The Hollywood Sign, the Eiffel Tower, and Krispy Kreme
Raleigh’s most iconic landmarks
This Raleigh icon stands proud in the middle of downtown. | Photo by RALtoday
We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?
That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 20 of the most recognizable Raleigh landmarks — from the NC State Memorial Belltower to Raleigh’s giant acorn. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll get you where you need to go in a jiffy.
Dorothea Dix Park
Address: 1030 Richardson Dr.
Nearby: State Farmers Market, NC State’s Centennial Campus
This park has it all: a 35-acre meadow, a dog park, seasonal sunflowers, disc golf, and plenty of history. Events are held year-round in this greenspace, including Dreamville, Falling for Local, and more.
This promenade is just part of the $1 billion mixed-use development upgrade coming to Carter-Finley + the Lenovo Center.
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Rendering provided by the Carolina Hurricanes
Lenovo Center
Address: 1400 Edwards Mill Rd.
Nearby: Carter-Finley Stadium, NC State Fairgrounds
This newly renamed arena houses NC State men’s basketball and the Carolina Hurricanes — sometimes on the same day. This Raleigh landmark will be receiving funds for arena updates, like updated fan amenities and revamped common areas.
These historic fairgrounds host over 500 events a year, including the NC State Fair in October. While you pass by, don’t miss Dorton Arena and its iconic saddle-shaped roof.
Walk the 72 acres to remember Raleighites who have died. Plus, Dia de Oakwood honors deceased loved ones every year on the cemetery’s grounds, starting on Saturday, Oct. 26 this year.
Person Street Krispy Kreme
Address: 549 N. Person St.
Nearby: Crawford and Son, Historic Oakwood
Did you know? Krispy Kreme was born in North Carolina, and it’s basically city law to stop when the “Hot Now” sign is lit. And on one special day each year, NC State students run from the Belltower to this iconic spot, eat a dozen donuts, and run back — all for a good cause.
Vampire Weekend With Special Guest Cults | Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 8 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $45+ | You know these indie rockers from hits like “A-Punk” and “Hannah Hunt” — listen to tunes from their new album “Only God Was Above Us.”
Movies in the Garden: “Hocus Pocus” | Thursday, Oct. 10 | 6 p.m. | Raleigh Little Theater | $5 | Get a tingle down your spine with this Halloween classic.
Friday, Oct. 11
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Tampa Bay Lightning | Friday, Oct. 11 | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $39+ | It’s the first game of the regular season for the Canes — see the refreshed squad square up against the Lightning.
North Carolina Courage vs. Angel City FC | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary | $23+ | Celebrate the work of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund + honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month with free mammograms, a live band, and special-themed giveaways at this special Play4Kay NC Courage match.*
Get a sneak peek at the latest trends in interior design in these newly built homes. | Photos provided by Loyd Builders, Hearthstone Luxury Homes, and Thayer Homes.
Need some feel-good news?
The Triangle Parade of Homes — which is offering a last chance to tour NC’s largest open house event of the year this weekend — recently shared that the NC Home Builders Association has raised $308,000+ to support hurricane recovery efforts in WNC.
Stop by one of 240+ homes across eight counties, ranging from $275,000 to over $5 million, during the Triangle Parade of Homes’ final weekend, 12-5 p.m. this Friday-Sunday, Oct. 11-13.
Timber Pizza Co. will open near J Betski’s at 627 E. Whitaker Mill Rd. on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Grab the first slice of inventive pies from this DC-based pizzeria — we’re eyeing the Lucy and Pretty in Pepperoni.
Eat
The NC State Fair has a bevy of new bites this year, including a fried cheesy croissant from LaFarm Bakery, pickle Dr. Pepper, and an Alaskan King Crab on a stick. Read up on all the fair’s offerings this year and what you need to know before you go. (The News & Observer)
Civic
Raleigh’s mayoral + city council races are heating up — hear what the candidates have to say about top Oak City issues including housing, transportation and infrastructure. And while you’re at it, check before this Friday, Oct. 11 to make sure you’re registered and active to vote on Nov. 5. (Raleigh Magazine)
Ranked
Beep beep. WalletHub ranked Raleigh as the No. 1 best city to drive in — Oak City ranked particularly well in average parking rates, car maintenance costs, and annual hours spent in congestion.
Cause
We’ve raised over $8,000 for BeLoved Asheville from readers across North and South Carolina — thank you. 100% of donations go toward supporting food and water distribution, clothing and supply deliveries, and debris cleanup across the region. Donate now.
State
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, it’s important to have accurate information about donations and FEMA assistance. Read up on what has been verified by journalists, local spokespersons, and other reliable sources to stay informed. (The News & Observer)
Biz
Want more eyes on your business but can’t figure out how to get them? We’ll let you in on a secret… Our self-service advertising portal is designed to help you reach our local audience through listings, banner ads, and articles. Get started.
Pumpkin season is in full swing, and so is our seasonal baking hobby. This week, we’re trying mini pumpkin pie brulees and spiced pumpkin cupcakes. Psst… both are ready in less than an hour.*
Seasonal
Look + feel your best ahead of the holidays with Fab Week savings at Synergy. The wildly popular bi-annual event is the best time to try new treatments or save on your faves, with serious discounts on Botox, beauty essentials, laser sessions, and more. Start planning your glow.*
The first Char-Grill opened on Hillsborough Street in 1959. | Photo by RALtoday
The original Char-Grill is up for sale again after the previous buyer withdrew from the purchase. The lot is zoned for 20 stories and is being sold as “one of the last remaining development opportunities in Glenwood South.” We want to know: What do you want to see happen to the iconic restaurant?
While more apartments near Glenwood South would add housing, many in our Instagram comments want Char-Grill to stay, with folks like NC college bar Sup Dogs and the team behind The Yard Milkshake Bar indicating their interest in the property. Others want the best of both worlds — take down the building for apartments and have a shiny new Char-Grill location on the ground floor.
Fun fact: This isn’t the first time this location has faced demolition. In 1974, landlord Dorothy Vickers wanted to mow down the building for a parking lot.
I took a long weekend in Asheboro to stay in a cozy tiny house and visit the NC Zoo for the first time — did you know it’s the world’s largest natural habitat zoo? I know I’m headed back once the zoo’s Asia section opens in 2026 — check out more animal experiences closer to home.
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