It’s time to hit the polls, Raleigh. Election Day (March 3) is here, and voters will see a plethora of local, state and federal picks on the ballot.
In long-standing tradition, newspapers and other local outlets are publicly backing their ideal ballot, weighing in on the policy and candidates they believe align with their editorial values or best serve the public interest. Keep in mind—these endorsements are editorialized opinions, not political actions or direct campaign contributions.
It’s worth noting that after ~40 years of influential candidate endorsements, local progressive paper Indy Weekdeclined to pick favorites this year and focus on reporting instead. While Raleigh Mag also opted out of playing faves, we’ve compiled other local publications’ endorsements.
Align your values and pick your most-trusted outlet—or do independent research and select personal picks. Regardless of your selections or method, be sure to exercise your constitutional right and head to your polling place.
News & Observer At-Large: Stormie Denise Forte; Sana Siddiqui District C: Corey Branch
Livable Raleigh At-Large: Sana Siddiqui; Joshua Bradley District C: Jared Ollison
In the digital age, we’re yearning for something to hold.
No matter the task, the phrase “there’s an app for that” is now basically a given. These days, it seems like everything comes with an online counterpart, terms and conditions, and/or a strict “make an account to continue” guideline. It’s a digital world, and we’re all just living it in.
In response, the analog side of the spectrum is slowly but surely making a comeback. Read: Tangible take-home goodies are popping up across local restaurants, bars and venues—physical tokens meant to be pocketed, saved and revisited. Think matchbooks, cardboard coasters, stickers, paper concert and movie tickets, photo strips, and even stray pieces of confetti from a show—capturing the moment raw and real, and sealing in the memory with a sense of spontaneity that dimly lit iPhone photos can’t replicate.
Less of a trend and more of a movement, these items—stashed in purses or pockets, or junk journals for the crafty types—are just waiting to be collected. “The little things can matter,” Brand Fuel Co-President Danny Rosin tells RM. “People who take souvenirs and collectibles are, in a way, saying ‘I love this place I went to, and I want some semblance of memory to have down the road and to share.’”
Matchbooks that spark a memory (and a candle at home) can be found at Heights House, Barcelona Wine Bar, The Cardinal and Landmark; photo booths at Moon Room and Le Dive snap pocket-size proof of the night; and cardboard coasters arrive alongside cocktails at the likes of Bar Marigold.
Fueling the shift is a broader rethink of what makes a space feel lived-in. The anatomy of a chic home no longer hinges on perfectly planned decor, but on mementos and memories—small tokens that serve a shot of serotonin every time you spot that coaster on your coffee table or strike a candle with a branded matchbook.
The bottom line? Our heads are out of the cloud. We’re craving something that can’t be accessed via email or app, something that is for us and us alone to hold onto long after the moment is gone.
Will City Council hit the brakes on free DTR parking?
Downtown parking is back under scrutiny—and this time, the conversation is about money. Under current policies, Raleigh Parking is projected to bring in ~$16 million in revenue, while baseline operating costs—excluding major maintenance and upgrades—are estimated at $20 million, leaving the department facing a shortfall of at least $4 million. (At the March 9 Budget Work Session, City Council detailed a FY26 $230K contribution, so it is unclear why the subsidy outlined is $4M, which many are calling on them to explain.)
To address this deficit, Raleigh Parking is expected to present a slate of cost-cutting options to City Council March 9, according to DRA President and CEO Bill King. One or more existing programs—many implemented to support DTR visitors and small businesses—could be on the chopping block.
One proposal discussed at January’s City Council retreat was Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s two-hour free parking program. Although no-fee parking naturally curbs some direct revenue, the program has delivered measurable economic impact: a whopping $3.8 million annually. According to survey data, 86% of DTR businesses reported increased sales, and 31% of deck visitors said free parking was the primary or contributing reason they chose to come Downtown.
Other NC cities have taken notice. Wilmington and Durham are looking into launching similar programs modeled after Raleigh’s approach.
