Plus, leap day in Raleigh
 
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Today’s Forecast

55º | Mostly cloudy | 0% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 5:38 p.m.
 

🤖 What AI thinks of Raleigh

Here’s what AI has to say about Raleigh
An AI-generated image of Raleigh, North Carolina at sunset with zooming highways and various buildings.
Does this Raleigh skyline look a bit off? It was also generated using AI. | AI-generated image via Pixlr
With increasing chatter about artificial intelligence, we wondered what AI program ChatGPT would say about our city. Here are the AI-generated answers to five questions about Raleigh.

Important note: Anything written by AI will be in italics for clarity, and RALtoday does not use AI to generate content in our newsletter, website, or on social media without disclosing.

What is Raleigh known for?

Raleigh is renowned for its role in the Research Triangle Park, a hub of innovation and technology. Recognized as the “City of Oaks,” it combines a thriving tech scene, top-notch universities, and Southern charm, offering a high quality of life and diverse cultural experiences.

Describe Raleigh in 10 words or less.

Capital city, tech hub, vibrant culture, surrounded by natural beauty.

Besides “The City of Oaks,” what is a good nickname for Raleigh?
  1. Innovate Capital
  2. Tech Triangle Hub
  3. Southern Tech Oasis
  4. Research Triangle Gem
  5. Cultural Crossroads
What US city is most comparable to Raleigh?

One city that is often compared to Raleigh, is Austin, Texas. Both cities are known for their vibrant tech scenes, cultural diversity, and a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. They are also state capitals, have strong educational institutions, and experience rapid population growth. Additionally, both Raleigh and Austin consistently rank high in various quality of life and job opportunity indices.

Bonus: Both have awesome newsletters operated by 6AM City — maybe we snuck this one in here...

How would AI improve Raleigh?
  1. Traffic Management: Optimize flow and reduce congestion through AI-powered systems.
  2. Public Safety: Improve safety with predictive policing and smart surveillance.
  3. Smart Infrastructure: Enhance energy efficiency and resource management using AI.
  4. Education: Personalize learning with AI-driven tutoring and analytics.
  5. Economic Development: Boost growth through AI-powered support for local businesses.
Please excuse us if we refer to the City of Oaks as a Southern Tech Oasis from now on.
Asked

How do you feel about artificial intelligence?
A. I like it
B. I don’t like it
C. I haven’t used it
Share your thoughts
 
Events
Monday, Feb. 5
  • Valentines Day Cookie Decorating | Monday, Feb. 5 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $65 | Create Instagram-worthy V-Day cookies with Darlin’ Designs Baking Co. providing step-by-step instructions.
  • Carolina Classic — NC State Icepack vs. UNC Tarheels | Monday, Feb. 5 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $10-$20 | College rivals hit the PNC Arena ice in this Tobacco Road matchup.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
  • ReShonda Tate — The Queen of Sugar Hill | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 7-8 p.m. | Quail Ridge Books, 420 Lassiter Mill Rd., Ste. 100, Raleigh | $0-$20 | Hear from the author of this book, a fictional portrayal of the first Black person to win an Oscar for her role in “Gone With The Wind.”
  • Cooking Essentials III: Evening Session | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Wyntons World Cooking School, 969 N. Harrison Ave., Cary | $395 | Become a master in the kitchen with this cooking series featuring easy-to-cook recipes with important fundamentals.
Thursday, Feb. 8
  • “Hymn” by Lolita Chakrabati | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Burning Coal Theatre Company, 224 Polk St., Raleigh | $5-$20 | Explore the joy of family, brotherhood, and music with this heartfelt play.
Plan your week
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Travel

7 reasons to explore Fayetteville this winter
maple syrup being poured in a hot drink with a snowy scene in the background
Experience the warm + cozy — or a variety of cold weather adventures — in Fayetteville, NC. | Photo by DistiNCtly Fayetteville
Hibernation is for the bears. Venture out of your house and embrace winter in Fayetteville, where these cold weather activities await:

🥾 Outdoor adventures
  • Stroll crisp trails: Enjoy the outdoors during nature’s slumber by hiking J. Bayard Clark, Rowan, and Mazarick parks — or (winter) birdwatching at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
  • Soar through pines: Yes, ZipQuest’s treetop adventure is open year-round.
☕ Cozy escapes
  • Stay indoors: Immerse yourself in family-friendly fun at the Cape Fear Complex, Fayetteville History Museum, or Fascinate-U Children’s Museum’s interactive exhibits.
  • Warm your hands: Ditch the gloves and sip on seasonal delights at Rude Awakening, Vagabond Cafe, or Blanc Roasters.
  • Get comfort food coma: Experience Fayetteville’s haven for Southern delights with DistiNCtly Fayetteville’s Quintessential Southern Comfort Food Guide.
🧖 Unwind
  • Unwind with the perfect pint: Explore any of Hometown Hops’ six local breweries.
  • Feel the winter wellness: Get pampered at Between Heaven and Earth Spa or The Renaissance.
More things to do + see
News Notes
Coming Soon
  • Trader Joe’s corporate team members confirmed a second store in Raleigh, but haven’t specified where. Triangle Business Journal previously shared the popular chain may go to North Raleigh, but no confirmation yet. (The News & Observer)
Eat
  • Bake shop Layered Croissanterie is shaking things up with its V-Day menu featuring pastries themed to classic rom-coms. The “50 First Dates” danish with coconut + pineapple is one we want to wake up and try every single day like it’s the first time.
Try This
  • The City of Raleigh’s Department of Equity and Inclusion is hosting a Black History Month Mixer at the City of Raleigh Museum on Friday, Feb. 23. This event will specifically celebrate cultural contributions of African Americans locally + globally, and the event is free to attend.
Drink
  • The Carolina Ballet is opening its 2024 season with “Rhapsody in Blue” at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. After the show, grab a “Rhapsody in Blue” themed drink steps away at 10th and Terrace. The Blue Pointe Shoes cocktail is made with blue + color changing ingredients like Conniption’s Kinship Gin.
Fun Fact
Holiday
 
Asked

🗓️ By leaps and bounds

Leap day: How would you spend an extra 24 hours in Raleigh?
Raleigh's skyline.
The City of Oaks is ready to be explored. | Photo by RALtoday
2024 is a leap year, meaning there’s an extra day tucked into February to keep our calendar on track. Without leap years, calendars would be off by ~501 days — so Feb. 5, 2024 would actually be June 22, 2025, or the middle of summer.

We’re treating Thursday, Feb. 29 as a free day where you can do whatever you’d like, maybe something you’ve never tried before.

We want to know: How would you spend an extra 24 hours in Raleigh? You might try a lavish restaurant you’ve never found time for, give back to the community, or literally take a leap and go skydiving — the sky’s the limit.

Let us know how you’d like to spend your extra day in Raleigh — no restrictions — and we’ll share some of our favorites on leap day 2024.
Let us know
The Buy

The Buy 2.05.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
These cowgirl boot stir sticks from Coco Cadeaux’s collection. They’re festive, pink, and perfect for your Galentine’s Day celebration (bonus: they’re also BPA free).
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The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof

Today’s edition by:
Allie
From the editor
This weekend, friends + I sipped mochas at Black & White Coffee, shopped vintage at TrunkShow, treated ourselves to Andia’s, and picked out new greenery at Urban Pothos’ new location. Looks like I’m making great progress on my Raleigh Bingo card.
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