There’s endless ways to have fun in Roanoke. | Photos provided by @hello.roanoke
Itching to get out of town, Raleighites? Skip the jet lag and jump in your car for a road trip to Roanoke, Virginia instead. From hiking up to the Roanoke Star to a late-night snack at the historic Texas Tavern — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the Star City.
🎟️ Experience
Take a hike | Roanoke is an outdoorsy paradise tucked into the Blue Ridge mountains. While you’re in town, make your way up to the iconic neon Roanoke Star by foot or car. If you’re up for the challenge, take the Triple Crown: three challenging trails totaling nearly 20 miles.
🍔 Eat
Evie’s Bistro and Bakery | Come for the dessert, stay for the sandwiches — including veggie + vegan options. Locals rave about the Marie Antoinette cake.
Bloom | Indulge in a farm-to-table menu of small plates at this intimate restaurant.
Songs of Hope: A Benefit Concert for Western NC | 7 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $15+ | The Raleigh Youth Choir — and hundreds of other child singers — will come together to benefit WNC.
Friday, Nov. 15
Bubbly! French 75 and Blueberry Sbagliato Class | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Crude Bitters & The Bittery | $18 | Bubbles meet bitters in this workshop — learn how to use them in your favorite fizzy cocktail.
Special Event: Pete Holmes | Friday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 17 | Times vary | Goodnights Pop-Up Club | $32+ | You know this comedian from shows like “Crashing” on HBO — see him live in RAL.
Saturday, Nov. 16
The Original Raleigh Murals Tour | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Starts at Wake County Justice Center | Pay what you can | See some of Raleigh’s best and most vibrant large scale art works.
Construction has begun on the 440 and Western Boulevard intersection, which means overnight closures mainly for on and off ramps. This round of construction is set to finish before Thanksgiving, and the whole 440 road widening project will be finished next fall. (WRAL)
Read
Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin’s successor was named last week, and Raleigh Magazine is taking a look at her tenure in Raleigh before Janet Cowell takes office. Read up on her various policies in the last five years, including pro-development stances, sports as an economic driver, and action during the pandemic.
Development
Fuquay-Varina may see major growth soon thanks to a potential 2.5-acre mixed-use development in its downtown by the developer behind DTR projects like 400H. HMP Holdings is working to purchase the land for $3.4 million and could include 244 apartments, 20,000 sqft of retail, and a 400+ car parking deck. (WRAL)
State
Gov. Roy Cooper has announced $1 million in field trip funding for NC public schools. Called the Learning Happens Here fund, public school students will have the opportunity to visit 100+ North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites across the state, including the zoo, aquariums, historic sites, museums, and more.
Seasonal
Wye Hill’s Sippin’ Santa holiday pop-up starts tomorrow, Nov. 15, and the drink offerings are so good, we’ll excuse the fact that Thanksgiving hasn’t happened yet. We’re eyeing the A Snowball’s Chance In Hilo fit for two, the Silent Nightcap shot, and the Tom and Sherry. Plus, the over-the-top decor makes for the perfect holiday backdrop.
Cause
Want to help empower Raleigh women? Volunteer, shop or donate to Dress for Success of the Triangle’s Winter Boutique Sale on Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23. Proceeds fund career services for local women. Read more about how you can make an impact.*
Fact or Fiction
Getting professional family portraits done is expensive, stressful, and more trouble than it’s worth. See how Oh, Goodness Fine Portraits works directly with families to create a stress-free environment in their 4,200-sqft studio. Book a session.*
Featured Deal
Final call for the fifth night’s stay free at The Seagate Resort in Delray Beach, FL (plus two free poolside cocktails, and guest-only access to Mr. Seas, its new oceanfront restaurant and lounge). Experience the reimagined property and trade winter chill for sunshine with code WINTER by Friday, Nov. 15.*
Shop
Snag unique gifts from 15+ local artists and support Hurricane Helene relief at Crabtree Valley Mall’s Art Walk happening Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plus, grab a photo with Santa, and shop extended holiday hours.*
This new doggie-centric eatery promises to be off the leash. | Image provided by Kane Realty Corp.
This new eatery is perfect to sit and stay at. Barking Dog NYC is set to debut its first location outside the Big Apple in the Park District of North Hills, promising a neighborhood vibe and dog-friendly atmosphere.
The restaurant will be next to Blown Away, near Chuy’s, and across from Jubala. Expect breakfast, brunch, and comfort food on the menu with a little something for Fido, too. Barking Dog NYC will also be adjacent to off-leash dog parks and greenspaces in the district.
Barking Dog NYC marks one more upcoming North Hills dining addition; Good Graces, Standard Beer + Food, and Foxcroft Wine Co. are all set to open their doors soon in the bustling multi-use development. Read more about what’s coming soon to North Hills, including fashion, fitness, and high-end cosmetics. Psst... if you’re looking for more places to bring your pup, we’ve got a guide for that.
The Buy
The Buy
Thanksgiving Day is two weeks away. Shop essentials to liven up gatherings + make dinner a success:
I want to give former City Editor Anne a big shoutout for her help in planning our guide to Roanoke. Anne basically gave me an online tour of the Star City, and now I’m itching to visit.