While additional strategies may surface, cost-saving measures discussed include raising meter or deck rates, extending paid parking hours, charging for weekend parking, or eliminating the Small Business Downtown Parking Relief program, which allows DTR small businesses to claim up to 10 employee parking passes at no cost. The program currently reserves 400 passes, with 303 active.
King tells RM that the least disruptive option would be upping deck rates while leaving the two-hour free program in place: “There is somewhere in there a price point that will be too high… but you’re also still giving the first two hours free.”
Parking challenges are nothing new for DTR, he adds: “Even prepandemic, it’s always been a big barrier for people coming Downtown, and a lot of our parking is paid while many of our competitive markets are not.” Nearby live-work-play destinations such as Village District and Iron Works maintain free parking, though those areas often come with their own tradeoffs, including congestion and limited availability.
The Downtown parking system is intended to be self-funding, King explains. When revenue falls short, routine maintenance suffers, which can degrade the parking experience and further depress usage—creating a self-reinforcing cycle. While addressing the deficit is necessary, King cautions that the city must be mindful of “how much we turn the dial before people start being turned off.”
Ultimately, any solution will need to strike a careful balance—closing the budget gap without pushing visitors toward nearby districts that offer free parking. Whatever changes City Council adopts, the decision is poised to have a major impact on Downtown’s economic health—and send a clear signal to the small businesses that rely on it.
Hear your grandma out: A 5pm dinner time isn’t just for nursing homes anymore.
Many Gen Z and millennials are inching their regular dining times forward, arguing the early bird gets the worm—or in this case, a table at a trendy restaurant with not-yet-exhausted servers, a fully stocked kitchen, and none of the noise or chaos of peak dinner rush. “It’s basically the restaurant equivalent of flying business class instead of economy,” remarks Food & Wine Editor Khushbu Shah.
In a time when landing a Saturday dinner reservation at a popular eatery can feel much like sitting in the Ticketmaster queue with thousands ahead of you, it’s no wonder patrons are changing course. OpenTable tells RM that 53% of Gen Z and 51% of millennials in the U.S. now prefer an earlier seat, with 5pm dining up 11% from January to August 2025.
That said, 6pm still reigns as the most popular dining time in Raleigh, adds OpenTable—as well as in metros like Charlotte, Atlanta, NYC, Chicago, Nashville and New Orleans—with 2025 showing an 8% rise over 2024. Even in NYC, the city that never sleeps, 5pm reservations were up 20%.
Post-pandemic work culture plays a part too—WFHers can head out the second they slam their laptops—no commute required. And as with many current trends, finances factor in—earlier reservations often overlap with happy hour, making the outing more affordable.
For Raleigh diners, the shift offers a practical perk: flexibility. Earlier meals out can mean easier access to in-demand restaurants, a calmer dining room and a meal that still leaves room for an early night (home by 9 and feeling fine?)—or a second stop elsewhere.
“I’m always, always going to opt for an early dinner,“ one local tells RM. “I’m going to be a grump if I eat any later than 6pm—but there are plenty of bonuses: not fighting the cool kids for a table, having time to get through a whole movie afterward and getting in bed by 10pm.“
Despite ample advocates for earlier dinners (and earlier bedtimes), local hospitality sources still maintain that a 7pm reservation is the hot commodity in Downtown Raleigh—and diners are going as far as to pick a completely new date for their meal because 7:15 or 7:30 doesn’t cut it for them.
Other Raleighites have noticed many restaurants—especially ones outside of DTR—have emptied out almost entirely by 8pm, particularly on weeknights. If the early-bird trend continues, “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” might start sounding less like a joke—and more like a strategy.
Nestled inthe heart of The Lovers State, Richmond feels like Raleigh’s quirky, well-mannered cousin. Southern ideals meet an edgy, vibrant arts scene, and history hides around every corner—the city even predates the U.S. itself. Eclectic, layered and creatively charged, it’s the kind of place where a day just naturally fills itself—from music festivals and cider tastings to old-world architecture and sinister museums.
Just around 2 1/2 hours from Raleigh, the Virginia capital serves up all the perks of big-city living without losing its small-town soul—proof positive it’s rich with ops worthy of a weekend escape.
