Hike the East Loop at sunset to try and catch these cotton candy skies. | Photo by Danny Clarke
Lace up your hiking boots because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Raleigh area with 22 routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.
Wake County
Honeycutt Creek Greenway
This trail starts as a suburban path but transitions into a peaceful, heavily wooded trail. Hike out to Falls Lake and back.
Williamson Preserve to Neuse River Walk
Explore the Bailey and Sarah Williamson Preserve, open every day from dawn until dusk. Be on the lookout for wildflowers and a turtle or two.
The Triangle Land Conservancy has eight public nature preserves.
Couch Mountain Trail
Hike this trail if you are looking to explore broad paths filled with vibrant wildflowers in Duke Forest.
American Tobacco Trail from Durham
Find the beginning of this trail near Durham Bulls Athletic Park at Morehead Avenue and Blackwell Street. You’ll travel the Triangle through Durham, Chatham, and Wake counties. Look for various environmental gems including a lake and wildflower fields.
July 3rd Celebration | 4-10 p.m. | Downtown Cary Park | Free | Kick off Independence Day fun with a screening of “Top Gun,” food trucks, and more star-spangled activities.
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.
The City of Raleigh will no longer expand two miles of Six Forks Road after investing $9 million into the project. The project was canceled after going over budget and being unable to deliver the original vision. Instead, city council voted unanimously to reallocate funds to fill in sidewalks at Carroll Middle School. (The News & Observer)
Sports
The Canes traded Scott Morrow for the New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller with an eight year contract. Miller is a top-ranked defenseman with seven goals and 20 assists in the last season. Welcome to Raleigh, K’Andre.
Watch
ICYMI, barber and former Raleigh firefighter Sly Brooks was featured on “Good Morning America” yesterday for his unique, one-on-one barbershop, SlysFireCuts. Plus, Brooks provides kids with free back-to-school cuts and school supplies. Watch the segment.(ABC)
Try This
Tomorrow’s First Friday, and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance is celebrating Independence Day right. Head to Moore Square for a free screening of “Top Gun: Maverick,” food trucks, and live music. Get there early to secure your spot on the lawn.
History
The owners of the Hillsborough Street circular Holiday Inn have submitted a 34-page application to get the local oddity historic landmark status. Tidal Real Estate Partners say it’s an example of Modernist design with its breeze blocks and porte-cochère. (The News & Observer)
Plan Ahead
Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is just a few weeks away, July 24 through Aug. 3. Expect deals at downtown favorites, like La Terrazza, Wonderland, The Parlor at Heights House, and more. Psst... If you’re an owner of a downtown eatery, you can opt-in to this can’t-miss week online.
Eat
This 10-minute summer lunch layers rotisserie chicken, crisp apple, and creamy brie in a pita. Serve it warm or chilled — either way, it’s peak picnic fare.*
Plan Ahead
Four renowned scientists will be in Raleigh for a special lecture series for the NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ new, larger-than-life exhibit: Blue Whales. Dive into astonishing new discoveries about the largest animals to have ever existed — tix include entry to the brand-new special exhibition.*
Finance
Even “1883" couldn’t script a gold run like this: An ounce of gold is expected to cost $4,000 in 2026. Diversify your portfolio with a gold IRA — no pickaxe required.†*
Older Adults
Your fifties + beyond is a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are 14 financial benefits seniors are entitled to (but often forget to claim).*
Shop
Mood’s rapid onset THC gummies deliver gentle body relaxation with a strong but balanced, clear-headed euphoria — all in as little as five minutes. Get 20% off.†*
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.
How would you fare in a parallel parking contest in downtown Raleigh? A group in Portland organized a competition sure to bend some fenders, and I have to say, I think downtowners might do pretty well on this one.
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