There are still some old favorites on West Franklin. But turnover is high in the restaurant business and I was surprised at how many cool looking new places had opened up.

That’s part of what makes W. Franklin the epicenter of the food scene in the Triangle – the energy is there. Both restaurateurs and foodies know it’s the place to go to try something new and exciting.

I mean, a girl needs to eat when she’s not selling houses.

There’s so much restaurant stuff happening on West Franklin that this story has to be in two parts.

Part 1: The North Side of the Street

Staring at Graham Street and heading back toward the center of town, here’s the line up.

The Chocolate Door
Handmade chocolate and truffles. It’s like you fell asleep and woke up in Switzerland. I mean, what’s not to love in a chocolate boutique?

India Palace
A mainstay on West Franklin with the college crowd. Fast, inexpensive and tasty.

Italian Pizzeria
Another W. Franklin fixture. Sometimes, a slice of pizza is one of life’s great pleasures.

Carolina Brewery
The big attraction is the beer – fresh, imaginative and flavorful. Many signature brews on tap including Flagship IPA (Gold Medal, Great American Beer Festival), Copperline Amber Ale (Gold Medal, World Beer Championships), and Sky Blue Golden Ale (Silver Medal, World Beer Championships). Voted Best Brewpub in the Southeast by Brewpub magazine, and Best Burger in the Triangle by Independent Magazine and the readers of The Daily Tar Heel.

Telulla’s
Turkish food. A truly unique experience – the decor, the music and the food. You may not recognize one item on the menu, but everything is well-explained and the cuisine is similar to others in the Eastern Mediterranean. Try Karisik Izgara:

Four different Kebabs in one dish! An inviting combination of lamb chop, -weekends doner kebab-, lamb, chicken and Adana kebabs cooked to your desire and served with rice and greens. A luxurious treat for any lover of kebabs!

Elaine’s
Since 1999, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the area. Chef Bret Jennings is known for his unique style of regional American cuisine. He’s been featured in Southern Living and has cooked at the James Beard House in New York.

West End Wine Bar – More than 60 interesting wines on the menu from  Picpoul (a modest French white that’s amazingly refreshing on a hot day) to Nero d’Avola, a mouthful of flavor from Sicily. West End also has savory side plates of meats and cheeses in the European tradition, much like tapas. Definitely a date-night location.

Mediterranean Deli
A vast menu of Mediterranean specialties including falalfel, hummus, gyro, stuffed grape leaves, wonderful olives and a very fine Chicken Salad on a pita. You will be glad you did not go to Wendy’s. They also serve Fatayers, a delicacy you won’t find too often:

Fatayers are served with fresh feta and mozzarella cheeses on our traditional Middle-Eastern, boat-shaped dough made with certified organic flour.

Ham’s
Casual family dining since 1935.

Cypress on the Hill
Another date-night restaurant. Guys will love the Veal Porterhouse or the Painted Hills Ribeye . Girls might enjoy Stuffed Quail or the fresh NC Dayboat Black Grouper. The latter comes with Maque Grits and Collards.

Gumby’s Pizza
A place to get a quick slice or some wings.

Jimmy John’s
My daughter loves these sandwiches.

Vespa
Chapel Hill’s authentic Italian. Risotto di Mare, Penne Al Fumo and Veal Scaloppine are all sure to satisfy. Wash it down with a nice Montepulciano. Lovely patio in mild weather.

Noodles and Company
Noodles prepared to your order in Asian style, Mediterranean, American or Customize It (pick your own ingredients and flavors). Fast, fun and healthy concept. Great website.

Kildare Irish Pub
Not your typical “Irish” pub, owner Dave Magrogan has gone to great lengths to import artifacts from Ireland that recreate the atmosphere and history of Irish pubs. The food is hearty, the beer is strong and the conversation lively.

Lime & Basil
Vietnamese and Pho cuisine. Pho is a noodle soup which can have beef, chicken, fish or vegetables and is great on a rainy Chapel Hill afternoon.

Caribou Coffee
What’s great about this Caribou is that it’s in an old auto service station.

