Plus, Peruvian food, adoptable pets, Cooper's Hawk + "Chopped."
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Editor’s Pick

A line of people standing outside FRESH. Local Ice Cream in Raleigh, NC.
Pro tip: Grab some doggie ice cream from FRESH. Local Ice Cream for your four-legged friend to enjoy at the grill out. | Photo by RALtoday
Sunday is National Ice Cream Day, and I’d like to consider myself a sweet treat expert. Here’s where I’d head for a frosty fix this weekend to celebrate.

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. My recommendation is anything with a hazelnut Kinder Bueno dip.

Made with local milk from free-range cows, FRESH. Local Ice Cream has four locations throughout the Triangle. Our favorite flavor is the Carolina Crunch made with salted caramel ice cream, Butterfingers, and Heath Bars.

Feeling bold? Bold Batch Creamery will be popping up at Wolfe & Porter tonight from 6 to 11 p.m. and Sunday starting at 2 p.m. for a fundraiser concert. You’ll find me with a scoop of Frozen Tomato Summer made with deviled egg ice cream, candied bacon, paprika, and of course, tomato.

Events

Friday, July 18

NCMA Outdoor Films: “The Wild Robot” | 6 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Bring the family for coloring activities, robot-centered games + a screening of the award-winning animated film “The Wild Robot.”

Saturday, July 19

Paint, Sip & Dip | 1-4 p.m. | Georgia Tardy Art Studio | $25+ | This class is themed around the remarkable art of South Africa’s Ndebele tribe — and yes, you can take a dip in the pool while your painting dries.

Raleigh Brewing’s Book Fair | 1-6 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company | Free | Add to your TBR piles by hitting up this pop-up market with Quail Ridge Books featuring vendors, live music, and brews.

Saturday Night Deejay | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Boatman Spirits Co. | Free | Head to this new eatery for late night vibes, music, and cocktails.

Sunday, July 20

Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Fuquay-Varina Twins | 5:05 p.m. | Ting Stadium, Holly Springs | $12+ | It’s a local matchup at Ting Stadium — root for your fave Triangle town at this baseball game.
See our full events calendar
Click here to have your event featured.

Travel and Outdoors

⛰️ Your guide to a refreshing mountain weekend

Presented by Explore Burnsville
Photo 1: A family of 4 sits on the grass on a hike with mountains in the background. Photo 2: A planetarium filled with people looking up at the stars. Photo 3: An overhead shot of the town of Burnsville, NC with green mountains surrounding the town. Photo 4: A man and a woman walk downtown Burnsville with a child sitting on the man's shoulders. Photo 5: A woman makes a pot on a pottery wheel, with several similar clay pots on the table next to her.
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

Grab a drink at newly opened Roland’s Bar, located in Nu Wray’s original smokehouse

Head to dinner at Live Oak Gastro Pub

Stargaze at Bare Dark Sky Observatory

Saturday

Hike some of the Southeast’s coolest mountains + waterfalls (Pro tip: Check which trails are open before you go)

Shop + support small biz on Main Street

Discover the arts scene | Catch a performance at Parkway Playhouse, watch professional glass blowing at Hearth Glass, or paint at The Bougie Brush
More itinerary ideas

News Notes

Watch

Prime Video’s hit TV show “The Summer I Turned Pretty” is back for season three, and this season features some iconic local locations, including all around UNC Chapel Hill’s campus. Plus, Jenny Han, author of the book series, is even a Tar Heel alum. See where they filmed. (The News & Observer)

Travel

RDU has received a $24.6 million grant from the US Department of Transportation. The airport plans to expand the road connecting Terminal 1 and 2 to four lanes and expand Terminal 2’s sidewalk + amenities. If you want to become a travel pro, read up on our top tips for flying out of RDU. (ABC 11)

Pets

Wake County Animal Center is hosting a Clear the Shelter Extravaganza, and all pet fees will be waived from tomorrow, July 19 to Aug. 31. Plus, each week of the extravaganza will have a different theme with costumes, treats, and more encouraging pet adoptions. Look for your new furry friend in the adoption gallery.

Watch

ICYMI, Durham chef Adé Carrena made an appearance on “Chopped” with West African flavors that blew the judges away. Spoiler alert: She won. Meet Carrena and her vibrant flavors at Little Blue Bakehouse on Sunday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (INDY Week)

Coming Soon

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is planning an expansion into the Triangle with its first location coming to Cary. Plans have been submitted for Parkside Town Commons near RDU, and the restaurant boasts an impressive menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, and its own wine collection. We’ll let you know when it opens. (Triangle Business Journal)

Community

Do you know a someone in need of a new heating + cooling system? Air Experts is partnering with Lennox to gift a neighbor in need with a free new system. Nominations are open now through Aug. 30 — submit your neighbor.

Arts

Grab your popcorn for tonight’s free outdoor film screening of “The Wild Robot” at Moore Square. The family-friendly event features remote-controlled robots, food trucks, and more as part of the NCMA’s new Performing Arts and Film Series.*

Shop

It’s Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, aka prime time to save on top brands like Olaplex, Dyson, Madewell, UGG, Hoka, and Birkenstock. We’re eyeing: $30 off these luxe high-waist leggings.*

Number

56,382. That’s how many potential candidates are looking at this right now. Ready to promote your job listing to find your dream hire? It’s absolutely free on our RALtoday Job Board. List it now.

Holiday

Yesterday was National Lottery Day. Feeling lucky? See what you could win with the NC Education Lottery. Play responsibly.^

Post of the Day

RAL_InkaGrillReelPOD_July2025
A new Peruvian spot is now open in the former home of Capital Club 16 on West Martin Street. Inka Grill serves essential Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, ceviche, and aji de gallina. This is Inka’s fourth location and first outside of Virginia. Meet us for lunch?
Want to be featured?

The Buy

No more gatekeeping. These are our top five summer essentials we wish we’d purchased sooner:

🩴 A pair of comfy + versatile Crocs sandals. Pro tip: Keep them by the front door for last-minute errands, walking the dog, and more.
🧊This No. 1 best-selling cooler backpack that features a built-in bottle opener and can fit up to 40 cans.
🧺 A waterproof blanket that’s perfect for beach days, family picnics, baby playtime, and more.
☀️ La Roche-Posay’s award-winning tinted sunscreen that’s non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
👗This flowy sundress that’s available in 20+ colors and patterns like blue floral, pink, khaki polka dot, and purple.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

Answered

How many sunflower seeds did crews plant this season at Dix Park?

It’s over 125,000. The iconic sunflower field is going to be busy this weekend, so we recommend arriving early for your photos — or going during the weekdays.
See the sunflowers

The Wrap

From Allie

One more Ireland story — a local band played “Wagon Wheel” my first night in Dublin, and it made me feel so at home. For more music that reminds us of the 919, check out our ultimate Raleigh playlist.
A picture of Allie Remhof with her name next to it.
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