Welcome to the Neighborhood

Arriving at a new city creates an instantaneous spectrum of emotions, ranging from overwhelming stress to the anticipation of meeting new people. With the convenience of online access, contacting municipal services and cable providers, as well as researching the best coffee shops, might begin the long list of items to check off. While you may learn about great future stomping grounds, here are also ten tips to help you make the most of your new city!

NEIGHBORS

Whether you live in an apartment complex or housing development, establish a relationship with your neighbors by inquiring about the best shopping locations. They will know where to find the best prices and deals. Accept social invitations to participate in gatherings and open conversations! Your neighbor can be a wonderful new friend and aid you in times of difficulty!

MAPS AND DESTINATIONS

Where on earth would you be without a GPS? In the Triad, you’ll find scenery changes from city streets to residential neighborhoods to the pastoral countryside! Rather than drive your way through the sometimes-windy roads, allow a navigating system to lead the way to the best local restaurants, coffee spots, and trails. Within a short period, you’ll be using side roads and avoiding heavy traffic like a local!

WELCOME CENTER

In Southern communities, visitors will find hospitality centers derive from a few of the oldest businesses within a town, such as the fire department, funeral home, church, the public library, country stores, and diners. Residents will kindly offer recommendations, tell you whom to speak with, and provide a wealth of information.

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

LOCAL MAGAZINES

Every city has a publication informing residents and visitors of upcoming local events, great shopping opportunities, and restaurants. Forsyth Woman and

Family magazines encourage their readers to get out in the city by scheduling monthly “Kids’ Morning Out” and “Girls’ Night Out” events.

FARMER’S MARKETS

From May through October, the Piedmont Triad offers numerous outdoor venues that feature a variety of local, fresh produce, seasonal plants, herbs, and handmade crafts. Attending a market in Clemmons, Greensboro, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, High Point, King, or Walnut Cove will become an invaluable opportunity to make connections.

NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Do you love the topics affiliated with horticulture and agriculture? Then Google “NC Cooperative Extension.” Each county has a page full of opportunities to attend classes and mini-seminars, or join monthly associations for beekeepers, master gardeners, or cattleman. With so many options available for adults, children, too, have great opportunities to get involved!

A STATE FOR VETERANS

For veterans transitioning to the Piedmont area, you’ll find a great movement occurring in the well-connected state of North Carolina. Beyond the extensive list of organizations, groups, meetings, and activities, new arrivals will quickly connect with Veterans in the community. Use key phrases such as “Veterans’ Day Events across the Triad,” “Veteran Breakfasts, or “NC Veterans’ Coffee Shop.”

RICH HISTORIC PLACES

Turn the corner or take a wrong turn, and often a driver, biker, or walker will find a historical landmark. It could be a barn or house, park, or trail. History surrounds you. The best way to start learning about your new home state’s history and culture is to visit bedroom communities, such as Clemmons, Kernersville, Mount Airy, and Danbury.

FROM MOUNTAINS TO OCEAN

With a span 500 miles long and 150 miles wide, North Carolina has plenty of room for engaging in recreational and educational activities across 100 counties. You could catch a ferry to Bald Head Island or climb 214 spiral stairs to the top of Bodie Island lighthouse. Consider the thrill of walking across a 224-foot suspension bridge or the relaxation in visiting a winery. Buy tickets to attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, or schedule a tour at the Biltmore Estate. North Carolina has everything you need!

MEETUP

Among your new-to-town connections is a social media tool called “Meetup,” which allows you to find a group planning to go kayaking or dancing, for example. If you enjoy meeting new people, you’ll undoubtedly find a group that appeals to your interests!

The ULTIMATE Movie Snacks (Kid-Friendly)

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Warm summer nights are best cooled off with a family movie night, complemented by yummy snacks that are easy to make and not too messy to enjoy.

Healthy Sweet Options:

Satisfy that sweet tooth with these treats that are jammed with antioxidants, whole grains, minerals, and vitamins. • Fresh Fruits, sliced (such as orange wedges, grapes, sweet

Honeycrisp apples) • Chocolate Zucchini

Muffins (recipe below) • Vanilla Bean Ice Cream topped with

Homemade Granola and a drizzle of Honey • Rice Cakes with Chocolate Almond

Butter or Creamy Peanut Butter • Applesauce Pouches • Frozen Grapes • Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries • Homemade Dried Fruit Rolls • Dark Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels • Homemade Pop-Tarts

Classic Sweet Options:

Treat your family with a few homemade movie snacks that’ll hit that sweet tooth craving as well as the best classics. • Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies • Popcorn tossed with M&Ms • SMURF MIX: Toss together Mini

Marshmallows, Honey Nut Cheerios,

M&Ms (only the blue ones), and

Yogurt-Covered Berries • OVEN-TOASTED S’MORES: Create a layer(s) of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in a baking dish, then broil until browned. Keep a close eye, as this will only take a few minutes. • Ice Cream Sandwiches • Homemade Double

Chocolate Brownies

Healthy Savory Options:

Air-popped popcorn is only the beginning of the long delicious list of healthier savory movie snacks. Try being creative in the kitchen by pairing some of these savory options with a sweet complement for ultimate satisfaction. • Popcorn (try popping in extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle on some nutritional yeast and sea salt for a cheesy flavor) • Whole Grain Pizzas (simply add your favorite pizza toppings on sliced

English muffins or pita, then bake until melted goodness) • Tortilla Chips with Salsa & Guacamole • Edamame (sprinkle with a little sea salt or bake until crunchy) • Fresh Vegetables & Hummus • Crunchy Kale Chips • Cheese & Crackers • Roasted Nuts • Cheesy Broccoli Bites

Classic Savory Options:

A few savory options that can easily replace dinner by adding a little protein or greens on the side. • Homemade Pretzel Bites with Honey

Mustard Dipping Sauce • Fried Pickles • Homemade Dinner Nachos (create layers of tortilla chips, cooked ground turkey, cheese, salsa, spring onions, and cooked vegetable, then roast until desired cheesy gooeyness) • Mozzarella Pizza Pockets • Bagel Dogs • Cheddar Cheese Cookies • Mini-Bacon & Cheese Sliders

Family nights are precious moments to make lasting memories, whether it’s the laughter as you make these delicious treats from scratch in the kitchen or the relaxing time watching a new movie together.

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS: 1 1 / 4 cup Oat Flour, substitute with All-Purpose

Flour or White Whole Wheat Flour 1 / 3 cup Cocoa Powder 1 tsp. Baking Powder 1 / 2 tsp. Baking Soda 2 Tbsp. Flaxseed Meal 1 / 8 tsp. Kosher Salt 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil 1 / 3 cup Maple Syrup, or Honey 1 1 / 4 cup Zucchini, grated 1 / 3 cup Applesauce 1 cup Almond Milk 1 / 2 cup Dark or Semisweet Chocolate Chips, preferably mini 1-2 tsp. Vanilla Extract

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425F. 2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flaxseed meal with two tablespoons of warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes. 3. In the meantime, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. 4. Add the maple syrup, shredded zucchini, applesauce, almond milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract into the flaxseed bowl.

Mix well. 5. Pour the wet zucchini mixture over the flour mixture, add in the chocolate chips. Then fold to incorporate all ingredients together. 6. Evenly pour the batter into a 10-12 lined cupcake or muffin pan. Bake for 5 minutes. 7. Keep the muffins in the oven! Reduce the oven temperature to 350F, then bake for an additional 12-13 minutes, or until a toothpick comes clean from the center. 8. Allow the muffins to cool for at least 5 minutes, then enjoy!