There’s been a groundswell of conversation recently about the possibility of having a fare-free bus system in an effort to get more people to ride the bus, to decrease traffic congestion and to help make Raleigh a greener city.
David Meeker, a partner in Carpenter Development and Trophy Brewing Company, is a proponent of a fare-free system. He questions why the city charges folks who make $8 or $9 an hour $1.25 per trip, or $2.50 per day, to get to and from work. Doing away with the fare would cost the city approximately $3 million in revenue, but it can be made up in ways such as a 1-cent property tax increase, Meeker posits. And, while some argue that going fare-free wouldn’t have a positive net effect on bus ridership, it’s possible that it could significantly increase the number of people who consistently use public transportation as it has in Raleigh’s neighbor to the west, Chapel Hill.
When Chapel Hill Transit went fare-free in 2002, the town’s bus system ridership increased by more than 30 percent over the previous year. With a population of roughly 60,000, Chapel Hill now has the largest fare-free bus system in the country.
Newly elected at-large council member Jonathan Melton has also expressed wishes for a fare-free bus service. He says he thinks zero fare would increase ridership in Raleigh and would make the city less car-dependent while making public transportation more accessible. “Many residents rely upon public transportation and eliminating that cost barrier could significantly increase quality of life,” Melton says.
Adds Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, a fare-free bus system “can break down barriers when people know they can ride the bus and can ride for free, and will help lower income residents.”
Both Baldwin and Melton say they believe the conversation around a fare-free bus system is worthwhile. But, they say, before Raleigh can implement a free service for GoRaleigh buses, the city council first needs to ensure that the countywide Bus Rapid Transit system is implemented and supported and that issues around funding affordable housing and Dix Park can be addressed.
Baldwin has proposed a comprehensive bond for affordable housing and funding for the first phase of the $150 million Dix Park build-out to appear on Raleigh residents’ ballots this fall. “It’s asking residents to tax themselves,” Baldwin says, and she doesn’t think now is the right time to ask residents to pay for yet another tax increase.
“I think for fare-free bus service to work best, we need to coordinate with our regional partners,” Melton says. Those partners include the Triangle-wide bus system, GoTriangle, and the Regional Transit Alliance, a local advocacy group led by members of Wake County’s business community. “That’s a conversation that can begin now, with an eye on exploring a fare-free initiative in the near future,” Melton continues.
Baldwin says she has already spoken to GoTriangle about a fare-free service and that the bus system is interested in pursuing the idea. Meanwhile, the Regional Transit Alliance is planning a study on zero-fare to help inform city council members about the impacts it could have.
In the meantime, for every beer Trophy Tap + Table sells this month, the restaurant will buy one bus ticket for Raleigh riders. Trophy hopes to raise more than $5,000 throughout February.
GoTriangle Electric Bus
It’s Electric
Last month, our regional transit system GoTriangle debuted two 100-percent electricity-powered buses. The buses, built by Proterra, a leading battery-electric transit bus manufacturer, were funded through a $943,000 federal Low-No Emission Grant awarded to GoTriangle. “Being more environmentally friendly is just one more way we can better serve our growing region,” says Shelley Blake Curran, GoTriangle’s interim CEO and president. The electric buses travel 21.4 miles per gallon (mpg) at .19 cents a mile, whereas a diesel bus travels 3.86 mpg at .84 cents per mile. Additionally, the operating costs for an electric bus’s lifespan total far less than those of a diesel bus. The two electric buses will be used to train drivers for a few weeks before joining GoTriangle’s fleet of 74 running on all 13 regional routes and seven express routes. In addition, GoTriangle is currently negotiating with Raleigh real estate developer Hoffman & Associates to build a bus transfer facility and mixed-use development at Union Station to allow commuters to travel easily between bus and train.
CASSI Autonomous Shuttle
No Driver, No Problem
The future is here and by that we mean that NCDOT is launching North Carolina’s first autonomous shuttle at NC State’s Centennial Campus. The self-driving shuttle, called CASSI (Connected Autonomous Shuttle Supporting Innovation), resembles a boxy New York subway car and can carry up to 12 people at a time. It will run through predetermined one-mile routes around Centennial on weekdays and during weekend events using cameras, radar, GPS and sensors to discern its environment and steer. The federal government does require an operator to be onboard; the operator can flip the shuttle to manual mode if any problems arise.
