Fleming 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

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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.

The Corner Biergarten

Fuquay-Varina’s very own indoor Biergarten with southern hospitality! The owners, Mike and Anne moved to the area in 2017 and surely enough agree it is the BEST decision they have ever made. They opened TCB with much knowledge in brewing their own beer and running a similar spot prior. Inside you will find plenty of games, beautiful seating areas with low-lighting, coolers full of all types of beers and in case you get a craving for something salty, they offer a gigantic Bavarian pretzel, YUM! The Biergarten will often have local food trucks so be sure to follow their social media pages to see when your favorite will be visiting! TCB is passionate about being dog-friendly! Bring in your pup and enjoy the surroundings. We support local K-9 rescues and are dedicated to providing a safe and unique experience for our “fur-baby” patrons, inside and outside of our venue. In fact, we even have a selection of “beers” & treats crafted for our four-legged friends.” They also have a special donation box for any extra doggie supplies! Follow RoarNC for more information, they also have a Facebook page!

Inner Beast Hatchet House

Fuquay-Varina is filling up with all sorts of fun activities for date night out, family night out, team building outings, etc. The newest addition to activity based venues that are popping up is family-owned Inner Beast Hatchet House. The newest axe throwing spot is right here in wonderful downtown Fuquay near shopping, food, and breweries. What all should you expect at Inner Beast Hatchet House? TONS of excitement, that is for sure! They offer projection based games for throwing your axe at such as Zombie Shootout, Tic-Tac-Toe, Cornhole, and so many more! Never thrown an axe before? Not to worry, they have AXEperts that will check you in and demonstrate the safe and proper way to throw your axe. If you need to quench your hunger or thirst during this time, not to worry! Inner Beast Hatchet House offers canned beer, water, and snacks! When you go to their website to sign up for a time-slot, ensure you properly fill out your waiver before you head over there! You may book either a 60 minute slot or a 90 minute slot, this will be timed for you while you are throwing. They also offer bigger party bookings such as birthdays, work social events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, etc. Be sure to check them out, YOU DO NOT want to miss this new fun edition to Fuquay-Varina.

North Carolina State Fair

Growing up in North Carolina is a unique and wonderful experience, ask anyone. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the crystal coast beaches you have the best of both worlds. Right in the middle of it all is the State capital, Raleigh which is just outside of our town of Fuquay-Varina.

One thing North Carolina is big on is tradition. Every year the North Carolina State Fair is held in Raleigh at the Fairgrounds. Crowds gather at the fair grounds to enjoy rides, food, free entertainment, and plenty more. Last year was an unprecedented time for everyone and unfortunately the State Fair could not be held as usual. They did find a way to continue the tradition by offering a small variety of the usual fair food vendors but it was nothing like we are used to. This year the N.C. State Fair is back and better than ever!

 

The 2021 N.C. State Fair will be held from Oct. 14 – Oct. 24, tickets are on sale now, click here! Whether you are a thrill seeker or a teacup rider or just enjoy eating copious amounts of food it is a fun-for-all-ages event! With over 90 rides this year including tons of new ones, NEW FOOD VENDORS, and tons more, don’t miss the fun in 2021! 

DO THESE BRISKET MAC AND CHEESE EGGROLLS BY FATBOYS BBQ NOT LOOK DELICIOUS?!?!

Cleveland Draft House

EXCITING NEWS FOLKS! Cleveland Draft House off of E. Broad Street will be opening September 27th! If you have been following along since they announced Cleveland Draft House some time ago you know it has been a long wait but we are finally in the home stretch! The restaurant chain currently has two other locations located in Clayton and Garner, NC. If you have had the pleasure of stopping by one of their 2 other locations before, you know we are in for a treat here in Fuquay Varina. Specializing in Burgers, Ribs, and pretty much all American Cuisine you are sure to find a tasty bite to eat to curve your hunger. Cleveland Draft House is a full service restaurant and Bar with 50 beers on draft. The atmosphere offers the best of both worlds. During the daytime you can catch families of all ages enjoying a meal together, companies grabbing lunch together, but head over at nighttime and you can enjoy trivia nights (TBD), play pool, or throw some darts with friends. Starting next Monday September 27, 2021 enjoy the Cleveland Draft House experience we have all been patiently waiting for! They are still hiring line cooks, please click the link below to fill out an application if interested. APPLY HERE