Andia’s Ice Cream adds limited-edition flavors every month. | Photos by Andia’s Ice Cream
As far as Andia Xouris is concerned, nothing moves or thrives without community — including Andia’s Ice Cream.
The Grand Master Ice Cream Chef brings more than just award-winning scoops to Raleigh + the Triangle — she brings heart. “I was surrounded by amazing cooks,” she told RALtoday, reflecting on her childhood. “So, feeding people, making them feel welcome — it’s just in our DNA.”
Andia’s Ice Cream has blossomed into a local staple with four locations and a national reputation. Xouris is one of four people in the country to be named a Grand Master Ice Cream Maker twice.
Much of that reward comes from the flavors themselves, many of which are born out of Raleigh’s own rich culture and collaborative team ideas.
She’s also passionate about celebrating + collaborating with local culinary stars like chef Luis E. Zouain of LaGana and chef Preeti Waas of Cheeni. “We’re all telling stories through flavor, and those chefs are doing incredible work.”
Author Event: Brenda Novak | 6 p.m. | Page 158 Books, Wake Forest | $19 | Meet a best-selling author and discuss her latest release, “The Summer That Changed Everything.”
Wellness Wednesdays | 6:30 p.m. | Midtown Park | $6 | Join Oak & Iron Fitness as they lead an hour of fun.
Thursday, June 13
Brush the Skyline Watercolors Workshop | 6:30 p.m. | Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing | $45 | Paint the skyline view of the Boylan Bridge with the direction of local artist Malika Barnett.
Chocolate & Bourbon Tasting | 7 p.m. | The Chocolate Boutique | $60 | Taste local bourbons paired with Belgian chocolate truffles.
Friday, June 14
Museum Movie Night: “Shrek” | 5:30-10 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | $3+ | Enjoy an evening of science stations, trivia, prizes, and ogre-themed fun at this family-friendly movie night.
Late Night at Longleaf: Stand Up Comedy | 9-11 p.m. | The Longleaf Hotel and Lounge | Free | Have an evening of laughter while watching sets from Liz Donehue, Jake Weddle + more.
Boatman Spirits Co., a new distillery and Mediterranean street food restaurant, opens this Friday, June 13, at Seaboard Station. The 7,000-sqft space combines a bar, restaurant, and distillery. Boatman will sell spirits on site, including vodka, whiskey, gin, and Arak. Stop by the wrap for a preview + bites to try.
Opening
An ‘80s Miami-themed pop-up bar, Electric Flamingo, opens this Friday, June 13, at 10 p.m. beneath The Merchant. Created by local restaurateurs and influencer Magnolia Megan, the spot will feature Cuban-inspired bites, an on-site DJ, and cocktails. Visit while you can — it’s open through Labor Day. (Raleigh Magazine)
Civic
Raleigh approved a $1.8 billion budget with no property tax increase and raises for city employees. Nearly 3,000 hourly employees and public safety workers will get an 11% raise, and exempt employees will receive 9%. Firefighters’ proposed separation allowance was excluded, with most preferring immediate pay boosts. (The News & Observer)
Sports
Duke’s men’s basketball will take on Texas on Nov. 4 at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center in the debut of the Dick Vitale Invitational, a new ESPN event honoring the legendary broadcaster. Hosted by the Charlotte Sports Foundation, it brings top-tier college hoops to the city — be sure to mark your calendar. (CLTtoday)
Try This
Raleigh is hosting a free Summer Concert Series on Sundays featuring local acts starting June 22 at 6 p.m. through Sept. 21. Concerts will alternate between Pullen Park + Fred Fletcher Park. Take a look at who’s performing.
Tech
Wake County has launched a new website where residents can track the progress of projects funded by the $142 million library bond approved in November. The site offers updates on renovations, replacements, and new library builds with the first round of projects expected to be completed by 2028.
Sports
In more Blue Devil news, after 13 seasons, Duke baseball coach Chris Pollard is leaving to take the head coaching position at the University of Virginia. Pollard led Duke to historic success, including four Super Regional appearances, two ACC titles, and its first 40-win season. This departure comes after Duke not making the College World Series. (CBS 17)
Plan Ahead
Raleigh social club Socials to Social and clothing store Hellbent are collaborating on a summer event series that will kick off on Saturday, June 21. The day party event will occur on the third Saturday of the month through August at Hellbent — tickets start at $7.
Development
The Pittsboro Town Board unanimously approved the first phase of Disney’s 1,550-acre Asteria community, part of the Storyliving by Disney project. The 217-acre phase includes nearly 500 homes, parks, and Disney-themed amenities, with homes expected to be on the market by 2027. (The News & Observer)
Eat
Smoky, spicy, and just sweet enough — this quick and easy cauliflower dish gets its golden char from a quick pan sear and finishes with a honey-orange glaze. Plus, Spanish paprika adds warmth while red pepper flakes bring a little bite. Get cooking.*
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Category
Kids
🏕️ Camp you dig it?
Summer camps are made for kids to enjoy being kids. | Photo provided by JC Raulston Arboretum
Believe it or not, summer camps fill up fast. Whether you have a future scientist, explorer, athlete, or artist on your hands, use this to give your kiddo the gift of fun and to plan your family’s summer.
For the artist
Artspace Summer Camp | Ages 5+
Choose from a few sessions still available between June + August to let your little artist shine. From learning color theory to unpredictable painting workshops, art has no limits here.
For the explorer
Piedmont Wildlife Center | Ages 5+
Join Piedmont Wildlife Center at its award-winning outdoor camps in William B. Umstead State Park. Explore local parks, play forest games, go creek crawling, and meet native NC wildlife.
For the scientists + tech enthusiasts
Mad Science | Ages 5+
Experience hands-on adventures like surviving on a “deserted island,” building rockets, exploring space, and creating cool inventions like catapults. Kids work together on fun science experiments and challenges that spark creativity and problem-solving skills.
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 had the pleasure of getting a preview of Boatman Spirits Co., and I’m taking you along for the ride. Take a peek at the atmosphere + the bites I tried. Try this: The Phantom cocktail and lamb burger.
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