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89º | 80% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:16 a.m. | Sunset 8:26 p.m.
 

🍒 Meet the cherry bounce

The history of Raleigh’s official cocktail, the cherry bounce
AVLtoday_Cherry Bounce_moonshine
Try a moonshine take on the classic cocktail, made right here in NC. | Photo via South Mountain Distillery
Known as NC’s oldest drink and Raleigh’s official cocktail, the cherry bounce has a strong history in Oak City and may have influenced the birth of Raleigh. Here’s the backstory of the historic cocktail and how to make one yourself.

The cherry bounce, made with cherries aged in liquor, first made its way to Raleigh in the 1760s via Isaac Hunter’s tavern in Wake Crossroads, generally believed to be the current site of the North Raleigh Hilton hotel. Although Hunter didn’t invent the cocktail — George Washington was a fan before it came to NC — NC bigwigs were fans and flocked to Hunter’s tavern.

When deciding on the capital of the Tar Heel State, North Carolina General Assembly members decided the capital should be within 10 miles of their favorite tavern, Hunter’s. Joel Lane however, wanted his land to be purchased for the capital instead of Hunter’s. The story goes that after a night full of cherry bounce at Lane’s home, his tract of land became the state capital and was named after explorer Sir Walter Raleigh and the rest was history.

Psst... learn more about Raleigh’s early days and more fun facts.

Now that you know its history, here’s how to make the cocktail two ways.

This traditional recipe from Southern Living has fresh or frozen cherries aged in spices + vodka, brandy, or bourbon for up to three months. The final product will be strong and sweet; make it into a more traditional cocktail with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a boozy Carolina Shirley Temple.

If you need to try this drink now, not three months from now, try Walter Magazine’s modified recipe via Dave Rose made with cherry vodka, cranberry juice, and lime.
Asked

Which historical figure most likely never had a cherry bounce?
A. Joel Lane
B. Isaac Hunter
C. Sir Walter Raleigh
D. George Washington
Let's bounce
 
Events
Tuesday, July 23
  • Colored Pencil Magic | Tuesday, July 23 | 6-9 p.m. | The CoLab, 14 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 17, Raleigh | $30 | Intended for folks 18 and older, create vibrant art with the help of a pro.
  • Beer and Banjos | Tuesday, July 23 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Head to the back patio for a live outdoor banjo show.
Wednesday, July 24
  • Cornhole Tournament | Wednesday, July 24 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Compass Rose Brewery, 3201 Northside Dr., Ste. 101, Raleigh | Free | Put your cornhole game to the test in this weekly tournament.
  • Little Fentonian Flicks | Wednesday, July 24 | 10 a.m. | Fenton, 201 Fenton Gateway Dr., Cary | Free | Watch “The Grinch” on the lawn of this shopping center.
Thursday, July 25
More Raleigh happenings
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Arts

🎭 The most dramatic season yet: Raleigh Little Theatre’s 2024-2025 lineup
Raleigh-Little-Theatre-07.23.14.jpg
The cast of Raleigh Little Theatre’s June 2024 production of Kinky Boots performs on stage. | Photo by Camille Mahs
Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT) — a historic community theatre enriching Raleigh through powerful live productions — kicks off its exciting 2024-2025 season on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

The new season’s diverse lineup offers something for everyone, including:
  • Big musicals like “Something Rotten!” and “The Color Purple”
  • Dramas including “Doubt, a Parable,” and “Morning After Grace” (taking place in the intimate black box theatre)
  • Family-friendly shows like “Akeelah and the Bee,” “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.,” and the first-ever production for ages 0-5, “All Smiles”
  • Holiday traditions continued with the 40th annual production of “Cinderella”
  • Completely teen-run production of “Our Town (Multilingual),” a product of RLT’s immersive summer program
RLT also offers sensory-friendly performances for family shows and audio-described performances for every show.

