Little Native
Hi {{first_name}}
What a weekend.
It started nice and early running a 5K at Wake Tech's Reach Rally & Run. Five minutes in, at the top of that first hill, I felt every one of my 50 years. Tight lower back. Sore knee. Protesting shins. When did this happen?
Thankfully, they had a physical therapist in the Runner's Village afterward who helped put me back together, which, honestly, felt like the most useful amenity at any 5K ever.
We finished it. With a few stop-starts for photos and video, but we finished it. And what struck me most wasn't the race itself, it was the Wake Tech team. Every single person we dealt with was so genuinely grateful, so committed to their students, so kind to each other and to us. Craig and I kept saying: Wake Tech must be a great place to work. Everyone just seemed... happy. Really, actually happy. That kind of joy in a workplace is rare and beautiful.
And the why behind the run — supporting students who face unexpected crises and need a little help — made it all mean something more.
But the highlight? Meeting 84-year-old Barbara. Who ran the course. Like she does every year. She was glowing.
I quietly shelved every single body complaint I had and just... thanked her. For showing me what's possible. That the joy, the fun, the strength, the endurance — none of it has to fade. It really doesn't. See you on that final hill next year, Barbara. 🙌
From there, we headed straight to the Cúegrass Festival in Downtown Raleigh and got to meet so many of you! The music was incredible. Young Ashley Virginia from Greensboro was a complete revelation — free-spirited, wise beyond her years, an incredible storyteller with a voice that stopped you in your tracks. She reminded me of Lucy Gray Baird from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes — someone who fully owns who she is, without apology.
And closing out the night? The high-energy, always-chaotic, completely wonderful Tan and Sober Gentlemen. If you haven't seen them live yet add them to your list immediately. Their blend of Irish and bluegrass with full performance mayhem is exactly the kind of thing that makes Raleigh feel like our city.
This weekend ahead looks just as good with festive vibes, community gatherings, some Earth Day love, and this gorgeous spring weather we absolutely do not deserve after the winter we had. More on that below. 👇
What we found and loved this weekend
The relatively new coffee shop, The Green Room in North Raleigh near Theatre Raleigh! Barista Zachary took on the challenge of making a flat white for the first time and did a great job!
Japanese omelet and rice and chicken rice porridge at Heirloom! Yum. Perfect after-5K fuel.
The free Soma breathwork class at Downtown Cary Park - very centering! Next one is in June.
Local band, Jack the Radio, at the great local dive bar, Slims!
Tan & Sober Gentleman
Jack the Radio Slims
Heirloom
Oakwood Garden Tour
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Three Things Worth Planning This Week
Uniquely, earthly events worth celebrating!
Spring Daze Arts & Craft - one of our favorite annual events for its stunning Bond Park and Lake location, and fun community vibe.
Town of Apex Earthfest engaging, interactive festival to learn about, participate in, and celebrate our planet. Features clothing exchanges, sustainable fashion show, workshops, crafts, and more. 12pm - 4pm
Celebrate Mother Earth at Dorothea Dix's Raleigh Earth Day There’ll be earth dances, a Trashion Show, a documentary of Jane Goodall, and vendors. 4pm - 8pm Free
This is Raleigh Reader Discounts
Click the links below and use the code as directed. (We’re personal customers of all below)
NC Courage: Discounted single game and season tickets
Gladwell Orthodontics Free teeth whitening treatment with treatment. Mention THIS IS RALEIGH
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Orca Blue Soft Water System: $500 off system. Mention THIS IS RALEIGH
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