The United Way of Lee County is an integral partner in our area.  Over 25,000 residents have been touched by the donations of neighbors during the last year.  Over 20 agencies were funded in 2007; the Allocation process is again in full swing for the 2008 year.  The volunteers of this process review the agency applications and make recommendations to the full Board of Directors for actual funding.Please take a moment to view the United Way of Lee County website: http://www.leecountyunitedway.org/index.htm.  Please accept this invitation to join our group of volunteers should you find yourself in our area.  Kind regards,Karen BrownRealtorCentury 21 Cornerstone Realtywww.DiscoverSanfordNC.com919.721.1402  03/02/2008

Carolina Trace Sanford NC in Autumn Sanford, NC 27332 Carolina Trace is a development of over 1,000 home sites Southeast of Sanford in Lee County, North Carolina. It offers two Robert Trent Jones, Senior golf courses built around 315 Acre Lake Trace. Carolina Trace also offers a country club with clubhouse, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Carolina Trace is divided into 19 separate neighborhoods, each with a separate homeowners’ association. Details Subdivision: Carolina Trace Community Amenities - Security Gate- Secured Entry- Gated property - Swimming Pool(s)- Clubhouse- Tennis court(s) - Golf course- Lake- Playground Contact Info Rita Taylor Broker Associate Cell 919-478-5218 Dir 919-478-5218 Email | Website 12/08/2007

Gross Farms Corn Maze Throughout the month of October, the Gross Farms Corn Maze will be open to visitors. You can find your way through the acres of corn fields in the photo above to 15 different way points. The maze is open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This year the design of the maze celebrates Lee County’s centennial. This is a big maze so wear comfortable shoes and use the bathroom before you head out into the rows of corn. It took us a couple of hours to navigate to all the way points but it could take more or less time depending on your group. Starting October 13, the corn maze will feature a haunted trail. We went a couple of years ago when my daughter was 7 and she was terrified so I wouldn’t recommend it for the younger ones. If you are ready for a thrill a... 10/03/2007

When we first moved to Sanford several years ago, the only movie theater in town, Kendale Cinemas, was straight out of the 1970s. It only had two screens and was not very modern. When we wanted to see a movie we would drive up to Cary, see the movie, and then drive back. Cary isn't that far away but we were glad when a new theater opened in town.Spring Lane Cinemas is on the west side of town near Riverbirch Shopping Center and several restaurants. This new theater offers 10 movie screens, stadium seating, and digital surround sound. They normally offer a good choice of movies and you can be sure that the new blockbuster, whatever it is, will be playing. The concession stand offers the old favorites - candy, popcorn, and soda. They also offer pizza, nachos, soft pretzels, gourmet coffe... 09/11/2007

  Temple Theater in Sanford NC A new season for our local Temple Theater has started with a production of Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes starring Jason Petty. According to the NY Post, "At times it seems as if Petty is not just offering an impersonation of Williams, but channeling his ghost." This production features music from the beginnings of country music featuring songs by Hank Williams, George Jones, Jimmy Rodgers, and many more. This show plays throughout September with performances at 2 and 7 pm on Thursdays, 8 pm Fridays, 8 pm Saturdays, and 2 pm on Sundays. Check out my blog entry for some background on Temple Theater in Sanford NC or the Temple Theater website for more information.   Fun Day in the Park 2007 The Greenwood / Tramway Optimist Club is hosting this event on Satur... 09/05/2007

  THE TEMPLE THEATRE     Nothing could be finer that seeing a live production at the Temple Theatre.  Maybe that's why people come from all over North Carolina to experience the grand Temple Theatre. By offering professional theatre, The Temple continues its long tradition as a cultural center for Lee County and surrounding areas. The success of Temple Theatre is made possible because of its commitment to professional theatre and the support and generosity of the patrons.   The Temple Theatre Professional Acting Company produces eight MainStage productions per season ranging from musicals to thought-provoking dramas.    The "Temple Teens" Make Their DebutThis high energy show is set to hit the road!Temple Welcomes Its New Artistic DirectorPeggy TaphornSeason Tickets on Sale NowSave almo... 09/04/2007

SAN LEE PARK                                                      Located in Sanford and Lee County of North Carolina,San-Lee Park is a nature and recreation area for the residents of Lee County. The facility was originally the reservoir for the City of Sanford and was donated to the county when it became too small to sustain the city's water needs. You can view exhibits, picnic, walk on trails, boat, fish, or just relax. The Park contains one of the best mountain bike trails in North Carolina. You can also canoe and use paddle boats!  Bring the family or come alone . . . . There is something for everyone here at San-Lee Park in Sanford and Lee County NC.      09/04/2007

