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Things to do in October in Sanford NC

Posted by Rita on Oct 02 2007 | Day Trips, Around Town, Things to do

Gross Farms Corn Maze

Throughout the month of October, the Gross Farms Corn Maze will be open to visitors. You can find your way through the acres of corn fields in the photo above to 15 different way points. The maze is open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This year the design of the maze celebrates Lee County’s centennial. This is a big maze so wear comfortable shoes and use the bathroom before you head out into the rows of corn. It took us a couple of hours to navigate to all the way points but it could take more or less time depending on your group.

Starting October 13, the corn maze will feature a haunted trail. We went a couple of years ago when my daughter was 7 and she was terrified so I wouldn’t recommend it for the younger ones. If you are ready for a thrill and not at all squeamish, it is a fun way to spend a crisp autumn evening.

They also have a playgorund for the kids, hay rides, homemade ice cream, and a pumpkin patch. Find out more at the Gross Farms Website.

Sanford NC Brush and Palette Club Show

The 43rd annual Sanford Brush and Palette Club Show is being held at the Hales Center on McIver Street (also known as the old Armory). The show is open from 10 AM to 6 PM and runs from October 6th to the 13th. The show features the work of local artisans. The show will have not only paintings but sculpture and pottery as well.

We found this show by accident last year on the last day. We arrived just before the show ended and rushed thorugh. Our family will go earlier this year to make sure we get time to enjoy all the wonderful artwork.

The Sanford Brush and Palette Club promotes art throughout the community with private lessons and art workshops for children. They also sponsor a scholarship fund for local high school students. I encourage anyone who enjoys art to come out and enjoy this show.

Lee Regional Fair

As the home of SASL (Sanford Area Soccer League), the fairgrounds in Sanford are used as soccer fields most of the year. That will change when the Lee Regional Fair opens in Monday October 8th. The fair hosts exhibits including livestock, agricultural, cooking, baking, needlepoint, sewing, art, crafts, and much more. There is a beauty contest, singing, a mechanical bull riding competition, karate demonstrations and too much to mention.

Did I forget the rides? There are plenty of exciting carnival rides. Of course, there are the carnival games. Oh, and the food - funnel cakes, fried candy bars, cotton candy and too many calories to count them all.

To find out more about the fair, visit the Lee Regional Fair website. We still haven’t decided which day to go - each day has its own unique and fun events.

2007 NC Big Sweep in Lee County

The 2007 NC Big Sweep is on Saturday October 6th. This is a day each year where residents clean up our local parks and waterways. My son has done this several times and has had fun while learning an appreciation for the environment. This year Lee County Parks and Recreation is working to clean up San-Lee Park, Kiwanis Park, and Camelback Bridge (Deep River Park). Show up at any of the parks in the morning and help in this clean-up effort. Contact San-Lee Park at (919)-776-6221 for more information on how you can help.

Memory Walk 2007 in Lee County

The Lee County Memory Walk to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association will be on Saturday October 6th at Kiwanis Park in Sanford. Registration begins at 9 AM. War-up starts at 9:45 and the walk starts at 10 AM. The walk is around the 1 mile Kiwanis Trail.

There will be entertainment, food, and displays. You can honor a loved one at the Memory Garden. Those who raise over $50 will receive a Memory Walk T-shirt. For more information, contact Judi Womack at (919)-776-0501.

Annie at Temple Theater

The classical musical Annie opens this month at Temple theater in Sanford. Annie features weel-know songs such as “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life”. “The show starts on October 19th and goes through to November 11th. See the following list for dates and times:

Thursdays at 7:00 pm (10/25, 11/1, and 11/8)
Fridays at 8:00 pm (10/19, 10/26, 11/2, and 11/9)
Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm (10/20, 10/27, 11/3, and 11/10)
Sundays at 2:00 pm (10/21, 10/28, 11/4, and 11/11)

Temple Theater is a great local theater and seeing a show is an enjoyable experience.

Visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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Sanford NC Movie Theater: Spring Lane Cinemas

Posted by Rita on Sep 09 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

When we first moved to Sanford several years ago, the only movie theater in town, Kendale Cinemas, was straight out of the 1970s. It only had two screens and was not very modern. When we wanted to see a movie we would drive up to Cary, see the movie, and then drive back. Cary isn’t that far away but we were glad when a new theater opened in town.Spring Lane Cinemas is on the west side of town near Riverbirch Shopping Center and several restaurants. This new theater offers 10 movie screens, stadium seating, and digital surround sound. They normally offer a good choice of movies and you can be sure that the new blockbuster, whatever it is, will be playing.

