Hi Raleigh Lover!

What a Weekend in Raleigh!

If you needed a reminder of how fun, friendly, and vibrant Raleigh can be, this past weekend delivered in full force. Between the electric energy of the Dreamville Festival and the elegant charm of the Governor’s Ball, the city was alive—and we were loving every minute of it.

We had an absolute blast at the Ball—dressed up, celebrating with friends, laughing over cocktails, and snapping photos with Governor Cooper and Congressman Jeff Jackson (both incredibly warm and down-to-earth… the North Carolina way, right?). What made it even more special? So many of you—our amazing readers—stopped to say hi! It filled our hearts to connect face-to-face and share in the joy of the evening.

There’s something hard to put into words about Raleigh’s vibe. It’s not just the events or the skyline or the craft cocktails (though we love those, too)—it’s the people. That magnetic mix of friendliness and energy, progress and pride, connection and community. Sure, the city’s got its growing pains, but Raleigh’s stepping into its young twenties—and wow, is it fun to watch it come into its own.

So here’s to springtime magic, rooftop sunsets, spontaneous dance floors, and saying yes to all the ways we can keep connecting to the soul of this place.

Let’s keep the good vibes rolling 🌸

Cheers,
Caroline

💖 FAVORITE FINDS

• WRK by the Optimist has a gorgeous new location in the Exchange building in Midtown.

• Long, leisurely lunch at Foxcroft Wine Bar. Their creme brulee is the best I’ve had in Raleigh - it has a lovely surprise at the bottom that I don’t want to spoil for you, as that burst of goodness was a true unexpected joy!

• The Ugly Monkey - what a fun dive bar in Downtown Raleigh. We ended up shooting hoops down there after the governor’s ball with new friends. Can’t believe it took us this long to visit!

• Melville Ceramics has the most gorgeous pottery (plant holders, plates, mugs, and more)

• Ammi’s is a fantastic new Indian bakery in Seaboard! They even have a gluten free tiramisu that is delicious!

• The Point Apartments at Seaboard. We were filming there yesterday and were impressed - especially its location within walking distance to Downtown and North Person St!

⭐DID YOU HEAR?

• Carolina Ale House in Downtown Raleigh will be closing and a new concept Smash Ping Pong Bar in it’s place. Work will begin this week! Their legendary Canes street watch parties will now happen at the Cary locaiton.

• Unlikely Professionals will be opening a space in the Makers Alley in June. : A Lil’ R + R a local boutique will also be opening.

• Downtown Cary’s much-loved Cotton House Brewery has filed for bankruptcy but plans to stay open 🤞🤞

• First round of the Stanley Cup playoffs will be in Raleigh against the New Jersey Devils! Go Canes! Date TBD but tickets on sale. 

• Raleigh ranked #3 in top 10 happiest cities in a new study by SmartAsset. Some of the metrics used for the study included personal finance, physical well-being, and quality of life. Ya’ll know I agree!
  

🖋 ON THE BLOG

📆THIS WEEKEND

You may like…

1. Historic Oakwood has their annual garden tour on Sat and Sun. Visit six hand-selected private gardens on a self-guided 1.5-2 mile walking tour.

2. Pimento Cheese Festival at Downtown Cary Park on Sat. Sample unique pimento cheese infused dishes plus performances, activities, food trucks, and beer gardens!

3. Taco ’N Taps Festival is at Koka Booth. It’s an all you care to test tacos and Mexican food, dancing,, margaritas, piñata punching, contests and many other surprises.

4. Lebanese Cultural Festival is on Sat & Sun. Expect delicious food, live music, traditional dances, and fun activities for the kids.

5. Peak City Pig Fest is on Fri night and Sat in downtown Apex. Enjoy pig pickin, a beer garden, live music and more.

🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION

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👍ON THE GRAM