LOCAL LOVE

LOVE local

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES AND

LOVE GETTING TO KNOW THE AWESOME PEOPLE BEHIND THEM. HERE ARE

SOME LOCAL TREASURES FROM AROUND OUR NEST REALTY LOCATIONS.

#NESTLOCALLOVE

VERDANT VISION VIETTE FARM AND NURSERY | FISHERSVILLE, VA Do you ever have trouble envisioning how new plants will look in your garden? A trip to Viette Farm and Nursery should help. André Viette is a renowned gardening expert—people from across the country listen to his radio show, “In the Garden,” every week. His gardens in Fishersville are designed to show off the possibilities. Wander the grounds to seek inspiration, then fi nd the plants you love for sale in the on-site garden shop. inthegardenradio.com

HIGH ON THE HOG

BUXTON HALL BBQ | ASHEVILLE, NC You might not expect to find delicious Eastern North Carolina whole hog barbecue in the mountains, but Buxton Hall subverts expectations by bringing that tangy vinegar tastiness to the good people of Asheville. Whether you choose classic pulled pork, chicken, ribs, or their very own “BBQ hash,” rest assured that these delectable morsels have been sourced from local farms. Incredible food that also helps the community? Double yum! buxtonhall.com

PRESTIGIOUS PLATES

CRAWFORD AND SON | RALEIGH, NC When chef Scott Crawford puts his name on something, you know it’s going to be amazing. He’s been nominated four times for a James Beard award (the culinary Oscars). Crawford and Son brings fresh, creative, and delicious food and drink to Raleigh’s Oakwood neighborhood. Elevated dishes like crispy catfish, smoked beef rib, and vegetarianfriendly kabocha squash pair flawlessly with local beers, quirky cocktails (acorn old fashioned? Why not!), and an impressive wine list. crawfordandsonrestaurant.com

ALL ABOARD

CASEY JONES VILLAGE | JACKSON, TN Did you know that Casey Jones, the brave train engineer celebrated in song and on screen, was a real person who lived in Jackson, Tennessee? At Casey Jones Village, you can visit his home and learn all about his life and the tragic accident that brought it to an end. The kids will love mini golf and ringing the bell on the train engine, and everyone will enjoy the frozen treats and old fashioned soda at the 1880s themed ice cream parlor. caseyjones.com

SAY OMMM

DRAGONFLY YOGA STUDIO | FREDERICKSBURG, VA Feeling good while doing good is the motivation behind Dragonfl y Yoga Studio. This locally owned studio off ers wellness classes at every level, bringing the joy and healing power of yoga to people of all ages. From hot yoga to events at local breweries, Dragonfl y Yoga Studio believes that the benefi ts of yoga should be available to the entire community. They back up this philanthropic philosophy with their Community Donation and Veteran Sponsorship programs. Yoga can make a diff erence! dragonfl yyogafred.com

PUP PARADISE

FETCH PARK | ATLANTA, GA Taking up a whole city block, this huge dog park caters to the delights of both humans and canines. Dogs can run free and play together while their people socialize at the BARk, which serves up local beers and cunning cocktails from a vintage Airstream trailer. With themed events throughout the year like concerts, dating meetups, and movie showings, Fetch Park is a popular hangout spot for all kinds of folks and their fourlegged besties. facebook.com/FetchParkAtl/

GROOVY GRAZING

FREE UNION GRASS FARM | FREE UNION, VA By guiding the way animals feed using a technique that exposes them to more varied sources of nutrients, Free Union Grass Farm guarantees that the products they bring to market refl ect the most intentional practices. Mouth-watering poultry, pork, beef, and eggs are the result. The farm even off ers home delivery to locals, providing the freshest food possible. We love how seriously these farmers take their responsibility to protect our environment. freeuniongrassfarm.com

SOUR POWER

WICKED WEED BREWING FUNKATORIUM | ASHEVILLE, NC Pucker up! You’re in for a treat at Wicked Weed Brewing Funkatorium, Asheville’s tartest taproom. Dedicated to sour beers, this brewery outpost is a shrine to the funky essence of creative Wicked Weed beers like Dulcifera (American sour with blueberries and vanilla), Pompoen (pumpkin ale with ginger), and Black Angel (bourbon barrel- and cherry-aged sour). Come hungry so you can sample funkifi ed Italian favorites including garlic knots and wood-fi red pizza, both made with Brett yeast (a wild yeast used to ferment pungent Belgian-style beers). wickedweedbrewing.com/location/funkatorium

