07.25.2023

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Today’s Forecast

51º | Cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 5:17 p.m.

Step into The Parlor for a unique sip experience

Will Bryant celebrates one year of The Parlor at Heights House

Bartender Will Bryant with one of his creations.

Will Bryant is the creative behind the Italianate-style bar. | Photo courtesy of The Parlor at Heights House

Before Drink Up month comes to a close, we want to introduce our audience to another skillful beverage maker. Meet Will Bryant, manager and mixologist of The Parlor at Heights House — one of Raleigh’s most sophisticated places to sip.

Born and raised in the City of Oaks, Will has embraced his role at this 1860 Italianate-style mansion in the Boylan Heights neighborhood. The Parlor, which celebrated its first anniversary in June, offers guests a tranquil and intimate escape.

“We want people to feel like this is their home for a little while,” Will told RALtoday.

The menu at this adults-only elevated parlor consists of an all-Italian wine list, local beers, and Will’s ever-changing creative cocktails.

We sat down at Will’s favorite spot inside the historic Raleigh property to chat about ingredients, his inspirations, and local hidden gems.

Prosecco pouring into a glass. — Enjoy the Prosecco & Sorbetto special in one of Will’s favorite spots, the library’s two vintage orange chairs.
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Photo courtesy of The Parlor at Heights House

What is this month’s Drink Up special?

For the month of July we will be offering Prosecco & Sorbetto to create a delicious bubbly and refreshing cocktail to enjoy.

Asolo “Bele Casel” Prosecco poured over blood orange sorbetto
Venturini Baldini Sparkling Rosé poured over peach sorbetto

The Italian Coast and “The White Lotus.” I always try to stay Italian-inspired and try combinations that not everyone would think of. I want my cocktails to be unique, but approachable. My inspiration comes from thinking outside of the box and really wanting to wow people.

The Heights House. — Walk through the gates and front door of the Heights House Hotel to find The Parlor.
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Photo by RALtoday

What do you want Raleighites to know about The Parlor?

We are starting to host a lot more in-house parlor events.

In August, we are doing a little sip and shop market. [Just dropped: Parlor Pizza Night in collaboration with Tepuy Pizza on Thursday, Aug. 3.] We’re also going to start hosting some wine classes. And of course, The Parlor is open six days a week. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome.

Click the link below to find out more about Will’s Hillsborough Street restaurant venture, what cocktail he would be, and his favorite Person Street hangout.

Be wowed by Will

Events

Tuesday, July 25

Pizza & Prosecco Meet + Greet with RALtoday | Tuesday, July 25 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Il Falò, 3931 Macaw St., Raleigh | Free | Chat with the RALtoday team and try bartender Camren Hite’s Calabrian Chile Margarita or grab a glass of draft prosecco and your choice of pizza for $18.
Trek Raleigh - Ice Cream Ride | Tuesday, July 25 | 6-9 p.m. | Trek Bicycle North Raleigh, 10911 Raven Ridge Rd., Ste. 107, Raleigh | Free | All riders will get a free post-ride ice cream for National Hot Fudge Sundae Day — helmets are required.

Wednesday, July 26

Beginner Calligraphy | Wednesday, July 26 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, 201 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh | $70 | Work on perfecting your pretty lettering with a pointed dip pen and ink at this workshop led by Rachel Custer.
Arts on the Hill | Wednesday, July 26, | 5:30-9 p.m. | The Chapel at Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh | Free | Presented by Raleigh Film and Art Festival, this event combines film, spoken word poetry, and music with NC roots.

Thursday, July 27

Dirty Heads - Island Glow | Thursday, July 27 | 6 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh | $35-$78 | Mellow out to songs like “My Sweet Summer” with this reggae rock band.
Beyonce-Themed Sexy Dance Workout & Mocktails | Thursday, July 27 | 6:30 p.m. | North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh | $22-$25 | Join instructor Sinéad and Umbrella Dry Bar to enjoy a Queen B dance workout and tasty mocktails.
Summer Sip & Shop Marketplace | Thursday, July 27 | 6:30-9 p.m. | TRAINE at Seaboard Station, 121 Seaboard Ave., Raleigh | Free | Check out this new apartment complex while browsing small business products and services — there will be a cash bar, food trucks, chair massages, and more.

Friday, Aug. 4

Audio Advice Live 2023 | Friday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 6 | Times vary | Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, 421 South Salisbury St., Raleigh | $25-$40 | Experience music and video like never before as you watch more than 80 of the top A/V brands reveal their latest and greatest innovations in over 50+ listening rooms.*

This way to 100+ fun events

Click here to have your event featured.

Shop

Level up every room of the house

Upgrade every room of the house with our top picks for home

A standing desk that overlooks a large window.

This standing desk has a durable quiet motor, ensuring height adjustments are not disruptive. | Photo via Amazon

Elevate your humble abode by updating old appliances and investing in the best of today’s smart home technology. Or simply indulge in redecorating (that’s not a four-letter word in your house, is it?).

Browse the items that will level up every room of your house.

Adjustable standing desk, $139.99 — Upgrade your work-from-home space with this desk that can be adjusted to your custom height.

Soda can organizer, $24.49 — Keep your backstock of sodas or seltzers organized and ready to go.

See bedroom + kitchen picks

News Notes

Development

The City of Raleigh acquired four parcels on New Bern Avenue near Alamo Drafthouse to build a mixed-use development with retail, services, and affordable housing. The project’s goal is to drive unit rates as low as possible. The city plans to submit a request for proposal in the second half of 2024. (Triangle Business Journal)

Edu

Due to the ongoing school bus driver shortage, the Wake County Public School System is requesting parents and guardians to provide their own transportation for the 2023-24 school year, if possible. If you are able to do so, you can choose to complete the form to decline transportation.

Eat

Foodie Fridays are back at Dix Park starting this Friday, July 28 through Friday, Aug. 11. Come to the park hungry for street food and local tunes. This Friday’s event features Poblanos Tacos and Sweet Treats of NC.

Plan Ahead

Fashion, but make it historical. The City of Raleigh Museum and educational costume group Corsets and Cravats are putting on a share what you wear historical fashion show on Saturday, Aug. 5. Explore clothes from the 19th century and listen to participants share stories on the catwalk. Tickets are $15.

Network

WALTER Magazine is hosting its ninth annual WINnovation summit, a celebration of female innovation, diversity, and the entrepreneurial spirit, on Friday, Sept. 15. This year’s workshop includes local leaders and panelists Debra Austin, Janet Cowell, Kathryn Shah, and Preeti Waas. Held at The Umstead Hotel & Spa, the event includes three workshops and tickets start at $125.

Fun Fact

No monkey business here. Two small monkeys are the first to be registered under the city’s Wild Animal Ordinance rules. The marmosets, Leo and Mateo Sailor, were registered by a Raleigh woman. The ordinance to ban dangerous wild animals went into effect Sept. 3, 2022 — owners can register their animals online. (The News & Observer)

Giveaway

Could you use a vacation? How about five nights in a gorgeous beach house at Wild Dunes Resort? Lowes Foods is hosting a sweepstakes for Lowes Foods Vacation Ambassadors (read: one lucky winner and up to five guests, ages 21+) to enjoy one of three dream beach trips. See details and enter.*

Theater

Ariana DeBose 🤝 Theatre Raleigh

Ariana DeBose to perform at Theatre Raleigh

Ariana DeBose with her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

Ariana DeBose won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. | Photo by A.M.P.A.S.

Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose will return to her old stomping grounds in The City of Oaks on Saturday Aug. 26 to perform a benefit concert at and for Theatre Raleigh.

“It’s a privilege to be able to come home, perform, and raise funds for an entity committed to offering the highest level of theater entertainment the area can provide,” DeBose told Theatre Raleigh.

In 2022, DeBose made history as the first openly Queer women of color to receive an Oscar for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.”

Though tickets sold out quickly for “An Evening With Ariana DeBose,” the nonprofit professional theater and community arts organization has a stacked season ahead.

Snag tickets to one of the theater’s main stage productions “The Prom,” — fun fact: DeBose starred in the movie version of this production in 2020 — “Barbecue,” and “The 1940’s Radio Hour.”

Plus, watch Ariana in her next role as the main character in Disney’s “Wish,” premiering Nov. 22, 2023.

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The Wrap

Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

Today’s edition by:
Cat

From the editor

Writing about how RDU is the fastest growing airport in the US made me remember one of my favorite sections of the airport: Observation Park. There is something so fascinating about watching planes take off from the 10,000 ft runway. Plus, you could always grab snacks from the RDU Galleria to enjoy while you watch the skies.

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ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY

Will Bryant celebrates one year of The Parlor at Heights House

What is this month’s Drink Up special?

What inspires your bar menu?

What do you want Raleighites to know about The Parlor?

Upgrade every room of the house with our top picks for home

Ariana DeBose to perform at Theatre Raleigh