Pittsboro, NC – I’ve lived in Chatham County for many years now, and I love to call it home. What’s not to love? Proximity to the best outdoor activities in the Triangle, wonderful shops and restaurants and good value, high-quality homes. And being in the Real Estate business gives me the chance to visit locations all over Chatham County.

Whether you call Chatham County home or are just visiting, you’ll find plenty to do and see. From crusty pizza to hot air ballooning, biking, hiking and antiquing, here are my Top 5 Things To Do In Chatham County.

1. Local Pittsboro Restaurants

• Angelina’s Kitchen, Pittsboro – Local ingredients with a Greek twist. Gyros, falafel, spanakopita, hummus, tabouli, tzatziki, skordalia, baklava, and more! Open Monday through Friday 9am – 7pm.
• Bella Donna, Pittsboro – Authentic Italian food, served in our beautiful new Tuscan themed dining area. Open Mon – Wed: 11 am – 8 pm. Thu – Sat: 11 am – 9 pm.
• Carolina Brewery, Pittsboro – Locally-owned brewery and restaurant that has drawn international attention for its handcrafted beers, all brewed in-house by Brewmaster Jon Connolly and his team. Open 7 days a week.
• Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro – Elegant dining experience and award winning Fearrington Restaurant. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 6 pm-9 pm. Sunday, 6 pm-8 pm.
• Small B&B Cafe, Pittsboro – Affordable, seasonal, local, establishment with a heavy emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Open Wed – Sun, 7.30 – 2 pm (Sun, open at 9 am).
• Virlie’s Grill, Pittsboro – Delicious homemade soups, salads, and more. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Monday: 6am – 3pm; Tuesday – Saturday, 6am – 9pm; and Sunday, 8am – noon.

2. Go For A Spin On Chatham County Mountain Biking Trails

• Briar Chapel Community, Pittsboro
• Harris Lake, New Hill
• Carolina North Forest, Chapel Hill
• American Tobacco Trails, Chatham & Durham Counties

3. Grab A Kayak

• Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company, Saxapahaw
• Cape Fear River Adventures, Lillington

4. Fly In The Clouds in a Hot Air Balloon

Join balloon pilot, Richard Parr, on a journey floating quietly over the beauty of Chatham County. Mystic Venture will take you on a flight either mornings or evenings, except summer when it is all morning flights. The flights last one hour and include champagne! The total time required is three hours. The cost is $200 for single and $300 for two. Don’t forget your camera!

5. Antiquing Fun For All

• Southern Treasures, Pittsboro – Specializing in quality furniture from the 1800′s to the 1940′s, clocks, McCoy pottery, Depression and other glassware, silver and silver-plate.
• French Connection, Pittsboro – Offers an eclectic variety of French antique furniture and items for the home. Also features African art and crafts and a large selection of French and African fabrics.
• Old Pittsboro Antiques, Pittsboro – Features furniture and collectibles of all types. Super friendly and helpful owner.
• Beggars & Choosers Antiques, Pittsboro – Has three full floors of shop featuring everything from large furniture pieces to Japanese prints to 50′s ashtrays and 40′s curtains. Also specializes in vintage jewelry, clothing, and hats.
• Hickory Mountain Antiques, Pittsboro -Bob and Peggy Mowrey have been in the antique business since 1995 specializing in selling wholesale to dealers for resale.
• Paynes Antique Stained Glass, Pittsboro – Paynes has 6,000 sq. ft. of shop housing antique English stained glass, antique English furniture and collectibles. They also have wrought iron and concrete pieces, as well.

What’s Your Favorite Thing to Do in Chatham County?

What’s your favorite restaurant, shop, park or festival in Chatham County, NC? We’ve sure covered a lot of them in Route 64 Journal. But I always love to hear about more!

Send your favorites to:

Julie Roland
Julie Roland Realty
Owner/Broker-in-Charge/Realtor
jroland@nc.rr.com

You can also leave a comment on the website, Facebook or Twitter.

