carolina ladies - best in the world

[AusAshMommy]

Katie ~ We're still new to Wilmington ourselves, been here a little over a month, and we're still exploring. However, that being said there's some new housing communities down towards Monkey Junction and on the north end of Wilmington (N College Rd). We're sort of in the middle of town near the mall...but there's lots of things up and down Market Street, and you'll want to check out Carolina and Wrightsville Beaches. The USS N. Carolina is a good tourist attraction and there's an aquarium out at Ft. Fisher.

Enjoy your trip!!!

[Camdynlyn]

Wilmington is wonderful. I lived near the mall as well and I would say Monkey Junction is best for new communities. I second the battleship and Ft. Fisher aquarium as well as the beaches. Head to downtown Wilmington and walk around the brick paved streets. It's beautiful!

[TriSigmaNC]

HA I was just kidding about the controversy, only because I know Paige IRL :)

WILMINGTON!!!!!!!!! I'm a townie :)
Ok, housing suggestions, a few. Monkey Junction (Myrtle Grove on any map) is a good area, but not close to the University. A few others, 17th Street Extension and the Shipyard areas, also off of Gordon road on the way to Ogden (basically Market and Gordon) tons of complexes back there. Those are all mostly below 200k, if you're looking for above 200k you could look in the Mayfair area off of Military Cuttoff road.

They've given you great sightseeing ideas, the ship and downtown are great. Food wise: Downtown-Elijah's and almost anything you see is fantastic. On the beach-The Oceanic has the best view in town, near the beach-Dockside is the best place for an out of towner to visit and any of the nearby one's like Fish House or Bridgetender are great too. If you'd like just quick sandwich in town, McAlister's is always great and for Baja Mexican K-38 is wonderful. If you know what you're craving, just ask, I'll help you out!

[kam]

Hey all - I may need to bow out of the GTG. I just found out that I'll be travelling for work pretty much from mid-May until July (yay, I know you all envy me) so I'd like to keep the weekends free as much as possible as I'll be living in crappy hotels and having zero family time during the weekdays. If things lighten up as far as travel goes, I'll definitely come but I don't want anyone depending on it (read: so buy your own pop/soda/coke ;))!

[southerner]

Kam, Sorry to hear you might not come. I'd want to do the same thing if I was travelling so much.

TriSigmaNC, do you mind bringing soda and ice instead of chips? Looks like MLA is bringing chips.

[southerner]

Roll Call for GTG on May 20th at 4:00 p.m.


Camdynlyn and DH
Southerner and DH
MLA and DH
TriSigmaNC and DH
shellbell516, DH, Rachel and dog
Amtaylor, DH and Mackenzie
Jaycee???
mel7dog, DH and Ben????
kam, DH and dogs?????



Food

Pasta Salad- shellbell516
Paper goods (plates, napkins, silverware and cups)- southerner
Sweet tea- Camdynlyn
Hotdog/hamburger buns-
Desserts- Camdynlyn
Guacamole/cornchips- MLA
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish, cheese)
Soda/ice

Here's (http://www.constantchatter.com/showpost.php?p=708901&postcount=471) info on the park and a map.

Ladies, feel free to bring something else that's not on this list that you think we need.

[TriSigmaNC]

Crud,
We're on the maybe list, will know by mid week. Sorry--we do hope to be there.

[amtaylor]

If it's going to be a bad time we can just cancel the GTG and do it some other time and place... it's not that big a deal

[MLA]

If it's going to be a bad time we can just cancel the GTG and do it some other time and place... it's not that big a deal

No, I think we should still do it -- we still have a pretty good number of people. :)


Regarding my contribution -- I may not do guacamole if I can't find decent avocados. So, let's say I'm bringing chips and dip, whatever that dip may be. :)

[Camdynlyn]

I say keep it on! I'm excited. I also found a new recipe for dipping veggies I may try out on you guys. You don't have to put it on the list, though, because it may be a dud.

MLA: YAY because I'm not a guacamole fan! ;)

[southerner]

DH will be disappointed if we cancel. Really, he's excited about checking out the park :rolleyes:

[amtaylor]

Okay... just remember that there's a swim beach right by the shelter, so feel free to bring your suits. The forecast for Saturday says partly sunny at 79 :)


I just looked over the list... anyone interested in bringing the hot dog/hamburger buns? If not, we can probably pick that up too. I'm not a fan of hot dogs with no buns ;)

[southerner]

TriSigmaNC, I hope you and DH are able to make it, since I seem to be the only who hasn't met you yet.

Amber, No way in H-E-double hockey sticks I'm putting on a swimsuit. DH probably will though. Is the water warm (w/ the weather)? I'll bring buns. How much meat are y'all getting?? Burgers and dogs? I'll chip in for condiments and meat, if you wanna do that??

MLA, you got changed to "dip and chips". I don't like guac either, but if everyone else did, I didn't want to be the partypooper :o Guess Summer wins the award. That's two awards in one week for you dear :p

Roll Call for GTG on May 20th at 4:00 p.m.


Camdynlyn and DH
Southerner and DH
MLA and DH
shellbell516, DH, Rachel and dog
Amtaylor, DH and Mackenzie
TriSigmaNC and DH???????
Jaycee???
mel7dog, DH and Ben????
kam, DH and dogs?????



Food

Pasta Salad- shellbell516
Paper goods (plates, napkins, silverware and cups)- southerner
Sweet tea- Camdynlyn
Hotdog/hamburger buns-southerner
Desserts- Camdynlyn
Dip/chips- MLA
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish, cheese)
Soda/ice

Here's (http://www.constantchatter.com/showpost.php?p=708901&postcount=471) info on the park and a map.

[amtaylor]

I'm not wear a suit either... there's just no way! I don't know how warm the water is... I know people have been swimming already. I'll have to see if I can find out :)

[shellbell516]

a bathing suit! HA! Yeah, right. I might get my feet wet though.

I'm excited!! I kept reminding Phillip all weekend about it.

We can also bring the condiments (cheese, mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickles).

[Camdynlyn]

Southerner: Every party has a pooper that why we invited you... party pooper! :) I guess I can be that but I wasn't complaining until she said something!

[southerner]

SouthernerI guess I can be that but I wasn't complaining until she said something!
and I didn't say anything until you did ;)

[MurphysLaw]

:(:(:( I SOOOOOO wish I could make it. It sounds like it's going to be a blast!!

[Regina Phalange]

I'm thinking about hiring someone to be my DH for the day so I can come out with you cool kids. :p Hope you ladies have tons of fun! Don't forget to take pictures!

[MLA]

What do you people have against guacamole?! What's it ever done to deserve such hatred? I have a feeling it's because y'all live in North Carolina where the Mexican food is anything but tastey. I come from the land of yummy Mexican food -- including yummy guacamole. ;)

[shellbell516]

We love guacamole! Not sure why others don't.

[TriSigmaNC]

I freaking love guac :)

Ok, after paying for DH's tuition and down to about nothing, not sure if we can make it. :(

[southerner]

Sorry you won't be able to make it, TriSigmaNC!

shellbell516, Thanks for bringing the condiments!

amber, Are you getting hotdogs and hamburgers? Was wondering if I need to bring both types of buns?

[southerner]

Got this in my e-mail today and thought it was worth passing along. Feel free to pass along to anyone y'all know who might qualify. I'm going to do it when DH and I start TTC.

UNC research project needs people

Are you trying to get pregnant OR less than 9 weeks pregnant?

Right from the Start is a research study of early pregnancy health at
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To learn how you can
be in the study, call us toll free at (866) 346-2684 or send an email to
rfts@unc.edu with your name, phone number and times that you can be
reached. We will not share your email address with anyone outside of
the study. Visit our website at www.mom2be.org for more info.

Participants receive:
- Free early ultrasound
- $10 for completing a telephone interview at the end of the first
trimester
- Free pregnancy tests for women who are trying to get pregnant

We need your help! You can advance knowledge by simply sharing
information about yourself and your pregnancy.

Please share this message with friends or family. Contribute to
medical knowledge and help other women like yourself!

The principal investigator for this study is Katherine Hartmann, MD,
PhD, UNC School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & School
of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Right from the Start study and this message have received approval
from the UNC Public Health Institutional Review Board on Research
Involving Human Subjects.

**Note you have to live in the Triangle or surrounding areas. I'm not even sure I qualify :rolleyes:

[southerner]

Roll Call for GTG on May 20th at 4:00 p.m.


Camdynlyn and DH
Southerner and DH
MLA and DH
shellbell516, DH, Rachel and dog
Amtaylor, DH and Mackenzie
TriSigmaNC and DH???????
Jaycee???
kam, DH and dogs?????



Food

Pasta Salad- shellbell516
Paper goods (plates, napkins, silverware and cups)- southerner
Sweet tea- Camdynlyn
Hotdog/hamburger buns-southerner
Desserts- Camdynlyn
Dip/chips- MLA
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, relish, mayo, tomato, onion)- shellbell516
Soda/ice- MLA
cheese- southerner

Here's (http://www.constantchatter.com/showpost.php?p=708901&postcount=471) info on the park and a map.

[shellbell516]

Southerner - I participated in that study! It was so nice to have free pg tests and get that early u/s at 6 weeks. I didn't qualify to get more u/s because they were looking for people with fribroids. It was definately worth it!

[amtaylor]

We will have both hamburgers and hot dogs (beef & Turkey)

[southerner]

I'll bring cheese for the burgers too.

[shellbell516]

I'll bring cheese for the burgers too.

So, I don't need to bring cheese? Or are you saying you want a specific type of cheese?

[southerner]

So, I don't need to bring cheese? Or are you saying you want a specific type of cheese?
haha, i didn't even realize I listed cheese in the condiments :o I'll bring cheese since you are bringing all the other things.

[mel7dog]

Sadly we are not going to be able to make it this weekend :( :( Ben has been a handful going through his growth spurt and DH and I decided it would be better for us to catch up on sleep and relax.

Hope everyone has a blast!!

