What's Happening in North Carolina (Early March)

I liked this til I realized most of the towns are no where near where they really are on the map....

March is a popular month for the signs of new life to start popping up around us.  In just a couple
weeks the seasonal calendar will beckon spring and then the buttercups will bloom and the buds on the trees will appear - juicy with new life.

The calendar for NC events is looking a lot like this promise of spring.  March is when the ball really gets rolling on fun things to do in North Carolina, my fabulous home state.

Before I get to listing the great things you can do here this month I wanted to share a little treasure with you.  About thirty-five miles from where I live is a place called Kenersville.  Kernersville sits on the edge of Forsyth County and is the last pit stop before you enter Guilford County (Greensboro).

There is a house in Kernersville known as Korner's Folly.  There is no house like this anywhere else in the USA.

Korner was an artist and designer who choose to leave his mark on this three story, twenty-something room home in Kernersville.  If you'll take time to visit it you may feel like you're in a Johnny Depp/Willie Wonka movie.  The rooms vary in sizes and some make you feel like you were one of the kids in Honey, I Shrunk The Kids!  There are gorgeous elements of the house and quizzical.

Just take a look at this video from UNC-TV about this amazing home.


Moving on....

March in NC is popping just like the daffodils in my back yard.

Southern Spring Home & Garden Show
Charlotte
March 3,4,5
The Park Expo Center

The Southern Spring Home & Garden Show in Charlotte will give you a great number of ideas of ways to decorate the inside and outside of your home this season.  If you have been to the Southern Christmas Show then you know a lot of what to expect at this event (there are crowds so be prepared) lots of vendors, ideas, and captivating ideas.  Click here to get tickets and see who all is on tap at the show this month!

Cape Beer Fest
Wilmington
March 5th
Wilmington Convention Center

From the website:
The 6th Annual Cape Fear Beer Festival is a true beer tasting event featuring a wide variety of beer styles from the most creative brew masters in America. We’ll be pouring their tasty creations inside the Wilmington Convention Center along the scenic Cape Fear River. With explosive growth in the North Carolina craft beer industry, we are proud to host over 25 Regional and local breweries. This year we expect to be bigger than ever with over 50 Breweries and 110+ brews. As always, drink responsibly and never drink and drive.  Click here for more information!

Hickory Motor Speedway Season Opener
Hickory
March 5th

NASCAR may have opened their season in Daytona but Hickory (a NASCAR affiliated racing system) starts up on March 5th.  If you like fast cars on a small track this is all you.  Many of these drivers are hoping to make it to the big tracks.  Click here for more information about the season.

Girl's Spa Weekend
Pinehurst
March 11, 12, 13th
Pinehurst Resort

You know our little golfing town of Pinehurst for the sport of clubs and balls but there is so much more to enjoy in Pinehurst! World class foods and wines and fabulous relaxation.  Get your girls together and spend the weekend in Pinehurst building your friendships, self confidence, and some great skills.  Here's more information:  Click Here!

St. Patrick's Day Events for the weekend of March 11th

25th Annual Emerald Isle St Patty's Day Celebration on March 12th
St Patty's Day March & Parade in Wilmington on March 12th
Raleigh St Patty's Day Parade & Wearin' of the Green Event on March 12th
Nags Head St. Patty's Day Celebration to be held on March 13th

This Weekend in North Carolina

Hello!  It is time for a very late and a very short edition of the weekly This Weekend in North Carolina post.  There's so much going on all around our state.  Here's some info I received to share with all of you!  From Raleigh to Charlotte - there's something to do!  

Do you have an NC Tree in your living room?

Let's start off in Raleigh...The Christmas/Holiday spirit comes to life in a magical display of moving and musical arts this weekend.  The Cirque Musical Holiday Spectacular with the North Carolina Symphony will amaze and captivate you this weekend at the Meymandi Concert Hall of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.



If you are in the Clayton area check out the Lights on The Neuse at Boyette Family Farms.  For you non-NC peeps we're talking about the Neuse River and not the thing you use to hang someone, glad we cleared that up.  This light show, hayride, cookie decorating barn, and Santa visit will put you right in the holiday spirit!



Meanwhile in Greensboro this weekend you can catch Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity.  This musical will have you smiling, laughing, and doing a little toe tapping.  The performance is being put on at Triad Stage.  You can also catch some other holiday favorites being performed including A Christmas Carol in Winston-Salem.



Here's a little knowledge for you bowl of macaroni.  Did you know America's oldest mountain range is in North Carolina? It isn't the Appalachians or Smokeys but the Uwharrie Mountain Range.  These mountains (which have eroded down quite a bit) are located nearly in the center of our state.  Now, get this.  One of the largest homes in the Southeast is here in the Uwharrie Mountains and it offers you a chance to come in and enjoy it's holiday splendor!  Trinity is home to Linbrook Hall a 60 room estate that is part of the heritage properties in NC.