But problems are unlikely to arise: CASSI is an updated EZ 10 model from the French driverless transportation company EasyMile. It has been rated a level four on the autonomous vehicle technology ranking scale of zero to five. It boasts updated technology, an automated wheelchair ramp and a superior battery life that lasts all day, with heating and air conditioning.
NCDOT has leased CASSI for a year in an effort to bring exposure to the future of autonomous technology and to position such technology as a last-mile transportation solution. “Being an innovation leader, NC State is excited to host CASSI and allow our students, employees and the surrounding community to experience this new transportation technology,” said Mike Kennon, the assistant director of planning and operations for the NC State’s transportation department.
CASSI will start running its routes at Centennial Campus February 3.
Wander Watts and Ward, a sprawling speakeasy, with a Highland Scotch in hand, or relax on the rooftop of Taverna Agora with a refreshing Greek Mule. Knock back a well drink or two at Slim’s while you’re catching a show or cheer on your team at the Players Retreat with rounds of brews. This year, for the second year in a row, we’re highlighting one of our favorite things about Raleigh—its selection of unique bars—as chosen by you, our readers and followers. We’ve got your wine bars and your dives, your beer-and hotdog hangout and your shopping center-based watering hole boasting the largest whiskey selection in the Southeast (that’s Hoppy Endings, for the uninitiated). We’ve got your LGBTQ bars and your rooftop retreats, your breweries and bottle shops for all you craft beer enthusiasts. We’ve got your restaurant bar and entertainment destinations, your best new bars on the block and, of course, we’ve got your favorites overall. Thanks to all who voted in our 2019 Best Bars survey and congratulations to all of our winners; we happily raise a glass to you. Cheers!
Best known for its hand-cut artisanal ice program, North Hills’ STIR features a variety of delicious contemporary cocktails crafted with one of eight unique styles of ice, along with fresh-pressed juices, local herbs, fruits, bitters and syrups. With more than 350 spirits to choose from, you can have your drink just the way you like it. Don’t sleep on the food menu, either—the fresh seafood dishes are heavenly.
Down an inconspicuous flight of stairs on Blount Street, you’ll find one of Raleigh’s finest speakeasy lounges, furnished with leather sofas, bookshelf-lined brick walls and rustic, wooden, candle-lit tables. The sprawling yet still intimate space is perfect for enjoying 1920s-inspired cocktails and live music every Thursday.
Around the corner from Ashley Christensen’s Beasley’s Chicken and Honey is her solo bar venture, a dimly lit, no frills drinking establishment that boasts simple—yet delicious—cocktails. The menu is organized by glass and ice type, with something for the sweet-loving drinker to the straight-up drinker, to every drinker in between. When hunger strikes, look to AC’s comprehensive bar snack selection.
Vintage decor, dim lighting and hip-hop themed drinks are stars at The Haymaker, a trendy cocktail bar in downtown’s City Plaza. Gather your friends in a booth for The Haymaker’s signature boozy punch bowls, or pull up a seat at the bar to enjoy whatever seasonal cocktail your bartender is loving at the moment. Every fourth Sunday of the month, a tiki party features tropical-themed drinks, shots and punch bowls.
Come for the cocktails, stay for the live jazz. Within C. Grace’s low-lit, red-and-black interior, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a 1940s jazz club, complete with cozy velvet booths, vintage lamps and secluded tables. Seasonal house cocktails are undeniably exquisite, crafted with unique ingredients including bee pollen, avocado and dry cider.
Catch all your favorite sports high above downtown Raleigh at Carolina Ale House’s third story location on Glenwood South. For North Carolina games especially, the space buzzes with energy as cheers erupt among crowds gathered around the space’s 50 screens. Both the food and drink menus are extensive and there are daily drink specials to boot.
Players’ Retreat is known for many great things—great drinks, great food and a great atmosphere for watching games. The beloved neighborhood bar has served Raleighites since 1951, offering TVs both inside and outside for prime sports viewing. Drinks are reasonably priced and chef Beth Littlejohn’s food menu is diverse and ambitious, offering everything from standard tailgating eats, including wings and burgers, to a hand-cut choice ribeye.
