Yesterday afternoon, a massive group of kids (I think they were little dudes) were riding their bikes down Salem - even some over the line into oncoming traffic.
I think it's great that kids are doing something active, being social in summer, and they were all getting along.
But they gotta stay in their lane.....for safety.
So pissed that the Town of Cary had "free" charging stations for electric cars that we the taxpayers were paying for.
Welcome. I'm not selling you anything. Seriously. I'm one of the natives (there are a few thousand of us left). Just paying it forward with a little perspective.
The context: We are a funny area. With over 100,000 college kids in the area, we actually have a population drop in the summer. This means, there are certain parts of the area that are usually teeming with young folks that just - aren't. Yes, this means that there are neat - funky - cool areas where you can get a different vibe without having to travel.
This is also the time to take your kids to see the local schools and explore colleges if that's along their path in a less than intimidating way.
The Universities are POWERFUL economic engines for our area. We have a number of neat smaller schools beyond this. Explore!
1_ Duke and Durham's 9th Street
* The Duke Gardens are extraordinary (they have their own endowment). Bring Water with you (it's damned expensive in the little shop) and don't be surprised if a wedding is going on. It's stunning - and a great place for photos with your kiddos. (Note: If you have a kid that's a shrieker - you owe it to the folks that are getting married to keep the noise down)
* The Duke Chapel is a modern rendition of a gothic cathedral and it's stunning. More weddings going on - don't be surprised if they close down for weddings. Nope out if you have a shrieker and nope, non service animals are not welcome. It's a church. Be respectful.
* The Nasher Art Museum is pleasant and bite-sized.
* 9th Street is Duke's college street. Lots of neat restaurants with easier parking.
* The walking/jogging loop around East Campus pairs nicely with a coffee on 9th
* NC State's campus is going through a glow up on Main (the campus off of Hillsborough Street) with a stunning fairly new student center (get the Howling Cow ice cream - it's made on campus, delicious, and an excellent value).
* Hillsborough Street is the college street. Cup A Joe is an old school coffeehouse that pre-dated Raleigh's first Starbucks. Mitch's Tavern was in Bull Durham. There are a variety of funky shops and lunch spots that attract the students.
* NC State has converted the old Chancellor's Residence into an Art Museum near the Bell Tower to house works from NC and Beyond.
* Centennial Campus is the "new campus" at NC State and is on the Raleigh Greenway system. It's a more modern take on a research university park than RTP. The Hunt Library is robotic and looks like a combination of what would happen if there was a tryst between the Apple Store and Ikea.
* The Raulston Arboretum is another place to check out - bite sized. Good for photos of your kids. Likely to host weddings. Please be respectful of others need for peace.
* Chapel Hill has a perfect college town vibe with its tree lined quads and well kept lawns
* Franklin Street has a variety of restaurants and shops that cater to students and alumni
* The Ackland Art Museum is another bite sized University Museum right off campus
* Park in the Municipal deck on Rosemary to not have to fiddle with the madness that is parking at UNC-CH.
* The Theater in the Park is a really cool venue for outdoor Shakespeare
Definitely one of the best bakeries in town, but had a moment of surprise when the kind of rude counter attendant turned around the point of sales system, and the lowest percent pre-select tip was 17%. For counter service.
What the actual fuck?
A newcomer was seeking information about living in West Cary. Thought this might be useful.
Used to live in Amberly, some things to look out for....and some ways to mitigate the yuck.
You are in the glide path for RDU airport. Recommend that you make a family game about of spotting the planes. Seriously. It helps move from annoyance to a family conversation piece.
Always lock your house, do not leave valuables in your car, do not leave a garage opener in your car parked outside and if possible, park in your garage (there are issues with car break-ins and car theft).
Do not leave your purse in your cart in the grocery store without eyes on it. There was a scam running where gals of a certain age would get distracted by someone asking a friendly question and then someone stole their wallet in Grocery Stores.
Do NOT decide to sleep with your windows open in spring on a nice day - the pollen will get in your house and if you have folks with allergies in your family it will be be just awful and get everywhere - spend the money on your airco to have clean air in the house. Literally, drone footage reveals that the area looks like crops have been dusted in the spring.
Store bikes in your garage - not behind homes unless they're secured (there have been thefts)
The water is among the best in the country. Once a year they disinfect the water system and it has a funky odor. This passes quickly.
You will hear gunshots in the early morning in the winter. Amberly is near public lands that are open for licensed hunting for waterfowl and deer. Don't freak out.
Cary has kick ass snow management (we don't have it often). Research Triangle Park is a low tax area with less services (read snow removal). Don't be surprised how fast roads degrade when you leave the bubble.
Get NC Quick Pass for toll roads
The Cary Police have a swap spot where if you sell anything you can do so under a camera at the main police station - don't list stuff online and have randoms come to your house.
The American Tobacco Trail is great - however the trail goes through some meh areas near downtown durham (which is a long ways away via the trail) - stay south of Southpoint Mall.
Panhandlers have started showing up in West Cary at shopping centers on occasion. Dorcas are a fantastic charity that supports Cary families - recommend you give to reputable charities instead of panhandlers as not to encourage it
There is a sewerage treatment plant on NC55 at TW Alexander Drive. Turn your Airco on recycle in your car to avoid the smell of many farts.
There is a Nuclear Power Plant south of Apex (Sherron-Harris). They sometimes test the warning sirens. This does not mean armageddon is upon us.
If you have dogs, know your neighbors mind and will go to extraordinary lengths to identify and shame you if you or your kids do not pick up the dog poop.
Bless your heart has a variety of highly contextual meanings. If you hear that, may the force be with you.
The Amberly area is about as diverse as it gets. Know when Diwali is as it is often celebrated with fireworks so if you have nervous pets you can take precautions to be home that night or enjoy a neighborhood display. Some people celebrate New Year's with fireworks as well.
Jordan Lake is very close to your neighborhood. As a result, weather apps with flood warnings will pop and unless you set the app appropriately - getting a false alarm about flash floods every thunderstorm gets old
Porch Pirates are unfortunately a thing. If you don't have a member of your household that's working from home - explore having your purchases delivered to the local UPS or Fedex store for pickup or use an amazon locker.
Copperheads are a thing to be aware of but not live in fear of every 5 minutes.
Black mold is serious stuff. Invest in an el-cheapo dehumidifier for your garage so you can park your wet, hot car in the garage and not have a funky garage.
Whew. That's a lot of yuck. But the Triangle has ever so many absolutely wonderful things that people that leave often come back. Many don't want to leave. Many seem to be visiting and saying I like it here.
Welcome.
Thinking about mixing it up and trying downtown out with a rental car on a trip.....but here's the deal:
I'm a light sleeper. And an east coaster (even in Vegas I'm asleep by midnight).
Am I tempting fate by looking downtown. Don't want to FAFO.