Up Close
With the Editor
Happy Mother’s Day!!
And WELCOME to our premier issue of The Weekender for North Carolina, following the tradition of sharing places to go, things to do and people to see in the North Carolina area. This first issue is packed full of ideas for a weekend getaway or even perhaps a quick one-tank trip on a weekday. But first, let me wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all of our readers who enjoy holding the precious title, “mother.” Hats off to the mothers of tiny babies who keep them up all night, to the mothers whose toddlers have them on the go all day, and to mothers who make it to every game, to every show and to every open house! To the mothers who, somehow, juggle kids and careers, and for those moms who have more than a fulltime job at home with their little ones! For the “empty nest” mothers of college students and for the really “empty nest” mothers whose grown children have moved on and out! For the mothers who now have that very special gift of grandchildren! There is actually a website which calculates the monetary value of work moms do based on how many children you have and where you live.- it’s MomSalaryWizard.com. According to this website, the work that a stay-at-home mom with two kids would warrant a salary of $125,840 a year. My oldest daughter posted a statement on facebook I’d like to share called “A Promise to my Children” It made me realize she’s all grown up... “As long as I live, I am your parent first - your friend second. There are times when I will stalk you, flip out on you, lecture you, drive you insane, be your worst nightmare and hunt you down like a bloodhound when needed because I LOVE YOU...You will never find someone who loves, prays, cares and worries about you more than I do. If you don’t hate me at least once in your life, then I’m not doing my job properly.” With that, I say “Amen!” and kids- remember to take your Mom out for Mother’s day to one of the many places to go, things to do, and places to see suggested in this issue. Enjoy! Page 4
Kathy Barnett, Senior Editor
About the Cover : Remember Mom on Mother’s Day this year. (May 13) What qualities do you remember most about your mother? Like us on facebook and share your favorite memory about your mother and qualify for this month’s FREE weekend getaway for the whole family: Tickets to African Safari in Port Clinton.
The Weekender Published monthly online by Barnett PRO, 71 Plymouth St., Plymouth, OH 44865. PHONE/FAX: 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher: Michael Barnett Sr. email: mike@barnettpro.com Managing Editor: Kathy Barnett email: kathy@barnettpro.com Assistant Editor: Samantha Barnett Sam@barnettpro.com Contributing Editors Sheeree Oney • Norman Reed Chris Offenburger Advertising Director Doyle Salyer
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May, 2012
Places to Go: Raleigh Things to do: Eat! Raleigh Makes the List of Top 10 Tastiest Towns in the South
"Courtesy of GRCVB/visitRaleigh.com"
Raleigh, NC – The Raleigh area is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best places to live, work, start a business and raise a family, and now the editors of Southern Living have selected Raleigh as one of the 10 cities in the running to be named “Tastiest Town in the South” by an online reader poll. Raleigh received 10,183 votes. “Residents and visitors have known all along about the unique and progressive culinary scene in Raleigh, but now it’s time for the secret to be shared,” said Denny Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. Raleigh restaurants are consistently praised as some of the best in the country for their creative dishes, commitment to fresh ingredients and unique and innovative takes on the traditional, and Southern Living is ready to bestow the honor once again, with the help of their readers. While Lafayette, Lousiana took home the top award took home the top award, Raleigh is honored for its “fertile local food scene,” writes Senior Editor Paula Disbrowe. Southern Living editors chose the Top 10 “Tastiest Towns in the South” based on the following criteria: • Food as a cultural identity: The unique food or ethnicity that defines a particular Southern region • Growth of a culinary-minded community: The influence that the culinary industry has on the local community and tourism • Diverse cuisine at a variety of price points: Accessibility to hearty, flavorful meals at any budget • Local, sustainable food practices: The focus on sourcing products from local purveyors to geographically define where each meal comes from • Hot chefs on the rise: The influence of the area’s