Pro tip: Save money and enjoy exclusive perks by subscribing to the season, or see a show for free by volunteering as an usher.
See the lineup + buy tickets
News Notes
Edu
  • Saint Augustine’s University has reclaimed its accreditation thanks to a decision by its arbitration committee. The original decision to revoke the school’s accreditation was made December 2023, and the university is still under probation. (WRAL)
Coming Soon
  • Mini golf and arcade destination ParTee Shack will open two additional locations in north Raleigh, joining Celebration Six Forks and Capital Marketplace. Expect unique offerings at each new location, potentially including go-karts, laser tag, VR games, and more, in addition to inventive mini golf. (The News & Observer)
Try This
  • This week is GalaxyCon at the Raleigh Convention Center. Starting this Thursday, July 25, meet celebrities like William Shatner, Sam Raimi, and Matthew Lillard, shop an exhibition hall, and participate in epic events. Some tickets are still up for grabs — get yours.
Development
  • A new development from Kane Realty is coming to Raleigh’s West End. Mixed-use project Oldham & Worth will be at the intersection of West Cabarrus + South West streets — expect upscale apartments, ground-floor retail, and an industrial aesthetic.
Raleighite
  • American Aquarium frontman BJ Barham and 919 native was profiled by Rolling Stone ahead of the band’s 10th album, “The Fear of Standing Still,” out this Friday, July 26. Learn more about the local rocker and see what local spot he calls “that one meal.”
Holiday
  • Is it Christmas in July? Red Hat Amphitheater’s seasonal ice skating rink will return to the outdoor music venue, opening the day of Raleigh’s Christmas Parade, Nov. 23. THE RINK will remain open through Jan. 20, 2025 — tickets go on sale as early as this Friday, July 26.
Sports
  • Registration for adult softball, baseball, and kickball leagues through the City of Raleigh is now open through Sunday, July 28. Costs vary per sport, and leagues run through the fall.
Drink Up
  • Thirsty? Well (or top-shelf), the wait is over — Drink Up Week sponsored by AVA Rooftop Bar has arrived. We’re celebrating our city’s vibrant beverage culture through Friday, July 26 with buzzy deals from local businesses including Tap Yard Raleigh + Idle Hour Coffee Roasters. Find a deal and toast to Raleigh’s entrepreneurs, mixologists, venues, and drinks.
Drink
  • You know what sounds refreshing? This easy-to-make super citrus juice, featuring lemons, oranges, apples, ginger, and a dash of cayenne. Get juicing.*
Fun Fact
Wellness
  • This hearing device is not for everyone… because not everyone wants to talk to other people. (We’re sometimes in our introvert era, too.) But if you do want to have clear conversations, meet the first hearing aid designed with conversation in mind. Bonus: It’s so small, it’s basically unnoticeable.*
 
Drink Up

Food

🍹 This summer bar crawl has three distinct vibes
Presented by a RALtoday Partner
Three cocktails at Sports & Social, PBR, and AVA Rooftop Bar.
Try three Drink Up Week specials in one Cary destination. | Photos provided by Sports & Social Cary
To celebrate Drink Up Week, we present the ultimate summer bar crawl. Bonus: You can enjoy three unique experiences in just one building.

First up is Sports & Social. This unique sports bar is featuring the “Just Peachy” cocktail for $12 all week.

Next, head up to PBR for a $15 “Tropical Red Bull” and cowboy vibes.

Finally, sip and savor a $15 margarita flight (and sunset views, if you time it right) at AVA Rooftop Bar.
You could be here
The Buy

The Buy 7.23.24 (Affiliate)
Ranger Ready’s tick and insect repellent. Rated 4.5 stars, the spray-on repellent comes with one spray to use on clothes monthly and one spray for daily use. Psst — Use code “20JULYREADY” at checkout for 20% off.
More worth The Buy
 
The Wrap
 
Allie Remhof

Today’s edition by:
Allie
From the editor
Hey, Raleigh. I’m hearing that Postino Wine Cafe will open its doors at Village District next Monday, July 29. If you’re curious about menu offerings, plenty of our Postino-aquainted Instagram followers sounded off in the comments of a recent post — I’m eyeing the ricotta donut holes and sweet potatoes.
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