I’m so happy to be back in the heart of downtown Durham!

After over twenty years, I’m back where I began my real estate career, at Distinctive Properties.  It’s a small company dedicated to personal service, community involvement, and knowledge of the established neighborhoods of the Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough.

You’ll find me at our office: the little blue house on the corner of Vickers and Jackson.  You can’t miss it!

http://www.distinctivepropertiesnc.com/

Check out yesterday’s article in the New York Times about Durham’s status as a foodie town.  Some of my favorites make an appearance in the article: Neal’s Deli, Brinkley Farms, and Watts Grocery, for example.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/dining/21carolina.html

Ginger Young Gallery Holiday Art Sale!

Saturday, December 5     10:00 – 5:00 and Sunday, December 6     12:00 – 5:00

One-of-a-kind paintings, sculptures, garden art items, ornaments, wreaths, and art books by 65 Southern self-taught and folk artists.

New works by Peter Loose * Sarah Rakes * Kacey Carneal * Tom Tarrer * Debbie Criswell Leonard Jones * MC Jones * James Arthur Snipes * Cher Shaffer * Nellie Mae Rowe  

10% of sales will benefit Paws4Ever!

Paws4Ever is a rescue organization dedicated to improving animal welfare and fostering a humane community through education, care, adoption, and training. To learn more, visit www.paws4ever.org

5802 Brisbane Drive, Chapel Hill

Take I-40 to exit 266; go 1.3 miles north on Hwy86 (toward Hillsborough). Turn right on Mt. Sinai Rd.  After 7/10 of a mile, turn left on Brisbane Drive.

Questions?      (919) 932-6003 or ginger@gingeryoung.com

www.gingeryoung.com

I recently joined the Brinkley Farms Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and although I just missed the summer produce, I am thoroughly enjoying my weekly boxes filled with kale, eggs, turnips, pork, beef and squash.  In their CSA, members pay an up front cost (I believe this past session was $160, which provides me with $15 each week to spend), and we receive weekly emails with lists of produce to choose from.  Pick-up locations are convenient to most areas of the Triangle, and what better way to support a local farm while receiving deliciously fresh food? I also find that I plan my meals a bit better when I think through what to request each week. 

On a recent drive down to Atlantic Beach for a weekend, my daughter and I stopped in Kinston for dinner.  Kinston is a lovely small town and certainly worth a stop, but a visit to Chef and the Farmer makes it even more special.  The News and Observer calls it worth the hour and a half drive from the Triangle, and we found this to be absolutely true.  The food was delicious and fresh, and the service was impeccable.  Caroline’s salad, prepared with apples, mixed lettuces and spiced pecans, was light and the perfect way to start off her meal.  My pork shoulder was served with collard greens and I loved every bite.

Check  out their website at:

http://www.chefandthefarmer.com

I have many happy memories from Forest Hills Park.  Complete with fields for soccer or frisbee, tennis courts, and a wonderful playground, the large park really offers something for everyone.  The covered area offers multiple grills and is perfect for getting together with family and friends.

Check out the article HERE. For a photo slideshow, click HERE.

A cupcake certainly brightens any day, and the choices at this warm and inviting bakery are delicious.  Boasting a pastry chef who formerly worked at the Carolina Inn, Bliss offers a range of cupcake flavors including carrot cake, chocolate with vanilla buttercream, and my personal favorite, red velvet.  Also on the menu are cookies, scones, and coffee.

Lunch at Sandwhich nextdoor followed by a Bliss cupcake: what a delicious combination!

On our way down to Bald Head, we like to stop at the Yacht Basin Provision Company in Southport.  Be sure to take a drive around historic Southport to see some beautiful old houses and a quaint downtown area.

Originally a boater’s store, the restaurant opened in 1993 and boasts an atmosphere unlike any other. The line to order often goes out the door, especially if it’s a nice day.  Upon arrival, diners serve themselves drinks and enjoy their meals on the covered deck overlooking the water. My daughter and I always order the boiled shrimp and crunchy onion rings.

If you go to Provision Company, expect friendly service, gorgeous views, and tasty food!

Click here to view an article from Our State Magazine featuring the restaurant.