Who’s in the running

• The Left Hook Coffee and Sir Walter Coffee | The Left Hook proudly roasts its own beans in small batches in neighborhood bar Gussie’s, and Sir Walter roasts + serves its own beans as well in a prime spot in downtown Raleigh
• Jubala Coffee and Black & White Coffee Roasters | Jubala boasts inventive brews + fan-favorite food offerings, and Black & White serves a perfect mocha paired with its roasted blends, thanks to Videri.
• NoRa Cafe and Bad Cat Coffee Co. | NoRa is a North Raleigh staple open later than the rest, and Bad Cat is a smaller operation in Morgan Street Food Hall.
• Sola Coffee Cafe and The Optimist Raleigh | Sola’s food + snacks can’t be beat, and we love the moody ambiance of local haunt The Optimist.

How it works

How to participate

• The Triangle Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt | Wednesday, March 6 | 8:30 a.m. | Nash Square, 200 S. McDowell St., Raleigh | $15 | Complete challenges around the 919 and unearth secret locations.
• Cooking for the Kids | Wednesday, March 6, Thursday, March 7, Thursday, March 14 | Times vary | 1705 East, 1705 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh | $100-$150 | This cooking competition features premier chefs competing against each other — there will be six delectable courses to vote on, with proceeds going to Overflowing Hands.

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens | Thursday, March 7 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $30-$285 | The Canes will hit the rink against the Habs.
• Beginners’ Tai Chi Gung w/ Robin Kriete | Thursday, March 7 | 7:15-8:15 p.m. | Northeast Regional Library, 14401 Green Elm Ln., Raleigh | Free | This class will teach you the ancient art of Tai Chi Gung, which creates balance and harmony.

• Carolina FiberFest 2024 | Friday, March 8-Saturday, March 9 | Times vary | NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh | $0-$8 | Yarn enthusiasts unite at this unique fiber-filled event.
• Handmade Pasta (With and Without the Roller) | Friday, March 8 | 6-8 p.m. | Current Wellness, 219 S. East St., Raleigh | $80-$150 | Get ready to knead and roll your own pasta in this vegetarian-friendly class.

• Gabriel Iglesias: Don’t Worry Be Fluffy | Saturday, March 9 | 8 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $100-$250 | You know this comedian from his many comedy specials and more — laugh with him live.

1. Tidy up the landscaping and add fresh black mulch to the beds for that pop of contrast
2. Add a fresh coat of paint + modern house numbers
3. Make sure the entryway is clean, including light fixtures

• New Anthem Beer Project closed its Smoky Hollow location for good. After recent occasional closures, this brewery closed its Raleigh space indefinitely and will remain open at its home base locations in Wilmington.

• The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to pledge $7 million to 12 nonprofit organizations. Projects you might recognize include A Place at the Table’s food truck to visit after school programs and The Women’s Center of Wake County to create an overnight shelter.

• Taking the bus in Raleigh just got even easier. Real-time tracking for the GoRaleigh system is now available on Google Maps — you can also enable bus notifications to help get you where you need to be on time. (ABC 11)

• Today is the first day of the ACC women’s basketball tournament in Greensboro. Triangle teams, including No. 8 UNC, No. 7 Duke, and No. 2 NC State, will ball against formidable ACC opponents. Tickets are still available for all games in the Gate City.

• The Women’s Center urgently needs volunteers. Shifts are open for volunteer receptionists, warehouse volunteers, and breakfast + lunch providers.

• Coworking Cafe ranked Raleigh as the No. 5 best city for work/life balance in the US. Raleigh scored a 100 on affordability and got high marks for the environment. Peruse our Work City Guides for more info on careers in Raleigh.

• You’ve got 20 minutes to make and eat your lunch before your next meeting. Enter: This cheddar ranch chicken + bacon melt. It’s warm, it’s savory, it’s hearty — it’s a yes from us.*

• Have you seen what’s new at RDU? See what’s coming soon to Raleigh-Durham International Airport — plus get recs on our favorite food, drink + shopping spots to hit (hint: it includes a beer only available at RDU).*

• Refresh your skin ahead of sunny spring days with a rejuvenating facial at Woodhouse Spa. With 10+ specialized treatments from “Lift + Firm” to “Illuminate,” there’s a luxurious option for every skin type and need. Take a look + book.*

• Missed the 2024-25 magnet school application deadline? You have a second chance to secure a spot. Families can submit transfer requests during the Round Two application period of March 4-15 — available for select schools with open seats available. See which schools having openings + apply.*

• It’s now easier than ever to advertise with us. With our self-service advertising options (which start at $25), your promotion could go live as early as today. Make it happen.