Do you recognize these cities? They sit on the same latitude as Raleigh.
Photos via Canva
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you walked in a straight line around the world from Raleigh? Wonder no longer, wanderer.
Let us introduce you to LatLon Connect, an online tool that allows users to explore cities across the world that share the same latitude and longitude.
Here’s what we found
We stuck with the default settings, looking for places with 100,000+ people with a buffer zone of 6.21 miles (that’s 10 kilometers).
Here’s where it gets cool. In our search, dozens results popped up, with two places really catching our eye: Japan’s capital city of Tokyo, and Tehran, the capital city of Iran (both pictured above). That’s a combined metropolitan population of ~55 million people living directly in line with the Raleighites waiting for a table at The Flying Biscuit.
So, take a moment to look directly west when you can — 7,000 miles away, Tokyoites are dreaming of a night out in Glenwood South. We won’t spoil which other places we found. Explore for yourself.
Take down the ‘for lease’ signs — new life is coming to the City Market building at the corner of Blount and Martin Streets. KOKORO Ramen & Izakaya will open early next year. The restaurant wrote: “Think cozy ramen bowls + shareable Asian small plates with laid-back Japanese pub vibes.” (Raleigh Magazine)
Announced
A pair of neighboring Raleigh queer bars will close their doors at the start of November. The Wicked Witch and The Night Rider both recently announced their respective closures, and are preparing to go out in style with a month of Halloween-inspired events + festivities.
Ranked
Wake Forest is the No. 1 most popular suburb to move to in the US, per a new report by Move Buddha. Data suggests its population has grown almost 500% since the turn of the century. That explains the traffic.
Closing
Two Raleigh Starbucks are closing as the chain cuts stores nationwide. For Oak City, the impacted stores are the Hillsborough Street mobile pickup location by the NC State campus, and the shop at the new Seaboard Station development off Peace Street. Luckily, we’ve got excellent local coffee shops. (Triangle Business Journal)
Seasonal
Spooky season is upon us. The Martin Marietta Center just launched a new tour focused on its ghostly history, Curtain Call from Beyond: Theatre Haunts & History. The guided tour explores hidden backstage corridors and dive into the theater’s lore + ghoulish past, and will run through most of October.
Try This
Celebrate the release of Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” in delicious style this weekend. Jalwa Indian Bistro is hosting three nights of Taylor Swift-themed dishes Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5. Expect glittery decor, themed cocktails, and good vibes.
Pro tip
Park downtown for free for two hours in select decks with the parking pilot program, and spend an evening exploring our city. Check out our Reel to see everything we did on an evening in Raleigh, all without the stress of parking fees or (shudder) tickets.*
For sale fully furnished, this luxe new home offers elevated finishes like quartz countertops and a stunning designer backsplash. Take a look.*
Finance
Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2027. (Read: Nearly two years of interest-free payments.)Learn more + apply.*
Watch
Psst … you shouldn’t be paying for multiple streaming services. Save money and watch all your favorite blockbusters when you bundle Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plans start at $16.99.*
Do you miss Sawmill Tap Room? Longleaf Swine is here to fill the space — and your stomachs.
Soon, you’ll be able to go back to that same building to get the popular downtown barbecue spot’s delectable menu items. According to Raleigh Magazine, it will open next fall.
Photo frames for those wedding/vacation/grandkid photos you’ve been meaning to hang. Americanflat is having a sale on its stock of photo frames, exclusive for Prime members:
🖼️ Get a set of 10 frames for under $20 and build an instant gallery wall.
💌 Frame the person closest to your heart with 25% off a heart mat insert frame.
🎓 Finally hang your diplomas in your Zoom background with a diploma frame set for under $12.
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 hard to believe October starts tomorrow — the best month of the year, in my opinion. Here are a few ideas to make it a special + seasonally stereotypical one this year:
Check out fall foliage in our area and across the Tar Heel State.
