You’ve likely heard a Raleighite mention how much the city’s changed — we’ve been doing it since 1792.
Today, we’re stepping into the time machine. Let’s dial it back by decade — this week, to the 1940s — and explore Raleigh establishments where time stands still.
1940s
The Roast Grill | 1940 Let the Hot Weiners sign guide you home. This local fave has been grilling up dogs for 85 years on South West Street. Bring cash and a hankerin’ for hot dogs — and leave your love for ketchup at the door.
Watkins Grill | 1947
This old-timey breakfast spot feels like a blast from the past. We love the pancakes and gazing at the walls filled with Raleigh’s history.
Outside of Raleigh
King’s Sandwich Shop, Durham | 1942
This Bull City icon serves up burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, and veggie burgers under its unmissable red roof. And where else can you get a burger and shake for less than $10?
Raleigh Newcomers Club Coffee meeting | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | North Raleigh United Methodist Church | Free | Meet with others who are new to Raleigh to make friends + learn more about Oak City.
Raleigh Shop & Rock | 2-9 p.m. | Raleigh City Plaza | Free | Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a food truck rodeo, local artists + vendors, and free live music with host Adam Lee Decker.
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival | Friday, Aug. 1 + Saturday, Aug. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $55+ | It’s all in the name — grab a souvenir glass and taste beer + bourbon from across the country responsibly.
Saturday, Aug. 2
The Flaming Lips & Modest Mouse | 6:30 p.m. | Red Hat Amphitheater | $60+ | Jam out at this co-headlined show to “Do You Realize??” and “Float On.”
Sunday, Aug. 3
Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week | Downtown Raleigh | Price of purchase | This annual tradition invites you to explore the restaurants and bars that make Downtown Raleigh a true dining destination, with chef-driven specials and exclusive deals at favorite local spots.*
Cary Underground Market | 12-4 p.m. | Bond Brothers, Cary | Free | MAKRS Society and Oak City Music Collective present this market and concert with 50+ local vendors and bumping live music.
Kesha | 7 p.m. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | $40+ | The “Tik Tok” singer is making her way to Raleigh with tracks from her new album, “Period.”
☀️ Send summer off in style with our End-of-Summer Staycation Giveaway
Presented by North Hills
Image by 6AM City
One last summer escape? You deserve it.
We’ve teamed up with North Hills once again to host an End-of-Summer Staycation Giveaway, treating one lucky reader to a luxe overnight experience — complete with dinner, shopping, and a taste of Raleigh’s beloved Midtown Farmers’ Market.
An overnight stay at the newly renovated Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel
A delicious dinner at Bartaco
A $250 North Hills gift card (for one last summer shopping spree)
A local gift basket + Market Bucks to spend at Midtown Farmers’ Market, open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
Sound like the perfect sendoff to summer? It only takes a moment to enter on our @RALtoday Instagram. Find the giveaway post and follow the instructions for your chance to win.
This giveaway ends Tuesday, Aug. 12 at noon, and our randomly selected winner will be announced Thursday, Aug. 14 in the newsletter.
37 stories. That’s how tall the Creamery development will be, and it’ll be the tallest skyscraper in Raleigh. While the iconic butter churn on top will remain, by 2028, residential tower Highline Glenwood’s 306 units will be ready to rent. Plus, expect 7,500 sqft of retail and 50,000 sqft of commercial space. (The News & Observer)
The Lenovo Center renovations have started, and the second phase of renovations will start in the spring, which will include adding seats to the lower bowl, and new entrances, escalators + elevators. External renovation will begin after NC State football’s season ends. (ABC 11)
Active
Speaking of the Lenovo Center, registration is now open for the 2025 Canes 5K on Sept. 21. With your registration, you’ll get a commemorative T-shirt and free breakfast on race day, the chance to meet some fave players, and one ticket to a 2025-26 Canes game. Register now.
Sports
Meet Ryan Gerard, the Raleigh native who just won the Barracuda Championship, a stop on the PGA Tour, and his first victory. Gerard grew up playing at Wildwood Green Golf Club and is a Ravenscroft alum — read more about him and his win.(Axios Raleigh)
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team + apply today.
Edu
For those seeking out loan options for upcoming semester expenses, check out College Ave. They offer private education loans starting at 3.19% APR — plus a simple application process, flexible options, and highly-rated customer service.*
Asked
Asked
Which is the tallest building in Raleigh?
A. 150 Fayetteville B. The Eastern C. Two Hanover Square D. PNC Plaza
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.
Hey Raleigh — I hope you have a great weekend. Cat and I got together at Iris this week, and I tried the mango sticky rice matcha latte I’ve been hearing so much about, and it was perfect. If you’re a matcha fiend like me, check out Iris’s matcha pop-up on Sunday with Frame Matcha, headed by one of Iris’s co-founders.
Summer and this green tea drink are a match-a made in heaven.
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