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Fashion, Food & Fun

The Longest Yard - The US 301 Endless Yard Sale

Coming June 14 & 15

Put on your sun-screen, grab your bottled water and head out to the towns of Kenly, Selma, Smithfield, Four Oaks and Benson located along US 301 in Johnston County for the first annual Endless Yard Sale to take place next Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15.

Enjoy rural North Carolina and small time charm as you explore the country roads of Johnston County in search of unique collectibles and rare finds that you just can't resist.  Visit these friendly vendors who've set up tents and tables to sale their goods while meeting new neighboring counties and exchanging stories.  We call this 'Southern Hospitality' at its best!

Patterned after the long established 127 Longest Sale and inspired by the HGTV television show, the communities along US 301 will join together with deals, antiques, collectibles and more along a 30 mile stretch of highway between Kenly and Benson, NC.

Helpful Tips for Vendors & Visitors  

What Will Be for Sale?  Almost anything! Popular is junk, antiques, collectibles, dishes and glassware, to farm implements, baked food items, crafts, produce and more. Rows and rows of clothes are not the most popular items, but as the saying goes, "One man's junk is another man's treasure", so who can say?  

With efforts to support local merchants, neighbors and civic groups, no temporary food establishments or mobile food vendors will be allowed. Food permitted for sale by legitimate 501(c)(3) organizations only.... Which means tasty Southern Home-Cooked food will be for sale! Yahoo!

Where are the Yard Sales?  Yard sales can be found along the route at homes located on the designated route on US 301, in business parking lots, along side streets adjacent to the route. 

Where does it Begin and Where do I Park?  The current length of the US 301 Endless Yard Sale travels from Kenly to Benson, a 30 mile stretch through Johnston County. You might decide to start at the southern end and travel north or any combination. You may decide to jump on board anywhere in between. Parking may be limited in some areas to driveways or roadside in other places. Very Important... Be cautious of the driver in front of you and pedestrians on the roadway - be patient and a parking space will present itself.

How long will it take me to get from point A to point B?  That depends on how disciplined you are and how much ground you want to travel in one day.  If you have to stop at every yard sale then it may take you awhile.  It is easy enough to "cruise" the yard sales and travel a modest distance but it also easy to get caught up in the event and spend 3 to 4 hours in one area.  Pre-plan your day.  Decide in advance how much time you want to spend in each area and try to stick with your plan.  But most of all - have a good time and enjoy the sights and sounds!

To Bee or Not to Bee

Fork Fest - Triangle Restaurant Week - Summer Addition, June 3 - 9

Summertime's Calling Me ... to the Table!  Raise your hand if you were a June bride.  Nationally, June   is still the most popular wedding month (15%) but in NC, May and October are now the dates du jour.  Needless to say, there are a whole lot of June wedding anniversaries out there in need of a dining spot.  Just in time is Triangle Restaurant Week ("TRW").  It is a week-long celebration (June 3 - 9) of culinary excellence designed to incorporate the premier Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding area restaurants.  Best of all, it offers wonderful, fixed price meals that leave plenty of budget room for that special wine, champagne, and anniversary present.  Now guys, you didn't think you were getting off cheap?  Stick a fork in that plan!

Now We're Cookin':  During TRW, eighty seven (87) participating restaurants will offer special three-course menu options and fixed pricing.  This is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to    indulge in the area's finest cuisine! Pricing for the event is $15 for a 3-course lunch, and $20 or $30 for a 3-course dinner. Price is for each person and does not include beverages, tax or gratuity.  No reservations, tickets, passes, "or aprons" required.  Restaurant Listing - Click 87

Chow and When:  Triangle Restaurant Week is also the time to branch out and try new restaurants and cuisine.  Some newcomers of note include:  Raleigh: Oro Restaurant & Lounge, Gonza's Tacos Y Tequila, and Zinda.  Durham: Watts Grocery, G2B Gastropub, and Mateo Tapas.  Wake Forest: Bruno Seafood & Steaks.  Chapel Hill: Vespa Ristorante.  Twice is nice? ... nothing says you have to limit yourself to just one outing so try two or three and Enjoy!

Go Fish Art Camp in Minnesott Beach, NC -  August 8, 9, 10, 11, For Students ages 8-12.  Spend 4 days on the Neuse River drawing and painting seascapes, learning about and practicing fishing & crabbing.  Each student will take home a painting that they have painted, matted, framed and ready to hang as well as enjoy the pleasures that young fishermen seek on the waterfront.

Terry McManus will be the Art instructor and chief cook (she has taught art for over 30 years).  Her brother Joe McManus will teach the children to crab and fish off the 70' dock.  They will learn how to spot a flounder in shallow water and to look for sharks teeth along the sandy shoreline.

Contact Terry McManus at 919-280-9059, email: tmcmanus@wcpss.net

To learn more about Go Fish Art Camp Click Here.

Two Lots for Sale

Journey's End Cottage for Rent

Need a place to unwind and escape your day-to-day routines?  Journey's End Cottage on the Neuse River is calling your name!  It's well maintained and well stocked with everything you'd want for a home away from home.   The Neuse River provides a panoramic setting for watching dolphins and stunning sunsets.

It's conveniently located between Camps Seagull and Seafarer, and only 10 minutes away from Oriental, NC.  Beaufort, Morehead City, and the world-renowned beaches of the Crystal Coast are just a short ferry ride away.  

This comfy cottage features a knotty-pine interior with three bedrooms, 1full bath, a  large open living space, a fully-stocked kitchen, a custom built outside shower, and a new 70' concrete dock.  A sleeping porch with expansive river views and continuous breezes will be the perfect beginning to your Journey's End.   

Journey's End Cottage comfortably accommodates eight, and rents from Saturday to Saturday.  Long-term renting available.   Click Here for photos, more detail and availability.  Or Contact Terry at 919-280-9059. Email.  Website.  

Core Results - Personal Training is teaching people from all over the Raleigh, Cary andTriangle area how to meet their fitness goals. From kettlebells to TRX, everything is top of the line and brand new at the private Core Results studio. Call and make your first appointment for a Complimentary Session!

Core Results: 1330 St. Mary's Street, Suite A00, Raleigh, 27605, Phone: (919) 946-1737, Email:info@coreresults.net, Website. 

Kenna Custom Painting is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website.

Join My Blog Simply-Refined: We are an Interior Design team that can inspire and help you with your designs and decorating needs.  We have been designing and decorating homes for over 20 years.  Please call for a consultation. We can serve with a whole design package, or just consulting only...no job is too small.    

Call Zaytoun Interiors if you're finally ready to decorate or re-decorate your home or office.  What's your style?  If you're not sure, we can help you tap into your inner self and find what makes you want to come home again.  Website, Email, Phone: 305-793-8510. 

Art Week at North Hills is June 1-8 and Carnival at the Commons Friday, June 8 where there will be live music, LED performances, and fire dancing.  Also, if interested in photography, enter the Midtown Photography Competition.  For more info visit Website.  

Queen Bee of the Week - Wedding Bells are Ringing

Did You Know?  For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. Please support our local businesses!  This is what the Beltline Buzz is all about.