Where to get your coffee, art and liquor fix this month
Incorrigible Cafe, photo courtesy of business
Incorrigible Cafe ROXBORO
Feeling incorrigible? Settle in for a soothing sup + sip sesh feat. soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast items like burritos and hash, and more—not to mention an assortment of baked goods (the almond chocolate chip cookies are irresistible). During the workweek, pair your fare with a cuppa or your fave latte order, and come the weekend, indulge in a mimosa, Bellini or wine and beer by the glass. We also wouldn’t judge a midday Monday mimosa if you’re craving something a little stronger. … Founded by mother-daughter duo Shawn Prieto and Elizabeth Brood, the one-stop-shop forgets no detail—or flavor—when fulfilling all your morning/afternoon cravings. How peachy!incorrigiblecafe.com
Ella West Gallery DURHAM
From the mind of passionate longtime supporter of the arts Linda Shropshire, this contemporary gallery blends the rules and pushes the boundaries of art, redefining history by ditching the standard European male experience to spotlight the art of historically marginalized communities. To wit, its location on Durham’s Parrish Street has long been a hub for Black entrepreneurs and businesses, and this moving space artfully holds that history’s ground. ellawestgallery.com
Vicious Fishes Brewery CARY
There’s plenty of fish in the sea! And plenty of fun to be had at Vicious Fishes’ fourth locale, which recently bowed in Downtown Cary—flaunting expansive outdoor space (think: trees, green space and an impressive beer garden), NTM a warehouse space lauding an ocean of good imbibes and stellar vibes. Now that it’s cozy season, warm up with your buds by the fire pit with a brewski in-hand. So nauty! viciousfishes.com
The Exchange, photo courtesy of business
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge APEX
In need of a trim? Rest assured this upscale combo barbershop and lounge has you covered—and then some. Situated in Apex’s circa-1917 Tobacco & Mule building, the elevated salon offers spa treatments, neck massages, appetizers, and an extensive whiskey and bourbon menu in addition to your traditional cut and shave. Truly a cut above the rest, The Exchange also boasts flat-screen TVs and heated barber chairs (!) for the ultimate grooming experience. Ready to feel (and look) at the top of your game, gents? theexchangebarbershop.com
The Common Market DURHAM
There’s nothing “common” about this Charlotte-born convenience store, deli and bar that’s bringin’ fab, funky and one-of-a-kind vibes to its first Triangle locale for bites and bevs that are anything but boring. Described as a neighborhood “living room” from dawn to dusk, the aesthetically pleasing concept is sure to impress all—even your super-picky out-of-town relative. Pro tip: You’re gonna wanna order the Food Network-famous grilled pimento cheese sammie—and a pint, natch—to enjoy in the 1950s gas station-esque interior. And round out your experience with local coffee, ice cream and more. The more options the merrier! commonmarketisgood.com
This just in—subscriptions aren’t just for streaming services or magazines anymore (although we can think of at least one mag subscription you probably need—*wink wink*). If getting a package gives you the same high as Christmas morning, you’re gonna wanna get in on the subscription box trend, delivering blissful gifts monthly. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed fashionista, a cocktail connoisseur or a foodie, there’s a box out there for you. Here, we delve into four you’ll definitely want to try.
Shaker and Spoon Ready to shake it? Each box includes all the ingredients for 12 cocktails—syrups, bitters, garnishes, mixers and citrus—all you need to do is add the alcohol of your choosing. Recipe cards and how-to videos will take your home bartending skills next-level. Bottoms up! From $59/month, shakerandspoon.com
Lata Lat us introduce you to this NYC-based company founded by four friends who bonded over “the vermut”—aka a pre-meal event in Spain where friends and family share the likes of olives, tinned fish and vermouth, naturally (think of it like Italians’ aperitivo). Lata delivers that ideal to your doorstep, curating the fishiest picks of gourmet tinned seafood—NTM the coolest tins (!). Sorry, but fish definitely are food, not friends. From $29.99/month, lata.shop
Nuuly This box is ideal for anyone with an out-of-hand shopping addiction and a small closet (you are not alone). Instead of overspending on clothing you’ll only wear a few times, this retail resource ensures you’re dressed to the nines by sending six rental pieces handpicked by you every month. Featured brands include Anthropologie, Free People and Levi’s. Strut your (rental) stuff! $98/month, nuuly.com
Vinyl Me, Please Step aside, Spotify—there’s a new monthly music subscription in town. Choose your records from the staff’s monthly picks in genres like rock, hip-hop, classics, country and other essential categories. Or handpick your tunes from a deep-dive into the 250+ album selection featuring exclusive and colorful pressings of all genres and artists, from big names like Fiona Apple to local Raleigh bands such as Truth Club. Rock on! From $46/month, vinylmeplease.com
Your go-to guide to a Southern-meets-coastal fall destination.
Fall leaves 🤝 coastal breeze. Soothe your seasonal depression with a slight chill from the river via a quick getaway to Wilmington, North Carolina’s largest coastal city. Bundle up and skip the saltwater rushing over your toes (never mind it’s too cold for that) and trade it for garden explorations, walking tours and historical sites galore—let alone the myriad bites and brews to refuel in between.
Not only does the vibrant riverside city offer an upbeat arts and culture scene, an array of locally owned restaurants and shops, and a World War II battleship, the Port City also touts a charming 230-plus-block historic district feat. moss-draped trees around every corner (it’s giving Savannah and we’re here for it…), ideal for a gorgeous autumnal stroll. Who says the coast isn’t fit for a cool-weather getaway?!
DO
Film and TV Locations Tour
Ready, set, action! Lace up some comfy shoes and stroll through this self-guided walking tour hitting all the city’s famous—and infamous—filming sites, including current productions in process. Dubbed “Hollywood East” and “Wilmywood,” the area has served as set locations for 400+ films and televisions shows, from One Tree Hill to The Summer I Turned Pretty to Iron Man 3 to a scad of indie productions. wilmingtonandbeaches.com
Wilmington Riverwalk
Just go with the flow. Stroll, sip and shop your way through a ~2-mile boardwalk along the Cape Fear River serving over 200 restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries and a concert venue—NTM the spectacular (and super-’Grammable!) views along the way. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Conlon Pier to reel one in or catch a glimpse of the sunset. It’s all about the journey! wilmingtonandbeaches.com
Airlie Gardens
Keep things light and airy with a frolic through 67+ acres of green gardens, seasonal blooms, mighty oaks, Spanish moss and dozens of art pieces (do it for the ’Gram!). And get in the holiday spirit via Enchanted Airlie, an annual tradition starting Nov. 24 displaying holiday lights and music. We give it two green thumbs up! airliegardens.org
EAT
Kipos photo by Shannon Kelly
Kipos Hellenic Cuisine
It’s all Greek to us… especially when dining at Giorgios Bakatsias’ Hellenic eatery highlighting the sea, naturally, with ~80% of the seafood sourced locally (!). Inspired by Bakatsias’ Greek homeland, the menu is a celebration of the Karista village where he grew up. Mussel up for locally sourced pan-seared grouper, grilled whole fish and NC shrimp, to name just a few fishy selects—paired with Greek wines and an airy atmosphere. Pro tip: Spring for a table in the lush garden patio, from where the name Kipos (meaning “garden”) hails. kiposwilmington.com
Seabird
Land ho! For a literal taste of the Atlantic—think shrimp, oysters, crab and more—look no further than Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton’s celebrated sustainable seafood resto. Featuring weekend brunch and dinner, the rotating menu changes with the seasonality of seafood, sourced locally when possible. Pair with a craft cocktail (Cat’s Pyjamas, anyone?) or an espresso bev during the daytime for a meal worth sailing home for. seabirdnc.com
Olivero
Pickled shrimp, ribeye and a plethora of pasta picks? This flavorful joint has ~olive~ the above. Apart from the extensive menu of carefully curated Spanish- and Italian-influenced New Orleans dishes, the delicious brainchild of Raleigh’s own James Beard-nominated chef Sunny Gerhart concocts creative signature cocktails, moody lighting and kitschy nautical vibes—all the while paying homage to his mother’s family and the influence they’ve had on his cooking. Smooth sailing (and dining!) spotted ahead. oliveroilm.com
DRINK
The Maroon Monkey
The perfect morning stop to prepare for a day of monkeying around—found. Before going bananas around downtown, stop in for a cuppa at this locally owned/operated coffee shop starring a cozy atmosphere and bold menu. Pro tip: The bananas Foster latte and white hot chocolate are ape-solutely delicious. maroonmonkeycoffee.com
Front Street Brewery
Belly up for smooth sippin’ on 485 bourbon and whiskey ops (NC’s largest whiskey selection!) and 14 beers on tap from the city’s longest operating brewery, established in a circa-1865 building that has housed everything from a dentist office to a dry goods store. When hunger hits, dig into Southern cuisine—paired with a beer or bourbon recommended by the bartender. Front-page newsworthy, indeed! frontstreetbrewery.com
Blue Post Billiards
Take the easy shot when imbibing at Water Street’s former sailor hangout and nostalgic billiards hall reputed for its array of pool tables, Skee Ball, darts, air hockey, arcade games and the like. Bust a move to a complete playlist of ’80s hits and keep your eyes peeled for any unusual activity—aka the ghost of an 18th century bartender said to roam around. Probably the effect of one too many drinks… right?facebook.com/bluepostbilliards
STAY
Hotel Ballast
When by the coast, snooze in nautical style. Catch classy Z’s at “Wilmington’s Favorite Waterfront Hotel,” a riverside retreat offering soothing undertones of sea blues and driftwood in spacious suites overlooking the river and Downtown Wilmington, also boasting a coastal kitchen and cafe downstairs for a quick bite on your way in or out. hotelballast.com
Verandas
Rest your head in quiet and timeless luxury at an award-winning bed-and-breakfast serving major coastal grandmother vibes—complete with four stories, two parlors, four verandas, a garden terrace and screened-in porch. Nestled a mere two blocks from the Cape Fear River, the location is ideal for days spent shopping, walking and sipping around the city. verandasbedandbreakfast.com
Taylor House Inn
Southern comfort never looked so good! Roll out of bed with the historical district at your doorstep, and end your day on a porch swing enjoying the coastal breeze—compliments of a stay at North Seventh Street’s welcoming boutique inn. Come nighttime, settle into one of the five grandeur rooms touting mahogany furniture and colorful wallpaper, and take a well-deserved soak in the clawfoot tub, then relax by the working fireplace. *Ahhh.* taylorhousebb.com
We delve into the NC Legislature’s newly passed district map.
A new map outlining NC political districts is now set for the 2024 election, and it could shift power to one party. Up until now, the NC congressional delegation has sat perfectly even, with seven Democrats and seven Republicans.
Now, the two senate bills proposed Oct. 18, passed the General Assembly and became law Oct. 25 putting three incumbent House Democrats in districts that make for a very difficult victory. (State law gives Gov. Cooper no part in redistricting, so the map will go into effect immediately.) Essentially, the Republicans who drew up the new map could get as many as four more seats—a move that could ultimately determine which party holds control of the U.S. Congress.
Here’s how the new law shakes out party power:
°In the Charlotte area: Jeff Jackson was drawn out of his county, which also gives current state House Speaker Tim Moore the ability to run for Congress if he chooses.
°In the Greensboro area: Kathy Manning was drawn out of her district.
°In Raleigh: Wiley Nickel was drawn out of her district
°In the Northeast District (stretching from the Virginia border and extending southward into several counties of the Inner Banks and the Research Triangle): A fourth Democrat could be knocked off the docket, as the new map turns Rep. Don Davis’s first congressional district into an evenly split battleground. Rep. Tricia Cotham, who was elected as a Democrat in 2022 and flipped parties, had a new Republican-leaning district drawn for her.
