The pickleball neighborhood at Swing Racquet + Paddle is called the “Pickle Bowl.” | Courtesy of Swing Racquet + Paddle
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US, and it’s kind of a big dill. Whether you’re a paddle pro or just learning the ropes, there are plenty of spots in Raleigh to practice your swing — and more coming soon.
Open: Pin Point has 16 pickleball courts, eight golf simulators, and two full-service bars for pros + amateurs alike.
Open: Pickles and Play is an elite, upscale pickleball facility in Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, Garner, and a new location coming soon to Brier Creek. This members only club has nine courts at the Wake Forest location.
Coming soon: Swing Racquet + Paddle, Raleigh’s $125 million tennis + paddle facility, broke ground in August 2024 and is anticipated to open in 2026.
Coming soon: The Underground is currently home to two private courts and a “recovery cave,” and owner Christopher Mitscherlich is seeking a rezoning from the city to add 38 pickleball courts, sand volleyball, badminton, and a bar.
Mama Crow’s offers fresh salads, juicy burgers, and hand-cut fries. | Photo by RALtoday
Closing
Transfer Co. Food Hall’s Mama Crow’s will close, according to a post on the eatery’s Instagram. Serving burgers and salads, Mama Crow’s will be replaced by a Mediterranean spot called Urban Olive in mid-November. (Raleigh Magazine)
Opening
Lawrence Barbecue will open its new downtown Cary location this Friday, Sept. 19 just a few blocks from Downtown Cary Park. Lawrence was previously at Boxyard RTP, and this new expanded space features a dedicated oyster station, outdoor + indoor seating, and lots more Texas-style brisket. (The News & Observer)
Sports
The Canes start their regular season in less than a month, but you can see them for free at a team practice at the Invisalign Arena in Morrisville. Get a look at top new players like K’Andre Miller, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Semyon Frolov before the season starts — we have a good feeling about this one. (Axios Raleigh)
Coming Soon
A swanky member’s only golf club is set to open in North Hills, and we’re already dying for an invite. Intown Golf Club will open at the North Hills Innovation District, and you can expect eight to 10 indoor golf bays, a robust food + beverage menu, and an elevated atmosphere. (Triangle Business Journal)
Concert
Rap superstar Cardi B is coming to Raleigh on her Little Miss Drama tour on April 11, 2026. Tickets go on sale next Tuesday, Sept. 23 — sign up for the presale through Sunday to see “WAP,” “Up,” and “Bodak Yellow” live.
Drink
Seaboard Station is one step closer to establishing its own social district after a preliminary yes from City Council. Following in the footsteps of downtown, Fenton, and Village District, guests could carry drinks from one spot to another with specific rules. (WRAL)
Community
National Coffee with a Cop Day is Wednesday, Oct. 1, and RPD is heading to 10 local spots to connect with the community. See your closest location.
Announced
Meet: RALtoday’s Best. From pet-friendly places to fitness centers, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots RAL has to offer. Nominate your favorite businesses now through Friday, Oct. 3.
Try This
Insurify makes it easy to find your perfect car insurance policy. Compare real-time quotes from 100+ insurers, choose your policy, and get same-day coverage in a few clicks.*
Finance
Ever imagine investing in an industry disruptor like Uber or Venmo in the early days? Well, this private company earned backing from some of their earliest investors. And until tomorrow at midnight, you can invest too.†‡* (edited)
The Buy
ASTR the Label’s scarf tie sleeveless sweater, newly added to Nordstrom. Look effortlessly put together as you go from morning meetings to after-work drinks in a top that perfectly transitions from summer to fall.
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.
It’s downtown Raleigh, but if anyone from Jubala is out there, it sounds like our readers are really hoping to see a Cary or Wake Forest location. Psst... the fan fave coffee shop is hiring.
That pickleball article was last updated in 2023, and when it was originally published, Raleigh only had six (!) outdoor pickleball courts. Can you believe there’s 44 now? I still have yet to try my hand at pickleball, but now I’m feeling inspired. Let me know your favorite place to play.
‡This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving the ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public.
}})
