If you thought sandwiches were the most boring lunch op since sliced bread, well, think again. Raleigh’s got sando sanctuaries in droves—boasting all kinds of hot and cold flavor-filled selects piled high with housemade ingredients on freshly baked bread to boot. Think spicy buffalo chicken-stuffed numbers, turkey melts, your go-to ham and cheeses, and even vegan options feat. a rainbow of veggies. In short, your lunch break just leveled up. Here, the sandos you should be noshing on right now.
(ish) delicatessen What to order: Reuben Good ish: found. “Weird sandwiches from weird people” is the MO at this hole-in-the-wall sandwich haven helmed by former Poole’s partner Matt Fern (also a Level 2 certified sommelier!) and boasting Jewish, Italian and Southern influences. Insider intel: Brekkie also slaps. 702 N. Person St.,@ish_delicatessen
Union Special What to order: Grown-up grilled cheese Every sando is ~special~ when featuring Union’s top-notch housebaked bread feat. flour sourced from Graham-based Lindley Mills. Take a sammy scroll on Insta for almost-daily specials—and be sure to grab a pastry for the road, trust us. 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 102,@unionspecialbread
Southern Craft Sandwiches What to order: Steak and cheese You beefin’? Southern Craft Butchers’ since-revamped full-scale sandwich oasis features the same local beef its longtime fans know and love—making the meat lovers sandos the obvious go-to. So go ham… or beef, chicken, bacon or turkey (!). 8460 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 116, southerncraftsandwiches.com
Eastcut What to order: Chicken Parm Welcome to sandwich utopia! Born from the New Jersey- and Bronx-bred owners’ nostalgia of the delis and sandos of their youth, this Raleigh Iron Works lunchtime mecca boasts traditions from all over the East Coast—alongside craft beer, cider and wine. Pro tip: Always add a side of the housemade mozz sticks. 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 126, @eastcutsandwich
Alimentari at Left Bank What to order: Tomato jam tigelle They’ve got the meats! … A collab between Mothers & Sons Trattoria chef/owner Josh DeCarolis and Left Bank Butchery, the Transfer Co. Food Hall outpost not only boasts large sandwiches and tigelles (aka Italian sliders), but doubles as a whole animal butchery feat. fresh sausages, bacon and the like. And don’t sleep on the fresh pasta. 500 E. Davie St., @alimentari_at_left_bank
The Panini Co. What to order: Raleigh Rooster Get pressed at this slice of heaven inspired by the restaurant industry’s post-pandemic resilience feat. a pentad of gourmet paninis repping Raleigh. From the chicken-pesto Rooster to the Oak City Hamboree and Carolina Caprese, every bite is made with love—NTM the gourmet charcuterie and those fresh local chocolate-covered strawberries. Morgan Street Food Hall,@thepaninico
*SPONSORED CONTENT: Zin Yoga founder/owner Kara O’Briant shares pro tips.
If you’ve fallen in love with the practice of yoga and are interested in taking a step further by becoming an instructor, look no further.
Garner’s Zin Yoga & Wine founder/owner Kara O’Briant answers top-asked Q’s when it comes to taking that next step, a win-win for those who stretch it out on the regular and those looking to make some extra cash—and shine their light on others. But yoga isn’t just about getting twisted. “Teaching others about yoga and helping them find their authentic voice is a blessing!” she says. Namaslay!
What is the first step you recommend taking for those who want to get yoga teacher certified?
Do your research; go to classes at different studios to get a feel for the vibe and how classes are taught, and meet the lead trainers and ask questions; be sure the school is a Yoga Alliance-approved school, meaning they have met all of the requirements that YA sets (a certain amount of hours on each topic, etc.)
What level of experience is required before going through the certification process?
Just a willingness to learn more about yourself and yoga. Yoga is not just about tree pose or Warrior 2—it’s a deep-dive into yourself and how you treat others around you. It’s learning how to live a healthier fuller life and share that with others.
How much does it cost?
