Taters gonna tate, but there’s nothing to be salty about during the sweetness that is National Sweet Potato Awareness Month in November—we know, National Sweet Potato Month is in February, but awareness a-peels to us. Plus, it’s harvest time for this spud-tacular native NC superfood, and what better way to lift up the official state veg than spreading knowledge. We’re rooting for you to ace it.
1. NC’s fave orange root vegetable belongs in which plant family?
a. Nightshade b. Fig-marigold c. Morning glory d. Aster
2. The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission (which, yes, spells sweetpotatoes as one word!) is “your one-stop source for all things sweetpotato.” In what year was the commission founded? a. 1947 b. 1952 c. 1961 d. 1975
3. Eastern NC vinegar-based sauce or Lexington-style sauce? Who cares. The real question is: Which classic Carolinian sauce uses sweet potatoes as its core ingredient?
a. Cackalacky Spice Sauce b. Texas Pete c. Bone Suckin’ Sauce d. Sticky Fingers
4. Fullsteam Brewery in Durham—and soon to be at Boxyard RTP—has a seasonal sweet potato lager named after which historical figure?
a. Theodore Roosevelt b. George Washington Carver c. Thomas Edison d. Woodrow Wilson
5. Found in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, sweet potatoes are the poster child of veg inclusivity. What color sweet potato, other than the classic orange offering, might you find this fall?
a. Pink b. Purple c. White d. All of the above
6 Which local Mexican restaurant features a sensational seasonal sweet potato enchilada dish on its menu? Hint: Check out our September 25 Best Dishes list!
a. Gonza Tacos y Tequila b. La Santa c. Dos Taquitos d. Cantina 18
7. In the U.S., the vast majority of grape production occurs in California (hey, California raisins!), while Florida is one of the largest producers of oranges. Which state is the No. 1 producer of sweet potatoes?
a. North Carolina b. California c. Lousianna d. Mississippi
8. Which Raleigh restaurant offers a tasty twist on avocado toast featuring an open-faced housemade sweet potato biscuit piled high with grilled tomato, sliced avocado and fried eggs?
a. A Place at the Table b. Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar c. Tupelo Honey Cafe d. Plates Neighborhood Kitchen
9. Which fast-casual eatery’s Incredibowl is made all the more incredible with roasted sweet potatoes?
a. Happy + Hale b. DICED c. Raleigh Raw d. Kale Me Crazy
Gianni Cooling offers planet-friendly and paw-some pet accessories perfect for your pooch.
Fido needs fashionable stocking stuffers too. Even better—eco-friendly ones. Enter Raleigh-based designer Gianni Cooling’s eponymous brand of pretty, posh—and sustainably made!—pet products, perfect for any occasion… whether it’s a strut in the park or a classy bow-wow pow-wow. (Clearly, your barker will be the belle of the ball!)
Rewinding pre-Rover rollout, Cooling—an aspiring fashion designer—cut her teeth in leather crafting with formal training at a high-end European shoemaker. Fast-forward through a movieworthy love story with her now-husband spanning both countries and years (they met while she was on a ship sailing from Greece to Italy and he was backpacking through Europe. *Swoon.*), Cooling was struck with artistry in her hometown of Rottweil, Germany, and created her first pet bow tie.
Between a walk down cobblestone streets in Southern Europe and a dog named Henri (major fairy tale vibes!), Cooling found her calling. While that initial creative spark kindled a dream, it was her big move to the States and eventual experience with fast-fashion pet products that ultimately set the stage for this #GirlBoss in Raleigh. With her first design already under her belt, Cooling sought to build a brand for the modern dog owner.
“It’s about products that are not only sustainable and eco-friendly but high-quality, fashion-forward and long-lasting,” says Cooling of her line of eco-chic collars, leashes, toys and accessories. “It’s about blending European design principles with functional leatherwork using recycled materials that’ll never go out of style.”
And that MO is not just lip service. All of Cooling’s products are designed by her and handmade to order in small batches. She works with family-owned tanneries in both the U.S. and Southern Europe who sustainably source the leather, which is then vegetable-tanned—meaning no chemicals are involved, a process that only about 10% of tanneries in the world use.
Holistic health and happiness are other values that Cooling clings to in her product design—hence why her Monkey line of dog toys are made with 100% organic cotton rope that doubles as doggy dental floss (hygiene and high-fashion? Yes, please!). Another win for pet parents… nearly every aspect of her products can be customized—from the width and length to personalized names’ and color options, and more.
And checking the box on your feel-good holiday checklist, $1 from every Gianni Cooling order this year will be donated to Putnam Service Dogs. “We care deeply about Putnam’s mission, whose goal is to place service dogs with individuals who cannot afford the training, which is very expensive,” Cooling says. “The impact they make truly changes lives.”
