We’re gonna stop you right there—if you’re taking a turn on red in Downtown Raleigh, that is. Raleigh City Council recently approved a change for no turns on red lights in the core of DTR, aka the area between Glenwood Avenue, Peace Street, East Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard. This transportation change comes amid many recent traffic updates to improve pedestrian safety—such as lowering the speed limit to 25 mph and removing dual turning movements—as part of the Downtown Pedestrian Safety Project in partnership with NCDOT. If you’re cruising around DTR, expect to see “No Turns on Red” signs going up starting this spring. Remember, only hit the gas on green… right? raleighnc.gov
Completion date By the end of April
Where Streets between Glenwood Avenue, Peace Street, East Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard
Revitalized into a creative mixed-use hub, Raleigh’s up-and-coming Smoky Hollow District boasts a slew of hip restaurant and retail ops, Downtown’s first Publix, an array of stylish accommodations, community-oriented experiences, and inviting gathering spaces.
Who let the dogs out?! Pet parents and their fur babies love lapping up some QT at this pawfect pub with full-service bar—NTM off-leash dog park, overnight boarding and doggie daycare. Fur real. @weststdog
ISO a knockout workout? Swing by and pack a punch at this boxing/strength center for some legit training via fighting fundamentals. “It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight…” @knuckleupraleigh
Vintage is so in. Find husband-and-wife dream team drumming up dream homes for their patrons via exquisite, stylish and well-crafted antique/vintage pieces sure to spice up your space.@rail_and_stile
“They see me rolling…” And skatin’ and stylin’ too with goods from this skate shop—skater-owned and -operated since 1986. Let the good times roll! @endlessgrind
Arrive with your belly empty and chopsticks in hand for Asian eats—noodles, fried rice, dumplings and more—that are all that and dim sum. @fivestarraleigh
Ready, set, spike! Spring has sprung and Spikeball season is officially upon us. You might’ve seen “that yellow trampoline game” popping up at a local park/college campus, or making its debut on Shark Tankcirca 2015—and volleyball and foursquare’s love child has continued to grow in popularity since Spikeball Inc. was launched in 2008.
For the roundnet rookies, a quick lowdown on how the game works: Two teams of two face off with a serve on the net to start the point. Once the ball bounces back up at the opposing team, they have a total of three hits to get it back on the net—aka a bump, set, spike—with play continuing until one team fails to return the ball. And for the pros, expertise can be added to the equation in the form of special serves, dives and fancy moves.
The super-fun and group-friendly competitive game has amassed a particularly large following for chill outdoor hangs (spikes on the beach, anyone?), but it’s also grown into a competitive sport that attracts athletes from all over.
“One of the coolest things about Spikeball is that the sport is still developing,” says Blake Deuser, an amateur Spikeball athlete who has competed in numerous tournaments—from Raleigh Roundnet and NC State intramural games all the way up to Spikeball Nationals. “Rule changes happen, and it’s fun to be part of that experience.”
Deuser got his start in the sport during college playing with friends, and although he rose in the roundnet ranks, he still loves a casual game with his crew every chance he gets—which speaks to the nature of the sport.
So, let’s dive into the local spike scene. Here, a few local leagues and spots to serve it up with your Spikeball squad. Balls away! @spikeball
Spring forward via books, bling, health and fitness through these retail picks, shops and studios.