Most in-person trainings are around $3K for a 200-hour program.
Do you recommend online or in-person?
There are online options, but nothing compares to in-person training.
Why get certified at Zin Yoga?
Zin Yoga teacher training is rooted in yoga philosophy and alignment, prioritizing alignment for every body type and making yoga accessible and empowering for everyone—no matter where they are in their practice.
To boot, workshops are led by professionals in their fields: Prenatal yoga is taught by a certified doula, anatomy by a medical expert, and Ayurveda by a master trainer—ensuring you get top-notch, real-world knowledge.
How do Zin Yoga’s certification classes differ from other studios?
At Zin Yoga we teach you how to teach to who is in your class so that everyone leaves feeling great. An added bonus is our beautiful studio with huge garage doors that we open any chance we get.
Zin has tons of outdoor space including a covered breezeway, and we often take our classes/trainings outside. Zin Yoga’s teacher training goes beyond just teaching—it transforms you, preparing you to live a fuller, more mindful life while helping others do the same.
Zin Yoga’s 200-hour yoga teacher training program begins October 2024. For more information, see here.
If you “come alive in the fall time” (cue “Yarn” by The Weeknd)… classy-but-cozy season is so back via a fresh palette of rich autumnal hues ranging olive, rust and grays that promise to add natural elegance to also-trending neutrals—and we’re falling for it. Shop the season’s best shades for a highly saturated autumn.
By Melissa Howsam & Heidi Reid
Olive Green
Fashion always loves a baseball hat. Keep the dust out of your eyes (!) and your head up in this unique but still-easy-to-style fall mainstay that’s the perfect match for pumpkin patches and bad hair days alike. Cowboys don’t cry hat, $44, shopvoda.com
It’s a heavy-metal fall. Grommets and studs are going to be the much-needed detail on every outfit this autumn, and these tasteful-but-practical shoes will have you sliding (!) into the season in vogue. Lennya sandal by Isabel Marant, $482, uniquities.com
Jeans aren’t a closet staple for no reason—and these oversize (but not too oversize) olive-toned jeans sit perfectly at the intersection of mod and timeless. The Ditcher roller zip sneak jeans, $248, uniquities.com
Take a cue from Zoë Kravitz’s street style and stay sunny well into the cooler days with the subtle but practical pop of color these sunnies sport. Clever sunnies, $24, edgeofurge.com
Sustained Gray
Finally getting its moment in the sun, the corporate in-between gray-headed stepchild to white and black chic promises to turn heads as a statement-making closet essential this season. Reye scalloped sweater vest, $59, madisonboutique.com
Stockholm style is proving to be Sweden’s biggest export—aka it’s time to stock up (had to) on basic and easy-to-match sweaters for lounging, chai latte runs and everything in between. Go With Everything sweater, $64, shophellbent.com
Rust
ICYMI, flowy midiskirt aren’t just for Dead & Co. concerts anymore—now all aesthetics are flaunting them. Fall into the emerging trend and pair this comfy warm-toned op with boots or ballet flats. Itzel midiskirt, $98, uniquities.com
Who wouldn’t want to match the darkening orange of the trees lining their daily commute? Your work wardrobe needs this pop of color underneath a patterned blazer or a sheer blouse ASAP. Melly Contrast tank in rust, $36, edgeofurge.com
Raleigh rain is inevitable in the fall—so take the forecast by storm and perk up any outfit with fresh and funky outerwear. Imper Twiggy printed raincoat, $154, ctweekends.com
… and three elevated hotels just a short drive from Raleigh are answering.
Raleigh temps have dropped down to the 60s recently, which can only mean one thing—fall is coming, and naturally, a trip to the mountains is in order. While summer travel meant beach trips, lake days and city escapes, fall calls for woodsy hikes and snuggling around a fire. Answering the call are three elevated hotels in the North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia mountains worthy of booking an autumn getaway around. So pack your bags, and prepare to *fall* in love.
