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Raleigh, NC: A Hotspot for Young Professionals

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:48:24 +0000

After spending the majority of the 20^th century as the overlooked, undeserving capital of North Carolina, Raleigh has experienced tremendous growth and development in the last few decades, turning it into a thriving, southern metropolis. The Research Triangle Park, which was created in 1959 as a hub for research and development, employs over 39,000 people, making the city an attractive new home for college graduates. Raleigh has consistently ranked high on the list of cities with the most PhDs per capita. This comes as little surprise considering its close proximity to three major research universities, Duke University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. The presence of these schools also contributes to the young vibrant, atmosphere of the city. Major corporations such as RBC Centura and Progress Energy are headquartered in this city adding to its thriving job market.

Another appeal of this city is its commitment to technology and advancement. On top of its strong research presence, this year Forbes ranked Raleigh the most wired city in America. This ranking is based on measurements of the number of Wi-Fi hot spots, rate of broadband adoption and how many companies provide high speed wireless. This year Raleigh became one of the first cities where Sprint launched its new 4G network.

The nightlife and entertainment options of this city suggest it’s a place where you work hard to play hard. The RBC Center hosts a number of sporting events and concerts throughout the year including the NC State varsity men’s basketball home games as well as the Carolina Hurricanes. The downtown area offers an impressive nightlife scene with a variety of entertainment options such as Charlie Goodnight’s Comedy Club or The Office; no, not where you spend your 9-5.

Plenty to Do All Year Long in the Bull City

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:38:58 +0000

Apart from the regular entertainment of local sports events and nightlife, Durham offers a variety of annual festivals and celebrations that draw large crowds from near and far. If you’re a resident of the Triangle Area or plan on visiting, check out one of these events and spend a day or evening trying something besides the same old dinner and a movie routine.

The World Beer Festival held in Durham will take place this year on Saturday October 9 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. With a mission set on educating the public about the beer culture, guests are invited to taste samples of a range of different beers. They also place a focus on supporting the local community and host local bands and restaurants as part of the entertainment of the event.

One of the most renowned festivals in the area is the American Dance Festival which is a month and a half long event including performances and dance classes and schools. This year’s festival is taking place from June 10-July 24. A few notable performances include the African American Dance Ensemble, the Rubberbandance Group and Shen Wei Dance Arts. Performances are held at the Reynolds Industries Theater and the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Another celebrated event of the city is the Taste of Durham Festival. This annual event usually occurs in May and makes for a full day of food and fun. Restaurant tastings as well as beer and wine sampling appeal to every palate. Kids will find plenty to do with a mix of rides and exhibits for the little ones not so interested in culture and cuisine. Art exhibits, ice sculptures, and a range of performers, showcasing everything from jazz to salsa to funk, pack this festival full of more activities than you could possibly fit into one day.

Get a Great Seat for Every Game

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:28:49 +0000

The Triangle area has some of the nation’s best collegiate sports action and if you’re a sports fan you don’t want to miss a game. From the famous tobacco road rivalry to the numerous national championships won by UNC and Duke basketball teams, there’s always a game on around here. Even though you probably can’t make it to every game, there’s no reason you can’t grab a seat and a beer at one of the Triangles Best Sport’s bars.

Four Corners: Located in the heart of Franklin Street and recently renovated, this sports bar is one of the town’s favorite places to watch the Tar Heels in action. You can stop in for a tasty dinner before the game and stay to watch the game and order a few beers. And there’s no rush to leave because live music or a DJ will still be guaranteeing a good time long after the players have left the field.
Blinco’s Restaurant: An extensive and impressive beer list can be found on the menu and on tap so you can enjoy the game with one of the best brews in town. Daily drink specials and a list of games that will be playing at Blincos can be found on their website.
Hams: It may be part of a chain, but this sports bar on West Franklin Street has the feel of an independent hometown bar. Students of UNC flock to Hams to watch a game and enjoy one of their famous beer towers.
Carolina Ale House: Though it is one of many in the area, the location on Creekside Drive is making our list. Two large screens and around 50 TVs cover any sports event you could imagine. An array of pool tables, foosball tables and videogames keep everyone entertained. Check out the website for drink specials and additional locations.
Blue Sports Bar & Grille: Patrons can catch the latest action on one of Blue’s 15 TVs. Do more than just watch, grab a buddy and a cue stick and shoot a game of pool or a round of shuffle board. Located in the Hilton in Durham, this bar is a great stop for out of town guests staying at the hotel or nearby.

