Pick the perfect blooms for your beau. | Photo by TG Floristry
Valentine’s Day is just over a week away — and don’t worry, we’ve got the gifts covered. If you’re looking to keep things classic this V-Day, consider shopping local for the essentials including chocolate, flowers, and spa treatments for your beau.
For love that’s still blooming
Have your loved one stop and smell the roses with local arrangements fit for new romances or your long-time partner. We love Fallon’s Flowers and its florals for every occasion — not just Valentine’s Day. While you’re picking up your bouquet from TG Floristry, grab one of Ky’s Kandles for some added ambiance.
For your sweetheart
Indulge your valentine in a gift that’s as sweet as them. Shop trays of bonbons and hot-sauce infused chocolate to spice things up from Videri, or give the gift of adventure with a tasting kit from Escazú.
How to Stress Less | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | This online class from Wake County will teach you simple strategies to manage stress in your everyday life.
Special Event: Kevin Nealon | Through Saturday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | Goodnights Pop-Up Club | $33+ | Laugh along with this SNL alum.
Friday, Feb. 7
Galentines at Curate | 6-9 p.m. | Curate | Free | Create matching friendship jewelry at the charm bar or a DIY valentine at this fun shop.
Jonathan Van Ness | Friday, Feb. 7 + Saturday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | Raleigh Improv, Cary | $35+ | You know them from “Queer Eye” — see his comedy live.
Two Lafayette Village businesses have shut their doors, but new tenants are on the way. Village Grill will be replaced by Pickled Onion, a sports bar, and Driftwood Cantina will be succeeded by Franko’s Prime. Franko’s will be operated by the same folks and serve aged steaks + seafood. (Triangle Business Journal)
Opening
Voodoo Brewing will join Fayetteville Street’s growing slate near the new Sir Walter Coffee by City Plaza. You might know Voodoo from its Asheville location or 20+ spots across the country — we can’t wait for even more beer in Oak City. (Raleigh Magazine)
Active
The Bike Library, a bike seller and repair + rental shop, will open its first permanent storefront in the Platform Apartments in Raleigh’s West End. The group is looking for additional investors to help make the storefront a reality and will join biz like Homebody Yoga and Boulted Bread in the neighborhood.
Open
And one more thing — new biz is also blooming at Boxyard + Hub RTP. From a makerspace and tacos to two eateries from 2025 James Beard nominees, Research Triangle Park’s downtown district is growing in a big way. Read up on the new tenants.(The News & Observer)
Seasonal
If you’ve been craving more sunshine, we have good news. According to Accuweather, Raleigh can expect ~50 additional minutes of daylight in February. Grab your shades and celebrate in one of our parks.
Travel
Ready for takeoff? Budget airline Breeze is adding even more flights to its Raleigh lineup, including a summer route to Pensacola, Florida, and service to Memphis, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, and Rochester, New York starting in May. (The News & Observer)
Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026. (Read: More than a year of interest-free payments.) Apply.*
Category
Drink
🥊 A storm is brewing
No need to get in a tussle for this new brew — you can find it across Raleigh. | Rendering courtesy of Trophy Brewing
Your bunch of jerks just got a new brew courtesy of Trophy. The local brewery just launched Drop the Gloves, a triple dry hopped IPA made for hockey season. You’re going to want to save your beer stick for this one.
For those who aren’t in the know, hockey players drop their gloves when they get in a fight on the ice, and this beer really packs a punch fit for settling in for a Canes game at home — or a tailgate at the Lenovo Center. With the way the season is shaking out, you should stock up before the playoffs start in April.
Try the new brew at Trophy’s newest outposts on West Morgan Street. The Bend Bar offers a chic space with beer, craft cocktails and wine, and the new State of Beer next door is a prime bottle shop with a fun selection of sandwiches.
The Buy
The Buy
Looking for a small something to gift your loved ones on Valentine’s Day? Shop great gifts for partners, friends, and family:
Hopscotch Music Festival fills the streets of Raleigh. | Photo by Garrett Poulos
I’ve already scored my tickets for Hopscotch 2025, and it’s got me thinking — are you prepped for your favorite events of the year? Check out our guide to the top 25 things happening in RAL this year and make moves to get there.
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