Story by Leslie Huffman. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC -When I went looking for Sponsors to help with the Cary Scavenger Hunt, I did not have to go far. When there is an event in Cary, there are certain businesses that often step up to offer services or sponsorship. In this installment of Go Local, we recognize some of the most community-minded businesses in Cary.

With an event like the Cary Scavenger Hunt, which is designed to celebrate all things “Cary”, it is wonderful to see what businesses big and small, come out in support.

Next time you want to go out and try something new, pick one of these establishments. These small businesses truly are some of our best loved places to go. They will become your favorite local spots too! Go where everyone knows your name and GO LOCAL.

Food & Wine

• The Umstead Hotel & Spa – What national award has our local 5 star, 5 diamond Hotel not won? Award winning chef, one of the top Spas in the country, and uniquely located right here in Cary. This is a special place for all occasions.
• Bella Mia Coal Fired Pizza – One of my personal favorite places to eat. Family owned and operated by wonderful Cary family, Bella Mia is magnifico! This pizza tastes just like the authentic flavors and simplicity you find in Italy.
• Sip… a wine store- Organic and sustainable can be just words, but not to April. April, Sip’s owner, is passionate about wine and brings only organically grown wines and beers to her store. We’ve had a wine tasting party at Sip and April not only taught us more about organic wines, she made it fun. Sip is a comfortable place to sit and sip and ask questions. You’ll go home with something delicious.
• Thai Spices & Sushi – I love this restaurant. The Bento box lunch special is a favorite for me and my “ladies who lunch”. Also, the Preston Roll, Thai basil chicken, and the Pad-Thai are yummy choices as well. The owners of this spot will deliver but I suggest you go in and enjoy the lovely dining room.
• The Corner Tavern & Grill – This is one of those places that becomes a favorite watering hole. They have drink specials every night of the week, good food and a great patio hang out. Go play some corn hole and have a drink!
• Great Harvest Bread Co. – Paige and her family do a wonderful job getting out in the community. You will see them at most events and at every school PTA function. They are HUGE supporters of everything Cary. My personal favorites when I go to buy bread are Extreme Cinnamon Swirl, High Protein Fiber Bread, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip and their whole wheat brownies. In a word, yum!
• The Meat House – If you have not tried their marinated steak tips, you don’t know what you’re missing. Everything these guys carry is amazing. They are not just a butcher shop either, they sell locally brewed beer, baked goods, spices and veggies. Get on their mailing list and you’ll get recipes too.
• Whole Foods Market – This store supports local and North Carolina farmers as well as local bakers and suppliers. Not only that, but they reach out on a global level too. Stop by to pick up your organic products here or come have lunch. They have wonderful ready made meals, hot or cold.
• Chick-fil-A, Waverly Place – Have you been to any school event in Wake County where Chick-fil-A is not there? From Koka Booth Amphitheatre to Spring Daze Arts Festival, you can find this Waverly Place store providing their famous chicken sandwiches. Need catering quick? Pick-up the phone and call, they’ll fix you right up.
• Catering by Design – When we have an event or special occasion we call our friend Greg Lewis. He makes your party seem effortless and delicious! Check out some of his menus and catering options for your next event. Greg will make you look good!
• The Triangle Food Tour – These folks provided a walking food tour of Downtown Cary to our teams with the lowest scores in the Scavenger Hunt. Apparently our losers need to learn a few things about Cary. And what better way than eating your way through town. Meet local restaurant owners and taste their specialties as you learn more about Cary. What a great idea for a date!
• Crema Coffee Roaster – Another little family owned spot. They roast all their own coffee right on site and have a wonderful menu of flavorful coffees, teas and other goodies. In my world, coffee is king!

