It’s time to raise a glass, because Umbrella Dry Bar is opening its first permanent location at Norwood Gardens on Wednesday, April 26.
For the past year, the alcohol-free bar has popped up around Raleigh, from local markets and community parties to post-workout happy hours. Its mission? To create an inclusive space for people to connect without alcohol, and to promote health and wellness. Plus, it’s a bar with no age restriction.
The idea to open the satellite location in North Raleigh has been in the works for less than a week — Umbrella’s farmers market pop up at Norwood last weekend was so successful that the garden center asked founder Meg Paradise to set up shop permanently. The bar will be designed and built in just 10 days.
“People will be able to gather and walk around the garden with a glass of non-alcoholic rosé — doesn’t that sound amazing?” Meg told RALtoday.
Norwood Gardens sells plants, mulch, stone, soil, and more.
Photo by Meg Paradise
Umbrella in the Garden will feature an inventive menu of six zero-proof cocktails, plus non-alcoholic wine, beer, and functional beverages in an outdoor setting surrounded by lush greenery. You can sip a cocktail while you shop for plants or grab a bottle to take home Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eventually, the bar will be joined by more vendors coming soon to Norwood as part of a mini market. Think: Local produce and makers.
Meg is still working on raising money to open Umbrella’s primary brick-and-mortar location in downtown Raleigh, which she hopes to open this summer. And don’t worry. She’s still hosting pop-up events around town, like the upcoming five-course dinner with non-alcoholic drink pairings at The Merchant.
“I’m excited to make a new drinking option available,” Meg said. “Because currently, it doesn’t exist.”
Stay tuned for an Umbrella in the Garden grand opening party in May.