Paws on the Porch: Celebrating National Dog Month with Gracy & Co. 🐾

August is National Dog Month…a whole 31 days dedicated to celebrating our furry family members, and honestly, we think they deserve it. From greeting us with tail wags after a long day to keeping us company during quiet moments on the porch, our pups make our houses feel more like home. This year, we’re shining a spotlight on a special new place in Fuquay-Varina that has quickly become a favorite for both people and pups – Gracy & Co.

Meet Gracy & Co. 🐕‍🦺☕

Gracy & Co. isn’t your average pet shop, it’s a community collaborative space created by local business owners with a mission close to the heart:
to feed those in need, support local animal rescue efforts, and showcase their talents through unique products.

When you step through their doors, you’ll find:

  • Unique gifts for humans and pets alike

  • Specialty baked goods & nostalgic candy 🍭

  • A cozy gathering space with books to enjoy while you linger

  • And…every dog’s dream: The Barkery 🦴

Tucked in the back, the Barkery is stocked with locally made Pawsitively Delicious Treats, plenty of toys, and even café tables so you and your pup can relax together. Pets are not only welcome, they’re encouraged.

PAWSITIVELY DELICIOUS TREATS: Made with Love & Purpose

Pawsitively Delicious Treats is a woman- and veteran-owned small business right here in Fuquay-Varina, crafting all-natural, handmade dog treats using fresh, real ingredients like pumpkin purée, whole‑wheat flour, peanut butter, and more for healthy, tail-wagging goodness.

But it doesn’t stop at the kitchen! Pawsitively Delicious also brings the fun!
They carry a wide range of toys for both dogs and cats,
from chew toys and squeakers that keep pups busy for hours to interactive cat wands, play balls, and even “fish bowls” that challenge your furry friends in the most entertaining ways. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for healthy treats and happy play.

Beyond their tasty treats, they’re deeply community-minded. Every purchase supports local entrepreneurs and, by extension, our local economy. Plus, they have an active news and events section on their website, sharing heartwarming rescue stories like “Soleia’s Journey: From Survivor to Snuggle Princess” and adoption spotlights like Sweetie, Strong, Spirited, and Searching for Her Forever. 

Why We’re All About It

At Front Porch Realty, our roots are all about home, community, and belonging. That’s why we adore local gems like Gracy & Co., where every customer strolls in and stays awhile, and businesses like Pawsitively Delicious Treats, where every treat bought makes both pup wags and local rescues happier.

How You Can Celebrate National Dog Month Locally-
winston recommendations –

  • Visit Gracy & Co. in August: Treat yourself and your pup with goodies from the Barkery, enjoy their cozy gathering area, and support local creators doing meaningful work.

  • Support Pawsitively Delicious Treats: Pick up a bag of their all-natural baked goodies knowing your purchase helps local entrepreneurs thrive (plus pups get spoiled).

  • Share Your Pooch’s Portrait: Show us your pup enjoying National Dog Month using #FrontPorchPups, and we’ll share our favorites throughout August.

Fall in Love with Fuquay: Real Estate, Community, and Can’t-Miss Events this Fall & Winter 2025

As the leaves turn and cooler days roll in, Fuquay-Varina is buzzing with cozy charm, community fun, and exciting opportunities…especially if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home! Whether you’re relocating, looking for more space, or want to put down roots in a town full of heart and happenings, Fuquay-Varina continues to shine as one of the Triangle’s top places to live.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the Fuquay real estate market and why fall and winter might just be the perfect time to make your move.


🏡 The Fall/Winter Real Estate Market in Fuquay-Varina

Contrary to the myth that spring is the only hot season in real estate, fall and early winter bring serious buyers, less competition, and homes that are staged with all the cozy vibes. In Fuquay-Varina, we’re seeing:

Strong buyer interest thanks to continued growth in the Triangle
Well-maintained inventory with homes ranging from charming downtown cottages to newer builds with all the upgrades
Great value per square foot compared to Raleigh and surrounding areas
A welcoming, tight-knit community that offers both suburban peace and a bustling small-town vibe

If you’re selling, you’ll stand out in a less saturated market. If you’re buying, you’ll love what your money can get in Fuquay. Let’s talk about your goals! FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM 919.577.0175 | fprealtync@gmail.com


🎉 Upcoming Fall & Winter Events in Fuquay-Varina

There’s no shortage of ways to fall in love with Fuquay-Varina this season; from live music to family festivals, holiday magic, and everything in between.