Shopping

• Adore Resale Boutique – Nancy, who is my neighbor, is a regular fashionista. She combines high fashion with resale and designed a very chic boutique. If you love fashion but not the price tag, you MUST stop here. I promise, you’ll find something you must have!
• Garden Supply Company – No one in Cary has a sweeter garden. With everything you need for yours and much much more. Plants, trees, fountains and some of the most beautiful and unique home accessories you can find. They helped my family with a landscape design plan too.
• JustNeem – What amazing products this small local company produces! Soaps, lotions, and bath products made from the Neem tree, native to India and Pakistan. These products have many beneficial properties. You can buy their products at Whole Foods in Cary. Or check out their website and read their story.
• Chamber’s Arts Interactive Arts Studio – This art studio has it all. Classes, an open studio, resident artists, musical performances and book signings all happen here. Lynda Chambers supports all things that have to do with the arts. Go in and see what’s happening there this week.
• Brilliant Sky Toys & Books – I can spend hours in this toy store even without my kids! They carry so many neat products and creative items for the kid in all of us. Funny, the owner Lori and I have mutual friends from West Virgina. It’s a small world. Friends are everywhere. Make a new one today!
• The Purple Polka Dot – Now this is a cute store with huge Southern hospitality! Owner Kristin, hand paints and designs many items in the store. She also carries items from other local artists. Go find the perfect gift here!
• Hendrick Fiat – These folks are so cool! They gave us 4 cars for our Scavenger Hunt Teams to drive around in for the day. This little car is cute, sporty, energy efficient and Italian! Drive one today!

Sports, Fitness & Recreation

• O2 Fitness – O2 has a wonderful facility! Modern and state of the art, they have 100 pieces of cardio equipment and over 50 group exercise classes a week. Go see Manager Steve. He’ll shape you up!
• Triangle Rock Club – All I can say is, “This place really rocks!”. A very cool hidden fantasy world. Adventurous, competitive, challenging and fun. It can be what ever you want it to be for you, but you have to go and SEE it to believe it. Local folks make this place special while offering up something really unique.
• SAS Championship – In it’s 11th year, the SAS Championship Golf Tournament is a fantastic event and always held right here in Cary. Not only does this tournament bring many folks to Cary from out-of-town, they have raised over $2.5 million in funds for local charities. If you have never been, you should check this out.
  

Services

• Ashworth Drugs & Lunch Counter – A full service pharmacy and an old fashioned lunch counter, but so much more. You will always find Paul or Ralph Ashworth behind the counter ready to help. When my son broke his leg, it was the only place in Cary I could get him a pair of crutches. At the lunch counter, every Weds. & Sat., you can get 2 hot dogs for only $2.75 and it’s the only place you can get a real old-fashioned ice cream float.
• Frantz Automotive – Owned and operated by Don and Lisa Frantz. Both Don and Lisa grew up in Cary. They will give you and your car the personal touches that comes with really knowing your mechanic. Don also serves on the Cary Town Council and is passionate about making Cary great. FYI, Lisa helped me with some of the clues for the Hunt.
• Wake Tech Community College – If you want to continue your degree or learn a new vocation Wake Tech will help you out. They have a fantastic staff of professors, professionals and classes that make getting a degree easy. They also offer help for small businesses. Check out their Cary campus.
• Cary Family Dental – Dr. Allen Acton is much loved by his patients. How many dentists can say that! Not only does this office offer state-of-the-art dental care, but they support several different charities. If you or your family need a dentist, look no further.
• Ultimus – An industry leader in Business Process Management and Workflow software. This Cary company will help your business be more efficient. They were so glad to be out meeting Cary folks during the Scavenger Hunt.
• The Mathews House – An elegant location for any event. Whether for a wedding or a corporate meeting, they will cater to your liking. The beautiful flower gardens and Southern hospitality will make all your guests feel welcome.
• 1st Signal Realty -  These folks know Cary and will help you out whether buying or selling your home. They are located right in downtown Cary. Just stop on by and say hello.
• Yelp! – Do you ever need help trying to decide what to do or where to go in town from that perfect meal or shopping experience? All the folks who use yelp will give their advise. These guys know everything!

