Raleigh’s on a hot streak for national recognition to start 2024
Plan ahead for the next big festival in Raleigh. | Photo by RALtoday
It’s no secret that Raleigh is climbing the ladder, and these national publications in charge of rankings, lists, and competitions seem to agree. Check out all the national recognition + headlines Raleigh and the Tar Heel State have made in 2024 from large-scale publications, proving we’re No. 1.
College ranking and information site Niche named the US’s top colleges, and five NC colleges are top tier. Duke University, Davidson College, UNC-Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and NC State University all landed in the top 100, each with an A or A+ ranking.
Real Estate
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, these publications are putting Raleigh on the map.
Savannah Miller, the chef de cuisine of M Tempura in Durham, will compete on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 21. Manuel Barella, culinary director for the soon-to-open Jaguar Bolera, will also be a competitor on the show which premieres on March 20.
As of Friday, Feb. 9, Tamasha Modern Indian was trending in Raleigh on Google... probably due to its highly anticipated weekend grand opening.
Events
Monday, Feb. 12
Chef-led Date Night — Chocolate Truffles & Wine Tasting | Monday, Feb. 12 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co., 131 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | $75 | Learn how to create truffles with different profiles, then match them with the perfect wines.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
LANY — a beautiful blur: the world tour 2024 | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 7 p.m. | The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh | $75-$130 | Sing along to songs like “Malibu Nights” with this pop duo.
Valentine’s Macaron Pop-Up | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Village District, 2068 Clark Ave., Raleigh | Free | Stop by the Village District for a free heart-shaped macaron at Little Blue Macaron’s Valentine’s Macaron Pop-Up. Enjoy a tasty treat while you shop, or indulge in an assorted box for that special someone.*
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Love Potions | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 7-9 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | $24-$30 | Hear tales of Raleigh’s most famous love stories while you sip on old-fashioned cocktails.
Andrea Bocelli: 2024 Valentine’s Tour | Wednesday, Feb. 14 | 8 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $98-$450 | Listen to this Italian singer perform a romantic Valentine’s Day show with the NC Symphony.
Thursday, Feb. 15
“She’s The Man” Networking & Movie Night | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 6-9 p.m. | Paragon Theaters, 21 Fenton Main St., Ste. 110, Cary | $10 | Join this fun night of woman empowerment featuring a panel on navigating a male-dominated industry, dinner, drinks, networking, and a screening of “She’s The Man.”
Southern Energy Management is a Certified B Corp that has installed 3,500+ solar systems and 1,000 Tesla Powerwall batteries across North Carolina since 2001. | Photos provided by Southern Energy Management
Not only will your energy bill shrink by 50-80%, but you’ll be protected from unexpected outages + rising grid rates.
Bonus: Duke Energy’s new PowerPair rebate gives eligible homes up to $9,000 back on a new solar + battery system. Combine that with the existing 30% Federal Tax Credit to save half of the total system cost.
The Dix Park dog park will reopen tomorrow, Feb. 13 at 1800 Umstead Dr. after briefly closing to let the grass rest and recover. Bonus: If you’re looking for dog-friendly businesses, we’ve got a guide for that.
Closing
The Triangle Business Journal reported Lori+Lulu announced in an email to customers that it will close April 1 in the Village District. The laid-back boutique’s lease is up, and the store won’t be renewing — grab some digs during close-out sales.
Open
Durham’s Brightleaf Square just welcomed a flavorful new restaurant. Out of Sanford, Fonda Lupita opened its second location with a rotating menu featuring homemade Mexican cuisine like gorditas and menudo. (Eater Carolinas)
Closed
Ashworth Drugs, Cary’s oldest downtown pharmacy + hotdog stop circa 1957, closed its doors on West Chatham Street. The store will reopen on Feb. 21 to sell its remaining inventory. Under state law, patients have to be moved to another pharmacy in the event of closure — Ashworth patients’ info + prescriptions will move to Walgreens. (The News & Observer)
Arts
Raleigh Arts is looking for 8-12th grade Raleigh students to express how they would protect streams from water pollution through a video or drawing/painting. The Capture it! Stormwater Arts Contest will have two category winners receive a $500 prize — the application deadline is Friday, Feb. 23.
Development
The Dix Park team has been hard at work transforming three 100-year-old stone houses into a visitors center, office + education space, and public restrooms on the property. Check out the progress and stay tuned for a ribbon cutting in late spring.
Travel
Getting to the airport early to make your flight try RDU’s expansive dining, drinking + shopping options? Some of our favorite reasons to arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport early: live music and dining at Whiskey River, coffee and baked goods at La Farm, market-style shopping at Root & Branch. Explore more dining + shopping options.*
Finance
Discover a brighter financial future with Money Pickle, your gateway to personalized financial advice. Connect with vetted financial advisors, handpicked to provide fiduciary guidance that directly aligns with your goals for investments, retirement, and beyond. Schedule your complimentary video consultation.*
Cause
Did you know that one donation has the potential to save up to three lives? Share the love this February when you donate blood at your community blood center, The Blood Connection. Make an appointment online or find a donation center near you.*
Seasonal
💝 Don’t forget your Valentine
Last-minute local ideas for Valentine’s Day
Stop by The Willard Rooftop Lounge to sip on cocktails while overlooking the city. | Photo by Anna Routh Barzin, provided by The Willard
There’s no dodging Cupid’s arrow — Valentine’s Day is here. Whether you’re celebrating your friendships or sugaring up your sweetheart, we’ve got last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas that will have you loving love.
Pick up a thoughtful gift
Curate | 15 W. Hargett St. + 4325 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 2079
The Willard Rooftop Lounge | 9 Glenwood Ave. | Bonus: This rooftop bar is hosting its next stargazing event with the Raleigh Astronomy Club on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
Beats Studio Buds, because you deserve an earbud upgrade. The Beats buds use active noise canceling technology for an immersive sound experience. Bonus: They’re sweat and water resistant, aka your new best gym buddy.
I want to wish The Blind Barbour a happy eighth anniversary. We stopped into this speakeasy-style cocktail + whiskey bar on a whim one night and enjoyed a few delicious spirits. I tried (and loved) the PimmBall Wizard — the bartenders were super knowledgeable and loved talking shop. This spot is truly a hidden gem.
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