Everything at Umbrella Dry Bar is non-alcoholic and filled with herbs and superfoods to enhance your health + connection. | Photo by Andrew Albright
Whether you are loosely participating in Dry January or you are living a life without alcohol, restaurants and bars around the City of Oaks are serving up delicious, spirit-free cocktails. Check out these local bars with curated mocktails in Raleigh.
Bonus: If beer is more your speed, check out BeerForDriving. This website features everything from grocery stores and brand-new restaurants to movie theaters with non-alcoholic beer options.
Now open: Umbrella Dry Bar, 14 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Sip on feel-good drinks complete with adaptogens and other healthy ingredients while mingling the downtown scene.
Junction West, 310 S. West St., Ste. 110 | Beside the selection of citrusy mocktails, try kombucha, CBD-infused sparkling water, NA lager, and more.
Your City Editors like the Orange Dreamsicle from Killjoy.
Photo by RALtoday
Killjoy, 116 N. West St. | Imbibe artfully crafted drinks like a creamy Orange Dreamsicle, an herby Sage Meadow, or a spicy Sweet Heat.
Krave Tea House & Bar, 709 N. Person St. | Stop into this alcohol-alternative bar to try indigenous roots and teas made with kava, kratom, CBD, and delta-8 and -9 products.
The Merchant, 126 S. Salisbury St. | We love unique flavors (and fun names) like the Thai Tea Party, Greener Pastures, and Off the Wagon.
Sitti, 137 S. Wilmington St. | Enjoy your Lebanese meal alongside tonic punches, pomegranate spritzers, and Lebanese sweet teas.
Kava is a root that has benefits that make you feel calm, relaxed, and happy.
Photo by RALtoday
Unlikely Professionals, 212 E. Franklin St., Raleigh | Shop spirit-free liquor in this hip store — and grab an NA beer on draft while you shop.
Watts & Ward, 200 S. Blount St., Raleigh | This swanky speakeasy pours mocktails all year long, like the What’s Up Doc?, a carrot-infused bev, and Mo-Faux-Jito, a take on the mint + lime classic
The Willard, 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | Try sangria, a peppermint mocha, and pineapple ginger mule and gaze at the skyline from one of the best rooftops in downtown.
Events
Events
Monday, Jan. 8
Gardenside Chat with Bryce Lane | Monday, Jan. 8 | 6:30-8 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh | $30 | This new discussion, led by an NC State professor, is for all green thumbs, virtual or in person.
North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Monday, Jan. 8 | 6-10 p.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $9-$30 | Explore a variety of huge dazzling lanterns and cultural performances.
Tuesday, Jan. 9
Café y Conversar | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Northeast Regional Library, 14401 Green Elm Ln., Raleigh | Free | This Spanish-language conversation group is for all skill levels to learn more.
Cooking with class — Knife Skills 101 | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $75 | Learn your way around a blade while cooking with this class and create a winter veggie soup along the way.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
NC State Men’s Basketball vs. UNC | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 8-10 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $45-$90 | Watch the Pack take on the UNC men’s basketball team for the first time this season.
Thursday, Jan. 11
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Anaheim Ducks | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $30-$285 | Watch the Canes hit the ice against the Ducks.
Special Event: Nick Colletti | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 8 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $30-$40 | You might know this comedian from online — laugh with him in person.
Thursday, Jan. 25
Fantasia on Mysterium: The Epic Immersive Theatrical Recital | Thursday, Jan. 25-Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7:20-10:15 p.m. | WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr., Cullowhee | $5-$25 | See a genre-busting reimagining of a piano recital and theatrical play, blended with artistically-created + mind-blowing immersive visuals.*
From open air, artisan markets to elevated, Southern fare and cozy cocktail lounges, there are more things to do in Columbia, SC than there are hours to do them. | Photos provided by Experience Columbia
A new year calls for new experiences. Maybe you’ve resolved to travel more, exert more independence/confidence, or you’re just feeling ready for an adventure. Here’s an idea: Take yourself on a trip to Columbia, SC, a ~3.5-hour drive from RAL.
From outdoor adventure to a buzzing culinary scene and vibrant public art, there’s plenty for the solo traveler to explore and enjoy.
Here are four itineraries we’ve bookmarked to treat ourselves to this year:
From lagers and IPAs to sours and seasonal pours, Columbia is a hub for all things hoppy and delicious (thanks to its breweries + brewpubs aplenty). There’s no shortage of restaurants and bars, either. Pro tip: Bookmark these new + noteworthy spots for your next visit.
The Canes’ Sebastian Aho has been named to play in the 2024 NHL All-Star Game on Feb. 3 in Toronto. The Finnish player participated in and won the shooting accuracy competition in the 2022 All-Star Game. Aho was recently named NHL’s first star of the week after scoring 11 points in three games. (The News & Observer)
Festival
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Town of Cary will host Dreamfest Friday, Jan. 12 through Monday, Jan. 15 featuring films, food drives, comedy shows, and more. There will also be community service opportunities + programs exploring equity, representation, and poverty and honoring King’s legacy.
Plan Ahead
Book your tables now — Jan. 22 through Jan. 28 is the 15th annual Triangle Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will have two- or three-course prix fixe meals showcasing what they do best and new offerings. Raleigh favorites like Irregardless, Wye Hill, The Willard, and Midwood Smokehouse will all be participating.
Seasonal
Help spruce up Wake County parks by donating your undecorated Christmas trees from now until Sunday, Jan. 28. Trees will be turned into mulch used to fortify area trails and can be dropped off at eight centers and parks in the county, including Green Hills County Park and Blue Jay Point County Park.
Cause
Calling all artists. A Place at the Table is hosting a T-shirt design contest focused around what the giving-back restaurant means to the community. The design can feature two colors and the winner will receive free drip coffee for the year and a $50 gift card. Stay tuned on Instagram to vote for your favorite.
Edu
College ranking and information site Niche named NC’s top colleges. The top five are Duke University, Davidson College, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and NC State University, all with an A or A+ ranking. Way to learn, NC. (The News & Observer)
Trending
Looking for your new favorite water bottle? The Owala Travel Tumbler combines the best of Stanley’s viral tumbler with Owala’s smart design. We’re liking color the “Bunny Hop.”*
Pets
🐾 Make a furry friend this year
Adopt a pet to ring in 2024
Fall in love with one of these — or any other — furry friends at Wake County Animal Center with reduced fees. | Photos via Wake County Animal Center
Now through Friday, Jan. 12, Wake County Animal Center is dropping its adoption fees to house pets in the new year. Dogs are $25 and adopters can name their price for a cat. We wanted to share some of the center’s nearly 100 dogs and approximately 30 cats.
Pants and Boots | These bonded feline brothers are still getting comfortable around people, but love playing together. Pants is more outgoing and is helping Boots gain confidence.
Jasmine | This tortoiseshell cat prefers time on her own and likes to watch from afar with occasional head scratches.
Zeke | Knock out two New Year’s resolutions in one: adopt a dog and start jogging with this energetic pup.
Petunia | Petunia is a pup with plenty of energy and affection to share.
Hey Raleigh, happy Monday. This weekend, my boyfriend and I went to one of our favorite events of the year, the NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary. The displays change every year and it’s such a unique experience. This is the last week to go — don’t miss your chance.
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