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Decorate with Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina 
State Capitol, Raleigh, North Carolina 
Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North C... 
Greetings from Raleigh, North Carolina
Nov
27
I recently got my hands on the book “100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina,” written by Joe Miller. Miller writes the “Take it Outside” column for the N&O, where he has worked for the last 15 years. Paid to hike and write–I really need to meet this guy. He seems to have figured a few things out. Although, I did get a free copy of this book from his publisher, so perhaps I’m on my way.
The book starts by defining a “classic” hike. More or less, they describe it as one that stands out from the rest and could be enjoyed on multiple visits, each offering something new. It’s hard to argue with that logic. The only consistency I’ve ever found on the trail is that Mother Nature will always have something in store for you that you didn’t expect.
Each hike is broken down with a short narrative of what to expect, key information about the park or trail, estimated hiking time, elevation gain and difficulty. Overall, it gives you just enough to be dangerous without crossing the line of a full-fledged guide book. Consider it a step up from a word-of-mouth recommendation but short of a complete map–something that you’ll want to pick up on your own. Further, each hike is divided into regions of the state (Piedmont, Mountains and Coast) and by cities or regions (Triad, Blue Ridge, etc.) to help you sort through the numerous hikes at a glance. There is also a full shot of the state with each hike numbered corresponding to its listing. This is a very helpful feature for the last-minute road trip or a spur-of-the-moment hiking urge while on vacation.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I’ve taken several of the hikes on the list and have marked numerous others that I’d like to tackle in the near future. One regret though, the pictures seem to have been captured at varied qualities. Perhaps several were accumulated over the years when 1-2 mega pixel cameras roamed the land. Or even, gasp, when film cameras could be found. The photos are nice enough and serve the purpose of what you could expect in the area, but I think the occasional blurriness takes away from the books value as a true “coffee-tabler.” It is a book about hiking though, so maybe it’s just motivation to get out there and snap some photos of your own.
The bottom line, I seem to find myself with fewer and fewer free weekends to tackle the trail, so when a local authority on a subject can lend a recommendation, I’d highly recommend taking his word for it and maximizing your time outside.
One other observation, Pisgah National Forest (listed as Pigsah) is misspelled on the cover. This may be completely irrelevant to the content and value of the book, and I’m certainly not one to point fingers when it comes to spelling, but I have to think that a few heads rolled on that one. It is the cover of the book.
Anyway, this book would make a great Holiday gift for someone on your list who likes (or needs) to get outside and enjoy the beauty that is all around us. Pick up a copy and support a local author’s first adventure into the world of book writing.
Note: Contains affiliate links. If you purchase through Amazon using these links, you’re helping to support RFP. I believe the book is also available at Great Outdoor Provision and REI, among others.
Nov
21
Gobble, Gobble
Filed Under Other | 5 Comments
If you tell someone what you wish for before blowing out your birthday candles, it’s said that won’t come true. Thanksgiving is a time of reflection, though. A time to look back at things which have already taken place–the events that have transpired and the many blessings we’ve hopefully all experienced. If you’re so inclined, I invite you to share what you’re thankful for with our readers and enjoy the feeling of spreading some holiday joy.
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov
19
Trader Joe’s Coming to Raleigh in ‘09
Filed Under Development | 5 Comments
As predicted by many, Raleigh will be getting a Trader Joe’s. It will be a couple of years though. From the TBJ:
It’s official: Trader Joe’s is coming to Raleigh.
A spokeswoman for the specialty grocer, which has built a large following around the country, said Trader Joe’s will open a 12,000-square-foot location at the corner of Wake Forest Road and Interstate 440.
Read our post about the Holly Park Shopping Center from back in July, after which several of our readers predicted not only that we’d get a Trader Joe’s but also where it would end up. Smart folks.
Nov
15
(Dog) Food for Thought
Filed Under Editorial | 9 Comments
I remember watching an episode of 20/20 in December of last year that explored the charitable contributions of several wealthy individuals such as Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Ted Turner and SAS founder Jim Goodnight, among others. In the episode, host John Stossel cited Goodnight’s monetary worth, acknowledged the millions of dollars he had donated to various efforts, and went on to point out that despite these contributions he was not on the list of most generous philanthropists. He continued with the interpretively antagonistic question, “Shouldn’t you give more?” Goodnight’s response: “I think I give enough.”
I thought back to this interview when reading about the ground breaking of the new 115,000 square foot animal hospital to be built off of Hillsborough Street. The animal hospital will be funded in part by a $20 million dollar private contribution from the R.B. Terry Jr. Charitable Foundation.