I Love NY Pizza
You can have three pizza joints on one block. Which one do you like best?

Ben & Jerry’s
Sometimes college kids need their Cheesecake Brownie or Cherry Garcia. Sometimes, we all do.

Qdoba
Fast and cheerful Mexican grill.

So there you have it: 18 places to eat on the north side of West Franklin. I have to go for a run before I hit the south side of the block.

What Do You Like?

What’s your favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill, NC – True luxury has never been this affordable. 4 bedroom, 6 bath home in Chapel Hill on 2.86 acres of land. Over 5,000 square feet of living space. A steal for the right buyer at $650,000.

This is one of the finest homes to come on the market in the last few months. Spacious rooms, hardwood floors, a three car garage, swimming pool and two fireplaces.

3 zone heat pump saves money on energy. Beautiful wooded property on a private cul-de-sac creates a feeling of privacy in your own forest paradise.

Lovely, shaded patio overlooking the pool recalls a bygone era of old time Southern charm. Meticulous craftsmanship and top quality materials are evident in the crown moldings, cabinetry and surfaces.

Even more to love:  how about a 2nd kitchen with wine refrigerator, first floor master bedroom with separate sitting area, an office, a floored attic, living room, family room, breakfast room… too many features to name here. You’ll just have to come see it.

Built in 2005, 53 Hidden Oaks Drive in Chapel Hill is truly a home with all the amenities.

Specs

Square Feet: 5,014
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 6
MLS: #1743288

Contact

Get in touch for more info about this fabulous home.

Julie Roland
Realty World Carolina Properties
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com

More Photos

Pittsboro, NC – This 10 room house on over 3.5 acres of wooded land is a must-see in the beautiful Monterrane neighborhood.

Room to Live

This spacious and open home has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, large bonus room, huge playroom, an office and much more. Over 4000 square feet of living area.

First floor master bedroom, mud room, breakfast room and two porches give you plenty of room to relax. The house has a 3 car garage, custom woodwork and lots of built in storage throughout. Well-appointed gourmet kitchen.

Huge vaulted ceiling in the living room adds a dramatic touch while the generously sized fireplace lends warm and intimacy.

Your Own Private Forest Preserve

133 Foxglove is nestled on 3.55 wooded acres of property between Jordan Lake and the Haw River.

Conservation buffers surround all the homes in Monterrane. Walking trails start in your own backyard.

It’s truly a unique and lovely place for a nature-loving family. Learn more about the pleasures of living in Monterrane.

Close to Everything

Monterrane puts you close to everything the Triangle has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for the small town charm of Pittsboro, the excitement of Chapel Hill or the tranquility of Jordan Lake, it’s just minutes away from your front door.

Specs

• 4123 square feet
• 4 bedrooms
• 3.5 baths
• 10 rooms
• 3.55 wooded acres

Price

$474,000

Contact

Get in touch for more info about this fabulous home.

Julie Roland
Realty World Carolina Properties
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com

Pittsboro, NC – Gorgeous 3700 square foot home on 4+ acres of property in the beautiful Cedar Grove subdivision of Pittsboro. Talk about affordable luxury!

Description

610 Cedar Grove Road has three bedrooms plus a bonus room and two offices. The elegant dining room is next to a spacious family room. Four full baths.

You’ll enjoy eating at home with a gourmet kitchen and a quaint breakfast nook. The master bedroom has a cozy sitting area, luxurious bath and a truly huge walk-in-closet.

On the second floor, there are two bedrooms, bonus room and office with full bath. Partially finished basement for another office, also with a bath.

The home is brand new with a cultured stone front, screened porch and over-sized deck.

Finally, the house sits on an incredibly nice piece of land with it’s own creek.

Small Town Charm

Pittsboro is one of the most charming small towns in country with history, dining, shopping and good old-fashioned neighborliness.

Read all about The Pleasures of Pittsboro.

Lots of Fresh Air

Cedar Grove is ideally located on the western end of the Triangle, one of the country’s most vibrant business communities. Easy transportation to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

What’s makes Chatham County unique in the area is the amount of park land, water and natural beauty.

