Hi {{first_name}}
We got there early. That was the right call.
Near Hillsborough Street, with a group of friends, before the numbers hit what they're now estimating was close to 150,000. Tailgating in the sunshine, already wearing red, the city already carrying that particular energy before something enormous.
City Plaza was the main event. Players and coaches and management up on stage, and all of them kept saying the same thing: they love Raleigh. They love playing here. That Lenovo Center is the loudest arena in the NHL, that the fans showed up for every game and made it the hardest place in the league to walk into as a visitor. Standing in that crowd, listening to professional athletes say your city is the best in the league at this, does something to you.
What got me most was how peaceful it all was. 200,000 people downtown. A lot of drinking and celebrating. And nothing going wrong. Not a single thing. That is rare, and Raleigh pulled it off like it was nothing.
Celebrations spilled into bars and restaurants all over the city. We spotted some of the players partying on at the Avenue. Readers came up to say hello, to share kind words. Those moments are always the best part of what we do here.
The night before, we were downtown watching Australia take on the USA. Sadly, Australia waited until the final 15 minutes to play. You were just better. We'll take it on the chin and move on. Next up is Paraguay, and I'll be cheering hard for Australia while quietly also pulling for the USA, my second team, who are through to the next round. Exciting times.
It’s going to feel kind of quiet and lackluster in Raleigh this week after what we’ve just experienced, but there is still fun to be had.
Hope you have a brilliant week in Raleigh.
Caroline
P.S. I have started to share my Yosemite trip on my Instagram stories on our travel account. You can follow along here.
Three Things Worth Planning This Week
Out! Raleigh Pride Let’s celebrate the LGBT community! Today’s events will focus on adults (18+) only entertainment and vendors. (A kink positive event) 6pm -10pm FREE
Hillsborough St Makers & Music at Compiegne Park featuring Relay Relay A community gathering with live music performances, local markets, and family friendly activities 6:30 - 9:30pm FREE
What we found and loved lately
The steak nachos from the Brass Tap
Old Fashioned and garlic fries from Urban Oak rooftop bar
Sunset at High Rail rooftop bar
Incendiary blueberry lemon seltzer
Loaded Irish Fries with corned beef and cheese from Hibernian Pub
Meeting the Oak City Shamrock GAA - if you want to join in with some local Irish events
High Rail sunset
Canes Parade
Loaded Irish fries
steak nachos
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This is Raleigh Reader Discounts
Click the links below and use the code as directed. (We’re personal customers of all below)
Ready to Roll Garage Doors: $50 off a repair or $200 off a new garage door
NC Courage: Discounted single game and season tickets
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Google Fi: get $60 credit if you make the switch (for cell phones). We recently did and love it. For frequent travelers like us it makes sense. Plus, better price than ATT and better service (data and customer!) Use CODE: 7ANFM2
Rose & Lee: 10% off with Coupon Code: THISISRALEIGH
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