Backyard Neighbor

One of my favorite recent Raleigh finds is one I passed at least 100 times before I stopped to check it out. A passing glance brings you back in time to a bygone era- and those in the know or with a spark of curiosity and a sense of adventure have found a Raleigh gem- The Vintage Village on Durant Road in North Raleigh. Since a recent move further away from downtown, the Flea Market at the State Fairgrounds is a little far for a weekly trip to fill my trash/treasure hunting hobby (that's a whole separate post!) The Vintage Village is a perfect smaller scale replacement. Fewer people to jockey around means your better luck finding that milk glass bowl you were searching for! I personally won't rest until I find an elusive factory cart to refurb into a coffee table.

Vintage Village from Durant Road

Nestled right across from Cafe Capistrano, this tucked away market treats you with several different vendors- Suzanna's Antiques, The Two Old Birds, Sam's Country Porch, and The Shack By The Track. I assume the nice gentleman I spoke to at Sam's Country Porch was Sam. He provided a story for every piece I asked about, 40's era table fans, an old spice cabinet, an entryway table, and he really really wanted me to buy the black and decker stove I was curious about. He was a spitting image of my Grandpa and he grew up in Cary in the '40s when it was a tiny town of just a few thousand people. 

The Two Old Birds have the tiniest two story building
I've ever been in- full of treasures!

These church windows would be perfect for the right house.
So many antique shutters to choose from!

Sam's Country Porch has fresh fruit and veggies every day
from a local farm.

Suzanna's Antiques

So much history!

I want one!

perfect for container gardening

Fishing Rods- a few of these would be a great addition to a lake house corner

Check out the chippendale design of the lawn furniture!

Adorable gardenscape

I think a birdhouse collection is in my future

I hope you enjoyed coming with me to the Vintage Village! Check it out sometime- you will thank us :-)

Big City Bagels & Cafe

Like so many Raleigh dwellers, my husband and I love to head out on weekends for breakfast. We are always on the hunt for a place that is low-key and makes fresh and tasty dishes. As a native of another state, one that is known for bagels, I am always searching for the perfect egg or salt bagel. I can be demanding with my precise love of the perfect 'toast'. So recently my husband and I ventured into Big City Bagels & Cafe in Celebration at Six Forks. I was skeptical ....... and then became so pleasantly surprised by the casual ambiance and the choices of quick breakfast plates. The two guys that greeted us were super Raleigh friendly and were ready to serve us and meet our needs. Now, I am no professional photographer, so please remember that while I was enjoying my toasted egg bagel with cream cheese spread lightly ... I was snapping away. And the hubby, well, mr i am quite picky too, also enjoyed his fluffy 3 egg omelet and hash browns.

So head on in and give these guys a boost. LWR is about supporting the local businesses in town. I know my husband and I will be back. I am WAITING for the salt bagels to become a part of their offerings - so please, please please ask them to add salt bagels to the menu. And take some time to chat with the owners (is it terrible that I never asked their names???) and get to know them. Supporting new businesses is a part of living well in Raleigh.

So let us know - how did you enjoy your visit to Big City Bagels and Cafe? What is your favorite omelet type or bagel while living well in Raleigh?

LWR at The Poppyseed Market

We've been living well in Raleigh for years, and loving it. Realizing with each change in the season that there is more to this capital city than we ever knew about. We love downtown, the new midtown, and of course, north Raleigh. There are so many great neighborhoods, events and shops - that provide quality time with family and friends, give great service and so many memorable experiences. So as we discover more about the city and neighborhoods we love, we will pass on to you - as we want you to know, living well in Raleigh is what we love.

So pass this blog along, as well as this email: livingwell.raleigh@gmail.com (send in suggestions!) and hopefully, someday, everyone will know why we all just live well in Raleigh.

Our first living well post is about eating well - at The Poppyseed Market.

Where living well came to life between two friends. This down-to-earth deli and cafe is nestled in the heart of north Raleigh at the Harvest Oaks Plaza. Owner and Chef Julia McGovern can be found greeting customers, taking your order and sharing her pep and spirit with all that come to the cafe.

Food is fresh and delish. The wait staff is kind and attentive. What more can you ask for time after time?? Visit this family friendly deli or head out with the girls for a monthly wine tasting. And as the Fall season comes our way, as who isn't dreaming of a cool, crisp Fall evening ... head out to Poppyseed Market for some al fresco dining and good company.

And let us know - where do you love to eat well and eat local?