[shellbell516]

haha, i didn't even realize I listed cheese in the condiments :o I'll bring cheese since you are bringing all the other things.


OK. Also note that I'm bringing mayo. I can't have burgers without mayo too. :)

I'll also bring tomatoes and onions for the burgers.

Mel - Sorry you can't make it! I would love to see little Ben. Maybe next time.

[TriSigmaNC]

We are a definite no. Eric started summer classes today and already know he has a test next week. My nerd will be studying all weekend. Plus we're so poor as I just paid his entire tuition and books...and now saving for session 2. UGH! Just a little while he'll make me some money ;) Glad I'm willing to hold out and support him! (j/k about the money..I'd go through life poor as a rat for him).

We WILL be visiting during the week of June 20-23 to visit Duke and State's masters departments for him. I'll let you all know for sure! Now realize...you KNOW we'll be visiting PF Changs, but we'll be in town to stay for at least a night so I'm sure we'll go to another restaurant too. lol

[MLA]

Is there anything else that I can bring besides chips and dip? I'm feeling like I'm not chipping in enough here with the food . . .

[southerner]

MLA, No one is bringing soda and ice. Or you could bring baked beans.

[MLA]

I'll do soda and ice. Or is it pop? Or coke? ;)

[southerner]

I'll do soda and ice. Or is it pop? Or coke? ;)
cool, thanks! Looks like we're all good to go then, ladies!!

[kam]

I told southerner this as well but....

My travel plans have changed greatly, but as you all may know game 1 of round 3 of hockey is this Saturday. We'll be at the RBC Center. I was a fan since the Whalers days because of my CT roots so Go Canes!

[TriSigmaNC]

Oh NO, it is POURING here. I hope that doesn't affect you all.
Have fun without me! We'll be in Raleigh around the 20-23 possibly.

[amtaylor]

No rain yet. According to our weather, it's just a slight chance of morning showers, but the radar shows the rain too far south for us to get any. It's suppose to be 80 and mostly sunny by 4pm :)

[southerner]

DH is going to bring his suit. I told him he may be the only one swimming. He said he probably wouldn't if he was the only one ;)

[amtaylor]

he, he... I'm sure he won't be the only one. I think Mackenzie's planning on takin' a dip with dad.

[southerner]

:cool:

[MLA]

Yeah, my DH will probably bring a suit, too.

[TriSigmaNC]

Sounds like you guys had fun! Now on to the next one.
I say Myrtle or here even! (That's Wilmington). It's summer and we all surely need some beach time.

Eric and I will be in Raleigh around June 20-23ish (not sure of the date yet), and will be doing PF Changs if anyone's interested.

[shellbell516]

I posted pictures in my LJ of the Lake Jordan GTG. Let me know if you're not friended and want to see.

[southerner]

Thank you. Now I'm a friend :D

[southerner]

Moving a conversation that started in my journal today over here.

We were thinking we do our next GTG at either a Greensboro Grasshoppers or Durham Bulls game. Both seasons end at the end of August. So, we should try to pick a game everyone can go to. We'll need to figure out where it's best to be, okay?

I'll check the schedule for home game dates and times and let y'all know. Anyone want to try to work this out or willing to travel to do so?

[southerner]

Here (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=20203) is the thread I started about the baseball game. Hope some of you are actually inteersted in trying to work this out :o

[southerner]

We're going to the Durham Bulls game on Saturday, August 12th. Hope you can all make it.

Here (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=20203) is the thread about it.

[MLA]

Hello ladies! DH and I want to spend a few days at the beach in July – we live in Durham and would like not to have to drive more than 4 hours. Any suggestions for a cute coastal town to stay in?

[AusAshMommy]

I'm gonna be a bit biased and say Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach...both cute little coastal towns right next to Wilmington

[Camdynlyn]

I'll second Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach or Bald Head Island.

[cynder]

We love Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach. We usually do B&Bs. There is this awesome state park called Hammocks Beach State Park on Bear Island where they only let 300 people on the island per day and you can camp there. We didn't camp but the beach was so peaceful and so few people.

[tgray99]

Hi ladies, I'm going to be in Fayetteville June 10-13. I have a job fair on the 12th but other than that I don't have any plans. I wanted to check out the area as we'll be moving there but other than that I'll be alone and bored. Anyone in the area want to meet for dinner or something?

[TriSigmaNC]

Of course I'd say Wrightsville too :) Because when you're here you can take day trips to Ft. Fisher, Southport, Emerald Isle, Baldhead Isle, etc.

[Regina Phalange]

Hello ladies! DH and I want to spend a few days at the beach in July – we live in Durham and would like not to have to drive more than 4 hours. Any suggestions for a cute coastal town to stay in?
We always go to Emerald Isle and Beaufort. Great towns without being too commercialized.

[MLA]

We've been to Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches, though only briefly . . . I was thinking about Emerald Isle. Is there a lot to do there?

[mb1197]

Does anyone have any suggestions on inexpensive, but nice hotels or B&Bs near the beaches?

[cynder]

Tgray I would love to meet up but I think the distance and timing are bad for met. After posting in the May thread, I would love to meet once you get settled. I don't know much about that area but I sure you are able to connect with others from Fort Bragg to get help.

Hotes Ok I looked back at our last trip to the coast and we stayed in a place called Harborlight Guest House (http://harborlightnc.com) at Cape Carteret but I know the owners left to start a B&B in Greensboro. So I can't totally vouch for it but the thing I loved about it is that the breakfast went beyond bagels and cold cereal. It looks like from the website that they are continuing to serve a full on breakfast. Very secluded so worth the price. I think we stayed in the cheapest suite.

In terms of do, New Bern is pretty close and is the birthplace of Pepsi. I confess, we mostly did our coast trips to stay in a B&B and chill on the beach and eat. I'll have to see if I can find the names of the fab restaurants we went to. This site is a pretty good guide to the area: http://www.crystalcoastnc.org/

[MLA]

Hi ladies, I'm going to be in Fayetteville June 10-13. I have a job fair on the 12th but other than that I don't have any plans. I wanted to check out the area as we'll be moving there but other than that I'll be alone and bored. Anyone in the area want to meet for dinner or something?

Let me know what your plans are, and maybe we can get together. :)

[paiger]

We're going to the Durham Bulls game on Saturday, August 12th. Hope you can all make it.

Here (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=20203) is the thread about it.
I'll put it on my calendar. I hope it works out!

[Regina Phalange]

We've been to Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches, though only briefly . . . I was thinking about Emerald Isle. Is there a lot to do there?
There is a movie theatre, putt-putt, and typical beach shops and restuarants. The usual beachy stuff. What are you looking to do?

[MLA]

There is a movie theatre, putt-putt, and typical beach shops and restuarants. The usual beachy stuff. What are you looking to do?

I don't want to do much, but I'd like to be able to do some window shopping and eat at a nice restaurant. That's pretty much it. Otherwise, I'm all about lounging around doing nothing too exciting.


Like mb1197, I'm also interested in B&B's on the coast, so if anyone has any suggestions, fire away!

[TriSigmaNC]

HUGE tip on New Bern. My parents run the KAO (Kampground of America). I know New Bern isn't a beach town, but it's on a river. At the KAO they have these great little cabins that have a queen bed, kitchen, tv, cable, wireless internet, pool, so cute. Eric and I stay there when we go visit. It's right on the river and it's really nice. They also have some other great B&B's downtown. That's a great place to visit.

About Emerald Isle, not much to do besides the beach and some restaurants. Just an fyi.

I can help a few others with some local B&B's if they want. I'm a Wilmington girl.

[ManteoChik]

Does anyone have any suggestions on inexpensive, but nice hotels or B&Bs near the beaches?

Which beach are you interested in? I'm from the Outer Banks (Manteo, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Corolla, ect...) let me know where you are thinking about.

[MLA]

I can help a few others with some local B&B's if they want. I'm a Wilmington girl.

I'd be interested to hear about Wilmington B&B's, too, since we'll do a Wilmington trip, too, at some point!

[TriSigmaNC]

MLA
It fully depends on where you want to stay. The B&B's are at the river downtown, which is a great place to stay. If you want one near the beach you're almost SOL on Wrightsville, but there are many off brand type hotels/studios to rent. I can get some info on those if you want.

For B&B's by the river. http://www.lanierbb.com/wilmington-north-carolina-bed-breakfast.html
I honestly would have mentioned the Graystone, Rosehill and Front Street as my first 3. The link I posted is a great local one to use.

[mb1197]

Which beach are you interested in? I'm from the Outer Banks (Manteo, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Corolla, ect...) let me know where you are thinking about.
Since I've only been to Wrightsville I'd really be interested in hearing about anything that you would like to share. I want to take a long weekend, be near the water, have some good restaurants nearby and not spend an outlandish amount of money.

[mb1197]

HUGE tip on New Bern. My parents run the KAO (Kampground of America). I know New Bern isn't a beach town, but it's on a river. At the KAO they have these great little cabins that have a queen bed, kitchen, tv, cable, wireless internet, pool, so cute. Eric and I stay there when we go visit. It's right on the river and it's really nice. They also have some other great B&B's downtown. That's a great place to visit.

About Emerald Isle, not much to do besides the beach and some restaurants. Just an fyi.

I can help a few others with some local B&B's if they want. I'm a Wilmington girl.
This sounds nice. How much do they charge for a cabin per night?

[ManteoChik]

Since I've only been to Wrightsville I'd really be interested in hearing about anything that you would like to share. I want to take a long weekend, be near the water, have some good restaurants nearby and not spend an outlandish amount of money.

Well, I've got a few suggestions.

_____
Accomadations

Roanoke Island(where I live) - it's a wonderful place to stay and away from a lot of the traffic but just a hop accross the bridge to the beach.

Roanoke Island/Dare Mainland runs East to West on Hwy 64/264, and is made up of Manteo, Wanchese, Mashoes, Manns Harbor, East Lake and Stumpy Point. This island is not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, but instead is situated on the Roanoke and Croatan Sounds.