With 23 new, high-definition TVs, Woody’s stakes its claim as Raleigh’s No. 1 sports bar. In addition to lots of nice TVs, Woody’s boasts a neighborly, all-are-welcome vibe and daily drink specials. A cold beer served with an order of the signature wings is a winning matchup, even if your team ends up losing.
Located in downtown Raleigh’s historic Powerhouse building, Tobacco Road features a brewery, restaurant, private event space, game room and patio. The dining room is equipped with several TVs for all sports watching, as well as a giant screen that’s visible from the upstairs overlook. Creative beers brewed in-house and an upscale bar menu add to the experience.
Best Wine
Vita Vite 200 Park at North Hills Street; 313 W Hargett Street vitaviteraleigh.com
Vita Vite’s two Raleigh locations—downtown and at North Hills—are ideal for cozying up with a glass or two of wine and a yummy charcuterie plate. The cozy and inviting space is adorned with sofas, standalone tables and outdoor spaces with porch swings and fireplaces. There’s no shortage of worldly blends to choose from, whether you’re into red, white or sparkling varietals.
A lush, greenery-filled patio welcomes patrons to the Dillon’s first and only wine bar, an elegant space decorated with rustic, earthy touches. Escape from Raleigh, if only briefly, through an extensive selection of South American wines and more than 25 Spanish-, Mediterranean and South African-inspired tapas, plus build-your-own charcuterie boards. You’ll want to come back una y otra vez.
As the name suggests, Short Walk Wines is only a stone’s throw from the bustle of downtown Raleigh, the perfect spot to grab a glass with friends before dinner or pick up a bottle to take home. The friendly staff is happy to assist with selecting small batch or estate-grown wines and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they don’t mind ordering it for you.
The Wine Feed delivers delicious wines to Raleighites while educating them on wine regions, grape varietals, food pairings and more, with classes held weekly. Get a taste of what’s on offer at the bar, then snag a bottle from one of 13 regions across the globe. A variety of wine clubs welcome those looking to expand their horizons and explore more vino.
Aunty Betty’s, a colorful speakeasy tucked into a corner of Morgan Street Food Hall, is Raleigh restaurateur Niall Hanley’s and Watts and Ward mixologist Greg Ewan’s newest venture. Raleigh’s first gin and absinthe-focused bar is named after Hanley’s Irish aunt and features 30 different gins from Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Japan and the United States, plus more than 10 styles of tonic—ideal for crafting the G&T of your dreams.
Get ready to sing your heart out and dance ’til you drop at Glenwood South’s newest live music joint. Tin Roof features bands from all over the country performing every night, as well as guest DJs on the rooftop patio on the weekends. No matter what kind of music you’re into, you’ll be entertained. The full bar and Southern-inspired “better than bar food” menu keeps dancing guests energized.
Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe delivers an eclectic menu of Mexican, Japanese and American-inspired small plates at his playful new restaurant, High Horse, named after the stables that once occupied its location in City Market. The unique wood-fired dining experience is complemented by creative cocktails, each with trendy names such as Thirst Trap, Bumble Swipe and Sorry Not Sorry. You’ll want to try them all.
Overlooking downtown from the edge of the Boylan Bridge, Wye Hill has one of the best views in the city. The restaurant also brews its own craft beers and offers a chef-driven menu unlike any you’d find at your typical neighborhood bar. The dry hopped kellerpils or coconut stout are unique options to pair with sorghum glazed carrots, seared yellowfin steak or pork belly and peas.
Best Craft Beer
Trophy 656 Maywood Avenue; 225 Wilmington Street; 827 W. Morgan Street trophybrewing.com
Each of Trophy’s three locations offer unique experiences. Inventive pizzas and beer reign at Trophy’s original location on Morgan Street, now expanded to include a taproom highlighting Trophy’s sour beers. There’s the delectable, Southern-inspired menu at Trophy Tap + Table on Wilmington Street. And, there’s the production facility-taproom on Maywood Avenue, offering 12 rotating drafts to enjoy on its sunny patio.
