Hi Raleigh Lover!

If there’s one thing this past week reminded us of, it’s just how special our Raleigh community is. From dazzling galas to heartfelt milestones and powerful moments of giving back, we’ve been surrounded by so much inspiration, and we couldn’t be more grateful to call this city home.

🎭 Art in Style at the Arthouse Gala

We kicked off the week in pure elegance at the Arthouse Gala, an annual fundraiser that supports and uplifts local artisans. This wasn’t just any event—it was an experience! A bell rang, a secret door opened, and through it, a mysterious hand greeted us with a glass of champagne.

From giant inflatable balloons on the dance floor to a jazz band serenading guests in the intimate downstairs exhibition room, the night was filled with magic, creativity, and a true appreciation for the arts.

🎉 Celebrating 50 Years of Irregardless—A Raleigh Icon

Next up, we joined the celebration of Irregardless Café’s 50th birthday—a milestone for one of Raleigh’s most legendary restaurants. Governor Josh Stein (who’s been a fan since he was a kid!) and the restaurant’s original founder, Arthur Gordon, shared stories of its remarkable journey.

Imagine opening a vegetarian restaurant in 1975 (a bold move back then!) or becoming the first restaurant in Raleigh to ban smoking in 1983—long before it was common practice. And when a fire shut down the restaurant for a year, Arthur continued paying his staff under one condition: they had to volunteer at a local nonprofit. What a legacy of dedication, impact, and heart!

And now, under the stewardship of Lee Robinson, Irregardless continues its mission of community and sustainability. Our hearts are even fuller for this Raleigh treasure!

🛍️ Supporting Local at Shop Local Raleigh’s Annual Event

Another highlight of the week was Shop Local Raleigh’s event, where we got to hear inspiring speakers share insights on growing and sustaining local businesses.

It was a fantastic celebration of the hard work and resilience of Raleigh’s entrepreneurs, and a great opportunity to connect with other small business owners making a difference in our community.

🎶 Raleigh’s Music Scene Coming Together for a Cause

We wrapped up the week on a heartfelt note, watching six incredible local artists perform at a fundraising concert for Jooselord’s four-year-old son, Onya, who is battling brain cancer. The love and support from the music community was powerful, reminding us once again of the deep connections that make Raleigh so special.

🥂 A Moment to Connect & Reflect

Between all the events, we also had the chance to share dinner with friends who walk a similar path in our industry. These moments of connection—swapping stories, celebrating wins, and supporting each other through the challenges—reminded us that we’re all in this together.

So here’s to another week of showing up for our local businesses, celebrating milestones, and remembering what makes Raleigh shine. 💛

Tell us—what was your favorite moment in Raleigh this week?
Caroline

💖 FAVORITE FINDS

• Willow Coffee House on S Saunders St - fantastic coffee and community minded mission!

• Moonsong Cafe in the new Tempo Hotel (gorgeous foyer!) They have Blue Stone Lane coffee (And Aussie inspired menu), which is one of our favorite Aussie owned cafes in NYC!! So excited. They just need vegemite and lamingtons now like NYC does!

• Learning about the Moon Room - a jazz cocktail bar from the founders of Madre. Can’t wait to attend their live jazz sessions. The bourbon inspired cocktail we had at the Art House Gala was great!

• Meeting Thomas Sayre at ArtHouse, Raleigh's most famous artist (Shimmer Wall, Gyre Rings at the Art Museum, Sunflowers DIX Park)

• Lovely Italian inspired meal at Cucciolo Terrazza in Raleigh

• Our first time experiencing live music at the Pour House - great, small venue with a LOUD sound and a moshing dance floor.

⭐DID YOU HEAR?

• The Planet Parade is on tonight! A very rare occurrence when all seven planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — will line up in the night sky. (Five visible to the naked eye!) Apparently one hour after sunset is the time! And 8:30pm with a telescope. Learn more here.

• Red Hat Amphitheater’s 2024 season broke records with $33.7 million generated in total economic impact. South Street, from Dawson St. to McDowell St., will permanently close on April 14, 2025, which will begin for the construction of the new amphitheater.

• Robert Hunter, a Sheriff’s Deputy in Wake County, earned a spot on Team Kelsea Ballerini on The VOICE! Do we have the next Clay Aiken in our midst.

• Speaking of which, Clay Aiken will be the honored guest to start the annual Dress for Success Gala (with a VIP reception before the event.)
  

🖋 ON THE BLOG

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📆THIS WEEKEND

You may like…

1. Juniper Level Gardens in south Raleigh has their winter open weekend from today until Sunday. Read more in our guide

2. Rouge – A Cirque and Dance Cabaret the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on Sat afternoon.

3. Carnival du Crunk - Crank Arm Brewerys annual Mardi Gras Celebration is on with a parade and live music Sat 11am

4. On Saturday the City of Raleigh Museum will have their Annual Pet Adoption Event. There’s never been a more perfect time to adopt a new fur baby for your home.

5. On Sunday the Black History Trolley Tour will travel from Mordecai Historic Park to Oberlin Village to learn about the neighborhood’s history of community and freedom.

🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The social posts that have everyone talking (click image to join)

👍ON THE GRAM