If you love Cary like we do, you’ll shop, buy and seek out local products, companies and businesses. Going Local is not just a saying, it’s a way to help our community grow and prosper.

Story by Leslie Huffman. Lead photo by Brooke Meyer. Other photos courtesy of 2011 Cary Scavenger Hunt participants.

Cary, NC – It was a hot, hot day. But, the Cary Scavenger Hunt Teams were up to the challenge. With a Clue Book in hand, filled with 60 clues, teams spread out across Cary to earn points.

Culture Vultures

We sent them to learn more about the history of Cary, visit parks, sporting facilities, see local art, visit local businesses and community services. Having a clear strategy was a key element during the Hunt.

Hot Flash

When they arrived back at the new Cary Arts Center in the afternoon, this competitive bunch was ready for a party. Thanks to our Sponsors, we made sure they got one.

Hyper Hyenas

Our distinguished panel of judges pondered over our team’s answers and pictures with great enthusiasm. What a fun, fun day!

Wiley Walthers

Here is the list of winners and team scores:

Dragon Masters

Family Teams

1. Grand Prize Winners – Family Fun 44 – 2,080 points
2. 2nd Place Winners – Dragon Masters – 1,953 points
3. 3rd Place Winners – The Wily Walthers – 1,896 points
4. Bear Rock Bears – 1,818 points
5. The Decoders – 1,816 points
6. Morrisville Rules – 1,770 points
7. The Winners – 1,725 points
8. The Kinck-Knacks – 1,688 points
9. The Fab Four – 1,663 points
10. Scaramouche – 1,540 points
11. Hyper Hyenas – 1,378 points
12. The Adventurers – 1,319 points
13. Team Bullock – 1,281 points
14. Fantastic Fowles – 1,142 points
15. Aprildini – 969 points
16. The Marauding Merzes – 844 points

Capulin Cougars

Adult Teams

1. Grand Prize Winners – Mission IMPossible – 2,706 points
2. 2nd Place Winners – Hot Flash – 2,183 points (because of a miscalculation this team was overlooked, but has been awarded a prize worthy of 2nd Place).
3. 2nd Place Winners – Capulin Cougars – 2,173 points
4. 3rd Place Winners – JAKL – 2,021 points
5. Riddle e-Racers – 1,990 points
6. Maynard Loopers – 1,945 points
7. Old-Timers – 1,943 points
8. Culture Vultures – 1,931 points
9. WTD Girls – 1,624 points
10. Dynamic Duo – 1,565 points
11. Team Hofstra – 1,517 points
12. Mambo’s Minions – 1,438 points
13. Caryites – 1,420 points

Cary, NC – There is just a few days left until the Cary Scavenger Hunt. We have many returning teams from last year and lots of new teams ready for the thrill of victory, the human drama of competition, and the agony of defeat!

Discovery and Surprizes

This years Hunt is sure to take you to places in Cary that might not be familiar to you.  There are some challenging clues and riddles that will have you scratching your head.

Somewhere in the Clue Book is a clue that will get your team a free lunch! You will also get to participate in some physical challenges and test your puzzle solving skills. Pick up some surprises and gifts from our sponsors too!

Your adventure awaits. Strategize, recognize, energize! Get in the HUNT!

Celebrity Judges and After Party

This year we have plenty of “celebrity” Judges that will determine our winners. Mayor Weinbrecht, humor author Cris Cohen, Town Council members Gail Adcock, Jack Smith, and Julie Robison will be just a few of our distinguished Judges.

Meet back at the brand new Cary Arts Center at 1:30 for a little party action. While our Judges add up the scores, come sample some food, listen to a story, play some hoops, see some entertainers and win some prizes.

Don’t Miss Out

Sign-up today! We are already running out of the this years exclusive Cary Scavenger Hunt t-shirts. If you wait till the last minute, they may be gone.

