Join me for the grand 2-day celebration in downtown Raleigh this Friday. It's all a part of the $1 Billion investment in the transformation of Raleigh. At the center of the transformation in downtown Raleigh is the opening of the Raleigh Convention Center.

The celebration has been tapped as Raleigh Wide Open. Street entertainment, food booths, live music and fireworks are just part of the fun planned for the outdoor festival. Entertainment highlights include Arrested Development and Chuck Berry on Friday. On Saturday Lou Gramm of Foreigner and Soul Asylum will perform live.

Besides the entertainment this is a culmination of years of planning. Around the Convention Center are thriving shops, cafes, museums, galleries, and plenty of hotels. Across from the convention Center is our very own 4 Theatre Performing Arts Center.

The convention center itself is fascinating. A $221 Million project. The Center includes a total of 500,000 Square Feet, a 900 Car Parking Garage, All-Wireless tech savvy center, incredible ballroom and much more. Just watch the video for details.

One of the most dramatic changes to the new downtown center is the $1M Shimmer Wall donated by Cree & Associates. I hear that people almost wreck the first time they see it driving by it. During the Grand Opening Celebration the Shimmer Wall will be completely lit up.

The Convention Center is just one more statement that our city has truly made the transition to a city that has it all.

In January I wrote about moving across town in, "Tracy Santrock's Moved On & Checking In w/Activerain".  Our new neighborhood and neighbors are warm and inviting. They've really made the transition an easy one. I was asked today by another agent in my office, "Are you happy about your move to Glenkirk? What do you like about Glenkirk?" and I replied, "There isn't one thing I regret - the location, quality of home, neighborhood amenities, and the neighbors are all a big plus.

So, it can't be perfect. What would be the ONE thing you would change? Well everyone, I spent many years growing an established garden at my previous home and I miss it. The landscape had matured - Leyland Cyprus, Butterfly bushes, Crepe Myrtles, Clematis vines, Tomato garden, Herb garden, and lily plantings really made the home sparkle. I vow to make this home just as warm and inviting as the last but it will take a while.

If you're just moving to the Triangle there is a well hidden secret about buying the most unique lilies in the Triangle. Holly Hill Day Lily Farm has been growing lilies in the Triangle for 28 seasons and they are the best lily grower in North Carolina.

If you have an afternoon free and are in for an adventure head out to Holly Hill Day Lily Farm. They are only open to the public for seven weekends per year starting June 7^th and commencing July 20^th. I'll never forget my first trip to the farm. I met the owner, Jim Massey, and he is quite a trip. He has stories about all of the lilies he grows. The farm has over 1,000 varieties available for purchase during the lily season. I happened to purchase a unique yellow variety called, "Davies Moon Pie". I think that has to do with one of Jim's friends but I'd rather not ask. I forgot to mention that the farm is almost as well known for its eclectic garden folk art as it is for its daylilies!

I know I'll be out there on June 7th collecting new varieties for my new home. I hope to see you all there. Moncure is located just outside of Pittsboro and about 15-20 minutes West of Apex, NC.

What a difficult task - Pick just 5 things to do in the Triangle area

I wouldn't have said that when I moved to the Triangle in 1991 but the Triangle has come a long way in such a short time and our area has so much to offer. The Triangle area is now consistently receiving national attention as one of the Best Places to Live for its revitalization of the downtown Raleigh & Durham areas, consistent job growth, highly educated workforce, major universities, cultural activities, great nightlife, and much more.

If you are planning to move to the Triangle area of North Carolina or your kids are considering attending one of the many universities in the area, I'm here to help you with a few things to do in the area. With that said, it's time to visit the Triangle Area.

Tracy Santrock's Top 5 Things to do in the Triangle

1. Visit one of the three Major Universities in the Area - A visit to the Triangle would not be complete without a visit to one of the three major universities in the area. North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham, or the University of Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill. UNC-Chapel Hill is nestled in the quaint college town of Chapel Hill and the college is one of the top public universities in the country. A stroll down Franklin Street, a walk through campus, and a slice of pizza at Peppers Pizza downtown would make any tourists day complete. Duke Universities' gothic style campus is reminiscent of the Ivy League schools in the Northeast. While visiting Duke don't miss out on Duke Gardens, the Duke Chapel, or attendance at one of the many Blue Devil athletic events during the school year. NC State, home of the Wolfpack, is a public university known for it's outstanding Engineering programs. The campus is conveniently located in the heart of Raleigh close to downtown. With those visits out of the way I feel smarter already! There is no shortage of brain power in this area!

2. Take a tour of one of the many Triangle Museums - There are three you don't want to miss in the area in particular. Each of the choices will not disappoint. If you're in Durham visit the Museum of Life & Science which is a family friendly museum, bosts a 3-story tropical conservatory and a daily butterfly release for the children. If your on a budget the North Carolina Museum of Art is home to over 5,000 pieces of Art and us free to the public. Ackland Art Museum, at the base of the Univeristy of North Carolina, is considered to be one of the best small museums on any campus. If the kids are in tow go to downtown Raleigh to Marbles Kids Museum.

3. Spend some time outdoors -With four distinct seasons, over 222 Days of Sunshine, and an average temperature of 58 Degrees it's hard not to enjoy some time outdoors on your visit. Whether your plans are for a short jaunt or a long hike in one of the many state parks in the area no visit would be complete without some time outdoors. Here are a few of my favorites in the area-Pick one. Duke forest, Umstead Park, Eno River State Park, or the American Tobacco Trail. Umstead Park would be my top pick with over 30 miles of jogging and biking trails and a fanstastic central location make this park a step above the rest.

4. Play a round of golf - With over 100+ area golf courses to choose from it's tough not to have a great golf experience. If you're up for the best of the best head 50 minutes away to Pinehurst and challenge yourself on the famous Pinehurst #2 Golf Course. My local favorite is the Washington Duke Golf Course because I really enjoy dining at the Fairview Restaurant afterwards.

5. Don't forget the nightlife. What's a visit to any town without a night out on the town? Each of the Triangle Towns now has a great downtown nightlife. If your young and want the college atmosphere I recommend the nightlife in Chapel Hill. Downtown Durham, in the old Tobacco district, has a number of great choices. The NEW Downtown Raleigh has several restauraunts, bars, and fabulous venues. My favorite night on the town has to go to Chapel Hill with fabulous restaurants, charm, character, and excitement.

I hope you can see why I love to call the Triangle home! It's an active and thriving area with lots of choices. We hope you make it hear soon.

If you are thinking of relocating to the Raleigh-Cary NC area I'd love to help you find the perfect home. Visit my website at www.TriangleNCHomes4Sale.com for additional details and a free Relocation packet.

Duke Chapel Photo & Umstead Park photo courtesy of Flickr.