This only serves to up tension on the heels of the recently adopted budget, which removed public access to redistricting records, as mentioned in a statement by Gov. Roy Cooper Oct. 18, along with a racial gerrymandering accusation.
“Enabled by the State Supreme Court’s partisan reversal of constitutional law, Republican legislators have rolled out their latest illegal maps that show gerrymandering on steroids,” said Cooper. “Drawn in the back room and armed with their new law that keeps their plotting secret, they have used race and political party to create districts that are historically discriminatory and unfair.”
Added House Redistricting Chair Destin Hall on Wednesday: “There’s no doubt the congressional map that’s before you today has a lean toward Republicans running in these congressional districts. However, just as I said on the House map, it doesn’t preordain any sort of outcome.”
What Is Gerrymandering?
If you haven’t thought about gerrymandering since high school history class, here’s the CliffsNotes to catch you back up to speed.
In 1991, the U.S. Department of Justice rejected a congressional district proposal on the basis of the 12th district, which snaked over 150 miles across the state in order to confine as many Black voters to a single district as possible. Both the first and 12th districts were challenged in court, resulting in the landmark court case Shaw v. Reno (NC’s claim to gerrymandering fame and the basis of many federal redistricting decisions to come) that found racial gerrymanders unconstitutional.
In 2016, the first and 12th districts were once again ruled illegal gerrymanders by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of NC, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in Cooper v. Harris. The Supreme Court later took their foot out of the door with the 2019 case Rucho v. Common Cause, ruling partisan gerrymandering represents a political question beyond the reach of federal courts.
Get boo’d up for winter via two new apps on the Raleigh scene rising in popularity.
The leaves are falling, the weather is cooler and everyone you know is about to start posting pics curled up next to “bae.” As cuffing season begins, we decided to dive into the online matchmaking scene to suss out two new dating apps to Raleigh firsthand. Here, our take on each.
Hily
Hily—an acronym for “hey, I like you!”—has been around since 2017, but is just now gaining traction in Raleigh. Similar to Tinder and boasting 22.5+ million users overall, the app aims to make it easier to meet people and forge both casual and long-term relationships.
A three-month membership plan rings up at a pricey $74.99, but we found you can just as easily land a date with the free features offered. To boot, you can like others’ profiles and start convos through instant messaging, voice chat and video call. Who doesn’t love anti-catfish features?!
In order to create a Hily profile, we weren’t required to do a personality quiz or compatibility questions—just our name, gender and three pictures. Unlike Tinder, we weren’t required to match with other users in order to chat. Read: There might be some unwanted creeps up in your inbox.
Our hot take? Hily is for anyone here for a good time, not a long time. You’ll more than likely land a date… but find the love of your life? TBD.
Hatched
If you aren’t a fan of swiping right and would rather “make matches with your personality,” Hatched may be the better app for you. We took a chance on this newly launched dating app, which (arguably) unlike the others, prioritizes personality over appearance. Read: Your match is an egg you have to crack piece by piece—at 25% increments. Yes, an egg—hence the name. (It’s giving Love Is Blind energy in app form.)
When starting out, you choose a photo (which will be hidden behind the egg) and a few adjectives that best describe your personality that will allow the app to suggest matches. Upon “hatching” a match, you both answer specially curated questions to determine your compatibility and work up to the “big reveal” to garner “deep, long-lasting connections”—instead of, say, one-night flings.
We had multiple eggs stop at 25% unhatched, but supposedly there’s a way around that. … So if you think dating is already tough—this app may make it even tougher from our experience. Landing a match proves to be difficult, as having the same answers to multiple questions is harder than it seems. (Ditch the opposites attract mentality, apparently.) In order to hatch a match, you have to really want it.
Hot take? In short, Hatched is for serious relationship-seekers only. So to all you Raleigh singles out there looking to mingle and marry, may the odds be ever in your favor… but, also, old standbys like Bumble and Hinge may still be worth a swipe.
