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.

Fuquay-Varina Gets Social: Take Your Brews on the Move!

Calling all craft beer lovers and adventurous sippers! Fuquay-Varina’s downtown scene just got a whole lot more exciting with the launch of their brand new Social District. That’s right, folks, you can grab a brew from your favorite local spot and enjoy it while strolling through the designated district.

Cheers to Weekend Wanderings🍻

Here’s the scoop:

  • Hours: *UPDATED 2025* Monday – Sunday from 12pm – 10pm.
  • The Essentials: You gotta be 21+ to participate, and your drink must be in an official Fuquay-Varina Social District cup. Boundaries will be clearly marked, so you know exactly where you can roam with your beverage. All drinks must be consumed and disposed of within the district boundaries.
  • Supporting Local: Look for participating businesses with a special window cling, depending on the color of the sign depends on if they are taking part in the district fun or not. GREEN = Beverages may be brought into the establishment BLUE = Beverages are sold here and outside beverages are allowed RED = Beverages are not allowed in establishment

The Social District is a fantastic way to support our amazing local breweries and establishments all while exploring the charm of downtown Fuquay-Varina in a whole new way. 🍺Picture this:

  • Brewery/Restaurant hopping: Visit multiple breweries, sample their latest creations, and enjoy them outside in the beautiful weather.
  • Lively evenings: Take your beverage to an outdoor concert or browse the shops with a refreshing beer in hand (in a Social District cup, of course!).

This is the perfect chance to experience our growing town in a fresh, new way this summer. Grab a cold one from a local brewery, soak up the atmosphere, and explore the charming shops and eateries around town. It’s a win-win for everyone – you get to enjoy your favorite brews outdoors, and our local businesses get a boost.🍸

Cheers to summer, cheers to local brews, and cheers to Fuquay-Varina!

Check out the participating businesses below – FUQUAY DISTRICT – Fainting Goat Brewing Company Happy’s Country Club Inner Beast Hatchet House Revelry Barber & Shave Shop El Cantarito Bar and Grill The Mill Original Strength Institute Curated Craft Marketplace Brus on Main Anna’s Pizzeria Merle Norman Cosmetics & All Things Girly Boutique Ruby James and Maren Mays Abshure Realty Group Mason Jar Tavern Casa Amigos Cocina Mexican Bar Family Optical Graff Creative Pass It On Thrift Store KnB’s Marketplace Brus on Main Vicious Fishes VARINA DISTRICT – Pints Aviator TapHouse Aviator Pizzeria & Beer Shop Aviator Smokehouse Oaklyn Springs Taproom Rebel PT Big Chat Salon Mason Jar Lager Company J&S New York Pizza Lollipops Children’s Boutique Nil’s Mediterranean Cuisine Moonlight Liquor Lounge Live View Studio