Nice Price Books & Records has a podcast about new and reissued records. | Photo by RALtoday
Allie here. I’ve been collecting vinyl records for a few years now, and in honor of National Vinyl Record Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in Raleigh to dig through crates for my next find.
Nice Price Books & Records | “Come as You Are” to this spot offering just about every music genre of used + new records. Pro tip: Dive into the $1 section and search for hidden gems. Plus, I like to stop into Cup A Joe after for a drink + sweet treat.
Schoolkids Records | Although its iconic original location in Chapel Hill recently closed, you can still visit the Raleigh location for similar vibes. Dig through new, used, and rare vinyl — plus, this spot regularly hosts local talent.
Hunky Dory | Browse new and used records at this old-school-meets-new-school store and take a load off (Fanny) at the bar with a local craft beer.
Angel’s Envy Cocktail Class | 6-8 p.m. | Dram and Draught | Free | This free cocktail class will have you creating perfect drinks with Angel’s Envy bourbon.
Trivia Tuesdays | 7 p.m.-12 a.m. | Flying Saucer Draught Emporium | Free | Test your knowledge and tap into your competitive edge with trivia + $200 worth of prizes.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Wines of Australia Tasting | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westgate Wine Bar | $25 | Get a taste of down under with a wide variety of Aussie wines.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Blue Whales Lecture Series | 5-8 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences | $15 | Dive into the world of Blue Whales with Dr. Ari Friedlaender, who will teach about these magnificent animals and their extreme habitats.
Build-Your-Own Berry Basket | 6-8:30 p.m. | Home for Entertaining, Cary | $100 | This hands-on pottery workshop will have you crafting a functional piece for your kitchen with hand building techniques.
Five Points Short Film Festival | Thursday, Aug. 14-Friday, Aug. 15 | 7 p.m. | The Rialto | $28+ | Enjoy local filmmaking with other local cinephiles at this two-night film fest.
A judge has ruled Raleigh’s nightlife ordinance illegal, specifically the nightlife permit introduced in 2023, which had nightlife business owners pay a $500 initial fee and $100 each year. The judge said the ordinance specifically conflicts with state liquor laws. (Triangle Business Journal)
Ranked
The Raleigh-Cary metro ranked as the No. 1 U.S. city for job opportunities and earnings in a new report by Checkr, and we’ve jumped up from No. 5 in 2023. Raleigh ranked particularly well for its low unemployment rate, income per capita, wage growth, and more metrics. Plus, Durham-Chapel Hill came in at No. 11. (Triangle Business Journal)
Opening
Barrio Tacos, a build-your-own Tex-Mex spot, is opening this Thursday, Aug. 14 at Smoky Hollow. Originally from Cleveland, the restaurant offers 15 different proteins like Thai chili tofu and cola marinated steak, or a pre-made option. Our mouths are already watering. (Raleigh Magazine)
Try This
On Sunday, Aug. 17, Trophy Brewing & Pizza is hosting a peachy keen day filled with fresh fruit. The first annual Peach Day will feature peach-heavy specials, a market from Pop-Up Raleigh, and kids’ face painting. Peach Day starts at noon and goes till whenever all the peaches are gone.
Pets
Yes, you can bring your dog. Raleigh is the No. 17 most pet-friendly city in the country, per a new WalletHub study. The rankings were compiled using metrics like pet budget, pet health and wellness, and outdoor fun. Our dog-friendly businesses have plenty on offer for Fido.
Shop
Nintendo recently announced a pricing increase for the original Nintendo Switch family of systems + products due to market conditions in the US — think: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, the OLED model, and accessories. Mamma mia, we’ll see what Hidden Block Games has in stock first.
You don’t have to go through the hiring process alone. Through our Job Board, you can now get your job listing in front of thousands of our readers to find your dream hire. See for yourself, it’s free.
Wellness
Apothekary’s Rescue Bloat™ is a fast-acting herbal tincture that eases mild discomfort and heaviness associated with bloating. Get 15% off your first $45+ order with code HERBAL15.‡*
Raleigh basketball legend + former NBA player John Wall made a visit back home for the 2025 John Wall Family Reunion Backpack Giveaway, including some friendly hoops. Wall’s foundation handed out free backpacks + school supplies to students at Roberts Park.
Wall played at Garner Magnet High School + Word of God Christian Academy before heading to Kentucky and being drafted first overall to the Washington Wizards. Alexa, play “Do The John Wall.”
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.
College football is just a few weeks away. You already know I back the Pack, but I am really curious just how well Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels will do this season. If you saw the AP’s preseson poll, neither UNC nor NC State received any votes, but Duke garnered a few. Grab tickets for NC State’s Aug. 28 home opener and UNC’s debut matchup against TCU on Sept. 1.
‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent any disease.
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