The concession stand offers the old favorites - candy, popcorn, and soda. They also offer pizza, nachos, soft pretzels, gourmet coffee, icees, hamburgers, hot dogs, dippin’ dots ice cream, and lots of other good stuff. We don’t drive to Cary for the movies anymore!

Find out more at the Spring Lane Cinemas website.

To find out more about homes in Sanford, NC, visit the Sanford NC Neighborhoods page on my website. Whether you are buying a home in Sanford or selling a home in Sanford, contact me to help you!

You can also visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.
Rita Taylor
ERA Strother Real Estate
Sanford NC Real Estate
“Taylored” For You!

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San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

Posted by Rita on Sep 02 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

If the weather is nice and you want to spend some time outdoors, then San-Lee park is a great place to go. San-Lee park was originally the municipal reservoir for Sanford. When the city of Sanford built a new water plant, the land was turned over to Lee County to be used as a park.The park was developed and opened in the late 1970s. The old pumping house has become a museum and park headquarters. The two lakes that once provided water to Sanford now provide a sanctuary for wildlife. The lakes are also used for canoing and fishing.

Sign of things to do in San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

After entering the park, this sign helps to direct visitors to the location for various activities. As you can see, there are an almost overwhelming number of things to do here!You can go picnicking, hiking, fishing, rv camping, mountain biking, canoing, tent camping, or play on the playground. That is just a short list as there are many other things to do here.

The building that was previously a pumping house is now used as the park’s headquarters. This building houses a small display of local animals. This is a good place to visit to learn more about the animals around the local area. There are frogs, squirrels, turtles, and even SNAKES on display. The snakes in the picture on the right are the most dangerous local snakes - Copperheads.

Animal exhibits in San-Lee Park in Sanford, NC

Outside animal exhibit in San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

Around the sides and back of the headquarters building are cages with various birds in them. The park rehabilitates injured birds. For birds too injured to return to the wild, the park becomes a new home. Many birds, however, are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.The park gives lectures from time to time on owls and other local birds of prey.

Just behind the headquarters building is the earthen dam for the lower lake. At the top of the dam is a boat rental area. During the warmer months, you can rent paddle boats or canoes to use out on the lake.

Boat rental at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

You can find the tent camping area by crossing a stream and climbing the hill to the right of the headquarters building. The tent camping area is wooded and provides tables and grills. There is also a bath house available.This is a nice spot to camp as a quick weekend outing that is still close to home.

If you follow the hiking trail around the right side of the lower lake, you will come to this amphitheater. This is often used by groups camping in the tent camping area. It is also used by groups during summer day camps sponsored at the park.

Ampitheater in San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

Duck in lake at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

Hiking around the trail that follows along the lake shore of either lake will bring you into contact with lots of local wildlife. The duck at left was one of several swimming along the shoreline.

As we walked along the trail, we noticed this gander strutting his stuff for the geese around him. My kids got a chuckle out of watching this guy walking with his chest puffed out while craning his neck around to look at the geese. You can almost see a bit of humanity in animals sometimes!

Gander strutting his stuff in San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

We took this photo of the lower lake after rounding a curve in the trail. You can see the dam for the upper lake and a fishing pier in the background of this picture. The park has a pair of 10 acre lakes that are popular with local fishers. The park even has a tackle loan program for those without fishing gear.

As you walk around the lakes, you cross several small streams that feed the lakes. We caught a crayfish when we lifted a rock in this stream. My kids really love playing in streams looking for little critters. We saw a couple of frogs and crayfish on this early spring trip.

Crawdad in creek at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

This is a picture of the upper lake at San-lee park in Sanford, NC. This picture was taken from the bridge over the dam to this lake. The upper lake is usually kept below full pond to allow it to absorb extra water during periods of heavy rain. The upper lake is home to a couple of beaver families and evidence of their work can be seen all along this lake.

The pile of mud and sticks by the shore line is home to a beaver family. You can see trees with chew mark on the all along the upper lake. If you look closely you can see the shadows cast by my husband and daughter.

Beaver den at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

Bike Trail at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

This is the sigh at the trail head for the mountain bike trail in San-lee park. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult. This is surprising given that Sanford is in the sandhills and not the mountains, but some of the hills in the park are steep and this trail makes the most of them.

This is a picture of the peaceful lakeside chapel at San-lee park in Sanford, NC. The chapel is a nice place to sit and contemplate nature on a quiet afternoon.

