by Adrienne Fouts | Aug 31, 2018 | Buzz, September 2018
If you’ve been downtown recently, you’ve surely noticed the sleek, black Bird scooters and their joyful riders zipping around you. The scooters arrived seemingly out of nowhere this summer, and they’re the latest offering in the city’s growing portfolio of vehicle sharing options. But the 150 dockless scooters came as a total surprise to Raleigh officials, who say they never administered permits for the Birds to make their homes on our downtown streets and sidewalks.
According to John Boyette, a spokesman for the City of Raleigh’s communications department, city staff and Bird representatives are working together to ensure that Bird’s operations are consistent with city ordinances and state laws. They hope to incorporate the scooters in the safest way possible.
Bird says its scooters are well-suited for use in Raleigh’s downtown grid and in other easily accessible areas on downtown’s periphery, perfect for riders who want to get to destinations that may be a bit too far to walk to but are too close for driving. The scooters provide a fun way to get around, the company posits, and are great for skirting car traffic congestion.
If the scooters end up staying in Raleigh, riders will have to use them on the street or in bike lanes rather than on the sidewalk (which many users have already been doing). With speeds of up to 15 mph, Birds cost a dollar to start each ride and 15 cents per minute thereafter. Be aware, however, that the scooters lock after 9 p.m., completely shutting off. As an addition to safety, active Bird riders can qualify for a free helmet after their first ride, responsible only for the shipping payment. It’s not yet clear whether they’ll become a permanent fixture on Raleigh streets, so until there’s a definitive answer, it looks like these Birds shall remain flightless—that is, they’re here to stay for awhile.
by Adrienne Fouts | Jul 23, 2018 | Do, July 2018 / August 2018
1.) Augmentality Labs
Durham
Open Tues-Thurs 3-10pm; Fri 3pm-12am; Sat 10am-12am; Sun 12-8pm.
Augmentality Labs
Bored of your usual weekend activities? Look no further than Augmentality Labs, Durham’s first virtual reality arcade. Augmentality Labs offers a wide variety of games for visitors to become completely immersed in, from sports and arcade games to exploratory environments. You can play against your friends or by yourself, and there’s something for everyone, even those who don’t consider themselves video game fans. A standard session is 30 minutes, but you can book back-to-back sessions if you can’t get enough of the fun! augmentalitylabs.com
2.) Belltree Speakeasy
Carrboro
Open Tues-Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 5pm-12am
Belltree Speakeasy
For a unique bar experience and one-of-a-kind cocktails, check out Carrboro’s Belltree Speakeasy. Tucked away behind a car wash in downtown Carrboro, Belltree transports visitors back to the Prohibition era with its “hidden” location and cozy, antique feel. Bartenders get creative with Belltree’s specialty craft cocktails that can be tailored to fit each customer’s individual taste. Look for the sign with a tree on it over the entrance! facebook.com/belltreespeakeasy
3.) Honeysuckle Tea House
Chapel Hill
Open Thursday & Sunday 9am-8pm,
Friday & Saturday 9am-9pm
Honeysuckle Tea House
The Honeysuckle Tea House is a tranquil outpost in the countryside west of Chapel Hill. Built from repurposed materials, the tea house is an open-air building surrounded by 17 acres of farmland with berry fields, herb gardens, a greenhouse, a hammock garden and more. Simply relax with a cup of tea and enjoy the peaceful setting or participate in one of Honeysuckle’s workshops, yoga classes or garden tours. honeysuckleteahouse.com
4.) El Restaurante Ixtapa
Hillsborough
Open Wed-Mon 9am-9pm
El Restaurante Ixtapa
Located in a small building on the banks of the Eno River, the family-owned and operated El Restaurante Ixtapa takes pride in offering delicious, authentic Mexican food made from fresh ingredients. The restaurant hand-makes its tortillas, and the menu includes staples like tacos, burritos and quesadillas, as well as seafood options, sandwiches, fresh fruit juices and even breakfast. Check out this local favorite the next time you’re in Hillsborough! ixtapa.homestead.com/homepage.html
5.) Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Cary
July 27-28
This tasty festival at Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre features more than 60 beers and 40 bourbons as well as a wide selection of barbeque, including pulled pork, chicken, ribs, brisket and more. With the admission ticket, guests receive a souvenir glass for unlimited beer and bourbon tastings and access to all barbeque vendors, live music and seminars with brew and barbeque masters. Visit the website for ticket options and more information about the festival. beerandbourbon.com/cary/show-info
