Get in that shopping state (!) of mind and “stand out for good” via Altar’d State, set to open a new locale in North Hills next summer stocking its signature picture-perfect dresses and ’fits. @altardstate
Life’s a peach indeed thanks to The Peach Truck’s local pop-ups rolling out boxes of ripe peaches, fuzzy fruit-themed gifts and a signature cookbook to put your fresh fruit to use (hey, charred peach margarita!). It doesn’t get sweeter than this. @thepeachtruck
Gents, short shorts are the garment to be sporting this summer (see: Paul Mescal). Stay stylin’ —or just embrace that “5 o’clock on a Friday” feeling—with the perfect cut at Crabtree’s newly opened Chubbies. @chubbies
Hotties do Pilates. Kick your vices and get in shape via Miami-based studio JETSET Pilates—soon to bow its first NC outpost in Smoky Hollow—with a full-body Reformer workout that will leave you beat… in the best way. @jetsetpilates
Woof, there it is! Treat Bark Obama to a trim, walk or pet sitter at Woofie’srecently opened Northwest Raleigh location repping resources from a mobile spa sesh to bed & biscuit overnight care. Bone appetit! @woofiesofnwraleigh
Unbox magical moments at Miniso, an uberpopular Chinese biz bringing color and nostalgia to Crabtree with accessories, toys and decor. Because “life is for fun!” @minisounitedstates
Reaching for new heights? Take your fitness goals next level—and flex your mind and spirit—with an authentic Heights Pilatesclass in the heart of Boylan Heights. @heightpilates
Fit check! RIW’s recently opened YoBa Studiotakes a new approach to functional fitness, offering Barre, yoga, strength training and cardio—because fun and effective workouts shouldn’t be a stretch (!). @yobastudio
Raleighties make plans to nudge DTR in the right direction.
It’s clear Downtown Raleigh is changing—whether you think it’s for the better or worse—and Raleighites are rolling up their sleeves to ensure NC’s crown jewel is moving in the right direction. To wit, city leaders and a swath of small business owners and residents met at Crank Arm Brewing’s recent Revive & Thrive public panel to workshop plans to up the area’s allure for businesses and patrons alike.
Out the gate, parking is a major deterrent for would-be Downtowners—but attendees were astounded to find there are already some 7,000 free evening and weekend parking spots in DTR (see “Parking Problems”). Though much more can be done to improve parking access, including a consideration for the first two hours free.
Beyond parking, viability and safety concerns were also assuaged. Despite rumblings that DTR is losing its cool factor, 1.5 million unique patrons frequented and 14 new businesses bowed last year alone, with many more in progress—not to mention the 4,500 new residents expected to move into the 3,000 units hitting the market in the next year. Moreover, after a last-summer surge, major crimes are down by 22% in DTR and 50% in Moore Square—and trending further downward. Still, many residents and business owners are hoping for better reinforcements than statistics when looking to the future.
“I’ve seen a focus on Downtown since last year—because we did see trend lines going in the wrong direction, and now with that focus, trends are going in the right direction,” said Councilwoman Dr. Jane Harrison during the panel discussion. Here, the city’s top talking points for reviving Downtown.
Continuing to promote safety: Crime rates may be down, but the job is far from done. “In terms of public safety, we have to have holistic solutions for people in need,” said Harrison. “We are putting together an alternative crisis response unit for folks struggling with homelessness, substance abuse. … We have a duty to help them.”
Accessible transportation: According to Harrison, DTR doesn’t necessarily need more activities or festivals, but better ways to get to them. “I want to be able to get where I want to go easily and safely, and how we get around here is still a quagmire,” she maintained. “I am making a choice between Cary, Durham and Downtown, and how [I] get there motivates my choice.” City Council is also currently deciding if parking in city decks will be free for the first two hours on weekdays.
Spotlight culture and entrepreneurship: Upgrading spaces with public art, shedding light on local musicians and performers, and circumventing barriers for first-time business owners emphasize diversified offerings. More murals, a block party and even a residency for international musicians was thrown in the ring.
Public realm maintenance: “If the experience is poor, people will respond by not coming back,” emphasized Downtown Raleigh Alliance CEO and President Bill King. Public spaces—from trash cans and playgrounds to shade structures and plazas—could be more inviting and better maintained.
The unexpected shoe of the summer is stepping out.
