Garner, North Carolina

Venture just 10 minutes from downtown Raleigh and check out Garner, an All-America City with unique amenities and a genuine, hometown authenticity. Garner has retained its charm while boasting an exceptional quality of life thanks to hundreds of acres of award-winning parkland, an abundance of recreational and cultural arts opportunities and a broad array of shopping and dining options.

Great hangout spots in Garner include Full Bloom Coffee and Craft Cafe and Shady’s Bar in historic downtown Garner, as well as Aversboro Coffeeand Lorraine’s Coffee House and Music, which often features live bluegrass. Also check out hometown dining favorites like Angie’s Restaurant, Taqueria El Toro, Big Ed’s Garner and other tempting offerings at White Oak Crossing.

At the Garner Performing Arts Center (GPAC), located in the downtown historic district, take in a production by the Towne Players of Garner (named “Best Community Theater in the Triangle”) or a concert by a world-renowned performer making a special appearance as part of the acclaimed Broadway Voices series.  At the annual Showcase of Talent in Feb., you might catch a rising star. Popular country music artist and “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery honed his talents at the GPAC special event, as did Miss North Carolina 2012, Arlie Honeycutt.

The Town of Garner’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department has a full slate of special events throughout the year. On Groundhog Day, White Deer Park hosts an event featuring a furry prognosticator named Mortimer. In the spring, the department puts on the Spring Eggstravaganza festival featuring the town’s annual egg hunt at Lake Benson Park. In early Dec., Garner’s downtown is transformed into a holiday wonderland during the annual Light Up Main festival, featuring the annual tree lighting ceremony, and the Garner Christmas Parade.