               SANFORD, NC                                                                                        Located in the center of North Carolina, Sanford NC is the ideal place to live.  Not only are you only 30-40 minutes from the state capitol of Raleigh NC, but you about the same distance from Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro and Fayetteville.  Just jump in your car and you can also be in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina or on the wide sandy beaches of North and South Carolina. 09/03/2007

Kiwanis Family Park is located between Wicker Street and Carbonton Road just East of US 1 in Sanford. Despite being close to a major highway and downtown, Kiwanis Park is a peaceful place to visit. The park sits on over 45 acres of land and includes several picnic areas, two large fields for playing, several walking trails, a fitness trail, and much more. The main parking area is located off of Wicker Street, but a smaller parking area is also located off of Carbonton Road. This gazebo is in a quiet area of the park. This is the perfect place to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy some quiet moments. One of the several trails in the park is a fitness trail. This trail has several stops along the way where you can get in some extra exercise. The total distance of this trail is one mil... 08/31/2007

One of the great things about Sanford is its central location. You can be at the beach in 3 or 4 hours and in the mountains in about the same amount of time.When our family recently decided to get away for the weekend, we found a wonderful cabin in Franklin, NC. Franklin is a bit over 5 hours from Sanford. We contacted the owners and made arrangements to stay for the weekend. The cabin was described as: "Enjoy your getaway in this secluded and quaint, two-bedroom, two-bath, log cabin on over 5 acres. Sit on the rocking chair front porch and enjoy the long range majestic views of the Smoky Mountains. Your visitors may include deer, wild turkey, fox and birds." This cabin was all that and more. Needless to say, we will certainly consider visiting this cabin again if we get the chance. Th... 08/11/2007

House in the Horseshoe The house in the Horseshoe is a historic site just West of Sanford, NC. The house was built around 1772, and was named after the horseshoe bend in the Deep River that goes around the home. The home sits on top of a hill, giving sweeping views of the countryside. The house was made famous by a skirmish between patriots and loyalists during the revolutionary war. The home's owner, Phillip Alston, was a Colonel in the patriot army. Colonel Alston had angered the local loyalist forces when his men accidentally killed a prisoner they held. Battle at House in the HorseshoeOn the morning of August 5, 1781, loyalist forces camped around the house were attacked by a larger group of loyalists led by David Fanning. Alston's men fled back into the home, and neither side was ... 07/15/2007

Carthage Colonies is a subdivision of homes in Lee County North Carolina. Carthage Colonies in within the Sanford city limits, and is just south of downtown Sanford. Carthage Colonies is conveniently located near highway US 1, making it convenient for commuters.Carthage Colonies currently has over 140 home sites, with an additional 37 acres available for future development. The first homes in Carthage Colonies were built in 2000, and homes continue to be built in this development. Most lots within Carthage Colonies are between 1/5 and 1/3 of an acre.From January of 2005 to January of 2007, 25 homes were sold in Carthage Colonies.  Prices ranged from $118,900 to $195,500 with a median price of $157,000. The homes in the show to the left are only for example purposes; I do not have them ... 07/07/2007

July 4th is the anniversary of our Country declaring its independence.  This is such an important holiday and a time to remember all those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.  We had a wonderful day and visited with friends at their house along Lake Trace around sunset.  We were not disappointed with the truly beautiful sunset at left. Sanford did not have an official fireworks display this year but we were hoping someone along Lake Trace would have some fireworks to show us.  Our hope paid off with a fantastic show. This firework was the only unhappy face - everyone else was having a good time enjoying the show! This was another pretty firework with a variety of pretty colors. Two fireworks went off at the same time in this photo.  There were several groups shooting off f... 07/04/2007

My Chosen Sanford NC Homes Professional is Rita Taylor from ERA.   Of course I immediately went to Sanford North Carolina Golf and found these terrific photos from the municipal course right there in Sanford.Sanford is a city in Lee County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 23,220 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Lee County Back to golf, Rita has one home listed right now on a golf course, yes right on the course, Golf Course Home in Sanford NC.  I know, not everyone wants golf, so there are lots of other great homes for sale right now too at the same link.If you're like me, the biggie is location and community.  Rita has pulled together a list of resources on schools, community amenities and area features.  Sanford North Carolina Schools and Community Featur... 07/03/2007