You can sign-up Saturday morning, but it will cost you extra and we can only take cash or check the morning of the Hunt. So don’t wait!

Story by Leslie Huffman

Cary, NC – The 2nd Annual Cary Scavenger Hunt is next week! Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

As you can see by the picture, I am in my element and a total goof-ball. I love a good party, especially one with prizes, adventure and glory. This year’s Hunt is on Saturday July 23. Will you join me?

What You Need To Do

I promise, this is a truly fun event. All you need is a team, a digital camera, a car and a sense of adventure. Sign-up HERE before we run out of t-shirts!

Make sure to read all the rules and check out our very cool sponsors.

Pictures & Quotes From Last Year

Families make great teams!  Sometimes it’s the littlest family member that can make sense of a riddle.  And what kid doesn’t love a scavenger hunt?

“We had a very fun family day. We all learned a lot about Cary. The kids are still talking about it.”

A group of good friends can take any challenge and make it a hysterically funny occasion.  This will make a great memory with lots of silly photo’s for your Facebook page.

“Our team had a lot of fun strategizing! Bravo for a job well done!”

Charge up those cell phones and digital cameras and come on out!

“Had a ball. There is obviously strategy involved, and we’ll be more prepared next year!”

“It was well done, and we had a blast!”

“It was a great time. The whole day for less than the price of a movie and 10 times as fun.”

“You guys rock! What a great way to spend time with friends and family.”

What are you waiting for? Get in the Hunt!

Story by Leslie Huffman. Photo by Sam Huffman

Cary, NC – Sexy, Italian, fun and chic. No silly, I’m talking about the car!

This cute little thing can be yours for the day. Again, I am talking about the car, the Fiat 500.

The Cary Scavenger Hunt has the opportunity to let 4 of our lucky teams drive all around town hunting for clues in a brand new Fiat 500! Leave your old car in the parking lot for the day and cruise in style in this fuel efficient, delightful, little car.

Hendrick Fiat in the Cary AutoMall is letting our teams have the chance to test drive one of these hot little cars for the whole day. Now that’s cool!

Greg Eaton, Studio Director at Hendrick Fiat tells us, “The 500C has proved to be very popular because it’s the only 4-seater convertible you can get for under $20k, gets up to 38 miles per gallon and comes with dozens of different colors and options”.

How Can My Team Drive One?

We have 4 cars, so we need 4 Scavenger Hunt Teams. How can your team drive away with one? Easy.

Sign-up your team HERE by July 14. We’ll randomly pick four from all of the teams signed-up by July 14.

We will announce our winners of the Fiat Test Drive For a Day on the CaryCitizen Facebook Page and in a future story.

To be eligible, the Team’s designated driver must have a full driver’s license, and car insurance with proof of collision protection.

Early Sign-Up Gets the Ride!

For more information about the 2nd Annual Cary Scavenger Hunt, check out our information page. Find out more about all our other awesome prizes and generous sponsors.

Get in the Hunt!

Styx photo by Chris Adamczyk.

Cary, NC – The excitement is building for the 2011 Cary Scavenger Hunt. Did you know the Grand Prize for Adult teams is 10 VIP tickets to Styx at Booth Amphitheatre?

Get in the Hunt!

Imagine calling up your friends and saying “I got 10 VIP tickets to Styx. Want to come?” It could happen to you! Join the 2011 Cary Scavenger Hunt, coming to the new downtown Cary Arts Center on Saturday, July 23.  It’s a day of adventure, fun, civic pride and glory – and the “VIP treatment”.

Teams compete in two categories – Adult and Family. Grab three friends or round up the clan and sign up your team now.

Lots of prizes and treasures along the way for all the participants. (b.t.w., the Grand Prize for families is a Private Party for 20 at Movies By Moonlight, but that’s another story.)

A Cary Tradition

Last year, over 100 people raced around town solving clues and collecting souvenirs, and they all “had a blast”.