Charlotte has got a lot (at least that's true and what the sign says) and this weekend you can check out the 61st Annual Singing Christmas Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS.  This event will be held at the Knight Theater in Uptown.  Loads of music, fun for the whole family, and this event is especially for ages three to ten!  Come out and enjoy!



On going events to catch this weekend if you have a some free time:
Charlotte Area - McAddenville, Christmastown NC!
Winston-Salem Area - The Festival of Lights - the largest light show in NC!
Asheville - Christmas at Biltmore


Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah to all our friends and family!

This Weekend In North Carolina

Here's what is popping in NC this weekend...

It just makes me giggle...mullets everywhere!

Travel to Wilkesboro this weekend to hear Shenandoah play at the {Walker Center of Wilkes Community College}.  This country act from the 80's and 90's is known for catchy tunes like Church on Cumberland Road, Next to You Next to Me, and Two Dozen Roses.  



If you grew up with the understanding you didn't eat oysters until you were in a month that had the letter "r" in it then gear up to get a belly full of this weekend in Hickory.  This weekend there is a {Shuck & Peel Party} featuring the Extraordinares.



One of the largest fall celebrations is in Huntersville and it is celebrated regionally.  {The Renaissance Festival} goes on for the next two weekends and celebrates the life and times of the Renaissance period of Europe.  From turkey legs the size of your thigh to all the crushed velvet you can dream of this is a fun time for the family!



The Christmas Season may not quite be here but you can head to Banner Elk and get in the spirit.  {Apple Hill Farms} is hosting its Christmas Celebration beginning this weekend going through mid December.  Tour the alpaca farm and purchase some unique alpaca gifting items as well as fresh NC greenery.



What would this post be without a wine notation?  The beautiful and many times mentioned {Raffaldini Winery in Ronda} needs your help!  The reds are ready for blending and they want your input on what best suits the palate.  You must RSVP to this event.



This weekend in Charlotte you can visit the {Southern Christmas Show}.  Last year I attended this event with my mom.  It is a fun time for the girls to go out and get in the Christmas spirit.  You will get a peek at adorable tree styling for the season; taste some good food; and if you're me you'll hit up Duplin Winery's booth for some Carolina Mustard.  I can share this is a very crowded event and if you do not like crowds...stay away.



If that doesn't tickle your fancy then maybe this will.  The Charlotte Museum of History is hosting a {Back Country Beer Fest}.  This event features 4 local breweries, local food and food trucks, cornhole and more.



If you have a daughter you is all about Laura Ingalls Wilder then you should drive to Raleigh to Meredith College.  They are presenting {A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas} in Jones Hall.  You can also go ahead and let your daughter fall in love with the campus of Meredith College - a private female college very close to NCSU.



Also in Raleigh, {VeggieTales Live at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts}.  Many years ago I took my daughter to see VeggieTales Live and she really enjoyed the jam packed music show of her favorite Christian vegetable story tellers.



If you will be in my area check out these events (Winston-Salem):

Visit airtype.com Winston-Salem's own graphic media and clothier firm.

Ziggy's will have The Nappy Roots on Thursday & Corey Smith entertaining the crowd on Friday.



Old Salem begins their {Christmas Candlelight Tours} this weekend.  See the beautiful Moravian settlement at it's holiday finest and divulge in some delicious Moravian Sugar Cake for me!

Football Notes:



The Carolina Panthers are undefeated and this weekend they'll be in Texas to try to keep it up.

The NCSU Wolfpack is 6-3 so far this season.  I am happy.

I was told Duke was the ACC team to beat.  Untrue.  They were stomped by UNC last week.

Ole Miss is currently 7-3.  They play LSU this weekend.

WV is 4-4 this season.  They take on Texas on Saturday.

I pick the teams I am most familiar with so if this list looks weird to you -so be it.

That is this weekend in a nutshell from the desk of A Brownie World.  Have anything to add?  Please do!


What are you doing this weekend?

What's Going on In NC....

The biggest weekend of summer is a couple days away!  I have compiled a listing of some fun things to do this weekend starting with.....



Mocksville - July 3rd & 4th is the annual Piedmont Antique Power Association's Tractor Show & Parade in Historic Downtown Mocksville.  Music, food, and tractors from the early 1900's to today all geared up to celebrate small town America!  FREE!

Valdese - Fireworks & Independence Day Celebration.  Live music by Too Much Sylvia with fireworks to follow - FREE!

West Jefferson - 29th Annual Christmas in July Festival with country and bluegrass music, roving street entertainers, Christmas Tree Growers Competition, fireworks, and more!  And SANTA!  FREE!



Charlotte - National Whitewater Center is hosting tons of bands, food vendors, and fun (whitewater rafting and more, don't forget the zipline) with fireworks on the 3rd and 4th.  The event is FREE but there is a VIP admission that has a price tag.
Skyshow Charlotte will be at the BB&T ballfield and have a street party (FREE) with music, food, and tons of fun for the kids.  There will be a special flag ceremony by the military.  Team USA will be playing Cuba.  Enjoy fireworks over the Charlotte City Skyline at dark.  July 4th is the date, one day event.

