For the ones who want a night out on the town

• Remember your date forever by painting pottery at Klaystation — or reenact “Ghost” with a wheel throwing class.
• Cozy up with drinks and desserts at Bittersweet’s bar. Plus, this cocktail + dessert lounge earned a semifinalist spot in the 2024 James Beard Awards.
• If you’re feeling ready to show off your artistic side, bring a bottle to Wine & Design at Raleigh Union Station to prove you know how to color outside the lines.

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

• Grab a bev at Dram & Draught, and if you get hungry, order a pie from Vic’s Pizzeria next door to enjoy at the bar.
• Order some unique pastas to “Lady and the Tramp” and try the community table for a communal dining experience at one of Raleigh’s hottest spots — Figulina.

If you want an “old fashioned”-style date

• Take a day trip to Fearrington Village for a romantic, relaxing stroll through the grounds, afternoon tea, a visit with the belted sheep, and a trip to the world-class spa. Psst... if it works out, this village would make for an unforgettable wedding.
• Walk through Historic Oakwood for a glance at some of Raleigh’s oldest homes.
• Want Paris vibes on a Raleigh budget? Spend the day shopping + eating through Lafayette Village, including Simply Crepes, Jubala Coffee, and countless boutiques.

• Cupcake Decorating | Monday, Sept. 23 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Wyntons World Cooking School, Cary | $70 | Learn how to frost, mold, and pipe buttercream for perfect cupcakes.
• Bingo Night | Monday, Sept. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | The Longleaf Hotel | Free | Play bingo in this chic lounge with fab prizes and a lively host.

• Public Library Pop-up | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | Times vary | Dorothea Dix Park | Free | Families can come for an interactive story time and sign up for library cards at the park.
• IBMA Bluegrass Ramble | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | The Pour House Music Hall | Free | The bluegrass fun will start early at this pre-fest ramble with plenty of folksy strings + lyrics.

• Pests 101 | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Copperline Plant Co. | $35 | Learn how to properly identify and eradicate houseplant pests + make your own insecticidal soap to take home.

• Abbey Road: Tribute to the Beatles | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8-10 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $20+ | Watch John, George, Paul, and Ringo perform The Beatles’ greatest hits.

• A two-night stay to Tempo Raleigh — Downtown Raleigh’s stylish, new centrally-located hotel that opens this fall.
• A $100 gift card to Urban Oak — Tempo Raleigh’s coming-soon rooftop bar (and Raleigh tallest rooftop dining) that will feature craft cocktails, tapas, and expansive views.
• $50 gift card to Moonsong Cafe — Tempo Raleigh’s dawn-to-dusk cafe with breakfast and coffee in the morning + craft cocktails and bites at night.

• Durham scoop shop Simons Says Dip This will join Bloc[83] alongside tenants Dram & Draught, 321 Coffee, Vic’s Pizzeria, and more. The ice cream shop will open later this fall and feature fully customizeable cones, stuffed cookies, ‘90s-style decor, and more. (Raleigh Magazine)

• As you’re driving west down Hillsborough Street this week, you might notice a missing overpass. NCDOT demolished the 66-year-old 440 bridge to make way for a new roadway. This is part of NCDOT’s reconfiguration of the Beltline at Hillsborough, Wade, Western, and Jones Franklin. (The News & Observer)

• This week is IBMA Bluegrass Live!'s final stand in Raleigh — read about how the event has changed over the years and how Raleigh has functioned as a welcoming front porch for bluegrass since 2013. (Raleigh Magazine)

• Go Banking Rates rated Raleigh as one of five cities where you might see the most affordable home listings as a result of rates dropping. Raleigh had a 5.2% gain in affordability with healthcare, utilities, and transportation costs lower than the national standard. Learn more about Raleigh’s cost of living.

• Renowned soccer player Mia Hamm will speak at UNC-Chapel Hill’s commencement in 2025. Hamm graduated from UNC in 1994 and led the Tar Heels to four national titles in soccer.

• Curious what’s inside downtown’s newest apartment community? That’s what we’re here for.*

• You’ve got a football watch party this weekend and you’ve been asked to bring an appetizer. We have a feeling this baked pimento cheese dip or taco crescent ring will do the trick.*

• See results sooner when you pair your existing skin treatments with Synergy’s new LighStim LED Therapy. This synergistic enhancement promotes quicker recovery, reduces inflammation, and even smooths fine lines over time. See it in action.*

• Lyft’s Women+ Connect empowers women and nonbinary drivers. New drivers (of any gender) earn a $400 bonus for 40 rides in seven days. Terms apply.*