Adopted in 1885, our flag’s history is much older.
| Photo via Wikimedia Commons
If a picture’s worth a thousand words, a flag is a whole textbook.
Our state flag is a record of North Carolina history that experts read like a secret code. Every part carries some meaning, from hoist to fly end.
And did you know? Our state’s birthday is right around the corner. That’s right, November 21 will mark NC’s 235th year since its foundingin 1789.
The colors
This one should be easy: the North Carolina flag shares its colors with the US flag, and their meanings are identical:
Red for courage
White for purity and liberty
Blue for loyalty
State flag legislation specifies that the lettering be “in gilt,” meaning painted with gold leaf, not just dyed yellow.
The hoist
At the hoist end — that is, the end near the flagstaff — a white star between the “N” and “C” symbolizes North Carolina as one of the original 13 colonies. In fact, an early version of the North Carolina flag bore the words “surgit astrum,” Latin for “rising star” (or so Google Translate tells us).
The dates
Above and below the “N.C.” are two dates:
May 20, 1775, the supposed date of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, potentially the nation’s first declaration of independence from England. According to the North Carolina Historical Flag Commission, the date’s inclusion on the flag isn’t intended to defend the document’s validity.
April 12, 1776, when the North Carolina Provincial Congress adopted the Halifax Resolves, making our state the first to allow its delegates to vote in favor of American independence.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 24
Music On The Lawn | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5-8 p.m. | Heights House Hotel | $15 | Bring out the blankets + chairs and enjoy a performance from singer-songwriter Britton Buchanon.
Decoupage Pumpkins | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co. | $65 | Make unique pumpkin decor from scratch with this hands-on workshop.
Tastes of Fall Wine Dinner | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Cellar 55, Fuquay-Varina | $79 | Pair various wines with four courses prepared by Chef Jounte Burwell.
Friday, Oct. 25
Wonderland Book Club | Friday, Oct. 25 | 10:15 a.m. | Quail Ridge Books | Free | Talk about multi-generational tale “The Various Stages of a Garden, Well-Kept” by Bob Davis.
Interdimensional Discoveries | Friday, Oct. 25 | 12-4 p.m. | 311 Gallery | Free | Explore the works of three artists who focus on interdimensionality.
We’re dreaming of relaxing seaside at this revamped hotel
Presented by The Seagate Hotel
The Seagate Hotel is also rebranding its coffee shop to The Gate. Keep an eye out for new offerings.
| Photos provided by The Seagate Hotel. GIF created by RALtoday
Picture this: It’s the middle of winter, but instead of scrapping frost off the car window, you’re sipping on a cocktail on the beach, embracing the warmth of the Florida sun as an award-winning steak makes its way to your table — sounds dreamy, right?
Be among the first to experience the reimagined Seagate Hotel nestled within Delray Beach (Florida’s #1 ranked beach). Starting this winter, look forward to:
Luxurious new guest rooms with balconies overlooking the pool.
World-class dining at Mr. Seas, a new restaurant with a fun backstory.
An Italian-inspired lobby bar featuring classic flavors with a twist compliments of the Sunshine State.
Coming in January 2025: Bourbon Steak, another exciting restaurant featuring a Michelin-starred chef.
For a limited time, book four nights and receive a complimentary fifth night + two free poolside cocktails — a sea-riously good deal if you ask us.
The Cary Town Council has approved the rezoning for South Hills Mall redevelopment, set to include a district featuring residential spaces, offices, a hotel, retail, and a sports complex. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and span 10 to 15 years. (Triangle Business Journal)
Ranked
A report by Coworking Mag revealed that three NC cities rank among the top metros for remote workers. Raleigh ranked second with 24.5% of workers clocking in from home, Charlotte fifth at 21.5%, and Durham ninth with 19.5%. The findings highlight NC’s growth in remote work opportunities across various industries. (The News & Observer)
Open
James Beard Award-nominated chef Oscar Diaz’s new all-day cafe Aaktun is now open in Durham, in collaboration with Mezcalito. The eatery offers a diverse menu, blending Mexican-American cuisine with global influences. Aaktun will feature a late-night menu and extended hours until 2 a.m. starting in November. (Axios Raleigh)
Concert
Tyler, The Creator has announced a 2025 world tour supporting his upcoming album “CHROMAKOPIA” with a stop at the Lenovo Center on July 12, 2025. Tickets go on sale next Friday, Nov. 1, with presale for Amex Card members starting Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Trending
Raleigh’s got a lot of little chefs. Oak City ranked No. 28 on Orkin’s 2024 list of the rattiest cities in America. Data for the list was collected by tracking new residential rodent treatments between Sept. 1, 2023 and Aug. 31, 2024.
History
Raleigh’s Historic Preservation department has released a draft report documenting Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ history from the 1870s onward. While significant gaps exist, especially pre-Stonewall, the report highlights key gathering places + events. Residents are urged to contribute to enrich this vital historical narrative by this Sunday, Oct. 27. (WUNC)
Environment
Durham’s Museum of Life and Science has welcomed two endangered red wolves, Oka and Martha, from New York’s Wolf Conservation Center. This exchange, part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ initiative, aims to boost red wolf conservation, with only 16 confirmed in the wild. (The News & Observer)
Finance
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Events
Holiday
Commemorate the Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is also known as Dia de los Muertos. | Photo via City of Raleigh
The City of Raleigh Museum is hosting an evening of activities to commemorate the Dia de los Muertos.
Commemoration is often practiced in the form of preparing altars and traditional dishes. The museum will have a series of festivities including live performances, lots of food + bevs to delight in, and activities.
This family-friendly event will take place at the City of Raleigh Museum on Friday, Nov. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. There’s no cost to join the evening of activities.
The Buy
The Buy
Hair Food’s highly rated heat protectant spray. The sulfate and paraben-free formula features nourishing ingredients like coconut + argan oil. It’s suitable for all hair types and protects against heat damage up to 450°.
If you’re self-care enthusiast that enjoys massages from Woodhouse Spa in North Hills, the parking expectations have changed. Make sure to take note — we wouldn’t want anyone to get cited.
