Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
I had this sneaky feeling all week that something wasn’t quite right with my email communication… and I finally figured it out this morning. Somewhere between updating our weekly events post and going for a lovely long walk with a friend, I forgot to actually send you the email! Oops! So here it is — fashionably late but right on time to help you plan your weekend.
To be fair, my brain’s been a little distracted. I have decided to peel myself off the cozy couch binge-watching The Diplomat Season 3 to join friends tonight downtown for Halloween. That gives me, oh, about eight hours to come up with a costume. Got any quick ideas? Because all I’ve got so far is “woman who left everything to the last minute.”
I tell you, that couch is dangerous, especially when it’s been January-like weather out there. Halloween is usually one of my favorite events of the year, and it lands on a Friday night this time, but I still almost let comfort win. Thank goodness for friends who lovingly nudge us toward fun. That’s what This is Raleigh is all about anyway — coaxing you off the couch and back into connection, adventure, and joy.
Speaking of stretching comfort zones, last weekend we hopped on the train to Selma — just a 30-minute ride from Raleigh — and had the best day exploring. I love places that surprise me and teach little life lessons along the way. I shared more about that in my latest Golden Thread story. You can read it here (or sign up for those emails if you haven’t yet!).
And because Raleigh is full of delightful surprises, last night we also found ourselves slipping through a secret bookcase door into what might just be the tiniest tearoom in the city. Stay tuned for that reel coming soon!
Caroline
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
The gluten free flatbread at the Boston-themed Hahvahd Yahd Café in Downtown Selma is out of this world good. Even better when topped with their Everything but the Kitchen Sink.
The Quantum Toad is a swanky, yet unpretentious cocktail bar in Downtown Selma with a dirty old-fashioned that has made my top 5 list!
Parked at the Quantum Toad is the Tantra Indian Grill food truck, which has the best Indian food I’ve had in the Piedmont.
The Littlest Tea Room “Twilight afternoon tea” experience is unique and fun. Found behind the bookcase in one of our favorite coffee shops - Little Native.
The Fall colors at Lake Lynn were popping on my double loop walk catching up with a friend! This is a flat, easy, and beautiful trail in northwest Raleigh.
Raleigh’s Halloween House is showing off again this year. There’s still time to see it (it is left up for a few days after Halloween). They are also having a block party tomorrow night and raising food donations for NC State’s Food Pantry (we’re shooting content for that this week so stay tuned). Make sure you go around the corner to see Elm St as well - it’s nightmarish!
My new Fall dress from Rose & Lee (above) - I love their clothes and the ladies behind the company are awesome! (gifted) I had a fun modeling shoot with them on the porch with the rain teeming down around us.
We finally popped into the Bike Library in the West End (near Boulted Bread) for a coffee break and were not disappointed by their flat white! Raleigh’s coffee game just keeps getting stronger!
Gluten free flatbread
Lake Lynn
Littlest Tea Room
Quantum Toad
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
Sam Jones BBQ ranked 2nd for Best Carolina-Style BBQ in USA Today's 10Best 2025 Readers' Choice Awards.
Moonlight in the Garden at the JC Raulston Arboretum starts in two weeks. Tickets are on sale now.
The new "Smash Social Club" - a restaurant and entertainment space - will open in November in the former Carolina Ale House in Glenwood South.
Somewhat of a sad new opening - The Merchant Bar has relocated into the London Bridge Pub. We have many fond memories of watching soccer at this pub!
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has found proof that a new tyrannosaur species, the Nanotyrannus, co-existed with the T. Rex.
Our daughter’s Invisalign provider (and the top one in NC), Gladwell Orthodontic is offering $1,156 off Invisalign treatments starting next week for their Smile Event of the Year. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Wake Forest Thursday, Nov. 6, in North Raleigh You can also enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks! Mention THISISRALEIGH for free whitening treatment as well. (Partner)
🖋 ON THE BLOG
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
Sun: City of Oaks Marathon is calling you to race through the city. It’s a high energy event with celebration after that also welcomes those who want to run as little as 5K. 7am
Sat: Taste of China festival is at Downtown Cary Park. Experience the best of Chinese culinary delights, traditional performances, and cultural exhibits. 11am - 5pm
Fri - Sun: Witch at the Raleigh Little Theatre A charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. 8pm $33+
Fri: The First Lady is hosting Trick or Treat at the Governor Mansion tonight 6pm - 8pm Come collect your treats!
More ideas 👇
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