Boots? For summer? Groundbreaking (!). Good news, Midwest princesses—cowgirl chic is riding high. If you thought western boots don’t exactly give warm-weather vibes, think again. Thanks to a multitude of celebs knockin’ around in cowgirl kicks (think Queen Bey, Lana Del Rey and Bella Hadid), the shoe of the summer isn’t a summer shoe at all. These boots were (literally) made for walking, bridging the gap between a sneaker and a summer heel with comfort and versatility—NTM they come in every color and style under the sun. So, leave the stagnant sandals in the back of your closet and pony up to the versatile shoes of the season. Cowgirl, take me away…
Four cowgirl chic selects to pair with summer’s “it” shoe:
Shield your eyes from the hot sun when romping through “wide open spaces”—all while looking more stylish than Jolene herself. Field Proper hat, $89, edgeofurge.com
Gingham is the new black. Blur the lines between Euro summer-core and cowgirl chic—and turn heads—in this versatile tie halter. Picnic halter top, $72, shophellbent.com
Jorts have made their triumphant return for the summer—but these aren’t your typical Daisy Dukes. Opt a longer pair of denims with boots for just a flash of leg in true cowgirl fashion. Down low undercover fray shorts, $228, uniquities.com
Ride off into the sunset with the perfect pop of color for your Western OOTD via this elevated and much-needed accessory. Bryson belt, $20, madisonboutique.com
Celebrate America the Beautiful with fireworks, food and fun.
America, you don’t look a day over 30! Celebrate the Land of the Free’s 247th birthday (!) in an explosive way this July Fourth with local fireworks shows, hot dogs (so American), bar crawls and other events. Alexa, queue “National Anthem” by Lana Del Rey.
July 4 Cary Independence Day Celebration Let freedom ring—er, string?—at Koka Booth with patriotic classics by the NC Symphony, kids’ activities and a fireworks show over Symphony Lake.
July 4 Fourth of July at Wye Hill What says “USA” better than a build-your-own glizzy buffet? Peep the fireworks from the City of Oak’s fave patio while noshing on hamburgers, hot dogs, desserts and locally brewed beer.
July 4 Raleigh Fourth of July Fireworks Bring your picnic blanket and friends for an eruptive night of fireworks at Dix Park—and be sure to come early to enjoy a DJ, food trucks, waterslides and a foam party pit. Pro tip: There’s no parking for this event at Dix, so plan to park at Centennial Campus and get those steps in!
July 4–6 Tin Roof Fourth of July Weekend Party in the USA post-fireworks with drink specials, live music and DJs all weekend long. Put your hands up!
July 6 Raleigh Red White and Brew Bar Crawl Don your Uncle Sam-inspired ’fits and close out the weekend with themed drinks, food specials, live music and DJs—NTM a truly American sense of camaraderie—at a host of DTR bars during this red, white and blue extravaganza. ’Merica!
Wake County is bringing expanded voter services to eight libraries.
It’s almost that time of year again—Election Day (it’ll be here before you know it!). A lot of regulations have changed in NC since the last election, and so Wake County wants to ensure voters understand the new norm. Thus, the Wake County Board of Elections is partnering with Wake County Libraries to offer accessible voter information at eight local libraries this summer. During the sessions, attendees can receive voter registration updates and election information—plus get an acceptable photo ID, which is now required to be shown before voting.
“We always strive to empower more people to vote in Wake County by making information and resources as accessible as possible,” says Board of Elections Director Olivia McCall. “This collaboration with the libraries is an excellent opportunity for us to provide accurate information and help residents better prepare for the upcoming elections.” Here, what you need to know before you go.
When?
Information sessions will take place Saturdays from 10am to 2pm June 22 through Aug 17, with the exception of July 6.
Where?
June 22, Duraleigh Road Community Library in Raleigh June 29, Fuquay Varina Community Library in Fuquay-Varina July 13, Southeast Regional Library in Garner July 20, Oberlin Regional Library in Raleigh July 27, West Regional Library in Cary Aug. 3, East Regional Library in Knightdale Aug. 10, Eva Perry Regional Library in Apex Aug. 17, Northeast Regional Library in Raleigh
When do I need to register by?
The registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 11, but you can still register at an Early voting site after the deadline. Early voting runs Oct. 17 through Nov. 2, and the general election is on Nov. 5.
