by Lauren Kruchten | Feb 26, 2024 | March 2024, Stuff
This season, the shinier the better
The latest trend for suiting up this spring? Metallics. Whether you’re going into battle—er, work—or hitting the town, the shiny fashion statement is a surefire way to get noticed in a sea of standard spring florals and pastels. Attention-seekers are gonna wanna spring for bold pieces like metallic shorts, pants, blazers and dresses, while timid types can ease your way into the fad with metallic shoes, bags and other accessories. Or, go all out with a daring blazer/shorts combo that can be dressed up with heels and statement earrings, or dressed down with a plain tee and sneakers. After all, who needs a knight in shining armor when you’ve got a queen in metallics. #Slay. Avery oversize metallic blazer, $125; Court metallic shorts, $72, Madison, madisonboutique.com
by Lauren Kruchten | Feb 26, 2024 | Do, March 2024
The newest city to give a ~dam~ about.
I’m a sucker for waterfalls, which is why I knew I was going to fall in love with Greenville, SC. There’s an awe-inspiring water feature in the middle of the city! What more could you ask for?! Well, just wait—there’s more.
The welcoming city where “nature, culture and Southern hospitality unite” has a lot going for it—from its clean streets and modern buildings to its ideal walkability to its city center bursting at the seams with thriving shops, restaurants, bars and beyond.
A “big small town,” GVL is just right for all tourist types—whether you’re looking to get out and explore nature; leisurely peruse galleries, boutiques and museums; eat and drink your heart out; or just simply relax and take in the views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. I can confirm it’s that Greenville you’re going to want to add to your bucket list.
DO
Falls Park on the Reedy
Feast your eyes on GVL’s most awe-inspiring attraction: the nationally acclaimed green space feat. the spectacular 345-foot curved Liberty Bridge, held in the air by a single suspension cable (the only one of its kind in the country!), offering unobstructed views of the remarkable Reedy River Falls. (*Pause for the “aws.”*) The city’s “favorite spot” is a sanctuary for nature lovers looking for a gorgeous place to stroll, picnic or just bask in the beauty of it all. Sorry, TLC, we’re def chasing this one. fallspark.net
Spa H
If I had to describe my experience at Hotel Hartness’ luxe spa in one word, it would be “heavenly.” The relaxation massage was a tranquil escape—think 50 minutes of pure rejuvenation complete with therapeutic botanicals and steamed towels. NTM the masseuse got out knots I didn’t even know I had (!). You’ll feel like a new person after the sesh, guaranteed. hotelhartness.com
The Commons/Unity Park
An all-day affair is in order at The Commons food hall and gathering place, located within Greenville’s newest 60-acre park and right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Kick things off with a cuppa at Methodical Coffee and a pastry from Bake Room, then go for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Post hot girl (or boy) walk, roll up for bevs at The Community Tap or Pangaea Brewing Co. and grab some grub from Automatic Taco or Golden Brown & Delicious. commonsgvl.com; unityparkgreenville.com
EAT
Sully’s Steamers
As soon as you walk into this “hot mess” of an establishment, you’re immediately engulfed in a cloud of steam. Don’t req. your bagel toasted—they top them with a variety of flavorful ingredients and steam them (hence the name), delivering a supersoft texture and peak warmth. For brekkie, I rec the Mr. Burns, your classic sausage, egg and cheese; and for lunch, The Griswold—aka a vacation for your mouth. sullyssteamers.com
Indaco
If you count carbs—meaning the more the merrier—this Italian resto located adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Greenville is right up your alley. For a midday pick-me-up, tuck into the Italian panini—like a grown-up grilled cheese with cured meats on expertly griddled bread (and, hey, an accompanying glass of vino never hurt anyone!)—on the sun-soaked patio, or request a seat by the open kitchen to watch the chefs prep a perfect pizza. indacorestaurant.com
Passerelle Bistro
There are two rules when it comes to this riverside French-inspired bistro: You must snag an outdoor table for the unmatched views of Falls Park on the Reedy, and every meal should begin with the crusty bread from local Rise Bakery served with salted butter and house preserves. Seriously. Of course, the fresh salads, steak frites and ratatouille are great options as well—and wine is an obvious pairing. passerelleinthepark.com
DRINK
CAMP
Camp out here for a nightcap—whether in drink or dessert form (or both). The modern American eatery serves up a clean, contemporary aesthetic and myriad ops to satisfy any hankering—with pastry chef Lindsay Beck’s seasonally rotating after-dinner delicacies taking the, well, cake… best served with any of the signature ’tails concocted with housemade shrubs, syrups and bitters. campgvl.com
Juniper
For immaculate vibes no matter the occasion, head to the top of downtown’s AC Hotel, where you’ll be transported to an intoxicating greenery-filled rooftop restaurant and bar. Essentially, it’s like an enchanted forest—but with really good cocktails and mocktails. Opt for the glass-covered “green room” or loungey patio for primo views you’re def gonna wanna fill your ’Gram feed with. junipergvl.com
Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
Giddy on up for brews out the wazoo—either brewed on-site or brought in from the OG brewery in Johnson City, Tennessee (*cue “Wagon Wheel” lyric*) or the newest addition in Knoxville—with range to keep your whole crew hoppy (er, happy!). The renovated taproom and beer garden is equipped with lawn and arcade games, ample TVs, and a grassy lawn, making for an optimal outing every visit, whether to catch sports or just kick back with a bev. yeehawbrewing.com
STAY
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Greenville
Location, location, location! Thanks to its primo position on Main Street, you’ll be in the center of all the action and within a ~15-minute walk of everything in the downtown core. To boot, just below the hotel, O-Ku and Indaco (hello, outdoor bar) beckon for an easy-access evening ’tail or divine dining. In the wintertime, the courtyard also turns into a fam-friendly ice-skating rink. marriott.com
Hotel Hartness
Rest and relaxation meet their match at the former home of one of Greenville’s most prominent families. The now four-star boutique hotel was a treat—from the cozy room with plush robes (I had to stop myself from taking it home) and spacious shower/bathtub combo to the pristine grounds with walking/biking trails to the homey lobby and The Captain bar. Pro tips: Early risers earn a complimentary brekkie feat. eggs from the hotel’s chickens. And make a rez at the on-site restaurant, Patterson Kitchen + Bar, for an exquisite dinner. hotelhartness.com
by Lauren Kruchten | Feb 26, 2024 | Buzz, March 2024
A statewide rule change may cause long-term effects on the environment.
