Celebs—they’re just like us. Dreamville stars were spotted in the wild during the oh-so-dreamy Dreamville Fest weekend.
Guess who’s back… back again? Dreamville—and we’ll be running it back in 2024, answering the call for Raleighites and hip-hop fans far and wide who traveled from 23 countries and four continents (!) for the fest to fill Dix Park with 100,000 people over two days. Also answering the call for city leaders—“We’d like to see Dreamville be a long-term part of Raleigh,” says Downtown Raleigh Alliance President & CEO Bill King. Dreamville is a boon for Raleigh—expected to generate ~$8 million. Beyond the economic impact, the stars are here to support local too—and were spotted aplenty around town….
Whatever you did post-Dreamville, we bet it wasn’t as cool as J. Cole and crew’s afterparty at Vidrio on Sunday (or their Friday pregame party before the big fest). The Glenwood South hot spot was transformed into a nightclub-esque environment with space for dancing, a DJ booth, LED/lasers, and a VIP area on the stage with custom Dreamville visuals—NTM a signature drink menu with the Dreamville liquor sponsors. “It was a spectacular event,” said LM Restaurants’ Marianne Stokes. “Lots of happy guests, and they were wonderful to work with.”
Look who’s here… Ushering over to Chapel Hill, Usher made an appearance at low-key classic college bar He’s Not Here with his bud Johntá Austin—who just happens to be a UNC-Chapel grad. Sounds like the Hills were indeed alive this weekend.
Looks like Big Ush loves brunch too—he was spotted in a Dreamville tee greeting fans and shooting snaps with the resto crew at beloved City Market brekky spot Big Ed’s for a late brunch.
It really is all fun and games? Capping off the weekend, J. Cole hit up Cary’s Dave & Buster’s with Summer Walker, Jessie Reyez, Waka Flocka Flame and others in tow for some hoop dreams (had to) and tabletop air hockey.
Brian Burnett, founder of Glenwood South Tailor, kept J. Cole lookin’ fresh before and during his set on Sunday night. … I think we can all agree that the ’fit was 🔥.
Bonus: Who run the world at Dreamville? Not Beyoncé, as it would turn out. In an epic and out of pocket April Fools’ hoax, Usher pranked the crowd with a warm welcome to queen Bey—but instead we were met with not a single… lady. Womp womp. But there’s always next year?
Clearly, I’m not the best plant parent. My plant baby is dying (see photo evidence)! I got her this summer and she’s thriving outside (I was told it was an outdoor plant)—until it got cold, when I brought her in. I water her about once a week, which was also recommended. I’m not sure if she needs more or less water? To be repotted? To have her dead leaves trimmed? Or… a plant funeral?! Womp womp. Help!
—Am I the Problem?
Dear Am I the Problem?,
You aren’t to blame! You sound like a conscientious plant parent who tried to follow instructions. However, you were the victim of bad info. That plant is an Aglaonema—aka Chinese evergreen. For us in NC, it’s a houseplant most of the year. It’s only an outdoor plant if you live at the equator or if you keep it outside when temps are ideal (nighttime temps consistently 55+ degrees).
Cold damage on plants doesn’t always show up right away—so it might’ve been dealt the death blow before you brought it in… and it was too late. A large portion of the top was damaged and not taking up water. What was left of the plant didn’t need much water and perhaps was victim to root rot.
The best you can do is take it out of the pot, pull or cut away any brown dead roots, and separate/cut away the brown leaves up top. Repot whatever is left in a smaller pot with fresh potting soil; place it in an area of low to moderate indoor light; and keep the soil lightly moist.
April through summer, feed monthly with half-strength houseplant fertilizer according to the frequency on the label. If it bounces back, you can return to regular strength next summer.
Tina Mast is the communications director for Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in North Raleigh. When not gardening in her shady woodland, she spends her time taking lots of flower and kitty pics, practicing ukulele, or finding a new restaurant to check out.
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy tickets—or just show up when it’s free. And you’re gonna wanna show up and show out for a host of these hot events. Here, our curated list of the top 50 must-go Raleigh events of the next 365 days—from now through March 2024. We chatted up top city organizers to vet THE hottest tickets in town—like, say, the return of Live After 5 (!) this month. So grab your planners or phones and lock in your faves. Do it for the mems.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIP-HOP MUSIC CELEBRATION “Ain’t nuttin’ but a G thang, baby.” Dance in the streets—literally—to fete 50 years of hip-hop on Fayetteville Street with this daylong street party, complete with a Family Village, live beats to honor local hip-hop pioneers, plus performances from big names like Terminator X and Petey Pablo. And—wait for it—don your best kicks and peep yourself on the Jumbotron as Raleigh rolls out the red carpet for the Sneaker Ball. Pro tip: Until May 1, lend lore to City of Raleigh Museum’s campaign to collect iconic hip-hop photos connected to Raleigh + NC. “La-di-da-di, we like to party…” Aug. 12, cityofraleighmuseum.org
Brewgaloo (Garrett Poulos)
Feast on This Feelin’ upsetti? Then eat some spaghetti, sip some Italian wine and slurp a few scoops of gelato as you stroll the DTR streets and celebrate Italian heritage/culture via the Festa Italiana Fifth Annual Cultural Celebration. It’s got a pisa our hearts! … Meanwhile, hops heads can brew up some spirited fun on Fayetteville Street via Brewgaloo (April 21–22)—aka the country’s second-largest beer fest feat. 110+ brews, plus bands, vendors, food trucks and more—while those hankering to satiate their sweet tooth can head to City Plaza for NC Sugar Rush (May 28). Here we crumb! festaraleigh.com; shoplocalraleigh.org; ncsugarrush.com
Live After 5 The greatest comeback since Rihanna: Raleigh’s taking it retro by bringing back the decades-old all-the-rage free live ’80s & ’90s concert block party—which promises cross-appeal from Gen Z to Boomers (aw, the music unites us). And lemme upgrade ya! Trade those cooler cans for social district sips (fingers crossed), nosh on local food truck fare, and shop vintage clothing—and be sure to sip on the Wye Hill signature branded hard seltzer! See you at City Plaza every third Wednesday through July. Alexa, please play “Let’s Get the Party Started.” Starts April 19, downtownraleigh.org
Boylan Heights Art Walk Hype up with some Jay Z “Picasso Baby” or channel your inner Andy Warhol and while away the day going all “Viva la Vida” via Boylan Heights’ famed perennial art walk showcasing a hundred-plus local artists and craftspeople’s wares across myriad mediums on a gaggle of gorgeous neighborhood porches, yards and sidewalks.Winter tbd, boylanheights.org
Dueling Dinosaurs Rawr! Surely you won’t dino-snore during this highly anticipated years-in-the-making blast into the past—67 million years back, to be exact—highlighting the mysteries, history and research of two iconic dynamic dinos: the Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex. Can you dig it? Opening Dec. 2 (tentative), naturalsciences.org
Hopscotch (Michael Robson)
Jam Out We don’t sleep on live tunes. What with J. Cole’s annual Dreamville Festival (April 1–2) drawing music lovers the world over—especially thanks to this year’s star headliners Drake and Usher (“Usher, Usher, Usher…”). NTM Hopscotch’s perennial fall return to DTR (Sept. 7–9) with a slew of both recognized and up-and-coming artists—plus all the local vendors and parties for which its known, natch. And, not to pull your strings, the largest urban bluegrass festival in the world with IBMA World of Bluegrass (Sept. 26–30). dreamvillefest.com; hopscotchmusicfest.com; worldofbluegrass.org
Moonshine and Motorsports Drinking and driving merge (not at the same time)—and it’s a thing. The Moonshine and Motorsports Trail revs up on statewide speedways—and this NCMH detour into the speedhungry hoochers behind the multibillion-dollar industry is a dose of pop-history in the fast lane you’re gonna wanna make a pit stop for. Opening tbd, ncmuseumofhistory.org
Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Festival Whether you’re feeling cheesy, wine-y or just plain sweet, you’re gonna wanna belly up for Lafayette Village’s annual smorgasbord of all things wine, cheese and chocolate. Sample your way through vendors while enjoying live music and shopping—plus some sweet knowledge from the experts. Sounds gouda! April 29, lafayettevillageraleigh.com
