Your votes are in. Congratulations to our RALtoday’s Best winners, who rose to the top as your favorite places to work, live, play, and eat:
Best brewery + distillery Trophy Brewing & Taproom | With multiple locations through our area, fun events, and food trucks on site, this brewery is your No. 1 pick.
Best coffee shop: Jubala Coffee | There’s not only delicious coffee at this go-to coffee house that roasts its beans on site, but scratch-made biscuits and hot pressed sandwiches.
You voted Jubala Coffee you No. 1 choice in coffee shops.
Photo by Sam Overton
Best dentist: Cary Family Dental | Making patients feel comfortable is a priority at this family dentistry offering everything from cosmetic to emergency care.
Best bookstore: Quail Ridge Books | Your next page-turner is waiting at this local gem offering book clubs and author events.
Quail Ridge Books was your No. 1 choice local bookstores.
Photo by RALtoday
Best music venue: Red Hat Amphitheater | Catch your favorite musical artist’s tour at this amphitheater’s outdoor stage.
Best vintage + resale shop: MODE Consignment Boutique | Find your favorite brands at this chic secondhand boutique that’s helping the environment, one Agolde jean at a time.
Filled with every kind of holiday happening, from local gift guides and seasonal shows to restaurant recs and must-see art installations, this free resource helps you plan your own magical outings in the heart of the city — only one parking spot needed.
The best part? Ninety percent of the bizzes you’ll step inside are locally owned, and the Downtown Raleigh Gift Card is redeemable at more than 60 of them.
It’s one of the best ways to support small during the season of giving.
Smash Social Club, Glenwood South’s newest entertainment destination in the former Carolina Ale House, will open its doors this Thursday, Dec. 11. Stay tuned for a sneak peek.
Sports
NC State football will play in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa against Memphis on Friday, Dec. 19. This will be the Pack and Tigers’ first matchup in football and is the 11th bowl game in 13 seasons for head coach Dave Doeren. (WRAL)
Asked
Got any good snow pics from yesterday? Send them our way — and remember to stay safe on the roads and double-check events before you go.
Try This
Next time you’re flying out of RDU, you can get a little taste of DTR at Raleigh Beer Garden’s new Terminal 1 outpost. With 30 of the taproom’s record-breaking taps and pub food, you’ll never want to leave.
Eat
Figulina will be closed Jan. 5 through 12 and will come back with a new menu featuring entrees, more British-inspired dishes, and new appetizers + “nibbles.” (Raleigh Magazine)
Number
$1.1 million. That’s how much the Hargett Street lot, formerly home to House of Art, sold for after the business was destroyed in an arson attack. In June, House of Art shared on Instagram that the eclectic bar had found a new home.
Trending
If you’re a college basketball fan, you might remember McNeese State’s viral basketball manager Amir “Aura” Khan who joined head coach Will Wade when he accepted the NC State job. Now, Khan is leaving NC State and heading back to McNeese. Read more about the surprising departure. (The News & Observer)
Giveaway
Don’t miss your chance for a merry downtown adventure. Enter to win a $500 Downtown Raleigh Gift Card, plus tickets to Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker and ice skating at The RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater.*
This new community checks all our boxes: Spacious floor plans, unique amenities like a rock climbing wall, on-site coffee shop + bar, expansive green spaces, and a private dog park — all just minutes from Raleigh transportation hubs. Explore your options at NOVEL Morrisville.*
The Sutphen Christmas Trail is one of Raleigh’s newest holiday traditions — and it’s free. Expect an endlessly festive trail of lights, inflatables, a slide, and hot cocoa on select nights. Check the trail’s Instagram page for more important info before you visit.
Head to 3200 Beane Dr. near Marsh Creek Community Center Sunday through Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. Plus, the trail is free, but you can donate to St. Jude’s via a QR code on the trail.
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