Have as much as you can before the sun sets on summer. | Photo by @antionneking
As summer winds down, Raleigh is brimming with opportunities to savor the season’s final days. From mouthwatering barbecue to festivals in downtown, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the warm weather. Here are five experiences offering a blend of relaxation + adventure.
Barbecue or grill out
Outdoor meals and barbecues are quintessential summer experiences, offering a combination of great food + fresh air. For a memorable meal, consider grabbing takeout from a local eatery like Sam Jones BBQ and savoring it in an intimate park. One of our favorite parks is Lake Johnson Park.
Beach day
Whether you’re basking in the sun or swimming in the waves, the beach offers a combination of tranquility and adventure. For an unforgettable experience, consider visiting Sandling Beach in Wake Forest for its serene atmosphere or head to Carolina Beach for a lively vibe, only a ~2.5 hour drive.
Some of Raleigh’s quintessential barbecue.
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Photo by @samjonesbbq + Baxter Miller
Day trips
Day trips are a fantastic way to break free from routine and explore new surroundings. For an escape ~3 hours down the road, visit Darby Acres Farm to experience the charm of rural life and exotic animals, or head to Bald Head Island, ~4 hours away, for a Martha’s Vineyard feel and a picturesque lighthouse.
Festivals
Festivals capture the spirit of summer, offering music, art, food, and community celebration. Immerse yourself in the season’s festivities + consider attending Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival in Cary on Saturday, Aug. 24 where handmade goods meets local entertainment, or head to Carolinadaze in Raleigh on Saturday, Sept. 14 for a showcase of arts + music featuring Grammy award-winning artist Janelle Monae.
Rooftop meals
Rooftop meals offer a stylish + memorable way to savor summer evenings, combining cuisine with skyline views. For an exceptional experience, consider dining at The Willard, where you can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere or visit AVA Rooftop Bar for a vibrant setting with inventive cocktails. Pro tip: Always check the sites for events.
Asked
What’s something you have to do every summer?
A. Barbecue or grill out B. Beach day C. Day trip D. Festivals
Xtreme Hip Hop Step Class | Monday, Aug. 19 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Sanderford Community Center | $5 | Move your body to an upbeat tempo + merge fun with exercise.
Cooking with Class | Monday, Aug. 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co. | $75 | Craft tasty + authentic handmade dumplings under the guidance of Chef Pamela Clark.
“Love Island USA” Reunion Watch Party & Cheese Bar | Monday, Aug. 19 | 8-10:30 p.m. | Belltree Cocktail Club, Carrboro | $25 | We’ve got a text — join The Cheese Shop and the Belltree Cocktail Club for a live watch party of the Season 6 “Love Island USA” reunion, plus an all-you-can-handle cheese bar.*
Tuesday, Aug. 20
City Club Raleigh Networking | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | City Club Raleigh | $12 | Enjoy an evening of relaxed networking + socializing — the first drink is included in the ticket price.
Tuesday Trivia | Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 6:30 p.m. | Riparian Provision Company | $25-$50 | Engage in a fun night of friendly intellectual competition with prizes for first, second + third place winners.
Whitley Law Firm is headquartered in Raleigh + serves all of North Carolina. | Photo provided by Whitley Law Firm
Many of life’s dicier situations can’t be solved with a simple Google search.
Like, what happens if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident? Or injured on the job?
These types of critical, potentially expensive situations are exactly why everyone needs a good personal injury lawyer.
Along with peace of mind, personal injury lawyers can provide:
Guidance and expertise in personal injury cases + local laws
Dedicated personnel to investigate and gather evidence on your behalf
Negotiations with insurance companies to provide an accurate valuation of your claim
Legal representation in court (of course)
Whitley Law Firm, a local family-owned law firm, offers 100% free consultations to help determine whether pursuing legal action is appropriate, or what a case might entail.
The North Hills-based biz has spent the last 50 years helping North Carolinians with a wide range of personal injury cases, from car accidents to faulty products and more.
Seaboard Station is getting a new concept full of nostalgia and fun. Pins Mechanical Co. is set to open in late 2025 and will include duckpin bowling, arcade games, and plenty more. (The News & Observer)
Jobs
The list of Best Places to Work in the Triangle was released, and the 919 has quite the mix of large and small companies to choose from. Some of the growing companies that were awarded for exemplary employment include Edward Jones, SoftPro, and Seguno Software. (Triangle Business Journal)
Tech
Let’s space out for a sec. Duke is leading a project contributing to NASA’s new space telescope, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. NCCU is contributing under Duke’s guidance by collecting data and detecting + measuring light to support the telescope’s functionality. (WUNC)
Concert
The Rialto has announced the return of its Fall Concert Series with a full lineup. Shows will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 14 with Joan Osborne and conclude Saturday, Dec. 28 with The Beatles Tribute — grab your tickets early.
Ranked
Clever — a real estate focused organization — reported Raleigh as No. 4 among most underrated cities and No. 6 among friendliest cities after conducting a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults. Way to go Raleigh. (The News & Observer)
The Word
Demure — meaning “affectedly modest, reserved, or serious” (in the literal sense) — is TikTok’s latest trend. Being demure is “all about being mindful, not doing too much and of course, being very cutesy.” We identified a few things in Raleigh we find demure.
Try This
Looking to get active or for a new beau? Neighborhood Bar is starting a singles walk + run club on Thursdays. Both single and couples are welcomed while urged to wear colors to differentiate. Options for one-, two-, or three- mile routes are available.
Opening
From wisdom teeth to implants — and every specialty dental need in between — you’ll be in good hands when Vista Oral Surgery & Implants opens its new location in Raleigh this fall. Meet Dr. Gregory Taylor + get to know their expert services.*
Eat
Soup season is nearly upon us (kind of), so we’re gearing up with an easy minestrone soup. This dish is delicious year-round, but it’s elevated with fresh summer veggies (think: tomatoes and basil). Get cooking.*
Giveaway
There’s still time to enter the $1,500 Botox Bliss Giveaway, giving one lucky winner 100 units of Botox to be used at Synergy Face + Body’s luxe new Midtown location. Enter on Instagram before Wednesday, Aug. 21 at noon for a chance to win.*
Civic
Quirky illegal acts
3 things you didn’t know were illegal in NC
This downtown mural is as quirky as some of NC’s lesser known laws. | Photo by RALtoday
NC is home to some quirky and lesser-known laws that might surprise you. Here are three acts in NC that you probably didn’t know were illegal.
Borrowing your neighbor’s dog
It might sound like a harmless act of neighborly borrowing, but it’s illegal to “borrow” someone else’s dog without permission. The law treats pets as property, and taking animals without consent is considered theft.
Singing off key
It might seem like a joke, but in NC, singing off key in public can technically be illegal. This regulation falls under the category of disturbing the peace. While it’s unlikely you’ll be fined or arrested, the law reflects an outdated approach to maintaining public order.
Time limit on Bingo games
Bingo is a popular game enjoyed by many, but did you know that NC has specific regulations governing its play? According to state law, Bingo games cannot exceed five hours.
The Buy
The Buy 8.19.24 (Affiliate)
These reusable food storage bags. They’re made from food-grade silicone, making them dishwasher and microwave-safe, leak-free, and an eco-friendly solution to disposable plastic bags.
This weekend was just what I needed — full of thrift shopping at various shops around Raleigh for home decor and the farmers market. I enjoyed my weekend so much that I’m challenging myself to a no-spend week.
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