Table of Contents

6 Chamber Welcome

8 Mayor’s Welcome

10 History of Zebulon

12 The 411

14 Made in Zebulon

16 Things To See & Do

20 Map of Zebulon

22 Shopping & Dining

24 Higher Ed Excellence

26 Directory of Schools

30 Health Care

32 Testimonials

34 Member Listing

39 Advertiser Index

Chamber Welcome

Welcome to Zebulon – Your New Hometown!

We’re delighted that you’ve chosen our town as your place to call home. Nestled at the crossroads between Raleigh’s cosmopolitan vibe to the west and the serene, rural charm to the east, Zebulon offers the perfect blend of small-town ease and dynamic opportunities.

To preserve our intimate hometown feel amidst growth, we believe in fostering connections and building a strong community. Zebulon takes pride in civic engagement, volunteerism, and a sense of belonging that we invite you to be part of.

Explore our civic organizations, sports leagues, places of worship, and volunteer opportunities. Dive into the vibrant tapestry of golf, swimming, local eateries, parks, boutiques, greenways, and a growing arts scene.

Make yourself at home. We look forward to your becoming an integral part of your vibrant hometown. Discover more about Zebulon in this magazine, featuring our favorite aspects. Consider Zebulon Chamber members for your business and personal needs – find their listings at the back of this publication.

For any questions about Zebulon or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to contact the Zebulon Chamber at (919) 269-6320 or visit us online at www.zebulonchamber.org.

John D. Saffold
Executive Director
www.zebulonchamber.org

Mayor’s Welcome

On behalf of the Town of Zebulon, I want to welcome you home! With a rich history and bright future, Zebulon is one of the fastest growing, most vibrant communities in North Carolina.

Come explore our historic downtown with up-and-coming shops, restaurants and entertainment. Enjoy our beautiful parks and amazing events like Spring Fest, Rock the Block, and Candy Cane Lane. Become a part of the civic groups, clubs and organizations that help make our community such an incredible place to live, work, and play.

Zebulon truly has something for everyone, and I can’t wait for you to experience everything that our Town has to offer. Welcome to our community, and welcome home!

— Mayor Glenn York

History of Zebulon

The Town of Zebulon: Chartered in 1907, still thriving today

Zebulon was born from the advancement of the railroad. Investors in the Raleigh and Pamlico Sound Railroad established a path through the eastern portion of North Carolina starting in Raleigh and connecting to Wilson. Its trail would have brought it through the Town of Wakefield, settled since 1826 and incorporated as a town in 1899, but several property owners objected to its pathway through the town. The connection site was moved south by 1.5 miles, and the town of Zebulon was born.

Edgar Barbee and Falconer Arendell, partners in the Raleigh and Pamlico Sound Railroad, were land developers promoting the property along the railroad line. They brought the railroad through town after buying 90 acres carved out of two local farms of prominent landowners. Martha Horton sold 41 acres of the family farmland for $2,056, and Frances T. Whitley sold 49 acres for $1,470. Edgar Barbee and Falconer Arendell organized the Zebulon Company and platted out the town on this 90 acres. The town received its charter on February 17, 1907.

Dr. George M. Bell owned hundreds of acres north of the Horton and Whitley land. He platted and actively sold the land between 1907 and the 1930s and it became known as Wakelon Heights. Dr. Bell then gave 10 acres of land and money in 1907 to build Wakelon School, which served both Zebulon and Wakefield and is an amalgamation of both names. Opening in 1908, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The school ceased operations in 1980 and after ownership and usage from Glaxo, it was renovated and now serves as Zebulon’s Town Hall.

Shepard School served the African American community after being formed as a Rosenwald School. It was expanded and later became an integrated school. African American business also thrived in Zebulon’s early years. The town’s first restaurant was operated on E. Vance Street by Suratt Dillard, which he later sold to Bob Faison, who also operated a taxi service. Oscar Todd helped to build a hotel and also managed a hotel for African Americans on E. Vance Street that served African American travelers. There was also a barber shop south of the railroad tracks.

By MaryBeth Carpenter,
Executive Director, Preservation Zebulon

The 411

Important contact information you need
as you settle into your new home.

