🍽️ Oldest eateries | Raleigh is ~230 years old, and despite the ever-changing + growing nature of the city, institutions like classic local restaurants help keep the city’s old soul alive.
📚 Check it out | The Wake County Public Libraries recently shared 2024’s most popular books in the county. Last year was a busy time for the libraries of Wake County, and the proof is in the puddingnumbers.
🥂 Three cheers for Dry January | It’s officially 2025, and with a new year comes new goals. Maybe you’ve committed to getting active or are focused on healthy eating + drinking. Dry January is a great way to support those goals, and Raleigh has plenty of crafty spots that offer mocktails and good vibes.
Events
Events
Saturday, Jan. 11
Raleigh Home Show | Saturday, Jan. 11-Sunday, Jan. 12 | All day | Raleigh Convention Center | $6 | Shop, browse + gain inspiration at this home improvement exhibition — plus, potentially get to meet hosts of HGTV’s “100 Day Dream Home” show.
Girl Power Karaoke Night | 7 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company | Free | Make the whole place shimmer with Taylor and Beyonce tunes, glitter champagne, and enough fun to last an era.
Sunday, Jan. 12
Dream Moore Market | 1-5 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Shop from a variety of local Black-owned businesses every Sunday.
Play Spades | 2-7 p.m. | The Green Monkey | Free | We’re calling a spade a spade — the Green Monkey’s game days are always a barrel of fun.
Monday, Jan. 13
Hurricanes Alumni Game | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $20+ | Sixteen former Canes will hit the ice against NC State’s club hockey team, including Eric Staal, Cam Ward, and head coach Rod Brind’Amour.
Rock’n Music Trivia Night | 8 p.m. | Slim’s Downtown | Show off your musical knowledge in a friendly competition.
Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled, changed, or postponed due to inclement weather.
Do you smell shortbread? Girl Scout Cookie season is almost here. Use this zipcode finder to get a countdown to cookies — and support our local Girl Scout troops.
Trending
Dry January may be bigger than ever in 2025 — just look at how more people search the term on Google every year. If you’re zero-proof curious, check out some of our favorite local options.
City Guide
City Guide
It’s easy eating green
Food like this is nobody’s understudy — it’s the star of the show. | Photo by @happyandhale
From juicy meatless burgers to scrumptious vegan desserts, we’ve got 30+ restaurants serving up meat-free fare in Oak City.
The brunch bunch
Cinnaholic | Start your day with sweets. This vegan bakery whips up dairy-, lactose-, and egg-free cinnamon rolls with creative toppings.
Good Day Good Night | Order something yummy from the plant-forward menu. Try this: Berry parfait, sourdough French toast + Larry’s Adults Only latte.
Irregardless Cafe | This cafe has been serving plant-forward bites + live music since 1975, and we can’t get enough of dishes like the mushroom vadouvan.
Casual eating
Gringo A Go Go | This Mexican restaurant has plenty of options like vegetarian empanadas and vegan tacos filled with nopales or faux meat options.
Happy + Hale | This local spot is our go-to for salads, smoothies, bowls, and more. Try this: Beyond bulgogi bowl filled with vegan Korean barbecue meatballs, jasmine rice, veggies, and yum yum sauce.
The top reviewed running shoe for comfort on Amazon: Brooks Women’s Ghost 16. If you’re starting a running practice this year, be kind to your feet (and help your progress) with a sneaker that will love you back.
This newsletter was written before any flurries dropped in Raleigh, and while it’s not a sure thing, I’m hoping Oak City is covered in snow as you’re reading this. Got any pictures you want to share of your snow day in and around Raleigh? Send them our way, and we might include them in a future newsletter.
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