culinary talent in the media and pop culture • Abundance of buzz-worthy food events: The number of festivals in the area that celebrate all things food and drink “At Southern Living, we know there’s no taste like home,” says Editor Lindsay Bierman. “Particular foods and flavors define a city and region, starting right in your own mama’s kitchen, and sometimes the most humble dish like a plate of grits will make its way onto a gourmet menu and become an outright tourist attraction…The forward-thinking cooks, chefs, artisans, and tastemakers in each of these established and emerging food scenes honor, preserve, and enrich our region’s distinct culinary traditions at every meal.” Raleigh was the only North Carolina city to be designated. The‘10 Tastiest Town in the South’ were Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Charleston, SC; Charlottesville, VA; Decatur, GA; Houston, TX; Lafayette, LA; Louisville, KY and New Orleans, LA. According to Southern Living, here’s why Raleigh was chosen as one of the Tastiest Towns in the South: Raleigh's downtown is buzzing with creative energy and a fertile local food scene thanks to Tasty Beverage Co., a craft-beer store in The Raleigh Depot; The Raleigh Wine Shop, a purveyor that sells wine and regional provisions from Hillsborough Cheese Company, Farmhand Foods, and OlliSalumeria; and chefs such as Ashley Christensen of Poole's Downtown Diner, Chuck's, Fox Liquor Bar, and Beasley's Chicken + Honey. Folks here revere their roots with opinion and humor. “For more information, visit online at www.visitraleigh.com
May 2012
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Things to Do:
Rev it up a lot in Charlotte
Each May, NASCAR takes center stage in Charlotte and all things involving speed reign supreme. Get in on the action at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 19 followed by the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27. Simply put, it is 100 laps for $1 million. The best of the best in NASCAR go all out in the annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. With the unique format, short distance, no points on the line and a large sum of money to the winner, the All-Star Race regularly produces some of NASCAR’s most exciting moments. And don't miss the prerace concert! Blake Shelton, three-time GRAMMY nominee, CMA’s reigning Male Vocalist of the Year and a coach on NBC’s “The Voice,” will perform prior to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race! Presented by Target, the concert will take place in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the show is free with purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Ever since the power and drama of his 2001 debut single, "Austin," brought him to national attention, Blake has proven himself to be one of the genre's most versatile and accomplished vocalists as well as one of its most compelling entertainers. Blake’s versatility is evident in the wide range of singles he has made his own. He has proven his ability with the stark drama of "The Baby" and "Home," the honest regret of "She Wouldn't Be Gone," the warm intimacy of "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking," the celebration of the moment in "All About Tonight, and the over-the-top fun of "Hillbilly Bone." His skill as an entertainer is apparPage 06
ent every time he takes the stage and carries fans on one of music's most enjoyable journeys. Let Freedom Race at NASCAR’s only 600-mile event and patriotic salute to the U.S. armed forces at the 53nd running of the Coca-Cola 600. This Memorial Day tradition features a pre-race military “salute to the troops” you'll never forget. NASCAR's iron-man contest features 43 of stock car racing' s best in an all-out slugfest that serves as the culmination of two weeks of activities in the heart of NASCAR country. Come to Charlotte Motor Speedway and make your memories in May at this one-of-a-kind race spectacle. Don’t miss the next chapter in Coca-Cola 600 history! In between these two races, stars, cars and guitars fill Center City for the Food Lion Speed Street 600 Festival May 24 – 26. Catch rocking acts like Easton Corbin, Evelyn King and Midnight Star on two stellar stages steps from the NASCAR Hall of Fame. For more than 25 years, the 600 Festival Association has been commemorating the May races at Charlotte Motor Speedway with spectacular family-oriented events that personify the tremendous growth of motor sports. Celebrating its 17th year, Food Lion Speed Street transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment on two stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages and an amazing assembly of NASCAR show cars and simulators.
