Reading is so old-school! Which local bookstore has the claim to fame as Raleigh’s oldest?
a. Quail Ridge Books b. Nice Price Books & Records c. Reader’s Corner d. Capitol Comics
Aww. NC State alum, writing professor and romance author Sarah Grunder Ruiz recently released her third novel, Last Call at the Local, which is based in what country?
a. Ireland b. Scotland c. England d. Australia
Turning its first page in 1984, Quail Ridge Books has since lauded literacy and the love of reading in Raleigh. Though its storefront is now situated in North Hills, where did the spot initially open?
a. Wade Avenue b. Falls of Neuse Road c. Wilmington Street d. Fayetteville Street
Liberation Station Bookstore ensures no dream is deferred and Black experiences are represented in its literature selects. Who initially inspired founder Victoria Scott-Miller to showcase representation via her DTR storefront?
a. Her daughters b. Her sons c. Her nephews d. Her father
Books and brewskis can be found at Beow’s Books & Brews, inspired by a group of great authors and thinkers of the 20th century (think: C.S. Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers and Charles Williams). What did this literary society nickname themselves?
a. Ink and Insights b. The Literaries c. The Inklings d. The Bookworms
In-the-know Raleigh readers peruse hidden-gem book outpost Dog-Eared Books, which is a sister shop to what recently opened independent bookstore?
Ready, set, write! EIC Melissa Howsam authored her first children’s book, i may be small but i’m still important, this fall. What important character in her life took center stage in the book?
a. Assistant Editor Anna Beth Adcock b. Her best friend c. Her dog d. Her nephew
Take our city’s storied culinary powerhouse Angus Barn. “In 1970, you couldn’t go to Angus Barn without a jacket and tie on,” reflects a longtime patron of the dining room (note the Turkey Lounge is a whole different animal). “Fine-dining meant fine clothes too. To me, it was like going to church—you had to have on your Sunday best.”
While the Barn hasn’t required coats in years, that doesn’t mean they dropped a dress code altogether. “The current code is the same as pre-pandemic. It hasn’t changed,” according to Angus Barn, of its ”as nice as you like or business casual” policy. But in a society growing ever more casual, hence the polite reminder on their website that “we are reinstating our dress code.”
But as the Barn holds fast to its dress code, many other establishments are loosening (or lacking) one altogether—or even encouraging diners to come casual. Take stylish longtime Raleigh standout Margaux’s, whose website flat encourages showing up in “your most relaxed outfit.”
Then there’s quirky “come-as-you-are” Stanbury, purposefully pairing its elevated plates with any kind of attire. “We don’t have a dress code,” says owner Joseph Jeffers of the approachable environs. “It’s more eclectic and what people are comfortable in—we might have a table of people in tuxedos with someone in jean shorts at the table beside them. We like for it to be something for everybody and want people to be able to drop in on a whim.”
But it goes beyond your clothing. In a society seeking to fit in, the debate is also about assimilating with other diners. “There’s a desire to fit in [when dining out]—but you don’t want to feel overdressed either,” shares one seasoned diner. “If I was at East End Bistrot or somewhere similar and saw someone wearing gym clothes, I might wonder what they were doing there—but it wouldn’t affect my experience.”
That said, East End Bistrot’s executive chef William D’Auvray notes the establishment doesn’t dictate a dress code on purpose. “We like for people to come in what they deem appropriate,” he says. “If people ask, we say business casual to let them know a coat and tie are not required. Ultimately, it’s about the experience—being offended by what someone else is wearing is archaic to me.”
In querying dozens of Raleigh diners, the take is divided. Many applaud the evolution toward casual clothing: “Dress codes are antiquated and only end up confusing or excluding people,” says one local diner. “You shouldn’t have to wear a suit and tie to get a great meal.”
But there are dissenters who prefer they—and those around them—fit the vibe in terms of apparel. “If you’re out for dinner while sitting next to people dripping from the gym, the food doesn’t taste as good,” laments another regular restaurantgoer we spoke to. “You feel like you got ready for a special occasion—and the lazy apparel of others kills that buzz.”
