April 10, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

79º | 20% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 7:44 p.m.

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🥾 Happy trails

Park rangers at William B. Umstead State Park are employed by the State of NC. | Photo by @jenneunc

From quick and easy loops around town to short drives that take you to fantastic lakes and mountainous areas, the Triangle has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Raleigh area with 20 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.

Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.

Key: Easy = 🥾 | Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾

The NCMA Park during fall. — The Museum Park is breathtaking during fall.
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Photo by Martha K.

Wake County

North Carolina Museum of Art Park, NCMA, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd.

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.7 miles
Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash
Wheelchair accessible: Partially; not all paths are paved

This pleasant stroll is mostly on a paved walkway. There are great views of the Museum Park’s art, like the hidden Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky, and beautiful flora, plus plenty of places to lay out a blanket for an after-hike picnic.

Company Mill Loop, William B. Umstead State Park, 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 6 miles
Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash
Wheelchair accessible: No

Hike this trail if you want a mix of nature and history. In the beginning of the hike you will come across Crabtree Creek where the Company Mill existed in the 1800s. There, you can spot the remains of an old dam before crossing a bridge into the trail’s looped section.

20200616_150515 — Find this chainsaw art in Umstead State Park.
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Photo by @sarah.flows

Durham County

Couch Mountain Trail, Duke Forest, NC-751, Durham

Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Length: 1.8 miles
Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash
Wheelchair accessible: No

Hike this trail if you are looking to explore broad paths filled with vibrant wildflowers in Duke Forest.

Cole Mill Trail Loop to Bobbit Hole Trail, Eno River State Park, 4113 Cole Mill Rd., Durham

Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 2.4 miles
Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash
Wheelchair accessible: No

This trail features the Bobbit Hole — a notable geological feature with a mysterious history. Cole Mill once operated on the far side of the river from 1814-1908.

Explore this map to see which hikes are close to you.

16 more hikes to explore

Poll

What is most important to you when choosing a hike?

A. Level of difficulty
B. Time to complete/number of miles
C. Unmatched views
D. It’s all about the hiking location

Ready for adventure?

Events

Wednesday, April 10

Midweek with Bernadette: Long-lasting Annuals | Wednesday, April 10 | 3-3:45 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join this online session where Bedding Plant Trials Coordinator Bernadette Clark will reveal some of the longest-lasting annuals to add to your garden.
Wine + Weeds | Wednesday, April 10 | 6-7 p.m. | Raleigh City Farm, 800 N. Blount St., Raleigh | Free | Put in some work at the farm and enjoy a splash of wine from Wine Authorities.
Também | Wednesday, April 10 | 5:15 p.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | $5-$10 | The woman-led Durham-based quartet is known for exploring the sounds at the intersection of Brazilian and American music.

Thursday, April 11

Helen Wildy | Thursday, April 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club, 401 Woodburn Rd., Raleigh | $20-$28 | Watch this NYC comic take the stage for a night of laughs.

Friday, April 12

Southern Ideal Home Show | Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 14 | Times vary | NC State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Rd., Raleigh | $7-$12 | Talk with home improvement experts, shop home-related products + services, and get inspired for your next home project with displays and presentations.
Public Opening Reception | Friday, April 12 | 6-9 p.m. | CAM Raleigh, 409 W. Martin St., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate five new stunning exhibits — members hour will be from 5 to 6 p.m. with refreshments.
Tell Me Lies: A Tribute To Fleetwood Mac | Friday, April 12 | 8 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall, 224 S. Blount St., Raleigh | $18-$20 | Jam out to classic Fleetwood hits like “Go Your Own Way” and “Gypsy.”

Plan your April

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Festival

🌸 Fayetteville’s famous bash is back

It’s Dogwood Festival time, and everyone is invited to join the fun. | Photos provided by the Dogwood Festival, gif by 6AM City

Grab the fam or your best buds and plan your trip to Fayetteville, NC, because the annual Dogwood Festival is back Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28.

During the 42nd year of this spring tradition, downtown will bloom with exciting entertainment, fabulous food finds, a craft fair, and more family-friendly fun.

🎶 Entertainment

The event kicks off Friday night with a concert by the 82nd Airborne Division’s official rock band, Riser Burn, at Festival Park.

Continue your weekend at the carnival, featuring thrilling rides, games, and other attractions.

🌷 Shop

On Saturday and Sunday, browse arts and crafts from local vendors during the expansive craft fair. From handmade jewelry and portraits to tie-dyed T-shirts and bandanas, you never know what treasures you may find along the historic cobblestone streets.

Pro tip: Explore local shops, too.

🌭 Food + Drinks

Come hungry, because area food trucks + vendors will be set up at Festival Park Plaza. Beer vendors will be pouring tasty favorites from local breweries and restaurants.

More April adventures in Fayetteville

News Notes

Environment

Some experts say NC’s electric vehicle goal, which includes 80,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025, is aggressive, but reachable. Two obstacles encountered are clean energy cost and infrastructure — learn more. (Axios Charlotte)

Try This

Our Earth Day Extravaganza event with The Great Raleigh Cleanup at Moore Square is Sunday, April 21. Join us in celebrating the planet with a fun run, yoga session, massive plant swap, downtown cleanup, eco-friendly market, a showing of “WALL-E” on the lawn, and more. Sign up to volunteer during the event.

Seasonal

Yeehaw, grab your cowboy hat. TG Floral is hosting a Roses + Rodeos Mother’s Day roundup on Friday, May 10, complete with Southern fare. Munch on a four-course Close Fire BBQ meal, dance to music, and enjoy a flower design workshop using NC-grown flowers.

Plan Ahead

Do you have treasures you think are worth a fortune? Have them appraised by folks from Leland Little Auctions at the City of Raleigh Museum on Saturday, May 11. Purchase tickets, bring your prized possessions, and chat with experts over coffee.

Asked

Did you know that it’s National Poetry Month? If you’re a poet and totally know it, try your hand at our RALtoday Poetry Contest. The catch? You can only use words found in our Wednesday, April 3 newsletter. Learn more + submit your poem by this Sunday, April 14.

Giveaway

Village District turns 75 this year, so we’ve partnered with the iconic shopping and dining destination to host an Anniversary Giveaway valued at more than $1,000. Enter on Instagram now through Tuesday, April 16 for a chance to win this special anniversary treasure trove.*

Seasonal

Save on all your faves during Fab Week at Synergy Face + Body. We’re talking discounts of up to 50% on Botox, laser therapy, skin service, and more.*

Edu

Know any rising high school seniors looking for hands-on experience in fashion, design, engineering, or chemistry? Sign them up for NC State’s Summer Textile Exploration Program — an immersive, week-long camp offering industry-focused projects in state-of-the-art labs and studios. Applications are due by April 15.*

Eat

That mid-week dinner slump is real. If you’re itching for inspiration, try cooking up this taco casserole or easy cheesy lasagna. Bon appétit.*

Finance

Cue drum roll. 2024 is here, and the personal finance experts at The Ascent have sorted through hundreds of credit cards to do the work for you. Presenting: These four credit cards, among the best bonus cards the experts have ever seen.*

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The Wrap

Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

Today’s edition by:
Cat

From the editor

I’ve seen comedian Helen Wildy a few times live, and every time I have had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. She used to live in NC, but now resides in NYC. So, whenever she comes back into town to perform, like this Thursday, April 11 at Goodnights Comedy Club or during the Superbloom Comedy Show at The Pour House this Sunday, April 14, I try to snag tickets for a few belly laughs.

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