How ’bout them apples 🍏

6 orchards and cideries around the Triangle

Pumpkins on display at the State Farmers Market.

Off Main hard apple cider is a seasonal favorite from Bull City Ciderworks. | Photo by: @BullCityCary

To ring in the season of pumpkin spice, comfy sweaters, and hayrides, we’ve found three u-pick apple orchards around the Triangle that we think are bushels of fun. Plus, since we know that sip happens, we also included three local cideries as an ap-peel-ling bonus. 🍎

🌳 Quali-tree orchards

Millstone Creek Orchards, 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd., Ramseur (60 minutes from downtown) | Start your afternoon with a fall-flavored dessert from the on-site bakery, Granny’s Kitchen. After you check it out, head over to the orchards to pick apples for your own sweet treats — just be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Blueberry Thrill Farm, 6938 Eaglesfield Rd., Gibsonville (60 minutes from downtown) | Don’t be fooled by the name — though it’s known for its blueberries, the farm also grows pumpkins and apples that are ripe for the picking. Pro tip: While you’re there, stop by the chicken coop. All chickens are pasture-raised + you can get a dozen eggs for $6.

Devil Dog Orchard, 771 NC-150, Reidsville (90 minutes from downtown) | Say hi to the local livestock that call this orchard home while you take your pick of fruit from the apple trees. As a bonus, watch the cider-making process by the barn + sample the product.

🍻 The in-cider info

East Bower Cider Company, 2020 Progress Ct. | Raleigh’s first cidery opened a little over a month ago and it’s already serving up an extensive selection of ciders. The best part? The patio is dog friendly so you can sip on cider with your furry friend. Bonus: Check out our Q+A with the owners.

Mordecai Beverage Co., 2425 Crabtree Blvd. | We know summer is ending, but the strawberry lemonade cider is worth a try. Pro tip: Head over on any Tuesday from now until Tues., Nov. 1 to join the Run Club. Runners set out at 6 p.m. and all levels of experience are welcome.

Bull City Ciderworks, 210 E. Chatham, Cary + 305 S. Roxboro St., Durham | Both taprooms offer a wide range of ciders, but if you’re looking for something seasonal, we’d recommend the Off Main. It’s made with local apples + it’s perfect to enjoy at one of Bull City’s weekly events.

Share this list with three friends you want to take apple picking.

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Today

Alice In Chains and Breaking Benjamin | Tues., Sept. 27 | 5:30 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | $25+ | Listen to these two rock bands perform with Bush and a special guest. 🎸
Peter Antoniou | Tues., Sept. 27 | 8 p.m. | Goodnights Pop-Up Club, 511 Woodburn Rd. | $20+ | Watch this comedian fuse mind-reading, storytelling, and improv into one show.
Bands at Brookside Bodega | Tues., Sept. 27 | 5-6 p.m. | Brookside Bodega, 1000 Brookside Dr. | Free | Listen to live music on the patio and enjoy tasty bites + brews. 🍻

Wednesday

Friends Trivia | Wed., Sept. 28 | 7 p.m. | Chubby’s Tacos Raleigh, 2444 Wycliff Rd. | Free | Test your knowledge of this ‘90s sitcom.

Thursday

Evening of Giving | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 7-10 p.m. | NCMA | $50+ | Designed For Joy is hosting this charity night featuring auctions, catered meal stations, and an artisan experience.
North Hills Nights | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 5-9 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park, North Hills | $5 | Get down to music by Blairs West at this fall music series. 🎶
Tai Chi in the Park | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 6 p.m. | Flowers Field, Dix Park | Free | Find your balance + calm in a peaceful setting — all fitness levels are welcome.

