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Weekly Wrap: From Bond Lake to BBQ: A Sisterly Week of Raleigh Joy
Closings, Union Station, brussel sprouts and more
Caroline Makepeace
June 06, 2025
Union Station
Hi Raleigh Lover!
We’ve had a special visitor in town this week—my sister, Jen from Australia! It’s been the sweetest time soaking up all the moments, moving at a slower pace, and showing her why we fell so hard for Raleigh. There's nothing quite like seeing your hometown through the fresh eyes of someone you love.
We’ve spent our days sampling coffee and cakes (Fount’s Coffee Cake got her good), sipping bubbly at RBF Champagne Bar, exploring Downtown Raleigh, and tasting our way through Carolina-style pulled pork at the BBQ & Bubbly event at Fenton. We’ve wandered around the tranquil beauty of Bond Lake, paddled through Lake Johnson’s peaceful waters, explored the new Downtown Cary Park, and celebrated our girls at their school graduation events (cue the proud tears!).
But the best part? Listening to what stands out most to her as a visitor:
🟢 “It’s just so beautiful and green here. I can’t believe how many trees there are—it makes you feel so good.”
💬 “Everyone is so friendly and kind. People actually want to talk to you!”
✨ “It’s so clean, and there’s such a relaxed vibe. You’ve really found something special here.”
That last comment always warms my heart: “You’ve truly found the best place in the USA to live.”
And honestly, we couldn’t agree more.
Whether you're a longtime local or new to town, it’s always worth slowing down, noticing the beauty, and soaking in the simple joy of this vibrant, welcoming place we call home.
Caroline
P.S. We're really hoping this rain clears up soon so we can fit in a few more sunny adventures before she heads home!
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
Paddleboarding Lake Johnson with my sister
Brussel sprouts at Giorgio Pizza - I think they’re the best in Raleigh.
The I’île Folie sculpture in Downtown Cary Park is quite lovely to walk under.
Raleigh Union Station - Jen loved this building. There is great art work inside and also great views from the upstairs patio.
The Suit charcuterie board from RBF Champagne Bar! 😋😋
 Lake Johnson |  Downtown Cary Park |
 Videri chocolate |  View from Union Station |
Visit to the Executive Mansion
Last Friday, Craig and I were invited to attend a roundtable discussion at the NC Executive Mansion with Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein
It was an incredible honor to sit alongside some of the most inspiring content creators in North Carolina to share how we use our platforms to SUPPORT LOCAL — from small businesses to cultural events and everything in between.
Supporting local is at the heart of what we do — not just here at This is Raleigh but through our travel site @ytravelblog too. In fact, our commitment to promoting travel and community impact even earned us green cards for our contribution to the U.S. economy.
Grateful for this moment, this mission, and for all of YOU who follow along and support our work. 💚
 Executive mansion |  Governor Josh Stein |
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
Alo Yoga has opened in North Hills. The place was packed full of people getting their brightly colored workout gear yesterday!
Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park opens to the public this weekend!
Las Ramblas in North Hills has announced its closing citing HVAC issues as the cause.
CAM Raleigh has announced a programing pause beginning June 15 and is considering selling its warehouse building (those rising costs again!!). Let’s hope they return bigger and stronger than ever. You can support them tonight at First Friday though!
Don’t let a surprise vet bill torpedo your budget
Routine vet checkups are rising, and some surgeries can cost as much as a holiday in Europe. Fortunately, pet insurance can help offset these unexpected costs. With some policies starting at $10 and reimbursing up to 90%, you can keep your pet healthy without sacrificing your savings.
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
Fri: Pride First Friday in Downtown Raleigh. See all events
Fri - Sun: Gibson Play Plaza opening celebration - activities, performances, and light shows.
Sat: The Original Bubbles and Brisket in Smoky Hollows — all you can sample!
Sat: International Food Festival on Fayetteville St - over 120 food trucks representing 60 countries
Sun: Pride Ride Trolley Tour highlight historic locations and points of interest important to the evolution of Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community.
🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION
The social posts that have everyone talking (click image to join)
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👍ON THE GRAM
Use COUPON CODE: JunkluggersRDU for $25 off a junk pickup for This Is Raleigh followers
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