I don’t think it was just to question Goodnight’s generosity nor that of the Terry Foundation, but I’ll admit that I caught myself selfishly considering other ways that money could be spent–mainly on humans. So, in Stossel-esque fashion I ask: “Is a contribution of that size best served on a hospital that will treat animals?”
Nov
12
As the temperature drops, it seems only natural to migrate towards a heartier meal. Comfort foods and bigger portions are just a more natural choice for the Fall and Winter seasons. Plus, a shortened day makes it easier to blow off that gym visit or an evening walk, and subconsciously you know that most people can’t see a few extra few pounds beneath your festive Holiday sweater.
So, where might you start packing on those winter pounds? The list below is a good starting point.
1. Mitch’s Tavern (location)
A bowl of Mitch’s chili is perhaps the quintessential winter meal. Combine with a few Miller High Life bottles to complete the experience.
2. South (link | location)
Nothing puts you squarely on your arse like a full plate of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and collard greens–and if you’re going to put your body through the agonizing digestion that will likely ensue, why not do it right. Read more
Nov
8
Rivalry Week: UNC @ NCSU
Filed Under Sports | 4 Comments
This Saturday at noon in Carter Finley Stadium, the N.C. State - UNC rivalry takes on a new look. First year coaches Tom O’Brien and Butch Davis go head-to-head for the first time in this heated “Tobacco Road” rivalry–although neither are strangers to big rivalry games.
A matchup that just three weeks ago looked about as exciting as watching progress on the Soleil Center, now pits two teams on the up-and-up with legitimate bowl aspirations. Tom O’Brien silenced the few critics who began to question his coaching abilities by coming out of N.C. State’s bye week and winning three consecutive games, breathing new life into the Pack fanbase. Any “expert” that tells you they saw this turn around coming is lying through his or her teeth. The Pack were left for dead and what Tom O’Brien did during that bye week is nothing short of a football miracle with the number of injured stars that Pack have lost this season. 2 wins in the seasons final 3 games will leave the Pack bowl eligible.
The Tarheels come in with a 3-6 record, but have shown steady improvement as the season has progressed. The Tarheels can score points, but struggle from time-to-time defensively and are going through the growing pains associated with starting a number of freshmen and sophomores. By winning their remaining three games, the Heels become bowl eligible–an added motivation this week, although I suspect motivation is not an issue for either squad.
Look for an exciting game this weekend. The teams matchup quite well–both are coming off wins, the rivalry speaks for itself in this region and the coaching is impressive on both sidelines. I look for a back-and-forth game that will be decided during the last few possessions. My prediction is the Pack 24, Heels 21, as the homefield advantage tips the scales in favor of the Wolfpack.
The game will be televised locally on WRAL beginning at noon on Saturday. Weigh in with your game and score predictions and finalize those tailgating plans…it’s almost time for some football.
Nov
6
They should at least get a complimentary get out of jail free.
Teachers at a Wake County high school will have to return half of $1,500 bonuses mistakenly given to them by the state.
State officials said last week that teachers at the Wake Early College of Health and Sciences, a magnet school in Raleigh, should have received bonuses of $750. Wake school officials said today they will make the teachers repay the amount instead of taking the money from the the school district.
Nov
2
Get Out, Really?
Filed Under Editorial | Leave a Comment
From the N&O:
The N.C. Department of Transportation is inefficient, unfocused and inflexible, according to a consultant’s report released Wednesday.
The report is based on surveys filled out anonymously by nearly 9,000 employees and on interviews with dozens of state, business and local officials.The department, which has a $3.8 billion budget, hired McKinsey & Co., an international management consultant, to evaluate the agency.
The department agreed to pay McKinsey $1.1 million for an evaluation and an additional $2.5 million for help in making changes.
In similar news, we’ve also heard rumors that postal workers may be disgruntled, the DMV may not be the model of efficiency we once believed and select public officials may have personal agendas. These facts are purely speculative at this point, but final reports will be created, concealed, denied and then released once we raise eleventy billion dollars.
Full story from the N&O here
Nov
1
That Post Sucked
Filed Under RFP Site News | Leave a Comment
In true democratic free press fashion, you can now rate each post on the site. Hover your mouse over the stars at the bottom of the story and select a rating of 1-5, 5 being the best. If a rating just won’t suffice, leave a comment or shoot us a note through the contact form. Just don’t judge me on grammar or I’m sure to get 1’s across the board.
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