Burrus House Inn
509 South Highway 64 Manteo, NC 27954. (252) 475-1636.
Open year round.
www.burrushouseinn.com
burrushouseinn@earthlink.net
Rates: $225 - $275.
# and Type of Units: 6 rooms.
Amenities: Cable TV, Coffee Maker, Continental Breakfast, DVD, Fireplace, Microwave, Non-Smoking Rooms Available, Refrigerator, Spa/Jacuzzi, Wireless Internet Connections.
Handicap Accessible.
Jacuzzi and Shower in all rooms, lots of decks, all king sized beds, 20 inch LC TVs with DVD player and movies in the rooms, hardwood floors with oriental rugs, leather sofas, bikes, wireless internet connections.

Tranquil House Inn
Waterfront, Manteo. (800) 458-7069, (252) 473-1404.
www.tranquilinn.com
Rates: $129 - $189 (IN); $109 - $139 (MID); $79 - $99 (OFF).
# and Type of Units: 25 rooms.
Amenities: Continental Breakfast, Non-Smoking Rooms Available.
Handicap Accessible.
Restaurant. Evening wine/cheese. This is probably my favorite place. It's on the pricy side so if you are looking for an inexpensive place this wouldn't be it.

Elizabethan Inn
Manteo. (800) 346-2466, (252) 473-2101.
www.elizabethaninn.com
Rates: $69 - $149.
# and Type of Units: 79 rooms, 6 efficiencies.
Indoor & Outdoor Pool.
Amenities: Coffee Maker, Cooking Facilities, Full Breakfast, Health Club, Non-Smoking Rooms Available, Refrigerator, Spa/Jacuzzi.
Handicap Accessible.
Getaway Card accepted.
Complimentary Breakfast Even though is says Inn, it's actually a pretty large hotel. They have both and indoor and outdoor pool as well as a fitness center and hot tub and sauna, racketball, tennis...ect. They also have a restaurant with a GREAT breakfast. All in all it's a nice place to stay on the island.

"On the beach" (over the bridge from Roanoke Island) Personally -I'd suggest staying in Nags Head or South Nags Head

Comfort Inn Oceanfront South
MP 17, Oceanfront, Nags Head. (800) 334-3302, (252) 441-6315.
www.hotelsobx.com
info@hotelsobx.com
Rates: $159 - $279 (IN); $89 - $189 (MID); $69 - $159 (OFF).
# and Type of Units: 105 rooms.
Outdoor Pool.
Amenities: Coffee Maker, Continental Breakfast, Microwave, Non-Smoking Rooms Available, Outdoor Shower, Refrigerator.
Handicap Accessible.
Getaway Card accepted. This is a really nice place to stay and they are right one the ocean. A lot of people I know stay here.
_______
Fun

The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama It's the longest running outdoor play anywhere. It is the story of the colonist. It's really fun but I sugguest buying your tickets in advance. It runs at night and starts when it gets dark outside. It's really a great show and I love going to see it every summer. www.thelostcolony.org

Kitty Hawk Kites I worked for this company for three years when I was in High School. It is a great place. They do Hang Gliding off of Jockey's Ridge (it's a beginner class and anyone from 85 - 225 pounds can do it) I think it costs $89.00 per person and it is WELL worth it, so much fun. They also do kayaking trips in like 7 different places on the outer banks and they are all really reasonable in price, I think about $35 per person. (they do a kayak trip out of Downtown Manteo right down the street from the Tranquil House Inn...see above post) They also have a rock climbing wall as well as jet ski rentals and parasailing and kiteboarding. They really are like "the" company for outdoor activities on the OBX. Their website is.... www.kittyhawk.com (1-877-FLY-THIS is their number) and you can go to any of their stores to book trips or get more info. You can also call the main reservation number (where I worked most of the time) and book it online. Just keep in mind they have a 24 hour cancellation policy so if you book your trip the day before you want to take it you will not get a refund if you cancell, they will give you a voucher to come back and do it again someday.

Jockey's Ridge Even if you don't go hang gliding you can still go to Jockey's Ridge and climb the dunes and it's free. Kitty Hawk Kites is like a huge outdoor and kite and toy store with Columbia clothing. They have a whole upstairs devoted to kites of all prices, a lot of people go buy and kite and take it accross the street to Jockey's Ridge and fly them.
http://www.outer-banks.nc.us/tourism/jock1.jpg

The Wright Brother's Monument This is where the Wright Brother's Flew the very first airplane. Park admission is like $4.00 a car - very cheap. You can climb up to the monument or go into the museum.
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parkphotos/WRBR%20375x100%2Ejpg

The Beach Last but not least the beach, it's free and beautiful. If you stay at a hotel on the ocean you can walk right onto the beach. If you stay on the island it's just a 4 min. ride over the bride and there are plenty of public beach accesses. If you have a 4-wheel drive truck then you can drive down on the beach at Oregon Inlet (just a south of Nags Head) and spend the day relaxing on the beach...it's free to drive on. When I was in high school we would all take everyone's trucks and a grill with coolers of food and spend the day at the beach grilling out and eating. It was a lot of fun and people still do that.
___________

Food One of the most important things, here are just a few of my MUST GO TO places....

Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe I was a Hostess there in high school until I was old enough to wait tables. They have an awsome lunch menu that is reasonably priced, you must also go there for dinner (people can't help to go back) this restaurant is owned by Senator Marc Basnight and his daughters and wife. They all run the place and he walks around every night to say hello to everyone. They start serving dinner at 4:30pm....it may sound early but people line up. As long as you are there by 7:30 the wait shouldn't be too long but after that it can get up to 3 hours some nights (Well worth the wait....keep in mind they don't take reservations) http://www.lonecedarcafe.com 252-441-5405 You can see a sample of their menu on the website.


Owen's Restaurant Just down the street from Lone Cedar but they are pretty pricy. If you want to have one night out for a fabulous dinner, this is the place, they also don't take reservations but their Filet and Lobster is to die for. This place is really nice and pretty pricey. If you go out for one "nice" meal on your whole trip - this is the place to go.
Owen's Restaurant
Milepost 16 1/2, Beach Road
Nags Head, NC
252-441-7309

Striper's Bar and Grille This is located in Manteo (on Roanoke Island) at the new Shallowbag Bay Club. They are located right on the water and have GREAT food. It's fairly new, only been open a couple of years and *quickly* became a locals FAVORITE. They have a great menu for both lunch and dinner and they are more casual. A lot of their items (like pasta bowls, they do specials every week) can come in a 1/2 order which is WAY more than enough.

***Okay, I know its a huge post but if ya'll decide to go there let me know and I can narrow a few things down for you. You should also check out www.outerbanks.org

[TriSigmaNC]

This sounds nice. How much do they charge for a cabin per night?

Let me give you the link: http://www.koa.com/where/nc/33180/
You'll see a cute photo of my parents there :) About $70 per night.

[paiger]

My mom has a timeshare that includes a location in New Bern. What all is there to do there? Is there a beach nearby? Is it expensive as far as restaurants and things?

She is letting us use her points this fall for a quick weekend trip (the first one that doesn't include parents since our honeymoon!!). Since the next closest location is Lake Lure (which I love, but is like 4 hours away), New Bern it is for us. I can't complain w/ a free place to stay :)!!

[mb1197]

Thanks ManteoChik and TriSigmaNC for the links. I'll check them out today. How far is Manteo from the Durham area? DH and I are going to plan our weekend to happen probably after labor day around our anniversary (9-14). Would this be considered off season and is the weather still nice at the beach?

[ManteoChik]

Thanks ManteoChik and TriSigmaNC for the links. I'll check them out today. How far is Manteo from the Durham area? DH and I are going to plan our weekend to happen probably after labor day around our anniversary (9-14). Would this be considered off season and is the weather still nice at the beach?

Manteo is about 4 hours from Durham.....64 takes you ALL the way to Manteo. The weather should be fine that weekend and it will be less croweded because the season should be slowing down. I called the Elizabethan Inn just to check rates and they dropped *a lot* by coming the weekend after labor day. For 9/14-9/17 it was $89/night for a room with double beds and $99/night for a king room. The in season rate runs from $130-150 depending on the type of room.

[TriSigmaNC]

My mom has a timeshare that includes a location in New Bern. What all is there to do there? Is there a beach nearby? Is it expensive as far as restaurants and things?

Paige
If you're anywhere near the river, that's nice. There's a beach about 30 or so minutes away, but I can't remember what it's called, but my parents might. Downtown New Bern is Tryon Palace (see link), the location where Pepsi was founded, a great park right on the river. The local restaurants are great. There's this great European type place called Fred and Claire's, Nikola's is a decent Greek place, Annabelle's is good, The Chelsea is a great nice dinner date place.

http://www.visitnewbern.com/attractions.htm

[mb1197]

I have been told to also check out Beaufort, Emerald Isle, and Kure. Anyone have any thoughts on those? I e-mailed the Beaufort Inn for more information. Has anyone stayed there?

[mb1197]

Manteo is about 4 hours from Durham.....64 takes you ALL the way to Manteo. The weather should be fine that weekend and it will be less croweded because the season should be slowing down. I called the Elizabethan Inn just to check rates and they dropped *a lot* by coming the weekend after labor day. For 9/14-9/17 it was $89/night for a room with double beds and $99/night for a king room. The in season rate runs from $130-150 depending on the type of room.
Thanks for the info! That is a great rate!:)

[ManteoChik]

Thanks for the info! That is a great rate!:)


Not a problem. Let me know if you would like more info.

[paiger]

Thanks, Tracie!! I'll put those down, so we can try them.

[TriSigmaNC]

Kure Beach is on the way from Wrightsville to Fort Fisher, great little area. Nice beach, quiet, but close enough to go into Wilmington or Wrightsville for restaurants or just fun.

[Kimberland30]

Every year my DH's family rents a house in Duck. This year we don't have as many people going, so I'd like to do more than just "sit on the beach" all week.

First, what is the water park that is on the way to the Hatteras Lighthouse? We saw it last year but I haven't found it when trying to do a search. Have any of you gone to it, and how is it?

