Historic Downtown Wake Forest NC has an incredible destination shop - the Twisted Vine Wine Shoppe!  Have you been there yet? Twisted Vine is owned by some familiar faces in Wake Forest NC - yep, the same smiling and friendly faces that you see at the Wake Forest Coffee Company!  Albert Barneto and Bob Cubillas.        Twisted Vine has some amazing wines available from all over the world including Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Austrailia, and France to name just a few!  They also stock some tremendous Yadkin Valley wines that come from here in our own back yard - North Carolina! When selecting their wines for inventory they reached out to the Wake Forest NC community and solicited their feedback as to what they wanted to see - so, this really is a wine shoppe for the community!  They... 08/13/2010

It's a VERY busy weekend in Wake Forest NC - so much to do and a little of something for just about EVERYONE! Check out the latest calendar of things to do in Wake Forest NC and get out an ENJOY!If you are out and about and see any homes for sale in Wake Forest NC be sure to give me, your Wake Forest NC Real Estate Agent, a call - I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have on any home for sale. Also, thinking about exploring some Open Houses this weekend? You can certainly use my Open House search tool for Open Houses in Wake Forest NC or any are of the Triangle - it's easy to use!Knights of Columbus Blood Drive Friday, Aug. 13; 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm St. Catherine of Siena, 520 W. Holding Ave. All donors will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000 gift card. To make an appointme... 08/12/2010

On a very unassuming street in historic downtown Wake Forest you will find renovated bungalows that house some of the best treasures that Wake Forest has to offer.......Sunflower Studio and Gallery is just one of them!  Sunflower Studio and Gallery houses some of the finest original works in acrylics, water colors, oils and pastels.  They also showcase some of the most detail beaded jewelry and local landmark artwork.  The second Friday of every month they host "Art After Hours" in which they open up their doors and provide live music, light hors d'oeuvres and showcase local talented artists!   Sunflower Studio is located at 214 East Jones Street where you are within the local walking tour of historic downtown Wake Forest which offers a variety of shopping such as The Cotton Company, Th... 08/11/2010

Need another reason to visit historic downtown Wake Forest?  Here it is.......  a la mode A fantastic hot spot in the historic downtown Wake Forest streetscape is this fantastic ice cream shop!  Homemade ice cream, homemade gelato, homemade frozen yogurt....are you getting the homemade part?  We visited last night for an after-dinner treat and it was amazing!  My son splurged on the mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone, my husband the coffee ice cream and me?  Homemade Tiramisu Gelato - out of this world!  You will NOT find gelato like this anywhere in the greater Raleigh area - I promise you!   The atmosphere is inviting with deep rich floors, muted colors, mix and match antique furniture, and saddles to sit on at the bar.  Yep, a whole row of saddles.....get it?  Saddle up to the bar... 08/10/2010

Wake Forest NC Neighborhood Expedition - Focus on Holding Ridge Holding Ridge is conveniently located in central Wake Forest NC with easy access to Hwy 98 (Durham Road) or Hwy1A (Main Street) which makes getting around Wake Forest NC very easy!  Shops, restaurants, every day conveniences and historic downtown Wake Forest NC are just right around the corner and some even within walking distance.  Also, close by is Tyler Run Park which is part of the Wake Forest NC Parks & Recreation System.  This 9 acre park features a baseball field, basketball court, playground, picnic tables and a greenway trail!  Homes in Holding Ridge were built in between 1995 and 2003.  Currently there are 4 homes for sale in Holding Ridge ranging in price from $199,900 - $234,900.  That price range is extremely p... 08/09/2010

The Factory in Wake Forest NC - Your One Stop for FUN! The Factory is located on Main Street in Wake Forest and truly offers a little bit of everything for everybody. This old factory was meticulously cared for and revamped to provide a place for shopping, dining and sports activities.  Little by little the spaces have been filling up and The Factory is truly a destination spot. The sculpture in the fountain stands in front of The Factory and during the warmer months you will always see people making wishes and tossing in pennies and kids running around playing tag.  Two restaurants  that are part of the complex but located separate are Las Palmas which has great Mexican food and The Village Deli and wow, they sure do know how to make an awesome sandwich and their soups are great.  Also... 08/09/2010

Here it is!  Are you ready for it?  Time to gear up, "feed" those brains, buy the new sneakers and get those bedtime routines polished up - IT'S BACK TO SCHOOL! Don't panic!  Here are all the resources that you need to make this transition from summer to school-time much easier! Whether you live in Wake Forest, Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Knightdale, or Rolesville you child's school will fall under Wake County Public Schools System   3600 Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 919-850-1600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              919-850-1600      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Their website will provide you with a wealth of information in getting ready for the big day!  Here are some additional links that will certainly give you a leg up on the research! District Calendar - both Traditional and Ye... 08/08/2010