FURNITURE FRENZY GREEN FRONT INTERIORS & RUGS | RALEIGH, NC From humble beginnings in Farmville, Virginia, Green Front has grown into a furniture empire. The Raleigh location invites you to get lost in 30,000 square feet of high-quality, low-markup home goods. Sourced locally in North Carolina and from producers around the globe, Green Front’s offerings run the gamut from mid-century-style pieces to colonial reproductions to rugs, rugs, and more rugs! Whether you visit with purpose, or just come to browse, you’re guaranteed to fall in love. greenfront.com/locations/green-front-raleigh

VINO WITH A VIEW LAKE NORMAN COTTAGE | DAVIDSON, NC What happens when you combine two of the most spectacular things in the world...wine and lakefront living? You get Lake Norman Cottage, of course. At this cute little wine and gift shop, you can open the bottle and savor it outside on the patio overlooking the water, or you can stay inside to hang out with the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Did we tell you they’ve got scrumptious homemade cookies, too? Perfection! lakenormancottage.com

CONSCIOUS CAFFEINE KATORA COFFEE | FREDERICKSBURG, VA Finally, an easy way for plant lovers to get their morning coffee fix! Katora Coffee is the only totally vegetarian coffee shop in Fredericksburg. Even their milk is completely plant based—they offer almond, coconut, soy, and oat options—so you can feel good about indulging in that cafe au faux lait or cappuccino. How good does the snickerdoodle (cinnamon, vanilla, and white chocolate sauce) sound?! Check out their Facebook calendar for live music events. katoracoffee.com

FABULOUS FINDS MONGREL | RICHMOND, VA Shopping for that gal or guy who has everything? Located in the heart of hip Carytown, Mongrel is the spot to find a great gift—for yourself, or others—no matter the occasion. With a wide selection of housewares, stationery, wrapping paper, and cheeky knickknacks, Mongrel has been delighting “all breeds of humans” for more than 25 years. We love all the Richmond gear, featuring the iconic RVA skyline, especially the perfectly sized mugs and glasses. mongrelrva.com

HERITAGE HOTSPOT MONTGOMERY MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY | CHRISTIANSBURG, VA The Montgomery Museum of Art & History packs Montgomery County’s expansive history into a small space, with rotating exhibits on everything from handmade quilts to coal mining. The unique upstairs gallery features the work of today’s local artists, a fitting tribute to American folk artist Lewis Miller, who lived in Christiansburg after the Civil War. Where else can you see a brand new work of art alongside a valentine card sent in 1857? Save time to enjoy the museum’s lush garden! montgomerymuseum.org

OCEANFRONT OASIS OCEAN GRILL AND TIKI BAR | CAROLINA BEACH, NC Nothing screams coastal living like a laid back restaurant and tiki bar located right on the water. The fish tacos at Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar are to die for, and you know they’re super fresh! Kick back with classic beachy drinks like their piña colada or branch out to find a new favorite— we love the surfer rosa, a perfect blend of light rum, guava nectar, and coconut water. Crashing waves and cool refreshments? Cowabunga! oceangrilltiki.com

RUGS FOR DAYS PERSIAN RUG GALLERY | BLACKSBURG, VA Vibrant colors, intoxicating patterns...all part of the eternal allure of Persian rugs. Indulge your flooring fantasies at the Persian Rug Gallery where you’ll find a beautiful selection of rugs in every size. Persian rugs are amazing quality and can hold up against heavy traffic of all kinds, from feet to paws. The friendly folks at the gallery source authentic, handwoven rugs from around the world. They also do rug repair! facebook.com/BlacksburgPersianRugGallery

