What’s not polarizing? There’s a new male in town. And he’s (hopefully) ready to chill out with his new boo bear.
Around Valentine’s Day, the North Carolina Zoo welcomed large-and-in-charge (and incredibly cute!) Payton in the hopes of mating him with Anana, our state zoo’s resident female polar bear. But will she swipe right?
Transferred from the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, Payton is replacing his nonproducing predecessor Nikita (who struck out with Anana for five breeding seasons). His relocation comes on the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan as part of a polar bear repopulation effort. (Polar bears were the first species listed as threatened by climate change under the Endangered Species Act in 2008—the more you know.)
“Polar bear populations are declining, and zoos have a significant role in protecting the future of this vulnerable species,” says Jennifer Ireland, curator of mammals for the NC Zoo.
Since spring is the season of love for polar bears (their mating season runs from February through March), hopefully Payton will get lucky and help save the population—and, if nothing else, at least maybe now Anana won’t be so ice-solated.
As for your part, take the polar bear plunge, so to speak, and go give Payton a warm welcome… in the name of love—and cubs!
NC’s first bird atlas survey invites volunteers to join in on a communal effort to help save state birds.
Calling All Birders. Tweet this: Bird atlas surveys have taken place across the country since the 1970s, but North Carolina has yet to complete one (“Hawkard!”). Until now. And they want you to get in on it.
With no “egrets,” North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is helming North Carolina’s first-ever large-scale standardized avian survey this March, in collab with partner groups NC State University, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Audubon North Carolina, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and more.
And they are inviting thousands of volunteer birdwatchers (aka—you!) to help map the distribution and quantity of birds across the state.
It’s like birding—except you’ll be asked to slow your roll, and instead of trying to peep as many bird species as possible, the breeding portion of the atlas asks you to hone in on individual birds and note behaviors.
So, if you’re observing, say, a tufted titmouse, you might take note of whether the bird is singing or perhaps gathering moss to build a nest.
Organizers started volunteer recruitment in January and continue to encourage birding enthusiasts of all experience levels to get involved. And, yes, “toucan”—and should.
Why? Beyond the obvious—birds—“you’ll deepen your knowledge… have fun outside with new friends, and contribute to a widespread and critical research project that ultimately helps us better understand and protect birds,” says Scott Anderson, bird conservation biologist at the NCWRC.
“We are excited to get this project off the ground,” Anderson adds. “Wildlife in North Carolina is for everyone, and we encourage participation by a diversity of North Carolinians to benefit our diversity of birds—hence our motto: People Count. Birds Count.” Looks like this one’s for the birds. ncbirdatlas.org
WEB EXCLUSIVEDowntown Raleigh Alliance just announced a new incentive to eat lunch at a restaurant in Downtown–as if there weren’t already enough incentives already! And, this time, your lunch loyalty just might pay off.
From Feb. 19 to March 5, participate in the Downtown Raleigh Loyal lunch contest and you could win a $25 gift card (or a grand prize of a $100 gift card!) for a participating restaurant of your choice.
Here’s how it works: Post your Downtown Raleigh lunch pic to the ’Gram using hashtag #DowntownRaleighLoyal; tag the restaurant; and follow and tag @DowntownRaleighAlliance. Posting pics of lunch to get more lunch (for free!)? Now that’s a contest we can get behind.
That, and it’s for a good cause—DRA is all about advancing the vitality of Downtown Raleigh for everyone, and restaurants who specialize in lunch could really use some extra love right now. “DRA’s Downtown Raleigh Loyal lunch campaign is specifically targeted to restaurants serving lunch, which have been hit particularly hard by a year of fewer employees and visitors in downtown,” says Kathleen Louis, DRA’s vice president of engagement and business development.
The campaign is also the perfect opp to support local businesses while upgrading your average everyday lunch to, say, tigelles (looking at you, Alimentari at Left Bank!); pho (Anise Pho has a killer lunch special); or one of Ashley Christensen’s amazing fried chicken sandwiches (you already know to order online from Beasley’s).
WEB EXCLUSIVE It’s the season of love—and that applies to both showing love for local businesses and your significant other, which we’ve made easy with this local gift guide for Valentine’s Day. Support these local businesses while surprising your girl, guy or pals with the perfect gift, curated just for them!
Vita Vite Date Night Wine Basket
vitaviteraleigh.com
This cute gift basket from Vita Vite makes for the ultimate couples (or girls!) night in. With a cocktail recipe book, a bottle of fine wine, a cheese board and cutlery set, a wine tumbler and a wine-themed candle, you’re set for the perfect evening of romance. This may sound cheesy, but it makes for a grate night in. A gouda pair, one might say. 😉
Vita Vite also has a great gift shop with everything from comical mugs and witty wine tumblers to sparkling cocktail recipe books and more. You just can’t go wrong.
Dinner from The Butcher’s Market
thebutchersmarkets.com
Get ready for a hot night in the kitchen with beef bourguignon, a classic French dish and the perfect romantic dinner for two, using The Butcher’s Market‘s burgundy wine steak tips and mushrooms. The market’s easy slow-cooker recipe makes sure you’re freed up to spend the rest of your night–ahem–not in the kitchen.
Peppertrain Jewelry
peppertrainjewelry.com
These fun earrings, handcrafted by local jeweler Kaitlin Ryan at Peppertrain Jewelry, are the perfect addition to any outfit. Buy them for your galentines! Buy them for your girlfriend! Buy them for yourself! (Everyone needs a pair.) Check out Peppertrain’s website for more unique handmade jewelry.
