It’s 919 Day — NC Raise Up. Each year on September 19, our city and its surrounding areas celebrate 919 Day, an unofficial nod to the Triangle’s main area code.
On January 1, 1954, the 919 area code was first introduced for the Central and Eastern regions of NC, but in 1998, the 919 code was split and numbers serving the Eastern part of the state — near Rocky Mount and Greenville — were updated to the 252 area code.
The three digit code now covers roughly 733,736 phone numbers. Here’s how your City Editors would spend the day celebrating the 919:
City Editor Cat’s recommendations
First, I would start my day with a Japanese-style flash iced coffee from Heirloom. Then, I would walk over to Raleigh Union Station to grab a 30 minute Amtrak ride into Durham. Once I’ve landed in Bull City, I’m grabbing brunch at It’s a Southern Thing — try the shrimp and grits, chicken + waffles skewers, and bottomless mimosas.
After I’ve walked off some of my brunch at the American Tobacco Campus, I’ll jump back on the train to Raleighwood.
Now that we’re back in the City of Oaks, I’ll walk next door from Raleigh Union Station to do some shopping at Father & Son Antiques and The Flourish Market. My stomach is full and my wallet is empty, so I’ll spend the rest of the day pursuing Raleigh’s free galleries — maybe with a Sip n’ Stroll drink in hand — while admiring our cities, and the surrounding Triangle’s, talented artists.
City Editor Allie’s recommendations
I’m starting my day off with a trip to Durham to grab breakfast at Monuts. Next, I’m stopping for a matinee at the Carolina Theatre before walking to Dashi for lunch — don’t miss the spicy homemade ginger ale to go with your ramen.
Afterwards, I’m driving back to Raleigh and hitting up a couple stores to window shop. The combo of So & So Books, Unlikely Professionals, and Edge of Urge paired with Two Roosters (preferably a Triangle-inspired flavor) can’t be beat.