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Let’s open the history book
Dix Park will receive a significant portion of the Parks Bond. | Photo by RALtoday
Dorothea Dix Park is the largest public park in Raleigh at 308 acres, and it’s seriously grown in the last few years. We’ve decided it’s time for Dix Park to get its own spotlight from us, from landmarks and history to what’s next for this local favorite.
History
Raleigh newcomers might be surprised to learn that Dorothea Dix Park didn’t come to be a public park until 2015 — let’s dive into the history of this storied greenspace. Keep in mind: This is an abridged history, and there’s plenty more to learn about Dix Park through its online resources and Cultural Interpretation Plan.
For over 14,000 years, Native Americans used this land for hunting, gathering, and cultivating their crops. To this day, Raleigh celebrates its Indigenous communities at Dix Park’s Inter-tribal Pow Wow, coming up in May.
👀 See what sets this multi-award-winning community apart
Presented by Tri Pointe Homes
Photos courtesy Tri Pointe Homes
After winning two Gold Awards at last year’s Triangle Parade of Homes, the buzz around the Townes at NoVi just keeps growing.
So naturally, we had to stop by and see for ourselves.
The RALtoday team recently took a tour of Chatham Park and the new community from Tri Pointe Homes, peeking inside the stylish spaces, strolling the nearby trails, and popping into a few local shops in Downtown Pittsboro.
🌿 Two words: Spacious + sustainable
The homes felt huge. Downstairs, the floor plan was open and warm, with wide windows that let in plenty of natural light and a contemporary kitchen that looked ready to host our entire book club.
A few musts for us: Two-car garage + walk-in shower. Check and check.
Plus, the list of sustainable elements was like a mile long. Tri Pointe’s LivingSmart means each home includes energy-saving, air quality, safety, and smart-tech features throughout.
🌳 Step into outdoor adventures (or the YMCA)
With 30+ miles of trails, pickleball courts, and the brand-new YMCA less than two minutes from the front doors, Chatham Park truly lives like its own walkable community.
Pop Mart is coming to Crabtree Valley Mall, and it’ll be the first NC location for the toy + pop culture brand. Expect blind-box toys like Labubus, limited-edition drops, and immersive store displays when it opens this spring.
Kids
Hot dog. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will visit Marbles Kids Museum this Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Wienermobile is free, but museum admission isn’t included — buy in advance for a $3 discount.
Sports
NC State football legend Philip Rivers’ son Gunner Rivers just announced his commitment to the Wolfpack. Rivers is listed as the No. 42 recruit in the country, and we’re hoping he’s just as good as his dad. (The News & Observer)
The Olympics are over, but the Paralymics are just getting started. Tune into Team USA’s sled hockey team to see Kayden Beasley from Coats, NC + the Canes sled hockey team play Italy on Saturday, March 7. (WRAL)
Try This
Saturday, March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, and 321 Coffee is throwing a Bloc Party to celebrate. Head to Bloc[83] from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an art lab, puppies, vintage finds, and treats. Plus, the first 100 guests will receive a $10 gift card to 321 Coffee, socks, and more goodies.
Travel
RDU’s list of nonstop destinations keeps growing. Breeze just added routes to Birmingham, Alabama and Tallahassee, Florida starting this summer. Breeze now numbers 39 nonstop destinations from RDU — Delta, RDU’s busiest airline, offers 23. (The News & Observer)
Correction
Oops. Players Retreat’s big 75th birthday celebration will be on Thursday, Feb. 26, not Friday. But don’t worry — those quarter hot dogs and 35-cent Budweiser drafts will still be waiting for you on Thursday.
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Finance
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Category
Eat
🍔 The word on Whataburger
Would you make Whataburger your new late-night indulgence? | Photo via Whataburger / Elizabeth James
According to The News & Observer, Wake County’s first Whataburger location will open Thursday, March 26 in Wake Forest near Wegmans, and the Raleigh location will open Thursday, April 9 on Six Forks Road.
Not to be confused with What-A-Burger, NC’s first Whataburger location opened in Charlotte last year, and 12 are now open across the state. Expect Texas-sized burgers, fries, patty melts, and more fast food faves. Plus, it’s open 24/7 for late-night cravings.
The Buy
Sale alert. If you love Vuori’s soft feel, flattering cuts, and performance fabrics as much as we do, shop the workout clothes + casual wear marked down for less this week:
After a discussion of how many Greenvilles are across the country, I’m listening to this cover of Lucinda Williams’ “Greenville” by Waxahatchee at Hopscotch 2015, filmed by COLAtoday Newsletter Editor David. My calendar’s already marked for Hopscotch 2026.
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