1. Better Than Barefoot

Eco-conscious flip flop company Feelgoodz has its distribution site in Garner and sells the shoes from its downtown Raleigh storefront, The Treehouse, just minutes away, and at Whole Foods Markets.

Mark Saad of Garner is CFO of Feelgoodz, following a merger with Kinder Soles, the company he founded.

Veggie tanned with built-in arch supports, or veggie dyed, the flops are made of 100 percent all-natural materials that are safe for people and for the environment, says spokesperson Jennifer DeSimone.

The story gets even better: Feelgoodz works with fair-wage cooperatives and artisans worldwide to bring the product to market.  

2. Play Outside

Garner has hundreds of acres of award-winning parkland for hiking and biking. Or, rent a jon boat or canoe at Lake Benson. You might catch a catfish or see a bald eagle! Rental fees start at $4 an hour.

3. Get Saucy

Firing up the grill? Check out the offerings of two local sauce-ers for delicious results. 

Billy Bub’s BBQ Sauces & Dry Rubs produces a Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce, and a gluten-free, sugar-free, preservative-free and low-sodium Texas Dry Rub for meats and seafood. Owner Bill Bullard says his sauce clings to meat for flavor, without masking the taste of the entrée.  

The award-winning sauce is available in 74 area stores, including Garner’s Carlie C’s and Lowes Foods at N.C. 50 and 42.

Also locally based is Nephews BBQ Sauce company, owned by J. Paul Abrams of Garner. The company is listed among the Top 100 BBQ Sauces of the World.

Abrams bills his tomato-based sauces as a gourmet line for grilling and glazing, infused with sweet fruit flavors and the spice of chili peppers, free of MSG, gluten and high fructose corn syrup.

Nephews’ sauces and rubs are available at the N.C. Farmers Market.

Gert more info on these companies here.