Lynnwood Brewing Concern 4821 Grove Barton Road; 1053 E Whitaker Mill Road lynnwoodbrewing.beer/wp
The Lynnwood brand was first established in 2004 as Lynnwood Grill, with the small craft brewery added in 2013 in order to serve dedicated customers some of the finest craft beers in the Triangle. Lynnwood Brewing Concern has since expanded to a brewing production facility and taproom at Five Points, churning out award-winning brews crafted with fresh ingredients and original flavors.
A brewery, dim sum restaurant, bookstore and flower shop, Bhavana–Sanskrit for “cultivating”—is an ethereal establishment, a consistent reminder of some of life’s greatest pleasures. The craft beers are aged in wine barrels, puncheons and foeders to create one-of-a-kind flavors, and you’re encouraged to enjoy them with delicious dishes, including pork bao, seafood dumplings and scallion pancakes. Leave with an inspiring book or a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Adam Eckhardt, Dylan Selinger and Mike Morris founded Crank Arm in 2013 out of their shared love for quality beer and cycling. While creating great beer is Crank Arm’s top priority, the brewery is committed to promoting bicycling culture in Raleigh with cycling nonprofits Oaks & Spokes and Triangle Spokes Group. Come by Wednesdays for the CRANK Club bike ride, followed by a refreshing brew or two.
Once you start dropping tokens into Boxcar’s arcade games, it’s hard to stop. More than 100 games comprise the lively space, including classic and modern arcade games, pinball, skee ball, air hockey, Nintendo and more. A full bar keeps gamers going with seasonal cocktails, local liquors and 24 rotating draft selections. An outdoor patio is great for taking a break from all the competition. And, there’s free popcorn!
A record shop by day and live music venue by night, The Pour House is a staple for good music in Raleigh. Since 1997, the bar and concert hall has attracted musicians of all genres to its stage, from nationally-known rock bands to local and up-and-coming indie groups. Browse the record shop upstairs before heading down for a show paired with one of 30 rotating North Carolina beers on tap or a mixed drink.
More than just a bowling alley, Kings offers arcade games, billiards, sports and impressive food and drinks, including popular over-the-top milkshakes, elevated cocktails and loaded snack platters. Eighteen neon-lit lanes are available for a “Dine then Bowl” option that’s particularly attractive for parties or get-togethers with friends.
Benjamin Barwick, Paul Siler, Steve Popson and Cheetie Kumar opened the original Kings in 1999 and it made a splash in Raleigh for touring musicians and music lovers, plus comedy, theater and circus performers. Since Kings moved to its current location, the hip bar continues to attract national and local acts with its improved stage, sound system and full bar.
There’s never a dull moment at PLUS Dueling Piano Bar, where two incredibly talented pianists entertain audiences all night with requested songs. You’ll find there’s almost no song or musical style the talented musicians don’t know. PLUS’s high energy atmosphere is ideal for singing and dancing with friends on a fun night out, capped off with a full food menu served until 1:45 a.m.
Vidrio is part art gallery, part restaurant—colorful glass orbs and dramatic light fixtures surround patrons as they dine on creative Mediterranean dishes including Moroccan beef skewers, grilled halloumi salad and charred octopus. Vidrio’s cocktail program is equally impressive, featuring unique, refreshing drinks made with surprising ingredients including pomegranate foam, black lava salt, grenadine pearls and other delicious delights.
Plates prides itself on a locally inspired menu, featuring ingredients sourced from Goat Lady Dairy, Fox Farm & Forage and Locals Seafood. Chef David Mitchell takes traditional Southern dishes and plays them up with international flavors and techniques, while bar manager Chris Brennan creates seasonal cocktails perfect for sipping on the restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio.
Tropical plants and decor set the stage for Chef Oscar Diaz’s seafood-oriented menu, influenced by what’s available from local seafood purveyors and the NC Farmers Market. A trip to the Glenwood South restaurant isn’t complete without a creative, hand-crafted tropical cocktail, a beer or a glass or two from The Cortez’s extensive wine list.
Bida Manda, the Sanskrit ceremonial term for father and mother, serves unique dishes within an intimate, warmly lit space, an all-encompassing tribute to owners Vanvisa and Vansana Nolintha’s Laotian parents. At the bar, enveloped in natural sticks harvested from the North Carolina mountains, sip on exotic cocktails crafted from fresh juices. At Bida Manda, our connection to the natural world is never far from mind.