Apparently, NC isn’t prioritizing green living anymore. Over the summer, the NC legislature ruled the state’s Building Code Council will no longer have the authority to change residential building standards, instead putting the power in the hands of the newly established Residential Code Council.
In turn, “homes and buildings in NC cannot be required to be more energy-efficient, freezing changes to the already antiquated building code until 2031,” explains REdesign.build founder/designer Will Alphin, the man behind new sustainable homes Tower Raleigh.
In short, licensed professionals in the industry—think developers, builders, architects, engineers—no longer have pressure to adhere to building-code minimums to guide their decisions. So, while the industry may save money initially, occupants will pay the ultimate price, spending more on energy costs over time—never mind the toll on the climate. The impact this will have is huge, emphasizes Alphin, considering the ongoing influx of new construction throughout the state. And over the long term, he adds, “we spend more by not [constructing] energy-efficient buildings.”
Despite the ruling, there’s a “green” flag in local sustainable efforts. According to Alphin, there looks to be an uptick in “plug-and-play” solar energy equipment that allows home and business owners to install their own systems—as opposed to relying on third-party providers. “It’s plain ole’ common sense to conserve whenever you can,” he stresses.
Banking on that idea, the environmentally friendly designer is continuing to push out net-zero homes and structures, with his most recent projects including four net-zero abodes as part of the Tower Raleigh project, a grid-free farming facility designed to utilize only the energy it produces, and a renovated/expanded building in Downtown that will ultimately be net-zero.
Tower Raleigh serves up sustainable living in the form of net-zero homes in the heart of Raleigh, offering more options for green living in the face of lowered state focus on sustainability standards.
by Lauren Kruchten | Feb 14, 2024 | Buzz, February 2024
The hottest local and national news you need to know now
WHAT’S HOT
Bolstering mental health resources, VP Kamala Harris announced NC will receive $12 million to hire 332 mental health counselors in schools.
The U.S. economy is on the up and up! According to seasonally adjusted data, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.3% in Q4 2023.
NC’s park popularity is soaring—over 20.1 million people visited state parks in 2023, a 4% increase from 2022, with Jordan Lake State Recreation Area the most popular at 2.5 million visitors last year.
School is cool—and ranked the best public high school in NC by Niche is the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham. A+!
Moving onward and upward, the Raleigh Convention Center selected Atlanta-based TVS and RATIO Design (which also has a Raleigh office) to design its $387.5 million expansion and the relocation of Red Hat Amphitheater.
They’re back… Raleigh City Council voted to reinstate Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs), whose members can vote to recommend or reject development projects throughout the city.
Bye, Bard—hello, Gemini! Google recently renamed its chatbot and introduced a $19.99/month subscription called Gemini Advanced that boasts a more powerful AI model.
Don’t text—er, call. The FCC voted to ban scam robocalls using AI-generated voices, effective immediately.
Hey, Mr. President! President Joe Biden visited Raleigh in January to announce an $82 million investment from the American Rescue Plan that will expand high-speed internet to 20,000 North Carolinians.
Take me out to the ballgame. … The Mudcats are leaving their longtime home in Zebulon to move to a new $64 million stadium in Wilson by 2026.
Shhh… Raleigh City Council updated the noise ordinance for Glenwood South, with enforcement now dependent on what officers consider “unreasonable noise.”
Feelin’ hot, hot, hot? So is the Earth. 2023 was officially the hottest year on record in over a century.
NC is facing a syphilis crisis, with 2023 marking the deadliest year for babies with congenital syphilis in the past decade.
WHAT’S NOT