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May 2012
Places to Go: Carowinds CHARLOTTE - Warmer weather attracts thrill seekers to see what's new and different each year at Carowinds, the "Thrill Capital of the Southeast." The 2012 season won't disappoint as Carowinds has the most hair-raising rides, the wettest water park, the most sizzling stage shows, and tons of other cool stuff everyone can enjoy. Carowinds is 122 acres of ultimate entertainment for the entire family. NEW! - WindSeeker sends riders soaring 301 feet above the park at over 30 miles per hour and provides dramatic views of the greater Charlotte region. The three minute ride begins when the ride’s carriage, featuring 32 two passenger swings, slowly rotates while climbing to the top of a 301-foot tower. Riders will experience a sense of weightlessness as the swings reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and the arms extend outward at a 45-degree angle. Inspired by the racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Intimidator™ dominates the skyline at 232-feet tall, sends you plummeting down a 211-foot first drop, then races through more than a mile of high speed twists and turns, including seven extreme drops in excess of 75 MPH! Get ready for Carolina Cobra, the Coaster That Strikes Twice! Then check out our world-class roller coasters including Nighthawk and Afterburn. Get soaked together on three different water rides, or take a spin on rides from mild to wild. It's showtime anytime at Carowinds. With live stage productions and plenty of characters, the whole park's a stage…and 20 acres of flowing fun awaits you in Boomerang Bay water park! Navigate a four-story rafting adventure; plunge through twisting tube slides; climb, spray, splash on a huge, flowing playground; relax in a heated lagoon; brave wild waves or let the world melt away with a float down a ramblin' river! www.carowinds.com May 2012
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s g n Thi Do: to
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May 2012
May 2012
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Things to Do:
Enjoy a Concert On the Lawn DURHAM - There are lots of ways to enjoy Durham, NC. Music lovers have great options in the warmer months because Durham is home to several series of music events - one such is On the Lawn, a spring and summer entertainment series with music (and movies), new ways to dine and more. Bull City BUCK$, an consumer loyalty app designed to help people explore and enjoy Durham (more below). The loyalty/rewards program will feature a number of fun ways to scan QR codes and earn points to cash in at area hotspots. Jazz on the Lawn series is a new series debuting this year. Activities continue until October 5 with events including: • Back Porch Music on the Lawn, sponsored by WUNC-FM and now in its sixth year, will feature acts from the legendary Red Clay Ramblers to developing superstars The Old Ceremony • Movies on the Lawn, a series of music-themed documentaries selected by the Full Frame Film Festival • Other events including Pops for Pops on Father’s Day, three WNCU Jazz on the Lawn concerts sponsored by NCCU and a special performance by the American Dance Festival. This year, chowing down ‘on the lawn’ is easier -and tastier -- than ever with the opening of L’Uva to augment campus favorites Cuban Revolution, The District, Mellow Mushroom, Saladelia Cafe, Tobacco Road and Tyler’s Taproom. “On the Lawn is the complete spring and summer get away, right here in your own backyard,” says Michael Goodmon, vice president of real estate for Capitol Broadcasting Company, which owns American Tobacco. “As we begin construction on our new Diamond View III building, we look for Page 10
ward to serving even more neighbors and fans with great entertainment and opportunities to plug into this dynamic community.”
On the Lawn’s Schedule * Friday, May 4 - NCCU Jazz Ensemble * Friday, May 11 - Music Makers Relief Foundation Blues Revue * Friday, May 18 - Tony Rice Unit * Friday, June 1 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd) * Friday, June 15 - Adam Hurt * Friday, June 22 - Lizzy Rose Band * Sunday, June 17 - Pops for Pop * Wednesday, July 4 - John Brown & the Groove Shop Band * Friday, July 6 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd) * Friday, July 13 - American Dance Festival * Friday, July 27 - Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes * Friday, August 3 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd) * Friday, August 10 - John Howie Jr and the Rosewood Bluffs * Friday, August 17 - Bill & Libby Hicks * Friday, August 24 - Old Ceremony * Friday, August 31 - Charanga Carolina * Friday, September 7 - The Red Clay Ramblers * Friday, September 28 - Movies on the Lawn tbd) * Friday, October 5 - Movies on the Lawn (tbd)
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May 2012
People to See: Lit with... CHARLOTTE - This is week #3 of the Coors Light Friday Concert Series at NC Music Factory! Tickets include admission to Bask, Butter, OSSO, The Saloon, Wet Willies, Small Bar, Halo, VGBG Beer Hall and Garden and Matties Diner. A portion of the proceeds from Friday Live! will benefit the Back To Life Foundation. Lit is set to release their sixth album, The View From The Bottom, on June 19th on Megaforce Records. The new album does its due service, at least in part, in chronicling the events of their past eight years, still together, but dealing with situations for which the word heavy would be a glaring understatement. Lit’s release and subsequent meteoric light display of a career spring boarded from the fruits of their second LP, A Place In Sun, sporting 3 uber hit sin-
