Hilltop Farms of Willow Springs

Owned by Fred Miller and his wife Virginia Rowland Miller (who was born and raised on the land), Hilltop Farms of Willow Springs started out as a 44 acre Tobacco Farm in the 1750’s. Since Fred and his wife took over her family-owned farm, they reshaped the 44 acres into a tasteful 44 acre Organic Produce Farm. What makes Hilltop Farms different and unique from other local farms? The answer is all in the way they farm. First certified in 2004 to grow Certified Organic Produce and being the ONLY USDA Certified Organic Produce Farm in Wake County, they still hold that title today! Continuing to expand their knowledge and finding innovative ways to farm more organic produce for the community. You can find their fresh products at any of THESE fine stores and restaurants! Priding themselves to growing organic products such as herbs, fruits, flowers, and vegetables of all sorts, protecting not only their soil but the community they feed. They use NO chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers on their crops along with their use of NON-GMO seeds. Although on our end we aren’t too sure of what some of these “icides” are, we know that we do NOT want them in our produce so knowing we have local Farmers ridding these chemicals from their crops makes us pride them for doing so. Their Farm-stand recently opened to the public this past Saturday, February 12, 2022. Winter hours are 1pm – 4pm on the second and fourth Saturday’s of the month through March. Currently you can find fresh greens, Hilltop honey, eggs, Carolina mushrooms, and veggies! Interested in Organic Farming? Looking to help better the quality of produce? Look no further than the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program Hilltop Farms offers on their farm. Farmer Fred explains it like this:
“A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a farm membership program that relies on its members to join prior to the start of the harvest season to provide the farm with “seed money” to purchase actual seed, fertilizer and so on for planting the new crop. In return for their support, members receive a weekly or bi-weekly delivery/pick-up of fresh, chemical-free vegetables grown on our farm! Please, check out our Harvest Schedule on the Join page that shows you what we intend to grow this year and what month to expect it’s harvest and find it in your weekly box!”
Want to join the team and learn more on how to sign up? There is still time to do so! Click HERE to learn all about how to sign up for the program, learn more about what you will be doing, the months worked, and so much more!

What can you find throughout the months of operation?

Arugula, Snap Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Kale, Lots of Lettuces, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Onions, Okra, Pac Choi, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet Potatoes, Tatsoi, Lots of Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelons and Winter Squash!

Head over to their website to find some yummy recipes straight out of the families cookbook! Here is my personal favorite —–> Chinese Salad

Fuquay Spice & Tea

Fuquay-Varina’s very own Spice & Tea shop has arrived! Local native Rachel Sauls who grew up in Willow Springs, NC, attending both Fuquay Middle and High School, has opened up right in the Downtown Fuquay! She knew what she wanted to do, how she wanted to do it, and where she wanted to do it. Being a Fuquay native, she knew this would be home to her new Spice & Tea shop. Keeping her community and families heritage preserved in her home town was a no-brainer. Her passion and drive comes from her Grandpa whom she admires immensely. He was a hard-working, well respected man who lived and worked on the family farm which has been in their family for generations. Although he recently passed, Rachel was determined to have him with her in her business. Walking through the doors of Fuquay Spice & Tea, you will see beautiful furnishings which Rachel collected from the furniture he built in his Packhouse in the 1920’s. You will also find his mural hanging in the shop. Be sure to stop in and indulge in the scents that started her journey. Fuquay Spice & Tea offers a variety of mouth watering goodies. We can assure you there is nothing short of everything you need to prep the perfect meal. From the finest spices you can find, tasteful loose leaf teas, oils & vinegars, to finding local goodies! Check out their Facebook page to stay up to date on what’s new in store!
“I went to my first Spice and Tea shop out in Wilmington, NC. As soon as I entered, I immediately fell in love with the smells and the general atmosphere of the establishment. It was at that point I knew one day I would own my own spice and tea shop.”
-Rachel Sauls

Fuquay Mineral Spring Park

Discovered in 1858 by two farmers Davey Crocket Fuquay and Stephen Fuquay while plowing their father’s farm, now a historic landmark in Fuquay-Varina. The Mineral Spring was believed to have healing powers. Travelers came from all over to indulge in the mineral waters. This historic Mineral Spring was believed to cure kidney and intestinal ailments. Today locals and visitors still visit The Mineral Spring and it’s beauty. You will find a gazebo with easy access down to The Mineral Spring (be careful not to slip!). Picnic tables surround The Mineral Spring making it a lovely spot for an afternoon picnic! It is a peaceful place to find yourself strolling through the park, enjoying nature, listening to the trickle of the spring fountain. We highly recommend making this a stop if you have not yet taken the time to visit.

Wild Hare Gifts

Located at 121 Raleigh St. in Downtown Fuquay-Varina you will come across a quaint little store that holds not only a Family Optical, but also possibly the cutest gift shop around! Wild Hare Gifts consists of high-end, quality, unique, hand-made gifts and home décor. What’s even better than one cute, unique gift shop? TWO unique gift shops! For All Things Southern is another gift shop located inside the Family Optical that offers high-end, locally and regionally sourced gifts along with some beautiful vintage goodies. When you arrive at Wild Hare Gifts, you are greeted with full smiles and OUTSTANDING customer service. The store is set up perfectly, just the right amount of space with tons of fun things to look at I will be honest, your eye could wander for days! They have all local and regional products marked with a label that says “Made In NC” for easier findings. They keep us up-to-date with their seasons; fall time equals tons of pumpkins, apple scented candles, and some fun fall-time treats! I cannot wait to visit during Christmas time, I can only imagine how majestic the store will be decorated. One of the coolest things I ran across while inside the store browsing was coffee roast from 321 Coffee. 321 Coffee was founded by a group of NC State students who had a passion for creating employment for adults with IDD. From pop-ups at the student union serving Starbucks coffee to now running a coffee shop at the NC Farmer’s Market, they employ over 30 adults! This is SUCH an awesome cause and so glad to be able to support 321 Coffee at Wild Hare Gifts.

