Plan out your own dreamy and viral engagement shoot. | Photo by @jromigphotography_
You know what they say about something borrowed — which is why we’re taking a page out of Taylor Swift’s engagement shoot + creating our own viral moment right here in Raleigh.
🥀 Rose garden filled with thorns love
Standing in a picturesque setting surrounded by florals can make anyone feel star-worthy — we’re dreaming of:
WRAL Azalea Gardens | Trade in those roses for over 60 types of azaleas in this well manicured gem. Just look at the thousands of photos that have been taken here already for inspo — the stone archway is a must.
North Carolina Botanical Garden | Located in Chapel Hill + acting as one of the largest native plant botanical gardens in the Southeast, there are over 1,100 acres of garden to choose from. Check out these similar backdrops you can find at the Coker Arboretum.
💍 Marry you with paper rings
Travis Kelce might have reached out to Kindred Lubeck to design the vintage-inspired ring, but luckily, we know a designer in town.
Since 2014, Quercus Studio has been customizing jewelry, including engagement rings, for locals. Judging by this elongated oval diamond set in 18k gold, we’d say your special request could be fulfilled here.
16th African American Cultural Festival | Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug. 31 | 10 a.m. | Fayetteville Street Mall | Free+ | This Labor Day festival celebrates the local African American community with live music, Black-owned vendors, food trucks, author readings, and community conversations.
“Jaws” 50th Anniversary | Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Marbles IMAX | $10+ | We’re gonna need a bigger boat screen for this bloody classic’s return.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Sunday Funday Day Party | 4-8 p.m. | Loop Bar and Lounge | $15 | Dance to the beats of a DJ while sipping on drinks + mingling — gals get in for free before 5 p.m.
Conserving Our Future Fundraiser Show | 7 p.m. | The Pour House Music Hall | $10+ | Spend an evening listing to music from three acts — proceeds go toward environmental conservation projects in North Carolina + the UK.
Don’t miss these festivals
Hopscotch Music Festival | Thursday, Sept. 4-Saturday, Sept. 6 | Downtown Raleigh | $180+ | Celebrate 15 years of Hopscotch with headliners Earl Sweatshirt, My Morning Jacket, Sparks, and more indie rockers throughout downtown Raleigh.
83rd NC Gourd Festival | Saturday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept. 7 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | NC State Fairgrounds | $5+ | Oh my gourd! This fest features gourd classes, gourds from across the world, competitions, gourd vendors, and more.
Beyond: The Cary Film Festival | Thursday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Cary Theater | Free+ | This fan favorite film festival is back with movie screenings + workshops for those looking to make it big in the movie biz.
Escape to Winston-Salem for a romantic getaway filled with charm and connection. Stroll hand-in-hand down cobblestone streets, savor chef-inspired cuisine, and sip wine at local vineyards. With inviting inns and boutique hotels, every moment feels made just for two.*
Number
69. That’s how many haunted houses are in North Carolina, according to The Scare Factor, though that number may climb if more haunts make their presence known. You can explore the directory to find one near you, but only if you’re brave enough.
Tech
Google has launched Preferred Sources in the US, a feature that allows your favorite sources to appear more frequently in search results. This is great news if you love RALtoday — you can follow Google’s instructions to see even more of our hyperlocal content.
A Hot Wheels Car Library has popped up in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia after a father and his son built it together, allowing other kiddos to take a car or leave a car. Sound familiar? This system is also how local Little Free Libraries + Pantries work — find a local charter.
Coming Soon
The 77th Emmy Awards is right around the corner with nominations for hit shows like “The Bear” + “The White Lotus.” While Raleighite Sarah Bock — who played Miss Huang in “Severance” — isn’t nominated personally, we’re hoping the show takes home the Outstanding Drama Series award.
Former New York pastry chef Meital Cohen is sweetening the Carrboro area by opening a cafe for his bakery concept Even Dough, just a short drive from Raleigh.
Specializing in goods like cakes, pies, babkas, and challahs, Cohen started this business as a home bakery, fulfilling online orders + hosting workshops. Once the spot opens at 203 W. Weaver St. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, you can visit for your daily dose of coffee and treats.
Pro tip: After your Carrboro stop, check out what else is new or coming soon to Raleigh’s food scene.
A 3-in-1 wireless charging station, currently 31% off for Labor Day. This best-selling charger can take on your smartphone, smartwatch, and earbuds all at one time using rapid charging power.
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.
“Raleigh, perhaps overshadowed at times by its trendy neighbor Durham, has been marching up the ranks of gastronomic excellence in a major way recently,” said Garden & Gun staffer Elliot Harrell in a new article: “Meet the South’s Newest Foodie City.”
With highlights of five restaurants to try, like Brodeto, let the culinary experts speak for themselves.
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