AMERICAN BEAUTY
We are fortunate to live in such a gorgeous country. June 5 kicks off America the Beautiful Week in 2023, celebrating one of the nation’s most famous and moving patriotic songs. The tune endures because its lyrics ring true, and we have more than our fair share of beauty in Raleigh. We’re sure you have your favorites, and we’ve shared some of ours below. DOROTHEA DIX PARK We’ve featured this location in the newsletter before, but it’s beautiful enough to mention again. Families can enjoy the wide open space of the Big Field, enjoy the shady trees of the Grove while taking in the Raleigh skyline, or relax on the grass of Harvey Hill. But our favorite spot at Dorothea Dix Park is undoubtedly the Sunflower Field that blooms every July. The sea of yellow flowers is a sight to behold, so don’t forget your camera. HISTORIC YATES MILL COUNTY PARK This 174-acre park in Raleigh is a native wildlife refuge where the family can learn about local history. Mill Pond Trail is the perfect place for a scenic stroll, and those with fishing licenses can cast a line out on the water. Other trails follow a creek and wind through the forest. But the real star is the Yates Mill built in 1756. Experts have restored the building and made the mill fully functional. Visitors can view the original equipment, learn about the continuous milling process, and watch demonstrations for a small entry fee. Meanwhile, the outside of this historic facility makes for a picturesque photo opportunity you won’t want to miss. THE RALEIGH ROSE GARDEN If you didn’t get enough frolicking through the flowers at Dorothea Dix Park, the rose garden behind the Raleigh Little Theater is a must-see. It’s one of only three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina, featuring 60 flowerbeds with multiple rose colors and species. Visitors can also enjoy a fountain, arbor, and stone shelter and take in the other perennials and trees on site. Entry is free, and the roses usually stay in bloom until November. So, stop and smell the roses! OUR FAVORITE SCENIC SPOTS IN RALEIGH
TAKE A BREAK
Goat Cheese and Thyme Stuffed Chicken
INGREDIENTS • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 4 pieces of thin-sliced bacon • Olive oil • 2 zucchinis, thinly sliced • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• 3.5 oz firm goat cheese • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus 2–3 sprigs
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Split the chicken breasts almost in half along the long side, open them like a book, then flatten the sides out. 3. Put the goat cheese on the “open book” side of the chicken and sprinkle with thyme leaves. Fold the chicken over to enclose the cheese, then wrap each breast in 2 slices of bacon. 4. Lightly oil a shallow gratin or casserole dish, then arrange overlapping rows of zucchini and tomatoes on the bottom. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then set chicken on top. Place thyme sprigs on chicken. 5. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the bacon is crisp and golden and the zucchini is tender.
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator