In addition to its exhibits, the North Carolina Museum of Art has a cafe. | Photo by RALtoday
With the holidays approaching, we asked our readers where they take out-of-town guests to get them acquainted with Raleigh.
Keep this list in your back pocket all season long to keep your guests well-fed and entertained their whole trip to the City of Oaks.
Still stumped on what to do with your out-of-towners? Check out our City Guides with suggestions for tours, local coffee, museums, and plenty more.
Share a taste of Raleigh
Try this at Longleaf Swine: The pimento mac and cheese.
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Photo by RALtoday
For an upscale experience, take your loved ones to Stanbury for non-traditional American fare, Cortez for a Mexican-inspired meal, or the new Ajja for Mediterranean-style food with a twist.
For a sit-down meal with a more casual ambience, our readers recommend Wye Hill for a stunning downtown view + brews and Whiskey Kitchen for inventive Southern cooking.
If you’re guests aren’t from the area and you really want to impress them with some NC-style barbecue, our readers recommend Longleaf Swine and Lawrence BBQ. Keep the casual vibes going at one of the area’s many food halls with something to please everyone.
Explore, shop, and learn about Raleigh
JC Raulston Arboretum is lit up just two weekends a year to explore after hours.
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Photo by RALtoday
Our readers suggested walking through Umstead State Park, the local greenways, JC Raulston Arboretum, Pullen Park, and the Raleigh Rose Garden for an outdoor stroll, weather permitting.
Take your guests on a shopping spree at Village District, the State Farmers Market, or one of the many pop-up events happening every weekend around town. Keep up to date with these using our events calendar.
Show your guests Raleigh art + culture with a visit to the NC Museum of Art — mentioned by almost half of our readers — enjoy a concert or show at one of Raleigh’s live music venues, or show off our blossoming beer scene with a local brewery tour.
Do you have more out-of-towner suggestions? Click the button below to let us know.
Holiday Charcuterie Design with Raleigh Cheesy | Tuesday, Nov. 14 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $75 | Impress future guests with a beautifully crafted cheese and meat board with instructions from a local pro.
Wednesday, Nov. 15
Beginner Brush Lettering | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, 201 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh | $65 | Learn how to create artful calligraphy and bring home the tools to do it yourself.
Make + Take: A Thanksgiving Centerpiece | Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, 119 W. Park St., Cary | $100 | Create a modern take on the cornucopia to elevate your Thanksgiving tablescape.
Thursday, Nov. 16
Moonlight in the Garden | Thursday, Nov. 16-Saturday, Nov. 18 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh | $20-$30 | Enjoy this magical night featuring the gardens lit up, live music, and roasted marshmallows; plus, this is your only chance to see the arboretum at night.
Shop, stroll (and save) at this North Hills holiday event
Can’t make the festivities? Shop in North Hills all holiday season to find the perfect gift. | Photo provided by North Hills
Enjoy the sights + sounds of the holiday season as you shop for everyone on your list at The Holiday Shop & Stroll, happening this Saturday, Nov. 18 from 12 to 4 p.m. Pro tip: Spend $150 to receive a free $25 North Hills gift card.
Stick around for the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. in The Commons, featuring live music, a vendor village, holiday beverages, kids activities, and the tree lighting with Santa at 6:15 p.m.
NC Courage player Kerolin Nicoli was named the 2023 MVP of the NWSL. Kerolin is the first Courage player and first player from Brazil to earn this honor, the league’s highest; she finished second in the league in goal contributions. Congrats, Kerolin.
The City of Raleigh is temporarily pausing parade permit applications as the city reviews its event hosting. Raleigh banned motorized vehicles in parades, which caused the Raleigh Christmas parade to be reworked and the Veterans Day parade to be canceled. (WUNC)
Arts
A sculpture by a Raleigh artist is lighting up NC State. “Evolution Field” designed by alum Matt McConnell is made up of nine multicolored panels and was originally featured at Burning Man before it appeared on campus. This installation will be on display until February.
Finance
This card is offering a rare $300 welcome bonus (and bonuses like that don’t come around that often). That’s why thousands are lining up for it. Learn more and apply.*
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Plan Ahead
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I loved watching NC State’s women’s basketball team upset No. 2 UConn yesterday, and I can’t wait to see where that puts us in the AP poll today. Are there any games we should make sure we see in person this season? Let us know, and go Pack.
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