Fuquay-Varina's dual downtowns boast the 'live-work-play' lifestyle

There is something for everyone in the downtown districts of Fuquay-Varina, from the "healing waters" of the town's original inspiration, Fuquay Mineral Spring, to the ales and lagers available at the local breweries that dot the landscape.

Posted 8:19 p.m. Sep 24, 2018 — Updated 2:50 p.m. Feb 4, 2019

Lisa D'Aromando

, freelance reporter

This article was written for our sponsor, Fuquay-Varina.

The historic charm of Fuquay-Varina, with its quaint shops and movie-set, small-town feel, remains the foundation of the hyphenate community, despite its rapidly growing population and new development projects.

The vibrant heart of the city with dual downtown districts showcases a unique blend of history and modern day. There is something for everyone in the downtown districts of Fuquay-Varina, from the "healing waters" of the town's original inspiration, Fuquay Mineral Spring, to the ales and lagers available at the local breweries that dot the landscape.

"The heart of the community is always downtown," said Jim Seymour, director of economic development for the town of Fuquay-Varina. "Fuquay-Varina is very fortunate to have a large footprint for its downtown. We refer to it as two downtown districts in one large downtown."

Fuquay-Varina's town board first launched an economic development plan in 2014 that made the recruitment of new, in-fill, mixed-use development one of its major development objectives. Seymour calls the downtown districts "very distinct," which he considers to be an asset when promoting the downtown and working to generate more interest in living and working downtown.

Seymour explained the theory behind this effort: "Our downtown development agenda is following the national trends of people wanting to work and live in downtown, whereas 60, 70 years ago, that's where a lot of the community lived throughout the country."

"Fuquay-Varina is already blessed to have such a great downtown with a large footprint ... it makes sense for us to identify in-fill redevelopment opportunities that not only create new development opportunities but supports our existing downtown businesses and residents that allows the history and future to grow successfully together," he added.

Since then, the vision for a "live-work-play" community downtown has been a focus for the town, offering residents the best of all worlds – a safe and affordable place to live, a wide variety of industries and employment opportunities, and a fun and lively place to enjoy downtime with family and friends.

This is a vision the entire community has agreed upon, from the town board and the downtown businesses, to the new residents and those who have been pillars of the community for decades.

"Both the town and community leaders are in sync with where they want their downtown to go. A lot of people pick up on that vibe, and it's a very strong, positive vibe," Seymour shared.

It's that marriage between the old and the new of keeping the quaint and charming lifestyle of historic Fuquay-Varina while allowing for modern development and amenities that is attracting new residents and visitors and helping draw people to downtown Fuquay-Varina.

Once downtown, there are many reasons to stay, from concerts in the summer, to Halloween celebrations in the fall, to the annual Food Truck Rodeo in the spring. The dual downtown districts are home to a variety of shopping boutiques and restaurants featuring local brews and fresh produce. Shoppers can also find fresh, local produce directly from area farmers each Saturday and Wednesday from May through October at The Growers Market in Centennial Square.

Aviator Brewery in downtown Varina is an internationally known craft brewery founded in the area. Aviator started its operations downtown with a tap house in the former train station depot originally built in 1903 and have since opened up a smokehouse restaurant, and soon, a brick oven pizza joint. (Photo Courtesy of Fuquay-Varina)

For ales straight from the source, there is Aviator Brewery in downtown Varina. Aviator is an internationally known craft brewery founded in the area. Aviator started its operations downtown with a tap house in the former train station depot originally built in 1903 and have since opened up a smokehouse restaurant, and soon, a brick oven pizza joint.

The Mason Jar Lager Company is another local craft beer maker with both a brewery that hosts food trucks and special events, and a separate tavern-style restaurant downtown. In addition to its year-round staples, Mason Jar showcases a new beer every Sunday in its "Healing Waters Small Batch Series" -- a nod to the town's mineral spring roots.

Visitors downtown can also enjoy outdoor activities without having to stray too far.

Fuquay Mineral Spring Park is a beautiful area for a walk or a picnic, and the original mineral spring is still open to the public via a restored Springhouse. South Park is another close option, ideal in the summer months thanks to the 6,000-square-foot splash pad. There's also an 8-acre dog park for off-leash fun with separate areas for large and small breeds.

"I've got to really give our town board credit with this, because whenever we do projects, they are a firm believer in making sure our future projects incorporate and understand the history of Fuquay-Varina," Seymour said. "You can't go forward unless you know where you've been."

Because of that vision, downtown Fuquay-Varina is growing into a robust 21st-century community without losing sight of the history that made the town the charming respite it still is today.

Looking ahead, Fuquay-Varina has several development projects lined up, including relocating its town hall to a 30,000-square-foot office building, the opening of the new Fuquay-Varina Arts Center venue, and a transformational mixed-use project that will build 220 new market-rate apartments and create 20,000 square feet of new commercial/retail space on a four-acre downtown site in Fuquay District.

"[People] want places where they can work, live and be entertained," Seymour added. "Downtown Fuquay-Varina's businesses and residents take great pride in their community and their strong sense of community entitlement makes working on downtown projects exciting."

This article was written for our sponsor, Fuquay-Varina.

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