Greensboro - It is the 41st year of the Fun Fourth Celebration (held on Friday and Saturday in Downtown Greensboro).  Music by Part Time Party Time Band, dancing in the street, food vendors, and LOADS of fun for the whole family.  A pops concert set to fireworks will wrap it all up.  Friday is $5 per person and Saturday is FREE!

Fort Bragg (Fayetteville) - Easton Corbin and Randy Hauser will be jamming out at the 82nd Airborne Division's home base.  Admission is FREE!



Chapel Hill - This event is ranked by Travel + Leisure as one of the best July 4th celebrations in our country.  Head over to Kenan Stadium for the watermelon eating contest, loads of fun for kids, food, music, and fireworks on Saturday.Admission is $1.

Southport - I shared this last week but it is still going on!  It is the North Carolina July 4th Festival and it is huge!  Historic Southport goes all out to celebrate the birth of our nation.  An extravaganza of music, food, vendors, boats, and fun on the waters and streets of Southport.

Camp Lejeune - Celebrate July 4th with the Marines.  Daughtry will perform and there will be many events focused around the Marine Corp.  FREE!

Carolina Beach - Celebrate on July 2nd with Southern Trouble (band) and loads of fireworks on the boardwalk.  FREE!

I key uh....

Well I may just offend a few wannabe neutrals today.

After a trip to Ikea (get the blog post title now?) with my mom this week I am here to say - I'm over it.  Here are my reasons:

1.  Nothing good comes from do it yourself furniture building.

Look, if I want good furniture I'm going to purchase it already assembled.  When I say already assembled I mean no Allen wrenches.  When I say no Allen wrenches I mean good stuff - real stuff - true furniture.  If I want some piece it together crap I need to re-evaluate my investment.

I have seen some beautiful storage pieces in friends homes from Ikea and I like those but the majority I did not care for.

2.  I do not live in an apartment in a bustling metropolis that fits the Ikea style.

All the set ups were reminiscent of hmmm....a NYC based Bravo show.  I do not live in upper Manhattan. I have five acres in rural North Carolina.  The svelt modern rectangular lines of Ikea's designs are not conducive to my environment - however I can say that some of it would make a good conversation piece or break up of repetitive of style.

3.  Cheap!

Some of the items reminded me of another store....it called Walmart...Kmart....Target.  The interesting storage was nonexistent this trip.  The collapsible box is not a new and bright invention and I can purchase them anywhere for the same price.  The pricing was off a bit for a company that is trying to be very forward focused and consumer friendly.  This comes from the queen mother of cheap skates.  I know my pricing on many of the objects found at Ikea and I know the comparable pricing at other stores.  You didn't get me!

4.  Large & Limited.

I was taken aback at how limited the store was for this trip. Yes, its the size of North Atlanta but seriously is that ALL they had to offer up.  I can demo fifty-five of the same plate and take up 50 yards at my home.  The home décor section was an armpit - only taking up a minimal amount of space and being quite foul.  This is totally an American sales tactic - put the stuff in an semi finished store, pile it to the ceiling and Americans will go crazy (a la Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's) Ikea knows how the old red, white, and blue shopper falls for these things....kudos for catching on!

5.  Inability to purchase a display.

I found a metal pitcher I wanted.  It was $5.99 and sitting in a spot where it had obviously been placed by another shopper.  I saw no others.  I took it to the register and was told I couldn't purchase a display.  I explained there weren't any others --- we had looked.  I was then told I couldn't purchase a display (yet again).  I wasn't given a reason.  So I said okie dokie ring up the rest.  I seriously did not understand the point in this - it wasn't furniture or equipment or an electronic.  It was a freaking metal pitcher. 

6.  Horse meat.

Um yeah - so they were busted for serving horse meat in meatballs.  I don't mind my European friends but this American girl prefers her horsey friends in a pasture grazing and looking majestic.  She prefers them to gain love and care from her daughter's dance teacher or get good TLC from a great Veterinarian name Michelle.  I do not want them on my or even near my plate....unless I am bringing a plate of carrots and apples to them.

After saying all this I did leave with three items that were needed and priced fantastically -

1.  Plates (6 pack)  $1.99
2.  Cups   $1.99
3.  Reusable shopping bag big enough for my weekly grocery trip .57



I was also impressed with a few rugs I saw there....so yes, I bet I go back in the fall.  :-)  As all things are in retail no matter American, Swedish, or French there are times when the stores fall short of what they promise - its called transition periods.  So maybe next time I'll be writing a post that starts off:  OMG totally racked up at the old Tennessee Walking Palomino Ikea today!

If you are wondering what we ate....Chic-Fil-A.  To which brings my mom wondering which one in Charlotte that Lysa Terkeurst's hubby runs.

Probably the one with gold plated forks.....not bought at Ikea.

xx
Brownie