Enjoy kayaking on the Haw River or Boating on Jordan Lake just a short drive from your house.

Specs

• 3700 square feet
• 3 bedrooms
• 4 baths
• 4.14 acres of wooded land

Price

$495,000

More Info

• MLS: 1003993
• Spec Sheet

Contact

Get in touch for more info about 610 Cedar Grove Road in Pittsboro.

Julie Roland Realtor®
Realty World Carolina Properties
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com

Photos

Pittsboro, NC – Just trawling around for information, I came across this amazing item: Chapel Ridge is selling select home sites at 40% off.

Wow, that’s a lot.

Chapel Ridge – Nature, Luxury, Golf

Just to set the scene, Chapel Ridge is most certainly one of the premier golf communties in the Triangle (if not the state). From their website:

Chapel Ridge is an exceptional master-planned golf community developed on over 1,000-acres of rolling countryside, with access to the conveniences of Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. In addition to the Fred Couples Signature golf course, Chapel Ridge also features a clubhouse, swim and tennis center, and all of the natural beauty of North Carolina land.

Chapel Ridge offers the unique opportunity to purchase spectacular golf, nature, creek and hilltop view home sites with no time restrictions on when to build. Home sites are sold directly by the developer, Bluegreen Communities, a sustainable developer.

Unusual Discount

Here are some lot prices from the Chapel Ridge site:

Homesite #644
.40 acre
Home site on the golf course in a highly desirable neighborhood of fine homes. Gentle upward slope offering a high build pad and breathtaking views to the north while just steps away from your 15th green enjoyment.
Was $125,900
Now $49,900
Save $76,000

Homesite #678
2.39 acres

A massive home site located in our prestigious Estates section. Offering a corner lot location with over 560 feet of road frontage and a high level build pad with a mix of hardwoods and evergreens. Certainly unequaled at this special price.

Was $130,900
Now $59,900
Save $71,000

Homesite #627
.45 acre
Located on the 16th fairway with potential for morning sunrises to the east and golf views to the south. This site has a high build pad and is an incredible value at almost 50% off retail!
Was $160,900
Now $79,900
Save $81,000

Contact Me

If you’ve been thinking about moving to a golf community in the Triangle or are interested in the investment potential, $59,900 for 2.39 acres in Chapel Ridge is a great deal. Call me.

Julie Roland
jroland@nc.rr.com
(919) 274-8004

How about Pittsboro during the month of August?

Jordan Lake Wildlife Observation Platform
Saturday, August 14, 9am – 10am

Photo courtesy of N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Take a short hike to the new Jordan Lake Wildlife Observation Platform off of Martha’s Chapel Road.

Bring binoculars and hopefully you will see living examples of our national bird, as well as other flying friends. The guide for this tour will be Chris Militscher with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Meet in the parking lot. The entrance from Martha’s Chapel Road is marked with a brown “Watchable Wildlife” binoculars sign.

Register for the trip by contacting Central Carolina Community College, Pittsboro campus, Continuing Education office. Registration may be done by calling 919.542.6495 ext 8044 or in person at the office, 764 West St., Pittsboro, NC. More Info

Biofuels Tour
August 6, 2010 – 10:00am – 12:00pm
The Abundance Foundation
192 Lorax Lane Pittsboro, NC 27312
More Info

Photo from The Abundance Foundation

Biofuels, like biodiesel and ethanol, are derived from plant and animal products. They can be used to run cars, buses and trucks and are an important part of the growing “green energy” market.

Turns out Pittsboro is a hot bed of biofuels and sustainability, boasting what may be North Carolina’s first Green Business Park.

See environmentalism and business working together when the Abundance Foundation and Piedmont Biofuels give free tours of The Plant, home to Piedmont Biofuels Industrial; Eastern Carolina Organics; Screech’s hydroponic lettuce greenhouse, a biodiversity project; Vermiculture; and The Abundance Foundation’s office.

Tours are also held every Sunday at 1 PM.

First Sunday in Pittsboro
Saturday, August 7, 2010
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Downtown Pittsboro

Downtown Pittsboro. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Explore downtown Pittsboro shops and eateries. Fun street fair atmosphere and plenty of special festivities. Great fun for the whole family.