We are also considering going to the Aquarium. My SIL was going to bring her kids down to VA a few days early so we could go to the one here, but it looks like the one down in NC is very similar (touch tanks, etc). If you've been, did you like it?

What are some good places to eat? We've tried a few restaurants around the vacinity of Duck and Kitty Hawk, and most are "so-so". Our favorite place so far is The Black Pelican for fine dining (where we celebrated our 3-year dating anniversary last year, we'll be returning this year), and Pigman's BBQ for casual dining. There are so many to choose from, and I hate wasting time and energy on places that really aren't that great.

Any help you could give is appreciated!!

[shellbell516]

Kim - I've seen that water park, but have never gone to it. We've been to the aquarium several times. I love going. ManteoChik had listed out some really great restaurants. I would second Owens in Nags Head. We also like Jolly Rogers in KDH area. And for a casual breakfast there's always "Eat and get the Hell out" in KDH. :D We'll be in the OBX the week of July 31st. When are you going?

[Kimberland30]

I've seen "Eat and Get the Hell Out" and laugh everytime I see it. I've never eaten there though.

We'll be in Duck from August 27th - September 3. We usually go the week prior to this, but the house we rent has been booked the last 2 years so we're going a week later.

A guy I work with just came in my office asking for ideas for a family vacation (his kids are the same age as mine) and I suggested NC. I'm going to look some stuff up for him...the Aquarium, fishing, water park, lighthouses, and of course a place to stay. I hope it isn't too late for him to book something.

[ManteoChik]

Kimberland3 If you check out page 58 you'll see my post about places to stay and things to do on the OBX.

I actually live the next development over from the Aquarium and I love it there. The state completely renovated it a couple of years ago and it looks fantastic. The touch tank is great and the kids can feel the stingrays. How old are the kids that will be going?? Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[Kimberland30]

Man, I've forgotten how old my nephews are. I think 11, 7 and 6? The last time I went to the aquarium out your way was back in 1991, so it's been a while. I went to the website and it looks very similar to what we have here, so I know they'll have a great time.

I'll check out the past pages of some other stuff to do while we were in NC.

[southerner]

Thought I'd post the thread about the baseball game (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=20203) in here again just in case anyone has missed it and may want to join us.

I'm planning to buy tickets early next week, so stop by if you're interested.

[JLRenheos]

A girlfriend & I are traveling to N.Carolina next week. My first road trip w/out my husband. I'm trying to spend as little as I can, maybe around $100-110 for the whole trip. It'll take us a good 10 hrs. to get there & we're splitting the gas. I just happen to be off from work & thought I'd pay a visit to my brother. He lives about 1 hr. East of Raleigh in Rocky Mount. We're leaving Wed. afternoon (19th) & we'll driving back home on Sunday (23rd). Any CC'ers in the local area?

I think we're going to head to the beach one day & stay over & then walk around & shop. My brother said the beach is about a 2 hrs. drive from where he's at. We're thinking about going to Wrightsville Beach?.
Anything thing else fun to do - in Raleigh, Rocky Mount or the beach? What about cheap eats?-recommendations? I'm sure he'll come up with some fun/free things to do - such as hiking & going to some musems too!

~TIA!

[Camdynlyn]

Let's see.. Wrightsville Beach is beautiful. You could head down to Carolina Beach and see the Fort Fisher Aquarium.

There are a good bit of us in Raleigh. If you wanted to do a GTG, I'm sure we could do something if you wanted.

Let's see... things to do. I have trouble coming up with my own things to do.. you could always go to one of the many museums downtown Raleigh (Natural Science, etc). I guess I'm not the best person for suggesting things around here! :p

[JLRenheos]

Camdynlyn oh, thanks! What's the costs to get into Fort Fisher Aquarium? That sounds fun! You see, I told my dh that I would try & budget $110-115 for my entire trip. I don't purposely want to be cheap, but I must. I would like to see as much as I can while I'm there, with spending as little as I can. We have our big trip in 9 wks. planned (Vegas!), so we're trying to save for it.

As far as the beach, I think we're probably going to visit Wrightsville Beach. My brother did suggest Virginia. The other sounds better, esp. since you said that it was beautiful & my brother knows the area better. I guess whatever day that it doesn't rain, we'll probably go. We do plan on staying the night at a cheap hotel. What other musems would you suggest?-esp. the 'free' ones!

I'm sure we'll be passing through Raleigh to get to my brother's town. My brother is within an hrs. drive from Raleigh. I have met several CC'ers-phart/shannonp, katie(she had twins) & kerrykate.

My brother/SIL have been been in N. Carolina now for 2 yrs.. They're not orig. from there. They plan on moving back up in 1/2 years to be closer to family.

[Camdynlyn]

While in Wrightsville, I would go to Downtown Wilmington. It's beautiful and you can window shop on the intercoastal waterway. It's honestly breathtaking.

I'm not sure of any museums in Wilmington (Tracie, help out?).

[Camdynlyn]

I came across this while searching for yard sales tomorrow (random, I know). I would suggest the Duke Gardens if you get a chance.

NC Museum of History http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/
NC Museum of Natural Sciences http://www.naturalsciences.org/
NC Museum of Art http://www.ncartmuseum.org/
Raleigh City Museum http://www.raleighcitymuseum.org/
Duke Gardens http://www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens/dukegardens.html
JC Raulston Arboretum http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/

[TriSigmaNC]

While in Wrightsville, I would go to Downtown Wilmington. It's beautiful and you can window shop on the intercoastal waterway. It's honestly breathtaking.

I'm not sure of any museums in Wilmington (Tracie, help out?).

The Aquarium costs about $8 per person, it's nice, but packed on the weekends. The battleship is great, but I think about $16 per person. Downtown Wilmington has a few museums: The Cape Fear Museum, and the Children's Museum. There's Cameron Art Museum, but not downtown. I'll try to find some links.

Food that's cheap, local and good:
Sweet and Savory (Pavilion Place and Eastwood)
Two Guys Grill (Wrightsville Ave near beach)
Jackson's BBQ (Kerr near campus)
Brooklyn Pizza (Market near Ogden)
Fish House (Arlie Drive near beach)
Salt Works (The Original off of Oleander)
Front Street Brewery (downtown)
Fat Tony's (downtown)
Katy's (College Road)
Causeway Cafe (Eastwood, near beach)
K-38 (Oleander) and Tower 7 (not sure if Tower 7 is open, but it's on the beach)
El Cerro Grande (College)
Artisan (Mayfaire/Military Cutoff)

Few good restaurant websites:
http://www.insiders.com/wilmington/main-restaurants3.htm
http://www.dinewilmingtononline.com/

I hope these things are helpful.

[TriSigmaNC]

OMG ladies, if ANY of you know what Chipotle is it just opened near Crab Tree. Can't WAIT until Eric and I live there. If you've ever been to Qdoba or Moe's it's similar, but SO MUCH BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've been emailing Joe (the owner) for months/years now asking him to put one here, but looks like he's trying out Raleigh first.

[AusAshMommy]

Tracie ~ I've been emailing them as well...OMG I am craving Chipotle SOOOO BADLY!!!!!! I'm terrible, I have this odd love affair w/Chipotle and was soo disappointed to see they were going w/Raleigh first...ugh! Oh well...soon enough we'll have one here and I fully plan on being 1st in line, LOL!!!!

**I had three within 15 mins of my house in MD...HEAVEN!!!!**

[TriSigmaNC]

Tracie ~ I've been emailing them as well...OMG I am craving Chipotle SOOOO BADLY!!!!!! I'm terrible, I have this odd love affair w/Chipotle and was soo disappointed to see they were going w/Raleigh first...ugh! Oh well...soon enough we'll have one here and I fully plan on being 1st in line, LOL!!!!

**I had three within 15 mins of my house in MD...HEAVEN!!!!**

OMG I used to live in College Park and DH and I went there ALL the time! Are you Charlotte? At LEAST if you are you have a PF Changs. We're going to the Baseball game in August and we're SO going to Chipotle.

[AusAshMommy]

Tracie ~ Nah we're in Wilmington...I sent them an email practically begging them to come here...I NEED a burrito now! LOL!!!

[TriSigmaNC]

Tracie ~ Nah we're in Wilmington...I sent them an email practically begging them to come here...I NEED a burrito now! LOL!!!

Oh shoot, that's right! I remember now. We should get together for lunch soon. How are things going here? You all settled yet?

[blondetam]

Hi girls! i am new to the boards and new to NC....Camdynlyn told me about this thread of fellow Carolina girls!!!

i found this in the first post so i will just copy it to give some info about me!

Name: Tammi
DH: Nick....boyfriend
age: we are both 23
location: Raleigh, NC (Crabtree area)
occupation: bank teller at Wachovia
DH occupation: Temping in the accounting department at Angus Barn
Married: not yet....looking at 09/08/07
Met: Aug '97...started dating Aug 5 2002
Furbabies/Children: none yet....hope to be getting a kitten soon though!

hope to get to know everyone! :) if you want to know anything else about me just ask! i'm pretty easygoing and open!

[TriSigmaNC]

Welcome blondetam

[blondetam]

thanks :)

[MLA]

Welcome, blondetam! Where did you move from? I'm from L.A. There are a lot of transplants in this area.

[blondetam]

we moved from the Poconos in Eastern PA...we were tired of the cold weather....

[JLRenheos]

TriSigmaNC & Camdynlyn Thanks for all of the links & great info.! I'll be definitely printing these out & taking them with me. It's going to be a great scenic drive, can't wait till Wednesday! I hope the weather is great while I'm visiting down there.

BTW, I love Chipotle. Their burritos are soo fulfilling & I love their tacos & burrito bowls too!

[TriSigmaNC]

TriSigmaNC & Camdynlyn Thanks for all of the links & great info.! I'll be definitely printing these out & taking them with me. It's going to be a great scenic drive, can't wait till Wednesday! I hope the weather is great while I'm visiting down there.

