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Editor’s Pick
I had so much fun shopping for everything from snacks to stationery. | Photo by RALtoday
Hey Raleigh. Last week, I visited newly opened Japanese lifestyle store Ebisu right across from NC State on Hillsborough Street and had such a fun time shopping. I even picked up a few goodies for myself.
The store is stocked with 80% Japanese goods and 20% from the rest of Asia, including stationery, snacks, beauty products, and toys. While I was in, I grabbed a Sanrio notepad and grilled squid potato chips — which I was pleasantly surprised by.
Pro tip: Students will descend upon campus in early August, and I’m thinking you should visit before they come back. Even during the summer, the store was bustling, and you’ll want some time and space to explore.
Asked
Asked
Where are you located?
A. Downtown Raleigh B. North Raleigh C. Cary D. Morrisville
Pottery Painting Pop-Up | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Vicious Fishes Brewery, Cary | $30 | Paint a pottery piece of your picking at this pop-up.
Brewery Trivia Night Mondays | 7-9 p.m. | Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Raleigh | Free | Put your trivia cap on for this friendly competition.
Tuesday, July 1
Dive in: Tuesday-After Work Social | 4:30-11 p.m. | Slims Dive Bar | Free | Unwind after work and put your knowledge to the test with a friendly competition.
Haiti As It Was | Through Thursday, July 31 | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Gallery C Fine Art | Free | Tour this selection of Haitian art curated by gallerist Charlene Newsom.
Wednesday, July 2
Al Strong & Friends Jazz Night | 8-11 p.m. | Boatman Spirits Co. | Price of purchase | Relax with a locally distilled cocktail and tunes by this Grammy-nominated musician.
Raleigh Brewing Run/Walk Club | 6:30-8 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company | Free | Run or walk three or four miles and grab a beer after.
Wine+Weeds | 6-7 p.m. | Raleigh City Farm | Free | Join this community effort of maintaining this farm while learning the basics of agriculture.
Thursday, July 3
Fireworks Frenzy in Apex | 5-10 p.m. | Hunter Park, Apex | Free | The peak of good living will have both a drone show and fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth.
Experience master-led movement, music, and mindfulness workshops across four deeply restorative days in a city that bounced back so strongly from Hurricane Helene that it was named a top travel destination for 2025 by The New York Times.
Plus, explore vibrant neighborhoods and local experiences to continue supporting AVL businesses.
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is coming to Fenton with a wide variety of breakfasts, including sweet + savory crepes, salads, paninis, and plenty more to make you feel like a real Parisian when it opens this fall. Plus, YogaSix is expanding its local footprint with a new studio in the flourishing development. (Raleigh Magazine)
Health
Wake County has issued its second rabies notice this month after a fox bit a Wake Forest man. Wake County recommends avoiding contact with wild animals and making sure your pets vaccinations are up to date.
Mansion Monday
We’re hopping over to Wake Forest this week for a home that left our jaws on the floor. This home would make us feel like royalty, and this heat wave has us craving a day by the pool. We’re especially fans of the home gym, theater, and wine cellar. Here’s the price tag.
Number
72.2 million. That’s how many Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July, a 2.4% increase from last year. This includes an estimated 5.84 million people traveling by air — if you’re one of those flyers, familiarize yourself with Raleigh-Durham International Airport before departure. (AAA)
Try This
On the hunt for a luxe pool? Try using Resort Pass, a tool where you can find day passes to hotel pools across the 919. We’re eyeing a private cabana at The Stateview Hotel.
State
It looks like North Carolinians believe in the power of sweet potatoes. That’s the most popular superfood in the state, based on Google search data compiled by Eachnight. If you want to buy some, or see what other goodies are growing in central NC, head to a local farmers market.
Number
45%. That’s the percentage of Americans who believe they need to make at least a six-figure annual income to be comfortable financially. Explore our jobs board to see if that six-figure salary is waiting for you locally. (Bankrate)
Outdoors
Take a peek at the first images taken by the largest digital camera ever built, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. While you may not get quite the same view, you can explore the night sky closer to home at UNC’s Morehead Planetarium. (AP)
Watch
ESPN is launching Vibe Check, its first all-female-led sports show tonight. The panel show will feature analysis and commentary on all sports, including the Carolina Hurricanes, with a little comedy in the mix. Check out new episodes on Disney+ on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Cause
It’s Freedom Week, so now’s a great time to give back and make a powerful impact in Raleigh. Now through Saturday, July 5, donate blood with The Blood Connection to help meet the urgent needs of local hospitals facing summer trauma surges. Sign up, save lives, and earn rewards.*
Community
Uh-oh, short-staffed again? Don’t sweat it — the RALtoday Job Board has your back. Post your job, reach awesome local talent, and get that role filled fast. Oh, and did we mention it’s totally free? Yep, like zero dollars.
The Capital City BMX race track at Lions Park. | Photo by RALtoday
Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Raleigh features more than 200 parks and recreational spots to enjoy.
Ready to plan your trip to the park? Grab your shades and trusty water bottle — here are some of Oak City’s best:
Sports parks
Baileywick Park
The park’s newly renovated pavilion includes covered pickleball courts and a court for futsal, a sport similar to soccer played on a hardcourt.
Buffaloe Road Athletic Park
Used for many NCAA sports and special events, facilities include an aquatic center, outdoor track, fields, trails, and playgrounds.
Brentwood Park
This neighborhood park offers lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, sports fields, playgrounds, and a rental facility on 19 acres of land.
Lions Park
With 41 acres, this community park features a fitness center, lighted basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields, and a BMX race track.
We’ve got all the Fourth of July essentials you need and won’t immediately throw away after the holiday. (Think: Family-friend games you can play all summer long, a reusable + safe alternative to fireworks, and grill accessories that last). Buy these items today for the chance for them to arrive before the holiday.
🍖 Get the grill ready with this scouring stone that cleans better and faster than a brush.
🔥 Speaking of the grill, trade your old pocket lighter for this windproof one.
🎆 This light up bubble blower serves as a safe, kid-friendly replacement for fireworks.
🇺🇸 This red, white, and blue reusable tablecloth is stain-resistant and waterproof.
☀️ No summer holiday is complete without a fun backyard game like Spikeball or lifesize Jenga.
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’m normally not a picky eater, but raw tomatoes just aren’t my thing. I always feel left out during heirloom tomato season, so I want to know — what do you do with your German Johnsons, Cherokee Purples, and any other heirloom faves? Let me know.
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