by Kyra O'Connor | Jun 22, 2021 | June 2021, Stuff, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE After a year of screen fatigue, this summer we’re going back to the basics: reading a good book on the beach. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good romance or a laugh-out-loud comedy, we’ve got you covered. Read on for some super summer reads from Quail Ridge Books—just don’t forget your SPF!
“Two childhood friends discover that love and family can be found in unconventional ways. Each dealing with their own private griefs, Parker and Amelia slowly begin to find solace in one another as they navigate an uncertain future against the backdrop of their childhood home, Cape Carolina. The journey of self-discovery leads them to an unforgettable and life-changing lesson about family.” –Amber Brown, Assistant General Manager
“This is a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer. Quickly realizing that parenting—even if temporary—isn’t solved with treats and jokes, his eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility. You’ll be laughing through Patrick’s mishaps while rooting for him to figure it out.” –Amber Brown, Assistant General Manager
“NC author Brina Starler’s debut novel, this is a charming and hilarious retelling of Anne of Green Gables, set in modern-day New York City. Anne and her best friend, Diana, move to the big city so Anne can find her voice as a writer. When her archrival Gilbert shows up, he must prove to Anne that they’re meant to be together, and she must come to terms with old fears if she wants a life with the boy she’s always (secretly) loved.” –Amber Brown, Assistant General Manager
“When I pick up a nature book, this is what I am looking for! I was able to learn something new, laugh at the quirkiness of some of the strangest birds out there, marvel at the wonders of nature and enjoy the ride. The Bird Way fulfills the needs of the most scientific bird lovers out there, while also being fast-paced enough to keep anyone glued to the page as Ackerman celebrates the wacky and weird of the bird world.” –Cam Steele, Tech Manager
Make sure to pick up our July/August issue (on newsstands soon!) for even more great beach reads.
by Kyra O'Connor | Jun 10, 2021 | June 2021, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE Attention all foodies: It’s not too late to dine out for Triangle Restaurant Week!
If you’re looking for a reason to eat out this weekend (as if you weren’t already planning to), try one of the 25 restaurants participating in Triangle Restaurant Week this week. All of the participating restaurants are offering three-course meal options for lunch and dinner at a fixed price, making it oh so easy to try a new local spot—or return to one of your faves. Bon appetit!
Know How to Go
Where? Restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary and surrounding areas are participating.
When? July 7–13
Why? Triangle Restaurant Week is the perfect opp to support local restos while trying new and creative dishes.
How do you get tickets? No tickets necessary! Just head on over to your favorite restaurant, or make a reservation at a new spot you’ve been dying to try. Lunch is $15 per person and dinner is $20–$35 per person (drinks, tax and gratuity not included).
Our Recs
Here are some of the dishes the Raleigh Mag team is most looking forward to noshing on this weekend!
Chicken Curry Kabobs | Sitti
Cauliflower Steak | Wye Hill Kitchen + Brewing
Grilled Watermelon | ORO Restaurant & Lounge
Pasta | Mothers & Sons Trattoria
Chicken Samosas | STIR
by Kyra O'Connor | Jun 8, 2021 | Do, June 2021, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE Note-worthy lunchtime concert series Noon Tunes come to Downtown’s City Plaza.
If you’re tired of eating at your desk in between Zoom meetings (tbh, who isn’t?), why not enjoy lunch and a show through Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts Complex and Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s weekly lunchtime concert series, Noon Tunes. Every Wednesday from noon to 1pm throughout the month of June, local artists and performers will be jamming out in City Plaza in an attempt to bring more foot traffic to Downtown businesses—while providing live entertainment during your lunch hour.
“These performances will help create a fun environment for office workers to return to and give our residents a chance to enjoy a new experience during their lunch break,” says Bill King, president and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. “Our hope is this is just the beginning of regular activations throughout downtown to bring back more energy during our weekdays over the coming months.”
The full Noon Tunes lineup includes:
Wednesday, June 2: Carolina Ballet presents City Plaza Feelz
Wednesday, June 9: PineCone presents Blue Cactus
Wednesday, June 16: PineCone presents Diamond Creek
Wednesday, June 23: PineCone presents Javier Montano Trio
Wednesday, June 30: NC Opera presents Opera About Town
Next Wednesday, grab your work besties and hit up a local restaurant Downtown before heading to City Plaza for an entertaining break in your work day. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Know How to Go
Where? City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville St., Downtown Raleigh
When? Every Wednesday afternoon, June 2-30, from 12 to 1pm
Why? The concert series is part of a larger initiative to bring people Downtown and reconnect with the creative community, while providing a fun environment for office workers and residents during their lunch break.
How do you get tickets? This event is free and open to the public—no tickets necessary!
by Kyra O'Connor | May 17, 2021 | Do, May 2021, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE A Step to Gold’s Bridgerton Ball classes are the talk of the “ton.”
Dear reader, after taking Netflix by storm, Bridgerton is coming to Raleigh—or at the very least, the dance moves are, just in time for the “social season” of summer.
Learn Regency-era dance moves a la Simon and Daphne at A Step to Gold International Ballroom every Thursday from June 3 to July 8 at 6pm. The class does not require a partner, but it would be a great place to meet your prince or princess—without all the Lady Whistledown gossip.
A Step to Gold’s six-week Bridgerton Ball classes conclude with a great ball on July 23 to show off your new moves. Don your finest gown and dance the night away while enjoying hors d’oeuvres—the ideal evening for living out all your London high-society dreams. As Lady Whistledown herself would say, “All is fair in love and war.” Classes $97 per person, Bridgerton Ball $50 per person, asteptogold.com/bridgerton-ball
