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Taste the essence of fall in a smoked sea salt caramel latte. | Photo by Kyle Hamlin
As the leaves turn crisp and the air fills with a hint of spice, Raleigh transforms into a fall wonderland brimming with seasonal delights. Whether you’re craving a pumpkin spiced latte, a cozy cocktail, or a scrumptious treat, the city’s top spots have got you covered.
Here are 10 places to savor the essence of autumn in every sip and bite.
Coffee spots
Benelux Cafe | Indulge in fall flavored lattes like pumpkin pie, maple, and apple spiced.
Jubala Coffee | Savor the unique tastes of a smoked sea salt caramel latte or refresh with a apple ginger espresso spritz.
Little Blue Bakehouse | Delight in the flavors of the rosemary white chocolate mocha, the cranberry orangeade, and the brown sugar golden milk latte.
The Optimist Raleigh | Enjoy the cozy flavors of an oatmeal cookie matcha or try the Palm Reader tea, an infusion of coconut oolong tea and ginger.
Cocktails galore
Sir Walter Coffee | Indulge in a s’mores espresso martini or savor the maple pecan old fashioned.
The Merchant | Experience the bold flavors of Icon’s American Dream: a combination of Woodinville Bourbon, lemon, honey, ginger, Amaro Montenegro, and elderflower.
The Willard | Refresh with Black is the New Berry, a vibrant cocktail made with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin, a blackberry basil cordial, and topped with a splash of soda.
Sweet treats
Amitie Macaron | Explore a taste of Europe with rich chocolate almond tarts and a selection of other crafted French-inspired pastries.
Groovy Duck Bakery | Delight in autumnal cupcakes, featuring maple walnut spice, peppermint mocha + pumpkin pecan, each offering a festive twist on classic seasonal treats.
lucette grace | Indulge in a creamy cheesecake layered with almond butter cake, candied walnuts, caramelized apples, and rum raisin, or try the pumpkin spice latte pouf.
Maximum Chroma | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Gallery C | Free | Explore the latest paintings of Ana Guzman and sculptures by George Snyder.
Evening Garden Stroll | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum | Free | Take a break from life’s noise and take a peaceful stroll through lush gardens of flowering trees and perennials.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
The Midweek Market at Fenton | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 4-8 p.m. | Fenton | Free | Shop fresh + local produce, handmade goods, local seafood, and more at this casual market.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Line Dancing Boot Camp | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 7-8 p.m. | PBR Cary | $10 | Throw on your boots and prepare to learn how to properly throw down — the line dancing way.
Steward’s Glass Bourbon Tasting | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Devolve | $55 | Taste four bourbon selections while being hosted by Raleigh Food & Wine founder + Executive Bourbon Steward Lisa Jeffries Nobling.
Friday, Sept. 13
Moore Square: Market & Movie Night | Friday, Sept. 13 | 5-9 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | View “Freaky Friday” on the lawn alongside a market + food truck vendors.
Did we mention “The Notebook” author Nicholas Sparks is launching his new book in New Bern? | Photos provided by Visit New Bern
The Pumpkin Spiced Lattes are brewing, football is kicking off, and MumFest is returning to New Bern. We’re calling it — autumn has arrived.
New Bern continues to be one of NC’s most magical fall destinations thanks to its festive schedule of seasonal events, picturesque waterfront setting, and oh-so-cozy downtown.
Slip into your favorite sweater and enjoy a weekend getaway featuring:
MumFest 2024: A colorful explosion of mums, music, and merriment
UNC could see major growth, including adding thousands of students and establishing a new engineering school. The new school would aim to meet the engineering demand in NC and these proposals are just beginning. (Triangle Business Journal)
Community
Wake County’s temporary emergency homeless shelter will close by year-end due to redevelopment plans. A new permanent shelter will open next summer in north Raleigh, following the county’s $1.9 million purchase of a former AT&T building. (The News & Observer)
Theater
Lights, camera, action. Raleigh Little Theatre’s audition process for its upcoming “Cinderella” production begins with an information session next Monday, Sept. 16. General auditions are Sept. 23 + Sept. 24 with callbacks on Sept. 26. For more info detailing casting, rehearsals + more visit RLT’s website.
Pet
The Raleigh Police Department’s Animal Control Unit is hosting rabies and microchip clinics Sunday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 29. For five dollars cash, get your pet a rabies vaccination and receive free microchipping + distemper shots.
Jobs
Don’t miss the City of Raleigh’s Operations Job Fair on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore diverse roles, meet with hiring managers, and find your next career opportunity in areas like Vehicle Fleet Services and Solid Waste. Registration is free.
Watch
Village District announced its outdoor movie series which kicks off on Oct. 10 with “The Sandlot.” Additional films include “The Parent Trap” on Oct. 17 and “Hocus Pocus” on Oct. 24. Halloween costumes are encouraged tickets benefiting Comfort Zone Camp are now available.
Giveaway
Luxe giveaway alert: We’ve partnered with Woodhouse Spa North Hills to give away a $900+ Private Party for three that includes spa sessions, swag bags, champagne, charcuterie + more. Enter to win on Instagram now through Friday, Sept. 13 at noon.*
Finance
Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*
Home
Calling all home decorators. Color matching just got easier with the Nix Mini 3. Use it to match any hue with thousands of name-brand paint colors.*
In an era of fragmentation, we’re focused on uniting the community. | Graphic by 6AM City
In a time where we’re being inundated by political agendas and polarizing ads, RALtoday proudly serves you positive media on the daily that focuses on all the good that’s happening in Raleigh.
We’re a place where people come to learn and fall in love with what’s local, from dining options to community events. We never accept political advertising, so if your brand is tired of being constantly bumped by those ads, consider us your safe space.
I am a fall enthusiast through and through, so with Village District’s upcoming outdoor movie series, I’m thrilled and getting my movie gear ready early.
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