Your Guide to L.E.T.S. (Leisure, Entertainment, Travel, and Savings)

Category: Local Gems

Upper Deck

Decided to stop into another local bar in town. Stopped into the Upper Deck. It’s been going for years. Tonight I know why. The service was great and friendly. It is a place that gives you that local bar feel. We picked up some wings and beer. The wings were good and the beer cold.

Another local treasure

So yesterday I suggested that you look in your local town. To find treasures or things to do that do not cost you a lot of money. Not to be one to not take my own advice went out today and found something in my local town to do. If you are in Cary North Carolina I would suggest you take a moment to stop by and see the Catechist Maximus art display at the Cary arts center.

Catechist Maximus

What is catechist Maximus you may ask? Well let me tell you. A digital artist has taken cats from around the world and place them in City scenes where they power over buildings and people.

To leave your house and go find something nearby that is new unique and different. And don’t forget bring your towel.

Local Town Outings

So tonight decided to take advantage of a local Town attraction. Our little town host the state’s symphony during the summer. So we decided to give it a shot. Let me just say it is a blast.

I know what your thinking. How is this helpful to me. Well I’m going to tell you. Nearly every town out there puts on activities for it’s residents. Go to your local towns website and look for events they put on. They are normally life cost and good for all ages.

But when you go don’t forget your towel.

Old Mill Crank-Up

Last weekend we traveled to a local festival called the Ole Mill Crank-Up. It take place just outside of Sanford, NC. once a year. It’s a two day festival where you can access the longest standing covered bridge in NC and see an water powered gris mill in action. There are vendors, food, out door music and a fun family atmosphere that harkens back to aby gone time. I have included some pictures below and would recommend marking your calendars for next year.

Longest Covered bridge still standing in NC.
Screens from the event including the mill

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

For those of you not aware Lucky 32 has been around a long time. It provides a unique twist on southern food, which is always a treat to go too.

Recently I had the opportunity to go to the Lucky 32 in Cary, NC. I thought this was great as it would give me an opportunity to give everyone here some feed back on a great eatery.

The night we were there was a busy but they were able to fit my party of 2 in without waiting. The service was good. The server was engaging and shared information about the specials and some of there favorites. I ended up going to with one of the specials sea scallops and a side. This was great because I always get a fried grit cake when I go there. I would suggest going to Lucky 32 just for the fried grit cake and red eye grave if you ever want a snack.  

The meal came out quickly and was very tasty. I was extremely pleased. In fact I was so happy with the meal I had to order desert, bread pudding with caramel souse.

Yes, that is ice cream you see in the picture, and it was an excellent addition to the warm bread pudding.

So if you are in the area drop in and give Lucky 32 a try. They have great food and a menu that changes with the season.

The Nile Cafe and Milk Lab

Earlier this week, went exploring in the local area to find new places to eat. This is something I would strongly recommend for everyone to try. Going to a new place for dinner is an experience that normally do when on vacation. But I asked myself why is this something we only do when we are not at home. I think this is because we get comfortable doing what we always do. So I want to bring to you a tell of stepping out of the box.

I started the night by trying a new dinner, the Nile Cafe. This was a small location that I visited shortly before closing time. The owner was on the grill and was happy to server. The food that came was incredible.

I got a lamb and beef shawarma wrap with a side of hummus. Both were great. The meat was expertly seasoned and the hummus was of high quality with good flavor. It was a great meal that was topped off by the very reasonable cost.

If you happen to be in Cary, NC look into stopping by the Nile Cafe.

As with all meals on vacation you need to have a dessert so I went to MilkLab. Another new to me place and a wonderful surprise. I was hoping to get a little cup of ice cream but boy did I get more than I planned.

MilkLab is a rolled ice cream shop that lets you combine additives which is then mixed in with ice cream . The mix is then spread thin on a super cold surface and then rolled. After that more toppings are added.

Here is my Campfire Delight with S’mores Galore. That is vanilla ice cream with graham crackers and chocolate syrup mixed in. This was then topped with a brownie, whip cream, a heated marshmallow, and more graham crackers and chocolate. Yes it was as good as it looks. Again if you in the area, stop by MilkLab for a good treat.

The point to all of this is break your patterns. Try new restaurants or experience. You don’t really have to travel to enjoy something new.