Craving a sunny winter escape? Puerto Rico awaits—and RDU makes it easy with affordable directs to San Juan clocking in at ~3.5 hours—no passport required. With year-round ~80-90° weather, swaying palms, mountain-meets-beach energy, and full-on tropical vibes, the Island of Enchantment checks every box for a quick hit of fun in the sun.
From serene beaches with locals slinging homemade empanadas and rum-based slushies (trust—don’t question it) to lush tropical forests made for adventure seekers, plus an up-and-coming F&B scene and award-winning resorts, PR has it all. Lap it up with our guide to your next warm-weather fix.
DO
DISTRITO T-Mobile An electric hub for all things entertainment, the layered destination dishes something for everyone. Backdropped by neon lights, 14K square feet of state-of-the-art LED screens and an immersive AV system, the covered Popular Plaza plays host to concerts, games, workouts and more. Also not to be missed: 11 bars and restos (La Central is a must), the Coca-Cola Music Hall, and a tapestry of local art woven throughout. distritot-mobile.com
Distrito T-Mobile
Castillo San Felipe del Morro The 16th century Spanish fortification is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks—and one of the best spots to catch a sunset over the Atlantic. Pack a picnic, bring your camera and settle in on the grassy hillside for sweeping hues of orange and pink. Come early to explore 500 years of history on your own, or join one of the ranger-led programs.nps.gov
Cueva Ventana PR’s famed window cave reveals a whole new perspective—literally. Trek through lush tropical forest and two natural caves (the latter a breeding ground for bats) before emerging onto a 700-foot-high opening overlooking the Valley of Rio Grande de Arecibo. Along the way, get eco-schooled by biologists and environmental interpreters. Do it for the ’Gram. cuevaventana.com
East Island Excursions Alexa, play “Paradise” by Coldplay—and get ready to live out your own via excursions ranging from snorkeling in Cayo Icacos and exploring marine life in Culebra to sunset tours, catamaran adventures, and beach stops with food and drinks. Bonus: Round-trip transportation is offered from most major hotels. eastislandpr.com
Casa Bacardí Puerto Rico Pinkies up! The world’s largest rum distillery celebrates the iconic brand with tours, guided cocktail and rum tastings, mixology classes, bottling experiences, and more. Fun and informative, you’ll leave with a better taste of Bacardí’s rich heritage—and maybe wondering where all the rum’s gone… bacardi.com
EAT
The Mezzanine Once a meeting place for the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, roots run deep here. Today, the second-floor Old San Juan gem nods to its storied pasts with vintage photos and archives adorning its Spanish old-town-esque interior, making for a lively spot for brunch and tapas like Greek-style ceviche and patatas bravas. themezzaninepr.com
The Mezzanine | Photo courtesy of SGG Group LLC
El Platanal Eat like a local at a PR staple—now with a handful of fam-friendly island locales serving up authenticity via the likes of queso frito, meat- or seafood-topped mofongo, asopao de pollo (chicken stew), and hearty plantain sandwiches. Don’t skip happy hour Mon.–Thu.—the mojitos slap.elplatanalpr.com
Vianda Seasonal, farm-to-table selects are on the menu at husband-and-wife duo Amelia Dill and Francis Guzmán’s renowned restaurant—named among the 20 Best New Restaurants in America by the James Beard Foundation. Beautifully plated and exquisitely delicious, dishes range from fresh ceviche and charcoal-grilled cabbage to pumpkin agnolotti and pork belly with ginger fried rice. And every bite will leave you swooning. viandapr.com
Vianda
DRINK
Jungle Bird Soaked in pink neon and framed by giant leafy greens and ambient lighting, the dive-meets-Tiki bar is pure tropical fun—but the cocktails are seriously next-level. The namesake Jungle Bird (house rum blend, lime, pineapple, Campari + simple syrup) is an obvious choice, as is the Flamingo’s Calling (gin or vodka, lemon, watermelon-mint soda + Angostura bitters). But you really can’t go wrong with any of them. @junglebirdbar
