Here’s a glimpse of Raleigh in 1872. | Photo via nps.gov
If you read RALtoday every morning, you may know what’s new in Raleigh — but how’s your memory of Oak City’s past?
We’re testing you with a before-and-after quiz after digging into Google Maps. We’ll show you nine photos, and your job is to tell us what’s there today — or what used to be.
Ready to show off your Oak City smarts? Take the quiz below, then come back to read about a few of our favorite transformations.
Best of North Carolina 2025 | Through Saturday, May 24 | 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Gallery C Fine Art | Free | Explore art from across the Tar Heel State in this annual exhibition.
Goodnights Presents: Matthew Broussard | 7-9:15 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club | $28+ | You know him from his viral social media videos — see him live in Oak City.
Saturday, May 24
Special Event: Monét X Change | Through Sunday, May 25 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $36+ | Have a night of fun with this “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner.
Official Canes Viewing Party | 8 p.m. | Carolina Ale House, Cary | Free | Cheer on the Canes in Game 3 against the Panthers with Stormy, the Canes Crew, and giveaways.
Sunday, May 25
Raleigh Ghost and Urban Legend Walk | 10 p.m. | Williams Courtyard | $15 | This spooky tour shares some of Raleigh’s scariest true crime and ghost stories.
Too late for the pediatrician? Enter: UNC Children’s Urgent Care
Presented by UNC Health
UNC Children’s Urgent Care at Raleigh is there for your child (and you) until midnight. | Photos by Getty Images
When your child’s fever spikes after 5 p.m., or on the weekends, do you know where to turn?
UNC Children’s Urgent Care at Raleigh is here for you and your family. Open until midnight every night of the week, the urgent care center specializes in kid-friendly care for newborns and young adults up to 21 years old.
This safe and welcoming space is designed just for kids, and the pediatric-trained staff can help treat minor fractures for growing bones, cold and flu symptoms, allergies, and so much more.
Psst: There are even on-site lab and x-ray services.
Did the Canes secure their first win of the Eastern Conference Final since 2006 last night? Check in on the score to see if they beat the Panthers at home. (ESPN)
Community
Wake County will monitor local watering holes + freshwater lakes for bacteria through Labor Day weekend. Expect color-coded signs indicating bacteria levels to keep you and your fam safe while swimming.
Plan Ahead
John Chavis Memorial Park is hosting a Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. Expect something for the whole family, including inflatables, a live DJ, on-site food trucks, and plenty more for this history-honoring party.
Try This
Before it opens its doors in Gateway Plaza, Escazu Chocolates is saying goodbye to Blount Street with a farewell party this Sunday, May 25. Expect pottery by Liz Kelly, matcha + tea from Feature Flora, and, of course, sweets from the artisan chocolatier.
Coming Soon
Campus life just got a bit better for NC State students. French bakery La Farm will open a new location for students on campus, along with a Mediterranean option at D. H. Hill Library’s food court. Both will open for the first day of classes in August. (The News & Observer)
Number
6,243. That’s how many new apartments have been added to downtown since 2020. As of Q1 2025, 92.3% of downtown units are occupied, and Raleigh ranks No. 9 for new downtown apartments in the South. This follows city leaders’ goal of adding residents to downtown. (Triangle Business Journal)
Raleigh is about to welcome some truly enormous guests. Dive into the awe-inspiring biology of the largest animals of all time at Blue Whales: The NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ newest special exhibition. Details + tix.*
Shop
Summer is almost here — and Hoka shoes deliver all-day comfort and support for any activity. Brad’s Deals has rounded up the best summer Hoka discounts from top retailers.*
Category
Drink
🍷 Pour it up
The Hippo is a chic wine bar in downtown Raleigh. | Photo provided by Downtown Raleigh Alliance
Aged to perfection, Raleigh boasts a vibrant wine scene — and we want to help you celebrate National Wine Day this Sunday, May 25 like a pro. Keep reading for 17 wine bars + bottle shops featuring everything from natural wines and porrons to wine clubs and curated selections.
Barcelona Wine Bar | Build a flight with a selection of 40 wines offered by the glass or order a bottle for the table — there are nearly 400 to choose from. Plus, have vino poured directly into your mouth with a porron.
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
⭐ Get 27% off a portable charger and never lose battery again.
⭐ Shop 15% off Clinique Take The Day Off makeup remover, an oil-free, non-irritating formula.
⭐ Take 41% off an air fryer from the Instant Pot brand that’s rated 4.5 stars.
That new La Farm location at NC State will be at one of my favorite campus spots from my time as a student, and I’m feeling jealous of incoming students. Maybe I’ll get a master’s degree just for a white chocolate baguette.
Answered
Answered
Which Raleigh barbecue spot is your fave?
Over 30% of readers let us know their ‘cue of choice is Sam Jones BBQ. Other contenders our readers love include Prime Barbecue out in Knightdale and the original Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson.
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