Naylor Roadside Market

Nestled right outside of Fuquay-Varina’s city limits heading towards Lillington, you will find Naylor Roadside Market and right next-door is family fun zone Naylor Family Farm & GIANT Corn Maze. The Naylor’s started off with the Farm & Corn Maze back in 2011 and since have added a Farm Market Barn including a concession stand, produce stand, indoor/outdoor picnic area, and restrooms. The Market consists of goodies throughout all seasons. In the spring/summer you will find a beautiful array of flowers and delicious juicy watermelon. In the fall time, pumpkins for miles and produce to match the season! They sell locally made NC products including jams & jellies, candles, salsas, honey, and so SO much more! When the sun is shining in the spring and summer months, Naylor Roadside Market offers a variety of food trucks for you to enjoy! Be sure to follow their social media pages to keep up to date with all the family fun to be had at both Naylor Roadside Market and Naylor Family Farm & Corn Maze.

Assaggio’s Pizzeria and Ristorante

Craving authentic Italian cuisine but can’t find the time to make it to Italy? You are in LUCK! Just around the corner in Fuquay, Assagio’s Pizzeria and Ristorante is a classic Italian restaurant with specialty pizzas, Stromboli’s, gyros, calzones and so much more more.

Tom and Amy McGrath, the owners of the Fuquay-Varina Assagio’s, met here in North Carolina and married in 2000 later having 2 kids. Opening their first owned restaurant in 2004, Tom was eager show off the skills he has been acquiring since working in the restaurant industry in High School. Tom and Amy love what they do, how could you not when working with pizza?! As Tom stated when asked why he decided to open an Italian restaurant? The answer was simple, “I LIKE PIZZA”! Assiago’s takes pride in their family-friendly atmosphere including wonderful food and great service.

Assaggio means ‘taste’ in Italian and this wonderful pizzeria certainly lives up to their name. Have guests coming over? Assagio’s does catering as well! Be sure to take a look at their MENU and stop by for a bite!

Dan Sushi & Hibachi in Fuquay-Varina

Dan Sushi & Hibachi is located on Main St in Fuquay. They serve both modern, contemporary, chic, and traditional Japanese cuisine. The ingredients are always fresh and sourced from all over the world to create the most authentic taste, with specialty rolls with delicate sauces to give you the best taste.

Their menu accommodates all food enthusiasts with almost 100 items on the menu, including: appetizers, salads, entrees, sushi rolls, rice and noodle meals, sashimi and more. For those that appreciate a little kick, there are also spicy variations and options for most meals as well as vegetarian options. In addition to their amazing food, they always have coupons and deals available on their website that can be used in both online order or redeemed in store. Don’t miss out on the deals or authentic Japanese food! They are now allowing dine-in but do provide curbside pick-up of delivery. You can order now! View their menu HERE. We showcase all things local on all our social media outlets: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. Be sure to like and follow us to stay up-to-date with Fuquay-Varina events!  

Local Easter Celebrations This Weekend!

Spring is finally here and Easter is coming! You know here at Front Porch Realty, how much we love to support our local community. This weekend will be packed full of events and we have curated a list of options for you if you needed some ideas. The list focuses on the Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs areas. From sweet hopping events to Sunday services.  Piney Grove Baptist Church
  • Sunrise Service – The Break of Dawn (Sun, April 4th 6:45am – 7:30am) Start your Easter with a sunrise service outdoors! It’ll be a cozy morning. Watch the sun rise as you enjoy the music. Breakfast will be served right after the service to top it off.
  Fuquay-Varina UMC
  • Easter Egg-Venture (Thurs, April 1st – Sun, April ^th) RSVP for some ultimate fun (safely of course). FVUMC have created an event for the family to enjoy but keeping them safe at the same time! It’ll be a six day event to space out time for everyone and not over-crowd.
  • Sunrise Service on the Front Lawn (Sun, April 4th 6:45am) Join the community for the morning sunrise on Easter Sunday. You will need to bring your own chairs and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for when walking over the grass.
  Sunrise United Methodist Church
  • Easter Alive (Sun, April 4th 8:30am – 10:30am) Feel Easter come alive as you experience significant events that led to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. After the service there will be a fun craft activity and an egg hunt for the kids.
    The Vineyard Church of Holly Springs
  • Easter at the Vineyard (Sun, April 4th 11am) Enjoy Easter Sunday service outdoors in celebration of the resurrection of life along with worship. Then to finish such a beautiful morning. Lunch will be served by Annie Bell’s Catering!
Evangel Church
    • Easter Egg Hunt (Sat, April 3rd 12pm – 1pm) This egg hunt will be great for the kids to enjoy! If you already had plans for Sunday, this won’t get in the way. It should be warm out this Saturday so go get that sunshine. Spring is here!
We are so happy Spring is here and hope that you all have a blessed weekend!