The “Asian Joy” mural debuted in July 2024. | Photo via City of Raleigh
We all know that Raleigh has a vibrant art scene — and we’re not just talking about CAM or the NCMA. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Raleigh itself.
This new mural based on Asian American oral histories focuses on finding joy is located near Raleigh Union Station as part of SEEK Raleigh, a program aiming to engage the community and local artists in thought provoking experiential art.
This vibrant on-street mural is just one step into reinvigorating Commerce Place in the Warehouse District.
Photo via City of Raleigh, mural by Mary Carter Taub
In efforts to reimagine Commerce Place, the Commerce Place historic alleyway in the Warehouse District is a part of the beginning phase to make it a people-centered place. The 4,000-sqft on-street mural is the largest in the city.
Shaw University 150th Anniversary | By Scott Nurkin
Shaw University — the first historically Black university in the South and one of the oldest in the nation — was founded in 1865. The university will celebrate its 160th anniversary this year.
Plant-lover’s Tour: “Evergreen Shrubs” | 1-2 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum | $5 | Take a tour of year-round evergreen shrubs and gain some inspiration for your own garden.
Body Butter Basics | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | McCormick Creations Gifts + Candle Studio | $40 | Create a personalized moisturizer from scratch to nurture the needs of your skin.
It’s almost Super Bowl Sunday. If you’re not wearing your favorite team’s merch, shop five comfy tees + sweatshirts that say “I’m just here for the snacks” ... literally.
The Outlaw Music Festival is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and will come to the Coastal Credit Union Music Park on July 27. Expect performances by Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, and more. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 7.
Open
Urban Oak Raleigh, the city’s tallest rooftop lounge, opens today on the 14th floor of the Tempo hotel on West Davie Street. Patrons can expect a space equipped with two patios, expansive cityscape views, and a menu featuring crafted cocktails + small plates. (Raleigh Magazine)
Development
RTP took a step toward its “15-minute city” vision by approving revised land covenants, allowing for broader development within the park. While rezoning from Durham and Wake counties is still needed, the changes make room for retail, restaurants, and more commercial growth. (Triangle Business Journal)
Traffic
Construction for the final phase of Complete 540, extending from I-40 to I-87 in Knightdale, begins this summer. The $1.2 billion, 10-mile project aims to complete the Raleigh highway loop by fall 2028. (Triangle Business Journal)
Try This
The Historic Raleigh Trolley will offer a special Black History Trolley Tour focusing on Oberlin Village. The tour, departing from Mordecai Historic Park, includes visits to the Turner House and Oberlin Cemetery. Tours cost $15 and are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, March 2.
Legacy
Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach, a 28-year-old Durham native, UNC-Chapel Hill alumna, and US Army pilot, has died following a midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, DC. Read more about the soldier. (The News & Observer)
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Category
Plan Ahead
Duke Gardens’ transformation
Cherry blossom season typically begins at the end of March. | Photo by @pocketfullofweekends
Duke Gardens, a 55-acre botanical garden is receiving a new $30 million transformation and has closed its main entrance, visitor center + parking lots for the duration of construction. But, it’s almost cherry blossom season.
There’s no need to fret, most of the garden’s outdoor areas will remain open for visitors with a few exceptions. Access between Anderson Street and the entrance of the cherry blossom path is closed off and visitors will have to enter at the temporary entrance at 2000 Lewis St., one block from the main entrance.
Visitor parking is unavailable Monday through Friday and is only available on weekends in Duke University’s H lot.
Upon completion, the Garden Gateway aims to create:
An updated welcome center equipped with a cafe dedicated visitor lobby, gallery space, and an outdoor gathering plaza.
Modernized learning and event spaces.
An accessible entrance to the gardens.
Expanded green spaces.
The Buy
The Buy
Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling water bottle — the Owala FreeSip. It’s a top seller for good reason: Owala has perfected a spout design that allows you to either sip upright through a built-in straw or tilt back to swig a gulp. It’s actually patented.
The NC Museum of History is casting for “It’s Revolutionary!”, a 20-part video series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The series will mix documentary and narrative storytelling to highlight NC’s pivotal role. Auditions are open through Monday, Feb. 17.
I’d go but I happily have my hands tied being one of your City Editors.
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