Exciting Week of Events in Wake Forest NC - August 9 - 15, 2010 Wake Forest NC has an incredible week of events in store for both residents and tourists!  This upcoming weekend is the much anticipated Art After Hours, there is a Neighborhood Block Party, "Taste of the Market" at the Wake Forest Farmers Market, an outdoor concert at The Factory and so much more! Take the time to get out and enjoy all that Wake Forest NC has to offer this week - you WON'T be disappointed! Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) August Morning Club Meetings Monday, Aug 9, 16, 23, 30; 9:30 am weigh in and 10:10 am meeting Wakefield Baptist Church, 13029 Falls of the Neuse Rd. TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support program that welcomes all! Your first session is free and annual membership is only $26.Contact Kare... 08/07/2010

Tax Free Weekend in North Carolina - August 6 - 8, 2010 Whew!  I just got back from the store and it was PACKED!  I forgot that this weekend was the Free Sales Tax Weekend in North Carolina.  I survived! What does the Tax Free Weekend mean to you?  Well, it's the perfect time to get your "Back To School" shopping done.  Here are some of the items that you can find this weekend that are exempt from Sales Tax: Clothing with a sales price of one hundred dollars ($100.00) or less per item.  Sport or recreational equipment with a sales price of fifty dollars ($50.00) or less per item.  “Sport or recreational equipment” is defined as items designed for human use and worn in conjunction with an athletic or recreational activity that are not suitable for general use. The items listed below are ... 08/06/2010

Wake Forest NC Library - A Little Something For Everyone Wake Forest NC has a fantastic library!  It may seem a little small but it is packed with activities and brimming with a thorough collection of books for both leisure reading as well as resource tools for school projects.  Located in downtown Wake Forest it is easily accessible and many neighborhoods are within walking distance. Some great benefits of this library are the wonderful programs that they have for children.  You can register (FREE) for story times (not all require registration) that are geared to all age groups. Baby and Me (ages 6 to 18 months)Tuesdays at 10 a.m.This program is for our tiniest patrons and their caregivers. The program encourages interaction between caregiver and child through songs, fingerplays, baby ... 08/06/2010

Weekends in Wake Forest NC - August 6 - 8, 2010 Don't forget to get out and enjoy your Weekend in Wake Forest!  There are some wonderful events on the calendar and the weather is supposed to be just gorgeous!  Wake Forest Farmers Market: Canning Demonstration Saturday, August 7; 8 am – noon Downtown parking lot, 110 S. White St. Canning demonstration by Robin Roper. Music provided by Dry Bread. The market offers fresh and locally grown produce, pasture raised beef, lamb, poultry and pork, free range eggs (both chicken and duck). Honey, baked goods, jams and preserves, fresh and dried herbs, handmade soaps, fresh cut flowers, art and crafts. www.wakeforestfarmersmarket.org Purple Heart Dinner Saturday, Aug 7; 6 pm – 8 pm Tuxedo Junction, 405 S. Brooks St. Tickets are on sale and sponsors... 08/05/2010

Wake Forest NC Neighborhood Expedition - Focus on Crenshaw Hall Crenshaw Hall is a fabulous subdivision in Wake Forest NC that is convenient to EVERYTHING!  Easy access to Hwy 98 makes commutes to RTP and Durham very easy and Capital Blvd is right around the corner which takes you straight into Raleigh NC!  Crenshaw Hall is located in close proximity to Target, Home Depot, Banks, Restaurants and MORE!  A beautiful clock tower greets you as you enter Crenshaw Hall and the neighborhood amenities include a community pool, tennis courts, and playgrounds. Currently there are three homes for sale in Crenshaw Hall that range in price from $369,000.00 to $499,900.00.  Each home currently for sale has a style all to it's own and range in size from 2958 sqft to 4997 sqft.  These current listings ... 08/05/2010

This Is Wake Forest NC and We Didn't Mean To Trick You! I can not tell you how many times I have been in stores or restaurants and I hear tourists asking for directions to the Wake Forest University.  When they find that although they may BE in Wake Forest NC the University is approximately 2 hours away......Talk about frustrated!  Sometimes they even get mad like it was a whole conspiracy by the town to mislead them.......Well, here is a little history lesson regarding Wake Forest and well, Wake Forest..... Way, way back in February of 1834 (told you it was way back) the very first class enrolled in what was then called the Wake Forest College.  When the Civil War started all the students but 5 were obligated to the Confederate Army.  That huge loss of student body forced the school to... 08/03/2010