Teams made a pyramid out of firemen, found the Page family, visited a real farm supply store and discovered a dragon in a Cary park.

Comments from Last Year

Here are some comments we received from a survey of Scavenger Hunters last year.

“It was a great time. The whole day for less than the price of a movie and 10 times as fun.”

“We had a very fun family day. We all learned a lot about Cary. The kids are still talking about it.”

“Great experience. We had a blast.”

The 2nd Annual Cary Scavenger Hunt promises to be even better – more clues, celebrity judges, more prizes and just plain more fun. If that’s possible.

Visit the Teams & Sign-up page now.

Story by Leslie Huffman. Photo by Rachel Huffman

Cary, NC – Everyone loves the adventure that is the Cary Scavenger Hunt. What’s better then a fun filled day full of mystery sprinkled with prizes and civic pride? Sign your team up NOW!

But, we could not pull this summer fun fest together without our awesome sponsors. We have teamed up with some of the best local businesses to make the 2011 Annual Cary Scavenger Hunt the best ever!

Partners and Hosts

We offer a heartfelt standing ovation to The Cary Arts Center for being our generous hosts and giving everyone a sneak peak into this brand new downtown centerpiece and providing prizes to our winning teams. And to Koka Booth Amphitheare for offering up some fantastic Grand Prizes!

Platinum Sponsors

With immense gratitude, we thank Ashworth Drugs, Great Harvest Bread Company, The Meat House, and Chick Fil A – Waverly Place.

Gold Sponsors

Our great appreciation and a rah-rah cheer goes out to The Umstead Hotel, Catering by Design, Frantz Automotive, Adore Boutique, Triangle Rock Club, O2 Fitness, ChambersArts!, Sip… A Wine Store, Wake Tech, Garden Supply Co, Ultimus, Cary Family Dental, Thai Spices & Sushi, JustNeem, Corner Tavern, and Brilliant Sky Toys.

Silver Sponsors

We send hugs and kisses out to Octagon/SAS Golf Championship and Whole Foods Market Cary for all their support.

Bronze Sponsors

Lastly, our enthusiastic applause is given to The Matthews House, 1st Signal Realty, and Yelp.

Don’t miss the Hunt. Sign-up now!

Story by Leslie Huffman.

Cary, NC – The kids are out of school. Now what? Well, you could go to the pool. You could go see a movie. How about bowling? Those are some good ideas.

Do you need a GREAT idea, something different? I can give you a clue on an awesome interactive event you can do with your family or some friends. Getting better.

O.K., I’m going to send you and your team all around town visiting parks, checking out artworks and meeting local business owners. Let’s throw in some local Cary history too. I think I’ll make you really have to look for specific things around town. You could earn points for each item you get correct. That’s different.

I can also give you all some cool t-shirts to wear and provide you with lunch. That’s great!

Let’s make this even better. How about if I give you the opportunity to pick up a few little gifts and coupons while you run around town. I can even throw in a party near the end of the day where you and your team could win all kinds of prizes and give-aways. Really? That’s a fantastic day!!

Wait. I’m not done. Now I want to see if other teams have as many points as you do. We can have you compete for some even bigger prizes. Like what?

I will give the 1st place Adult Team 10 VIP tickets to the Styx Concert and the 1st place Family Team a private party for 20 at Booth Amphiltheatre’s Movies by Moonlight. WOW! When is this and where do I sign-up?

I am so glad you asked. The 2011 Cary Scavenger Hunt will take place July 23rd. You can sign-up right HERE.

Find out some more, like where and when on the Cary Scavenger Hunt page.

Now that you have a clue on what to do this summer, my job is done. Well, not really, ’cause I’ve got to start coming up with some “clues”. See you soon!

Cary, NC – Do you like looking for hidden clues?  Do you want to win prizes?  Do you love Cary? Here is your chance to come and join the hunt in CaryCitizen’s 2nd Annual Cary Scavenger Hunt!  Get out your map and mark your calendars for Saturday July 23, 2011.

