Happy Hump Day {{first_name}}
Well, I finally did it.
The last item on my very long citizenship to-do list — updating my Social Security number. It sounds so unglamorous, but honestly? Walking out of that office felt like something. Like the last little puzzle piece clicking into place. (appointment booked ahead of time | 30-minute wait)
I celebrated the only way that made sense — coffee. Specifically, a stop at Little Native on the way home, Coffee Crawl pass in hand, because if you're going to mark a milestone you may as well do it with a really good cup.
And then I stepped outside and remembered that Raleigh in spring has absolutely no chill. It was practically shorts weather last week. Today the heater is back on. Apparently, we have a few more days of this before summer shows up unannounced and stays forever.
Anyway. Big week. Good coffee. Onward.
Here's your mid-week checkin …
💓 Caroline
News to Know
According to Travel + Leisure, Raleigh is the third best place in the US for Millennials to live.
Boatman’s Spirit Co in Raleigh's Seaboard Station, has launched weekend distillery tour which includes a tasting flight and more for $30 per person. We had a sneak peek at it some time ago and it’s quite impressive.
Whataburger, the first in Raleigh, will open tomorrow on Wake Forest Road.
It's been decided. Michael Malone is your new UNC men's basketball coach.
Finally, the $30 million upgrade to Duke Gardens opens today! Parking returns with a new welcome center. (Here is our guide - yet to be updated with its newness)
Award winning chef Christopher Prieto from Prime Barbecue has announced Knightdale’s inaugural Pickin’ in the Park — a barbecue festival benefiting Raleigh Rescue Mission’s The Garden. It will include lots of barbecue from famous local pitmasters, live music and family fun. Knightdale needed this! Saturday, May 16, from 4 pm-7 pm
Live After 5 will return May 14, this year with two additional shows, and a location change that they are currently keeping secret. Lineup announced on Friday.
AI strikes again. 90 people getting laid off by Pendo.
West Raleigh & Hillsborough St will have their annual meeting next April 15, 5:30pm - 7:30pm Craig and I will be speaking on a panel.
I think I may start cleaning the yellow dust from my screened in porch today. 👇
Am I being too pollen hasty?
This Week's Can't-Miss Event: Pimento Cheese Festival
Truth: it’s going to be busy. So, if crowds aren’t your thing, it may not be for you or go early. And park outside of downtown Cary and walk in or catch the free bus. But it’s definitely unique and the first of its kind in the USA! There will be more than 35 food vendors at Downtown Cary Park to savor the flavor of incredibly unique pimento cheese infused dishes – including pimento ice cream - will you dare.
Tips: we love the loaded pimento fries from Not Just a Fry Guy (gluten free), grab a coffee from Coffee Studio on the edge of the park, slip into RBF Champagne Bar or the new Vino & Tap in the old Cotton house brewery location. (I’m going there with friends on Friday!)
From Somewhere Else
At book club last night, a friend mentioned how much she's craving a solo vacation. I get it. There is something so restorative about traveling just for you.
It also reminded me — I haven't told you yet. I'm leading a women's group tour to Morocco later this year.
My good friend Cristina runs Your Limitless Adventures, a female travel company, and as she's grown, she needed more tour leaders she could trust. She asked me. Obviously, I said yes. You know I'm always up for an adventure — the cross-border kind and the stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone kind.
I'm genuinely excited about this one. And there are still spots left if you've been dreaming about a solo escape that's actually organized for you. See more here You can also see what it looks like in her reel.
Useful Links & Guides
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