Hi Raleigh Lover!

What. A. Week.

We kicked it off with an epic 28-mile bike ride that started with a train ride to Durham and ended on our doorstep—legs cramping, hearts full. We pedaled the scenic American Tobacco Trail all the way to Cloer Family Vineyards in Apex, where we paused for a glass of local wine, some cheese, and a friendly chat with the horses. Then it was back in the saddle to cruise along the White Oak Creek Greenway home. I wasn’t sure my legs would get me there, but I dug deep and found that inner strength. And wow—what an adventure!

Next up, I was in the stands cheering on the NC Courage to a roaring sell-out crowd while Craig was above it all—literally—flying the drone and capturing jaw-dropping aerial footage. (Yes, he was hired by NC Courage, and yes, all the proper licenses and permissions were in place. He’s the real deal.)

Then came a dream overnight stay at The Umstead Hotel & Spa, where we got to experience firsthand why it holds triple five-star Forbes status. It’s classy, peaceful, and wrapped in the kind of forested serenity that makes you forget you’re just minutes from downtown Raleigh. Dining at Herons was an artistic performance in itself—an unforgettable meal that delighted every sense.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better—Pearl Jam was staying there too. We spotted lead guitarist Mike McCready relaxing by the pool! I had high hopes for a run-in with Eddie Vedder, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The moonrise over the trees from our balcony helped ease the sting of not scoring tickets to their show at Lenovo that night.

We’re wrapping the week with a fun chat happening on our Instagram, where folks are debating: Is Raleigh boring? Some eye-opening responses, and plenty of food for thought. Personally, after a week like this, I’m baffled—there’s so much to do here! But I get it—you’ve got to know where to look. That’s where we come in.

We’ll keep adventuring so you don’t have to scroll for hours trying to find the fun. Let us be your Raleigh radar.

Cheers,
Caroline

💖 FAVORITE FINDS

• The mussels and chocolate mousse from Vivace

• The seasonal lavender reverence latte from Iris Coffee Lab

• Starting our breakfast at Press in Durham was the PERFECT fuel!

• The lamb and strawberry panacotta at Herons was a standout.

• Yesterday we were filming at the Miles Apartments in Seaboard Station. They have a great outdoor pool area and common rooms - with makers studios!

• The White Oak Creek Greenway is really pretty - lots of boardwalks and murals along the way. It’s 7 miles from Bond Lake to the Tobacco Trail, mostly flat!

⭐DID YOU HEAR?

• Queen City Homestore is giving away $50K in prizes until June 3! Enter here for the chance to win weekly prizes.

• Exciting win for the Canes last night to wrap up Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs Dates and opponent for Round 3 TBD, Presale tickets start today though. Tickets here.

• Cape Fear Seafood Company will be opening a location in Mcgregor Square Center in Cary on May 19.

• Kane Realty has announced that Campo Taco Co., a new family-owned restaurant offering authentic Mexican cuisine, will open later this year at Rockway in South Raleigh.
  

🖋 ON THE BLOG

📆THIS WEEKEND

You may like…

1. Fri - Sun: Got to Be NC is on at the State Fairgrounds. It’s a celebration of North Carolina-style with Carnival rides, tractor pulls, animal exhibits, food and drinks

2. Sat - Sun: Artsplosure will have over 175 visual artists, live music, and interactive art installation on Fayetteville St.

3. Sat: Rootle Roadster Tour Block Party will be on at Marbles and Moore Square -with hands-on activities, games, demonstrations

4. Sat & Sun: Free Shakespeare in the Park: Othello at Fred Fletcher Park 1pm & 4pm

5. Sat: The NC Courage have been having sell out crowds, which I think is a clear sign there’s a lot of fun to be had watching our women’s professional soccer team. They’ll be taking on the Chicago Stars at WakeMed Soccer Park.

🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION

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

👍ON THE GRAM