Corridor 55 Chronicle 9.18.25
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✈️ Major Outdoor Destination Coming to RDU?
Park could bring hiking trails, kayaking, and eco-tourism to airport-owned land
RDU is exploring a massive recreation destination on 100+ acres of airport-owned land between Umstead State Park and Lake Crabtree. Early concepts include kayaking access, bike and hiking trails, and an outdoor adventure center—potentially transforming unused space into a regional magnet for eco-tourism and wellness.
The land is part of the broader 151-acre “Destination Recreation” area, and planners say any development must preserve natural resources while enhancing public access. More public input will follow as plans evolve.
💉 Swiss Medical Device Giant Picks Holly Springs! Ypsomed investing $195.4M to open first U.S. manufacturing facility
Holly Springs just landed another life sciences win: Switzerland-based Ypsomed will invest $195.4 million to open its first North American manufacturing site in the YIELD Holly Springs campus off NC-55.
The company, a global leader in insulin pens, auto-injectors, and infusion pumps, will retrofit a 110,000 sq-ft facility and create 62 high-quality jobs. This move diversifies the local life sciences ecosystem, adding cutting-edge medical device production to the region’s growing biotech base.
Ypsomed plans to roll out the investment over the next five years.
🏙️ Cary May Still Be a “Town”—But This Project Is All City
Developer proposes Cary’s densest residential development to date
Highwoods Properties is seeking approval to build up to 275 apartments and 22 townhomes on just 8.7 acres at 701 Weston Parkway—coming in at 34 units per acre, making it the densest residential development ever proposed in Cary.
The five-story buildings would tower over surrounding single-family homes, with limited commercial space and unclear transition buffers. Over 30 public comments opposed the plan, citing privacy concerns, increased traffic, and fears of declining home values.
The Town Council has not yet voted but referred the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Board for further review.
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OPEN HOUSES!
MARKET INSIGHTS
Pickleball is slowing changing the home-buying landscape! Check out this blog post for the nitty-gritty on how proximity to pickleball can impact your home’s market value!
FEATURED HOME OF THE WEEK
109 PRESQUE ISLE LANE
3 BR, 3 BA, End-Unit Condo with Garage + Park-Like Setting
Who knew you could live in a storybook cottage that’s actually……a condo? I never would have believed it if I didn’t see it myself! Walls of windows, gracious arched doorways, a 2 car garage…things you rarely see in a condo: a beautifully remodeled kitchen with custom cabinetry and tile backsplash, and a main-level bedroom/study that flexes with your needs.
The primary suite is pure comfort, with a jetted tub, tiled shower, double vanity, and a walk-in closet you can actually move around in. With over 2,200 square feet, an attached garage, and one of the best locations in the neighborhood—an end unit tucked next to a grassy commons area—this home lives like single family but without the labor.
Add in the clubhouse, gym, pool, and proximity to both Chapel Hill and Durham, and you’ve got a spot that checks every box.
Contact me for a private showing.
Listing courtesy of Raleigh Custom Realty
LOCAL HAPPENINGS
October 16 – 26
🎡 2025 N.C. State Fair – Raleigh, NC
This isn’t your average county fair. It’s THE fair — the largest annual even in the state of North Carolina. Eleven days of thrilling rides, jaw-dropping deep-fried eats, livestock shows, craft competitions, free entertainment, nightly fireworks, and so much more. Whether you’re chasing funnel cake, watching pig races, or just soaking in the chaos, this is a fall tradition worth the drive. Learn More »
October 24
🎬 Zombiepalooza – Downtown Cary
If you’ve ever thought a Rubik’s cube could spark a zombie apocalypse, you’re not alone—and this Cary tradition proves it.
Now in its 10th year, Zombiepalooza is part film festival, part costume party, and part absurd family fun. Local filmmakers create five-minute zombie flicks (this year’s twist: a Rubik’s cube must appear), and the whole town gathers on the Great Lawn to watch them under the stars. Expect zombie-themed games, costume contests, and maybe even zombie musical chairs. Free to attend, and weird in all the best ways. Learn More »
October 25
🎉 HollyFest – Holly Springs
This hometown celebration is always worth the calendar spot. HollyFest brings together local food, art, music, bounce houses, and community flair at Sugg Farm for one big, family-friendly bash. It’s the kind of day where you leave with a funnel cake in one hand and a business card from a goat yoga instructor in the other. Free to attend, and very Holly Springs. Event Info »
October 29
🐾 Spooky Tails – Apex Nature Park
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—dogs in costume, and it’s as delightful as you’re imagining.
Spooky Tails invites you and your leashed pup to enjoy trick-or-treating (for pets!), custom pet art, a vendor market, local rescues, and a donation drive benefiting the Wake County Animal Shelter. Costumes are encouraged (for humans too), and raffle tickets go to anyone who brings a donation.
Free to attend, no registration required—just leash up your fluffiest ghoul and head to the park.Event Info »
DAY TRIPS – It’s FESTIVAL Season, Ya’ll!!!
October 17–19🍂
Autumn With Topsail Festival – Topsail Beach, NC
This 3‑day festival kicks off Friday evening with The Notorious Clam Slammers, then Saturday and Sunday turn the Historic Assembly Building and grounds into a hub of artists, live music, kids’ inflatables, food, a beer & wine garden, and a silent auction that ends Sunday at 2 PM.
It’s beach‑meets‑fall charm with crafts, stage acts, and community spirit. Learn More »
October 11–13🥣
Chicken Mull Festival – Bear Grass, NC
If you’re looking for real North Carolina culture, this is your moment. The Chicken Mull Festival in Bear Grass is where locals cook giant pots of Mull—parboiled chicken, broth, eggs, crackers, a splash of hot sauce, stirred with a boat paddle (yes, really)—to feed a festival crowd.
I have never had the opportunity to try this local delicacy, but it sounds…. ahem, interesting. If you find that mull isn’t your style, there’s live music, a car cruise‑in, a kids’ zone, vendors. But at least you’ll be able to say you had a real North Carolina experience. So grab your bib and your bravado and head on over to Bear Grass. Learn More »
October 26🍖
Lexington Barbecue Festival
If you’re not brave enough for chicken mull, don’t worry—we’ve got you. It doesn’t get more North Carolina than this – the Lexington Barbecue Festival, where the pits are hot, the hushpuppies are plentiful, and the pork is smoked low and slow.
This isn’t just any BBQ event—it’s the barbecue event. Over 100,000 people pack into historic downtown Lexington to celebrate the one true way to prepare pork (don’t @ me, Eastern NC). Expect 400+ vendors, seven stages of live music, pig-themed art, rides, and more. Come hungry—and don’t wear black unless you’re cool with eau de hickory smoke. 👉 Learn More »
October 25🍎
Lincoln County Apple Festival
If your perfect fall day involves flannel, funnel cakes, and freshly picked apples, head west to the Lincoln County Apple Festival. Held in charming downtown Lincolnton, this long-running celebration draws over 80,000 people for local apples (of course), handmade crafts, food trucks, live music, and a huge kids’ area.
The whole town turns into a harvest party—complete with church groups, bluegrass, and more apple-themed goodies than you can carry. It’s wholesome, homey, and peak October in small-town North Carolina.🔗 Learn More »