Mountain Mama Blue Ridge Mountains, VA | Our Pick: Primland Resort
Photo courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection
There’s def no feeling blue in the mountains when you follow country roads home to Primland Resort, a luxe Auberge Resorts Collection mountain retreat (read: the No. 1 rated resort in the Southeast U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler!) known for its idyllic outdoor recreation, from seasonal hunting and horseback riding to golfing at one of Virginia’s top championship golf courses—NTM trails aplenty for avid or beginner hikers. Once you’re all tuckered out, the Auberge Spa and a feast from one of the three on-site restaurants are sure to rejuvenate and restore. Essentially, those mountains are calling—and you better pick up. aubergeresorts.com/primland
“Ordinary is overrated.” Get in tune with your “weird side” via this retro paradise in the heart of Eastern Tennesee’s quirky always-buzzing mountain town known for its fam-friendly attractions, award-winning shows, Smoky Mountain hikes/views and more. After all, there’s no fun in being normal. Here, three must-do’s in town. waybackhotel.com
Dollywood
Good golly, Miss Dolly! Channel “sweet summer lovin’” with over 50 world-class rides—plus exclusive shows, crafts, shopping and dining. dollywood.com
The Island
You’re on island time now. … Tennessee’s No. 1 attraction delivers fun for the whole fam in the form of carnival rides, arcade games, laser tag, ropes courses, a Ferris wheel and more—NTM local shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and a spa. islandinpigeonforge.com
Pigeon Forge Snow
No snow, no problem. America’s first indoor snow park offers year-round snow tubing in a cool 60–70-degree environment. So chill! pigeonforgesnow.com
Photo by Christian Harder, courtesy of Trailborn Highlands
Summit seekers, time to get high—and lost in the woods. Dubbed the “Aspen of the East,” the brand-new fully redesigned and renovated mountain resort tucked in the lush woods’ll have you changing your OOO to “find me never.” Bask in stunning Blue Ridge Mountains views with your morning coffee or afternoon tea around the lobby fireplace or in the gardens; take the plunge or sweat it out in the Nordic spa complete with a sauna and cold plunge showers; then devour a unique dining experience at the destination restaurant and bar located in a historic log cabin (anticipated to open by the end of September). And if you must leave the hotel, guided outdoor adventures like rock climbing, sunset hikes, fly-fishing and horseback trail riding aplenty await. Besides, life is always better with views. staytrailborn.com
Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, Postino is a wine bar and restaurant offering a unique blend of sophisticated ambiance and casual comfort, making it the ideal destination for a variety of occasions. Whether planning a romantic date night or looking for a cozy spot to unwind after work, Postino delivers an exceptional experience that combines great wine, delicious Mediterranean-inspired food and a warm atmosphere.
Savor the Bottle & Board Experience
One of the standout features of Postino is its Bottle & Board offer. For just $25, guests can enjoy one of Postino’s proprietary wines paired with a board of the famous bruschetta. This pairing provides a delightful way to sample a variety of flavors while savoring a glass of wine that complements each bite. It’s the perfect option for those who want to indulge in a little bit of everything and make the most of their dining experience.
Local Craft Beers for a Local Flavor
In addition to the impressive wine selection, Postino also champions local craft beers. They feature a curated list of beers from nearby breweries such as Ponysaurus and Fullsteam, offering a taste of North Carolina’s vibrant craft beer scene. This focus on local brews not only supports area businesses, but also provides guests with multiple refreshing options that perfectly complement the restaurant’s diverse menu.
A Perfect Spot for Date Nights and After-Work Gatherings
Postino excels as a go-to venue for both date nights and after-work get-togethers. The warm, inviting atmosphere creates a relaxed setting for a romantic evening, with dim lighting and comfortable seating that encourages conversation and connection. For those looking to unwind after a busy day, the restaurant offers a welcoming environment where you can enjoy quality food and drink in good company. Whether you’re planning a special date night or just looking for a great place to meet friends after work, Postino provides a memorable experience that’s sure to satisfy.