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Photo by Jeff Chang.

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Pittsboro,  NC - During this upcoming week, I plan to make volunteering in Pittsboro a priority. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., I would like to invite all of you to join in on making a difference.

Not only can you make a difference in the lives of others, you can also team up with many caring, energetic, and creative people. Together we can all bring about change in Pittsboro and the surrounding communities.

Places To Volunteer in Pittsboro & Chatham County

Not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking to volunteer for something specific or just want to help out wherever you’re needed, here are a few ideas.

• The Abundance Foundation – The Abundance Foundation educates folks on sustainability through DIY Workshops, Tours of an Eco-Industrial Park, and loads of events.  Making learning fun is crucial and they weave festivity and good times throughout their programs.
• Habitat For Humanity
• Meals On Wheels
• Kiwanis Club – The Pittsboro Kiwanis Club sponsors the Key Club at Northwood High School in Pittsboro; Key Club is a service
  organization sponsored by Kiwanis for high school students to make that age group aware of the needs for service in their community and help the members understand how to plan and execute service projects.
• Chatham Animal Rescue
• Clean Jordan Lake – Restore Jordan Lake to a healthy and vibrant aquatic resource by removing trash from the shoreline and preventing further accumulations.
• Heads Up! Therapeutic Riding – Provides therapeutic equine-related activities to individuals in central North Carolina with physical, emotional or developmental disabilities to enhance positive reinforcement and encouragement towards independence.
• Friends of Chatham Community Library

It feels good to get involved in the good things going on in Pittsboro.

Pittsboro, Chatham County, NC – Every house tells a story. This story is about 442 Churchwood Lane and it’s called The Charmed Life.

The Charmed Life in a Small Town

Picture yourself sitting by the fireplace, a cracking blaze warming your feet.

From your easy chair, you can see out into the yard. A white picket fence encloses an expanse of lawn. Birds pick at berries and fruits that have dropped from the trees and shrubs. The sky gets bright behind the old village of Pittsboro.

442 Churchwood Lane – Cozy and Affordable

Cozy. That’s the word for 442 Churchwood Lane. And affordable. That’s the word for 2012.

My newest listing in the Willow Springs Subdivision a few minutes from the 15-501/64 circle. Easy walk to Virlie’s for lunch. Barely worth driving.

This home packs a lot of value into a small space:

• 3 bedrooms
• 3.5 baths
• Nearly 3/4 of an acre, fenced
• Fireplace in the living room
• Vaulted ceiling
• Lovely back deck
• 1700 square feet of charm and convenience

2001 construction, heat pump, city sewer and water, eat-in kitchen plus a dining room.

If you’ve been looking for a home near the heart of small town, convenient to everything but private and serene, 442 Churchwood Lane could be the house for you.

Listed for $175,000.

The Pleasures of Pittsboro

Founded in 1787, Pittsboro is the seat of Chatham County and named for William Pitt the Younger, a member of British Parliament and a supporter of colonial American rights.

History is still present in Pittsboro today, but it’s also the modern hub of a thriving community.

From your snug home on Churchwood Lane, you can take the kids to school, grab coffee, get a haircut, do some business at the Chamber of Commerce, grab lunch at Virlie’s or General Store Cafe, take a class, get exercise or buy the kids an ice cream cone.

That’s your neghborhood if you live at 442 Churchwood Lane.

More on the Pleasures of Pittsboro.

The Charms of Chatham County

Chatham County anchors the south western corner of the Triangle, one of the most dynamic regions in the country.

But if Raleigh and Durham are bustling urban centers, Chatham County is the gateway to fresh air, farms, small towns and mighty rivers. Some say it’s the best of both worlds.

In Chatham County, you can go boating on Jordan Lake, kayaking on the Haw River, catch some music on the back porch at Bynum or Sharpe’s Store in Bear Creek. You could have Sunday Dinner at Celebrity Dairy, spend a day in the arts district of Siler City or go for a ride on the New Hope Valley Railroad.