Friday

Haunted History - Oakwood Ghost Walk | Fri., Sept. 30 | 7 p.m. | Oakwood Commons Park, 533 N. East St. | $20 | Listen to tales of Raleigh’s spooky history on this guided walk. 👻
Clue: On Stage | Fri., Sept. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary | $18+ | Based on the 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, enjoy this hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. 🔍

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*

100+ MORE EVENTS

Grind your coffee, not your teeth

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Weather

77º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain ☀️
Hurricane Ian is expected to bring heavy rainfall to NC later this week + Raleigh is anticipated to get up to 4 inches of rain starting on Saturday. (WRAL)

Eat

Watch NC State football take on the Clemson Tigers with a full belly at Clouds Brewing’s traditional NC-style pig pickin’ on Sat., Oct. 1. Starting at 4 p.m., enjoy football while pigging out on mac + cheese, baked beans, corn, green bean boats, and a NC pig. Purchase tickets ($20).
If you’re trying to eat healthier, check out Lowes Foods’ Brown Bag options, which features no artificial flavors or sweeteners, synthetic colors, high fructose corn syrup, or MSG.*

Theater

Break out your garlic cloves. Opening night for Jack Thorne’s “Let the Right One In” — a vampire love story — is on Fri., Sept 30 at Theatre in the Park located at 107 Pullen Rd. Buy tickets. 🧛🏻

Job

Local real estate developer Kane Realty Corporation posted seven job openings in Raleigh, including listings for an Assistant Property Manager and Public Safety Officers. View more jobs + apply.

Environment

Interested in the Solarize the Triangle program? Join organizers of the campaign for a virtual information session on Wed., Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Sign up. ☀️

Biz

Beep beep. Raleigh ranked among the top three cities in the south with the largest decrease in average commute times from 2019-2021. Workers in the City of Oaks saved an estimated 23 hours in commute time last year. 🚘 (CommercialCafe)

Try This

In celebration of IBMA World of Bluegrass (Tues., Sept. 27-Sat., Oct. 1), Transfer Co. Food Hall + Artsplosure are teaming up to host the 2nd Annual Official Bluegrass Brunch on Sun., Oct. 2. Brunch starts at 11 a.m. with a community jam session (psst... bring your own instruments to join in). 🪕

Asked

Speaking of brunch. Do you have a go-to brunch spot in Raleigh that you’re yearning to rave about? Let us know along with your favorite dish on the menu. 🧇

Shop

Football season is in full swing. If you’re headed to a game this fall, don’t forget to pack your game day essentials in a stadium approved bag. This clear crossbody with 8,000+ positive reviews is a must + we also love this trendy fanny pack option.*

Real Estate

What’s next for you and your family? Travel? Marriage? Buying a house? According to recent stats, 70% of millennials would pick buying their dream house over their dream wedding. If you’re ready for your big (moving) day, here’s how Opendoor can help.*

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Who’s moving in to the Village District? 🛍️

5 vacant retail spots in the Village District

An old sign that reads "Polka Dots children's boutique," above a Village District sign on the windows of an empty spot.

What business would you like to see move in to this empty space? | Photo by RALtoday

We love getting a glimpse at Raleigh’s past, like the sign from an old children’s boutique in the Village District. We also love connecting with you, our readers, to hear how you’d fill open spaces to activate our city.

There are currently five vacant storefronts in the Village District. We know that four of the five open spaces have already been filled, leaving a 3,130-sqft storefront beside Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors available to lease.

We’re curious to see what businesses move in. In the meantime, check out the following tenants we know are coming soon.

Tiff’s Treats | 421 Daniels St. | Set to open this fall, get ready to enjoy warm, fresh-baked cookies. Pro tip: Sign up to receive a free dozen cookies during the launch.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams | 2014 Cameron St. | This scoop shop is opening its fifth NC location this fall. Although an opening date has not yet been announced, we’re looking forward to strolling through the district with Gooey Butter Cake ice cream.
ISO ISO Ramen | 402 Oberlin Rd. | Anticipated to open in November, guests can expect fresh ramen + rice bowls.
Goodnights Comedy Club | 401 Woodburn Rd. | While its temporary pop-up location is open at 511 Woodburn Rd., the club’s permanent home is currently under construction.
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry | 415 Daniels St. | This NC flagship store is expanding to make room for more men’s jewelry + a larger watch collection.

THE WRAP

	Today’s issue was written by City Editor Cat. Editor’s pick: Last weekend, I went to the State Farmers Market and purchased small decor pumpkins, veggies + a planter from Market Imports. On the way home, I noticed that the Shepherd’s Way Farms pop-up location in the Village District is now open and fully stocked with ~80 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds. Head to at 511 Woodburn Rd. to pick some up. Pro tip: Shephard’s Way has another location at 13044 Norwood Rd. Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Prepare to watch the gardens at JC Raulston Arboretum illuminate.
Read More

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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