Relocate Triangle - An Insider's Guide About Moving To The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

Arboretums and Gardens and Parks, Oh My!

The Triangle is lush with greenery and flowers. So naturally – pun intended – our area is filled with gorgeous gardens and picturesque parks. With more than 150 parks, gardens, lakes and greenways in Raleigh alone, there are plenty of places to enjoy the scenery.

Downtown Raleigh is filled with scenic hangouts. The rose gardens behind the Raleigh Little Theater – parking for which can be found off Gardner or Pogue streets – is an tranquil place to, as the old adage goes, stop and smell the roses. It contains a variety of different species of roses as well as an excellent open grassy area and multitudes of benches. This rose garden is a great way to relax and spend time downtown without being in the middle of the hubbub of traffic and businesses.

Another excellent place to relax downtown is NC State’s JC Raulston Arboretum. The arboretum is filled with a plethora of flowers and shrubbery and has many themed sections. By visiting the arboretum you can relax in a Japanese garden or lay out under looming oak trees. The best thing about these parks is that they are completely free and open to the public.

The gardens in parks in other parts of the triangle are also perfect for citizens of all ages. UNC’s North Carolina Botanical Gardens has been a leader in native plant conservation for more than 30 years. The gardens span over a large area of land and encompass formal display gardens as well as natural areas and nature trails.

If you reside in Durham or wish to take a trip to the city, the Duke Gardens are a must-see. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens spans 55 acres on the western campus of Duke University and is recognized as one of the premier public gardens in the United States attracting more than 300,000 visitors from all over the world, each year. With a vast area to tour, you could never be bored of the beauty that surrounds you. Like the aforementioned parks and gardens, the Duke Gardens are also free admission.

So whenever you are looking for something to do on one of the Triangle’s many beautiful, warm and sunny days, visit one of these breath-taking locations for a day filled with natural beauty. The best thing about the Triangle is that none of these places are too far away from where you are. So take a trip into nature – you will not regret it for a second.

Green Tip of the Week - 7/24/09

Replace clogged air filters

Burning one gallon of gas produces roughly 25 pounds of CO2.
Replace clogged air filters. A clogged air filter can cut a vehicle's fuel efficiency by 10 percent.

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Quixotic Construction on Hillsborough Street

The latest changes in downtown Raleigh are centered around Hillsborough Street, one of the most notable and lively streets of downtown Raleigh. It runs alongside the N.C. State campus and houses multitudes of businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, and hookah bars. The street is generally filled with the hustle and bustle of students and adults alike and, more recently, with construction.

If you have been anywhere near Hillsborough Street, you cannot miss the chaotic changes that are being made to the busy, two-lane road. Currently we are amid the Phase II construction. This construction is focused on improvements on the north side of Hillsborough Street and Oberlin Road. After this phase is complete, the tentative schedule is as follows:

• October 2009 – Phase III construction begins (Phase III includes construction of the two roundabouts and additional improvements on Oberlin Road)
• December 2009 – Phase IV construction begins (Phase IV includes construction of the median, addition of pavement markings, and landscaping)
• May 2010 – Construction ends!

Most people are taking this construction very good naturedly. Though it is a slight annoyance for suburban travelers, the surrounding downtown community is extremely supportive of this revamping of a classic street. The intent of the construction is to create a smoother traffic flow. The construction plans consist of medians and roundabouts to lessen the difficulty of traveling down Hillsborough Street.

On a more amusing note, you may have been one of the lucky few to witness the “barrel monster.” This 10-foot statue was created by an NC State student and depicts an angry looking figurine made from the orange construction barrels that line the street. Many find the artwork to be extremely witty and consequently it has since gained a massive following. Though many people view this playful “barrel monster” as street art, the Raleigh police view it as vandalism. The artist responsible for the “barrel monster” was also allegedly behind the “angry man graffiti” near the Boylan Bridge.

Just remember, patience is a virtue. Being patient will payoff in the end for Triangle residents, because we will have a more upbeat and easily accessible downtown. So hang in there until 2010, and keep your eyes open for more playful rogue artwork around the city.

Look for the recycling symbol on toilet paper and tissues.

Look for the recycling symbol on toilet paper and tissues. The manufacturing process for making paper from other paper products is less wasteful than making it straight from trees.

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Green Tip of the Week - 7/10/09

Shop Local

Redirect just 10 percent of your total spending from chains to locally owned businesses, the result would be $140 million in new economic activity for the region, including 1,600 new jobs and $53 million in additional payroll.

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Green Tip of the Week - 7/3/09

Get Picky with Your Milk

Look for the words "organic" or "no artificial hormones or antibiotics used" on your milk carton the next time you shop. It contains a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids, among other nutrients, too.

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