Homeowners know that clean carpets are central to a fresh, inviting home. However, proper carpet care impacts more than just aesthetics. It also affects air quality and the carpet's longevity and can be crucial in managing dirt, allergens, and odors. To help us better understand what proper carpet care looks like, we spoke to Jason Lund, owner of Professional Carpet Care in Durham, NC. With his help, we compiled this comprehensive guide to effective carpet care. Professional Carpet Care of Durham, NC Daily and Weekly Carpet Maintenance Tips According to Jason, vacuuming is the cornerstone of carpet maintenance. "Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum. Your carpet acts as a filter, trapping dust, soil, and allergens," he explains. “Vacuuming is …

Studio H Designs, owned and directed by Sadie Harper, is a boutique interior design firm focused on personalized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Sadie applies comprehensive solutions, transforming homes and commercial spaces through a detailed, design-focused approach. In this article, we’ll explore how she blends elements to achieve harmony and balance, reflecting each client's unique style and needs and enhancing daily living. The Essence of Design: Beyond Beauty Sadie Harper believes good design creates harmony and functionality within a space. "There's a calmness that comes with having things working together," she said, highlighting her mindset on eliminating internal friction caused by mismatched elemen…

According to Angi’s State of Home Spending 2023 report, homeowners spent an average of $13,667 on home services last year, with $9,542 going to home improvements, $2,458 to maintenance, and $1,667 to emergencies. The top 3 projects included regular maintenance (like lawn care and gutter cleaning), interior painting, and new appliance installation. Mr. Handyman of Western Wake County The motivating factor behind the spending used to be financial; homeowners were seeking a return on their investment (ROI). Since the pandemic, the top motivating factor has become “maintaining the condition of my home,” followed by “a desire to make the home more suitable to lifestyle and needs.” Conquering Everyday Projects with Mr Handyman…

The memories of your wedding day are priceless, and choosing the right videographer is crucial in preserving these moments. A good wedding videographer captures your special day's emotions, details, and unique story. To better understand what goes into creating a truly fantastic wedding video and how to choose a videographer that’s right for your circumstances, we talked to Zach Thomas of Zach Thomas Films. With Zach’s help, we assembled this guide to help you navigate the process of selecting the perfect videographer to ensure your wedding memories are treasured for a lifetime. Memories of your wedding day are priceless Defining Your Wedding Video Style First and foremost, identify the style of wedding videography that res…

As we step into the warming embrace of March, there's no better time to lace up your walking shoes and embark on a journey of discovery. This is your invitation to explore our local landscapes' vibrant, unfolding narratives. With the chill of winter receding, the increasingly friendly weather presents the perfect backdrop for delving into the rich history, culture, and nature that only a walking tour can offer. Step outside and uncover the hidden gems waiting just around the corner. Why Local Walking Tours Are Awesome Walking tours are the real deal. They get you up close and personal with the hidden nooks and crannies of a city, places you’d probably miss otherwise. Plus, they're a great way to stretch those legs and get some fres…

“That’s a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. They have a different body structure than your typical cockroach, and when you pick them up, they make a hissing sound. That’s a tarantula up there on top. And then we've got the chinchillas. Everyone loves the chinchillas. It's easy to love the fluffy animal. And then there's a hedgehog down here. The white tree frogs. There’s our iguana, Crystal, up here,” says Sean O’Neal, co-owner of Science Sarari, as he guides me around the classroom, pointing out the different creatures that inhabit aquarium tanks and glass enclosures along the perimeter. Siobhan O'Neal, co-Owner of Science Safari, peeking in on a snake The Science Safari, located in Saltbox Village on Kildaire Farm Road, co…

While 38 Mortgage is equipped to handle any borrowing needs, catering to a variety of circumstances and financial situations, it’s not the access to financial products that sets them apart. What sets them apart is Arlene Serrano, the face of 38 Mortgage. With more than 16 years of experience in the industry, Arlene knows how to navigate the lending maze with surprising efficiency. As a woman, she brings a fresh perspective to the industry, leading clients through the mortgage process with an educational and relationship-first approach. Arlene coined the firm’s tagline, “We’re great at people. Mortgages too.” emphasizing her commitment to putting clients' needs above everything else. Arlene and her husband and business partn…

