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Bowling Boutique Raleigh

Aiming to rejuvenate this American pastime, Sparians discards traditional notions of bowling. Having revived the out-of-date alley into a bowling boutique, Sparians replaces plastic benches and bright lights with plush couches and a vibrant atmosphere illuminated with black lights. The main bowling area features 12 lanes open to casual bowlers, closet pros, and those not yet familiar with the joy of wearing bowling shoes. No matter the age or skill level, Sparians ensures an interactive experience of unlimited fun paired with impeccable, "never leave the lane" service!

We also offer 3 private suites, each fitted with private bowling lanes, huge projection screens, banquet areas, and private catering menus from our Bistro! Please contact us today to reserve a private suite for your next birthday party or group event!

The Bistro at Sparians

The Bistro at Sparians is a full-scale restaurant serving American favorites with an upscale twist. Offering enticing, appetizers to share, healthy alternatives and kid-approved dishes – our menu is sure to please. The Bistro offer indoor, outdoor, and lounge seating with an exceptional staff prepared to cater to you.

Also featuring a full-service lounge, The Bistro is a perfect retreat – day or night. Whether you’re stopping by after-work or to spend much needed R&R time with the family, The Bistro is ready to help you shake up the old routine. Wii & Xbox stations are available for the casual game or the intense friendly feud.

We also offer catering menus for birthday parties and private group events. So stop by tonight for a delicious upscale dinner and bowling fun for the whole family!

Location
141 Park at North Hills St.
Suite 120
Raleigh, NC 27609
info@sparians.com
919-803-3718

If Using A GPS
please use this address:
• 120 St. Albans St
• Raleigh, NC 27609
Please keep in mind we are located in the North Hills Shopping Center adjacent from the CapTrust Tower.

Hours of Operation
Sunday: 12pm - 12am
Monday: 4pm - 2am
Tuesday: 4pm - 12am
Wednesday: 4pm - 12am
Thursday: 11am - 12am
Friday: 11am - 2am
Saturday: 10am - 2am

Bowling, Entertainment, Nightlife

Sparians Mission Statement

Whether you’re out with friends, family, or coworkers, Sparians is designed to spare you from the conventional get together. Sparians Bowling Boutique & Bistro is a fun interactive experience for all ages! Sparians seeks the casual bowler who is not concerned about their score but rather looks for a vibrant atmosphere, unlimited fun, and impeccable “never leave the lane” service. The Bistro at Sparians features a full-scale restaurant serving American favorites with an upscale twist. Private suites for group events, upscale eats, lounge and not to mention bowling. Sparians offers indoor, outdoor and lounge seating. Join us for a unique experience unlike any other!



Cool Off at Sumter Square!

SUMMERFEST 2011

POOL PARTY

Every year Sumter Square Apartments prides itself by throwing the biggest pool party in town!

This year we have

$900 worth of prizes

to give away!

CASH, an IPOD SHUFFLE, a Bowling Party for 6 people, Gift Cards & More....

DATE: SATURDAY 7/23/2011

TIME: 2pm - 5pm

FREE FOOD

from

COOPERS BBQ

DJ

GAMES

SNOWCONES

ICE CREAM

WATERSLIDE

DRINKS & WATER

Support your Local Businesses!

Jim’s Ole Time Hotdogs

2000 Walnut St., Cary
(919) 801-1893

On any given day outside the entrance to a well-known home improvement store in Cary, Jim Rivers serves hot dogs with passion and purpose. Since 1998, loyal customers come early and often, lining up in front of the nifty portable cart with the red-and-yellow umbrella.

“What are we gonna have today?” Rivers cheerfully asked one patron, who patiently waited in line. It’s a common sight at lunchtime. During a recent Friday during an exclusive photo shoot with Cary Magazine, business was booming.

“It’s not uncommon to sell more than 150 hot dogs on weekdays, and 250 on weekends,” said 61-year-old Rivers, a gregarious Warren County native who now calls Rolesville home. “I just wanted a simple business where I could make a living and serve people.”

Jim’s Hotdogs features acclaimed Nathan’s and Southern Red products, including top-selling beef along with red, jalapeño and sausage. Abundant condiments — such as mustard, ketchup, chili, onions, slaw, relish, cheese, hot sauces, mayonnaise and sauerkraut — are on hand for no extra charge. Each frankfurter is prepared to order and wrapped in aluminum foil.

The hot dogs are set apart by key ingredients like fresh, steamed buns, quality chili and creamy slaw. “We source our buns daily from Flowers Foods, and use an all-beef, no-bean chili and a mayonnaise-based sweet slaw,” he said.

Besides frankfurters, Rivers offers 14 different ice-cold canned drinks, bottled water, bagged chips and double-decker Moon Pies.

Prices range from $2 for one red hot dog and a drink

to $4.50 for two beef wieners and a drink.

Additional specials offer chips, and posted prices include tax.

Rivers pays monthly rent for the prime location that attracts a wide assortment of people, many of whom he calls by name. One such person is carpenter Mark Ellington from Raleigh, a regular who comes three times a week for a sausage dog and Mountain Dew. “I’d rather support an independent person like myself than go to a chain restaurant,” Ellington said.