787 Coffee Coffee in an adult-size pouch > coffee in a cup. Born on a coffee farm in Puerto Rico and now boasting outposts in New York, New Jersey and Texas (plus five in PR), the sustainably minded caffeine haven is a cult fave for good reason. Cozy vibes, leafy corners, colorful rugs and couches set the scene for sipping sweet latte flaves like pina colada, coquito and tres leches—always double-shot strong—along with tequila-, rum- or whiskey-infused beans for robust notes pulling double duty.787coffee.com
Pira-Rum Live la pura vida at this colorful spot known for its mean mojitos, piña coladas and piraguas—aka a Puerto Rican frozen dessert made of handshaved ice and fruit-flavored syrup. It’s the perfect place to pop in for something refreshing when you need a break from exploring San Juan on a hot day. … And those drinks are sure to put some pep in your step. @pirarumpr
Machete If you like Willco, you’ll love this unpretentious neighborhood cocktail bar slinging damn-good drinks and elevated bar bites in a hip, too-cool-for-school setting—complete with a casual back patio. Come for the likes of the C.C. Collins (gin, citrus, cucumber and soda), house daiquiri or Karat Drank (vodka, citrus, carrot, Aperol and chile)—stay for DJs, watch parties and pop-ups. Dancing highly encouraged. machetepr.com
Machete
Al Fresco Rooftop Wine & Tapas Nothing beats a bottle of vino and rooftop views—both of which can be found at Old San Juan’s traditional alfresco wine bar. Pick a perch on the patio and fill your glass from the selection of featured bottles from the world over, best paired with PR delicacies like tostones del mar, frituras, ceviche and pasteles. alfrescorooftop.com
Furtivo Speakeasy Worth the hunt, this true speakeasy is tucked through an unassuming Japanese tea garden. Find it and you’re met with a sultry, sophisticated atmosphere decked out in dark red and velvet details—not to mention classy libations ranging from the Honey Lavender Sidecar to a eucalyptus Negroni that seduce from the very first sip. furtivobar.com
STAY
Palacio Provincial Where old-world elegance meets mod flair, the carefully restored early 19th century legacy piece now houses a boutique stay that pairs classic design balanced with stylish details. The highlight: the Atelier Rooftop Terrace, complete with a pool and panoramic views of San Juan Bay and the Colonial city. Translation: local finesse, urban sophistication and laid-back charm—all under one roof. palacioprovincial.com
La Concha Resort An icon on Condado Beach, the tropical retreat just outside Old San Juan is impossible to miss—thanks to its striking seashell-shaped architectural marvel housing Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Levant. Providing a true tropical escape, the amenity-rich resort dials up multiple palm-framed pools, in-suite spa indulgences, and a parade of restaurants and bars serving pure paradise. laconcharesort.com
La Concha Resort
O:LV Fifty Five Sophisticated, luxe and design-forward, the 26-suite adults-only retreat blends Euro elegance with a touch of island ease, delivering a truly boutique place to rest your head. Think custom furnishings and spa-like bathrooms, a rooftop infinity pool with tranquil Condado Lagoon views, and culinary hot spot DRGN. Add in exclusive beach access—and it’s DND mode, on. olvhotel.com
What’s going down beneath the Sir Walter Apartments on Fayetteville Street has been on the hush-hush—but something spirited is about to surface. Local restaurateur Anthony Rapillo (of Layla’s Son Hospitality—think Flour & Barrel, V Pizza, Flask Cocktail Bar and The SideDoor) and Chopped champ Katsuji Tanabe are breathing new life into the long-dormant speakeasy under the former famed Sir Walter Hotel, with an opening slated for this summer.
Brantlee Nettles Nicks
The concept will debut as The Third House, nodding to its “North Carolina’s Third House of Government” nickname and legacy as a hub for political activity. True to its covert roots, the new 25-plus-only digs keep things tightly under wraps: no signage, a nondescript alleyway entrance, zero Google or GPS presence—and even photography will be highly discouraged, with a strict dress code to match.
Honoring the dust-covered den’s bones while adding a mod spin, the duo is resurrecting the space’s OG character—from red leather booths and wood paneling to the vintage Subway tile, original bar and dance floor. To boot, expect an Asian-inspired restaurant on the other side of the space—separated by a wall—where Tanabe will dish out sushi and nigiri. (Fun fact: Eventually, the pair will also take over the upstairs with a coffee shop that’ll offer the op to serve hot food.)
