Plus, the history of the NC Executive Mansion
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Pig out at these 3 new barbecue joints 🍖

Pig out at these 3 new barbecue joints
Two plates of barbecue and sides.
Try this: The burnt ends from Midwood Smokehouse. | Photo by RALtoday
There’s no shortage of longtime barbecue spots in the City of Oaks, but that doesn’t stop new pitmasters from moving in. Three saucy spots recently added themselves to Raleigh’s pulled pork scene, so let’s dig in.

Midwood Smokehouse, 524 N. West St. | Opening Saturday, Feb. 11
This all-wood barbecue restaurant is opening its first Raleigh location this weekend, with limited seating. Pitmaster and NC State alum Matthew Barry is heading this Tex-Mex barbecue spot with FS Food Group’s Frank Scibelli.

Expect menu items like house made tortillas and chips, barbecue baked beans, and burnt ends. This spot also features a full bar that extends outdoors, in perfect view of the Smoky Hollow mural.

“We are looking forward to bringing a simultaneously traditional but fresh take on Southern barbecue with our Carolina Chopped Pork, Texas Brisket, and Raleigh’s first barbecue Tex-Mex,” Matthew told RALtoday.

Brisket poutine from the BBQ Lab.

Try this: The brisket poutine from The BBQ Lab’s late night menu.

Photo by @thebbqlabs

The BBQ Lab, 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. | Opened November 2022
Hailing from Johnston County, Pitmaster Jerry L. Stephenson, Jr. is no stranger to the barbecue game. Jerry’s award-winning barbecue has been featured on shows like “Chopped: Grill Masters.”

His new North Hills spot offers items like smoked jackfruit, pulled pork sandwiches, and burnt ends, available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (while supplies last). Bonus: Try the late night menu featuring items like brisket poutine and a fried pork loin sandwich.

A brisket sandwich with a side of pimento mac and cheese and esquites.

Try this: The pimento mac and cheese at Longleaf Swine.

Photo by RALtoday


Longleaf Swine, 300 E. Edenton St. | Opened November 2022
This food truck-turned-restaurant opened its first brick and mortar location in the now-transformed Oakwood Cafe space.

In addition to offering Southern fare like whole hog pulled pork and 18-hour smoked brisket, this barbecue joint also features non-traditional dishes like esquites and a vegetarian collard green melt. Bonus: Enjoy your plate on the large, covered outdoor patio.
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Friday, Feb. 10
  • Valentine’s Art Market | Friday, Feb. 10 | 12-4 p.m. | Videri Chocolate Factory, 327 W. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Shop chocolate, artisan-made pottery, candles, and more for your Valentine.
  • Revolution: The Music of the Beatles | Friday, Feb. 10-Saturday, Feb. 11 | Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $63-$83 | Enjoy this NC Symphony performance featuring rare photos of the Beatles and hits like “Penny Lane” and “Hey Jude.”
  • Anti-Valentine’s Day Dance Party | Friday, Feb. 10 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Fortnight Brewing Company, 1006 SW Maynard Rd., Cary | $5-$10 | Dance the night away with your single buddies.
Saturday, Feb. 11
  • Weights Before Dates Singles Workout | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Clouds Brewery and Taproom, 1233 Front St., Raleigh | $10-$15 | Find your workout buddy, a new friend, or a possible connection at this workout for all fitness levels — a beer is included.
  • Co-Create | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Bring your sketchbook and get your creative juices flowing at this artists gathering.
Sunday, Feb. 12
  • Super Bowl Party & Chili Cook Off | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 12-9 p.m. | Pourworks, 900 E. Six Forks Rd., Ste. 120, Raleigh | Free | Bring your best chili to compete in the cook off, enjoy drink specials, and eat free food (with a drink purchase).
  • Plant Sale | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 1-3 p.m. | The Optimist, 1000 Brookside Dr., Ste. 109, Raleigh | Free | Shop unique plants from Dirtbag Gardens and trade with other plant enthusiasts.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor
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Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most impactful decisions families make. | Photo by SmartAsset
Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

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Weather
  • 69º | Showers | 50% chance of rain ☔
Announced
  • The National Women’s Soccer League released its 2023 season schedule on Wednesday. The NC Courage will kick off the season on Saturday, March 25 at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Kansas City Current. Purchase season tickets. ⚽
Concert
  • King’s rescheduled all of this weekend’s Great Cover Up performances. The new dates for this charity event are Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4.
Arts
Community
  • The NC Museum of History extended The Power of Women in Country Music exhibit to April 2. The museum also reduced ticket pricing to $10 for adults and $5 for college students with an ID. Pro tip: The exhibit is free for children.
Cause
  • Here’s your chance to score tickets to see Notre Dame or Louisville play against the Duke basketball team at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Enter the raffle today by 11:59 p.m. to support local nonprofit Curamericas Global Inc.'s mission to help provide health services and education for mothers and children. Tickets are $25. 🏀
Plan Ahead
  • The NC Theatre will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a Broadway-packed 2023-2024 season. Season highlights include musicals “RENT,” “Once on This Island,” and “Camelot.” First up: “Elf - The Musical” on Dec. 9.
Active
  • Want to keep up your 2023 fitness goals (and ensure the kids are active, too?). Check out these current promos happening at the East Triangle YMCA, located in the Flowers Plantation community. Hint: It includes a 7-day free pass and last year’s prices for the YMCA Summer Day Camp. 🏊 *
Beauty
  • Let’s face it, beauty treatments and maintenance can add up. Enter: Synergy Face + Body specials. Check out their current offers to see how you can save on aesthetic treatments, skin therapy, surgery + more.*
Eat
  • Don’t fumble your big game party. Host a spec-taco-lar watch party with Moe’s Meal Kits. This tasty party in a box can feed up to six people and comes in three customizable options: taco, nacho + fajita (all including queso). Order your meal kit. 🌮 *
Seasonal
  • Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *
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The history of the NC Executive Mansion

The history of the North Carolina Executive Mansion
A black and white photo of The Governor's Mansion.
In spring, guests can tour the mansion’s grounds. | Photo via nc.gov
In case you missed it, Wallethub recently named Raleigh the second best state capital in the nation. Our capital city is the seat of our state government and is home to the NC Executive Mansion, the official residence of NC governors.

The NC Executive Mansion was designed and built by renowned architects Samuel Sloan and Adolphus Gustavus Bauer. In the early stages of construction, Samuel died unexpectedly of sunstroke in 1885. This left his partner Adolphus Gustavus to finish the extravagant project.

In January 1891, Governor Daniel G. Fowle and his daughter were the first to move into the mansion. The manor made the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Gov. Roy Cooper and his family currently reside in the estate. They welcome guests to tour the historic grounds from March 22 to April 27. In the meantime, learn more about the first family and take a virtual tour of the residence.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Cat.

Editor’s pick: Last night, the RALtoday team previewed PBR Cowboy Bar in Fenton, and yeehaw did we have a good time. Grab your cowboy hat and head over to the bar tonight at 8 p.m. to be one of the first to ride the mechanical bull. 🐂

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Work out your body and mind at these 16 boutique fitness studios in Raleigh.
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Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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