Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
Can you feel it? That little extra skip in your step, the sun lingering just a bit longer in the sky, and our calendar filling UP with exciting spring events? Yep, spring fun is officially ramping up here in Raleigh—and we could not be more excited!
We get asked all the time, “Do you really do all the things you share?” And the answer is… YES. And also, no, we’re not exhausted—because when you do what you love, and it feeds your soul, it energizes you. We’ve been explorers at heart for over 25 years (and this week marks 15 YEARS as professional travel bloggers—how wild is that?!), and the thrill of discovering new things is truly in our blood. I honestly don’t feel whole unless I’m out and about, diving into local stories, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.
The real joy though? Sharing it all with you. Every time someone tells us, “Your content helped us plan the best weekend,” or “We would’ve never found this spot without you,” it means the world. We know your time is limited—so let us do the work! With years of experience and a knack for sniffing out the good stuff, we’ve got you covered.
This week, we experienced the beautiful Art in Bloom festival at the NC Museum of Art—one of my absolute favorite spring events. It’s such a uniquely Raleigh celebration that draws crowds dressed in florals (the fashion is a whole vibe!) to admire breathtaking floral interpretations of iconic art pieces. One of my favorites this year? Rodin’s The Thinker—brought to life with blooms in such a powerful way. It reminded me of how much story lives within Raleigh—and how lucky we are to explore it.
So, get ready! We’ve got so much more spring content coming your way—on the blog, in your inbox, and all over social media—as I follow my sunshine-craving soul out into the city I love so much. I’ll be sprinkling that spring magic right over to you too 💫
Let’s make this season unforgettable together.
With joy,
Caroline
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
Hibernian Pub’s St Patrick’s Day block party was lots of fun. It was their biggest turn out yet and we had fun catching up with friends and getting to meet readers who stopped us to say hi!
Cortado - a new coffee shop on Glenwood Ave with great coffee!
Our new water treatment system installed by loal company Orca Blue (partner).I’m amazed at how different the water is - it feels soft, and tastes like Fiji water. I wish I did this soonerand understood more about thebenefits of cleaner water.
Cuya - the new-coming-soon restaurant concept from the owner of the beloved Cortez. We had a sneak peek on the weekend at a patio grill out. The Mexican- Peruvian- and Puerto Rico inspired food is flavorful and the concept fun.
Little Native has a cute new sitting room that feels like you’re in a private library (with local artisan products also stacked on the shelf). Behind a hidden door is their new afternoon tea experience which we’ll be checking out soon.
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
March Madness begins. Ranked No 9, NC State women’s basketball team iwill host Round 1 & 2 games at Reynolds Coliseum. NC State will play Vermont on Saturday at 2pm.
The Lenovo Center will host the men’s Round 1 & 2 matchups Friday and Sunday with Duke playing opening game at 2:50pm The Tar Heels play at 4:05pm (but in Milwaukee)
Crumbl will open a location on Hillsborough St today starting at 8am until midnight. If you love them like my daughters d, you’ll be happy to know they are giving away FREE chocolate chip cookies, while supplies last
60 Secs with We’ve started a new series on IG - interviewing a business owner about their business and Raleigh faves. See below! Any feedback or suggestions welcome.
Boatman Spirits Co., a new craft cocktail bar and distillery, aims to open in the Seaboad district in May 2025
Hush (hair salon in Smoky Hollows) will open at North Hills Innovation District in the Fall
The Bike Library (think bikes and coffee) will open Spring 2025 at the Platform in the West End
There are a few tickets left for Dress for Success’s annual fundraiser Celebrate Success Gala at the luxurious Umstead Hotel next week. See you there!
BBQ & Bubbly is a new event just announced coming to Fenton in May. We have two tickets we’re giving away right now on Instagram. Click here for your chance to win 2 GA tickets that include unlimited BBQ, desserts, sparkling wine, and beer from 1pm-4pm on May 31
🖋 ON THE BLOG
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
NC Courage has their first home game at Wake Med Soccer Park on Saturday.
Raleigh Comedy Festival will have more than 30 nationally touring comedians performing at more than 5 venues on Fri and Sat night.
Art in Bloom is on at the NC Art Museum. It’s sold out but always check in case of cancellations. There are installations in the park you can see. You can see it on our Reel
Clouds Brewing Taproomwill have their annual Marchtoberfest on Sat & Sunday It's family friendly with games, activities, live music and of course beer.
Boylan Heights Art District Studio Tour -5pm FREE
🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION
The social posts that have everyone talking (click image to join)
LISTENING: Pearl Jam’s new song “Needle and the Damage Done”
READING: I finished the Nigfht Road (6/10) and I’m really loving the Vanishing Half (so far a 9)
WATCHING: Paradise - I’m really enjoying this new series and I am just loving White Lotus - and the ridiculous Durham accents and the stunning Thailand setting. It’s making the itch ithcier!
DOING: spending time with my girls who both just returned from trips without us!, speaking at the Grace & Growth Women’s Empowerment event, attending NC Courage’s opener
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