Concurs another: “Others’ dress definitely has an effect on restaurant experience. What you’re wearing should fit the vibe. If the space is elevated, the people who fill the space should also be elevated.” Clearly, dining dress—and expectations—continues to evolve, with perspectives all over the map. Looks like only time will tell what patrons might don for dinner in 2035.
The move toward short and sweet is intended to keep drivers safe and undistracted—while also upkeeping respect for the importance of whatever message the sign was intended to communicate.
Essentially, “messages should fulfill a need; command attention; convey a clear, simple message; command respect; and provide adequate time for proper response,” a FHA spokesperson shared with Verify on the matter. So, the road sign version of “don’t play with your food.”
The ’80s called… and they want their leg warmers back.
News flash: Aerobics is cool again—but with a fun new twist. While it may no longer look like the OG Jane Fonda videos of days gone by, the gist of the movin’ and groovin’ workout remains the same—no matter what you call it.
Never drank the proverbial Kool-Aid—er, donned the leotard? Essentially, aerobics is a cardio workout involving repeated and rhythmic movements aiming toward high heart rates and endorphins. With aerobics-style group classes cropping up around the city at local gyms (we see you, YMCA!) and more niche step/dance fitness outposts gaining traction among all ages and genders, the news is official: Aerobics-esque workouts are reliving their glory days.
One local facility offering this high-energy and motivating movement is Club Cardio + Fitness Bar. Founded by Sherry Ringer and family in 2020 via basic step classes to the beat of hip-hop tunes, the fitness hub has since exploded with a lineup of uberpopular call-and-response rhythmic classes (there’s even hip-hop HIIT classes!). Fun fact: Ringer’s daughter and staff even choreographed—and appeared alongside—multiplatinum musical artist Ciara in the music video for her single “JUMP.”
“They’re appealing because they’re nontraditional,” says Ringer of Club Cardio’s exercises. “Many people have a love-hate relationship with traditional workouts, but this is a different form of movement that’s enjoyable and offers the same results as any other cardio-driven work.”
To wit, Ringer nods to Club Cardio’s blended audience, saying the inviting safe environment and uniqueness of the exercise format attracts all to step into something new. … Call it routine, but aerobics-style workouts are so hot. Ready, step, go!
We chat with nationally renowned singer Lauren Daigle ahead of her Raleigh concert.
Now embarking on the second leg of her Kaleidoscope tour, Christian contemporary artist Lauren Daigle is slated to spend the spring and summer singing her heart out across the nation—with a Raleigh show in the books for Feb. 23 at PNC Arena.
The 32-year-old singer’s latest album, The Complete {Self-Titled} Album, features a lineup of songs near and dear to her heart—and she’s having the time of her life performing to audiences all over. RM had the chance to chat with the colorful Louisiana native + vocalist ahead of her City of Oaks appearance on everything from her album to her go-to Raleigh hot spots and more. Look up, child—and see you at the show!
Catch us up on your tour so far. This is the first tour I’ve ever done that involves running around onstage and dancing. It’s very involved. But it’s brought so much life to me. It’s a completely different modality and so special to see the band come alive and have fun.
Why should Raleighites grab tix to see the show? It’s just so stinking fun! We are having a blast and not taking things too seriously. It’s a night to feel free, alive, restored, redeemed and to take away loneliness. Also, each ticket sold will go back to the local community via The Price Fund, which partners with schools in the area. And we are partnering with KultureCity, [an organization that] creates different sensory rooms for individuals with disabilities—so all families can come enjoy a show.
Any song standouts on the album? One of my favorites is ‘Turbulent Skies.’ I wrote it years ago, but recently added a new verse and bridge. It’s the first song I wrote the lyrics for entirely. I also love ‘Thank God I Do,’ which was written when I was dealing with depression and anxiety. It’s an anthem for finding freedom and breaking out of what seems daunting while being surrounded by the love of God and his patience and goodness. … But my all-time favorite is ‘Inherited,’ which is a love letter to my family.
Advice for aspiring creatives? Stay true to your craft and don’t follow what other people are doing. Ask yourself: What’s inside me that is unique? Then sculpt that and find space to explore it.
