This, not that | Whether you’ve lived here for 50 years or are visiting for the holidays, there are plenty of exciting activities + areas to explore in Raleigh. If you can find them. Instead of turning to Google this time, let your dedicated RALtoday City Editors offer up some alternatives to well-known spots.
Take a dip at Poole’s | Poole’s Diner has expanded to the former Pool’side Pies space with a re-imagined dining room and all the same eats you know + love.
Parking like a pro | The City of Raleigh’s free parking pilot launched this Friday, Nov. 15, and it includes five city parking decks. Drivers will be able to park at no cost for two hours once per weekday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Events
Events
Saturday, Nov. 16
Custom Poems from the Poetry Fox | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Cary Regional Library, Cary | Free | The Poetry Fox — Durham’s Poet Laureate and fan fave — will help celebrate one year of Downtown Cary Park.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Ottawa Senators | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $45+ | The Canes and Senators will face off — Carolina is off to an 11-4 start to the season.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Ben Folds — Paper Airplane Request Tour | 8 p.m. | Memorial Auditorium | $22+ | Send your requests for this NC-born artist via air mail during his performance.
NC Trivia Night | 7 p.m. | Raleigh Times | Free | If you know everything NC — from our first capital city to the state flower — this trivia night is for you.
Thursday, Nov. 21
The WNC Benefit Show | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall | $10+ | This lineup of local musicians will help benefit WNC.
🎄 Kick off the holidays with Downtown Raleigh’s Tree Lighting
Presented by Downtown Raleigh Alliance
Be part of the sparkle + shine of our community’s kickoff to the holiday season. | Photos by Brian Mullins
Whoville’s got nothing on us, Raleigh.
Kick off the season at the annual Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting, presented by Downtown Raleigh Alliance, on Friday, Nov. 22, 5:30-8:00 p.m. on Lichtin Plaza at at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
Festivities include a local vendor market, perfect for checking off holiday shopping lists, along with tasty bites from food trucks, live musical entertainment, and photo ops with Santa himself.
At the heart of the event, Mayor Baldwin and friends of Downtown Raleigh will flip the switch to bring the tree to life, casting a glowthat’s sure to light up your spirits + make you pine for more.
Bring the kids, leashed dogs, friends, and family, and don’t miss the sparkle. RSVP on Facebook.
Love touring luxe spaces? Stop by the Grand Opening of Mews at Holding Village today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and explore open-concept homes, scenic lake views, and modern amenities.*
City Guide
City Guide
🚗 Let’s hit the road
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.
🍔 Eat
Texas Tavern | This 24/7, cash-only eatery is the oldest restaurant in Roanoke and boasts cheap prices on cheeseburgers, hot dogs, famous chile, and breakfast.
Crystal Spring Grocery Co. | This gourmet shop offers lunch + brunch every day, plus grab and go meals to take on your next Roanoke adventure.
🏨 Stay
Hotel Roanoke | This 1882 hotel is a historic landmark but is still outfitted as a luxury stay. We’re eyeing the Pure Wellness guest rooms equipped with white noise machines, plush robes, and heated bathroom floors.
Hi Raleigh, and happy Saturday. While I wouldn’t call November brunch season, Raleigh’s serving up hot + fresh brunch options all year round — and there’s a few new ones, too. True Food Kitchen in North Hills serves brunch on the weekends, including a bison sausage pizza, and Warehouse District spot Figulina is serving on just Sundays with English scones, bubble and squeak, lamb eggs benedict, and plenty more.
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