“First Sunday” in August is actually on Saturday. Take note.

Carolina Tiger Rescue Twilight Tours
Ages 13 and up
1940 Hanks Chapel Rd.
Pittsboro, NC 27312

Photo from Carolina Tiger Rescue

Saturdays at 6, your tour will take you on guided half-mile walk to meet some of the world’s most endangered species.

Your guide will personally introduce you to tigers, caracals, servals, ocelots, binturongs, and kinkajous, explaining the rescue stories that brought them to Carolina Tiger Rescue and the issues that their kind face in the wild.

The tour will last approximately 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Dates in August:

• August 7, 2010 – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
• August 14, 2010 – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
• August 21, 2010 – 6:00pm – 7:30pm
• August 28, 2010 – 6:00pm – 7:30pm

These special walks are during the most active part of the predators’ days. Call for reservations (919) 542-4684.

More about Pittsboro

Being a Realtor is a lot more than just talking about houses and homes. If you’re interested in learning more Pittsboro or Chatham County, contact me.

Julie Roland Realtor®
Realty World Carolina Properties
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com

Note: This house was on the market exactly one day.

Cary, NC – Want to live in Cary but tired of looking at postage stamp lots? Have a look at this large 3 bedroom home on nearly 3.5 natural acres.

Description

Western Cary still has some nice, wooded properties, and this house at 8732 Green Level Church Road is one of them.

Close to 2000 square feet of living space including first floor master bedroom, office, large front porch and cozy breakfast nook. The gracious back deck allows you to relax and enjoy the serene landscape and natural setting.

One of the nicest homes for sale in Cary, 8732 Green Level Church Road sits on almost 3.5 lush acres, a perfect ‘oasis’ for privacy.  Located about a mile from NC 55 and just a couple of minutes to Beaver Creek shopping center in Apex, home to Target, Beaver Creek Movie Theater, Old Navy and a new Kohl’s.

In short, 8732 Green Level Church Road is close to everything, but tucked into its own country enclave. Not many houses in Cary can offer that.

Specs

• 1928 square feet
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 baths
• 3.31 acres of wooded land

Price

$325,000

More Info

• MLS: 1736475
• Spec Sheet

Contact

Get in touch for more info about this property.

Julie Roland Realtor®
Realty World Carolina Properties
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com

Photos

Pittsboro, NC – Realtors are expected to be experts in their communities. I’m always collecting info about schools, restaurants, events, kids sports and more. But one of the most frequent questions I get is: “Can you rent a boat on Jordan Lake?”

Yes, you can. But the info is a little hard to gather.

So here’s a quick list of some good resources for various kinds of boat rental on Jordan Lake – fishing boats, pontoons, jet skis, kayaking and canoeing. Something for everyone.

Boat Rentals on Jordan Lake

Crosswinds Marina
565 Fearrington Road
Apex NC 27523
919-362-5391 or 919-362-1615
Map

Right off Highway 64 in Apex, Crosswinds marina  is a full service facility for boat enthuiats.

Services include wet storage, dry storage on trailers, pontoon and fishing boat rentals, public launch ramps, tackle shop, and an independent marine repair shop.

• Fishing Boat Rentals
• Pontoon Boat Rentals

Fishing boats start at $80 for a two-hour rental on a weekday. Pontoon boats start at $135.

Raleigh Jet Ski
Website
(919) 833.4638

These folks deliver jet skis to Jordan Lake 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. Play for an hour or play all day. Features quality three-seat Waverunner, Jet Ski or Sea Doo watercraft. Rates start at $90 for a one-hour rental. Striper season runs from April to December.

Kayak Adventures
Website
Facebook Page
919-929-3805 or 919-259-2241 and speak to Susanne

Easy paddling, low cost and a shallow draft make kayaking a great way to get close to natrure on the lake. Kayak Adventures has lots of great themed trips including “Paddle with the Beavers,” “Sunset Full Moon Paddles,” private parties and standard rentals of canoes and kayaks.