BTW, I love Chipotle. Their burritos are soo fulfilling & I love their tacos & burrito bowls too!

MMMM....soft chicken tacos.

Enjoy! The weather is supposed to be great, just HOT for us. Sunday it may rain though. We also have random storms that pop off of the water during this season, like last night....crazy storm.

[JLRenheos]

We're staying overnight Thursday night in Wilmington & we'll be hanging out at Wrightsville beach all day Thurs. & Fri-(most of the day). We'll be about a 10-15 min. drive from the beach, but we're right near everything. I'll be with my brother, his 2 dogs & my friend Jen. I wished that my husband could come, but he can't.

I haven't left yet(rolleyes) & we have a 10 hr. drive. I'm waiting on my friend. So, if anyone wants to meet up & I'm still online, just email me through CC. We also plan on going to Raleigh on Saturday for sure.

Thanks for all the info.!

[AusAshMommy]

JLRenheos ~ FYI dogs aren't allowed on Wrightsville beach...just Carolina Beach...my GF almost got a ticket Sun for bringing her puppy...

Sounds like fun though...get there early so you can grab a parking space!!

[kam]

Hi ladies! Well, our friend withdrew from sharing our season tickets (6 days before payment was due - ratcha fratcha) to the Hurricanes with us and now we have 10 tickets available for next season. There are 43 games in total - we are keeping 23 and another friend is buying 10.

Benefits include:

$20 savings per game
The ability to pay for games over 6 months vs. at one time (if you see a lot of games in one month, this could definitely help out)
A chance to get heavily discounted tickets (up to $60 per seat) to certain playoff games and sharing playoff priority with us
Great seats (center ice sideline premier, lower level) - you will see everything
The ability to go into the Arena Club restaurant (only reserved for sideline premier and box seat guests): http://www.rbccenter.com/restaurants/21.asp
The ability to trade in games you can't make for selected other games (up to 8 trades for the season ticketholder).
Get to know other fans by having the same seats for each game.
With a 10 game plan through the Canes, you have very little ability to choose the games you go to. With us, it's fairly flexible with exception of dates that fall on anniversaries, birthdays and special events (and we could potentially use the trade in feature so things will work out).


If you purchase at least 5 games, we will be willing to purchase additional tickets (for your friends and family) at the discounted price on your behalf (these are guaranteed as close to your seats as possible). As season ticket holders, we have priority to get tickets to games that might sell out if you take a chance through Ticketmaster (such as New Years and opening day).

Pricing: $150 per game for two seats (gate price is $170+fees). We're hoping to find someone who wants either 5-10 games (preferably 10). For 5 games, it's $125 per month. For 10 games, it's $250 per month. If you want to know the exact seat numbers, this will be provided on 8/2 (as select-a-seat doesn't happen until the 1st).

PM me if you're interested or if you have any questions. Thanks!

[TriSigmaNC]

kam That's so cool of you! I sure wish we could, but we won't live there until May at the earliest.

[kam]

Next year, TriSigmaNC ;)

To clarify, it's $75 per ticket, $150 per game (for 2 tickets). We can't sell singles. Sorry!

[JLRenheos]

FYI, I'm back from my visit to North Carolina! We had a great time!! The drive was just o.k., going down. We ended up getting lost(Bristol didn't seem right) but soon figured it out. It ended up being a 12 hr. fiasco, instead of a 10 hr. drive. The weather & driving in the middle of the night didn't help much either. The drive back home, was great & this time it only took us 10 1/2 hrs.. The scenery was beautiful.

We did stay overnight on Thurs. night in Wilmington at a pet friendly hotel right on the main drag, near Sticky Fingers(Business district 17). We went to Wrightsville beach Thursday afternoon. It was beautiful. We left the dogs in the a/c hotel. They were fine.
We ended up eating at Eddie Romanelli's that night. Friday, we shopped around downton Wilmington and ate at the underground cafe & then we headed on over to Kure Beach. That's where we took the dogs with us - they loved the beach there!! I have to say that the waves were incredible. It was almost too much for me.
We had dinner at Big Daddy's. My friend wanted to eat there. It was her treat. ;D After dinner, we headed back to Rocky Mount. It was a long 2 1/2 hr. road trip back to my brother's. TG, he ended up doing ALL of the driving.

Thanks for everyone's input. I would've loved to have visited some places in Raleigh, but we were all soo wiped out from everything else, that we just relaxed & visited with my brother all day at his house on Saturday. Now, I wished that we would've gotten up early & had visited some of those museums we mentioned in here. We did consider going to the Science museum, but it was going to close in an hour & we didn't have enough time.
I would love to go again! It's such an easy drive!!

[TriSigmaNC]

Big Daddy's in Carolina Beach is the best restaurant in CB :) Eddie Romanelli's is ok, most people love it, but I am not a huge fan, except for their salads and crab dip.

You stayed right on Market Street, how fun! If I had been in town I would have said hi :)

[Camdynlyn]

Glad you had a good time! :) BTW, Tracie, they're opening up an Eddie Romanelli's right outside of Wilmington on HWY 17 (there is a TON Of new construction out there). It's in a strange place, though.

[TriSigmaNC]

Glad you had a good time! :) BTW, Tracie, they're opening up an Eddie Romanelli's right outside of Wilmington on HWY 17 (there is a TON Of new construction out there). It's in a strange place, though.

Yep in Leland. Won't be visiting there ;) It's already open.

[JLRenheos]

We ate at this Eddie Romanelli's:

5400 Oleander Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-799-7000

My brother got a salad & it was fairly large & he also ordered Eggplant parmesean. It looked good too! My gf ordered soup along with the special (salmon stuffed w/crab?) & I just had a hamburger, but it was delicious!
I wouldn't say that it was great, it was just average.

Big Daddy's - OMG - I love their free baskets of the huspuppies!!! So Yummy! My brother & I split a meal (the shrimp platter) and it was just o.k.. I knew we should've gone for the fish platter, instead. My brother prefers Long John Silvers over Big Daddy's. Most of everything on the menu was fried. Definitely not a inexpensive place to eat at.

I wished that I would've been able to meet some of you Carolina girls. Oh well, next time. You're right, we stayed right on Market St.. We stayed at a Days Inn. It was reasonable & close to everything. My brother made the reservations. It was fine. We hardly spent any time there at all. We had to find a place that was pet friendly. ;) As long as the hotel room was clean, that's all that mattered. He tried to get us a room over at Comfort Inn, but couldn't. The hotel was fine!

[southerner]

from an e-mail I got at work:

***PLEASE SHARE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WITH EMPLOYEES***

This weekend (Friday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 6) is the annual Sales Tax Holiday for the State of North Carolina, in accordance with G.S. 105-164.13C.

Tax exemptions will be offered on the following items:
* Clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item
* Sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item
* Computers of $3,500 or less per item
* Computer supplies of $250 or less per item

Items NOT covered by the sales tax exemption include: clothing accessories; jewelry;cosmetics; protective equipment; wallets; furniture; items used in a trade or business; or rentals.

For additional information, please check the following N.C. Department of Revenue web sites:
http://www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/Holiday_4-06.pdf
http://www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html

[TriSigmaNC]

ummmmm.. DUH!!!!!!!!!!
I'm going Sunday, my parents are coming down to take me early birthday shopping :)

[MLA]

x-posted from my journal:

On my way home from work, I found the sweetest little kitten by the side of the road just waiting to be smashed by the cars speeding by. I picked her up and brought her home (note: I'm not sure yet if she's a she or a he, but for now I'll call her a "she"), but I can't keep her. I'd like to find her a good home -- preferably as an indoor cat, as she seems to be prone to walking in the street. She's really very cute and quite sweet. She seems pretty low-key and purrs all the time. So I've sent out an email to my work and we're going to ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone wants her. I've checked into local no-kill shelters, but none of the ones I've found are accepting new cats.

I hope I find a place for her soon since I really, really can't keep her, and she's living in the guest bathroom right now. Let me know if you want a very sweet little kitten. PM me if you're interested, okay?

Here she is. Isn't she cute?

http://static.flickr.com/116/266437618_372268a86c.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/118/266437262_e8f90d3a5b.jpg?v=0[/

[AusAshMommy]

Soo cute!!! Unfortunately we can only have 2 pets in our apartment :( Otherwise I'd jump on it!

[MLA]

Soo cute!!! Unfortunately we can only have 2 pets in our apartment :( Otherwise I'd jump on it!

There's been some interest from another NC CC-er, so hopefully that will work out. This is just the sweetest kitten, and I want him (now I think she's a boy, but I'm still not 100% sure) to have a good home.

Edited to add: I found her a home. Yay!

[mb1197]

Oh, I am sooo glad you were able to find her a home!!! She's adorable.

[TriSigmaNC]

Ladies, Anyone up for another GTG soon? Any thoughts already?

[EmilyBronte]

I am up for one - I've missed the last few but would love to try to work one out sometime. It's hard living so far away!

[TriSigmaNC]

:( I always feel sorry for the Mountain and Charlotte ladies....always get left out. Raleigh is so very central though. Maybe one of my favs from Raleigh will make a suggestion?

[EmilyBronte]

:( I always feel sorry for the Mountain and Charlotte ladies....always get left out. Raleigh is so very central though. Maybe one of my favs from Raleigh will make a suggestion?

It's true that Raleigh is a good centralized meeting place. At least we still have friends we can stay with in Raleigh if the GTG is on a weekend.

[southerner]

Maybe one of my favs from Raleigh will make a suggestion?
Have you lost *all* your marbles?? This is so transparent, knock it off. Now is a great time to start listening to your mom.

[mb1197]

Gotta agree with southerner. Time to cut the crap.

[EmilyBronte]

Gotta agree with southerner. Time to cut the crap.

Did I miss something? Or is this all a joke?

[mb1197]

Did I miss something? Or is this all a joke?

Not being snarky, but if you're asking the question then yes, you've missed something.

