This skyline view from Boylan Bridge might inspire tears for any loyal Raleighite. | Photo by @raleigh.good
Look, life gets tough. Taking a moment to let it all out can be cathartic and much needed, and we’ve got eight spots to cry in Raleigh from a solitary greenspace sob to a bustling traffic weep.
Blackbird Books & Coffee, 323 Blake St.
Bring your own book or purchase a new one to get your emotions flowing. If you start to feel embarrassed, just use that same book as a face shield to hide those tears.
Boylan Bridge
Take a good look at one of the best views of Raleigh and let the tears flow — a passing train might drown out your sobs. Once you’ve let it all out, pick up a croissant from Boulted Bread or pickle pimento cheese from Wye Hill as a pick-me-up.
Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr. Wide open spaces. This 300+ acre park is home to plenty of cry-worthy spots, including the Big Field, the chapel, and lots of historic locations. Bring your picnic blanket and bawl as much as you need to.
The Rialto, 1620 Glenwood Ave. City Editor Allie here — I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t shed a few tears in this historic theater. It’s up to the other film-goers to figure out if its because of the movie or your personal life.
Wade Avenue
Sometimes you just don’t know when this road will go up, down, left, or right... just like life. While you’re dodging other cars and trying to keep up to speed, feel free to turn on the waterworks — other stressed drivers might be doing the same thing.
Watts & Ward, 200 S. Blount St.
This speakeasy-style bar is fairly dim and has all sorts of nooks + crannies to hide away in and let yourself wail.
YoBa Studio, 5003 Falls of Neuse Rd., Ste. G + 2201 Iron Works Dr., Ste. 105
Is it sweat or tears? Only you know. Plus, a good yoga, cardio, or barre session can help you work out your feelings.
Raleigh Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt | Monday, May 20-Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 8 a.m. | The Cardinal, 713 N. West St., Raleigh | $10 | Explore Raleigh at your own pace while finding gems.
Tuesday, May 21
Movies at the Library | Tuesday, May 21 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Eva Perry Regional Library, 2100 Shepherd’s Vineyard Dr., Apex | Free | Settle in for a screening of “Kung Fu Panda 2" (2011).
Wednesday, May 22
Wine + Weeds | Wednesday, May 22 | 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.
Thursday, May 23
The Comedy Game Show | Thursday, May 23 | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | ComedyWorx, 3801 Hillsborough St., Raleigh | $8 | Participate in this hilarious game show hosted by local comedian Sasha Goldman.
Midtown Beach Music Series | Thursday, May 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Midtown Park, 4011 Cardinal at North Hills St., Raleigh | $5 | Brings island time to Raleigh with a performance from The Chairmen of the Board.
Cheesy comfort food is near and will arrive Tuesday, June 4 by way of I Heart Mac & Cheese, an expanding franchise focused on the southern delicacy. Raleigh’s first location will be inside Quail Corners Shopping Center. The first 25 guests will receive a year’s supply of mac and cheese. (The News & Observer)
Active
Meet other cyclists at the Green Market and Bike Brigade this Wednesday, May 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Exchange Plaza. The event celebrates National Bike Month + vendors include Raleigh Popsicle, Oaks and Spokes, Left Hook Coffee, The Mindful Merchant, and more.
Try This
Make time for fun, fitness, and food on every Final Friday of the month at Moore Square starting next Friday, May 31. The free-entry event will feature an assortment of food trucks, yoga, and live music from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Outdoors
Want to be out in nature? Walnut Creek Wetland Park is hosting a free, four-part series that aims to create an inviting and safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to gather and explore nature. Each event will be guided by a queer naturalist, and the first one is slated for Sunday, June 2.
Civic
Big changes are coming to Raleigh’s downtown municipal buildings. Read up on The News & Observer’s breakdown of what’s being demolished and what’s to come, including the construction across the street from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
Announced
New merch alert. Local biz Murphy’s Naturals just announced an official partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association and dropped fresh + outdoorsy national parks-inspired apparel to celebrate. Pro tip:snag $5 off with code RAL5.*
Travel
✈️ Sky’s the limit
All you need to know about RDU
RDU offers 48 nonstop destinations. | Photo courtesy of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
Last Monday, May 13, RDU set a single day record with nearly 59,000 people traversing the airport, most likely due to Triangle university graduations and Mother’s Day. And this isn’t a fluke — in 2023, RDU was the fastest growing airport in the US with over a 20% increase in seats available year over year.
Read up on our guide to getting through RDU like it’s your job, even with thousands of other bustling travelers.
And don’t worry — RDU is planning to get even better at accommodating fliers from near and far. Construction on RDU’s new runway has already begun + is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Also, construction on the Landside Expansion Plan of Terminal 2 is expected to begin early next year.
An excellent summer hydration bottle: Hydro Flask’s 32-oz. stainless bottle with a flex straw lid. Color “Sugar Crush” is only available for a limited time, and it’s so cute and summery, we’ve got all the heart eyes for it.
Happy Monday, Raleigh. This weekend, I had a great time at Artsplosure and wanted to share this print I got from artist Taylor C. Adams. It has so many cute local details like the giant pink dog statue and features of our skyline. Did you pick up some cool art? I’d love to see it in our inbox.
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