DO
Riverfront Canal Walk You obv can’t visit the River City without taking a river walk. Meander along the Haxall Canal and the James River & Kanawha Canal to trace four centuries (!) of Richmond’s trials and triumphs—from wars to reconstruction—via architecture, monuments and streets made for walking! virginia.org
Photo By Robert Windel
The National Life’s short—buy the tickets. Face the 804 music scene head-on at RVA’s historic theateresque venue boasting curious architecture and a lineup of bands big and small. Past headliners range Sting to Turnstile, with Pavement and Five Seconds of Summer fittingly slated for summer. thenationalva.com
The Poe Museum A dose of literature, history and thrills awaits at Richmond’s notorious hallowed hang, commemorating the questionable-yet-esteemed American author and poet whose horror stories have yet to lose their mystique more than 200 years later. poemuseum.org
EAT
Edo’s Squid Don’t let the odd name deter you—climbing the carpeted steps to the brick-lined Italian haven is a Richmond rite of passage. Specials sprawl the walls, tables are packed tight, and the room buzzes with convo plates of lentils, fried squid (naturally) and carbonara. edossquidrva.com
Stanley’s “The higher the hoagie, the closer to God.” So goes the MO of the handheld hot spot that’s had locals and visitors in a chokehold since its 2023 opening, delivering a melting pot of damn-good hoagies, craft(ish) cocktails, good people and good times. C’mon! stanleysrva.com
L’Opossum Channeling Lula Fortune’s famous quote “wild at heart and weird on top,” this eclectic-yet-classy eatery serves up a Stanbury-ish vibe—but French. The constantly rotating menu pairs seriously delicious dishes with extremely unserious names (read: Vegan Orgy on Texas Beach crispy papadoms and The Swank Bank lobster mac and cheese)—all the better with a shared bottle. lopossum.com
DRINK
Ironclad Coffee Roasters In the end, it’s all about what’s in the cup. While the rustic interior is undeniably Insta-worthy, this Shockoe Bottom staple is guided by a great cuppa—without any of the “fimble-famble.” Once you’ve secured a bev and a sweet treat, grab a seat on the antique shoeshine bench or seek out the sunny patio. ironcladcoffee.com
Buskey Cider Tasting Room Born out of a Hampden-Sydney dorm room, Buskey now cans, bottles and pours crisp ciders galore in an airy, upbeat Scott’s Addition taproom and cidery. Made with 100% fresh-pressed Virginian apples—no added sugar, no dilution—an apple (cider) a day may just be exactly what the doctor ordered. buskeycider.com
Celladora If dinner parties are in, then this chic wineshop and bar built to feel like your best friend’s dining room is the moment. Named a best new restaurant by Wine Enthusiast in 2023, the intimate space seats just four parties (reservations are recommended!) and flawlessly pairs natural and beginner-friendly vino with small snacks. Happy sipping, indeed. celladorawines.com
STAY
The Jefferson Hotel Built in 1895, this “eternally relevant” castle-like stay has been playing hostess for over a century in the heart of downtown. Old-world elegance beckons you through the renowned marble-columned lobby, while plush feather beds, handcrafted bedding and luxe linens set the tone for serious shut-eye in the penthousesque rooms upstairs. Just don’t sleep on the hotel’s standout fine-dining options. jeffersonhotel.com
Photo By Kate Thompson
The Boulevard Inn With a European-style buffet, all-day coffee, daily happy hour and claw-foot tubs, The Boulevard checks all the boxes. Housed in a Colonial revival-style townhouse, the Fan District B&B blends modern comforts with historic grace—think French doors, airy terraces and bright stained-glass windows—all just steps from the city’s soul. boulevardinn.com
The Berkeley Hotel Southern charm is the name of the game at this historic landmark turned boutique hotel. Take a load off in a luxe suite (opt for the terrace room for sweeping skyline views), or lace up to take full advantage of the Shockoe Slip’s famed cobblestone streets, industrial architecture and easy river access. Hey, when in RVA… berkeleyhotel.com
