We’ll never forget NC State’s historic rise to the Final Four in 2024. | Photo provided by NC State Athletics
We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about local teams, so whether you’re already a devoted Raleigh sports fan or you’re new to the area, we hope it can serve as a valuable resource.
🏀 NC State Men’s Basketball (NCAA) | Est. 1910
NC State’s men’s basketball team played under a couple different monikers — like the Techs and Red Terrors — until adopting “Wolfpack” in 1947.
The NC Courage is based in Cary and affiliated with North Carolina FC. The team has been owned by Steven Malik since 2017, and in 2021, tennis star Naomi Osaka invested in the team to become an owner.
🏒 Carolina Hurricanes Hockey (NHL) | Est. 1971
The Canes were originally founded as the New England Whalers (1972-1979) as part of the World Hockey League. In 1979, the team transitioned into the NHL and became known as the Hartford Whalers. Then, in 1997 the Whalers relocated to Raleigh, rebranding to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Wool felt acorn ornament craft | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | West Regional Library, Cary | Free | Craft an earthy ornament fit for Oak City.
Pottery + Plants | Monday, Nov. 18-Thursday, Nov. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Artspace | $85 | Create a personalized ceramic plant pot from scratch.
Turkey Ball 2024 | 6-10 p.m. | Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar | $49+ | Turkey Ball is a celebration and a way to give back to the community — enjoy passed apps while giving turkeys to those in need.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
AVA Wonderland | Tuesday, Nov. 19-Saturday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | AVA Rooftop Bar Cary, Cary | It’s a winter wonderland at AVA — take in the twinkling lights, tinsel, holiday bevs, and snow much more.
Maverick City Music | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $26.50+ | See this contemporary Christian worship choir.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Oak City Salsa | 6-10 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall | Free | This family-friendly events teaches you the ropes of salsa dancing with live music.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Village District Holiday Open House | 5-8 p.m. | Village District Shopping Center | Free | Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a free evening of seasonal festivities, including holiday carolers, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, shopping + more.*
Rosetta Stone’s lessons focus on real-world images and scenarios to help users learn faster + retain more. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a travel bug planning your next trip, wanting to connect with another culture, or looking to learn something new, the holidays arethe perfect time to dive into a new language — or 25.
Gift yourself (or a friend) lifetime access to all of Rosetta Stone’s languages with their Lifetime Unlimited plan at Black Friday pricing. With one low payment, you can immerse yourself in engaging language lessons whenever you want, forever.
Two new high-end fitness spots will soon open in Raleigh. Volofit, a total-health gym, will open in Bloc[83] in early 2025 near 321 Coffee, YogaSix, and Glenwood South.HomeTurf, a cycling + strength studio previously offering pop-up classes, will open in the North Hills Innovation District this Friday, Nov. 22. (The News & Observer)
Announced
Raleigh-based Fortune 500 company Advance Auto Parts will close 700+ stores across the US, mainly in the West. The company moved to Raleigh from Richmond in 2018 and has faced highs and lows since. The only other Raleigh-headquartered biz on the Fortune 500 is First Citizens Bank, which recently entered the esteemed list. (The News & Observer)
Read
He was once a member of a national championship-winning Tar Heel squad, now he’s a 96-year-old greeter at one of the best restaurants in the Triangle. Read about Walter Hilliard Greene, a proud Carolina basketball fan and the warmest face at the Angus Barn. (INDY Week)
Concert
Country singer-songwriter Tyler Childers is coming to Coastal Credit Union Music Park on April 15, and presales start as early as tomorrow — you might know him from songs like “All Your’n.”
Community
At a recent city council meeting, Village District proposed a social district, and some neighbors feel strongly about the idea. While some are worried the district would become rowdy like Glenwood South, others say it would be different. City council plans to vote on the social district in early 2025. (WRAL)
Coming Soon
The Town of Cary approved a new project for its downtown, transforming Gurkan’s Downtown Auto Repairs to a new restaurant at the intersection of Chatham and Academy. The developers are also the folks behind the Mayton Hotel and will expand the 1,258 sqft space to 5,000 sqft. (Triangle Business Journal)
Try This
A winter wonderland (with your own private igloo) atop a rooftop bar? Count us in. Head to AVA Rooftop Bar Cary this season for AVA Wonderland — an immersive twinkling-light, holiday-inspired experience featuring decked halls, specialty cocktails + small bites, photo-ops, and these special holiday events.*
Travel
Ready to sleigh your holiday plans? Head to downtown New Bern for a month of festive lights, holiday events + cozy dining. Book one of these holiday travel packages for a fun weekend getaway.*
Trending
It’s here — Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing: fluffy ear muffs, cozy slippers, french fry seasoning, and fancy chocolate bark.*
Community
Community
New social district?
Village District has been a shopping and foodie destination since 1949. | Photo by RALtoday
At a recent city council meeting, Regency Centers, the owner of Village District, proposed implementing a social district at the shopping center. While some are worried the district would become out of hand, others support the idea and say it would uplift local business and not attract the same crowd as downtown’s social district or Glenwood South.
In a meeting with Regency Centers, one neighbor said she was concerned about people coming from Glenwood South and bothering residents, while another said Village District and downtown’s prime social district attract different crowds, according to WRAL.
The social district would allow public alcohol consumption, similarly to downtown’s Sip n’ Stroll, from 12 approved businesses, including the under-construction Oberlin Hotel. A formal city council vote will likely happen by early February.
The Buy
The Buy
The Helios Heated Scarf — it’s the ultimate winter accessory that offers three different heat levels. Bonus: It’s 58% off for a limited time.
The highlight of my weekend was Figulina’s new brunch menu. My dad joined me there on Sunday, and our favorite dish was the yogurt panna cotta — think: deconstructed parfait — and the English scones. Don’t worry, I’ll have a full rundown for you before next Sunday’s brunch.
Answered
Answered
Who did the NC State men’s basketball team lose to in the 2024 Final Four?
It’s Purdue. 55% of our readers got this one right.
