Support Us Button Widget

New romance bookstore + wine bar coming to Raleigh’s West End

Bright Side Books & Wine will open at Kane Realty’s Platform apartment complex this fall as an independently owned book store with perfectly paired wines for a vast catalog of romance novels.

RAL_PlatformAerial_AUG2025

Platform apartments is attracting small businesses to Raleigh’s growing West End neighborhood.

Photo provided by Kane Realty

Downtown Raleigh is gaining a spot for romance readers + wine lovers with a cozy space in a burgeoning neighborhood. Bright Side Books & Wine, owned and operated by Susannah Baird, promises a community space in addition to a space for local + independent authors to thrive. Bright Side will open at Platform apartments this fall, according to Kane Realty.

In addition to romance reads and vino, expect trivia nights, themed book clubs, author gatherings, and more community events for NC’s creative community. Bright Side was also funded by the community, with a recent Kickstarter receiving $51,400 from the community.

Bright Side will join The Bike Library, Homebody Yoga & Wellness, and Mood Raleigh nail salon at Platform + The West End, and Kane’s nearby Oldham & Worth project is now under construction, too. Learn more about Bright Side from their Instagram.

More from RALtoday
From the floral backdrop to the customized ring — we’re dreaming of having our own viral engagement in Oak City.
The Pack is back in Carter-Finley on Thursday, Aug. 28 — here’s what you need to know while rooting for NC State football this season.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Have you ever thought “That’s an odd place for a bar.” Well in Raleigh, there is no such thing as odd for these spots around town.
After its March closure, a new team with ties to the former ownership group of 42nd Street Oyster Bar has expressed interest in reopening the Raleigh staple as early as February 2026. Read up on readers’ memories from this local gem.
Learn about the biggest industries and employers in Wake County with this guide to local business.
NC State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams are joining forces for their exhibition games against South Carolina + Maryland, respectively, ahead of promising seasons.
Our readers dogeared these parks for us while we dream of this concept founded in South Korea’s capital city.
Electric-assist bikes are coming to downtown Raleigh, and they can start and stop just about anywhere. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
Explore these dog-friendly businesses in Raleigh that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, and stay the night.