Your weekend round-up of family-friendly activities in and around Cary, NC. Find out about Town of Cary events, happenings at Downtown Cary Park, and shows and experiences at area venues.   GLOW in Downtown Cary NC Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) Feb 23 7-10 pm Adult Nights: Taylor’s Version Taylor Swift and Science collide to create the “Taylor-zoic” era. Enjoy a night of timeless tunes alongside the screaming color of the natural world. This is a (21+) event. Costumes encouraged! Adult Night: Taylor's Version at North Carolina Museum of Natural Science A photo ID is required. Beer, wine, cocktails, & food will be available for purchase. Learn more A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater at Martin Marietta…

When you're ready to take the big step of buying or selling a home in Cary, NC, one of the crucial decisions you'll make is choosing the right real estate agent. This professional will guide you through the complexities of the market, offer valuable advice, and strive to get the best deal possible. Whether you're searching for your dream home or selling your current property, the expertise of a skilled agent is invaluable. To help us better understand the role of a real estate agent and how to choose the best one for your circumstances, we spoke to Kristy Becker, Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston. Understanding Your Needs First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that buyers and sellers have di…

Transforming a house into a home is an art—a delicate balance of comfort, style, and personal touch. At the heart of this transformation is the furniture we choose, the foundation upon which our home's character is built. Within the Triangle, Woody's Furniture Store is the destination for those seeking unique, handcrafted furniture that brings life and warmth to any space.  Woody's Furniture Store Apex, NC In this article, we’ll introduce you to 3 of the many furniture collections you’ll discover when you stop in to visit the showroom. Most of the pieces can be custom-ordered with different finishes and colors. And depending on what’s in stock when you visit, you may be able to see and purchase the pieces in person. The sale…

Brandon started his flying career just as the global pandemic was hitting. Brandon told us, “I made the decision to go to flight school near the start of the pandemic. I was getting ready to graduate from LSU and had already been accepted to law school. When the pandemic happened and everything was shutting down, I knew that law school attendance would be done remotely that first year. So I thought, you know, I think I have an opportunity here to do something that interests me, and it wouldn’t be the end of the world to put law school on hold for a year.”  Brandon continued, “Before I shared the idea with my parents, I did my research, and I had a game plan. I knew how I was going to finance it, what my plan was, and how lo…

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the Cary, NC community? As WhirLocal has had the opportunity to interview and get to know local business owners, we always ask if there’s a favorite local charity. It turns out the business community in Cary is very charitable, and Cary is home to many charitable organizations that are making significant impacts in the community. From helping the homeless to supporting cancer patients, there are opportunities for anyone who wants to give back.  Cary is home to many charities and nonprofits making significant impacts throughout the Triangle Why Charity Work Matters Charity work isn't just about helping others; it's also about growing as a person. By volunteering or donating, …

Over the past two decades, Cary, NC, has been a center for entrepreneurial opportunity and growth, attracting more people to relocate here and enticing more would-be-entrepreneurs to open shop here. As a small business owner in Cary, finding ways to carve out your niche and stand out from the competition can be challenging. Enter social media.  In this ever-evolving digital age, traditional marketing methods are being complemented—and sometimes overtaken—by dynamic social media strategies that can propel a local business from obscurity to a community staple. Whether you're a seasoned local business owner or a newcomer ready to make your mark, understanding how to leverage social media effectively can transform how you connect w…

WhirLocal recently stopped by VCA Parkway Animal Hospital to chat with Dr. Le Blanc. The hospital is part of the VCA network of more than 1,000 hospitals stretching across the United States and Canada. Located at 1610 Old Apex Road in Cary, North Carolina, the hospital provides a full range of services for cats and dogs, including: surgery, orthopedics, radiology, x-rays and ultrasounds, primary care, pet boarding, and pet grooming. VCA truly makes it easy for pet owners to get all the services they need in one place. Dr. Amy Le Blanc - VCA Parkway Animal Hospital Cary, NC We asked Dr. Le Blanc to describe the hospital. “It’s all about combining world class medicine with a hometown feel. Even though we’re a national network, e…

Recently WhirLocal took to the skies, catching up with Ron Kuist, owner of FlightGest Academy, a leading flight school located right here in the Triangle. We asked Ron to describe the school. “FlightGest Academy is truly a beacon for those seeking not just to learn to fly, but to embrace aviation as a gateway to adventure and freedom. Our name is a testament to this ethos – "FlightGest" embodies the spirit of finding adventure through flight, encapsulated in our tagline, ‘Premier Pathways to Adventure’”. FlightGest Academy Owner Ron Kuist With Wife Amy Kuist and Their Daughter Piper “Our Academy is more than a flight school; it's a place where dreams of flight become real. A lot of folks come to us with a lifelong aspi…

