Love + portraits are in the air. | Photo provided by Anna Haddock
The time to plan holiday portraits has arrived, and the City of Oaks is filled with beautiful settings and talented photographers to bring your vision to life — here are just a few.
Local photographers
Jimmy Boston | Raleigh-based | With works ranging from casual couple portraits to weddings, this versatile photographer specializes in family, events, sports, and product photography.
Anna Haddock | Raleigh-based | This photographer specializes in branding photos, weddings, portraits, couples, and interiors. Plus, she’s open to travel.
Michelle Porizkova | Raleigh-based | Specializing in wedding, elopement, and family photography, as well as everything in between, Porizkova captures the best of life.
Nothing like a family portrait to hold near.
Photo provided by Jimmy Boston
Photo spots
NC Museum of Art Park | Gorgeous natural light, manicured grounds with outdoor sculptures, accessible facilities, and pet-friendly.
Gentle Mat Yoga | 10-11 a.m. | North Regional Library | Free | Get into a light flow and practice meditation + breathwork.
Wine Tasting with Patrick Greene | 7 p.m. | Killjoy Cocktail Bar | $25 | This wine tasting class will feature four different wines led by a wine expert.
Downtown Karaoke | 9 p.m. | Zenith Raleigh | Price of purchase | Sing your heart out to some of your favorite jams.
Friday, Nov. 8
“Swan Lake” in IMAX | Friday, Nov. 8-Sunday, Nov. 10 | Times vary | Marbles IMAX | $9+ | Experience one of ballet’s most iconic love stories on Raleigh’s only IMAX screen.
Elevated Thanksgiving Sides | 6-8:30 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, Cary | $99 | Take your Thanksgiving cuisine to new heights with a hands-on class and learn to make various dishes.
Fall Floral Tablescaping Workshop | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | TG Floristry | $70 | Create a unique and fresh tablescape to elevate your holiday spread.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Birdwatching | 8 a.m. | Dorothea Dix Park | Free | Learn how to train your eyes for birding while enjoying the scene of nature at work.
Crochet and Conversation | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | North Regional Library | Free | Drop in for this crochet circle and craft alongside others.
Village District’s annual Holiday Open House returns on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 5-8 p.m. This free one-day event features all the fixings for festive, family-friendly fun (and offers the chance to get a head start on that growing gift list).
Visitors will be able to:
Visit and take professional photos with Santa
Sip + stroll with free hot cocoa
Write Santa a letter at the kids’ letter-making station
Enjoy live festive tunes from musicians and roaming holiday carolers
Jumpstart that holiday shopping
Psst…you can also earn Village District Holiday Cash to use the rest of the year.
Starting next Friday, Nov. 15, Raleigh will offer free two-hour parking at five city-owned decks on weekdays. The program will run through early 2025, allowing drivers one free session per day. Parking remains free after 7 p.m. and on weekends. Updated signage and details will be available soon.
Civic
Raleigh voters elected six incumbents and one new member to the city council in Tuesday’s election. Stormie Forte and Jonathan Melton retained their at-large seats, newcomer Mitchell Silver was elected to District A, and current council members Megan Patton, Corey Branch, Jane Harrison, and Christina Jones will remain. (The News & Observer)
Shop
Pullen Park’s 2024 annual holiday ornament will feature a historic carousel horse + a festive design. Limited to 400 pieces, the $15 limited-edition keepsake is available at the park’s welcome center through Sunday, Dec. 1, along with the classic Pullen Park train ornament and past editions.
Biz
Businesses in RTP can now receive centralized mail service from USPS, following years of lobbying by local leaders. The service began this month and will expand over time. The new service is expected to improve business operations in RTP. (Triangle Business Journal)
Traffic
NCDOT announced I-40 near Pigeon River Gorge will reopen by New Year’s Day with one lane in each direction. The temporary fix, after Hurricane Helene washed out eastbound lanes, will allow travel at 40 mph over a nine-mile stretch while long-term repairs continue. (WRAL)
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across the Triangle seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Wellness
Didn’t win last week’s 12-Month Massage Membership Giveaway? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy all the benefits of a monthly massage with a Ritual Membership atThe NOW. Check out the50- and 80-minute packages.*
Seasonal
Kick off the holiday shopping season at Crabtree with Santa’s arrival on Friday, Nov. 8, where a portion of photo sales will support Hurricane Helene relief. Snap a photo with Santa (pets too) until Tuesday, Dec. 24, enjoy extended hours for last-minute shopping + see more opportunities to give back.*
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Raleigh holiday experiences for all
What a merry Raleigh sight. | Photo by RALtoday
Holiday season, is that you? This time of year often comes too quickly, and we’re scrambling to prepare for visitors. We’re searching for must-have experiences in Raleigh that you recommend to out-of-town relatives coming to visit.
Here’s some inspiration to get your gears turning:
If you’re in the spirit, take a minute and let us know your favorite restaurants, sightseeing spots, and winter events to take out-of-towners to, and you might see it in an upcoming newsletter.
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, and I’m looking for something good to get me back into the habit. If you’re a local author or have one to recommend, let me know.