Read more about Chatham County.

Property Description

The fenced in property on .72 of an acre is park-like with wonderful fruit trees, berries & grapes. This property is great for entertaining, gardening and fun. And the kids will also love the play-set in the back yard.

This 1,700 sq. ft. home has an open floor plan, an oversized family room with cathedral ceilings, and a fireplace.  The impressive kitchen has a center island with eat-in area, ready for family gatherings.

Great location in Pittsboro. Only 15 minutes to Beaver Creek shopping center and easy access to 15-501, Hwy 64, and Jordan Lake.

Specs

• Square Feet: 1,700
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2.5
• .72 acres of fenced in yard
• Price: $175.000
• MLS: #1814462

Contact

Get in touch for more information about this fabulous home.

Julie Roland Realty, Inc.
Julie Roland, Owner/Broker
Pittsboro, NC
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com

Pictures

See more pictures at MLS #1814462.

Pittsborro, NC – Big family gatherings are just my thing during the Christmas season. But there have been times that a Christmas get-a-way would be just the thing to bring all the hype down to a manageable level.

We are so lucky here in Chatham County, because we don’t have to go far to enjoy an enchanted Christmas without all the work. Maybe the weekend at Fearrington House Inn & Spa or the perfect 4 course Christmas lunch is your idea of the perfect enchanted holiday.

Make Christmas Special and Romantic

Christmas Lunch at The Fearrington House
Sunday, Dec 25, 12pm – 3pm
Celebrate the holiday with loved ones at Fearrington this year. The Fearrington House Restaurant will serve a four course luncheon from 12pm to 3pm for $69 per person. Call (919) 542-2121 to reserve or reserve online at www.fearrington.com.

Christmas Package at The Fearrington House
Sat, December 24 & Sunday, Dec 25
Escape to Fearrington this Christmas and enjoy a two-night stay with dinner for two on Christmas Eve, a four course Christmas Lunch, and a light evening buffet. Also includes afternoon tea and full breakfast. From $1125 per couple. Call (919) 542-2121 to reserve.

Have a wonderful Christmas wherever you end up this holiday season!

Pittsboro, NC – I love stopping by the Chatham Marketplace for lunch or to pick up some great local produce. If you have never been, you must go. And why not go this week? They have a bunch of local crafters coming by each day until December 20th.

About Chatham Marketplace

Chatham Marketplace is a co-operative business owned entirely by members of the community. Chatham Marketplace serves shoppers, local farmers and the local business community, by being a flourishing co-op that provides healthy quality food and supports local agriculture.

They carry beautiful, local produce, health and beauty aids, loads of organic products, a great cafe and salad bar and a busy little patio.

Schedule of Local Crafters at Chatham Marketplace

This month, different local crafters will show their wares each day until December 20th.

• Tuesday, Dec 13th from 4 – 7 pm Ann Landin will have Handwoven & Hand Knitted Items
• Wednesday, Dec  14th, from  4 – 7 pm Dee Tarantino will have Fancy Paper items, Gift Boxes, Journals
• Thursday, Dec  15th, from 4 – 7 pm Anna Deese will show her Hand Knitted Scarves
• Friday, Dec 16th, from 4 – 7 pm Shannon Wall will have Pine Needle Ornaments & Baskets
• Saturday, Dec 17th, from 12 – 3 pm Rita Cileo from Spirit Earth will show Found Objects, Jewelry & Ornaments
• Sunday, Dec 18th, from 12 – 3 pm Rebecca Smith will show her Pressed Flower Art
• Sunday, Dec 18, from 12 – 3 pm Shane Kirkley  will have Silver wrapped jewelry
• Monday, Dec 19th, from 4 – 7 pm Monnda Welch will sell jewelry
• Monday, Dec 19th, from 4 – 7 pm Kate Ladd will show her Floor Cloths and Paintings

For more info, visit Chatham Marketplace.

