Morelia has dozens of surprising flavors to choose from. | Photo provided by Morelia Gourmet Paletas
With temps soaring into the 100s, we think it’s high time for a cold, refreshing sweet treat, and Raleigh’s got something for just about everyone. From dirty sodas packed with ice to creamy smoothie bowls, we’ve got you covered when it comes to keeping cool.
Soft serve
Simons Says Dip This is a relative newcomer in Raleigh, but its creamy soft serve, out-of-the-box toppings like Nerds and potato chips, and fun atmosphere have already made a mark in Glenwood South.
Popsicles
Pops from Morelia Gourmet aren’t your usual backyard popsicles. These creamy treats can be endlessly customized with anything from flamed marshmallow fluff to chocolate wafers to make a paleta sandwich. Plus, get in on one of this year’s top food trends with a Dubai chocolate paleta.
“Forgive Us, Gustavito” | Wednesday, June 25-Sunday, June 29 | Burning Coal Theatre Stage | $10 | This funny noir play follows the seedy underbelly of a zoo after the death of a beloved animal resident.
NC Trivia Night | 7 p.m. | Raleigh Times, Raleigh | Free | Test your NC know-how in this friendly trivia competition.
“The Color Purple” | Wednesday, June 25-Sunday, June 29 | 3 p.m. | Raleigh Little Theater | It’s your last week to see the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the healing power of love.
Wine+Weeds | 6-7 p.m. | Raleigh City Farm | Free | Join this community effort of maintaining this farm while learning the basics of agriculture.
⛰️ Your guide to a refreshing mountain weekend
Presented by Explore Burnsville
Burnsville is open and has things to do for all kinds of weekend getaways. | Photos provided by Explore Burnsville
Burnsville, NC is buzzing with new openings + Blue Ridge beauty as it rebounds from Hurricane Helene.
This cozy mountain town nestled at the foot of Mt. Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi) has an itinerary for every type of weekend away, from family fun to romantic escapes.
If we only had 48 hours in Burnsville, here’s how we’d spend it:
Friday
Check in at Nu Wray Hotel, a recently refreshed historic landmark originally built in the 1800s
Duke Energy has asked customers to limit their power usage during the heatwave while temps reach triple digits. The company recommends setting your thermostat to the warmest comfortable temperature, unplugging and turning off unused appliances and electronics, and delaying appliance use until the early morning or evening. (The News & Observer)
Biz
Crabtree Valley Mall has been acquired by a real estate developer, Macerich Company, for $290 million. The company said it plans to invest $60 million in updates + renovations for the mall between now and 2028. (Triangle Business Journal)
Jobs
291. That’s how many jobs are coming after California startup BuildOps selected Raleigh for its third corporate office. BuildOps helps construction teams finish their projects faster, and these jobs will be arriving between 2026 and 2029 with an average salary of $111,000 or more. (The News & Observer)
Closing
Running store Runologie will close its doors at the end of June after 11 years in Raleigh. The store has helped raise over $500,000 for local nonprofits + organizations and will continue hosting events, like annual runs and its nOg Run Club.
Read
Durhamite + historian Kathleen DuVal recently received the Pulitzer Prize in history for her book “Native Nations: A Millennium in North America,” a 700+ page book about early civilizations and Indigenous culture. Read Border Belt Independent’s full conversation with the author + UNC professor.
Community
Wake County is encouraging residents to keep Wake clean with free litter kits for use during summer activities. Think: Bringing a kit to the fireworks show at the Lenovo Center. If you’re more excited by meeting new people and cleaning up all of Raleigh, see what The Great Raleigh Cleanup has to offer.
Shop
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ special exhibit store just opened, full of locally made items and unique gifts. We’re loving these sunset earrings, but who can resist a build-it-yourself blue whale model? Seawhat catches your eye.*
Announced
Drumroll, please: Mary Grace F. is the official winner of our Music Park Concert Giveaway in partnership with Coastal Credit Union. Have a blast at the show, and thank you to everyone who entered.*
Try This
POV: You’re in a bind trying to fill an important role for your local biz. We can help. Post your job on RALtoday Job Board and get connected to top local talent. Psst — it’s completely free.
The Buy
Printer ink that’s shipped to your house when you’re running low (yes, it’s a thing). HP Instant Ink makes printing worry-free by delivering ink before you run out automatically. Save up to 50% compared to buying cartridges the old-fashioned way.*
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’ll always go to bat for soft serve, and Simons Says Dip This is probably the very best in town. I’m especially partial to their dark chocolate with potato chip topping for a little sweet and salty treat.
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