Sunset paddle, courtesy of Kayak Adventures

Frog Hollow Outdoors
Website
Facebook Page
919-416-1200

Frog Hollow rents kayaks and canoes, runs guided expeditions, camps and overnight adventures. In addition to Jordan Lake, they also offer services nearby on the Haw River, the Eno River, the Cape Fear river, the Neuse River, the Deep River and Falls Lake.

Striper Sniper Adventures
Website
(919) 656-1887

Another way to enjoy Jordan Lake without owning a boat is Striper-Sniper Adventures.They offer guided fishing expeditions on the lake. Half-day trips with up to three people start at $250. Full trips are $300. Includes bait & tackle, but you must have a valid NC fishing license.

Country Singer Tift Merritt caught this big one on Jordan Lake with Striper Snipers.

More Info

So there you have: something for everyone.

There are many other suppliers of boats, rentals and tours on the lake. Many don’t even have a website. Try a few of these folks up above and, while you’re here, ask around at one of the local bait and tackle stores for info on boat rentals and guides.

If you have a favorite boating resource on Jordan Lake, please add it in the comments. And if you’re interested in living near Jordan Lake, Pittsboro or anywhere in Chatham County, I’d be happy to tell you about my favorite neighborhoods and homes. Get in touch!

Julie Roland
Realtor® and Outdoor Enthusiast
jroland@nc.rr.com
(919) 274-8004

Eagles on Jordan Lake. Photo by Kayak Adventures.

Pittsboro, NC – Maybe it’s a combination of historically low interest rates and pent up demand. Whatever the cause, I’m seeing a number of really nice houses on the market, and they’re affordably priced, too.

Consider this beautiful home at 45 Canopy Drive in Monterrane, one of my favorite communities in the entire Triangle.

Start with the Land

With land priced dearly in the Triangle and developers getting stingy with lot sizes, it’s unusual to find 3+ acre wooded lots, recent construction and a price tag under half a million.

45 Canopy Drive sits on 3.46 forested acres. It was built in 2001. It lists for $465,000.

Add in a Great House

Start with more than 4000 square feet of living space – 10 rooms. There’s four bedrooms and 3.5 baths, two porches (one screened), a giant patio,living room, breakfast room, dining room, media room. You name it.

Granite counter tops and Whirlpool appliances will have you entertaining your friends and feeding your family in style. Detailed craftsmanship and woodworking throughout speak of a quality home built to last for the long haul.

In an Amazing Neighborhood

As I’ve written in the past, Monterrane is a heavenly neighborhood.

It’s ideally positioned between the Haw River and Jordan Lake. You’re in the middle of a wooded paradise, but close to Highway 64 and 15-501 for easy transportation around the Triangle.

Every house has a conservation buffer and the neighborhood is crisscrossed with trails.

At 45 Canopy, you’ll watch the seasons unfold from your own screened porch.

Near a Cool Town

Pittsboro has plenty of old-time charm. It’s been the seat of Chatham County since 1787.

It’s also got plenty of excitement. There’s Urban Sampler for fashion, the General Store Cafe for live music and Virlie’s for daily dinner specials.

Hungry for more? Buzz up the road to Chapel Hill, take in a ballgame or a concert in Durham, jump on a plane from RDU to London – it’s all a short trip away from your own wooded shire.

A Time for Rare Properties

As 45 Canopy Drive shows, there are some rare and wonderful properties available if you know where to look. If you want the comforts of estate living with the land to match, don’t wait on this property.

Specs

• 4050 square feet
• 4 bedrooms
• 3.5 baths
• 3.46 acres of wooded land
• Neighborhood: Monterrane

Price

$438,500

More Info

• MLS: 1730609
• Spec Sheet

Contact

Get in touch for more info about this fabulous home.

Julie Roland
Realty World Carolina Properties
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com

Photos

More photos.

In one minute and 45 seconds, you’ll get a real flair for the house, the neighborhood and the beautiful region between the Haw River and Jordan Lake.

Take a look!

Contact

Get in touch for more info about this fabulous home.

Julie Roland
Realty World Carolina Properties
919-274-8004
jroland@nc.rr.com