Phone/TV/Internet

AT&T (800) 288-2020

DIRECTV (800) 288-2020

Dish Network (833) 750-2587

Spectrum (855) 243-8892

Trash, Recycling & Yard Waste

Zebulon Public Works (919) 269-5285

Utilities – Electricity

Duke Energy (800) 452-2777

Utilities – Natural Gas

Dominion Energy (877) 776-2427

Utilities – Water/Sewer

City of Raleigh (919) 996-3245

Voter Registration

Wake County Board of Elections
(919) 404-4040

DMV: License Plates
520 W. Gannon Ave. | (919) 404-8008

DMV: Driver’s License
2851 Wendell Blvd., Wendell
(919) 365-9516

Town Hall

1003 N. Arendell Ave. | (919) 269-7455
www.townofzebulon.org
www.facebook.com/TownofZebulon/

Town Board Meetings

Held the first Monday of each month.
All meetings are live streamed on
YouTube; the link will be posted on
www.facebook.com/TownofZebulon/

Community Center

301 S. Arendell Ave. | (919) 823-0432

Fire (non-emergency) (919) 269-6487

Police (non-emergency) (919) 823-1818

Parks & Recreation | (919) 823-0432

Permits

www.townofzebulon.org/departments/planning/permitting-information

GoTriangle Bus Service Park-and-Ride
410 W. Gannon Ave.
(919) 485-7433 | www.gotriangle.org

Wake County Eastern Regional Center
1002 Dogwood Dr. | (919) 404 3900

Wake County Human Services
(919) 212-7000

Wake County Animal Control
(919) 212-7387

Wake County Government
(919) 856-6160 | www.wakegov.com

Zebulon Chamber of Commerce
815 N. Arendell Ave. | (919) 269-6320
www.zebulonchamber.org

Zebulon Community Library
1000 Dogwood Dr. | (919) 404-3610

Zebulon Post Office
139 E. Vance St. | (919) 269-0361

Made In Zebulon

Zebulon has a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, and from your gym to your next bottle of bourbon to the swimming pool, you’ll find something made in Zebulon around every corner.

GSK

GlaxoSmithKline’s Zebulon campus was developed in 1983 and currently occupies 131 acres with 1 million square feet of manufacturing and administrative spaces. The site produces more than 50 brands sold in over 100 presentations for the US, EU, and ROW markets.

Olde Raleigh Distillery

Small-batch bourbon is the name of the game here. From honey-finished bottles to subtle spins on traditional bourbon recipes, each batch is distinct – and delicious – and each bottle release sells out, so keep an eye open for your next chance to grab a bottle.

Design Dimension

With over 55 years of experience, Design Dimension is your resource for creative exhibit design and build solutions. They offer a full range of design and production services for museums, visitor centers, and corporate spaces that cater to a wide variety of regional and national clients.

Nomaco

From pool noodles to mattress toppers to foams used in furniture, fitness rollers packaging, agriculture, and construction, Nomaco delivers fun, a good night’s sleep, and more from their facilities here in Zebulon.

TK MacLellan & Co.
Bagpipe Makers

The only artisan bagpipe maker in the US does it all right here. T.K. Maclellan takes great pride in their pipes, which are used worldwide. Their retail shoppe has items imported directly from Scotland and Ireland (e.g. Harris Tweed and Glencairn Crystal) and handcrafted jewelry made in house. They also showcase other artisan’s work in their craft gallery. Lessons are available, as well.

Things to See & Do

Visit Zebulon Community Park and enjoy 47 acres that include picnic shelters, a tot lot playground, walking trails, frisbee golf, basketball courts, athletic fields, and garden maintained by Steel Magnolias Garden Club. Little River Park is known for its natural areas, perfect to lose yourself in the soothing sound of flowing water. Beaverdam Creek Greenway is part of a larger greenway that will eventually spread across the region; it provides amenities such as fitness equipment, bicycle repair, and an overlook.

Enjoy America’s favorite pastime by catching a Carolina Mudcats baseball game at Five County Stadium. The Milwaukee Brewers Class A Affiliate baseball team’s season runs April to September, and home games often feature themes such as Thirsty Thursday and Friday Night Fireworks.

Zebulon Parks & Recreation offers a multitude of engaging programs throughout the year, including Spring Fest, Rock the Block Fall Concert Series and, for the holidays, Candy Cane Lane.

You don’t even need a destination in mind! Sponsored by the Zebulon Downtown Arts Council, a growing number of outdoor murals are painted on the walls of the buildings downtown, giving you plenty of food for the soul as you leisurely explore the neighborhood.

Shopping & Dining

Shopping

Shop Local – Shop Zebulon! Zebulon boasts a unique array of shops with local charm. Shopping local means a more personalized experience for you and a benefit to our community. Our businesses can’t wait to show you what they’ve got!

Dining

Need a great spot for date night? Or a place to take the team after their game? Or maybe you just don’t want to cook tonight. No matter what you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered.

The Creative Cup coffee house offers breakfast and light lunch, as well as art classes and activities for you to enjoy with your whole family. Southland Steakhouse is known in the area for its freshly grilled steaks and evening fare. McLean’s Old Time Café has been preparing home cooking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for over 65 years.

If you’re thirsty for something with a little more kick in a classy setting, stop by Olde Raleigh Distillery. And don’t miss Norse Brewing Longhouse, offering their own craft brews from pilsner to IPA and stout, along with a twist on standard bar fare such as duck fat fries and salmon burgers.