Here’s what’s coming up:


🎶 Follow Me to Fuquay Concert Series (FM2FV)

📍 Centennial Square, 102 N Main Street | ⏰ 6:30–9:30 PM
This free, family-friendly concert series brings live music, local brews, food trucks, and a whole lot of dancing under the stars.


🎨 First Fridays

🗓️ Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5 | 5–9 PM
Explore Downtown Fuquay-Varina with live music, art, shopping deals, delicious eats, and a great community vibe. Make it a monthly tradition!


🎉 Celebrate FV Events

🎤 Celebrate FV Concert

📍 500 Broad Street | Oct. 2
Grab dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a night of live music! Beer vendors on site. BYO chair (but leave pets and coolers at home).

🎡 Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival

📍 Downtown Fuquay | Oct. 4, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
This signature town event is packed with live music, food trucks, craft beer, handmade goods, kids’ activities, and more.
👉 More festival info here


👻 Haunted Trail

📍 Carroll Howard Johnson Park | Oct. 18

  • Family Trail (5–6 PM): Costumed fun and friendly frights

  • Full Fright Trail (7–9 PM): NOT for the faint of heart!
    Shuttle & parking from Fuquay Community Center — flashlights recommended!🔦


🍽️ FV Feast & Frolic

📍 Oct. 18–26
Dine downtown and scan your receipt QR code for a chance to win Downtown Dollars!
Try the exclusive Fuquay Famous Brew at Mason Jar Lager Co. and participating breweries. Good food, great service AND prizes? Yes please.


🎃 Downtown Trick or Treat

📍 Oct. 24 | 2–5 PM
Bring the kiddos to Downtown Fuquay & Varina for candy, costumes, and community fun with nearly 100 participating businesses.


🚒 Fire Department Open House

📍 Fire Station 1 | Oct. 25 | 10 AM–2 PM
Tour the station, meet firefighters, check out equipment, and enjoy face painting, inflatables, and safety demos.


🍖 BBQ, Blues & Brews

📍 Varina Parking Lot, 801 Durham St | Nov. 8, 12–4 PM
One of FVDA’s biggest fall fundraisers! Expect:

  • BBQ tastings from local pitmasters

  • Craft beer

  • Live music

  • Maker’s Market
    No pets allowed. Rain or shine!


🛍️ Small Business Saturday

📍 Nov. 29
Support the shops and restaurants that make Fuquay Fuquay! Every dollar spent stays local and supports our community.


🎄 Holiday Happenings

  • Tree Lighting CeremonyDec. 4 at 6 PM on Vance Street

  • Christmas ParadeDec. 7 at 4 PM in Downtown Fuquay

  • Lights at Mineral Spring Park – Starting early December

  • Letters to Santa – Dec. 5–17 at Mineral Spring Park

  • Gingerbread House Contest – View entries at the Arts Center Gallery

  • Holiday Shows – Check the Arts Center Theater for ticketed performances

  • Fire & Police Toy/Food Drives – Help give back to neighbors in need

  • Shop with a Cop – Support local children with clothing and gifts


🏠 Thinking About Moving to Fuquay-Varina?

If a charming downtown, lively events, and welcoming neighbors sound like your kind of place, Fuquay-Varina is calling your name. From family-friendly neighborhoods to move-in-ready homes near all the action, you can find a lifestyle here that’s full of comfort, connection, and community pride.

Let’s grab a coffee and talk about your next move before these listings (and these festival tickets) are gone!


Follow me to Fuquay — where real estate dreams meet small-town magic.
📩 919.577.0175 | fprealtync@gmail.com | 604 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina