What's Driving the Trend in Raleigh?

"Raleigh is increasing in popularity in the United States. We are being noticed by other parts of the country and are growing in size." (Brooke Fortson, marketing director at The Glenwood Agency.) That seems to be the common notion in these parts lately. While other parts in the country are cooling down -- Raleigh is HOT and getting HOTTER by the minute.

What is driving this trend in the Raleigh area? Well, if you've been reading the newsletters we've been sending, Raleigh keeps making everyone's "A-list" and such accolades may partially explain the continued growth in Raleigh's urban housing market.

Here's what various publications are saying:

- Forbes Magazine named Raleigh as on of the TEN BEST CITIES FOR JOBS.

- The International Downtown Association recently selected Raleigh as its DOWNTOWN OF THE MONTH.

-Raleigh was named THE BEST AMERICAN CITY FOR SINGLES by Rachael Ray, popular cooking star on Food Network.

- Men's Magazine ranked Raleigh 5th on its BEST PLACE TO FIND A MATE list.
(Realtor Review Vol2 No.5 2008)

So, if you're looking for a job, a cool place to hang out, a place to find a mate -- sure sounds like Raleigh is the place for you!!! And remember, this is just a sampling of the "best" lists that Raleigh has been named on.

Simply put -- Raleigh is a wonderful place to raise a family, find a job and spend your leisure time.

Drop us an e-mail if you want to know more. Oh and be sure to visit our website at Carolina Pines Realty , where you can really do some exploring and get a good feeling as to what Triangle Life is all about!

Another North Carolina Recipe.....

From time to time I like to share with you a recipe that highlights a North Caroloina Agricultural product -- and this time, it's APPLES. Did you know that North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state?

The following delicious Apple Crisp recipe comes from the wonderful Grove Park Inn & Spa located in beautiful Asheville, NC. What makes this recipe so special is the addition of Bourbon -- Kentucky Bourbon, of course!!!

NC Apple Crisp with Walnuts
& Bourbon Topping:

Crisp:
3/4 cup Old Fashioned Oats
½ cup brown sugar
1/8 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 TBS flour
½ tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
½ cup butter-room temperature

Filling:
2 ½ pounds North Carolina Apples
1 cup chopped walnuts
½ cup granulated sugar
1 TBS flour
1/4 cup bourbon (Kentucky Bourbon!)
½ tsp cinnamon
2 TBS butter

Peel, core and slice apples. Toss with sugar, flour & cinnamon. Add walnuts & bourbon, toss to mix. Spread apple mixture into buttered 8x8 baking pan. Evenly spread crumb topping over.
Bake 350-degrees approximately 35 minutes or until top is golden and apples are tender. Serve warm. Delicious served with Vanilla ice cream!

Be sure and let me know if you try this and how it turned out. It is a perfect addition to the menu any time of year.

Oh, and be sure to visit The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa by clicking on the link below. One of North Carolina's finest resorts and, consequently, one of the finest in the country.

Deborah J. Ivey, Chef TournantThe Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa90 Macon AvenueAsheville, NC 28804groveparkinn.com800-438-5800