Tasty’s fun-loving vibe is reason enough to visit, but its noteworthy selection of affordably priced beers—available on tap and in bottles and cans—will make you a regular. Tasty slings brews from all over the country, including local favorites, and the shop will also deliver beer right to your front door. Drop by Tasty’s Warehouse District location and you’ll often find locals enjoying a brew in the taproom or outside on the patio.
State of Beer 401 Hillsborough Street stateof.beer
State of Beer isn’t just a bottle shop, it’s a destination for some of the most delicious sandwiches in the city. Chef-driven offerings such as the Jive Turkey Club, Sicilian and the pimento cheese sandwich are great for soaking up beers served in cans or on tap. Rare and special collaboration beers are also available in the shop to take home.
House of Hops, Glenwood Ave
House of Hops 6909 Glenwood Avenue; 2340 Bale Street houseofhopsnc.com
Keith Bowler and Gary Holt opened House of Hops in 2014 as a family-run beer shop featuring more than 300 bottles and cans and 24 rotating drafts. The casual, neighborly atmosphere attracts patrons for good beer alongside family-friendly events, including trivia and Opinionation, a survey-based game similar to Family Feud. A different local food truck offers bites at the Glenwood South location Tuesdays through Sundays.
This community-oriented bottle shop and tasting room features 18 rotating taps of various beers, ciders and sours. You might find a fruited gose one day and a white stout the next, lending an air of excitement to your experience whenever you drop by. Several rows of bottles and cans round out The Hop Yard’s offerings; weekly events, tap takeovers and bottle shares mean you can discover even more unique brews.
Blink and you might miss it (though you’d miss out on some great entertainment). Slim’s, an unassuming dive bar-slash-Raleigh institution nestled among the storefronts on South Wilmington Street is downtown’s oldest music venue, hosting local bands since 1999. Vibe with the music, chill on the patio and enjoy a full bar with drinks at wallet-friendly prices.
Part sports bar, part dive bar, Lucky B’s, nicknamed the “classiest dive bar in Raleigh,” always offers a good time. A jukebox, photo booth, bar games and expansive year-round patio means there’s something for everyone. From Monday to Sunday, enjoy specials on well drinks, beers and shots, and stick around Monday nights for entertaining karaoke hosted by DJ Ross.
The Goat 5111 Western Boulevard
Over in west Raleigh, The Goat is known for its drink specials, friendly (sometimes rowdy) neighborhood bar atmosphere and countless customer-decorated dollar bills that cover the one-room space from floor to ceiling. The spot is great for grabbing a beer after work on the patio, getting together with friends for a round of shots—let the shot wheel make that decision for you—or board games on the weekend.
You won’t find any fancy cocktails or velvet couches at The Cardinal, but you will find some of Raleigh’s best hot dogs. The dogs—regular or veggie—are braised in a local beer on tap and grilled by your bartender, then loaded up with your choice of toppings, and best enjoyed with a brew or shot of house vodka (and whatever it’s being infused with) behind the bar.
Best LGBTQ
The District | Photo courtesy of facebook/thedistrictraleigh
The District urges all to “come as you are,” whether you’re there for a quick beer, cocktail or late night order of the beloved Totchos (tater tot nachos). The modern aesthetic sets the tone for easy drinking before or after a night out, with a broad menu of exotic wines, original house libations and local drafts. Or while away a weekend afternoon people watching on The District’s outdoor patio.
Ruby Deluxe isn’t affectionately known as the Sparkle Dungeon for nothing. The stage at the popular LGBTQIA bar is decked out in a glittery silver curtain that sets the backdrop for drag shows, DJs, queery-oke and other dazzling events. The glitter-filled basement also boasts arcade games, pinball machines, pool tables and an outdoor patio.
Walk past Legends any given night and you’ll hear dance music blaring, see neon lights flashing and feel the all-around thrilling energy coming from Raleigh’s first and longest-standing LGBTQ club. For more than 25 years, Legends has been the night spot for thousands of guests, from drag show-goers and go-go dancers to live DJs and themed parties. Duck into The Tuck, Legends’ speakeasy, for craft cocktails and absinthe drinks.