Welcome to the world of Perfection by Elena, a Brazilian waxing studio in Cary, NC. Founded and operated by Elena Zendzian, a licensed esthetician, this studio offers more than just waxing services – it's a testament to personal dedication and professional excellence. What sets Perfection By Elena apart is her ability to reduce the pain and discomfort typically involved when receiving a Brazilian. With more than a decade of experience, Elena has developed a method for giving a Brazilian that goes much faster than the standard technique. She has also studied and experimented with many different waxes, and now uses only the highest quality wax that comes from a lab in Italy. By using her own technique and a superior wax, Elena is able t…

When you step into Great Grapes, you realize right away it’s not just another wine store. You’ll likely be greeted by the gentle nudge of Bexley, a 2 year old goldendoodle, and hear parakeets Lemonade and Azul in the background. Your eyes will immediately take in a vast inventory of wine bottles of all different colors and varieties from around the world, most decorated with a description card written by the owner. And off to your left you’ll be invited into a tasting bar where owner Gene Salerno will happily pour you a sample of his latest find and welcome you into his world.  Great Grapes Cary, NC “Wine is just a vehicle. What we’re really about is an experience,” said Gene when asked to describe the store. “When…

Tax season is here, and the April 15th deadline looms. If you own a small business, are self-employed, experienced the birth of a child, or bought or sold a house last year, it’s probably a good idea to engage a CPA. That’s not to mention the sheer complexity of the tax code. In fact, according to a 2014 article at taxfoundation.org, the federal tax code and tax laws span more than 70,000 pages. And note, that analysis is almost 10 years old. It hasn’t gotten less complex. In Cary, NC there are a multitude of CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) available to assist you with filing your state and federal taxes. This guide aims to help you navigate the process of finding a CPA who meets your specific needs. Tax season is here …

WhirLocal recently had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Triolo, the entrepreneurial force behind NerdsToGo in Cary, NC. Michael’s journey from the cockpit to the forefront of small business IT services is as intriguing as it is inspiring. Dive in with us as we explore the world of NerdsToGo, a business that's redefining tech support in its own unique way right here in Cary. WL: What was your career path before NerdsToGo? Prior to founding NerdsToGo, my career journey began as a professional pilot, a path I pursued for about 15 years. Right out of college I became a flight instructor, and from there I joined Continental Express, where I spent eight years flying regional jets.  By 2008 I decided it was time for a chan…

Cary, North Carolina, is a thriving and dynamic town, offering unique opportunities for local businesses. However, depending on the category of business you’re in, the competition in Cary can be tough. It’s a well established marketplace with a lot of entrenched competitors, so breaking into this market and claiming your slice of the proverbial pie can be a challenge. To succeed in Cary's competitive landscape, businesses need to adopt a hyper local marketing approach. And in this article we’ll explore five effective strategies to enhance your business’s presence in Cary. 1. Cary-Centric SEO Optimization: In Cary, local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial. Begin by claiming and optimizing your Google My Business (GMB)…

In the heart of Cary, North Carolina, lies a culinary gem that has been delighting locals and visitors alike for over three decades: Maximillians Grill and Wine Bar. Steeped in history and driven by a passion for quality and service, this locally owned and operated establishment stands as a testament to the dreams and hard work of its owners, Will and Margie Hennessee. Maximillians Grill and Wine Bar Cary, NC Maximillians Grill and Wine Bar in Cary, NC, offers a unique and delightful dining experience characterized by its farm-to-table approach and globally inspired cuisine. Chef Margie Hennessee updates the menu frequently to showcase the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a diverse and flavorful selection for guests. …

As Valentine's Day rapidly approaches, the pressure to plan the perfect date night is escalating. But the good news is, Cary offers an array of eateries ideal for a romantic evening. And to help you plan that perfect evening, we dedicate this article to bringing you the most enchanting dining spots for a Valentine's Day dinner. Our Picks for Top Romantic Date Night Restaurants Cary's culinary landscape is diverse and vibrant, offering settings from intimately cozy to elegantly extravagant. The top seven restaurants we've selected not only boast delectable menus but also possess an ambiance that's just right for romance. However, with Cupid's busiest day of the year just around the corner, remember that these popular spots will fill u…