Life In Wake Forest NC.....

Wake Forest is gearing up for full-fledged Spring!  While it may seem a little quiet this week don't let that fool you!  Big things are coming your way!  Be sure to donate all this month to the Wake Forest Library - they are preparing for their annual book sale that is always HUGE!!!

Also, the Wake Forest Farmer's Market begins it's regular schedule of EVERY weekend this week!!!

From The Town of Wake Forest Website:

Donate Books to Friends of the Library April 1 - 30 Donation Bins at Participating Wake Forest Merchants 
The Friends of the Wake Forest Library need hardcover and paperback books (in good condition) for their annual used book sale. Throughout April, you can place your gently used books in donation bins located at participating Wake Forest merchants. Proceeds from the annual book sale support programs at the Wake Forest branch library. For more information or to request a pickup for a large donation, contact Lynda Creutzburg at (919) 556-5336 or email friendswflibrary@yahoo.com.

Citizens' Information Workshop
Thursday, April 3; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Franklin Academy School
The Town of Wake Forest is hosting a Citizens' Information Workshop on Thursday, April 3, 2008 to present the design for the proposed relocation of Chalk Road (SR 2054). The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Franklin Academy School. The purpose of the workshop is to review the proposed design with interested citizens and to receive comments concerning the planned project. Interested residents may attend this informal workshop at their convenience between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Town of Wake Forest and Project Study Team representatives will be on hand to answer questions and receive comments related to the proposed project. No formal presentation will be made. Following the workshop and evaluation of the comments, an environmental document will be published. Public involvement is an important part of the project planning process and the Town of Wake Forest is committed to ensuring that all issues of public concern are considered. The Town encourages all interested residents to attend the workshop and discuss their views with the Project Study Team. Anyone unable to attend the meeting may forward their comments to Eric Keravuori, Director of Engineering, via phone at (919) 554-6122 or by email at ekeravuori@wakeforestnc.gov. For more information, call (919) 554-6122.

Wake Forest Farmers' Market Opens for the Season
Saturday, April 5; 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Downtown Wake Forest - Municipal Parking Lot
The market offers fresh produce, pasture-raised beef, poultry and pork, free-range eggs, fresh and dried herbs, honey, jams and preserves, plus a whole lot more. The Farmers' Market is open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon through November 22. For more information, contact Terry Wilkinson at (919) 556-1579.

Stonegate Neighborhood-Wide Yard Sale
Saturday April 5: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Stonegate, located 1 mile west of Rt 401 off Forestville Road
Seven plus families participating with a huge selection of items for sale at bargain prices!

Always something happening in My Back Yard....

                         

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....

 

Raleigh continually tops the ranks for many lists such as #1 Place for Business and Careers and Nation's Fastest Growing Counties......Well, we have made another list......Best Places To Buy Foreclosed Homes!

Forbes compiled the list by starting with the nations top 100 largest Metro areas and then ranked them by their annual foreclosure rate.  Then, they moved on to the annual growth of the markets that were chosen and finally, they looked at the spread between median prices and foreclosure prices. 

Their final Top 10?  Here they are....

1. Charlotte, NC
2. Raleigh, NC
3. Nashville, TN
4. Oklahoma City, OK
5. San Antonio, TX
6. Albuquerque, NM
7. Knoxville, TN
8. Seattle, WA
9. Indianapolis, IN
10. Washington, Alexandria, and Arlington

The article is much more in-depth in how they reached their conclusions.  The most exciting piece is that while Raleigh NC may be experiencing foreclosures our overall market remains stable therefore making a foreclosure purchase a good investment.

Interesting logistics and statistics in My Back Yard....

                         

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....

 

Well, give Wake Forest something to celebrate and we roll with it!  I posted a week ago New Year's Eve? Already? Wake Forest Is Looking For Volunteers! - the search for volunteers!  Well, we have responded and here is the latest rundown on some of the highlights:

• A historical float will be joining the annual Christmas Parade.
• After much deliberation town leaders have decided to purchase the necessary insurance for serving alcohol at the Christmas Gala - That is a FIRST!
• A time capsule and inscribed pavers will be place at the new Town Hallto be constructed.  Pavers are available to business as well as citizens that want to be remember throughout the year and in the NEXT 100 years!
• On Feb. 20, 2008, the town will hold its official Party of the Century, complete with cakes and ice cream and all the other goodies one can expect to have on their birthday.  If you actual birthday also falls on Feb 20 you can register for special VIP treatment. 
• Babies born into the new century of Wake Forest history will have their recognition.  Details are still unfolding for the logistics of that one.
• Wake Forest will be looking for 100 Memories!  If you have ever sat around and listened to your relatives tell stories of the good 'ole days in Wake Forest you might want to start recording them or writing it down!  Wake Forest is looking for the some of the best to be featured in The Wake Weekly as well as the annals of Wake Forest history.
• Kid's will submit essays comparing themselves to children of 100 years ago or to children 100 years from now.  They are even toying with the idea of having children write letters to future children for inclusion in the time capsule.
• Special lapel pins or ribbons are in the infancy stages of being designed for distribution
• The town is in the process of designing a "centennial book" which will chronicle the history of Wake Forest.
• There is also a project underway to encourage artists to recreate historic photographs and/or scenes.  Centennial Images: An Exhibit of Wake Forest Art will go on display May 2009 and also sold to benefit the centennial.

NOW do you know why I love it here?  I invite each and everyone of you for a visit - I will give the "new to town" tour!  While our Centennial Celebration may be really gaining momentum I can assure you that we celebrate each and every day in My Back Yard....

                         

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....

 

How sad!  I posted a blog titled The Drought - A Greater Impact Than You Know.... last week that highlight the decision that was weighing heavily on town leaders.  That decision was whether or not to suspend the pool season for 2008.  A decision was to be made by May 1st as to the fate of this iconic summer gathering spot. 

Sadly, it has been decided that the Community Pool at Holding Park will not operate this season.  Here is an exerpt from their decision with an insight into the reasoning

"Due to the current Stage 2 water restrictions, however, the Parks & Recreation Department is not allowed to fill the pool. At the same time, the Town is not comfortable with the amount of water that would have been required to keep it filled for the 2008 season.

Due to leakage, evaporation and splash, Holding Park Pool loses approximately 5,900 gallons of water per day. Last summer, the pool was open 84 days. 5,900 gallons x 84 days = 495,600 gallons, which is the approximate number of gallons of water the Town added to the pool during the 2007 season for the purpose of keeping it filled."

The entire article can be read at The Town of Wake Forest website.

Should the region receive enough rain to raise the lake levels and the City of Raleigh ease current Stage 2 restrictions the Town of Wake Forest may reconsider.  However, it will still need to happen before May 1st to allow ample time for the Town of Wake Forest to hire staff and perform required maintenance.

A little dry in My Back Yard.......

                         

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....

 

OK - Ya gotta admit - I give you some pretty good ideas for things to do in Wake Forest - well, hold on to your hats - here comes one of the most unusual and unique things to do in My Back Yard......

Just down the road off Hwy 98 there is an exposed vein of garnets.  FREE for the taking!  There are literally billions of carats of this gorgeous purple/red semi-precious gem waiting to be found!  All you need is a hammer and chisel and you are good to go!  If you go after a heavy rain many of them can easily be worked out and most times they are virtually "free" due to the erosion caused by the rains.

To get to the site from US1 Raleigh (Capital Blvd.), drive north towards Wake Forestand exit right at the Highway 98 interchange, make a left at the bottom of the ramp (McDonald's in the corner), and go exactly 1.9 miles, the cutface will be to your right.

To know WHERE to dig I suggest you read this highly informative piece written by H. Kent Craig.  He give tips on mining, which areas you can and CAN NOT go, what to look for and what to expect. 

Now, how's THAT for an afternoon of adventure?

Always something happening in My Back Yard....

                         

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....

 

For months the "old pink house" on 1A in Wake Forest was undergoing "something".  No one quite knew what it was - we didn't know if was going to be torn down, renovated or what!

Much to our delight the old historic home was renovated and turned into a FABULOUS coffee shop!  THE WELL The old house still retains ALL of its character.  Each room has huge plasma screen tv's, plush deep couches, there is still a fireplace and upstairs offers a small conference room.  Wi-Fi available throughout - just be sure to ask for the code before booting up.  There are perfect little spots all throughout the "house" that offer great meeting locations or space for quiet conversations.

The coffee is prepared by some of the finest Baristas.  Each is well-trained and have had to pass rigorous written and hands-on tests.  They have a passion for what they do and it shows!

There is a terrific Breakfast Menu offered with everything from muffins and bagels to breakfast paninis.  The Lunch Menu (which carries into early evening) has soups, salads, deli sandwiches and more.  It is a great place to stop for a lighter bite to eat in a comfortable and relaxing environment.

The front porch is set up with tables and umbrellas perfect for sipping a warm coffee and watching the day go by!  They have have installed a drive-thru for those in a hurry and on the go.