Craig Robinson “BTB (bring that booty)” for a good time as everyone’s favorite The Office warehouse guy—NTM his roles in This Is the End and Hot Tub Time Machine—brings the funny to Raleigh. Sept. 15–17, improv.com
Moonlight in the Garden “And at last we see the light…” Only once in a blue moon are you able to meander through a magical lighted garden, roast a marshmallow or two, enjoy live jams, and sip on some warm cider on a cool November night at the JC Raulston Arboretum. How de-light-ful. Nov. 8–19, jcra.ncsu.edu
Holt Brothers Flag Football (Bray Photos)
Holt Brothers Flag Football Get a kick outta competition for a good cause? Who doesn’t. Hit the field for some Saturday game play for fun(draiser) feat. tailgating, touchdowns, tournaments and more to help local families fight cancer. Talk about teamwork! April 15, holtbrothersfoundation.org
Raleigh Dead queens, an executioner, a court of vipers and a jealous king? Yes, please. Get schooled on our fair city’s namesake Sir Walter Raleigh via this poignant biography by Raleigh’s claim to fame Ira David Wood III himself. What will Raleigh’s fate be?! June 8–18, theatreinthepark.com
The Soccer Tournament Channel your inner Ted Lasso and believe your fave team can shoot for the stars during this 32-team World Cup-style tourney consisting of group play and single elimination knockout rounds at WakeMed Soccer Park—with a winner-takes-all $1 million prize to boot. Can you kick it? June 1–4, thetournament.com
Frankenstein We all just want to be loved—even Frankenstein’s “repulsive” monster. Behold Carolina Ballet Artistic Director Zalman Raffael’s hauntingly theatrical and seductively beautiful interpretation of Mary Shelley’s classic tale, also feat. a “New Haunted Tale” choreographed by Robert Weiss. Oct. 12–29 (tentative), carolinaballet.com
Out! Raleigh Pride We’re here, we’re queer—and we’re ready to get loud and proud and paint Raleigh rainbow-colored for the 11th installment of Out! Raleigh Pride, the inclusive fam-friendly fest that promotes acceptance and diversity via a fun-filled day on Fayetteville Street with a slew of live entertainment, artists, vendors, activities, a KidsZone—and bites and brews, natch—all to benefit the LGBT Center of Raleigh. We love love! June 24, outraleigh.com
David Spade “It’s funny because it’s funny”—catch him inside DPAC for a can’t-miss laugh as the legendary comedian and actor (SNL, Grown Ups, Tommy Boy, Joe Dirt…) brings his Catch Me Inside tour to town. Life’s a garden—dig it! April 20, dpacnc.com
NC State Fair (Justin Kase Conder)
Local Festivities Oh, for the love of NC! It doesn’t get more Carolina than the Got to Be NC Festival (May 19–21)—three down-home days digging all things NC via family entertainment, agricultural shows, live music, local food and bev vendors, and more. … And we’re fairly certain you’re gonna wanna mark your cal for fried food, farm animals, games and rides galore at this year’s NC State Fair (Oct. 12–22). Pro tip: Wait at least 30 min after indulging in the likes of turkey legs, fried cookie dough and other fair fare to spike your adrenaline. ncstatefair.org; gottobencfestival.com
Kevin Nealon “I’m Kevin Nealon, and that’s news to me.” Before there was Michael Che and Colin Jost (and a cadre of other culturally iconic comics), Kevin Nealon helmed the SNL news desk delivering the wickedly funny Weekend Update from 1991–94—and now you can see him live in Raleigh. Oct. 5–7, goodnightscomedy.com
NCSU Home Opener Show up and show out for the season home opener at Carter-Finley as State pummels the Fighting Irish and sends them packing as the Whining Irish. Ayeee! #WITHSept. 9, gopack.com
Krispy Kreme Challenge “… And my stunning digestive pyrotechnics.” Take a lesson from 10 Things I Hate About You’s Cat and, well, do-nut show off your guts. Do pound 12 doughnuts, 2,400 calories and 5 miles in 1 hour as trailglazers unite annually in the name of charity for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. February tbd, krispykremechallenge.com
Art in Bloom Hey, bloomers! The NCMA gets its annual floral transformation during this highly anticipated exhibit in which local artists recreate works found in the People’s Collection into colorful bloom-filled masterpieces. You best be-leaf it’s one for the books. March 2024 (tentative), ncartmuseum.org