Pittsboro, NC – There has been so much going on these last few weeks, I feel like my head is spinning. The holiday spirit is everywhere in Pittsboro and there is so much to do. Here are a few things you may need to write down so you don’t miss them. They are coming up this weekend!

Holiday Activities in Siler City

Downtown Siler City hosts a special Holiday Open House. Galleries will be open Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm – 4 pm with artists doing demonstrations in pottery, weaving, wood turning, spinning, painting, and more. Visit and see how the gifts are made. Click HERE for more information.

Holiday Open House at Starrlight Mead

Visit Starrlight Mead for “Music and Mead” with Thunder & Spice from 1 pm – 4 pm.  Mead wenches will serve Warm Spiced Apple Mead plus plenty of other surprises!

• December 10, 2011 – 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

New Hope Valley Railway Santa Train

Santa himself joins the railway for the last time this weekend to bring in the season. Then he heads off to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas. A visit with Santa aboard a New Hope Valley Railway train has become a holiday tradition for many families.

• Dates:  Saturday December 11th & Sunday December 12
• Trains leave at 11am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm, 2:45pm, and 4pm.
• Tickets are available ahead of time online for all train day events.

Pittsboro, NC – Oh how I love a holiday parade! The music, the floats, Santa and all the excitement I see in the eyes of the children, makes for a wonderful day. I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to see two parades so closed to home.

Siler City Parade

The Siler City Christmas Parade is on Thursday, December 1 at 7 p.m. in downtown Siler City. This year’s parade theme will be “The Christmas Story.”

In the courtyard on Chatham Avenue an onstage performance of “Midst of Lions” can be seen before and after the parade. The annual tree lighting with Mayor Charles Johnson will be at 6:30 p.m. and Santa will visit with children in the courtyard following the parade.

Pittsboro Parade

The Pittsboro Christmas Parade is Sunday, December 4th beginning at 3 p.m. in downtown Pittsboro. The parade route runs from Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (next to Food Lion) to the Pittsboro Court House.

Sometimes the folks on the floats throw candy to the children so get there early and get a spot along the road. And, don’t miss the Santa Claus Grande Finale.

Wishing you and your family a very happy Holiday Season!

Julie Roland
Realtor/Broker
Julie Roland Realty, Inc.

(919) 274-8004
Email: Julie Roland

Pittsboro, NC – The temperatures are dropping, the town lights have been switched on and Christmas is definitely approaching. Along with the anticipation of arranging family visits and purchasing gifts, if you are also trying to sell your home it can be a very stressful time.

Good Reasons to Sell During Winter

The market in general tends to slow down over the holidays. Many homeowners pull their houses off the market this time of year do to holiday travels or incoming guests.

There is a lot of pent-up demand in the winter, on both the buyer and seller sides. Sellers have been waiting for a better time to sell. Buyers have been waiting for more quality inventory and a sense that prices have bottomed or are close to it.

As a seller, during the winter months you’ll have a chance to stand out in a thinned-out field of competitors. Also, interest rates are low. So, if there are buyers in our local market, you may be at an advantage selling when most sellers are waiting.

Tips For A Quicker Sale

With the reduced competition and some seasonal opportunities, you can use staging to your advantage. When staging and showing your home during the holiday, you have a chance to show your home at its very best, adorned with warmth and cheer sure to charm.

Fight gloom. Turn on all the lights possible for visitors. This is no time to worry about the electric bill. Open blinds, drapes, and shutters. Make sure to clean any grime off the windows first.

To convey a cozy impression in winter, turn up the thermostat and have a fire in the fireplace for open houses. It will give you an edge over the many vacant homes on the market.

Encourage showings during high daylight hours. Showing after work in the dark isn’t a great idea. Make sure you have enough outside illumination for drive-by visitors. And keep the place well lit even when you’re not there.

And lastly, decorate lightly. Some twinkling lights, a wreath on the front door and green trimmings all around is all you need. A few tasteful holiday decorations are nice. Do not go overboard with cheer. Give the buyer an opportunity to visualize future holidays in the home with their family.