Jim’s Ole Time Hotdogs accepts cash only and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/features/hot-dog-heaven#ixzz1SgWs6n4t

Lookin' for a Great Hotdog???

The Roast Grill

7 South West St., Raleigh

(919) 832-8292

http://www.roastgrill.com/

The Roast Grill, an iconic hot dog joint near downtown Raleigh, offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Where else will you find seating for only 12 people and possibly dine next to a lawyer, doctor, senator or even a former governor?

The Roast Grill’s genesis traces back to Greek immigrants George and Mary Charles, who originally started a restaurant on Martin Street but then opened the current location in 1940. “My grandmother called me to come here 19 years ago and take over for her,” said owner George Poniros. “She worked here until she was 88.”

The no-frills building features the original stainless-steel backsplash, black resin counter and swivel-style barstools. A pushpin-laden bulletin board holds countless yellowed business cards, while a back corner mirror showcases obituaries — a makeshift memorial to former Grill regulars.

Poniros, 53, mans the eatery’s two-knobbed original grill. It’s there that he cooks each hot dog until charred black. “Our motto is ‘we burn ’em for you!’” he said. “The wieners are a special Swift Premium product from Michigan. They are 90 percent beef and 10 percent pork.”

Hot dogs are $2.50 each. Toppings include Sauer’s brand mustard, hand-chopped, mayonnaise-free slaw (which costs an additional 25 cents), Texas sweet onions and a “century-old family recipe” house-made chili.

Ketchup is nowhere to be found, though. In fact, there’s a “no-ketchup-allowed” policy that’s been in place as long as the restaurant has been open for business. “My grandparents spent too much time making the hand-crafted chili for people to ruin it with ketchup,” Poniros explained, wearing his trademark round eyeglasses and a black Roast Grill T-shirt. French fries and chips are also not accessible, but, thankfully, Texas Pete hot sauce is. “It’s all about the wieners,” said Poniros.

The Roast Grill serves glass-bottled Coke and Diet Coke along with a handful of beer choices like Budweiser and Foster’s.

Poniros’ mom, Freeda, works alongside him and usually takes orders, delivers food and drinks to customers and tends the still-operational antique Royal cash register. She also makes sinfully good homemade baklava and pound cake, served saran-wrapped in individual portions.

“This place has the best hot dogs around,” said regular Ron Hughes, an N.C. State University employee.

Recently, the Travel Channel television network visited The Roast Grill and filmed an episode of popular show Man v. Food. Host Adam Richman ate 17 hot dogs, breaking the eatery’s record for most consumed in an hour. “Since then, people have come here from all over the country and the world,” Poniros said.

A cash-only establishment,

The Roast Grill is open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

Be advised: The restaurant will be closed the last full week of July for vacation.

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/features/hot-dog-heaven#ixzz1STT22aqM

Ripe for the Picking

In need of something sweet to ripen sweltering summer days?

Pack up the family and head to

Faircloth Farm in Chapel Hill

for an afternoon of picking blueberries.

Farm Owner Nevida Faircloth has been selling her homegrown blueberries since the 1980s. The farm is open to the public during blueberry season, which typically runs from mid-July to mid-August. The farm typically receives more than 150 visitors coming to pick their own blueberries during the season.

The cost is calculated by a per-pound fee.

Faircloth advises calling (919) 967-2131

to ensure the berries are ripe for picking.

Faircloth Farm is located at 577 Gilmore Road in Chapel Hill.

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/features/explore-summertime#ixzz1SBbFaqYh

Bouldering Basics

For the adventurer in the family, North Cary Park offers a pair of bouldering rocks for those who wish to put their climbing skills to the test. The two man-made rocks are eight feet tall at the highest point and are joined in the middle.

Recreation Manager Dwayne Jones says the rocks are designed for all ages and skill levels. “The nice thing about it is that it is used by more experienced climbers to practices traversing the rocks. They fine-tune their technique and work on different holds and foot positioning by working their way around the rocks. The less experienced climbers and the younger crowd typically make it their goal to climb to the top.”

The park is open from sunrise to sunset and is free to the public. Supervision for children is recommended, as this is an unstaffed facility, but there is a protective soft surface below the rocks.

For more information about the park, visit http://www.townofcary.org/  and search for North Cary Park.

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/features/explore-summertime#ixzz1S7AuIzZk

Summer Fun

Marco Polo!

Whether the swan dive or the belly flop is more your style, you can cool off with a midday dunk in Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.

The state park in Apex is owned and maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers and

offers three areas for swimmers to kick and splash.

The Ebenezer Church, Parker’s Creek and Seaforth areas have roped-off swimming sections and sandy beaches. They are open to all park visitors year-round.

During the summer months, the park and swimming areas are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Be aware, though, no lifeguards are on duty; however there are life preservers on-site.

Entry into the park is $6 per car.

For up-to-date information about the swimming areas, visit http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/jord/main.php

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/features/explore-summertime#ixzz1S0y64INY

Reel in a Big One

Want to fish but don’t have a rod and reel? No problem!

Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs has fish aplenty,

and the rods and reels are free.