Turkey Ball Without feather ado… you’re gonna wanna gobble up tix and gobble down this Italian Thanksgiving feast for the greater good via Mulino’s annual fundraiser, where your $45 ticket lets you have a ball (!) while sponsoring a local family’s Thanksgiving turkey. Gobble, gobble, good. Nov. 16, mulinoraleigh.com
Misery “I’m your No. 1 fan. There’s nothing to worry about. You’re gonna be just fine. I’ll take good care of you.” Unhinged Annie Wilkes turns true life stranger than fiction when she “rescues” (er, holds hostage) her fave novelist from a near-fatal car crash in this gripping Raleigh Little Theatre rendition of the Stephen King spine-tingling psychological thriller classic that made Kathy Bates a household (horror) name. Oct. 20–Nov. 5, raleighlittletheatre.org
Dan Soder Don’t take Soder too seriously—because he’s not. The self-dubbed “mall clown” (don’t worry—he’s “cool with it”) of, most recently, Showtime’s Billions fame (as Mafee) brings his charismatic casual style of “personal comedy” underground to Goodnights for three can’t-miss nights of funny. Aug. 24–26, goodnightscomedy.com
Summer Salute Hey, beaches! Ready to tropiclike it’s hot?! Putting the “fun” in fundraising, Raleigh’s best beach party is back courtesy of North State Bank’s 20th annual charity event. Coastal vibes are high @ North Ridge Country Club via The Embers live—plus dancing, food and waves of fun—with proceeds benefiting Transitions LifeCare. Let’s shellebrate! June 3, summersalute.com
Rock Your World For those about to rock—we salute you! Rock out for ’Merica at this 12th annual fest to benefit the U.S. Veterans Corps of Raleigh and the Hope For Haiti Foundation feat. Garland Mason, Band of Brothers, Sidewinder, the American Bombshells and other entertainment. Plus, honor the troops via wine tastings, a silent auction, liquor and food tents, a paratrooper exhibition, and more. Sept. 10, rockyourworldraleigh.com
ELF the Musical “Elves love to tell stories. I bet you didn’t know that about elves.” … No-Buddy is gonna wanna miss NC Theatre’s rendition of this feel-good Christmas classic about our fave orphaned elf’s journey to find his fam… and the true meaning of Christmas, of course. Time to embrace your inner elf! Dec. 9–17, nctheatre.com
Canes Season Opener Pucker up! Raleigh’s Bunch of Jerks take to the ice once again for another exciting season of goal-oriented competition. Stay tuned for the opposing team announcement this summer. … You know we’re all about that ice. October tbd, nhl.com
Packapalooza “We’re the red and white from State!”… Party with the Pack at NC State’s annual daylong street fest/block party feat. live music, activities, entertainment, delish fare and hundreds of vendor booths. A packed day of fun for sure (!). Aug. 26 (tentative), packapalooza.ncsu.edu
Over the Edge (Special Olympics North Carolina)
Over the Edge Calling all adrenaline junkies! The sky’s the limit for those ready to rappel down a DTR skyscraper while supporting Special Olympics North Carolina. Alexa, play “On Top of the World.”Sept. 30, sonc.net
City of Raleigh Museum 30th Anniversary Gala “G-l-a-m-o-r-o-u-s… We flyin’ first class… poppin’ Champagne” at the City of Raleigh Museum for its “pearl” anniversary. Rub shoulders with Raleighites to fete all the pearls of wisdom COR has dropped on us over the last 30 years—and cheers to 30 more.Sept. 23, cityofraleighmuseum.org
Hops for Hope Drink for the children? Twist our arms. Taste your way through 30+ special sips brewed up by local brewery and corporate team collabs to benefit Children’s Flight of Hope’s mission to provide families flights for specialized medical care. Pro tip: Be sure to sample Raleigh Mag’s curated brew in partnership with Crank Arm! Sept. 16, hopsforhope.org
Barbecue Drug intervention at the family barbecue? Beats the motel. Get the popcorn ready as the O’Mallery sibs clumsily call out sister Barbara for her out-of-hand drug habit in not one, but two family orientations—one white, one Black—to expose and juxtapose racial and family politics in this raucous and rollicking comedic affair that skewers our warped view of American family. Prepare yourself for some heat—both on and off the grill (!).Oct. 18–29, theatreraleigh.com
Artsplosure (Chris Richman)
Artsplosure Raleigh’s original and longest-running arts fest, this “artsplosion” transitions DTR into a two-day arts and culture mecca feat. a 175-countrywide-artist eclectic Art Market showcasing works across myriad mediums—plus live performances touting emerging national and regional acts, Kidsplosure, and unique installations you’ll def be drawn to. May 20–21, artsplosure.org
Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour “Safety never takes a holiday.” … Don’t miss this comedy king (of queens!) making his way to Raleigh for a night of funnies. “Grown-ups,” only. May 7, martinmariettacenter.com
Make Music Raleigh “Please don’t stop the music…” Join the global movement (1K+ cities worldwide—born 41 years ago in France) and sing and play on the streets, sidewalks and parks across Raleigh for this free live festival of music. June 21, makemusicday.org/raleighorg
Evening of Hope Go glam to give a damn. Sparkle—and spark hope—at Foundation of Hope’s annual elegant Evening of Hope Gala at the Pavilion at Angus Barn feat. a dazzling & delish multicourse dinner by Iron Chef Walter Royal with wine pairings, plus fab live and silent auctions and celeb keynote speaker (previous stars include Marie Osmond, Brooke Shields, Ashley Judd, LeAnn Rimes…), all to raise dollars, awareness and hope for—and stamp out the stigma around—mental illness. Pro tip: Up the ante by igniting hope at, well, younger gala Igniting Hope feat. live band! Sept. 13 & 14, walkforhope.com
Tried + True
Holiday events to keep your season spirited
Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol 50th Anniversary Don’t be such a Scrooge. Wish a fond farewell to Ira David Wood III via this iconic musical, comedic and timely interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale. December, @theatreinthepark
Chinese Lantern Festival Feast your eyes on 40+ awe-inspiring Chinese lantern displays and captivating nightly cultural performances. Glow on! Mid-November–early January, @booth_amp
First Night Raleigh Ring in the new year via DTR’s highly anticipated acorn drop, live music, fireworks and more. Here’s to 2024 (!). Dec. 31, @firstnightraleigh
DRA Tree Lighting For a tree-mendously good time, grab the fam and head to DTR’s tree lighting, also feat. local food trucks, beer and wine, and vendors (we’ll be there!)—plus photo ops with Santa (!). Nov. 17, @downtownraleighalliance
State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony You turn me on! Kick off the holiday season with decor, government dignitaries, sweet seasonal treats and perhaps an appearance from the jolly ’ol elf himself. December, @ncstatecapitol
Christmas Parade “Oh, my God! Santa, here?! I know him! I know him!” Spot Santa—and the others—from the streets or the couch (on ABC11) in the largest Xmas parade between DC and Atlanta. Nov. 18, @raleighchristmasparade
WRAL Nights of Lights For holiday magic served up caravan-style, grab your crew for a drive-thru light display that sleighs. Late November–late December, @wralnightsoflights
Illuminate See DTR light up (literally) for the holiday season as you stroll the streets and experience large-scale interactive and light-based art pieces. #ItsLit. Opens Dec. 1, @downtownraleighalliance
Jingle Ball Mix, mingle and chill with Kris Kringle at Capital City Clauses’ annual Jingle Ball at the Museum of Natural Sciences. Holly jolly, indeed! December, @capitalcityclauses.
Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella, Holiday Musical If the shoe fits… wear it to see the fairy tale magic of Cinderella dancing the night away. Just be sure to make it home before midnight! Dec. 1–17, @rlt1936
Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker “Son of a nutcracker!” For an evening sure to be on pointe, nab tix to this classical Christmas performance. Let’s get crackin’. Dec. 12–24 (tentative), @carolinaballet
As anxiety and self-harm escalate, mental health concerns are top of mind.
Mental health has gone from public health crisis to epidemic—and it’s touching every age group and demographic.
According to the NCDHHS, of the 2,423 violent deaths in 2020, almost 60%—or 1,436—were suicide. Per NC Child Fatality Task Force’s most recent report, 57 youths took their own lives—with a 46% surge in self-harm ER visits among girls aged 10–14 from 2020–21. At NC State, eight student deaths have been reported this school year, with at least five reported as suicides—and per a university counseling center survey last year, 27% of students said they were so depressed they found it difficult to function. And per NCDHHS, while suicide rates are higher among males, the suicide rate peaks for females aged 45–54.