What better way to celebrate what Cary has to offer than a mad-cap Scavenger Hunt through town!  This will be an excellent way to test your knowledge of the landmarks in Cary.  Teams will travel around town and will have to think about the variety of sports centers, community centers, arts, businesses, shopping, history and more.

Form a Team

Grab your family or a bunch of friends, form a team and sign up for The Hunt.  Who knows, you may just win!

Adult Teams can be 2 to 4 people.  Sign up as a team and give yourself a memorable team name and assign a captain.  Entry fee is $55 per team and includes a Cary Scavenger Hunt tee-shirt for all and lots of little extras along the way.

Family Teams can be as small as one parent and one child or include all the members of your clan.  At least one of those members must be over 18 and have a car, license and insurance. Assign a clever team name and a  team captain.  The Family Entry fee is $35 and includes a tee-shirt for the family members and some extra stuff too.

Find out all about it on the Teams & Sign Up page.

Prizes!

Awesome prizes provided by the Cary Arts Center & Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Family Prizes

• Grand Prize – Private party for 20 at Booth Ampitheatre’s “Movies By Moonlight” with dinner from Chik-fil-A
• 2nd Place Prize –Tickets for 4 to the first “Family Series” show at the Cary Arts Center
• 3rd Place Prize – A Family Art Class of choice at the Cary Arts Center

Adult Prizes

• Grand Prize – 10 tickets to see Styx in concert at Booth Amphitheatre, Sept 16 with full access to the VIP Cafe
• 2nd Place – Tickets for 8 to see “A Midsummer Nights Dream” at Booth Amphitheatre (performances Aug 25, 26, 27, 28)
• 3rd Place – 4 tickets to “Marvelous Music Series” at the Cary Arts Center (choose from 5)

Plus even more goodies and prizes will be given away courtesy of our generous Sponsors.

Learn more on the Scavenger Hunt page.

Our Team:

CaryCitizen is thrilled to team up with two of Cary’s premiere entertainment venues. Special thanks to the new Cary Arts Center for hosting this event and Booth Amphitheatre for providing our winning prizes. Your team can join the celebration and win tickets to some of Cary’s best upcoming events.

Our Sponsors are also a huge part of our team. They help make the Scavenger Hunt possible.

Sign Up Now

Space is limited, so read about the Hunt and sign up your team now.

Be a part of Cary history!

Team Holcombe, winners of the Cary Scavenger Hunt

Cary,NC – Koka Booth Amphitheatre finished up its summer movie series last Thursday with “Monster’s Vs. Aliens”.  Many families came out with chairs, blankets and picnics.

As I looked around, the setting made me happy.  A beautiful night under the stars watching families gather in the green grass of the amphitheater.  What a fantastic venue we have here in Cary.  The folks that run the amphitheater do such a wonderful job drawing people of all ages and backgrounds together for so many different types of events.

Under the crescent roof area I saw several parties taking place, including the party for our Cary Scavenger Hunt winners. Team Holcombe gathered with friends and family, had dinner courtesy of Chick-fil-A of Waverly Place and enjoyed a party for 20 provided by Booth Amphitheatre.

Rick Holcombe said, “This is so nice here.  What a lovely setting.” To which Jackie added, ”We had such a great time on the Cary Scavenger Hunt and we are  glad we now get to enjoy our winnings.”

Right on time, the sun began to set and the movie began.  Everyone settled down in a comfortable chair as the screen lit up with animated characters.  It reminded me of being a child again as I watch the kids on the lawn get excited and snuggled up to their parents.  It feels so much more special to watch a movie outside under the stars.

Congratulations once again to the Holcombe family for winning the Cary Scavenger Hunt!

Stay tuned for October’s “A Reel-ly Scary Cary” movie program. Visit Koka Booth Amphitheatre’s website for more information.