HIGHER ED EXCELLENCE

Wake Tech East Community College

In 2024, Wake Tech Community College opened its newest campus in Eastern Wake County, serving Zebulon, Wendell, Knightdale, and surrounding communities with innovative, high-demand programs in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, engineering and public safety. This campus is part of Wake Tech’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that prepares students for dynamic careers in today’s workforce.

At Wake Tech East, students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), a premier hub designed to inspire and educate. With advanced robotics, a simulated biopharma manufacturing lab, and interactive learning spaces, the ATC will be built to give students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and tools.

Through partnerships with local industries, the campus offers pathways for dual-enrollment, internships, and work-based learning. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of the growing job market, offering career-ready certifications and associate degrees that pave the way to rewarding careers or seamless transfer to four-year institutions.

We invite students, parents, and industry leaders to explore what Wake Tech East has to offer, from public safety to emerging technologies. Take a tour, discover new opportunities, and see how Wake Tech is shaping the future of education in Eastern Wake County!

Directory of Schools

Pre-Kindergarten

East Wake Education Foundation
(919) 366-5901
www.eastwakeeducationfoundation.org

Wake County Public Schools

Wake County Public School System
(919) 431-7400
www.wcpss.net/wcpss

Wakelon Elementary School
(919) 404-3844
www.wcpss.net/wakelones

Zebulon Magnet Elementary School
(919) 404-3680
www.wcpss.net/zebulones

Zebulon Gifted & Talented Magnet
Middle School
(919) 404-3630
https://www.wcpss.net/zebulonms

East Wake Magnet High School
(919) 365-2625
www.wcpss.net/eastwakehs

Public Charter School

East Wake Academy | (919) 404-0444
www.eastwakeacademy.org

Higher Education

Barton College
(252) 629-5472 | www.barton.edu

Campbell University School of Law
(919) 865-4650
https://law.campbell.edu

William Peace University
(919) 508-2000 | www.peace.edu

Meredith College
(919) 760-8600 | www.meredith.edu

North Carolina State University
(919) 515-2011 | www.ncsu.edu

North Carolina Wesleyan University
(252) 985-5100 | https://ncwc.edu

Shaw University
(919) 546-8200 | http://shawu.edu

Saint Augustine’s College
(919) 516-4000 | www.st-aug.edu

Wake Technical Community College
(919) 866-5000 | www.waketech.edu

Duke University
(919) 684-8111 | https://duke.edu

University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill
(919) 962-2211 | www.unc.edu

Health Care Close to Home

WakeMed Wendell Healthplex

WakeMed is proud to join the growing Eastern Wake County community!

Wendell Healthplex provides care for all ages and features a 12-bed full-service emergency department and outpatient imaging services. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are staffed by a team of board-certified emergency medicine physicians and caregivers who are specialty trained to handle both adult and pediatric emergencies. As WakeMed’s eighth emergency department, WakeMed Wendell Healthplex is backed by WakeMed Raleigh Campus – the county’s only Level I trauma center.

The new WakeMed Healthplex is centrally located at 2021 Wendell Valley Boulevard in Wendell Falls. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org.

Testimonials

Quinton Taylor, Owner
The Piano Room

“Being a member of the Zebulon Chamber has had many benefits for
me personally and professionally.

As a new business owner, the resources and networking opportunities have helped to shape my business and its overall ability to grow.

As a musician, business owner and music educator, I find it very important when I can link my passions to the growth of my business.

One of the most impactful connections that I have made through the Zebulon Chamber is Wake Tech Community College and its Business Center for Entrepreneurship. This has afforded me the opportunity to take a free music business course. From this, I had the opportunity to compete in and become the 2023 Wake Tech Idol and win a Business Pitch Competition in my class and a $2,000 grant award.

Due to my success in this course and the support of the director, Chris Weeks, I was eligible to enter into the 2024 Main Street Accelerator Program. This program was a 10-week intensive course with more than 70 local small businesses, all competing for the grand prize of a $35,000 grant. Through all of the pressure of competition, deadlines and work toward my goals, I ultimately won the competition!

Winning money is always great, we would all agree. Yet, the true gift for me was the connections I made with my community and throughout Wake County. Being able to share my story, promote and grow my business, all while fulfilling my dreams, is what a Chamber should do. For me, the Zebulon Chamber did not fall short!”

Tom & John Schmidt, Owners
Victory Lane
Quick Oil Change

“We view the Chamber as a business development partner. As an active member since we started the business, the Chamber played a key role in the growth and success of our business. We see the Chamber as a vehicle to build and maintain our customer base and develop a network of suppliers of goods and services. The Chamber also keeps us abreast of local and state government activities.”