Cooling also launched a feature this year in which customers can request a one-on-one design session via Zoom where she’ll make recommendations that are customized specifically to their unique dog’s needs. So no matter what breed, color or gender your pup may be, you can ensure they’ll be spotted—in the best way possible. giannicooling.com
S(l)ip on over to Soda City for a vibrant getaway this fall.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery but still long for that Southern hospitality vibe, add Columbia—yup, our sister Carolina’s ever-charming cap city—to your vacay short list. Boasting a thriving food and spirits scene, historical and cultural attractions for days, natural wonders aplenty, tripworthy year-round fests and events (hey, SEC nation—fall football!), and so much more, Cola (aka Soda City—get it?) is a burgeoning city full of buzzy attractions—not to mention a gritty spirit and high-energy that’ll keep you entertained.
Hit The Vista for arts and culture; Five Points for quirky boutiques and craft breweries; and Cayce for legendary eats along the Congaree River (where a meal can and should be followed by a leisurely kayak ride). Essentially, there’s something for everyone. Here, we round up some top things to do in Cola this fall for a soda-lightful getaway.
DO
Transmission Arcade
Forget the PlayStation 5 and Xbox—old-school gaming is all the rage at this arcade, bar and restaurant. Avid competition-seekers can join in on monthly pinball, Skee Ball and SlugFest tournaments, while more easygoing folks will enjoy noshing on Super Smash Burgers while protecting Ms. Pac-Man from Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde. transmissionarcade.com
Lake Murray
There’s arguably no better place than Lake Murray to keep it “reel” in Cola. And since mild winters are the norm, this mammoth watery playground (stretching 55,000 acres and boasting 650 miles of shoreline!) is a draw year-round for boating, fishing, paddleboarding and sailing—not to mention hiking, cycling and bird-watching off-water. experiencecolumbiasc.com
USC Gamecocks Game
USC Gamecocks Game
Despite the Wolfpack forever having our hearts, college football fans should def pencil in a high-energy Gamecocks game when visiting Columbia in the fall. Head to Williams-Brice Stadium at USC for a tailgate that’s an event all its own—then cheer on the Fighting Gamecocks as they “lead the way.” gamecocksonline.com
EAT
Hendrix
“Cocktails, sunsets and skylines’” is the MO at this Main Street eatery (sounds pretty ’Gram-worthy, huh?). Throw in scratchmade dishes by chef Frank Bradle—think beef tartare, baked mussels and chicken-fried quail—and you’ll be set for the evening. hendrixsc.com
Hendrix
Luzianna Purchase
Find NOLA in Cola at this Louisiana-inspired resto by Thomas Grimoskas, who delivers the best of Nawlins comfort food—with a side of handmade art from his wife, Mary Katherine. Beyond praiseworthy po’boys (a must-have classic!), this Bayou blessing also serves up salads, charcuterie boards and more. luziannapurchase.com
Black Rooster
Chef/owner Kristian Niemi—also the owner of new local hot spot Bourbon—delivers “Frenchish” food at the casual yet refined Black Rooster. Standout menu items include salmon Wellington, filet mignon and Le Grilled Cheese–all best served on the rooftop with a glass of vino. Oui, oui! blackroostersc.com
DRINK
Savage Craft Ale Works
An assemblage of several preserved historic structures—including the former West Columbia City Hall and Fire Station, and an old jail—this Center Street building has been serving the community for a while… only now, it’s beer they’re serving. The veteran-owned and -operated taproom specializes in unique and refined brews you won’t find anywhere else. Bottoms up! savagecraftaleworks.com
Blúm
It’s all in the name: Blúm incorporates botanical flavors into the most pretty—and delicious—coffee drinks. Year-round flavors include raspberry, pistachio and lavender, and if you’re not so into the Joe, there’s teas and tea lattes to please your palate—plus pastries from local Ally & Eloise Bakeshop. blumsc.com
Bourbon
What’s neat? This new whiskey lounge by chef/restaurateur Kristian Niemi, boasting over 450 whiskeys—most of which are bourbon, rye or Tennessee whiskey—as well as simple yet elegant cocktails crafted by bar manager Kat Hunter, who was named Bartender of the Year by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. bourboncolumbia.com
STAY
The Chesnut Cottage Bed and Breakfast
A best-kept secret in the historic district, this 1850s Southern cottage features five rooms, each with its own unique character and history—plus modern amenities like Whirlpool tubs and luxury linens. Inside tip: Start off your Cola adventures with a delicious breakfast in the dining room each morning. chesnutcottage.com
Graduate Columbia
Graduate Columbia
Nestled in the heart of downtown—just steps from USC—this neighborhood charmer pops with history, color and campus spirit. Whether you’re a Columbia frequenter or a total stranger, your stay here is sure to be memorable. graduatehotels.com
701 Whaley Loft 201
Spacious and attractive, this homey industrial chic loft apartment in the heart of the city sits close to the action while also doubling as a quiet escape. The Airbnb offers a full kitchen and living room… plus a dose of culture—the same building also houses the 701 Center for Contemporary Art. airbnb.com/rooms/36417873
For more South Carolina getaway guides, click here and here.