RECHARGE

ROANOKE BOUTIQUE HOTEL | ROANOKE, VA

Enthusiasts agree that there’s no better way to explore Roanoke and

the Blue Ridge than by bicycle. Whether you plan to enjoy the Star

City on two wheels or on two feet, the Roanoke Boutique Hotel is the

perfect launchpad for adventure. You’ll be perfectly positioned to

take advantage of everything the area has to offer from this restored

1890s home, designed by—and for—lovers of the outdoors. And yes, a

wholesome breakfast is included!

roanokeboutiquehotel.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROANOKE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

PRODUCE PERFECTION PORT CITY PRODUCE MARKET | WILMINGTON, NC Showcasing the homegrown goodness of the Carolinas, the Port City Produce Market is a fresh flavor destination. Wilmington shoppers know you can find tons of local produce and products at this fantastic seasonal farmer’s market. Browse the mouth-watering displays of tomatoes, strawberries, melons, and more—you can’t go wrong! They’ve got two locations, so you’re never far from healthy local food, stunning flowers, and delightful plants. Ditch the supermarket and try local! portcityproduce.com

OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA ROBBINS PARK | CORNELIUS, NC If the weather’s nice and you’re searching for something fun to do, look no further than Robbins Park. This park features walking trails, amazing art sculptures, fishing ponds, and plenty of open space to throw the ball around or launch a kite. The kids will flip for the custom playground, built to look like an enormous tree trunk and rock formation. Bring a picnic, your pets, and the people you love and have a blast. visitlakenorman.org/listing/robbins-park/1871

NITRO NATION SNOWING IN SPACE COFFEE CO. | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA Like your coffee a little...different? Snowing in Space Coffee Co. is the answer. Nesters love their nitro cold brew coffee, available in cans or on tap. Our favorite is the Nom Nom (caramel + vanilla = love). Stop in to the coffee bar to enjoy one of a dozen different flavors of java. We won’t judge if you make it a daily habit! snowinginspace.com

LAVENDER LOVE LAVENDER FIELDS FARM | GLEN ALLEN, VA Lavender is one of the most soothing scents around. At Lavender Fields Farm in Glen Allen, you can inhale to your heart’s content! More than just lavender, the store sells various herbs, succulents, bird feeders, local honey, and whimsical garden decorations. Visit the farm in June at peak lavender season and take a tour to admire the fragrant fields in full bloom. Be sure to sample the lavender ice cream! lavenderfieldsfarm.com

FIDO’S FAVE UNLEASHED DOG BAKERY | ROANOKE, VA Bakeries and dogs? These two wonderful things may seem like they don’t go together, but what happens when you combine them? You get Unleashed Dog Bakery, of course! Featuring well-crafted, natural, and sustainable dog treats from a range of suppliers, Unleashed is a dog lover’s dream come true. Even better than dogs getting delicious, nutritious snacks? A portion of the bakery’s profits are given to dogrelated charities. That definitely makes our tails wag! unleashedva.com

DECORATION DESTINATION

SHOPPES OF SEVEN THREE ONE | JACKSON, TN Now rocking a new location, the Shoppes of Seven Three One continue to provide a plethora of unique items for lucky Jackson shoppers. From furniture to fashion to funky flavor, they really have it all. Searching for that perfect gift? Look here first! We love all the farmhouse chic decor, and the bird figurines and rabbit statues are adorable. facebook.com/shoppesofseventhreeone

BODACIOUS BOTANY

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN | ATLANTA, GA The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a plant lover’s paradise. More than 30 acres of flowers, trees, and shrubs thrive in the Georgia climate. Bring the kids to explore the Children’s Garden (the splash pad reopens this spring) or marvel at the stunning topiary artwork—we love the phoenix, of course, and the camels are incredible. Check out the interactive garden guide on the website to plan your perfect day of exploring. atlantabg.org

WIZARDING WONDERLAND QUEEN CITY MISCHIEF AND MAGIC | STAUNTON, VA If you didn’t get your Hogwarts letter on your 11th birthday, a trip to Staunton for the annual Harry Potter festival, Queen City Mischief and Magic, is the next best thing. (If you did...well then send us some chocolate frogs!) This celebration of the wizarding world takes place every September, so mark your calendars now and start getting your costumes ready. Whether you come for the dragons or the butterbeer, a magical time awaits! queencitymagic.com