In addition to its exhibits, the North Carolina Museum of Art has a cafe. | Photo by RALtoday
Earlier this year, we used geopsychology — a study that says where you live might impact your personality — to determine how the typical Raleighite acts. Nearly 200 of you took our Raleigh personality test, and 67% of respondents identified as more introverted. Here are just a few ways to get out and about as an introvert, sans small talk.
🏛️ Museum moments
We have to begin with Raleigh’s vibrant museum scene. They’re typically quiet or filled with exhibit noises and expose you to new artists, science, and history. Plus, cafes like the one at the NC Museum of Art give you a chance to unwind among the art. If you’re feeling up to a little bit of small talk, learn about the Dueling Dinosaurs exhibit from the on-staff paleontologists at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.
AVA Wonderland | Wednesday, Nov. 20-Saturday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | AVA Rooftop Bar Cary, Cary | Price of purchase | It’s a winter wonderland at AVA — take in the twinkling lights, tinsel, holiday bevs, and so much more during the most wonderful time of the year.
Pre-Prohibition Punches with To-Go Bottle | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Crude Bitters & The Bittery | $23 | Try fun punches and take your own home from this local bitters maker.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Lunchbox Lectures | 12-1 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum | Free | Take a short history Raleigh lesson on your lunch break.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Merrimon-Wynne House | $65 | Experience Swift’s music like never before under the glow of candlelight.
The WNC Benefit Show | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall | $10+ | This lineup of local musicians will help benefit WNC.
Friday, Nov. 22
Raleigh Tree Lighting and Downtown Raleigh Holiday Kick-Off | 5:30-8 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | Free | After the tree is lit, get free photos with Santa, shop a vendor market, and listen to local performers to kick off the holiday season.
What’s your favorite seasonal hot beverage? Ours is peppermint hot chocolate with extra marshmallows. | Photos provided by North Hills. GIF created by RALtoday
You’ve made your list and checked it twice, now it’s time to have some fun while shopping for loved ones this season at the North Hills Holiday Shop and Stroll event on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Shop ‘til you drop from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season.
Once you can’t possibly hold on to another shopping bag, drop your items off at the car and come back for the Tree Lighting Celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Santa will light the tree at 6:15 p.m.)
Celebrate 20 years of holiday magic at North Hills with:
Chapel Hill-born bar The Crunkleton will open its doors to Smoky Hollow in March 2025, featuring a collection of rare + antique spirits, plus a paired menu including oysters and shareable steaks. Learn more about the bustling multi-use district’s future. (Axios Raleigh)
Announced
Duke Health will expand its reach with a new hospital at its west Cary campus by 2027. Plans detail a 111,000-sqft facility near the intersection of Green Level Road + 540, designed to keep up with the demands of the rapidly expanding region. (Triangle Business Journal)
Number
79.9 million. That’s how many people AAA projects will travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving this year. If you’re one of the nearly 6 million plane travelers this season, don’t forget to check out our guide to RDU.
Ranked
Raleigh ranked as the No. 6 best place to retire in a recent U.S. News Report. The City of Oaks scored particularly well for housing affordability — if you’re looking to settle down in Raleigh or already have, we have a guide to having fun as a retiree or older adult across the Triangle.
Coming Soon
Get ready to relax and unwind like never before with a cinema experience so lifelike that you’ll forget you’re at the movies. Renovations of AMC DINE-IN Holly Springs 9 are almost complete. Moviegoers can expect an elevated movie-viewing experience, featuring a new MacGuffins Bar, DINE-IN delivery to seats, and more.*
Wellness
No more feeling wired and tired. Seven forms of magnesium in Magnesium Breakthrough help you unwind + sleep deeper. Get 25% off bundles — Black Friday sale ends today.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*
Home
Don’t risk a busted washer or drier in the middle of winter — get American Home Shield Home Warranty. For a limited time, they’re offering $150 off some of their most comprehensive plans.(Think: Peace of mind, for less.)Claim the discount. Read website disclaimer for important consumer information.*
Category
Eat
🍳 Sunny side up
Figulina’s Sunday brunch array is a new take on classics. | Photo provided by Figulina
City Editor Allie here. One thing about me: I love a good brunch, and the new Sunday service at Figulina might be one of the best. The menu is inspired by English breakfast with some nods to local produce and French cuisine — and you won’t want to miss it. Here’s what I’m going to order for the table again.
I’ll never pass up the opportunity for some English scones with clotted cream, and the raspberry jam was the perfect sour note. Make sure to try the duck fat potatoes or black pepper maple bacon — they’re major crowd-pleasers and feel like the best version of homey classics.
The real showstopper is the yogurt panna cotta. This dish features fall flavors like almond butter, honeycrisp apple, and house-made granola that was so good, I wish I could have taken it home. Grab a reservation for an upcoming Sunday now.
The Buy
The Buy
With friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no better time to break out the board + card games. Here are five for your next family game night:
🎲 Up to 20 players can participate in Herd Mentality for some udderly hilarious fun. 🎲 Ticket to Ride is a top-rated board game for 2-5 players ages 8+. 🎲 Everyone can put their poker face to the test in You Laugh You’re Out. 🎲 Ransom Notes is an easy-to-play game that will leave the entire family belly laughing. 🎲 Coup is a fast and fun bluffing game for 2-6 players ages 13+.
I am preparing to make at least three batches of pimento mac and cheese from the New York Times for various Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving festivities next week. Do you have a signature dish for Turkey Day? I’d love to add them to my recipe arsenal — send them my way.
Answered
Answered
According to viewership + TV ratings, what is the most popular sport in the US?
It’s football. Read up on all of Tobacco Road’s teams — we can’t wait for NC State vs. UNC next Saturday.