Anxiety has been named as a major contributor to the escalation of these deaths. According to UNC professor of psychology and neuroscience and Director of Clinical Psychology PhD program Jonathan Abramowitz, PhD, “Anxiety is a universal experience we all have—it’s part of the fight/flight response, which is there to protect us from harm. But sometimes anxiety can become overwhelming for some people to the extent it gets in the way of their functioning and causes a great deal of distress.”
In light of the current events, we sat down with Dr. Abramowitz to discuss contributing factors, warning signs, breaking the stigma and more.
How has anxiety evolved?Anxiety went from being a ‘normal’ human emotion we all learn to live and operate with to being something we need to control, avoid or fight—which is especially apparent over the last 10–20 years with a shift toward protecting others (our kids, students, etc.) from anxiety, rather than supporting them in how to get through anxiety. We’ve come to view anxiety as a liability, rather than as our friendly and life-saving fight/flight response.
What has been a major contributing factor? In the ’90s–’00s with the internet/social media, we started trying to prepare the road for the child rather than preparing the child for the road. On social media, we don’t see people having anxiety (only the positive aspects of their lives), so we start to think we shouldn’t be anxious. The media very much feeds into the narrative that anxiety should be avoided or controlled, and life can and should be anxiety-free—which is, of course, untrue!
At what cost? By protecting others from anxiety (especially kids), we’re missing opportunities to teach them helpful life strategies for managing inevitable stress and anxiety. Being overwhelmed with anxiety does not mean anything’s wrong with the person, only that they experience anxiety at times, or at levels, that are unhelpful.
How do we break the stigma? We need to do more to help people understand mental health and illness, rather than perpetuating the fear and misunderstanding. Strong scientific evidence shows calling mental problems ‘disorders’ and ‘diseases of the brain’ leads to fear and greater misunderstanding. When we create a better understanding of mental health experiences (anxiety, panic, OCD, etc.), we create more respect for these challenges.
How do we better educate the community? Many people think we should more strongly label mental disorders as ‘medical disorders’ like any other. But we’ve been trying this strategy for 30+ years and it isn’t working particularly well. We need to help people understand—whether it’s anxiety, panic, obsessions, substance use, hallucinations, mania, attentional difficulties, depression, body image concerns, etc.—these are part of the human experience, not a ‘brain disease.’ We all experience many of these in various forms—they’re a part of human experience. Moreover, it’s often society’s acceptance that makes all the difference.
What are some of the warning signs of anxiety bordering suicide/self-harm?If the anxiety is associated with severe depression. We can recognize this by checking in with people we know are dealing with anxiety to make sure they are still engaging in their activities and not becoming socially isolated.
Have we historically seen education change perception? Before 1973, gay people were given a psychiatric diagnosis and given treatment by trying to convert them. Now, we sneer at these practices. But we got here not by labeling gay as a brain disease, but, instead, by coming to understand homosexuality is a normal expression of sexuality. We became less fearful as a society through education. In 1973, homosexuality was removed from the list of mental disorders and conversion fell out of favor. Maybe we can educate society and change the tolerance for other types of experiences currently labeled as brain diseases.
Help is available. Need someone to talk to? Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
A cup of coffee… it’s simple, but nevertheless can make or break your morning. Going to work without it would be a tragedy (never mind the dirty look from your boss when you show up late)—but having the coffee shop get your order wrong? Borderline world-ending.
Lately, I’ve noticed when ordering a cuppa joe, the question that follows from the barista is often: “hot or cold?” I’m sorry, but pretty sure all coffee is assumed hot unless explicitly stated otherwise. You either order a freshly brewed cup of coffee or an iced coffee or cold brew (I’m not even going to touch on all the fancy macchiatos and such). Did I say “iced”? No. So why in the world am I getting asked this question?!
There is something about that statement too… hot or cold? It’s terribly unelevated! In that same vein, cold is miserable, especially in the wintertime. Don’t even think about asking me if I want a cold drink in the middle of winter.
I will say, however, I’ll take the brutal cringey question over having the barista make me the wrong drink. I’ll never forget the morning I went to my favorite local coffee shop and politely asked for a plain latte. Moments later, at the other end of the bar, the drink appeared; the barista simply smiled and nodded in my direction. But, alas, it was iced. Day. Ruined.
—Hot Coffee Snob
Want to rant with us? Read more opinion pieces here and here.
