Slide Valley is complete with ladders, ramps, log scrambles, and slides. | Photo via Dix Park
Wanna feel like a kid again? Dix Park’s Gipson Play Plaza opened in June, and with three months under its belt, this one-of-a-kind adventure playground has cemented itself as a popular play destination. Here’s what to know before you go.
We won’t go too in depth about the play areas — the discovery is the best part. However, Slide Valley, Swing Terrace, and the Sensory Maze are our favorite places for exploration.
Once you and your little ones are all worn out, visit the remodeled House of Many Porches Market for sandwiches, wraps, snacks, salads, baked goods, and beer + wine.
Psst... keep reading this newsletter for more Dix Park news.
Beyond: The Cary Film Festival | Thursday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Cary Theater | $0+ | This fan favorite local film festival is back with movie screenings + workshops for those looking to make it big in the movie biz.
Floral Arrangement Basics! | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Joy Worthy Co. | $90 | This fun and informative workshop will teach you how to create beautiful floral arrangements.
Jazz in the Square | 6-8 p.m. | Moore Square | Free | Jam to local jazz by the Enloe Jazz Ambassadors and Juno Hill.
Fairgrounds Ideal Home Show | Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | NC State Fairgrounds | $7+ | It’s the 40th year of this local fave — enjoy local pitmaster barbecue and learn about home improvement.
Raleigh True Crime Tour | 8-9 p.m. | Norwood House | $15 | Oak City is brimming with tales of crime and intrigue — learn more about all things true crime in Raleigh.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Museum Untold Tour | 2-4 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Science | $25 | Join a fast-paced tour of the museum with hidden details, untold stories, and more.
Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo | 12-6 p.m. | Fayetteville Street | Price of purchase | Find endless cuisines + flavors at this tasty late summer celebration.
Disney’s iconic costumes take center stage in Columbia, SC
Presented by South Carolina State Museum
By popular demand, the must-see Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume is sticking around a little longer. | Photos provided by South Carolina State Museum
You’ll find us ordering the whole bottle at St. Pierre. | Photo by Forrest Mason
Open
St. Pierre Wine Shop + Bar is now open at Raleigh Iron Works from the owners of Oakwood Pizza Box. Expect a robust wine list, bites from chef Vivian Howard, and a chill ambiance in the growing district.
Announced
Dix Park will continue demolishing buildings as state employees leave the campus, including some larger buildings in the west portion. Demolished buildings will make way for more greenspaces, and preserved buildings will be revitalized to enhance the park. (The News & Observer)
Coming Soon
Fenton’s new seven-story, 186-key hotel will be called Pagemore. In addition to trendy decor, expect an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant called Barouk with terrace dining, 6,000 sqft of event space, and a culinary theater. The hotel is set to open in 2027 — take a look at the renderings.
Today Is
9/11. Give back to our community at Activate Good’s 15th annual 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance by packing food boxes for local families, prepping and sorting children’s books, and meeting 20+ nonprofits at a Community Volunteer Fair.
Shop
While the NC Museum of History is closed for renovations, a new museum gift shop is open on Glenwood Avenue next to The Cupcake Shoppe with NC-themed goodies like blown glass, pottery, jewelry, books, and more. Time to get started on that holiday gift list.
Eat
Peregrine is expanding its lineup with Sunday brunch starting Sunday, Sept. 21, and you’re going to want to wake up early for this one. We’re already eyeing the hot honey cured egg, beef heart shawarma, and a fried green tomato Mary. Read the full menu and make your reservation.
Plan Ahead
Already counting down the days till Halloween? It’s only 36 days until Boozilla at Downtown Cary Park with a makers market, live music, pet parade, and more spooky fun. Costumes are encouraged, of course, and it’ll all happen Friday, Oct. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Real Estate
These new-build townhomes in South Raleigh hit the market just last week. We love the private porches + gourmet kitchens, but our fave part has to be the stellar location: less than 10 minutes from downtown. Take a peek inside.*
Plan Ahead
Don’t let your seasonal event get lost in oversaturated community calendars. Feature it right here in RALtoday + get primo placement in front of our 56,000+ engaged subscribers. Get started.
Your wait is almost over. Our RALtoday’s Best competition opens up for nominations on Sept. 15. Hang tight while soon enough you’ll get the opportunity to tell us who deserves a place at the top in each of our localized categories.
Correction
In yesterday’s newsletter, we mentioned the NC Museum of Art as a Raleigh Monopoly property. While it could be a spot, it hasn’t been confirmed yet — Mr. Monopoly is taking suggestions for Oak City-inspired locations.
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.
Something about summer ending gets me in a crafty mood — we’ve got a great list of local art classes if you feel the same way. I have an upcoming pottery class at the NC State Crafts Center that I just can’t wait for, so I might stop by Klaystation for a wheel throwing class.
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