Ahh, the smell of fresh paint. Today we’re excited to share some updates to our newsletter design. We hope these changes will help us deliver an even better reader experience — but as with most remodels, we may experience a few hiccups along the way. If your email doesn’t look quite right or if you have feedback on ways we can continue to improve, please drop us a line.
🎟️ Fair food faves
All’s fair in fried treats and out-of-the-box bites. | Collage and photos by RALtoday
This year, the NC State Fair will welcome 70+ new food items, and we got a taste of what’s to come — including those social media-worthy bites. Here’s what food at the 2024 NC State Fair we loved and can’t wait to try again when the fair opens tomorrow.
The over-the-top (but still good)
State fairs across the nation promise wacky fried dishes, and the NC State fair is no different. Here’s what’s both worth the picture and the price.
Meme Mia, Ezzell’s Somethin’ Good: This deep-fried spaghetti sandwich topped with coleslaw seriously surprised us. The deep-fried element provided a good crunch without overpowering any of the fun flavors. Plus, that slaw gave it a fresh Carolina hotdog feel.
Hot Cheeto-crusted NC Crab & Shrimp Bomb, Waypoint Oyster Bar: City Editor Allie here — I’m a big seafood fan and this was my favorite dish. Stuffed with huge pieces of local crab + shrimp, the Hot Cheetos gave it a slight spice and a fun texture.
Korean BBQ Kimchi Nachos, Bulkogi: In the best way possible, thisshouldn’t work. We didn’t expect bulgogi, kimchi, tortilla chips, and queso to meld together for a perfect bite, but these nachos deliver.
These snacks were made for walking
What’s the fair without a snack on a stick?
Honey Butter Mozza Dog, GoldenKdog: This Korean corn dog vendor is another local fave of ours, and this sweet + cheesy iteration hits the spot. Coated in honey and a crunchy Korean corn snack, we’ll take 14 of them.
Granny Cone, Magdalena’s Chimney Cakes: Picture this — a rotisserie-cooked donut cone filled with maple-bacon ice cream and corn cake. There’s no wonder why this sweet treat was the media’s choice for best new sweet food this year.
Monster Tots, Hot Chix: We’re big fans of Hot Chix around here, and these stuffed tots on a stick lived up to the hype. Available in buffalo chicken and bacon, cheddar + chive, these are perfect for sharing on Instagram and still being worth your while.
Artful Story Time: Little Lords and Ladies | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 10:30 a.m. | NC Museum of Art | Free | Bring the kiddos for a special story time straight from the Renaissance complete with princesses, dragons, and knights.
Calm The Chaos Craft Night | Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Gather Goods Co., Cary | Donate what you can | Come together with the local crafting community to support our WNC neighbors.
Jekyll & Hyde — Carolina Ballet | Thursday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater | $20+ | Explore the shadowy depths of human nature through the timeless tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This world-premiere ballet also features a brand-new composition by the legendary Shinji Eshima.*
Friday, Oct. 18
Terror & Toast | Friday, Oct. 18 | 6-9 p.m. | Unlikely Professionals | Free to attend | Enjoy tarot readings, wine tasting, and a costume contest at this cowboy-chic shop.
Lainey Wilson | Friday, Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $200+ | Jam out to the singer’s Country’s Cool Again Tour.
Early voting starts this Friday, Oct. 17 in Wake County. Find your preferred early voting location, which can be anywhere in the county, review the candidates on your sample ballot, and make a voting plan.
Coming Soon
Calling all green thumbs. New plant store Fifth Season Gardening will open off Wake Forest Road next to Bowstring Pizza & Brewyard next month. The gardening company specialized in organic gardening, houseplants, and homesteading — you might recognize the name from a former store near the fairgrounds.
Try This
Next Saturday, Oct. 26, Makers Alley at the North Hills Innovation District will host a fall fest, complete with a pumpkin patch, pop-up vendors, refreshments, and live music. Meet Makers Alley’s vendors including Designed for Joy, Ky’s Candles, and Green Rabbit Plants.
Cause
Due to overwhelming demand for Concert for Carolina in Charlotte, the sold-out show will be broadcast live on livestream platform VEEPS for $25 and will benefit various nonprofits helping with flood relief in WNC. Raleigh faves Scotty McCreery and the Avett Brothers have been added to the lineup.
Holiday
Tickets are on sale today at 9 a.m. for the Pullen Park Holiday Express — log in ahead of time to secure your spot in the randomized queue. This popular holiday event runs Dec. 2 through Dec. 18 and includes visits with Santa, carolers, s’mores, and plenty more festive fun.
National
We’re 70 days away from Christmas — and if you’re planning to ship out gifts, it’s time to start planning. Here are the shipping deadlines, if you want a package to arrive by the holidays.
Number
$125. That’s how much you can save on the HP Smart Tank 6001 printer for a limited time. Bonus: A two-year supply of ink is included with your purchase.*
Health
Imagine sitting in a busy cafe surrounded by chatter and music, yet hearing every word of the conversation crystal clear. With this revolutionary hearing aid, background noise fades, and the voices you care about come through with perfect clarity.*
Category
Asked
🌱 Introverts: Share your go-to spots
We can’t wait for The Raleigh Rose Garden to be in bloom. | Photo by RALtoday
Hey, introverts. Earlier this year, we found out through geopsychology that approximately two-thirds of our readers identify as introverts. We’re on the search for the top locations + activities for introverts in Raleigh, from low-key ways to make new friends to more spots for peace and quiet.
Here’s some inspiration to get your gears turning:
An easy Halloween costume — snag these Inside Out t-shirts and have the whole family dress up as Disgust, Anger, Anxiety, and your other favorite emotions for a hilarious and topical group look.
What do you think of our new look? I’m biased, but I’m a big fan.
If you’re looking for even more fun at the fair, pumpkin artist + Raleigh native Jim Bille will be carving lifelike pumpkins live every night from 6-9 p.m. at the Flower and Garden Show.