The hours of operation for The Well are:

• Monday- Friday    7am - 9pm
• Saturday              7am - 8pm
• Closed Sundays

How exciting to have such a wonderful addition to My Back Yard......

                         

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....

 

It's Almost Time!  This event was HUGE last year and this year proves to be just as exciting!  The World Beer Festival makes it's stop in Raleigh on April 26, 2008. 

This is the LARGEST celebration of domestic and international beers in the Southeast - there will be over 300 beers from 150 breweries.  And, you know what?  This years funds will benefit the Downtown Raleigh Alliance - what a great cause.

Tickets for this massive even will go on sale TOMORROW!  General admission is $40 and VIP tickets are $75. With the VIP ticket you will get food, special beers and more. Tickets are limited.  There are two sessions available which are Session I - 12pm - 4pm and Session II - 6pm - 10pm.

Local entertainment will be:

• Main Stage 1st Session
  12:00 - 2:00  Brooks Wood Band(Pop, Rock) / 2:00 - 4:00  Jah Creation  (Roots Reggae, Dub, Rock)
• Main Stage 2nd Session
  6:00 - 8:00  Ascella Vega (Rock) / 8:00 - 10:00  The High & Mighties (Rock, Raggae, Ska)
• VIP Tent 1st session 
  Sean Aitken 
• VIP Tent 2nd session 
  Shane Bullis
  

Numerous vendors will be out - just to mention a few are Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Draughthouse, Blues BBQ and many, many more!  Restaurant vendors include The Pit, The Weeping Radish, Raleigh Times Bar and Restaurant and quite a few more delicious choices will be there to tempt you!

Be sure to check out the World Beer Festival Website for the Beer Tasting Line-ups and more information for this exciting event.

Just a little taste of what goes on in My Back Yard....

                         

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....

 

One thing we are very proud of here in the Wake Forest area is celebrating our history!  We celebrate milestones, landmarks, and events - why?  To preserve the distinct richness that is Wake Forest!  You have to know where you have been to see where you are going!

March 29th - 9:00am - 5:00pm, is a HUGE event for the area and you certainly won't want to miss this opportunity to get out and enjoy nature, history and have a little fun!

B.W. Wells Heritage Day is all about learning about life on a 19th century farm.  There will be a variety of guided tours to choose from such as:

• B.W. Wells History Tour - every hour on the hour. Short history walk leads you around all the main features of the Rock Cliff Farm home stead.  You will hear about the history of B.W. Wells and the farm itself.
• Zeagle's Rock Loop Trail Hike - self guided.
• Geology Walk - 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm. This tour leads you down to the lake shore to discuss the unique geology that caused the shape of Rock Cliff Farm.  You will visit a rock outcrop along the lake shore and then return uphill along the same trail.  You can opt to continue along the trail adding another ¾ of a mile.
• Wildflower Walk - 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm. This tour leads you along a series of north facing slopes where spring wildflower can be spotted.  Plant ecology and history will be discussed as you meander along the trail.  The trail returns uphill back to the farm, you can opt to continue along the loop trails in either direction adding another ¾ of a mile.
• Hog Farming Tour - 2:00pm. This tour takes you back to 1950, when hog farming was the livelihood of area residents.  We will explore the old time techniques of hog farming by visiting a pen and smokehouse.
• Bird Hike on Zeagle's Rock Trail
  8:00 am
• Canoe Tour of Rock Cliff Farm
  9:00 am and 1:00 p.m.  After a brief orientation to paddling, participants will walk about 1/3 of a mile to the lake shore to board the canoes.  From there it is a leisurely paddle along the narrow lake making a few interpretive stops of the Rock Cliff Farm shore line.  After a unique photo opportunity and view of Zeagle's Rock, you will turn back and return to the launch site.  There will be a 1/3 of a mile return hike up the trail with some steep sections.  Participants must be at least 12 years old and know how to swim.  Sign up is required.  Canoes, life jackets and paddles provided courtesy of Paddle Creek.
  Space is limited, registration fills up fast

We celebrate Bertram Whittier Wells who was one of the pioneers in the field of botany and ecology, and was one of the first to discover the diverse array of wild flowers in North Carolina.  B.W. Wells was also quite interested in painting and produced over 300 stunning paintings most of which he gave away.

In addition to the tours about there will be Family Ecology Hikes, displays, exhibits, children's activities, games AND the NC Botanical Gardens booth will have free seed packet giveaways and free hourly plant raffles!

The entire B.W. Wells Heritage Event is FREE! 

Don't miss this opportunity to explore a little more in My Back Yard....

                         

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....