Quail Ridge is a subdivision of homes in Lee County North Carolina.  Quail Ridge is just South of Sanford and is located just off of Highway 1.  Quail Ridge is built around an 18 hole golf course designed by Ellis Maples.There are over 250 home sites within Quail Ridge.  Lots range in size from around 1/4 acre to several acres.  Lots include golf front, pond front, and interior home sites.  In addition to the 18 hole golf course, there is a swim and tennis club located within Quail Ridge.The following homes are only for example purposes; I do not have them listed.  Please Email Me and I will be happy to send you current MLS listings of homes in Quail Ridge or any neighborhood in Sanford, Lee County, or Harnett County.   This lovely two story home is an example of homes in Quail Ridge. ... 07/01/2007

Sanford is located in the heart of Central North Carolina.  One of the great things about Sanford is you can make a weekend escape to the mountains or the beach.  My Family's favorite North Carolina beach, Oak Island is only about 3 hours from the Sanford area.  Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Holden Beach, and others are all less than 4 hours from the Sanford area.  This makes it easy to leave work on a Friday afternoon and still make it to the beach in time to see the sunset. The beaches at Oak Island are not crowded, and the main attraction is the sugary sand and the surf itself.  A Food Lion grocery store opened on the island last year and a Walmart Supercenter and other shopping are a short drive across the bridge to the mainland.  The island itself has a putt putt course, restaurants... 06/21/2007

Visit the Lake Course Blog to start at the beginning of the Carolina Trace Lake Golf Course in Sanford, NC.Hole 13 on the Lake Golf Course is a par 4 with 341 to 402 yards to the pin. Homes to the right of this hole are part of North Shore. The 16th hole is a pretty straight shot from the tee to the pin. The hole is pretty flat with a slight downhill slope to the flag. Watch out for bunkers to the left and right of the fairway about halfway to the flag. The flag comes into view in the far distance in this shot taken just after the bunkers on the fairway of the 16th hole on the Lake Course at Carolina Trace. Note the sand traps to the left and right in front of the green. Another bunker is hidden from view to the right rear of the green. This shot of the 16th green on the Lake Course at... 06/18/2007

Visit the Lake Course Blog to start at the beginning of the Carolina Trace Lake Golf Course in Sanford, NC.Hole 13 on the Lake Golf Course is a par 3 with 143 to 225 yards to the pin. The hole drops down a hill to Lake Trace. The green itself is slightly to the left of the tee, and is surrounded by water on 3 sides. There are also sand traps to the front left and right of the green, so shoot carefully. Homes on both sides of this hole are part of North Shore. As you can see from this photo, hitting the green and missing the bunkers and the water can be difficult. This hole offers some great views of Lake Trace. Follow the cart path across the street to the 14th hole. The 14th hole on the Lake Course in Carolina Trace is a par 5. This is a long hole with 433 to 529 yards from the tee to... 06/02/2007

Sanford has a mild climate that allows us to grow a wide variety of different plants.  The USDA classifies us as hardiness zone 7B. We have a pretty mild winter and a warm but not too hot summer.The flower at left is commonly called St. Joesph's Lilly or Hardy Amaryllis.  I really love this plant.  We got it by dividing some plants my mother-in-law had several years ago.  It blooms around Sanford from early May until the first few days of June.  This plant is well suited to our climate and gets bigger and better every year.  We should be able to divide some of ours this fall to make even more plants. The plant at right is called Little Henry's Garnet Sweetspire.  We found this plant last summer and planted it in a spot that stays wet a large part of the time.  This plant loves to have ... 06/02/2007

Visit the Lake Course Blog to start at the beginning of the Carolina Trace Lake Golf Course in Sanford, NC. The 10th hole is a par 4 with 303 to 379 yards to the cup. The 10th hole on the Lake Course at Carolina Trace runs up a moderate hill from the tee. The fairway curves slightly to the right. There is a small sand trap to the front left of the green . Also note that the green is on top of a hill - if you draw up short the ball will roll back on you. Homes on the right of this hole are part of North Shore. Follow the cart path across the street to the 11th tee. The 11th hole is a par 4 with 271 to 414 yards to the pin. The 11th hole is a fairly straight shot from the tee. The hole is in the far distance. There is a sand trap on the left about halfway down the fairway. The fairway san... 05/28/2007