There are plenty of scares in store for Halloweekend here in Raleigh, plus lots more fun things to do around town this coming week!
10/28 WAVERLY PLACE WINE WALK
Sip on brews from Hi-Wire Brewing; shop at 15 participating retailers; and take a stand—and stroll—against cancer with the Waverly Place Wine Walk to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. waverlycary.com
10/28-29 DARK RALEIGH WALKING TOUR
If you’ve got it, haunt it. And boy do we have it. Dark and twisty stories aren’t just true for the movies, they make up Raleigh history. Take a tour down memory lane and hear the stories for yourself. cityofraleighmuseum.org
10/28–30 STAR WARS & MORE
May the force be with you as you enjoy music from John Williams’ scores, including Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, E.T. and, of course, Star Wars. ncsymphony.org
10/29, ONGOING CINEMA IN THE SQUARE
‘Twas The Night(mare) Before Christmas, when all through the house the creatures were stirring… even the mice. Celebrate spooky season with a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas in Moore Square this Friday night. downtownraleigh.org
10/29 NC MASTER CHORALE
Creepy concert time! Prepare to be spooked by the NC Master Chorale at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church just in time for Halloween. ncmasterchorale.org
10/29–30 ROCKY HORROR HALLOWEEN BALL
Be the ghostest with the mostest at the Carolina Theatre’s fourth annual Halloween Ball featuring a light show, geysers, lasers and a shadow cast. carolinatheatre.org
10/29–31 DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND
On the witch hunt for nighttime scaries? Take a trip to the Devil’s Playground at Cathis Farm for some spooky thrills. cathisfarm.com
10/29–31 HAUNTED CAR WASH
Clowns, car washes, shakes and shivers are in order at Splash Car Wash’s first ever haunted car wash. Wash if you dare! splash-carwash.com
10/30 NIGHTMARE ON ACADEMY STREET
Guys and ghouls beware… There’s a nightmare on Elm—er, Academy!—Street this Saturday at Cotton House that promises to be fun, spooky and an all-around fangtastic time! Creep it real by donning your best costume (there’s a contest!) and enjoy a special barrel-aged beer release. trianglebeer.co
10/30 INTER-TRIBAL POW WOW
Celebrate Indigenous communities at Dix Park’s first Inter-Tribal Pow Wow showcasing incredible legacies and cultures. dixpark.org
10/30 NC STATE VS. LOUISVILLE (HOMECOMING)
Get your tailgate on, throw up your wolfie and grab your go-to game day fit for the Pack’s homecoming game against Louisville. #WPN forever. gopack.com
10/30–31 PUMPKIN HOLLOW
Carve out space in your schedule for this fun-for-everyone excursion at Cathis Farm, featuring a 5-acre corn maze, pumpkin picking, zombie tag, a country store and more. cathisfarm.com
10/31 PINK MARTINI FEATURING CHINA FORBES
Catch this multilingual repertoire featuring dozens of musicians crooning in 25 languages at NCMA’s outdoor theater.ncartmuseum.org
10/31 RALEIGH VEG FEST 2021
Veg out with plant-based exhibitors at the Raleigh Veg Fest in Moore Square. Kale yeah! aplantbaseddiet.org
10/31 CRANK FOR A CAUSE
They see me rollin’… join Oaks and Spokes in a 12-mile bike ride for its annual fundraiser Crank for a Cause. oaksandspokes.com
11/1 CATFISH CLASSIC #CHALLENGEALS
Take a swing at ALS at the 17th Annual Catfish Classic hosted by the ALS Association NC Chapter. Friendly competition is in order as we fight to find a cause and cure “fore” ALS. catfishclassic.org
11/3 MINDFUL MUSEUM: YOGA IN THE GALLERIES
Stretch into mindfulness and inspiration as you vinyasa at the NCMA. ncartmuseum.org
11/3 NOON TOONS
Wednesdays are for musical munchies. Take a well-deserved lunch break and toon into local musicians as they play at City Plaza. downtownraleigh.org
Trick-or-treating just got more inclusive! While Halloween is typically awash in all things orange, blue buckets have recently become an unofficial symbol for autism awareness and acceptance. For families with children with nonverbal autism, Halloween has long been a stress—considering the social norm of rewarding masked children’s verbal “trick or treat!” demand with candy. Now, the blue bucket phenomenon is carving out space for children with autism to experience judgment-free Halloween festivities, acting as a subtle announcement that no one is being impolite, they simply may communicate differently—and saving moms and dads accompanying them the need to explain house after house. So, as the ghostly holiday looms closer, help spread the word about autism awareness and acceptance this Halloween.
