City Editor Anne probably goes to the NCMA at least twice a week. | Photo by RALtoday
City Editor Anne here. 👋 Are you looking for ways to explore or show off the City of Oaks? I’ve curated a 12-hour guide to Raleigh featuring some of my favorite local treasures to guide you through what I think makes for a perfect day in Raleigh:
9 a.m.
Wake up with a latte from 321 Coffee at Bloc[83] or the State Farmers Market. Pro tip: Ask to meet a roaster (they’ll point out their specialty blends).
Satisfy your morning sweet tooth with a pastry fromBoulted Bread.
Rent a set of wheels from Cardinal Bikeshare to ride through downtown’s historic neighborhoods. My favorite to explore?Historic Oakwood.
1 p.m.
Dine in or take away a gourmet sandwich from Ladyfingers. Then, explore the eatery’s market featuring dry goods, household necessities, and fine wine.
Whiskey Kitchen is another great spot to grab lunch on a beautiful day. Sit on the large outdoor patio.
Downtown looks especially beautiful during a concert at Red Hat Amphitheater.
Photo by RALtoday
3 p.m.
Explore the freePeople’s Collection at the NCMA and take a walk around the Museum Park. Pro tip: The museum has rotating exhibitions in the East Building.
Beasley’s Chicken and Honeyby chef Ashley Christensen is a must if you’re craving Southern food. Think: Hot biscuits, spicy chicken, and pimento mac-n-cheese.
Trick-or-Treat at North Hills | Mon., Oct. 31 | 10 a.m.-6- p.m. | North Hills | Free | Come in costume to stock up on candy from participating businesses. Pro tip: Look for a sign on the door.
Trick-or-Treat at Crabtree | Mon., Oct. 31 | 5-7 p.m. | Crabtree, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Free | Join Crabtree for a “spooktacular” and festive Halloween — goodies and treats will be available for kids 10 and under (while supplies last) + a chance to meet some familiar characters.*
Tuesday, November 1
Open Mic Night | Tue., Nov. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Goodnights Pop-Up Club, 511 Woodburn Road, Raleigh | Free | Sign up on the list is posted at the box office from 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM; the performance order is chosen by random lottery.
Wednesday, November 2
Stargazing at The Willard | Wed., Nov. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop, 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh | Free | Join the Raleigh Astronomy Club to view the starry skies from the rooftop + enjoy a celestial-inspired cocktail.
Thursday, November 3
Reba McEntire | Thu., Nov. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh | $44.75 - $244.75 | See the country music singer and actress perform live.
Friday, November 4
NC MetalWorks Art Gallery | Fri., Nov. 4 | 4-9 p.m. | 206 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh | Free | This pop-up gallery will showcase metal art.
We have amonthly 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.
City Editor Anne here. 👋 As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m always on the lookout for new eateries to try — and Fenton’s new restaurants have been at the top my list.
Located just a short drive from Raleigh (~12 minutes), this Cary hotspot is booming with six chef-driven spots to eat + drink (and even more coming soon 👀). So obviously I had to try it.
During my foodie foray, I enjoyed a wine flight at Crú Food & Wine Bar, a delicious Tex-Mex spread at Superica + dessert at Honeysuckle Gelato. Here’s how you canTry (and eat) This.
The El Lopez platter at Superica has a little bit of everything.
Photo by RALtoday
What we tried (with pricing):
When I arrived at Fenton, I walked from the parking lot to Crú. Pro tip: There is plenty of parking, and everything is within walking distance. I sipped on Flight No. 13 (a trio of high-end,benchmark California cabernets), while Crú’s General Manager Zeke walked me through the basics of wine tasting notes.
Next, I walked to Superica for a Tex-Mex dinner and spoiler alert: it did not disappoint. I started with chips, salsa, and chile con queso before I sampled a little bit of everything on the El Lopez (Read: A platter of cheese enchiladas, a crispy beef taco, a guacamole salad, rice, beans, and a puffy queso tostada).
To top off a perfect evening of eating, I had Honeysuckle Gelato’s Ube Gelato — because at RALtoday, we believe in always eating dessert...*
No tricks, just treats. Tiff’s Treats is celebrating its grand opening in the Village District on Sat., Nov. 5. A portion of cookie sales will go to The Green Chair Project. Bonus: Redeem free cookiesall week (beginning today) here. 🍪
Announced
Award-winning shows including “Jersey Boys” and “The Prom” will take the stage at Theatre Raleigh next year. The nonprofit will also host the world premiere of NC playwright Allan Maule’s “The Weight of Everything We Know.” View the full 2023 main stage schedule.
Plan Ahead
ICYMI, The Rink — an outdoor ice skating rink downtown — returns to Red Hat Amphitheater on Sat., Nov. 19. The Winter Wonderland will have fire pits, a 20-ft decorated tree, games, and a snack bar. Buy tickets for a two-hour time slot ($6-11). ❄️
The winners of the 2022 Sir Walter Raleigh Awards have been announced. The eight award categories recognized local developers, designers, building owners, community groups, and citizens for their contributions to the character, environment, and appearance of Raleigh. See this year’s winners. 👏
Trending
Worried that someone could be wearing the same costume as you tonight? If you plan to dress as Spider-Man, a bunny, or a character from “Stranger Things,” the chances of twinning are high. Check out more of the most popular Halloween costumes in the Triangle. (INDY Week)
Real Estate
If you’re into chic, sophisticated finishes + classic New York style, you can’t miss this like-new 3 BD, 3.5 BA NYC-style brownstone. Featuring an oversized two-car garage, a personal elevator, and a balcony + grilling deck on the rooftop. Bonus: It’s located minutes from downtown and Glenwood South. See inside. 👀 *
Tech
Party like it’s 1992, RAL — it’s the Lenovo Thinkpad’s birthday. Grab some cake and learn about the impact this device has had to celebrate its 30th trip around the sun. ☀️*
Travel
How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*
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Holiday
Happy Halloween, Raleigh 🎃
Happy Halloween from Minnie Mouse and a bear. | Photo by RALtoday
Boo! Did we frighten you with our costumes? We’ll have to give all of the credit for these creative ‘fits to our moms — thanks Amy and Katharine.
We hope you have a scary good All Hallows’ Eve, filled with bobbing for apples, spooky decor, and lots and lots of candy.
Is your Halloween costume awesome?Share it with us for a chance to be featured on our social media pages.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Anne.
Editor’s pick: If you can squeeze in an extra stop during your perfect Raleigh day, pop by Two Roosters for an ice cream flight. Or Videri for chocolate soft serve. Or a banana split from Howling Cow. Can you tell I love ice cream? 🍦
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