As big fans of shopping local here at RALtoday, we love the emphasis on creating a distinctly Raleigh experience. | Photo provided by Kane Realty
This time last year, Makers Alley at the North Hills Innovation District opened its doors for a bevy of smaller local retailers like Green Rabbit Plants, Hellbent, and Ky’s Kandles. Now, two new stores are joining the slate of hyper-local biz — Unlikely Professionals and Lil’ R + R.
You might know Unlikely Professionals as the rugged sibling and neighbor of Edge of Urge on Person Street. Owners Jessie Williams and Derek Keller will open a new version of the store with two Makers Alley spaces: one with a stylish natural wine + beer bar and home goods, another with premium apparel, accessories, and gifts.
Also coming to NHID is A Lil’ R + R by local artist Emily Petrilla. Expect a vibrant, cozy gift boutique with everything from pup products to home goods — and a selection of Petrilla’s fun illustrated wares, like doggy sticky notes and safety matches. Plus, A Lil’ R + R will host creative workshops and community events.
Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Birthday Week | Through Sunday, April 6 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Ponysaurus Brewing Co. | Price of purchase | Celebrate one year of this local brewery’s Raleigh location with barbecue pizza, cupcakes, and a $10 lunch deal all week.
Carolinas Finest Art Market | 6-9 p.m. | Joy Worthy | Price of Purchase | Peruse art + goods from across the Carolinas, see a live painting demonstration, and win raffle prizes.
“The Marriage of Figaro” | Friday, April 4 + Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $28+ | Mozart’s classic opera battle of the sexes + classes returns to Raleigh.
Saturday, April 5
“Wicked": Movie in the Library | 1-4 p.m. | Green Road Community Library | Free | Watch the popular musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Holi Celebration | 2-6 p.m. | Salem Middle School, Apex | Free | Celebrate Holi with plenty of color, live music, and local food trucks.
This week, city council heard from citizens concerned about the potentially huge Lenovo Center district rezoning — especially those worried about walkability, like Cardinal Gibbons High School students. Council will return to the topic at its Tuesday, April 15 meeting. (The News & Observer)
Weather
919 rainstorms have gotten more intense in the last 50 years, according to a recent climate study. Between 1970 and 2024, Raleigh’s hourly rainfall intensity increased by nearly 21.5%, a higher than average increase compared to other cities. (Axios Raleigh)
Festival
Dreamville will stream all NCAA Final Four games — men’s and women’s — at the festival this weekend, including men’s championship favorite Duke. City Editor Allie has a fond memory of tuning into NC State vs. Purdue from Dix Park last season.
Kids
Marbles Kids Museum will debut the Creative Kitchen Kids Food Festival May 3 + 4 to encourage families to make healthy choices. With hands-on kids cooking workshops, scavenger hunts, and James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Classes, this free festival promises flavorful fun.
Shop
Independent Bookstore Day is coming up on Saturday, April 26. Get acquainted with our local indie bookstores ahead of time and plan to pick up a book or five to show your support later this month — we’re huge fans of So & So and Blackbird.
Jobs
Are you ready to take the plunge?Pullen Aquatic Center is offering free lifeguard training to those 15 and up who are looking for a fun summer job. Classes are every Friday through the end of the month and are intended for those with strong swimming skills.
State
Did you know? There’s a good chance your Cheez-It crackers are locally sourced. Cary is home to a Kellanova snack factory that produces 8,000 Cheez-Its an hour, and the grain is sourced from NC grain farmers. (WUNC)
Eat
Take your tastebuds on an adventure through James Beard-nominated restaurants, craft breweries, and award-winning distilleries in Winston-Salem. See what else is on the menu and start planning your trip.*
Try This
The Collagen Comeback from Synergy Face + Body is a virtual event next Tuesday, April 8 all about achieving youthful, radiant skin. RSVP for free.*
Tech
Invest in award-winning AI-powered marketing technology. With 12+ years of research behind them, RAD Intel is backed by Adobe and Fidelity and trusted by Hasbro, Skechers, and Sweetgreen. Join 6,000+ investors and get $0.55 per share (before prices change next Thursday, April 10).†*
Number
$10,000. If you owe this much in personal debt, this company can reach out to credit card companies + potentially reduce it. See how it works.*
We’re still rooting for some of Raleigh’s best and brightest talent in the kitchen. | Photos provided by Figulina, Tamasha, Prime Barbecue, Crawford Hospitality, Saltbox Seafood Joint, and Cheeni
While no Raleigh chefs nor restaurants landed a James Beard Award nomination this year, the Triangle’s six semifinalists continue to highlight the area’s strong culinary scene.
The two 2025 nominations repping NC are Silver Iocovozzi for Neng Jr.’s in Asheville (Best Chef: Southeast) and April Franqueza from The Dining Room at High Hampton in Cashiers (Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker).
Earlier this year, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards, recognizing the top food talent in the US, and six Triangle chefs + restaurants have were named among the cream of the crop.
Scott Crawford: Outstanding Restaurateur
Ricky Moore, Saltbox Seafood Joint: Outstanding Chef
Bhavin Chhatwani, Tamasha Modern Indian: Emerging Chef
Figulina: Best New Restaurant
The Bar Beej: Best New Bar
Christopher Prieto, Prime Barbecue: Best Chef: Southeast
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
I’m so disappointed in Raleigh’s James Beard Award snubs, but the semifinalist announcement did lead me to an amazing lunch at Saltbox Seafood Joint and dinner + drinks at Cheeni — don’t get me started on the mint chutney cocktail — so not a total loss.
Answered
Answered
What role did Moore Square play in Raleigh’s history after the Civil War?
It provided sleeping quarters for Union soldiers — and 62% of quiz takers got that one right. Nice job.
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