Find the perfect gift to express gratitude and love for the role models in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City
This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15 — meaning it’s a great time to browse our gift guide for parents, grandparents, neighbors, mentors, and life-long friends. Shop great gifts that say I appreciate you:
Golf practice net | $99.99 | Golfers can perfect their swing before stepping out on the course with this golf net great for backyards, basements, or even the living room.
Local pick:Tenebroso Pinching Salt | $15 | This award-winning and locally made seasoning salt is made with Carolina Reapers to give anything from pork chops to popcorn a lingering, tasty heat.
Mom’s story book and Dad’s story book | $24.95 | Prompt them to write down memories, advice, and stories in these guided journals.
Local pick: Private Dinner with Crewneck Chef | $300+ | Enjoy a three-course meal prepared in your home by a private chef with seasonal ingredients.*
Crocs recovery slide | $64.95 | If they already love Crocs, upgrade them to the next best thing: a luxe, comfortable slide that will become their most-worn shoe of the summer.
Custom photo socks | $16.99 | Photos of pets, babies, or any person can be added to these socks that are sure to surprise and delight.
Carhartt lunch box | $29.50 | This camping cooler and worksite lunchbox is durable, waterproof, and extra roomy.
Golf cooler bag | $25.99 | This slim, insulated cooler sleeve can fit into the side pocket of most golf bags and fits up to six beer cans.
Local pick:Peace Fournine Affirmation Mug | $22 | Give the gift of reassuring affirmations with a mug designed with gentle reminders.
Get a first glance of Watermill Mountain inside of Gipson Play Plaza. | Photo via Dorothea Dix Park
School is just about over for the mini Raleighites. Keep them busy all summer long with activities for all interests.
All about the arts
Hello Yellow Art Studio | Price of purchase
This art spot offers various make-it-and-take-it crafts, including a hat bar, small ceramics, and more. Pro tip: Ask about the Kids Night Out drop-off program.
Thrill-seeking fun
Fantasy Lake Adventure Park | Pricing varies per attraction
Have an adventurous day with water activities like scuba diving and the inflatable park. If you want some dry fun, the park now offers pickleball.
Great outdoors
Gipson Play Plaza | Free
When the opening date finally arrives on Friday, June 6, relish in Oak City’s biggest adventure playground. Get the lay of the land on Saturday, June 7 + Sunday, June 8, at the grand opening event with family activities, food trucks, and an immersive light experience in the evening.
Would you ever go on a game show with family/friends?
A. Absolutely, we’d be up for the challenge B. Maybe, if we could get some practice rounds in first C. No chance, I’d be too shy for the spotlight D. Other
First Friday Market & Movie | 5 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Shop and pick up a bite from local vendors, then grab a spot for a viewing of “Shrek 2.”
Special Event: Lavell Crawford | Through Sunday, June 8 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $39+ | See this veteran comedian and “Breaking Bad” actor perform live.
Saturday, June 6
Zen & Swim Saturdays | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Artist Lounge Raleigh | $10+ | Participate in a beginner-friendly yoga flow + have a poolside social afterwards.
The Market at NCMA | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | Free | Shop this local artist series every first Saturday in the museum park.
Parlor Pride | 1-5 p.m. | The Parlor at Heights House | $11 | Enjoy interactive activities and drag performances by Jada J Agave, Emory Starr + Alexandra Vittz.
The iconic circular Holiday Inn on Hillsborough Street will be preserved + transformed into NC’s third Hotel Indigo, a shift from earlier plans to demolish it for a 20-story tower. Built in 1969 during a trend of circular hotel designs, the building is one of Raleigh’s most recognizable structures. Tidal Real Estate Partners plans to begin renovations soon. (Triangle Business Journal)
Announced
CAM Raleigh will temporarily pause its exhibitions and programming starting Sunday, June 15 until further notice. In the Instagram post, the museum said it aims to reflect on future operations — stop by to view its current exhibitions while you can.
Civic
The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved a $2.1 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year with a 36-cent property tax increase. The plan will boost school funding by $40 million through cutting 12 EMS positions and scaling back a housing loan program. Get more insights. (INDY Week)
Opening
Used bookstore Dog-Eared Books will host a grand reopening at its new storefront at 4011 Atlantic Ave. Doors open on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m., with expanded hours, improved parking, and updates including online inventory access.
Festival
The 46th Annual Festival for the Eno returns July 4 + 5 at West Point on the Eno Park in Durham. The event features over 65 music acts, local food, crafts, and more — tickets are available now.
Community
City council approved weekly yard waste collection starting in fall 2026. The change adds 26 pickups annually and ends the loose-leaf program. Residents can leave up to 15 biodegradable bags curbside year-round.
Edu
The Wake County Board of Education approved its first districtwide cellphone policy, effective in July. Students must silence and store their phones out of sight, and the policy limits use in classrooms. Exceptions will apply for emergencies and student accommodations. (WRAL)
Try This
Bring your feline friend to a Durham Bulls game next Wednesday, June 11. Cats must be leashed or safely contained during your visit and seated in one of the designated sections. Grab your seat.
Shop
Mood’s THC gummies take effect in as little as five minutes — no lighter, lingering smells, or coughing required. Get 20% off your first order with code FIRST20.†*
Number
$4,000. That’s how much an ounce of gold is expected to cost in 2026. You can beat the FOMO with a gold IRA, which lets you own physical gold without the hassle of storage.†*
Correction
We got our banks mixed up. First Citizens Bank ranked at No. 293 on the Fortune 500 list this year, not First Horizon which is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Now that makes cents.
This best-selling bath mat. When was the last time you replaced the mats in your bathroom? If you’re anything like us, it’s been too long. Consider this your sign to upgrade. We love this one that features a soft, ultra-absorbent design and comes in multiple colors and sizes for easily mixing + matching.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I can’t wait to share the conversation I had with Andia Xouris of Andia’s Ice Cream. She shared so much about her creative process and even a few Raleigh-inspired flavors you might not know about. Look out for the full scoop in an upcoming newsletter.
My current ice cream obsession is the Twisted Tajin.
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