Bling alert! Fink’s Jewelers is growing its presence in North Hills via a new flagship store in the Main District with a sophisticated showroom boasting an airy atmosphere, custom gold/bronze accents and decorative furnishings. NTM a Rolex shop, David Yurman showroom and engagement room boutique to add to the elevated affair. @finksjewelers
Let ’em upgrade ya. For a ride on the “highway of healing,” Happy Whole You RDU has you covered. This holistic wellness center is—ahem—centered on helping humans improve brain function, lower body inflammation, overcome unresolved emotions and improve physical health via its unique scientific approach. @happywholeyourdu
The ’90s called—and they like your outfit. Secondhand Concession Stand is making secondhand clothing chic via its vintage clothing selects at Boxyard RTP (open through May)—from the collegiate sweaters you might find in your dad’s drawer to Nike pieces, sporty shirts and more. Let’s go thrift shopping! @2ndhandconcessionstand
“Everybody wants to be us.” Or at least they will after a visit to Rolley, a recently opened appointment-only designer showroom showcasing luxe brands like Gucci, Versace and Balenciaga. How boujee! @rolleyprivateshowroom
Hey, bookworms! NC State professor Dr. Marsha Gordon is debuting her new book, Becoming the Ex-Wife, this month—and each turn of the page is a step into history. The biography tells the story of Ursula Parrott, a now-forgotten, once-bestselling author who penned prose on career women, single moms and divorcees a la 1920s–40s. @uc_press
Photo courtesy of University of California Press
We know what a girl (or boy!) wants. Merz Aesthetics announced iconic singer/world-famous entertainer Christina Aguilera is teaming up with Xeomin, an FDA-approved anti-wrinkle injection product. Time to turn those frown lines upside down! @merzaesthetics
Where to sip, sup, shop and more outside Raleigh this month
1. SipCha APEX + CARY Giving us boba-flies is this Taiwanese bubble/fruit tea and Thai rolled ice cream shop—rolling out fresh and refreshing sweet treats a la Eastern flavors now at two Triangle locations. Whether you’ve got a hankering for slurping some boba bubbles, are in the mood for something fruity, or want to embrace your milk tea moment—this cute Asian sweet spot has an op for you. … And we love it so matcha. sipchaboba.com
2. Bombolo CHAPEL HILL Sibling dream team Garret Fleming and Eleanor Lacy—of now-shuttered fan-fave Big Belly Que fame—are back at it, opening this rustic European-style bistro featuring bold dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Top Chef alum Fleming, who serves as executive chef, has been “intentionally experimental” with the menu, creating a collection of fare and flavors with influences ranging from France to Southeast Asia. And with Lacy overseeing the dessert/wine program to boot, this ambitious endeavor is sure to satisfy patrons of all palates. It’s giving “Be Our Guest” a la Beauty and the Beast… and we’re ready to pull up a chair.bombolochapelhill.com
3. Bean Traders Coffee Roasters DURHAM Hey, boho babes and bros. If you’ve bean craving a cozy eclectic space to settle in for a study sesh and snag some serotonin—er, caffeine—this warm, hipster-esque spot boasting delish baked goods, high-quality coffee and amaze vibes is for you. And the java joint clearly runs on love, as husband-wife owners Christy and Dave Chapman met when she served him a cold-brew coffee, after which he dedicated himself to learning and loving the coffee craft—finding his passion and getting the girl in the process (!). So clearly, all you need is peace, love and beans… beantraderscoffee.com
4. The Friend’s Table FAYETTEVILLE You’re gonna wanna grab a seat at this table. Started by Portia Grady and Mahalia Robinson, this welcoming sup spot offers an upscale appetizing experience through high-end Southern comfort breakfast + brunch eats such as chicken and waffles, fried deviled eggs, and bacon-wrapped salmon, to name but a few delish dishes (don’t sleep on the brunch shots either!). Created with an eye for “cuisine, culture and curating creative spaces,” the friendly atmosphere and fab fare form the ideal recipe for the “Good Life,” indeed. thefriendstable.com
5. Benny’s Billiards & Sports Bar CARY Calling all ballbusters! Belly up to this sporty and sociable watering hole for sports, brews and your classic bar grub for a night out shooting the breeze—er, billiards. Find 10 pool tables, an in-house cash league and darts for the activity-seekers, plus a fully stacked bar, beer on tap and kitchen offerings for the foodie fanatics… or those who simply appreciate an order of wings or fried fare (pro tip: sharing is caring!) after a drinking sesh. Fun fact: This bar is named after a precious pup (!). Would you hit that, cue-ball? bennysbilliards.com