Check out Flex for fun, LGBTQ-friendly entertainment in downtown Raleigh. The basement bar welcomes all to enjoy karaoke Sundays through Wednesdays, bingo, go-go dancers and weekly themed drag shows every Thursday. Grab a drink while you enjoy the show, and make sure you have extra cash to tip your favorite performers.
AC Hotel’s Level 7 rooftop bar offers stunning views of North Hills in an exquisite, modern space equipped with plush couches and cozy tables both inside and out on the patio. The bar is made for lounging while enjoying a contemporary house cocktail, beer or wine, and the European- influenced tapas menu is perfect for sharing with friends or a date.
Taverna Agora transports diners and drinkers to a warm Mediterranean island with its expansive, winterized rooftop patio that overflows with lush foliage and ceramic pots of olive trees. Refreshing cocktails use Greek-inspired ingredients, such as baklava syrup and ouzo, while a variety of Greek wines and beers tempt non-liquor drinkers.
Overlooking the bustling streets of downtown Raleigh, Raleigh Times’ homey rooftop patio is an ideal spot for people watching while enjoying a meal and a drink. Elevated dishes round out a classic menu of bar snacks, sandwiches and salads, best served up with an IPA, pale ale, sour, cider or one of Raleigh Times’ many Belgian beers.
Since relocating to a larger space at the bottom floor of One Glenwood, Dram & Draught’s premier whiskey collection has expanded by 30 percent. You’ll find the same black and dark brown wood details as in Dram’s previous location, as well as the same fun atmosphere and friendly bartenders, plus a new slew of sensational cocktails.
Whiskey Kitchen’s spacious open floor plan, which extends to a delightful outdoor patio, means there’s no bad seat in the house. But when you’re choosing from a selection of more than 400 whiskeys, we recommend taking a seat at the bar. Whether you take your whiskey neat, on the rocks or straight up, pair it with one of Whiskey Kitchen’s Southern dishes–the fried brussels sprouts are a local favorite.
Hoppy Endings is a lot of things—a bottle shop, cocktail bar and a much loved neighborhood gathering place, but it may be best known for its vast bourbon, whiskey and scotch selections. With 1,500 bottles and counting, Hoppy Endings has the largest whiskey collection in the Southeast. Hoppy Ending offers more than 500 beers from local and international breweries and 17 rotating taps for enjoying within its bottle-lined walls.
In 2009, Foundation opened as downtown Raleigh’s first craft cocktail bar; over the next decade, it grew into a popular destination for excellent seasonal drinks and a fun, cavelike interior with industrial decor. Go on a Sunday for Longleaf Swine BBQ’s late night pop-up and a round of Foundation’s innovative cocktails.
Don’t let its modest strip mall storefront deter you; The Blind Barbour is an approachable neighborhood watering hole, jointly named after co-founder Joey Barbour and the Prohibition-era custom of buying a ticket to “see the blind pig” in exchange for a drink. The cocktail menu offers creative drinks including The B.O.B. (Bourbon Over Bourbon) and Americano Martini; 182 whiskeys and counting offer something for a simpler crowd.
How do you find out about new places to eat, drink and have fun experiences? For more than a million people in the Triangle and beyond, the answer is through Offline but soon, the six year-old digital media company, whose mission is to encourage people to “rediscover and reconnect with the amazing world around [them],” will be available to subscribers only.
David Shaner started Offline Raleigh in 2014 and grew the company to cover Durham, Charlotte and Nashville. He says he wants Offline to cater to its Premium members going forward, those members who currently pay $12.99 per month for monthly offers to local restaurants, sneak peaks of newly opened businesses and bonus perks such as discounted concert tickets and complimentary happy hours. Currently, more than 3,500 Offline Premium members subscribe in Raleigh and Durham.
“We’re making [Offline Premium] our core offering so we can make it as amazing as we possibly can,” Shaner says.
David Shaner, Founder of Offline | Photo by Jamie Robbins
Offline’s strategy will be to tailor events and perks in a more personalized way to individual members, a concept Shaner says he thinks of as a modern-day concierge service. Whereas Offline Premium currently is one size fits all, the Offline team will soon be able to customize offers to individuals based on a curated list of partners once the team learns where each of their members lives and works and what their interests are.