[mel7dog]

Well I missed it too :o But I am up for a gtg

[mb1197]

Well I missed it too :o But I am up for a gtg

Are you on LJ? If so, what's your name? I'll friend ya. :)

[Regina Phalange]

Seriously ladies. Take a deap breath and let it go. Why does there always have to be drama?

[EmilyBronte]

Well I missed it too :o But I am up for a gtg

I'm glad I'm not the only one! I, too, and still up for a gtg if one works out where I can make it.

[Camdynlyn]

Mia and I are up for a GtG too! :)

[mel7dog]

Are you on LJ? If so, what's your name? I'll friend ya. :)

Yes, I am Mel7 on LJ :)

[southerner]

Why does there always have to be drama? who you asking?

btw, long time no see 'round these parts.

[TriSigmaNC]

Any reference above is Just an inside joke of sorts ;)

People don't get my sorority woman personality. 'Favs' is something you refer to about a group of people that you'd like see or a group in general as NC Ladies. So, ALL (not kidding or being snarky) of the NC ladies are my favs!

Like tonight I'm having dinner with my favs! i.e.....my entire Alumnae Panhellenic group.


Ok......moving on and onto the GTG, many of you sound like Raleigh would be a great thing. Any thoughts on dates and places? Especially since the holidays are RIGHT around the corner, dates may be tough.

[Camdynlyn]

I can do early to mid-November but once we get into December, I'll be going back to work and then the holidays so it'll be hard. If it's just a dinner one night, I can do that. If not, I'll be up for my usual gang's dinner at CAH one night (which we need to do anyway). It's been a couple of weeks and Paige needs to see Mia again! ;-)

[shellbell516]

I'm up for a gtg too. Sorry I've been so MIA lately here. I just don't have the time online like I used too.

[mel7dog]

I'd say Nov before the Turkey day. That way it would be before everyone gets busy. Also a weekend is best for me since we have a 2.5 hour drive.

[TriSigmaNC]

I'll be in Raleigh Thursday :)

That sounds like a great time ladies...maybe a good dinner out somewhere on a weekend?

[ktdelsur]

Wow, I have been so MIA from this thread. Yikes!

Hey all....

I'm coming back in here because DH is applying for a job in Myrtle Beach and things are looking VERY promising. I currently live in Upstate SC and used to live in Charleston. I look forward to the possibility of moving back to the coast, but not so jazzed that is not Charleston. :D

I need the inside scoop on actually living in Myrtle Beach. I think DH would be working near Conway, but we're good to live anywhere around there (just not right smack on top of the Strip)!

I would love any info you guys have on:

- jobs in Marketing, PR or Journalism
- daycares/average daycare costs (ideally I would only have to work part-time, but that's all up to what the job will pay DH!)
- areas of town to avoid looking for houses in
- any other random tidbits

Have you guys been in contact with kimandgino? I haven't read back through the thread, but I know she is from Myrtle Beach. I emailed her through her CC profile two weeks ago and haven't heard anything back.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Camdynlyn]

Kim is not on very often due to some family issues (not going to elaborate unless she comes to do that herself) but feel free to PM me and I'll give you her email address she is using now. She might can help give you some information.

[ktdelsur]

Thanks Camdynlyn. The job my DH was going to apply for has not been posted yet, so we've got somet ime. I appreciate your help.

[MrsD108]

I am hoping you girls can point me in the right direction. I am looking for internet sites that I can start researching from for a move to North or South Carolina. My husband's plant is closing here in Ohio in a few weeks and we are thinking of moving down south this summer and the only states we can agree upon are the Carolinas. I do not want to buy a house until we find a area that we are sure about so I need to find rental homes, employment, crime rate and things to do and your opinions. Thank you in advance.
Jessi

[TriSigmaNC]

Seriously....this weather is HORRIBLE! I'm sadly excited to go more north for Thanksgiving ;)

[MLA]

I am hoping you girls can point me in the right direction. I am looking for internet sites that I can start researching from for a move to North or South Carolina. My husband's plant is closing here in Ohio in a few weeks and we are thinking of moving down south this summer and the only states we can agree upon are the Carolinas. I do not want to buy a house until we find a area that we are sure about so I need to find rental homes, employment, crime rate and things to do and your opinions. Thank you in advance.
Jessi

What are you looking for? A city? A small town? If you're interested in the Triangle area of NC (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Metro area), you may want to look at the Wake County, Orange County and Durham County sites. Charlotte is in Mecklenberg county if you're interested. DH and I narrowed our search down to Charlotte or the Triangle and then came and visited. We liked both areas, and it came down to DH being offered a good job in Chapel Hill, so we chose the Triangle area. We're very happy here. It's a big change from LA, but it's been a very good change for us. If you have questions about the Triangle area, feel free to PM me!

[MLA]

Triangle ladies -- For those of you who are transplants and miss Trader Joe's, DH and I just got back from the brand-new TJ's in Cary. Yes, that's right! TJ's is in Cary where the old Piggly Wiggly was. It opened today.

For those of you who've never been to TJ's, you have to go. It's the best place on earth. I love it!

:D

[paiger]

Triangle ladies -- For those of you who are transplants and miss Trader Joe's, DH and I just got back from the brand-new TJ's in Cary. Yes, that's right! TJ's is in Cary where the old Piggly Wiggly was. It opened today.

For those of you who've never been to TJ's, you have to go. It's the best place on earth. I love it!

:D

Shut up!! I didn't know they were putting in a TJ's!! I'm so excited! All the West Coasters talk so highly of it, and I've always wanted to see what it was like.

[cynder]

Be still my beating heart!!!! Where exactly is it b/c I don't know where the Piggly was. Please don't tell me it's in Crossroads. That place is evil...

[MLA]

Be still my beating heart!!!! Where exactly is it b/c I don't know where the Piggly was. Please don't tell me it's in Crossroads. That place is evil...

Not in Crossroads. It's in the Kildaire Farm shopping center. The address is 1393 Kildaire Farm Road, which is near the corner of SE Cary Parkway and Kildaire Farm Rd.

This morning I had TJ's crumpets for breakfast. :D:D:D

[mb1197]

I have to admit that I've never been to a Trader Joes. They had one back in MA near DH's uncle's house, but we never had the chance to shop there. What are they kown for? What kinds of food do they sell? Is it all specialty stuff?

[MLA]

TJ's is where the old Wynn Dixie was, not the Piggly Wiggly. Sorry!

I have to admit that I've never been to a Trader Joes. They had one back in MA near DH's uncle's house, but we never had the chance to shop there. What are they kown for? What kinds of food do they sell? Is it all specialty stuff?
They have all sorts of things -- including specialty stuff. The thing about TJ's is that they have organic products and specialty products for much less than you'll find them anywhere else, and they have things that you can't get anywhere else, as well. They buy directly from suppliers and so their product line up changes quite a bit from season to season. There are some things that are constant, but others that change all the time. I always bought my milk and eggs there because they're much cheaper than elsewhere. I also get spices and frozen foods there.


It's kind of hard to explain if you haven't been. You just need to go and see for yourself. :)

[mb1197]

I wish I lived closer to that area. I love going to places like Whole Foods, but they are way to expensive to shop at!

[MLA]

I wish I lived closer to that area. I love going to places like Whole Foods, but they are way to expensive to shop at!

It'd probably be worth a trip after work to pick up some stuff. The organic products really are quite a lot cheaper than anywhere else -- oh, and nuts are a great deal there, too.

[mb1197]

Good to know! Thanks for the info!:)

[ktdelsur]

Hi girls! My DH is finishing up grad school soon and has applied for umpteen jobs now - one very promising one is in Raleigh! We have family in Sanford (SIL who lives there is a real estate agent) but we've heard that Cary is a good place to live too...I'd love some tips on what parts of town are best in terms of real estate prices/things to do/daycare costs, etc. I have an almost one-year-old and probably will not be able to be a SAHM right away...

I've been playing on Realtor.com looking at houses in Raleigh, but any tips would be welcome....thank you!

[amtaylor]

Congrats to your husband!

Housing...
The most affordable area around Raleigh would be Holly Springs or Fuquay Varina. They are both really great areas. I lived in Fuquay Varina for three years and thought it was wonderful. One of the carolina girls lives in Holly Springs and can tell you more about that area. My parents have been looking in that area and love the Braxton and Ballentine subdivisions. My sister owns a house in Southeast Raleigh, in the Poole Rd/Rock Quarry Rd area. It's a nice house for a great price, but I'm not so sure about the area. I would probably stay away from there.

Daycare...
Depending on the area, it will run you around $1000/month. We are getting ready to send our 14 month old to a new daycare in Apex for $940 a month.

If I can help anymore, please let me know! I'm not on CC much, but I'm on LJ all the time (atcrossman) or you can PM or e-mail me through my profile :)

[ktdelsur]

Thanks! I am really hoping this one works out for him. We'd still be in the southeast (we're in upstate SC now) and still be relatively close to family.

Ouch. $1K/mo for daycare huh? I cannot complain - we live in a small town now and we have DS in a great daycare with a ridiculous waiting list for $395/mo!!!

[JLRenheos]

Any neat shows happening in Raleigh?.....plays, musicals...

My brother & his wife live about 1 hr. from Raleigh & said that they wouldn't mind seeing a show. I was thinking about buying them tickets for Christmas. It was their suggestion. They don't mind making the trip.

Any recommendations? They would be able to go from Dec. 23 till Jan 2, since they are both teachers.

Thanks for your help!

[MLA]

Any neat shows happening in Raleigh?.....plays, musicals...

My brother & his wife live about 1 hr. from Raleigh & said that they wouldn't mind seeing a show. I was thinking about buying them tickets for Christmas. It was their suggestion. They don't mind making the trip.

Any recommendations? They would be able to go from Dec. 23 till Jan 2, since they are both teachers.

Thanks for your help!

The Nutcracker's going on right now, and the Symphony's doing a New Year's Eve Gala. You can check out the Progress Energy Center's website for other stuff going on there: http://www.progressenergycenter.com/

[starxed]

Hey girls, moving to the Charlotte area (actually Fort Mill, SC) in February. I'm coming from California and I'm so ready for the change! Just wanted to introduce myself and see if you guys had any advice or tips.