Dinosaurs to Dancing Plants

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:20:55 +0000

The Museum of Life and Sciences may be geared towards the younger generation, but parents and babysitters alike will enjoy a day exploring the grounds of this center of interactive learning. Located in Durham, this museum has a range of exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, so you’ll have plenty to do no matter what the weather brings. On a nice day you can explore the six acres of outdoor activities including a Farmyard complete with goats, sheep, turkey and cows. Exotic animals such as lemurs, black bears, and red wolves can be seen from various observation decks throughout the Explore the Wild exhibit. Then, step back in time onto the Dinosaur Trail and learn all about these extinct species. One of the most popular attractions is the Catch the Wind exhibit, which includes a sailboat pond, a seed tower, and even an ornithopter, a ride that raises you in the air with large flapping wings, mimicking a bird or insect. The dancing plants machine shows you how plants react when exposed to strong winds.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, no need to change your plans, there’s plenty to occupy you indoors. The Magic Wings Butterfly House recreates the warm damp atmosphere of the rain forest and houses hundreds of tropical butterflies. Don’t miss the daily butterfly release, where one of the zoo keeper’s releases newly hatched butterflies into the conservatory. The Play to Learn Exhibit is a great place for kids to expand their minds with building blocks, a climbing wall and even water painting. Other exhibits such as the Bayer CropScience Insectarium or the WTVD ABC 11 Accu-Weather exhibit, where you can walk through a tornado, offer unique, new experiences for all ages.

There’s so much to do at this museum you’ll want to spend all day here, and with the tasty menu options at Grayson’s Café, there’s no reason not to. And before you go, make sure to take a ride on the Ellerbee Creek Railway through the museum grounds. Museum and train ticket information can be found online at the museum’s website.

I’m a Tar Heel Born I’m a Tar Heel Bred…

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:09:49 +0000

…And when I die I’m a Tar Heel dead (so rah rah Carolina-lina, rah rah Carolina-lina…). If you’re planning on relocating to the Chapel Hill area, you’ll need to learn the University of North Carolina’s alma mater, especially if you plan on attending a sporting event at the school. Previously described as the best college town in America by Sports Illustrated Magazine, Chapel Hill is the true epitome of a college town. The light blue and white colors that symbolize the Carolina students’ pride and joy can be found on the lampposts of almost every street and the campus is one of the prettiest college campuses in the southeast.

The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill offers much more than a quality education. Franklin Street serves as the heart of the town, fueling the city with food, drinks, and excitement. Located in the central downtown area, this student speckled street is a great destination for visitors and residents alike. Lined with delicious eateries, diverse boutiques, and numerous Tar Heel memorabilia shops, Franklin Street has a place for everyone. You can’t leave before trying Top of the Hill, one of Franklin Street’s most coveted restaurants.

The campus is also home to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center where you can enjoy out of this world star shows, the Playmakers Repertory Company, Memorial Hall, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden—the largest natural botanical garden in the southeast.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of living in a college town is the sports. UNC Basketball games are some of the most sought after events of the year. Alumni, current students, and fans from all over flock to Chapel Hill during basketball season to watch Roy Williams and his team in the Dean Dome. Tailgating is huge during this time of year—the streets are filled with Carolina blue people cooking out, socializing, and chanting before (and during for those without tickets) the game starts. Even if you didn’t go to UNC, you can’t help but get caught up in the spirited festivities.