Come Explore my Wake Forest! An example of exemplary planning...

I remember when my husband and I were originally considering a move to Wake Forest......I said, "Huh? No way I am living that far out!!!" I could only envision long trips into Raleigh for groceries, a Lowe's or a Target.....

My, oh my, how things have changed in 6 short years. Wake Forest is growing leaps and bounds! We have the Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, Super Wal-Mart, large chain restaurants such as Chili's, Applebee's, Red Robin, etc, and some smaller private restaurants (outstanding food by the way!)....

One of the things I loved most about was Wake Forest was the quaint, historic downtown area. There are some great shops such as Old Magnolia Trading Company, Olde English Tea Room and N.C. Specialty Shops. Then there are the notable restaurants such as La Foresta, Shorty's and Over The Falls Deli. Great antique shops, hair salon, The Cotton Company and so much more!

With all of the new businesses, expanded roads (98 bypass), and new homes many Wake Forest residents have been (and are) concerned about the impact on the Historic Downtown area. I have to say that I am so impressed with the DRC (Downtown Revitalization Corporation) and their vision for the downtown Wake Forest area. The DRC has a major influence and advocates the Renaissance Plan that has already begun. With this roadmap Wake Forest will survive the pitfalls that have befallen so many other small towns. While revamping our current infrastructure, focusing on infill projects, and realigning specific districts (entertainment, government and business) Wake Forest will maintain its charm and remain a vibrant and popular destination! As with most projects of this magnitude and the length of time required to achieve the goal there will be bumps along the way. Roads may close while they are rerouted, construction signs will pop up and there may be a tendency to become frustrated.......stop, take a breath and think long term! The outcome will far surpass the minor inconvenience we all experience along the way.....

Come explore my Wake Forest....
Leesa

New Raleigh Link to Share

One of my blog readers was kind enough to share a link with us. Unfortunately, when you click the link it doesn't work. With a little research I was able to find the correct link and I wanted to pass it along. Some great stuff!

Share Your Raleigh

Informative shucking.....

Thanks to Jim Tobin for the link!!!

Out with the old, in with the new....

Hhmmm, just a few short weeks ago I had a fantastic couple out with me looking at properties. They were from the Chicago area. At one point, the wife spoke up and asked if Raleigh was following the current trend of tearing down old homes to build new which was the case in her father's neighborhood in Illinois area. I answered no and that I was very proud of how Raleigh is big into protecting and preserving older neighborhoods and that it wasn't very common here. Shortly after that there was an article in the News and Observer to quite the contrary. I was quick to email that link to them and let them know that I mis-spoke. Well, several weeks later there is yet another article regarding "infill". Apparently it wasn't enough for me to say I was srong - now I have to admit that I was REALLY wrong.....hey, I can do that!

588 New Homes Replace Teardowns...

Humble shucking.........




Workers intentionally drop three trees on top of a house being demolished to make way for a larger house.
Staff photo by Chris Seward

Raleigh Bound....

Well, I have to say that CBS Early Show did a FANTASTIC job showcasing Raleigh and the Triangle area. They touched on everything from the southern charm, local wineries, local restaurants, research and BBQ. Applause! The ONLY thing that they touched on which really tripped my trigger was the year round schools. They had the two least equipped people to interview - it was awful! I don't know how they picked them. The gentleman on there was a School Board member and he was an opponent of mandatory year-round. Hey, everyone has an opinion. But if you are going to speak on a subject at least know what you are talking about. At one point he mentioned that with "tracks" you get two-week breaks throughout the year. Huh? Two-week breaks? Sorry, dude, it's 9 weeks on and THREE (3) weeks off. The other interviewee offered no information, insight or reasoning. She kept repeating something to the effect of "Education and growing". I am not sure what that meant. You could tell that Hannah was frustrated with her answers and kept deferring to the other guy. Oh well, maybe a more in-depth interview next time with educated guests both for and against!

Regardless, if I lived somewhere else and had seen the show - I would definately consider moving to Raleigh! Wish I had been there!

A few links:

Getting To Know Raleigh

Pigging Out on NC BBQ

Southern Spin on Summer Steak Salad

Dave Enjoys Raleigh NC

Raleigh's Southern Charm

North Carolina BBQ Capital

Happy shucking.....