Thanks!

[MLA]

Hi starxed! I'm from California, too -- I moved out here just over a year ago. What part of California are you from?

[psusna]

Hi ladies! DH and I are coming to Charlotte for the Meineke Car Care Bowl next week. He’s an alum of Navy so we thought it would be fun and something different. Anyhow, I need a restaurant rec for the 29th. We are staying at the Westin on South College. TIA!

[JLRenheos]

MLA

Thank you so much for the info. on the website! I looked at it quite a bit!
I bought them tickets on New Year's Eve to go see Cirque "Dream"!

[MLA]

MLA

Thank you so much for the info. on the website! I looked at it quite a bit!
I bought them tickets on New Year's Eve to go see Cirque "Dream"!

I'd forgotten about that. It looks good! I hope they enjoy it. :)

[starxed]

MLA- Currently I live in San Diego, but I have lived all over CA and grew up in Nor Cal.

Can't wait to move though!:p

[Wen]

Ok looks like no one has been here in a while but here goes

Name: Wendy
DH: Roberto
age: 29 (and holding)
occupation: Deputy Sheriff
DH occupation: Police Officer
Location: about 20 minutes north of Charlotte
Married: Sept 2002
Met: 9th grade of high school but didn't start dating until about 8 years later when we ran into each other again
Furbabies/Children: 10 yr old Siberian Husky named Ivory and 2yr old Great Dane named Clyde

[southerner]

Hey Wen! Yeah, it has been quiet in here, hasn't it?

[Buckeye_K]

Hi Everyone! We are planning a vacation in Topsail, NC and would like to get some beach portraits while there. Can anyone recommend a good location photographer in the Wilmington/Jacksonville/Topsail area?

[Katie1]

Hi everyone- I'm looking for a little help with relocating to North Carolina. We are moving in the middle of September and have visited the Wilmington area twice. I fell in love with the town of Southport and we had planned to rent a house there for a while. But a lot of people have been telling me that it is a huge retirement community. We are a young family and want to find a neighborhood of other young families. Does anyone know if there are neighborhoods in Southport with younger families? Or, can you recommend another town in the area that might be better for us? Right now I am only looking for a place where we will live for 6 months to a year while we get to know the area and decide where we want to eventually buy. My main criteria is the town be family-friendly, close to the ocean, and have some sort of construction going on somewhere so my DH can find work (he's an electrician.)

What I loved about Southport was its cute little downtown area and I would love to find a place with little shops and restaurants. DH pointed out that we didn't see a bar in Southport which led him to believe that there wasn't much of a social scene (not looking to go out partying at night, but he likes to stop and have a few beers after work and talk to people.)

[hokiegirl]

Buckeye K - one of my coworker's daughter just got married in Wilmington. She used Matt McGraw (mattmcgrawphotography.com) and looking at her photos I'd say he's very good. Hope that helps!

[thyme]

I live on Topsail. Unfortunately, I haven't had occasion to use a photographer here, but I will ask around at work -- I know there are several who specialize in beach pics here.

My impression of Southport is that it is cute, but heavily retirement-oriented, and that you might get very bored in the off-season. Of course, that's going to be true of most of the beach communities. Even here on Topsail things are pretty quiet from October-May. Some shops close, most restaurants limit their hours/days, and some close entirely. Wrightsville is definitely more year-round, but it's also $$$ and lacking that cute downtown area. Actually, maybe you would like it here. Our downtown area is not as cute or historic as Southport's, but I think maybe we are also a little bit more year-round and younger than Southport, and more family-oriented than Wrightsville (but we still have a few bars and a wine shop). Don't have kids myself, but I've at least gotten that impression. And, construction is crazy busy.

[Liz]

Hey girls! My really good friend just moved to Charlotte, NC and I was wondering if you could give me any advice to share with her on meeting people, restaurant recommendations, good bars? Thanks for any recommendations, advice, or tips you all could give me!

[southerner]

Liz, Jaycee lives in Charlotte and reading the stats on page 1 show that mya174 does as well. Maybe you should PM them?

[dragonfly28602]

Hey Wen, I'm about 45 minutes N of Charlotte. What city?

[Wen]

Concord

[Katie1]

Well, I am officially joining. We moved to Southport (just south of Wilmington) two weeks ago. So far I really like it, only drawback is that everything is really far away- shopping, restaurants,etc. Although that's sort of one of the reasons we moved here- to get away from it all.

We don't know anyone here so I really need to find a way to meet people. My DD is two years old and I e-mailed the leader of the local MOMS club to get some info, but so far no response. Anyone else live in the area or know of any area resources for clubs, playgroups, etc? I SAH so I am looking for things we can do during the day.

Also, my DDs birthday is on Saturday and we are looking for something fun to do with her that day- since we don't know anyone here we won't be having a party. Any suggestions for something a two-year-old would enjoy? Any festivals, circuses, that sort of thing going on?

[dragonfly28602]

I live in Hickory, but I work in Statesville. Nice to meet ya!

[Wen]

Cool nice to meet you too.

[ktdelsur]

wanted to update my info for the first page....
ktdelsur
Name: Katie
DH: Ben
age: Katie - 28, Ben - 29
location: outside of Myrtle Beach, SC
occupation: newspaper reporter/photographer
DH occupation: Natural Resource agent
Married: 8/2/03
Met: 04/13/97
Furbabies/Children: 1 son born 12/5/05

[dragonfly28602]

I'll update my info too if you don't mind.
Dragonfly28602
Name: Kara, 28
DH: Patrick, 35
Location: Hickory, NC
Occupation: Health information coder
DH occupation: Plumber/ "jack of all trades"
Married: 12/8/06
Met 09/23/2004
Furbabies: Cocker spaniel Sampson 2 1/2, Shih Tzu Jack 6 mo, Siamese cat Andy 5 months.

[maniach]

Anyone in Raleigh? Do you like it there? I have an interview there tomorrow, but I've never been and just wanted to get some opinions on the location. Sounds very nice with a decent cost of living and close (enough) to both mountains and beaches!

[Wen]

It's a lot more fast paced than where I live but yes I think it would be nice if you like living in the city. I've really not been in a while so I don't know how much it's changed. It's always nice to be in between the mountains and the beach. : )

[MLA]

Anyone in Raleigh? Do you like it there? I have an interview there tomorrow, but I've never been and just wanted to get some opinions on the location. Sounds very nice with a decent cost of living and close (enough) to both mountains and beaches!

I actually live in Durham, not Raleigh. I love it here. Where are you moving from? I moved here from Los Angeles, and while it's slower-paced, it’s not too slow. What sorts of things are important to you in a place to live? Are you big into the arts? Sports? Nature?

[maniach]

I live in Jacksonville FL right now, so I don't think Raleigh will be much slower paced than here (south Georgia, you know).

What's important to me in a place I live? Mostly weather, lol. I don't like cold that much, and Raleigh seems to have good weather most of the time.

I guess I like to do some outdoorsy stuff; we probably go hiking or boating or something a few times a year.

Right now I am looking for a place where the crime rate is lower than here (murder capital of FL, we had like 4 murders in 13 hours on Friday or Saturday night, isn't that nice?!). I want a family friendly place to raise DD and whatever other children I will have in the future. Good schools, etc. I have also been thinking about getting a PhD, so the universities around Raleigh are appealing. I also want a place that is easy to get to as my family is spread around the country, and we fly a lot.

Sports are ok, I know Duke, Wake Forest and NC State are right there, but I went to FSU, so they are our rivals, lol. DH likes football, and we do go to Jags games every so often, but it's rare so I don't think we'd miss it.

If I think of anything else important, I will add it...

[MLA]

Well, Raleigh will definitely get colder than Jacksonville, but it's not terrible. Coming from SoCal, weather was a major issue for me, too. Last year it snowed here twice. Both times, the snow was melted by the end of the day.

You'll definitely be able to do outdoorsy stuff. There are lakes and trails all around here -- and if you want to do some serious hiking, the mountains aren't far.

Raleigh's a very safe city, and it has good schools, though they're dealing with some overcrowding issues in the Wake County public schools right now due to the influx of new residents.

If being near UNC Chapel Hill or Duke is important to you (for your PhD), you might want to consider moving to Chapel Hill or Durham, rather than Raleigh. Where in Raleigh is the job that you're interviewing for?

Oh, and this area is VERY family-friendly. Lots of young families.

[maniach]

The job is near I-440 and US 401. Hopefully I will like the place and the city... I don't think a couple of snows a year is a deal breaker...

Thanks so much for your info! It's good to hear from someone that has also relocated.

[paiger]

We have LOVED living in Raleigh. We moved from South Carolina. THough, DH has lived in San Fran and Baltimore as well.

Is it for sure I440 and 401 or I40/440 and 401?

If it's I440 and 401, that would be a good location commuting and living, and you could still live in the city, which is what we chose to do.

If it's I40/440 and 401, then that is a higher conjested area right now, and a little farther from downtown. You can still live more intown, it will just make the commute slightly worse. That area has quite a bit of college/grad school age people living there since it's so close to State. A little farther South there are really great housing prices, but again you are farther from 'downtown' life if that's what you are going for.

[maniach]

It's definitely I440 and 401, on the northeast side. I did a little exploring today and it is somewhat close to North Raleigh. I really liked the town, though!

[collie]

We just moved to NC from Ohio we've been here about 4wks now.
STATS:
[COLOR="Red"]Collie
Name: Colleen,32
DH: Keith,38
Location: Mooresville, NC
Occupation: SAHM
DH occupation: Nurse
Married: 4/11/2003
Met:10/15/1997
Children:DS Jason 11yrs old, DS Zane 7yrs old,DSS Justin 21yrs old
Furbaby: kitty "Miss Thing"

[dragonfly28602]

HI Colleen. Welcome. I see your DH is a nurse. Does he work at a hospital? I work at Iredell Memorial.

