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Editor’s Pick

A giant wooden troll sculpture sits cross-legged on Bainbridge Island
Artist Thomas Dambo has 120+ trolls placed all over the world — this one is in Seattle. | Photo by SEAtoday staff
We’re not trolling you. Remember last year when Dix Park announced two trolls were coming to Raleigh courtesy of artist Thomas Dambo? Well, they’re bringing some friends. Five are now coming to Raleigh and will be finished later this year, and you can be part of the team that brings them to life.

Built from recycled wood, pallets, branches, and more would-be discarded materials, these one-of-a-kind artworks attract hundreds of visitors per day in other cities. Plus, join in on the build with a volunteer shift where helpers will sand pieces, assemble materials, or lend a hand with hospitality support.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It brings worldwide attention to Raleigh while creating a deeply local experience at Dix Park,” said Ruffin Hall, President and CEO, Dix Park Conservancy. “The Conservancy is proud to support the City in transforming the Park through public art that invites connection, curiosity, and care for the community.”

Events

Monday, Sept. 1

Survey Says! | 7-9 p.m. | Back then Bar and Grill, Cary | Free | Play this take on “Family Feud” at this local spot.

Brewery Trivia Night Mondays | 7-9 p.m. | Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Raleigh | Free | Grab your friends, a pint, and pizza to test your knowledge — arrive early to snag a table.

North Carolina Football vs. TCU | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill | $85+ | Watch the Tar Heels kick off their season against the Horned Frogs.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Kids Night | Tuesday, Sept. 2, Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 5-10 p.m. | Mac’s Speed Shop | Free | Kids eat free every Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entree.

Plant-Lover’s Tour “Oddball Oaks (a.k.a. Quirky Quercus)” | 9-10 a.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum | $0+ | Meet unique trees that will challenge your definition of an oak.
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Arts

🖼️ See NC artists in action at this free studio tour

Presented by Haywood County Arts Council
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Woodturner Mike McKinney in his home studio turning a bowl. | Photo provided by Haywood County Arts Council
The annual Haywood County Arts Council Studio Tour returns to scenic WNC this month, Saturday Sept. 13-Sunday Sept. 14.

The free, self-guided event invites you into the creative spaces of local artists across mediums.

Check out the participating studio directory and plan your weekend to:

  • Meet the artists
  • Watch live demonstrations
  • Shop one-of-a-kind artwork and support local makers

Not sure where to start? Use this interactive map to discover studios from rural Blue Ridge settings to charming downtown Waynesville, NC.
Find your first stop

News Notes

Today Is

Labor Day. Celebrate by planning the rest of September and looking ahead to the rest of the year.

Watch

Speaking of September, catch Newsletter Editor Allie on My Carolina on CBS 17 talking about all the best events this month, from film festivals to free Hopscotch events.

Mansion Monday

This 15.73 acre property has everything, including a helipad, a patio kitchen, and an eight-car garage all along Falls Lake. This home is the epitome of privacy and has room for another house or two on its vast acreage, and we haven’t even mentioned the five spacious bedrooms and nine bathrooms. Check out the price tag.

Eat

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, aka the most popular ice cream brand in North Carolina. While we’d never pass up a pint of Brambleberry Crisp, Oak City’s local ice cream shops serve our favorite scoops.

Sports

Peaceful Sundays were fun while they lasted, but now it’s time for the NFL to return this Thursday, Sept. 4. The reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles are hosting their division rival Dallas Cowboys to start the season in front of a typically raucous crowd. Catch the games on Hulu or at a local team watch party.

Eat

Chipotle has launched “Build-Your-Own Chipotle,” a new, digital-only offering that allows you to order key ingredients in bulk for small groups (or meal prepping, perhaps?) Alternatively, switch up your lunch routine with a bite from one of these local spots where a meal for one costs less than $12.

Biz

Cracker Barrel’s “Old Timer” is here to stay after all. After receiving feedback on its rebranding from its patrons, the country store and restaurant has announced it will stick with its original logo. Speaking of old timers, take a walk down memory lane with Raleigh’s oldest businesses.

Travel

Sweater weather is finally on the horizon. If you’re eying a cozy fall getaway, Burnsville, NC is tucked amid the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a “Gilmore Girls” coded weekend waiting for you. Use these curated itineraries to plan your trip.*

Jobs

“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.

Tech

Upgrade to AT&T Fiber for fast, reliable internet sans data caps and surprise fees. Plus, for a limited time, get up to $200 in Visa Rewards Cards for making the switch.*

Jobs of the Week

Seeking more freedom in your workday? Do your job from anywhere in these remote roles.
See more jobs

City Guide

🏠 Staycation, all I ever wanted

A bedroom with a wireframe bed, eclectic rugs, and a hammock.
Rest up before exploring all Dix Park has to offer. | Photo via Airbnb
Whether you’re looking to visit Raleigh in style for the weekend or are a local in need of an unforgettable staycation, we’ve compiled a list featuring 15 extraordinary rentals in Oak City that are worthy of a trip for you, your partner, the bestie, or the whole squad this year.

Pineview Place | Hayes Barton

This house has a large furnished outdoor area, a light and airy interior, and a picturesque front entrance. Bring your activewear for the Peloton, then freshen up with the spa-like shower + bidet, or walk to grab a caffeinated sip from Idle Hour Coffee.

Cozy Raleigh Retreat | North Raleigh

This newly updated home is ideal for families and friends seeking a memorable retreat just 15 minutes from downtown. It features a movie theatre, a deck, and is equipped with games to enjoy.

Coolest apartment in Raleigh | Boylan Heights

This stay touts itself as the coolest in RAL, and we might have to agree. With a dedicated workspace and a 55-inch TV, we can see why this is one of Airbnb’s best places to stay.

City Guides are presented by Coastal Credit Union.
More cozy local stays

The Buy

A three-pack of women’s athletic leggings, marked down by 42% for Labor Day. Perfect for cycling, dance, yoga, workouts, or everyday wear, stock up on a high-waisted style in your choice of neutral colors.
Shop Amazon’s Labor Day sale

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

According to Zillow, what’s the average Raleigh home value?

It’s $443,820. 38.7% of readers got this one right — nice job!
RAL's real estate happenings

The Wrap

Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday” — except for maybe one in Raleigh.

Whether you’re keeping it simple this Labor Day or hosting folks from out of town, our City Guides have you covered when it comes to planning your perfect weekend itinerary, from the best spots to grab an end-of-summer brunch to kid-friendly activities that will keep even the littlest members of the family entertained
A picture of Allie Remhof with her name next to it.
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