Food is coming to Dix Park with an ‘elevated’ grab-and-go market
When Dorothea Dix Park’s new playground area opens this spring, park leaders want to make sure there is a place to eat.
An “elevated grab-and-go” market will open in the recently renovated Victorian cottage, called the House of Many Porches. It will be next to the Gipson Play Plaza, opening in late April or early May.
The concept isn’t a new one for father-son team John and Mike Cline. They are behind two similar markets, Market 317 and Bark Bar, at the Downtown Cary Park; The Veggie Wagon at Carolina Beach and Masonboro; and the wood-fire pizza catering food truck Carolina Crust.
“We are beyond thrilled to bring our passion for food, hospitality and community to Dix Park,” said Mike Cline, co-owner of Raleigh Park Ventures. “As a family-run business, we value connection and inclusivity, and we can’t wait to create a space where everyone — locals and visitors alike — feels welcome.”
The market will offer sandwiches, wraps, dips, coffee, baked goods, frozen deserts, beer and wine. A portion of the of the merchandise will come from small and local businesses.
The Gipson Play Plaza is a combined 18.5 acres of playgrounds, climbing towers and waterfall wall. The area will also include a picnic grove. It’s one of the first significant improvements to the 308-acre park since the city bought the land from the state nearly a decade ago. The area still houses the several N.C. Department of Health and Human Services employees and buildings.
“Dix Park strives to be a world-class destination, and as we prepare to open the Gipson Play Plaza, the House of Many Porches Market will only enhance the experience for visitors both local and from afar,” said Ruffin Hall, CEO of Dix Park Conservancy, in a news release. “As families and fun-seekers enjoy the many attractions of the Play Plaza, they’ll be able to easily find refreshments in anticipation of more adventures at the park. This is yet another milestone in our journey to becoming a landmark urban park unlike any other and a welcoming place for all.”
Originally built in 1898, employees of the Dix Hospital lived in the House of Many Porches before it became the hospital’s community relations office and volunteer services guild. It’s been vacant since 2012.
The restoration included exposing the wood exterior, “seen for the first time since being built 125 years ago.”
“The House of Many Porches will once again be a place where families and friends relax in rocking chairs on the front porch, enjoy a meal together and gather to celebrate life’s milestones,” according to the park’s website.
