CAROLINA MUDCATS!!!!!

Looking for another fun-filled event?  Then check this out!  In 1993, the Carolina Mudcats became a double-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins in the Southern League!  The games are an absolute blast!  Five County Stadium is a great stadium located in Zebulon which is not too far away.  Promotional nights are always fun and the Friday Night Fireworks are a sight to see - SPECTACULAR!!  I just don't see how they put on the show that they do every Friday night. 

Opening Day is approaching quickly!  April 9th!!  The Carolina Mudcats will face off with the Montgomery Biscuits - it will be a heck of a game! 

Don't forget to get your picture taken with Muddy the Mudcat!  He is a hoot and is always posing for pictures.  Seriously, a great outing for the entire family!!

So, you see my sports friends, there is TONS to do here......and, yep we still have more to go...

I can not close this post without a mention to our southern sister city - Charlotte.  While the drive might be a little long, 3+ hours, the teams that await you are worthy!  The Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Bobcats....but, I will leave that post to one of my well-versed colleagues in Charlotte to blog about...... 

Rock on, sports fans.....

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

From The Town of Wake Forest website:

Lunch and Learn - "Community Express Loan Program"
Wednesday, February 27; 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce, 350 South White Street, Wake Forest, NC
Join The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce for a ‘Lunch & Learn' as we host the Small Business Administration for a "Community Express Loan Program." This seminar is for the individual interested in financing a small business. Financing is available for $5,000, $7,500, $10,000, $12,500 ($15,000, $20,000 and $25,000 for existing businesses - 2 yrs). You can have your loan in as little as 25 business days. You may apply for a loan at the workshop. 

• No collateral required
• No tax returns required
• No personal/business financials required
• No business plan required

In order to apply for a loan at the workshop, please bring the following:

• Copy of the front and back of your driver's license
• Your federal tax ID number if a corporation, limited liability corporation or partnership; or your social security number if a proprietorship or self-employed
• A check (you must have a business checking account)

Admission is FREE for Chamber members, $10 for not-yet-members. To register to attend the Community Express Loan Program, contact Mary Yount, Member Relations Director, at mary@wakeforestchamber.org or (919) 556-1519

Kid Yoga Trance Dance
Saturday, March 1; 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wake Forest Yoga, 103 S. White Street
For kids ages 5 and up - no yoga experience necessary! Yoga Trance Dance is a meeting of two great rivers, yoga and dance, which come from and are united at the source. That infinite creative source is the One, uniting us all. Yoga and dance are two of the oldest paths back home. Spiritual dancing is a cross-cultural phenomenon, a testament to its power and authenticity. Cultures from every continent on this planet simultaneously embraced unique dance forms based on the animals and elements of nature present within their domain. Their purpose in dancing was to enter the consciousness or become the spirit of the sun, moon, and various animal and plant life. We will be dancing as various animals as we playfully move through the elements of nature. Please have children come join me to have fun, dance, explore freedom and connect to our animal spirits!!! I can't wait to guide and dance with all of your wonderful children. For more information, call (919) 623-5410 or visit www.wakeforestyoga.com. 

Hobo Stew Dinner
Saturday, March 1; 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wake Forest United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop 500 is hosting an all-you-can-eat Hobo Stew Dinner, Saturday, March 1 at Wake Forest United Methodist Church. Tickets are $5 each. Children six-years-old and younger eat free. The menu consists of Hobo Stew (beef stew: beef, potatoes, onions, carrots), French bread, vanilla ice cream with vanilla or chocolate wafer cookie, iced tea, coffee, &/or water. All proceeds go to Boy Scout Troop 500. For more information, contact Paige Schmidt at JCMom@nc.rr.com.     Brent Vernon in Concert
Sunday, March 2; 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Wake Forest Church of the Nazarene, 203 Capcom Ave., Suite 114, Wake Forest, NC
The Wake Forest Church of the Nazarene will present Brent Vernon in concert for two performances on Sunday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Brent Vernon is a Christian singer, performing musician and songwriter.  He is also a ventriloquist who performs with his friend "Sam" - a popular draw with both adults and children. You are sure to enjoy Brent's family-friendly, unique, clear and simple style. He has toured 48 states, as well as Canada and Australia. The concerts are free and everyone is welcome. The Wake Forest Church of the Nazarene is located at 203 Capcom Ave., Suite 114, Wake Forest, NC. For directions or more information, please call Pastor Glenn Messer at (919) 610-4724.

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....

 

In the beginning of the year I posted about the confusion that sometimes occurs when people want to visit the Wake Forest University.  That blog, Wake Forest vs. Wake Forest, Would The Real Wake Forest Please Step Forward? , highlighted the birth of Wake Forest College and the migration of the College to Winston-Salem, NC. 

While the college may no longer reside here in Wake Forest the legacy remains!  The original home which housed the college has been preserved and is open for visitors.  The museum is dedicated to preserving the Wake Forest College history prior to its move and just a few of the items available for viewing are an impressive collection of photos, books, college publications, furniture, documents, professors' writings, and medical, law and sports memorabilia. 

The Museum is open Tues.-Fri. from10am-Noon and 1:30pm-4:30pm.  On Sundays it is open from 3pm-5pm.  Admission is FREE!

                         

Whether you are buying or selling Real Estate in Wake Forest NC it just makes sense to use a Realtor® that knows the area!  I live here, work here and play here - I call Wake Forest NC home!  For more information regarding Wake Forest NC be sure to visit my websites:

• Leesa Finley - Homes for Sale in Wake Forest NC, Wake Forest NC schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and MORE....
• Circa Properties - My company website with information for the entire Raleigh NC area including Cary, Apex, Garner, Franklinton, Youngsville, Holly Springs and MORE....