Pittsboro, NC – My friends and clients know that I am always up for a good adventure. Whether it’s skydiving, water skiing or horseback riding, a challenging endeavor always keeps me focused. Now, I’ve launched my own real estate company.

Announcing Julie Roland Realty Inc.

It is with great pleasure that I announce my newest adventure:  Julie Roland Realty, Inc.

I’ve enjoyed my time working for other real estate brokers, and I’ve learned a lot.  But now it’s time for me to strike out on my own and build my own independent company.

It’s Going to be a Great Day

Some months ago, I adopted the line “It’s going to be a great day” as my slogan. Maybe that was my first inkling that I was ready for my own business.

While others may see a real estate market that is full of gloom and doom, I see a land of opportunities. The buying and selling of houses is much more than a business – it is the fulfillment of dreams. Whether you are buying a home to start a family or selling one to retire near a golf course, my focus is on advancing your plan for your life.

Everyday, I have the opportunity to help someone fulfill their dreams. How great is that?

Only the Beginning

Starting a business is every bit as exciting as helicopter drop skiing, that’s for sure.

Many thanks to friends and colleagues in the Pittsboro business community for helping Julie Roland Realty get launched.

But this is only the beginning. Stay tuned as the adventure unfolds.

Get in Touch

From now on, you’ll find me here:

Julie Roland
Realtor/Broker
Julie Roland Realty, Inc.

(919) 274-8004
Email: Julie Roland

Pittsboro, NC – The Fall leaf colors are peaking this week. A perfect time for me to get out of the house and go for a hike with the kids.

I feel so lucky to have Jordan Lake so close to home. I plan to pack a lunch and a camera to photograph the colorful foliage.

There are numerous hiking trails to enjoy all around the lake. All are easy walking for all ages and offer many views. You can download a map from NC Parks.

Here are a few of my favorite places to go.

Ebenezer Church Recreation Area:

Ebenezer has two loop trails, each about a mile in length as well as a short trail connecting the picnic areas to the swimming beach.

The Ebenezer Church Trail is an easy one-mile loop trail that passes the site of the historic Ebenezer Church for which the area was named. The trailhead is at the southeast corner of the beach parking lot.

The Old Oak Trail is an easy one-mile loop trail that begins at the parking lot in Ebenezer Picnic Area A. This trail can be cut to one half mile by taking the shortcut loop, making this a great trail for small children.

New Hope Overlook:

New Hope Trail is the most strenuous hike. The trail begins near the bathrooms at the boat ramp. The red loop is 5.4 miles and the blue loop is 2.7 miles in length. This is the most challenging trail with several steep hills. This trail has beautiful views of the Lake.

Vista Point:

The Red Trail is an easy three-mile hike that begins near the showerhouse. It is nearly a loop trail, but requires walking along the park road for about 100 yards to end up back at the shower house.

The Blue Trail is a one-mile loop trail that begins near the entrance gate. Hikers will pass by an old tobacco barn.

Seaforth:

The Pond Trail is an easy 1.5-mile trail. The path is nearly a loop and begins at the display case on the western side of the beach parking lot and ends near Picnic Shelter #9. You will enjoy glimpses of the lake while walking.

Parker’s Creek:

The Children’s Nature Trail is an easy half-mile hike. This loop trail begins at Picnic Shelter #3. Hikers will enjoy a long boardwalk and an old farm pond.

The Connector Trail is 1.5 miles in length and connects each camping loop to the swimming beach. Hikers can see signs of old home sites, including rock foundations, farm fencing and ornamental plants.

Crosswinds Campground:

The easy 1.5-mile trail begins at the boat ramp parking lot and ends near campsite C1. The trail connects the boat ramp to each camping loop. Crosswinds Campground is for registered campers only.

Poplar Point Campground:

This easy 2-mile trail winds its way from loop B to loop J and can be accessed from each camping loop. Poplar Point Campground is for registered campers only.

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Photo by ShaggyHill used under a Creative Commons license.