Thanks to the park’s library system for loaning out fishing equipment, the ultimate kick-back-and-relax sport is accessible to everyone.

“The program is part of the North Carolina Wildlife Commission,” said Park Manager Sabrina Thompson. “You get a little blue card and you can check out a rod and reel like you would check out a book at the library. There is no charge.”

And while catching something isn’t a guarantee, Thompson says the stocked lake and fish feeders mean fishers almost always get a bite.

In addition to fishing, Bass Lake Park also has canoe and boat rentals for those who would rather get out on the lake than enjoy it from the dock.

The facility is a North Carolina Environmental Education Center and offers hiking trails, a nature library, kids’ camps and other community activities like bingo and concerts. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park is open from 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset. For more information, visit http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/dept/park/basslake/index.asp

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/features/explore-summertime#ixzz1RpOjglbd

Explore Summertime

Catch Some Gnarly Air

The Sk8-Cary Skate Park is a 12,000-square-foot facility in Godbold Park offering a full range of services for skateboarders and BMX bikers from the greenest novice to seasoned pros.

Facility Supervisor Billy Dexter says this skate park differs from others in the area because of its emphasis on safety. “We require people to wear pads and helmets and do things the right way,” he says. “That makes it a great facility to get into the sport, and makes it safer for everyone.”

For newcomers interested in trying out a skateboard or BMX bike for the first time, or those who want to learn new skills, camps, track-out programs and lessons cater to a wide range of abilities. During the weeklong camps, students spend the entire day skateboarding or biking and come together at the end to play games and group activities. In addition to learning more about the sport, instructors also focus on team building and confidence.

For those looking for a little practice time on the course, or just a fun way to get some exercise, the park is open daily for two-hour skate or bike sessions.

Special memberships are available for $30 per year for Cary residents and $60 per year for non-residents that include discounted rates, free sessions and monthly promotions. Two-hour skate sessions are $9 for non-members and $4 for members; BMX sessions are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. For more information, visit http://www.townofcary.org/ and search Sk8-Cary.

By Christa Leupen


Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/features/explore-summertime#ixzz1RRvesidN

Facts about the Moving Business

This guide will help you familiarize yourself with the best practices of reputable, professional movers so you’ll be able to recognize the companies that will do their best for your move. While you may have heard some stories about consumers burned by unprofessional movers, the reality is that the moving business is comprised mostly of good, solid companies who pride themselves on customer service.

Moving company regulations
One of the most pervasive rumors about the moving business is that it’s an unregulated industry that doesn’t adhere to standards or checks and balances. While it’s true that regulations vary from state to state — and that unethical businesses sometimes skirt the law — the moving business is, in fact, regulated. Interstate movers, for example, are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is a division of the United States Department of Transportation. The FMCSA helps consumers distinguish between professional movers and unregulated ones (usually referred to as “rogue” movers), requiring moving companies to register with the administration. The FMCSA has also implemented regulations to protect consumers from fraudulent practices.

The ProMover certification
Because they know that their industry sometimes gets a bad rap, moving companies themselves also take steps to regulate their industry and maintain a high reputation with consumers. One way for a moving company to do this is to obtain the “ProMover” certification.

Created by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), the national trade organization for the moving business, the ProMover designation is similar in intent to an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. To earn this certification, a moving company must:
•Be in compliance with state incorporation laws.

•Sign a contract pledging to adhere to state and federal laws and AMSA’s Code of Ethics.

•Be screened for felons.

By holding ProMover companies to strict standards, AMSA promises that any company with the designation provides high-quality customer service. Every ProMover company is reviewed yearly. If a company fails to meet standards, it loses its designation. AMSA recommends that consumers only deal with ProMover-certified moving companies.

Learn the facts
Once you’ve done some research and found professional movers that represent the highest standards in the industry, it is good to learn some facts about the types of practices that reputable companies employ. The following points will help you know what to expect when dealing with legitimate moving companies:
•These movers will offer an estimate. Professional movers will be happy to come to your home and do a free walk-through to determine how much your move will cost. Note that there are different types of estimates (binding and non-binding), and you should be aware of the type of estimate you receive since this designation affects the final price you pay. (For more information on types of estimates, see our Moving Terms Dictionary.)

•These movers will require a contract to protect both their and your interests. Once you choose a mover, you should complete a signed, written contract that includes pick-up and drop-off dates for your belongings, as well as documentation of how many items are involved in your move (either how much they weigh or how many linear feet of space they will take up on a moving truck).

It is also important for you to know reasonable industry practices and be an informed consumer about the moving process:
•Understand insurance coverage for moving. When dealing with moving companies, it pays to read the fine print on your contract to understand how much insurance coverage you’re getting. Be aware that, if you pack yourself, your items may not be protected from damage unless the moving company plays an obvious role in their destruction.



•Understand reasonable moving company fees. If there are difficult logistics involved with your move — like needing to use a smaller shuttle vehicle to get items from the larger moving truck to the front door, for instance – expect to pay extra for these inconveniences.

Remember that it’s in a moving company’s best interest to treat you well as the consumer. Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your customer service representative about any and all aspects of your professional move.