Tea from Tin Roof Teas
tinroofteas.com
Get your hottie some hot tea, because what cold, stressful winter day isn’t perfect for winding down with a warm sip? Get it while it’s hot at Tin Roof Teas in Cameron Village—there are tons of unique teas from which to choose, making it easy for you and your boo to cuddle up on the couch together with each of your preferred brews for a relaxing evening.
Coley Home Robe
coleyhome.com
Speaking of unwinding, give the gift of relaxation to your SO this Valentine’s Day with this lightweight Palm Robe from Coley Home in Charlotte. It comes in three different colors and makes for the perfect loungewear.
Bracelets from Zass
www.zassdesign.com
These edgy jewelry cuffs are handmade from recycled materials by a mother-daughter duo right here in Raleigh. Support Zass by snagging a pair or two for you and your gal-friends (they’ll look so cute during Galentine’s brunch). And be sure to check out Zass’ Valentine’s Day collection (for a limited time) here.
Heart-Shaped Wreath from Logan’s Garden Shop
logantrd.com
Flowers are nice and all, but they come and go so fast, and, let’s be honest, they’re a little basic this time of year. This heart-shaped magnolia wreath from Logan’s Garden Shop presents a unique and gorgeous alternative that will last way longer.
Blue Water Spa Gift Card
There’s not a single person (that we can think of) who wouldn’t enjoy a spa day. Enter Blue Water Spa! Gift cards can be redeemed on all medical spa services, including Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, CoolSculpting and spa services. Go as a couple—or treat yo’self—and have yourselves a dayyyy.
’Tis the season of love (hey, Valentine’s Day)—and whether you’re treating your SO or yourself (you deserve it!), jewelry always plays well as the quintessential token of affection. Better still? Spreading the love to local artisans. So whether you gift a special piece now, next month or when the mood strikes you, think local. Here, four Raleigh jewelers chat their collections, how they got their start, what inspires them and more—in their own words.
Path: The heart behind what we do always has been to provide unique feel-good fashion for folks that is also good for the world and our future. Both graphic designers by trade, we held on to numerous printed materials (magazines, postcards, etc.) and never had the heart to recycle them. We knew there had to be a way for those pages to live on in a sustainable fashion. Being eco-fashion enthusiasts to begin with, we were stoked to start creating upcycled wearable accessories (and being able to work with family is a huge plus!). We soon realized the possibilities were endless when it came to rescuing typically discarded materials.
Fave piece: Steph: Having a 14-month-old who is interested in touching everything, I’ve been rocking the small Bela studs. Zulay: My go-to earrings recently have been the Steffi studs, or abstract design BrewDangle earrings!
DYK: Our biggest hope is that our small jewelry business helps people understand the importance of recycling. By wearing our pieces, we hope our customers understand how they’re helping our planet one piece at a time!
Path: JewelsByElan was started in 1987. I’ve had two stores in Manhattan and one in Westchester County. Since moving to Raleigh, I’ve been recreating the company’s image. I currently have an indoor space at the Raleigh Market at the Fairgrounds and three websites. Due to the pandemic, it’s become more and more important to have a significant online presence. I’ve taken this time to redesign my websites and to add more merchandise.
Inspo: Our jewelry and accessories have an Afrocentric twist. I love working with bright colors and patterns. Most of the jewelry I handcraft with semiprecious stones and beads. Currently, I’m working on original designs that are cast in metals like brass, pewter, gold and silver.
Fave piece: I contracted with a Tanzanian artist, and he gave me permission to take an original work of art and reinterpret it into jewelry. I made a beautiful bracelet with a cabochon.
Path: Around 2014, I was working at Raleigh Denim, and I was at somewhat of a transitional point with my style. I wasn’t finding jewelry that felt fun, affordable and inspiring to me, so I started making pieces for myself. While I was at Raleigh Denim, owners Sarah and Victor bought me some polymer clay (among some other creative goodies), and I started creating pieces for myself and friends. I began receiving positive feedback and inquiries asking if I was selling my jewelry. Victor and Sarah urged me to sell my pieces in the Curatory, the retail shop at Raleigh Denim—and things grew from there.
Inspo: Color—hands down. Unlikely color combinations are like sweet surprises for your eyes and mind. You’re certain two colors won’t pair well, but then you realize they are, in fact, best friends.
DYK: I want people to love and wear my pieces every day. They don’t need a special occasion or the perfect outfit. My intent is to make jewelry that you want to wear—no fuss, no blah blah blah. I want you to feel cool, confident and connected.
Path: Growing up in Oregon in a creative family—particularly with a father who was a printmaker, painter and art professor—I have always had artistic influences in my life. While studying art history and fine arts at the University of Oregon, I took my first metalsmithing class and loved it. After graduating, I returned for a BFA in metalsmithing. I moved to Raleigh to attend NCSU’s Master of Architecture Program. Since graduating, I have had the opportunity to work as a project designer for a number of great architecture firms in the area, winning several design awards for many of the projects, but my love for metalsmithing has always been in the back of my mind. In 2009, I launched my own jewelry and metalsmithing company, Spark Metal Studio, which combines my passions for modern art, architecture and metalsmithing.
Inspo: My jewelry is inspired by my love of modern architecture, as well as the natural world around me.
Artistry: Each design begins with a drawing that I draw in a drafting program on the computer. Each design is then laser-cut out of steel, handfiled and sanded, and handcolored with epoxy resin or 18K gold-plated.
