Tag Archives: Things To Do
A Small Town with a Historical Past and a HUGE Future
Fuquay-Varina (FeW-kWAY VAh-Ree-NUh)
SMALL TOWN ATMOSPHERE
Although growing, and we mean growing FAST, Fuquay-Varina still maintains it’s small-town atmosphere. Supporting local is a key factor to this along with the outstanding community Fuquay-Varina holds. With events held all over our town throughout all seasons, to local companies that are known world-wide, Fuquay-Varina has it all. Fuquay-Varina locals shop, drink, and eat local and there is a good reason for that. We have some of the best breweries around, delicious food found on every street in both Districts, and activities for all ages, young and old! Aviator Brewery, well-known all over in Grocery Stores and Gas Stations originated in Fuquay-Varina and is a hit for locals and visitors! Take a ride on the Brewquay Prowler to explore the multiple breweries Fuquay offers with a group of friends! Stop into our favorite dive-bar for a delicious custom drink and if you’re lucky, a yummy bite to eat if you see that neon burger sign lit up at The Brick! Anywhere you venture to in Fuquay-Varina, you are sure to find a smiling face!LESS THAN 20 MILES FROM DOWNTOWN RALEIGH
Continue readingEXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN FUQUAY-VARINA
Interested in staying in Fuquay-Varina to visit friends or family? Moving into town soon but have nowhere to stay during your transition? You are in luck! The owner of FRONT PORCH REALTY has 2 downtown Airbnb locations right in DOWNTOWN FUQUAY-VARINA 1/2 mile from our real estate office! Walking distance to beautiful Downtown where you will find many unique and home-grown eateries, coffee shops, boutiques, thrift shops, and much much more!! They are even pet friendly, take a trip to the Downtown Fuquay-Varina Dog Park, featuring 8 acres of off-leash fun for your pups!
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The Brickhouse Bar & Grill
From delicious drinks that are almost too beautiful to indulge in to some of the best FRESH bar food in town, The Brickhouse Bar & Grill is a Fuquay local’s favorite.
There are so many changes that have happened within the brick walls over the past year. We got the inside scoop from management and we are ecstatic to share their vision with you!
Continue readingFleming Loop Park
FLEMMING LOOP PARK
Fleming Loop Park reopened back in 2020 after extensive upgrades were completed. Enjoy 7 multi-purpose fields, a concession stand, clean restroom facilities, playground equipment, and a walking trail.Location:
503 Fleming Loop Road Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Continue readingHilltop 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 SaladFuquay 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.