May 2012
1000 Horses gles: “Miserable,” which went to #3 on the Modern Rock Tracks, and whose video featured the flaxen voluptitude of Pamela Anderson; “Zip-Lock,” and “My Own Worst Enemy” (which held the number one position on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart for three months, and received a Billboard Music Award for the biggest modern rock song of 1999). The song has actually sold over 650,000 downloads to date, which is no small feat considering that it was released before the advent of that technology. Check out Lit at www.youtube. com/watch?v=sc5iTNVEOAg&ob=av2e
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May 2012
Places to Go:
New River Celtic Fest
Thistledown Tinkers
GRASSY CREEK - The New River Celtic Music Festival scheduled for May 27 features an afternoon of exceptional music at River House. Enjoy some of the region's best Celtic musicians as you sit back and take in the sights and sounds of the river and the mountains. There will be food and drink available, so bring your chair or blanket and join in for the fun. Hosted by Trip Rogers of the Thistledown Tinkers and Stirling Bridge the music starts at 1 p.m. and continues until 6 p.m. Thistledown Tinkers, the powerful music duo featuring Trip Rogers and Tom Eure, are on a mission…to make Celtic music that forces folks to stand up and take notice. This is not the fragile, romanticized Celtic music you hear in movie soundtracks, but the kind that makes you sing along and stomp your feet. Much, much more than a Bed and Breakfast, River House is a full-service inn on the North Fork of the New River, near West Jefferson and not far from Page 13
Boone in the northwest corner of North Carolina. “Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are far from the bustle of everyday life,” says innkeeper Gayle Winston Escape to a country inn that is really in the country! uniquely decorated guestrooms are converted farm buildings and feature king-size beds, private bathrooms, Jacuzzis, art, books and country antiques. Awake each morning to coffee at your door followed by breakfast in the main house. For more information, call 336-982-2109 or visit online at www.thecelticforce.com or www.riverhousenc.com
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May, 2012
Calendar: May BENEFIT CONCERT May 6/SAXAPAHAW - 8 p.m. concert to Defeat Amendment One at the Haw River Ballroom located at 1711 Saxapahaw Bethlehem Church Road. Join us at the Haw River Ballroom for a concert to help protect ALL NC families! Performing will be Bob Mould, comedian David Cross (Arrested Development, etc.), Stu McLamb from The Love Language, Comedian Tig Notaro (Sarah Silverman's TV show), local heroes Superchunk and actress/poet Amber Tamblyn. Tickets are $80 for the seated show, plus a silkscreen copy of the poster. For more information visit online at www.hawriverball- room.com/event/115817
FRIDAY LIVE! AT NC MUSIC FACTORY MAY 11, 18, 25/CHARLOTTE - Charlotte’s largest after work party is back! Friday LIVE! at the Factory features weekly national, regional and local entertainment. Single show tickets and season passes are available. Advance single show tickets are $5! Ticket includes admission to Bask, Butter, Osso, The Saloon,
Mother’s Day May 13 Wet Willies, Small Bar, Matties Diner, Halo and VBGB Beer Hall and Garden. All ages are welcome to attend the concerts in Fountain Plaza but some venues are 21+ and may require membership. Live entertainment is: May 11: Lit with 1000 Horses • May 18: Cowboy Mouth • May 25: The Connells with special guest. www.ncmusicfactory.com.
CARTHAGE BUGGY FESTIVAL May 11-12/CARTHAGE - 24th annual event begins at the courthouse at 9 a.m. to commemorate the famous Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory. From the mid-1800s to the 1920s, it produced the carriages that were essential to life in rural North Carolina. The Carthage Firefighters Assoc. will host an antique firetruck and car show at Nancy Kiser Park. Music and food available. www.thebuggyfestival.com
GREEK FESTIVAL MAY 18-20/WINSTON-SALEM - Three-day weekend of great Greek food, dancing, shopping and much more. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Sat., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun. Admission is $1. Under 12 are free. Located at the Greek Orthodox Church of County Club Road at Silas Creek Parkway. For take-out, call 336-765-FOOD (3663). For more information visit www.wsgoc.org
VOLUNTEER FIREMENS BALL May 26/OCRACOKE - At the community center on Ocracoke Island. Last year’s ball was one of our most successful, bringing in over $61,000 for the Fire Dept. Building Fund! This year’s Firemen’s Ball will be much the same as in previous years…we will start off that day with a pig pickin’ followed by a silent and a live auction, finishing off with a musical extravaganza involving three great local favorites providing live music; The Ocracoke Rockers, The Aaron Caswell Band, and The Dune Dogs. Visit www.ocracokevfd.org. Page 14
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May 2012
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