Picnic shelter at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

For large groups, this shelter can be rented out for an afternoon gathering. Smaller groups can use one of the many picnic tables found throughout the park.

This is a picture from a bridge overlooking the stream below the lower lake. The field in the right background is a great place to toss a baseball, football, or Frisbee on a warm Carolina afternoon. The main parking lot is in the left background of this picture.

Magnolia bloom at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC

The photo at left is a close-up of a Star Magnolia (Magnolia Stellata) bloom on an early spring day at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC. These trees are behind the entrance sign to the park. Star Magnolia trees bloom in the late winter and are sometimes caught by a late frost. The warm weather this year really brought out the beauty of these trees.This is just a small summary of what can be found at San-Lee park in Sanford, NC. Park hours vary by season. You can find out more at the San-Lee park webpage.

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Kiwanis Park in Sanford, NC

Posted by Rita on Aug 30 2007 | Around Town, Things to do

Kiwanis Family Park is located between Wicker Street and Carbonton Road just East of US 1 in Sanford. Despite being close to a major highway and downtown, Kiwanis Park is a peaceful place to visit. The park sits on over 45 acres of land and includes several picnic areas, two large fields for playing, several walking trails, a fitness trail, and much more. The main parking area is located off of Wicker Street, but a smaller parking area is also located off of Carbonton Road.

This gazebo is in a quiet area of the park. This is the perfect place to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy some quiet moments.

Fitness trail in Kiwanis Park in Sanford NC

One of the several trails in the park is a fitness trail. This trail has several stops along the way where you can get in some extra exercise. The total distance of this trail is one mile.

If you are in the mood for more of a relaxing walk, there is also a quiet greenway trail. This trail is just over a half mile. The trees really make you feel as if you are deep in the woods even though you are in the middle of Sanford.

Greenway trail in Kiwanis Park in Sanford NC

Playground in Kiwanis Park in Sanford, North Carolina

There is also a small playground available for the kids to enjoy.

The main picnic shelter in Kiwanis Park is located next to the playground and main field. You can cook up the burgers and hot dogs while watching the kids run and play.

Picnic shelter in Kiwanis Park in Sanford North Carolina

Main field in Kiwanis Park in Sanford, NC

This is the main field in Kiwanis Park. The picnic shelter and restrooms are in the far distance in this photo.

Please visit my Sanford NC Homes website for more information about homes in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County in North Carolina.

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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Broadway NC

Posted by Rita on Aug 25 2007 | Around Town

Broadway is a small community in Lee County North Carolina. It has a population of just over 1,000 and prides itself as “Mayberry Incarnate”, and a visit to Broadway can seem a bit like a step back in time.

Broadway is located about 8 miles Southeast of Sanford along the border between Lee and Harnett Counties. The Broadway area was first settled in the late 1800s to harvest turpentine from the surrounding pine forests. The town was named for a broad clearing in the surrounding pine forests. Farming later became the main occupation, and farming continues in the area to the present day. Broadway was officially incorporated in 1907, and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year! Broadway is growing by attracting those who seek a quiet, friendly place to call home.

The photo at left shows the one caution light in Broadway at the corner of Main Street and Harrington Avenue.

Broadway has had a post office serving the area since it was settled in the late 1800s. The current post office was built in the early 1980s.

Broadway is the home of a local branch of the Lee County library.

The first school was founded in Broadway in 1890 near the site of the current Broadway Elementary School, which is part of the Lee County School system. Students in Broadway continue on to East Lee Middle School and Lee County (Senior) High School.

Broadway has a Piggly Wiggly grocery store, a hardware store, a bank, restaurants, dentist, doctor, and a wide variety of other businesses. These businesses serve not only the 1,000 citizens within the city limits but the greater community as well.

Broadway is home to the NC Veterans’ Memorial. This memorial is beautifully done and is a great place to visit. There are plaques dedicated to the many wars fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy in America. A nice place to spend some quite time reflecting.

The town of Broadway owns Watson Lake. This lake is approximately 14 acres and is perfect for fishing, picnics, canoing, and a variety of other relaxing activities. Several nice homes surround this beautiful lake.

You can find out more about neighborhoods in Broadway, Sanford, and surrounding areas at the Lee County NC Neighborhoods page on my website.

You can also visit Sanford NC Real Estate for more information about Real Estate in Sanford, Broadway, and the surrounding area.

Find out more about Broadway, NC in my blog entires about the following neighborhoods:

Edgewater Estates

Thomas Place

Underwood

Rita Taylor

ERA Strother Real Estate

Sanford NC Real Estate

“Taylored” For You!

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