[collie]

HI Colleen. Welcome. I see your DH is a nurse. Does he work at a hospital? I work at Iredell Memorial.

Thanks for the welcome! No he works at a nursing home here in Mooresville. He is the charge nurse on 2nd shift not bad for being an LPN but he also has 18yrs exp.

[paiger]

It's definitely I440 and 401, on the northeast side. I did a little exploring today and it is somewhat close to North Raleigh. I really liked the town, though!

That is a good area that is really close to downtown, and they are really trying to clean up around in the Brentwood area right above I440. Let us know if you have any questions!

[Wen]

welcome Collie I'm in the Concord/Kannapolis area so we're pretty close looks like.


Nice to meet you

[Camdynlyn]

Welcome. My parents live near Concord. My mom is the Physician Recruiter for Northeast Medical in Concord.

[Wen]

Cool Camdynlyn I have several family members that work at Northeast too.

So nice to see people from our area on here. This place was so quiet for so long.

[ManteoChik]

::::Waves "hi" to all the NC people::::

[dragonfly28602]

"Waves" hi back to Courtney.

[lindybug]

I hope you ladies don't mind me posting here.

It looks like my parents may be moving to the Charlotte area. I'd like to get them a Christmas present that has something to do with that. Not sure what... Some ideas I had were:


GC to a performing arts center
GC to a well known local (nice) restaurant
a good book/magazine to get them acquainted with the area
GC for a local tour company


Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated! TIA.

[bug]

I saw there were no replies to your question, and as I don't live in Charlotte, I can't be of much help; however, in case you still need ideas, I will sugggest that if your parents are sports fans either Carolina Panthers tickets, (but the team is not doing well) or if they are race fans, the speedway is located just north of Charlotte. I am neither a football fan nor a race fan, so that's the extent of my knowledge!

Assuming that your parents are moving from out of state, what about getting them something related to NC like a gift basket of NC goodies so that they could be more familiar with the entire state. If that is a possibility, I suggest going searching the website for the store A Southern Season at www.southernseason.com, they have great stuff for a variety of budgets.

Or what about tickets to the Biltmore House in Asheville for a weekend getaway either at Christmas or for the spring? This could also be done in a day trip from Charlotte.

[lcarlson90]

Hi Carolina Girls...I was hoping someone could help me out.

My mother-in-law lives in Raliegh, NC and we would like to purchase a gift certificate to a spa so that she can get a message. Can anyone recommed a good place?

Thanks :)

[Wen]

Lindybug I am so sorry none of us NC people responded I was going to go back and post once I had time and completely forgot. Bug gave some great suggestions above. I know my BFF did the basket thing for her out of town guests that came to her wedding and they loved it. Biltmore is amazing esp. at Christmas. There are a ton of arts-type things in downtown Charlotte as well. I've seen several musicals at Blumenthal (http://www.blumenthalcenter.org/). I know Nutcracker is showing the 14-23 of December and have heard that Wicked is coming as well. Good luck and sorry again that it took so long for a response.

[Wen]

lcarlson90 I live about 2 hours from Raleigh so I don't think that I would be of much help to you. I know there are some girls that are subbed to this thread that live closer.

[meggers]

Bump.

I just found out that a company wants to fly me out to Raleigh for an interview. For those of you in the area, do you like living there?

[ManteoChik]

Bump.

I just found out that a company wants to fly me out to Raleigh for an interview. For those of you in the area, do you like living there?

I don't live in Raleigh (I'm on the coast) but everyone I know that lives in/around Raleigh love it. In fact, a good friend of mine recently moved from here on the coast to Raleigh and really does like it a lot....more than she thought she would.

[Katie1]

I am looking for recommendations for an Ob/Gyn in Wilmington. I got one rec from a friend but when I checked them out online there were lots of really bad reviews. I just moved here so I don't know anyone else to ask...if you know of one, or know of someone who had a baby here recently, please ask them and let me know. Thanks so much!

[ellebelle]

meggers I just moved to the Raleigh area from CA in June. We love it here. It's a great place to raise a family! If you have any specific questions PM me.

[DnJ2002]

I'm going to try to resurrect this thread ;)

My husband is considering a job in Cary so we're doing our best to learn about the area in a short amount of time. We currently live in Chicago and don't love it and have been wanting to move south.

Any recommendations are good areas to live (either Cary or towns nearby)? I'd love a family-friendly area, something we're lacking up here. What is the traffic like (can anyone compare it to Chicago?)? How big of a city is Raleigh? Any advice or suggestions to help us?

Thanks!

[paiger]

I would suggest if you are trying to do everything in a short time that you get an apartment for like 3 months to search for a house while you are here. There are lots of different areas to live when working in Cary, it depends on the kind of feel that you are looking for which would be really hard to cover here. I mean, just saying he's working in Cary isn't really telling much, b/c that could be close to RTP/Durham or close to Apex and Raleigh.

Raleigh itself wouldn't be called 'big', but the entire triangle area is. We will drive up to Durham from Raleigh to the bigger mall or go to Chapel Hill to a fun restaurant. My friends at work will come from Durham to Raleigh to go out, and its a good 20-25 minute drive. Just Saturday I drove all over the dang place to like 3 different malls trying to find a pair of shoes I needed for a wedding (it was miserable :) ). So, the entire area is pretty sprawled out and different people want different things. My DH and I wanted to live close to downtown Raleigh so we got a townhome so we could walk to fun stuff to do. But, I have lots of friends living all over the area that picked their neighborhoods for different reasons.

[meggers]

I accepted a job in Raleigh and we are moving there around the 9th of June. DH and I are very excited but there is so much to do. We don't even have a place to live yet. My job is in North Raleigh so we are trying to find a house or townhouse in that area.

[ellebelle]

DnJ2002 Since you have a short time to make a decision about where to live, I would also suggest renting. Cary is about 95% family friendly, which is great, but can also be difficult to narrow down the abundance of family friendly subdivisions. We just moved to Cary from California a little less than a year ago. If you need a recommendation for a realtor, send me a pm. I know someone who is really great with people who are relocating to the area. She is super knowledgeable about the Cary area and will be fully dedicated to finding you a home that matches your families wants and needs.

I've never been to Chicago, but compared to L.A. and San Francisco (two city that I've lived near) I would not consider Raleigh to be a big city. There are a lot of malls, but they are all on a smaller scale, with the shoe selection at the department stores about a 1/4 of the size than what I'm used to. I had a similar experience as paiger trying to find shoes for a party last Christmas. Good non-chain type restaurant are also harder to come by. We've found a few that we like, but we had to hunt for them. There is plenty to do in the triangle though, especially for families.

The biggest issue with traffic is that in some areas the growth has far outpaced the expansion of roads around town, which creates back ups on the surface streets around rush hour. I personally don't find the traffic too bad though, but coming from Los Angeles, I guess I could have low expectations.

Here are a couple of other local message board sites that I used when researching the area that I found helpful.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-cary/
http://www.trianglemommies.com/forum/

Let me know if you have any other questions.

meggers Congrats on the job offer.

[paiger]

I accepted a job in Raleigh and we are moving there around the 9th of June. DH and I are very excited but there is so much to do. We don't even have a place to live yet. My job is in North Raleigh so we are trying to find a house or townhouse in that area.

Depending on the location of your job in NR, you could live closer to downtown or like the North Hills area and go against traffic in the morning/evening. Just and FYI.

[paiger]

DnJ2002 Good non-chain type restaurant are also harder to come by. We've found a few that we like, but we had to hunt for them. There is plenty to do in the triangle though, especially for families.



Really? I know there are some local chains like the Carolina Ale House or the Porters/Fraziers family restaurants, but we only eat in that type or totally local restaurants. Granted, I'm coming from smaller cities than even Raleigh, but I've been really pleased with the number of local establishments.

Shopping on the otherhand is definitely all franchises. Even the Nordstrom doesn't have that large of a shoe selection, I don't think.

[DnJ2002]

Thank you paiger and ellebelle for your responses. I know its hard to describe an area for someone, especially since everyone has different ideas of what they like, but your responses were very helpful and just what I was looking for. My husband just heard today that an offer is coming soon!! Sort of surreal since we've been wanting to leave Chicago for awhile now. His new job will be located near the airport. They will fly us out to househunt and also offered to put us up in an apt for a month (and we may add on a couple more before deciding on a location to buy).

ellebelle I will PM you for a realtor name!

[meggers]

I'm a NC resident now. We moved in on Monday. It was so freaking hot. I was hot and miserable just sitting and watching the movers move our stuff in. I don't know how they did it. We are in NE Raleigh. The house is ok to live in for a year but it's not a house or a neighborhood where we would want live for the long term. I love all of the trees here.

[bug]

meggers--welcome to NC! It's really a great state. Unfortunately, you've arrived as we are having a heat wave, but it is supposed to get slightly cooler in the next few days. However, last summer there were a lot of days at, over or near 100 F. Hope you're happy here.

[NotDesperate]

Hi everyone,

My DH and I are considering moving to Raleigh, NC sometime in the future- as long as he can find a job there. I saw the links for the CCer above who just moved to Raleigh, does anyone have any other info for a prospective NCer? What is the average cost for a mid-size home? What are the taxes and insurance like?

Thanks!

[meggers]

NotDesperate--DH and I just moved to Raleigh about a month ago. So far we really like it. From what I've seen, the cost for a home varies based on where you are at in the city. SE Raleigh seems to have the cheapest housing costs. You will pay more for a house if you are in N. Raleigh or Cary. Coming from a state with very high property taxes, the taxes here seem to be pretty reasonable. We don't own a house here yet so someone can correct me if I'm wrong but the property taxes here seem to be ~1% of the value of the house. On thing that surprised me was the lack of garages. It took awhile to find a rental house with a two car garage that was in our price range. There are a lot of houses here with no garage. Check out www.fmrealty.com for houses. That site is helpful because you can search for houses by area of the city.

[NotDesperate]

Megan, thanks for your reply! Before we move, DH would have to find a job. It is just something we are considering. There is nothing to do in