Wake Tech is doing its part to address economic mobility head-on by reaching kids early and rallying around them as they climb to success.
It’s that time of year when we find ourselves reflecting on milestones and achievements as we resolve to take the next year next level. For Raleigh—a city that’s grown pretty accustomed to topping “best of” lists—2023 brought numerous accolades. And, yet, in our November Money Issue, we found the city still stacks up as a relatively affordable place to live.
But here’s the catch: not for everyone. The proof lies in one not-so-flattering stat—a lowest of lows that haunts us like the ghost of Christmas past. In 2014, a study led by Harvard economist and professor Raj Chetty revealed Raleigh ranked 48th on a list of the 50 biggest metro areas in the country when it comes to economic mobility. In other words, a child born poor in Raleigh is more likely to stay poor in Raleigh compared to other metropolitan areas. Cue record scratch.
“It’s the opposite of what you think it should be,” says Dr. Scott Ralls, president of Wake Tech, NC’s largest community college. “My first thought was, ‘We can’t be that bad.’ But even if Chetty’s numbers were off by a little bit… it shouldn’t be that way in Raleigh, a place with so much opportunity.”
Now, as we close in on a decade since those startling results from Chetty’s project were unveiled, it seems Raleigh has done little to improve its position (unlike Charlotte, which, after being ranked dead last, took it personally—and jumped into action). But Wake Tech is working to recast the narrative. In 2021 the college introduced a strategic plan called Reach and Rally, which structures programs to foster economic mobility based on a philosophy called ladder economics. “The thing about a ladder is it’s not about how high you can jump,” Ralls explains. “You’ve just got to get from one rung to the next.”
The base rung: outreach. “If you’re going to have an economic mobility impact, you can’t take students—you have to reach them,” says Ralls. To do so, Wake Tech aims to connect with students from families of limited economic means, often with limited exposure to higher education, through embedded supports at Title I high schools—and by cultivating partnerships with orgs such as Communities in Schools,Juntos, and Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County.
“Our executive vice president, Dr. Nicole Reaves, says this: ‘If it’s not in your neighborhood and if you don’t really see it, then you don’t dream to be it.’ So we have to kind of broaden what the neighborhood of Raleigh is because Raleigh’s broader neighborhood includes every opportunity imaginable,” says Ralls. “But… you first have to know it’s there; then you have to know it’s possible—and possibility becomes ladders; possibility becomes support.”
That’s where the “rally” aspect comes in. Wake Tech works to keep students tethered to their “ladder” through a robust support system made up of advisers, success coaches and career development specialists.
And thanks to Reach and Rally, change is happening—albeit slowly. “[Economic mobility] will not be impacted by Wake Tech overnight, but it will be made better by Wake Tech,” Ralls emphasizes—“and I think we can say it is being made better by Wake Tech.”
Ultimately, Wake Tech is, in many ways, Raleigh’s best answer to the question: “How can we offer children the best chance to rise out of poverty?” As we embark on a new year, it’s imperative our city’s collective New Year’s resolution be to make Raleigh a good place to live for everyone. So, let’s invest in our community now—and perhaps stage a comeback more rewarding than any accolade Raleigh’s seen yet. waketech.edu
“A place like Raleigh shouldn’t have [poor economic mobility] because there is opportunity here, and there is a place like Wake Tech here, and you don’t have to be rich to go here. There is a way to change what that study is saying.” —Dr. Scott Ralls, president of Wake Tech
Sorry, Buddy the Elf, but the best way to spread Christmas cheer is raising a glass of spiked eggnog at a festive pop-up bar—we don’t make the rules! Ring in the season at these holly jolly watering holes across the Carolinas that have decked their halls with themed cocktails, twinkling lights and so much more.
Miracle at The Haymaker Raleigh
Ready to get lit like a Christmas tree? Once again, DTR cocktail bar The Haymaker transforms into a whimsical holiday haven complete with playful cocktails, like the new Marshmallows & Unicorns or fan-fave Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r—all served in Miracle’s signature kitschy glassware.
Insider tip: This hot spot is first come, first serve, so be prepared to stand in line—however, General Manager Josh Gagne says, “our goal is to operate so you don’t have to wait once you get inside.” Or, try going early in the week when the crowd’s not as intense. Through Dec. 31, thehaymakerraleigh.com
St. Nick’s Raleigh
“St. Nick’s is the embodiment of holiday cheer and festive fun,” says owner Mikhail Wright of this Raleigh pop-up that touts a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Featuring signature cocktails, interactive art installations and a cozy fireplace, it’s the ideal destination for any crew looking to start a new Christmas tradition. Keep an eye out for special events including live music, themed parties and an appearance by Santa himself. Santa, I know him!
Insider tip: While reservations aren’t required, they are recommended for larger groups to ensure a comfortable experience. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Through Jan. 5, stnicksnc.com
Photo by Randy Schmidt, courtesy of Wye Hill
Sippin’ Santa at Wye Hill Raleigh
Santa’s gone on holiday to the tropics—er, Wye Hill. For the first time ever, Raleigh’s fave patio will be hosting a festive leisure-inspired oasis rooted in the celebration of “togetherness, relaxation and the importance of leisure time often overlooked by the bustle of the holidays,” says co-owner Sara Abernethy. Um, we’ll cheers to that (!). Surf into the season with tropical cocktails and memorable festivities alongside Wye’s regular food menus. Hang loose!
Insider tip: Reservations are highly recommended. And, yes, you can purchase the nostalgic surf culture-esque glassware to take home with you. Through Dec. 31, wyehill.com
Tinseltown at Billy Sunday Charlotte
Located within Charlotte’s Optimist Hall, Billy Sunday ushers in a top-to-bottom holiday takeover to celebrate the most wine-derful time of the year. “Any surface that could be decorated, will be decorated,” says GM Annie Stevenson of the cocktail bar’s Tinseltown concept. “We want people to feel the same butterflies we felt as children when thinking about Christmas on its way.” Seasonal sips such as a sugar cookie martini, apple pie Old-Fashioned and housemade coquito make the experience even sweeter.
Insider tip: Arrive early or snag a spot on the waitlist, especially on weekends when the food hall is bustling with diners and shoppers. Through Dec. 31, billy-sunday.com
Miracle at The Golden Pineapple Asheville
“Imagine the most over-the-top, wild holiday party all your friends want to be at… that’s Miracle at The Golden Pineapple!” says co-owner Katey Devitt-Ryder of the buzzy West Asheville pop-up. Floor-to-ceiling decorations and Instagrammable sips—we’re talking cocktails served in mugs shaped like Santa pants, a Christmas T-rex and even a Krampus this year—set the backdrop for a magical night you may or may not remember…
Insider tip: For parties larger than eight guests, Miracle at The Golden Pineapple offers bar buyouts. Drink up, grinches! Through Dec. 31, goldenpineapplebar.com
White Christmas at Harold’s Cabin Charleston
If you’re headed to the Holy City, don’t miss this holiday bar that’s truly a feast for the senses. “Each year our upstairs lounge, The Pickled Beat, is transformed into a different world,” says owner John Schumacher. “We want our guests to escape for an hour (or more!) into the holidays.” Picture decor and lights galore, a rotating winter drink menu (the fermented eggnog and Naughty Ginger cocktails are must-trys), holiday movies on TV and more.
Insider tip: Look for the upside-down Christmas tree as it makes “the perfect backdrop for fun group photos,” Schumacher shares. And for those who prefer a more intimate experience, Harold’s Cabin also offers a semiprivate rooftop Cabin Igloo that seats eight guests. Through Jan. 6, haroldscabin.com
Pack your bags to check out these holiday pop-ups in some of our fave cities along the East Coast—and don’t forget your ugly Christmas sweater!
DC Through the beginning of January, Urban Roast invites guests to step inside its Winter Wonderland pop-up for a whiskey cider or spiked hot chocolate—or to simply marvel at the picture-perfect space trimmed in glistening ornaments and glowing fairy lights. Meanwhile, Dirty Habit, located steps away from DC’s Downtown Holiday Market, transforms into a luxe ski chalet through Feb. 28. Grab a blanket and gather ’round the outdoor fire pits for s’mores and a boozy bev. There’s even a snow cannon to truly transport you to an Aspen retreat (!). urbanroastdc.com; dirtyhabitdc.com
Boston Sippin’ Santa—presented by Beachbum Berry—at Boston’s Shore Leave promises a fa-la-la-la-fabulous time. Through Dec. 31, the Christmas pop-up bar with a tropical twist makes waves with its fantastic display of holiday lights and vintage decor, setting the scene for guests to indulge in festive Tiki cocktails (Ho Ho Hot Buttered Rum, anyone?)—plus a new sushi menu from Shore Leave chef Colin Lynch. shoreleaveboston.com
New York City Embrace the magic of Christmas in the Big Apple via the Heated Winter Wonderland at Loreley Beer Garden, which runs through Jan. 7 and offers toasty sips like the Boozy Bourbon Black & White Hot Chocolate to enjoy in the heated beer garden (one of the city’s largest). And through Jan. 2, Irish Christmas pop-up bar Jingle Jangle returns to The Dead Rabbit—hailed as the world’s most awarded pub—with $1 from every holiday cocktail sold going to Another Round Another Rally to support the hospitality industry. Cheers to that! loreleynyc.com; thedeadrabbit.com
Sport a beard for a cure this Manuary with these helpful hacks and products.
Beards are sexy (we see you, Ryan Reynolds)… and now you, too, can grow one for good this Manuary to spread awareness for head and neck cancer. Here, Mister Pompadour Barber Lounge Master Barber Chris “Slim” Rozier reveals his best hacks for a healthy, full-grown mane. misterpompadour.com
Start with a plan and be patient. “Before you start growing your beard, determine what style you want to achieve and what length you’re comfortable with,” says Rozier. “Also keep in mind your facial hair’s texture and growth patterns, as this can impact the overall appearance of your beard.” Once you have a plan, stick to it: “It can take several weeks to several months to achieve your desired length.”
Keep it clean. It may seem like a no-brainer, but “maintaining a clean beard is crucial to its overall health and appearance,” the master barber shares. “Invest in a good-quality beard shampoo and conditioner, and use it regularly.” He recs a one-two punch of Mister Pompadour’s organic beard wash and organic beard softener, both formulated with hexapeptides to promote natural collagen production and stimulate hair growth for a thicker, healthier beard.
Moisturize and nourish. “Just like the hair on your head, your beard can become dry and brittle, especially during the colder months,” Rozier warns. “To keep your beard soft and healthy, use good-quality beard oil or beard butters. These products help to moisturize and nourish your beard and keep it looking and feeling its best.” He suggests applying a small amount of Mister Pompadour’s Amalfi organic beard oil (ideal for shorter beards) or Amalfi organic beard butter (for longer, fuller beards) daily, working it through your beard from the roots to the tips for a smooth finish.
Trim regularly. Keep those stray hairs and split ends in check by trimming your beard on the reg for a neat, well-groomed look. “When trimming, start with a higher guard and work your way down gradually,” Rozier advises. “This way, you can achieve your desired length without going too short too quickly.”
Look for palm trees to sprout in the City of Oaks this winter as South Florida’s iconic Bal Harbour Shops debuts its first pop-up experience in North Hills.
Santa’s not the only one paying a special visit to Raleigh this holiday season. Miami-based luxury retail destination Bal Harbour Shops recently announced it will bring a sampling of its high-end brands and tropical, open-air vibes to North Hills later this month, the first stop on a multicity tour that also includes Greenville, SC.
The decision to debut the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up in Raleigh is especially exciting given it marks the first time the acclaimed brand has expanded beyond Miami.
“We chose Raleigh to launch this concept… because of its strong market fundamentals,” says Matthew Whitman Lazenby, president and chief executive officer of Whitman Family Development, the developer, owner and operator of Bal Harbour Shops. “In addition to being a Tar Heel myself (graduated in 2000), I’m the fourth generation in our family business where our mission is to ‘create unique, meaningful experiences and special places that endure.’ We’re looking to lean into that with this Raleigh pop-up.”
The eight-week event will feature a curated collection of designer boutiques—think Tiffany & Co., Balmain, Frette, Bonpoint, Assouline, James Perse and more—housed in 30 crisp white shipping containers custom-built and furnished to fashionably highlight each brand’s merchandise. Nearly all of the brands selected possess no physical storefront in our region, providing rare access for local shoppers.
But the 17,000-square-foot alfresco space will be much more than just a maze of portable pods. Expect covered walkways with fans, a retractable canopy, koi ponds, fountains, planters filled with lush greenery and even piped-in music that truly captures the feel of Bal Harbour Shops’ Zen-like setting in Miami. Guests will also be treated to a signature fine-dining restaurant, The Whitman—a nod to Bal Harbour Shop’s family-owned roots—which seats 150 people and features a full bar and lounge.
While many Raleighites are thrilled for the chic addition to Raleigh’s shopping scene this winter, others are concerned the buzzy pop-up will draw attention away from locally owned North Hills stores that need the business, as well as take up valuable parking space.
Bruce Liles, president and owner of local menswear purveyor Liles Clothing Studio—which sits across from the parking lot in North Hills’ Main District that will temporarily transform into the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up—hopes his small business’ commitment to excellent customer service will continue to shine through even as prominent luxury brands take the spotlight.
“Our customers know we are unique in our market, and we feel we must continue to convey that,” he says. “To that end, we are coordinating with a group of locally owned North Hills businesses to highlight the value of shopping local and keeping the business within the community. After all, we will still be here long after the pop-up is gone, and we will continue to serve our customers as only a local merchant can. True luxury only exists with personalized service after the sale.”
And to those who might be tempted to avoid the shops in close proximity to the Bal Harbour pop-up for logistical reasons, Liles puts any worries to rest. “We would also like to remind customers we have curbside pickup and short-term parking in front of the store,” he offers.
“North Hills has also opened up the expanded parking deck with new access so there will be plentiful parking—all the more reason to come to North Hills and shop local. We look forward to serving our Raleigh community.”
The team behind the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up sees the activation as a boon to the North Hills neighborhood that will bring customers from far and wide to shop, dine and spend money at local businesses.
“As the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up was designed as an attraction for the luxury consumer, we anticipate customers will visit multiple times throughout the eight-week span, further demonstrating the benefits to North Hills as this will draw customers who already visit the location to travel more frequently and potentially stay for a longer duration of time in Raleigh,” Lazenby explains. “Similarly, we expect this pop-up will not only attract additional local shoppers to the area, but also draw tourists from neighboring—or even distant—locations to North Hills.”
“Similarly, we expect this pop-up will not only attract additional local shoppers to the area, but also draw tourists from neighboring—or even distant—locations to North Hills.”
As the pop-up’s public opening nears, shoppers are encouraged to check out its social media for sneak peeks of the space, plus announcements about additional brands joining the list of posh retailers. And stay tuned, as Lazenby hints there may be some exclusive-to-Raleigh moments throughout the eight-week run as well.
“In Raleigh, we are collaborating with a network of local community leaders,” he reveals. “Some of our calendar will include charitable events, performances with local musicians, weekend brunches and, of course, curated Bal Harbour Shops events.”
It’s clear that Raleigh is poppin’—and as the holidays kick off here in the City of Oaks, we can’t wait to see what else is in store. 4359 Six Forks Road (intersection of Six Forks and Lassiter Mills roads), balharbourshopspopup.com
