NC_Local

08/11/2025

We recently enjoyed dinner at in Durham, NC.

We arrived early and were some of the first folks in for dinner on this particular evening. We enjoyed their meatball appetizer - called "oink balls." Our entrees included a special fishy fry platter with perch, oysters, and shrimp for Gabriel, and shrimp & grits for Michelle. The shrimp & grits came with a large portion of delicious shrimp and andouille sausage. Both entrees came with some homemade cornbread.

We enjoyed our meal, and look forward to returning to check out more of their options.

08/04/2025

Gabriel made it out to Juniper Level Botanic Garden in Raleigh, NC over the weekend to catch the blooming of the "Co**se Flower" (or Amorphophallus titanum for those in the know about plants).  

This plant is known as "the rarest, stinkiest, largest flower in the world." This plant generally takes 7-10 years before it has its first bloom, and then may bloom every 2-7 years.  The bloom generally only stays open for 24-48 hours.  

Gabriel learned the flower's smell decreases over the bloom time, but he said it still smelled "strongly of dead fish" when he visited on Saturday.  

Enjoy these fragrance-free images and keep an eye on for more botanical fun, beauty, and oddities. 

 

06/12/2025

We enjoyed a meal at in Durham, NC a few weeks ago. This tapas restaurant offers small plates filled with flavors inspired by Southern African cuisine. Their menu changes with the season.

We tried several dishes and enjoyed each of them. We saw some lovely drinks coming from the bar for other diners, as well.

Ekhaya is located at and has a lovely patio area where folks can dine when the NC weather is nice.

This area is a great place to spend the day exploring or for grabbing a meal before attending an event at .

02/16/2025

We enjoyed an early Valentine's dinner courtesy of and hosted at the Dennise Wicker Convention Center in Sanford, NC.

The students acted as host and servers, as well as putting their culinary skills to work preparing the food. The meal included an appetizer, entree with 2 sides, and dessert. We chose to try a variety of menu items so we could share.

We had the side salad with homemade ranch and tomato bisque to start. Our entrees were beef wellington, red mashed potatoes, and broccoli rabe for Gabriel and chicken cordon bleu, rice pilaf, and tri-color carrots for Michelle. Dessert was creme brulee and a slice of white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. And we were sent home with a gift of chocolate covered strawberries.

These meals are always so fun and a great way to support local students while enjoying some yummy food. We encourage you to check out your local community college and see if they offer something like this. And, if you're in/near Pittsboro or Sanford, the culinary arts programs offer some fun and delicious meals.

11/29/2024

Things have been quiet around here recently. Here's a little update that sheds some light on the reasons for the slow down and the current state of our support for all things local in NC.

We invite you to follow along with our adventure, and would love to have you as a customer and supporter of NC-based small businesses.

Feel free to leave comments and tag your favorite local people, spots, and businesses.

10/13/2024

REMINDER: Place your order for NC-based gift boxes by 11:59pm on Tuesday (10/15) for guaranteed availability.

Two of our Vendor Partners for this holiday-themed box are small businesses in Western NC, and your orders directly support them in rebuilding. All of the items come from NC-based small businesses that need your support this year!

There are 3 sizes of gift boxes available. You can choose your shipping date in November or December. And 20% of all profits from October sales will go toward recovery efforts in western NC.

Order at www.SimplyNCGoods.com/store

Find the best products made in North Carolina Artisans in our curated gift boxes.

09/21/2024

Kicked off the weekend in for . Ended the evening enjoying the cooler weather and listening to some tunes from

Leave a comment and let us know how you this weekend.

09/16/2024

The food was so yummy that we forgot to take many pictures!!

We enjoyed a Caribbean-Themed Sunday Brunch this weekend hosted by Chef Shauna in the all nee in Sanford, NC.

Folks from all around were invited to gather for some delicious food, including fried chicken and waffles, jerk chicken, coconut rice and peas, a tossed salad, and a porridge that kindled all the warmth of fall.

has recently opened a new retail space that also includes on Hawkins Avenue in Sanford, NC. The retail space is where you can find all kinds of good made by Chef Shauna, including spices, sauces, and teas. You can also find unique items made by other artisans who have a connection to NC and/or to Shauna's roots in the Caribbean and NYC. The tea room will be hosting special events like this brunch, and will also soon be available to reserve for your own tea party event.

Give and a follow, and be sure to make plans to visit this new gem in Sanford, NC.

09/05/2024

Check out SimplyNCgoods for a great way to support NC-based businesses and take care of all your holiday gift needs.

Did you know we send out an email newsletter 1-2 times per month? It's the best way to stay up-to-date on news and special offers from SimplyNCgoods and our Vendor Partners.

We know your inbox is likely already overflowing with emails, so we never send more than 2 emails per month. Be sure to read them, because you never know when a little something special might be hiding inside....

Head over to the link the comments to subscribe so you never miss an update!

08/25/2024

Did you know we also work with entreprenuers and small business owners from all over North Carolina to curate quarterly subscription boxes? These boxes - from SimplyNCgoods - make a great gift or a fun delivery for yourself, and bring unique NC-made products directly to your door! Head over to the website to learn more (and take care of some of your holiday shopiing). 🎁🎁🎁

The tease of "false fall" this week has us thinking about the approaching holiday season!

Did you know that from October thru New Year's Day there are approximately 25 holidays that have some type of celebration?

We've been busy curating the holiday-themed SimplyNCgoods box for 2024, and this year we've got a few special offers!!

You can purchase a holiday-themed box in the normal Classic or Mini sizes. But, just for the holiday season, we are also offering a JUMBO BOX with even more NC-based products!

We have DISCOUNTS available for those who want to purchase a multi-box subscription!

And..... you can CHOOSE YOUR DELIVERY DATE for all holiday-themed boxes! Regular quarterly delivery will be the first Monday in November (11/4/24). Or you can request for us to ship your box in December if that fits your needs best.

So head on over to the SimplyNCgoods online store - www.SimplyNCgoods.com/store - and place your order. The holiday season may be slowly arriving, but orders close Oct 15th!

08/12/2024

We made it over to in Pittsboro, NC during their soft opening last week and wanted to share with you.

Hoops is located on 15-501 north of downtown. For those familiar with the area, it's in the Alpha Center with , , and

They offer a variety of appetizers, wings, salads, and 2 types of pizza crust. We tried the thicker "Grandma" crust during our visit and would compare it to a flavorful foccacia bread with toppings on top - the Double Double pepperoni in this case. We also had the fried mozzarella, which was served as yummy half moons and a side of tasty marinara sauce.

Many items on the menu have a basketball theme to their names, and there are TVs available to watch the latest games (or the Olympics as was the case during our visit).

Hoops has both indoor and outdoor seating, and is working on getting online ordering available. They're planning to hold their Grand Opening event on August 15th, so be sure to give a follow so you don't miss out on any of the details.

08/07/2024

The Lumina is a lovely theater located in in Chapel Hill, NC. We recently visited and enjoyed the experience.

has a Tap Room where they host regular events. Each of their theaters is small with spacious chairs so there is plenty of room to make yourself comfy.

They show first run movies, in addition to special showings of older kid's movies in summer and hosting movies on the open area out front as well.

On Tuesdays, you can celebrate Terrific Tuesday with discounted movie tickets and a popcorn/drink combo deal.

This lovely, local theater is a great way place to enjoy a movie in a unique atmosphere.