Get busy crafting + dating with a workshop at Joy Worthy Co. | Photo provided by Joy Worthy Co.
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to RALtoday.
OK, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down.
Regardless, whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone, we’ve got 40+ local date night ideas.
For the ones who want a night out on the town
Keep your hands busy + the conversation active with workshops ranging from wood burning to pasta making at Joy Worthy Co.
If the way to their heart is through their stomach
Order unique pastas to “Lady and the Tramp” and try the community table for a communal dining experience at one of Raleigh’s hottest spots + a 2025 James Beard semifinalist — Figulina.
For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)
Get in on a variety of games + fun at eatertainment spot Jaguar Bolera, including duckpin bowling, darts, and karaoke.
Adult Craft-It: Sharpie Mugs | 6-7 p.m. | Duraleigh Road Community Library | Free | Get crafty and decorate the mug of your dreams with Sharpies.
Movie: “Moonbase: The Next Step” | Through Thursday, May 1 | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | $6 | Enjoy a viewing of a film discussing human exploration of the moon.
Wednesday, Jan. 29
The Night Rider High Stakes Trivia | 8-10 p.m. | The Wicked Witch | Free | Partake in a friendly round of trivia for a chance to boast all week.
Valentine Cookie Decorating | 6-11:30 p.m. | Wonderland Kitchen & Cocktails | $20 | Decorate love-themed cookies with a complimentary drink in tow.
The former Kmart on Western Boulevard is set for a major redevelopment by CityPlat. The Raleigh-based developer purchased the 12-acre site for $14 million and plans to renovate the building and parking lot, with a long-term goal of creating a mixed-use development. (Axios Raleigh)
Concert
Pop singer and Grammy-nominated artist Katy Perry will perform at the Lenovo Center on Aug. 17 as a stop on The Lifetimes Tour. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 and you should be Wide Awake.
Open
Coquette Brasserie in Raleigh reopened Sunday after being closed since Friday, Jan. 17 following a deadly shooting. The restaurant is currently accepting reservations only and thanked the community for its support. (The News & Observer)
Travel
RDU added 17 new nonstop routes, including international destinations like Frankfurt and Mexico City, boosting its capacity by 12% since 2019. Both Breeze and Avelo airlines supported the growth by adding nine flights between the two. (Triangle Business Journal)
Health
Duke Health and UNC Health are partnering to build a $2 billion, 500-bed children’s hospital in the Triangle, the state’s first standalone facility. Supported by $320 million in state funding and philanthropic contributions, the hospital aims to address complex pediatric health needs and create thousands of jobs. (Axios Raleigh)
Closed
Mike D’s BBQ, a Durham-based restaurant owned by the 2020 winner of reality television show “I Quit,” closed its doors permanently on Sunday. The barbecue spot opened in 2013 and was named on the Best of Durham list by Durham Magazine.
Pro tip: Find books outside of Reader’s Corner for a few cents. | Photo by RALtoday
The results are in. After receiving 42% of the votes, we’re kicking off the RALtoday book club with Megan Miranda’s thriller “The Last to Vanish.” Pro tip: Check one of Raleigh’s independent bookstores for the novel and support a local shop.
You have until Monday, March 31 to read the book + share your feedback for a chance to be featured in a RALtoday article. Plus, to keep the fun going, City Editors Allie and Danyale made an online RALtoday book club to keep everyone in the loop. This platform is a safe and positive place for every reader, and the expectation is to always practice respect + kindness.
As the club grows and we create our groove, we’d love to eventually do meet-ups and virtual hangouts, but until then we’re building slowly + together. If you have any feedback or ideas/suggestions, please reach out.
The Buy
The Buy
A trendy tie-front blouse that’s perfect for your next date night. Psst — we’re loving the pink stripe for Valentine’s Day.
Meals are better with family and friends. | Photo by RALtoday
I celebrated my birthday at Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen this past weekend, and the staff took amazing care of my family and I. The restaurant was beautiful + spacious, and it’s safe to say that I’ll definitely be back. For my appetizers I had the cast iron crab dip + kale Caesar salad and steak frites for the main course.
Try this: The smoked old-fashioned exceeded my expectations. I’m usually a Cosmopolitan or French 75 type of girl, but Birdie’s iteration of the bev was smooth.
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