On the bar side, Rapillo has tapped local mixologist Duke Campbell (formerly of Dram & Draught and The Willard) as beverage director across all of Layla’s Son ventures, crafting cocktails at The Third House that complement Tanabe’s fare.
Expect a lively energy to match: “The music’s gonna be louder than most other restaurants,” says Rapillo of the culmination of the two concepts. “You have to pass through the dance floor—hopefully setting the vibe of a fun place you see in New York… or a supper club.”
Beyond dining, dancing and drinking, Rapillo teases monthly experiential events a la Flour & Barrel—think fire throwers, murder-mystery nights, Top Chef dinners and live music four to five nights a week.
Grown, lively and unpretentious, “this will be a place adults can go, let loose and have a really good time—and not feel super-restricted,” says Rapillo. Aka where the music’s pulsing, the vibe’s loose and the secret’s worth keeping. @third.house.dtr
Taking the Temp: All the hot tea you need to know now.
WHAT’S HOT
Who doesn’t love a Downtown romp? Visitor visits to DTR increased 3.5% YoY, with Glenwood South recording the largest increase at 13.2%.
Care for a top off? The new Raleigh City Hall reached a major milestone, topping out with the final structural beam at the highest point of the building’s construction.
Vogue essentially broke the internet—and some relationships—following its recent opinion article dubbed “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?,” sparking plenty of commentary on whether or not it’s cool to be boo’d up.
More and more people are moving Downtown—with 1,577 residential units absorbed over the last 24 months, DTR is one of the top downtowns in the U.S. for apartment leasing per CoStar. To boot, 15 developments currently under construction will deliver over 1,000 more residences upon completion.
Your iPhone could be your passport?! Apple announced plans to integrate digital passports directly inside the Wallet app that only you can access via Face ID verification. Just be sure to charge up…
Nothing could be finer: The NC State Fair saw a total of 946,811 patrons this year—not to mention Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day collected enough food for ~150K meals. Bonus: The winner of the giant pumpkin contest broke a site record, weighing in at 2,244.5 pounds (!).
Blame the avocado toast? The median homebuyer is now 56 years old, compared to 33 years old in 1985. Per the National Association of Realtors, the shift is due in part to rising home prices, higher interest rates and stagnant wages.
So you graduated—what’s next? Stay here! Raleigh was named the No. 1 best city for recent college grads in 2025 by ADP Research due to the Research Triangle region’s consistent influx of applicants attracted by “job opportunities, comparatively affordable cost of living and strong hiring.”
Winter is coming. … And before it even officially started, the Triangle saw one of its coldest Veterans Days on record, with highs in the upper 40s and the coldest morning in the area since March 3. Brr!
The Jetsons meets real life via a new humanoid robot called NEO, which can help with household chores like laundry, vacuuming, putting away groceries and cleaning—plus learn from its mistakes. The cost? A whopping $20K.
Listen men, time’s ticking for you too. A new study by Science Advances shows men also face a biological clock, as their sperm can accumulate more DNA mutations as they age, posing health risks in children.
Traveling this holiday season? Good luck. As of Monday, Nov. 10, over 1,600 flights have been canceled across the U.S., and there have been 3,480 delays for flights within, into or out of the country. Despite the Senate’s recent move to end the shutdown, the FAA voiced it will still restrict select commercial flights at some of the country’s biggest airports.
WHAT’S NOT
Grab some tissues. After bottoming out during COVID, the state’s euthanasia rate for cats and dogs across animal shelters is trending higher, with shelters in Nash, Columbus and Washington counties trending the highest with rates of 105%, 80% and 74%, respectively. That said: Adopt, don’t shop!
Our annual Cocktail Classic is back and better than ever—shaking things up at The Exchange Raleigh Nov. 15. Trust: you’re not gonna wanna miss it. The toast of the town promises to once again be the party of the year—this time with a host of new elevated experiences, luxe surprises and a few fun twists in store.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to snag your tix… here are 10 (plus a few extras). 🍸 So, skip the FOMO and grab the hottest ticket in town before they’re gone.
Unlimited Pours? Say Less. RM’s fresh class of Best Bartender nominees will go head-to-head behind the bar for People’s Choice Award—and it’s up to you to sip, savor and vote for your fave. Each ’tender is mixing up a riff on a classic (think old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri) in tandem with a top-shelf liquor brand:
Vino Break As if the 10 ’tails weren’t enough, Vitis House will be pouring bubbly all night long in the Cava Cave—plus red and white wine + rosé—because what better way to toast Raleigh’s finest?! (P.S. water and mocktails will also be flowing–stay hydrated!)
Mic’d & Mixed Thanks to sponsor Elm Partners, each of our 10 Best Bartender noms will take the stage throughout the night to showcase their mixology chops—mic’d up and ready to spill (secrets, not drinks).
Drop the Beat A live DJ will keep the vibes on high with all your favorite jams—so don’t hesitate to get down with your bad selves!
Glam & Glow Upping the glam factor,ILŪMRA Skin has you covered—literally—with the Renew & Refresh Lounge to primp, pamper and prep for those mando photo opps!
Rolls-Royce Roll-Up This is how Raleigh rolls. Expect a luxe welcome by the High Rollers Club (aka Rolls-Royce of Raleigh), dishing out welcome drinks amid a fleet of vehicles—then make your way inside to jot down your dreams and aspirations. Manifest that ish!
Fuel for the Fun We know you’re gonna need some nosh to balance all those bevs. Expect a spread of delicious bites—think the likes of last year’s BYO taco bar, Nashville hot chicken sliders, lettuce wraps and other snacky fare)—plus the giant charcuterie board of your dreams. No empty stomachs here!
Good Times, Safe Rides Important PSA: Don’t drink and drive! 🚫 Thanks to Whitley Law Firm, guests will get rideshare code to and from The Exchange on event day. Now that’s good lookin’ out.
Bag It Up You didn’t think we’d let you leave empty-handed, did you? Every attendee gets a spirited swag bag, which includes a full-size bottle of liquor (!) and a cocktail recipe book featuring all the evening’s creations so you can shake things up at home.
Pour It Forward To top off the entire Cocktail Classic event, ticket sales benefit the RDU Chapter of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild, which supports the hospitality community we all love. Drinking for a cause? Don’t mind if we do!
Spirit(ed) Sponsors Huge gratitude and cheers to our partners who make it all possible: Killjoy, Whitley Law Firm, Vitis House, Elm Partners, Rolls-Royce, ILŪMRA Skin—and of course The Exchange for playing host.
Downtown Raleigh’s hotel game is leveling up. Enter Raleigh hospitality titan Souheil Al-awar’s yet-to-be-named boutique Blount Street hotel, breaking ground this spring and set to debut about a year and a half thereafter. Approved by City Council last summer, the project will boast ~90 boutique rooms across ~seven stories—plus a local-leaning ground-floor restaurant and rooftop restaurant and bar.
“I hear people dismissing Downtown like it’s kind of done,” says the local developer, architect, and Clockwork + The Saint townhomes owner. “That’s such a wrong statement to me because you can never get the feeling of a downtown anywhere else.”
Bookending DTR opposite Longleaf on the northern end, the hotel’s first three stories will match the height of adjacent Prince Hall Masonic Lodge—with much of its facade echoing the hall’s signature red brick.
Beyond the edifice, “I want to give it an interior and a feel that is really original,” he adds. “A lot of hotels are becoming very generic—if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to many. So you have to also give it that feel of hominess—like you’re home when you get there.”
Rooted in Raleigh’s storied history while taking cues from distinctive downtowns like Charleston, the project promises a blend of authenticity and modern flair, reflecting a contemporary European aesthetic that will “thoughtfully integrate the character and history of the Prince Hall neighborhood,” muses Al-awar.
For the F&B-, design- and architecture-minded Al-awar, it’s another “very Raleigh” concept—one that adds a fresh chapter to a historic pocket of DTR. “I really want to do something very specific and very Raleigh at the same time,” he states—“make a splash, make it a destination.”
And there’s no doubt it will. The boutique stay is poised to draw both out-of-towners and locals back into the heart of the city. So, time to check into Raleigh’s next chapter.
“I want to lure people to come into Raleigh—and hospitality would be very important for that. I think Downtown will definitely come back and will come back strong. And I really want to be there for it when it happens.” —SOUHEIL AL-AWAR
