Story by Hal Goodtree | March 15, 2010 | Tags: Business, cary, nc
One of the greatest assets Cary has is its vibrant business community. Those of you who frequent locally-owned Cary businesses know what I’m talking about. Great customer service. Great selection. Interesting business people with fascinating stories to tell, about their work, about their products.
Like you, I have my favorite Cary businesses and services, the ones I recommend to friends and neighbors, the ones I have experienced first-hand. I decided it would be fun this week to share a few of them with you. I hope you’ll share your favorites with me and with readers of carycitizen.com.
Here’s my pared-down list (believe me, it could have been much longer!):
1421 Old Apex Rd., 919-460-7746,
www.gardensupplyco.com
My family and I haunt this place. Every major landscaping project we’ve undertaken at our home has been supplied by Garden Supply Company. Healthy stock, knowledgeable employees, one-of-a-kind garden art, gift ideas, festivals and fun. It would not be spring (or summer or fall or winter), without a visit to Garden Supply.
I especially love their Christmas shopping nights (yes, I know, it’s only March, but I like to plan ahead).
Ledgstone Way (in Stone Creek Village at Davis and High House), 919-460-2554,
www.thepinkalli.com
When I need to find a gift for a girlfriend, this is where I go. Fun, funky, fresh gifts that will make your friends smile line the walls and shelves of this little boutique in Stone Creek Village. There is a real Alli, Allison Leggett, who owns the place with her mom, Pat. And there’s also a real Pink, Alli’s little dog, who is on hand, too. Check out their Facebook page, where they run specials for their friends. (Of course, I’m a fan!)
1012 Morrisville Pkwy., Morrisville, 919-462-9255
www.capriflavors.com
OK, technically this one isn’t in Cary, but it’s just over the border a tiny little bit in Morrisville, west of Cary Parkway, off Chapel Hill Road. And if you’re a foodie, like I am, you will love this wonderful shop, cooking school, import company. Tomatoes and pasta, desserts and cookies, cheese, cured meats, wine, all bursting with sunny, Italian flavor. If you are seeking authentic Italian ingredients, then this is a must-shop stop for you. I took my Canadian mother-in-law to this store and she spent half an hour talking to Titina Vuotto, who owns it with her husband Costanzo. I learned how to make Titina’s chick-pea soup and it’s now a family favorite. This is a wonderful place.
115 W. Chatham St., 919-319-6554
www.bluemoonbakery.com
When I worked on West Chatham Street, our office made it a habit to celebrate birthdays with wonderful cake from Once in a Blue Moon, which was just down the street in Ashworth Village. I think some of the people I used to work with had three or four birthdays a year, just to get this cake. Dreamsicle takes just like it sounds; A Chocolate Encounter is exactly what anyone needs, think chocolate, on chocolate, on chocolate, with some chocolate curls; Far Out Frangelico with hazelnut mousse and Frangelico liqueur… the list is too tempting and I swear you will find something to tickle your tastebuds.
corner of West Chatham and Academy, in the heart of downtown
919-388-3869
The cake at Blue Moon may take you to Ashworth Village, but there’s so many wonderful little shops to visit once you’re there… art galleries, photography studios, a women’s consignment shop, an antique store, a Czech cuisine restaurant, a gourmet deli, a wonderful tailor. It’s one of the places I like to go to meet friends for lunch, making a peaceful moment in a hectic day.
270 Cornerstone Dr., 919-460-7676
www.primarymedcare.com
Dr. Mary Mackenzie and her team get two thumbs’ up from me for the quality of service and the quality of care they provide to their patients. I have recommended Dr. Mack to a great many friends since I became her patient five years ago. She takes time and care with every client, never rushing them out to get to the next person in line. She’s a great doc and her assistants are fun, friendly and obviously happy to be working there.
It’s not a pain to go to the doctor when you’re treated so well (and if you knew what a terrible patient I am, you’d be surprised to hear me say that!).
96 Cornerstone Dr. 919-465-9009
www.zpizzatriangle.com
OK, this is a relatively new business to my “Recommended by Brenda” list. I love the pizza, especially the chicken barbecue one, which even has tiny kernels of sweet corn on it. Yum! What makes it an extra cool place is that it’s family friendly. Kids can enjoy a game of Scrabble or Jenga while mom and dad can order a beer or glass of wine. There’s a big screen for watching the Big Game (whichever Big Game you want to watch) and the service is fast, friendly and customer-oriented. They may be new to my list, but I’ll be telling all my friends, that ‘s for sure.
I hope you have some favorite local businesses to tell me about. Email me at Brenda.larson@carycitizen.com or post your comments. I’d love to know more about hidden gems in Cary.
New members: Watch my column next week for information on Cary Chamber’s new members for March and April.
Thursday, March 18, 5:30 p.m., Linked Local in Cary holds its first face-to-face networking event at Catering by Design, 132 Kilmayne Dr. (in the Big Lots Plaza near Maynard and Kildaire Farm Road). Greg Lewis of Catering by Design will provide hors d’ouevres. Come check out this networking event. $5 at the door. I’ll see you there!
Thursday, March 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Matthews House hosts the Gal Pal Silent Auction, with hosts Sheila Ogle, Casey Bastian and DJ Mitsch. The event raises funds for Dress for Success. Entry is one $25 (or more) item to be auctioned off. RSVP to admin@pyramidresource.com if you’re interested in attending. I’ll see you there!
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CaryCitizen is sponsored by FrantzForHouse.org.
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