Get your toes in the water and bum out of the sand. NC-born brand Shibumi—of wind-powered sunshade fame—just launched its brand-new first-ever beach chair, and just in time for Raleighites’ annual summer trek to the coast. Boasting the same signature blue and teal colors of the popular shades, the lounger is designed with comfy breathable fabric, multiple recliner settings, padded backpack straps and two accessory ports—and promises to withstand years of sand and salty air. So, perf for that *fabulous* Sharpay Evans feeling (IYKYK). shibumishade.com
Step aside, espresso! Meet the next-gen vibrant bev trending on your feed: matcha. Oft billed as grassy, earthy and unique, the Japanese green tea powder is having a matcha minute—and die-hard drinkers can’t get enough of the cult-favorite combo of green powder and creamy milk (plus potential syrups and flavor swirls to boot). Whether you’re matcha-curious or a full-blown devotee, here’s where to get your fix.
Organic Idle Hour Frothy, smooth and as green as the most lush field of grass you’ve ever seen, Idle’s matcha lattes are made with Kyoto-sourced Arteao organic matcha, creating an umami-rich flavor that comes with a dose of health benefits. Wellness for the win! @idlehour_coffee
Trendy Iris Coffee Lab Jazz up your traditional morning routine with Iris’ Jasmin 17 perfume-inspired Jasmine Mini Matcha, an aesthetically pleasing drink layered with carefully sourced whisked-to-order matcha, jasmine syrup, salt cream and shaved lemongrass—aka a win for the ’Gram and your taste buds. @iriscoffeelab
Flavorful Sweet Thyme Cafe Not your average matcha, Norwood Gardens’ hidden gem cafe has various syrups on offer to sweeten its green goodness—from basil and blueberry to white chocolate. Craft your own flavorful concoction, or treat yo’self to rotating monthly flavor combos like vanilla + rose.@sweethymecafe
A Lotta Matcha 42 & Lawrence Options upon options are avail at this sleek spot—from a classic matcha latte to the strawberry, blue or snowcap sipper. Matcha newbies, those flavors are a surefire way to get past the grassy taste. @42andlawrence
Dairy-Free Lucky Tree No dairy, no problem. Get your fill of the good green stuff with ops like almond, coconut and oat milks (cow’s milk is of course on offer as well). Take it up another notch with honeysuckle matcha sweetened with housemade vanilla and honey. @luckytreeraleigh
Local TikTok star Grandma C shares her Raleigh faves.
“Hey, everybody, it’s Grandma C!” You’ve likely stumbled upon the endearing Carol Chapman on TikTok, known for her videos tasting popular food and drinks—not to mention her fan-fave “Fun Drink Friday” creations.
Based in Raleigh, she became a viral sensation following a fateful review of Sabrina Carpenter’s limited-edition Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso at Dunkin’ after the “Espresso” singer herself commented on the video (!), skyrocketing her follower count and making her a breakout grandma star on the social platform.
“I found out, at that time, she was handling her own PR,” recalls Chapman, who joined TikTok toward the end of COVID after which one of her granddaughters encouraged her to start an account. Now, at 51K+ followers and counting, she’s on the radar of countless brands who regularly send her products to review and feature on her page. And as a bona fide foodie, she’s got opinions. Here, we chatted up the fun-loving content creator to scout some of her local faves.
Photo courtesy of Carol Chapman
Fave Raleigh restaurant:Seasons 52—we go there for every one of my daughters’ and daughters-in-law’s birthdays. I love Angus Barn too. My good friend and I have been with our husbands every New Year’s Eve for 42 years. Her husband passed away, then mine passed away—and now it’s just the two of us.
Must-have pick you’ve reviewed: I’m a real coffee drinker, and I drink coffee all the time—so my favorite TikToks would be all the different kinds of coffee products I’ve tried. Of course the espresso one. … I’ve been a Dunkin’ fan for years.
Go-to Dunkin’ order: Coolatta
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life: It has to be chicken.
Old-faithful food to cook: Pasta is my favorite—I like carbonara, and I make that quite a bit.
Standout sip: I’m a milkshake person. I go to Sonic, Chick-fil-A. At Christmastime, I like the peppermint milkshake at Chick-fil-A. I like cookies & cream as well.
Ideal foodie day in Raleigh: Breakfast: New York Bagels & Deli on Falls of Neuse Road Lunch: Chick-fil-A Dinner: Bonefish Grill or Seasons 52 Dessert: Burney’s Sweets & More’s filled croissants
Kane Realty breaks ground on new North Hills apartment tower.
If you thought North Hills was done expanding, think again. Kane Realty Corporation—in partnership with Mitsui Fudosan America—has just broken ground on its newest high-rise residential development, The Strand, located adjacent to the Advance Auto Parts Tower in the Park District. Slated to welcome residents summer 2027, plans for a second phase of development are also underway.
While construction has already stirred controversial parking changes in the area due to the loss of the lot behind Park Central apartments, the new 20-story mixed-use tower promises to make up for it by taking modern living in North Hills next level via 362 luxury residences over studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, plus top-floor penthouses. And its unparalleled amenities redefine luxury living in Raleigh—think a top-level speakeasy exclusive to penthouse residences (!).
“As Raleigh continues to grow, demand for high-quality housing remains strong—especially in North Hills,” says Kane Realty Managing Director of Residential Rob Reid. “The Strand will provide a distinctive residential experience that blends modern luxury, top-tier amenities and seamless connectivity to everything North Hills offers.”
In addition to sophisticated living ops, The Strand will serve up 9,000 square feet of street-level retail; a sixth-level amenity deck, complete with a resort-style pool, grilling area, activity lawn, fitness center and club room boasting panoramic views of North Hills and Downtown Raleigh; and an 18th-level reserve clubroom that ups the wow-factor with a bar, dining area and outdoor terrace. Essentially, everything a resident could need and want—and then some.
And welcoming those not living in the building, expect a promenade outfitted with wide sidewalks for potential outdoor dining and/or enhanced pedestrian activity, a dedicated rideshare area, and a retail-friendly parking deck. And, so, one of the city’s most prominent shopping centers continues to grow up and on.