Shaner says the membership subscription model was inspired by research from the Knight Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to fostering “informed and engaged communities.” The Foundation’s research found that the top three things correlated with place attachment were social offerings, aesthetics and openness of the community. By exposing Raleigh and Durham residents to local businesses and experiences every month, Shaner says he feels that Offline Premium is helping community members understand the diversity of the cities’ social offerings and getting Raleigh and Durham residents to fall in love with their cities.
As with the original Offline Raleigh, Shaner’s goal with Offline Premium is to get people in Raleigh and other metros to try new things in their cities and to spend more time out in their communities rather than on their couches with their laptops or phones.
“It’s really awesome to see that, not only is Offline getting individual people to try new things and getting businesses exposed to new customers, but it’s helping people spend more time together in the real world,” says Shaner. “That’s what Offline is all about.”
Titanium Grapes Necklace. Anodized titanium. From the collection of Christina Trevino | Photo by Jason Dowdle
Throughout her life, Raleighite Mary Ann Scherr wore many creative hats. Before she died in 2016 at age 94, Scherr worked as a cartographer, illustrator, industrial designer, fashion designer, graphic designer and jewelry artist during the course of a career that spanned seven decades. But her unique, intricately crafted metal jewelry designs are what Scherr is perhaps best known for and what will continue to be her legacy. Scherr studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, the University of Akron and Kent State University before landing her first job at Goodyear Aircraft Corporation and, later, at Ford Motor Company and the Aluminum Company of America. At the Aluminum Company, Scherr was commissioned to design a collection of stainless steel jewelry, which set the tone for the industrial-style pieces that would become her signature—a gilt metal collar necklace, a sterling silver bracelet with textured patina and a brown glass and sterling silver necklace, to name just a few of Scherr’s iconic pieces.
In 1986, Scherr moved to Raleigh to open a gallery and studio while continuing to teach courses at the Penland School of Crafts in Bakersville, North Carolina, where she worked as a seasonal professor since 1968. Scherr also taught jewelry making classes at NC State’s Crafts Center and served on the board of the Gregg Museum of Art & Design and the Raleigh Fine Arts Society. Beginning February 20, Scherr’s work will be on display at the Gregg in an exhibition curated by jewelry historian Ana Estrades. Collaborating with locals who knew and worked with Scherr, Estrades and her team will showcase the artist’s finest and most unique pieces.
Escape the February chill with cozy candles from local candlemakers.
Brandy’s Soy Candles
Brandy Mutchler’s hand-poured soy candles are inspired by North Carolina breweries, including Raleigh’s Neuse River Brewing, Lynnwood Brewing Concern and Gizmo Brew Works. Mutchler curates her scents with essential oils. Try Lemon Verbena Saison and Vanilla Cinnamon Coffee Milk Stout. brandyssoycandles.com
Ella B. Candles
Made by Charlotte’s Tassy family and sold in stores nationwide, including DECO, Paper Buzz and Zest Cafe in Raleigh, Ella B. specializes in candles inspired by the nation’s 50 states, plus custom-made, neighborhood-inspired fragrances. ellabcandles.com
Wicks For Wags
With every purchase of Raleigh-based Wicks for Wags’ candles, 10 percent goes to animal shelters and rescue groups around the country to help care for animals in need. The candles are vegan, chemical-free and clean-burning and made with phthalate-free fragrance oils and soy wax. wicksforwags.com
Blinking Toad Workshop
Saturdays and Sundays at the Fairgrounds’ Raleigh Market, you’ll find Blinking Toad’s signature wooden wick candles. The wicks burn with a calming crackle, continuous fragrance and an even, 25-hour burn. Try Hot Apple Pie, Oakmoss and Amber or Cinfully Vanilla. blinkingtoad.com
Light Is Love Artisan Candles
Light Is Love’s 100 percent soy wax-based candles are popular with those who suffer headaches. The affordable, small batch candles include Spiced Pear, White Birch, Snickerdoodle and Clean Cotton. Find them at pop-up markets around Raleigh. lightislovecandles.com