National Night Out in Wake Forest NC - August 3, 2010 Join your neighbors tomorrow night, August 3, at Target in Wake Forest NC for the 27th Annual National Night Out!  National Night Out is designed to promote safe, healthy neighborhoods, increase crime and drug prevention, foster police-community relationships and to generate support for local anti-crime programs. The annual National Night Out Parking Lot Party is being hosted by the Wake Forest NC Police Department and Target which is the national sponsor for National Night Out.  There will DEFINITELY be something for everyone: Food and prizes performing choirs Army National Guard helicopter WFPD and the US Secret Service will provide child identification fingerprint kits via Operation Safe Kids Child Safety Seat technicians WFPD K-9... 08/02/2010

Heritage Wake Forest - Heritage Manor Heritage Wake Forest is one of the Triangle areas premier golf course and lifestyle communities.   Heritage with its winding, tree-lined streets creates a friendly atmosphere that appeals to all generations.  Heritage is located near historic downtown Wake Forest with its unique shops and restaurants.  In addition to the golf course, this community features a clubhouse and restaurant, 2 swim clubs, tennis courts, 120 acre greenway, soccer fields, numerous parks and playgrounds, a fishing pier and miles of walking and biking trails.  Combined with all of the amenities, Heritage features many upscale retail shopping centers and medical facilities within its borders as well as new highly rated schools.  The community of Heritage Wake Forest is compris... 08/01/2010

Heritage Crest in Wake Forest, NC Heritage Wake Forest is one of the Triangle areas premier golf course and lifestyle communities.  The Heritage Wake Forest community with its winding, tree-lined streets creates a friendly atmosphere that appeals to all generations.  The hand selected team of custom builders combines state-of-the-art technology and building techniques with old fashioned values such as pride in craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality. Heritage is located near historic downtown Wake Forest with its unique shops and restaurants.  In addition to the golf course, this community features a clubhouse and restaurant, 2 swim clubs, tennis courts, 120 acre greenway, soccer fields, numerous parks and playgrounds, a fishing pier and miles of walking and biking trails.  The ... 08/01/2010

Let's Get To Know Each Other First - Date Me! Okay, so, be-bopping along my morning the other day doing what I have to do the phone rings - Out of state caller. Me:  Hello, this is Leesa. Them:  Hello, my name is (inaudible and phone ringing in the background)  Can you hold? Me: No and at that point I hang up.... About two minutes later they call again. Them: Yes this is (inaudible AGAIN).  I am calling about a house.  I will be there next Wednesday and Thursday and I must see house.  You set this up.  And others. Me: What house? Them: "One of my listings"  (which is temporarily off the market!) Me: I am sorry - I didn't get your name. Can you spell that for me? >>>>They spell a first name. Me:  And, can i have a last name? >>>>They spell a last name. Them:  Here is my cell phone 555-55... 08/01/2010

ALL Homes For Sale in Wake Forest NC Have Home Warranties in August 2010! - Ask Me! I have been fortunate to call Wake Forest my home for many years!  I blog about it non-stop, I get out and meet the business owners and residents.  It is wonderful to walk downtown and wave to all the people that I know.  It can be like that for you, too! This wonderful community has a wide variety of homes to choose from in all price ranges and of all styles.  Each neighborhood has it's own unique vibe and there is definitely a place for EVERYONE in Wake Forest NC.  In the meantime, I wanted to share my "special" for the month of August, 2010.  For all of my buyers I will provide a FREE American Home Shield Warranty for the month of August.  What does that mean?  It means that EVERY buyer that enters in... 07/31/2010

I Am A Local Real Estate Expert - Zillow is Not Whether you are thinking of buying a home or possibly selling your home you more than likely have stumbled upon Zillow and thought you hit the mother-load of real estate information!  It's a fancy site with Zestimates, has homes marked on a map that are either currently listed or have recently sold, and you can spy on your best friends home on the other side of town to see what it's worth and that's cool, right?  Wrong!  Well, if spying on your neighbor is cool to you then that's your business BUT if you are thinking of buying or selling a home then you want to steer clear of Zillow. You see, I cringe when I speak with a buyer or seller and they come at me with all their research from Zillow.  They already have a predetermined listprice ba... 07/31/2010

Camping in Wake Forest NC - A Quick Yet Peaceful Getaway Close to Home! There are some spectacular spots for camping in the Carolinas from the mountains to the beaches and the many lakes that dot this breathtaking state! With Falls Lake being right here in Wake Forest NC there are quite a few GORGEOUS camping locations!  Both sites in this post are located on the perimeter of Falls Lake.   Shinleaf: Shinleaf is a back to basics type of destination.  Of all of the site located around Falls Lake, Shinleaf has the least amenities.  There is a two-mile portion of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail that pretty much follows the shore line at Shinleaf.  There are 89 campsites thoughtfully sited in the woods well away from the parking lot (typically a quarter-mile) and each is equipped with a tent pad,... 07/31/2010