The November issue of Raleigh Magazine will be on stands around town and delivered to your doors and mailboxes in just a few days! If you can’t wait until then, here’s a quick look at some of the stories we have in store.
ABC 123
Ever seen a unicorn? Well if you’re a bourbon lover in NC who’s happened to land an impossible-to-find bottle of Blanton’s or Buffalo Trace, then maybe you are one of the lucky few. So why can’t you get the bottles you want? Why do people make a break for SC and other states for bottles? (Spoiler alert: Ours is one of only seven where the state owns all the liquor stores directly). Here, we do a deep-dive into NC’s arguably archaic state-run system.
Waterfront Park
Picture this. Riding your bike on rolling waterside greenways before propping up for a brew with views. Strolling with your partner or pup before popping into a hip retail spot. Perching with a book before meeting friends for a bite on the banks. All positioned in a reimagined high-density residential area chock-full of 7- to 12-story mixed-use buildings with residential, retail and restaurants. Enter the Midtown Waterfront District, the City of Raleigh’s newest anticipated project.
Raising the Bar
Photo by Food Seen
Feeling aged out of the bar scene? Time to rethink your weekend plans. Hear us out. Local hospitality entrepreneurs are reimagining—and elevating—their spaces to “age in” those who feel they don’t “belong” and re-attract patrons of all ages Downtown.
48 Hours in Raleigh
Got visitors in town this holiday season? Whether you’re hanging with your hip single besties, friends with young kids, your empty-nester parents, some art-savvy culture vultures or your octogenarian grandparents, we’ve got you covered with 48-hour schedules of what to do—and where to put them up—during their time here. With this in-depth guide, they’ll experience not a second of boredom—and you’ll be left feeling oh-so stress-free. Also, our planner easily transitions to a self-help staycation guide.
Let’s Get Fizzical
White Claw, who? Meet your new go-to RTD (aka ready to drink) obsession: Ranch Water Hard Seltzer. A riff on the trending Texas sipper—dubbed Ranch Water—this new sipworthy canned creation from Lonerider Brewing Company features notes of Ranch Water, agave, lime puree, sea salt and tequila essence, and weighs in at a mere 80 cals and 3.6% ABV. Rolling out in November, we betcha can’t stop at just one…
SPONSORED CONTENT: Imagine never having to worry about shaving or scheduling a wax appointment before hitting the pool or going on a beach trip. With laser hair removal, it’s a reality! If you’ve considered living a hair-free life without the hassles of shaving and waxing, you likely have questions. Laser hair removal has become more mainstream and many swear by it, but there’s a lot of outdated or just plain wrong information out there about it.
Since these treatments affect your body, it’s important to get the facts about laser hair removal, the ins and outs of the treatments, and what you can expect from an expert. That’s why we spoke to Raleigh’s laser hair removal experts at Milan Laser Hair Removal about everything you need to know before getting laser hair removal. Trust us: it will make your life easier!
First, how does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal literally gets to the root of the problem! A laser pulse is delivered directly to the targeted area during laser hair removal treatments, and a controlled amount of heat safely and effectively damages the follicles. Because the hair is destroyed at the source, it can never grow again—ever.
And it’s important to know that laser hair removal is for everyone! It’s not just for a certain gender, age, or skin tone. Laser hair removal works for all skin tones when performed properly. But not all laser hair removal providers are equal, so do your research and find one with the technologies to treat the entire skin tone spectrum. For example, Milan Laser uses the Candela GentleMax Pro that includes two lasers—the Nd: YAG for darker skin and the Alexandrite for lighter skin tones. That way, places like Milan Laser can create a tailored treatment plan for a client’s exact hair type and skin tone.
What’s the cost of laser hair removal compared to waxing and shaving?
People get in the habit of shaving every morning and going to waxing appointments, but they don’t sit and do the math on what’s being thrown away on temporary results. The average person spends 39 hours a year shaving and $3,800 over a lifetime on shaving essentials. For waxing appointments at salons, you’re looking at $24,000 over a lifetime.
Laser hair removal, on the other hand, is an investment rather than an expense. We say that because, over time, laser hair removal saves you time and money with permanent results. The average Milan Laser client is 95%+ hair-free within seven to 10 treatments. To get the best value for your money, take advantage of places that offer laser hair removal specials and payment plans. For instance, Milan Laser offers no-interest, affordable laser hair removal payment plans that can be as low as $29 a month.
Think of a pair of shoes that costs more than other shoes upfront—they’re likely better quality, and they’ll have greater longevity than a pair cheaply made. But because the more expensive shoes never have to be repurchased, the cost per wear makes the value go way up, and you’re not consistently replacing the cheaper shoes when they fall apart. Laser hair removal is a lot like that—the money and time spent on waxing appointments, replacing razors, and buying shaving cream becomes cyclical and costs more in the end. You can’t put a price on never shaving or waxing again, figuratively speaking.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
It’s important to avoid sun exposure before laser hair removal treatments. Your skin needs to be its natural skin tone to be safely treated, so stay away from tanning beds or sunless tanner throughout your treatment, and make sure to regularly apply sunscreen or cover up when you’re outdoors. The treatment area needs to be clean-shaven, and at Milan Laser, we recommend shaving the day of or before your treatment for best results. You’ll also want to go in for treatments with clean skin—no makeup, lotion, deodorant, or perfume.
You’ll find that laser hair removal treatments are done relatively fast, and there’s no downtime after, as opposed to painful waxing appointments. And best of all, the results you get after each treatment are permanent when done properly. But because our bodies change as we age due to genetics or hormones, new hair follicles can become active, and new hair can grow—this is where touch-up fees come into play. To guarantee lifetime results, some places offer unlimited laser hair removal packages, like Milan Laser. If you choose one of these laser hair removal providers, you’ll never have to worry about touch-up fees or other surprise costs down the road.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Compared to waxing, it’s a piece of cake! Waxing has the biggest ouch factor of all, and so does at-home IPL (intense pulse light). We read so many laser hair removal reviews from clients who insist laser hair removal treatments are either painless or feel like a sting similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin, but only for a millisecond—the time it takes for the laser to zap your hair.
Many lasers, such as the Candela GentleMax Pro used at Milan Laser, have built-in comfort features. Some less sophisticated, outdated lasers have numbing creams, messy gels, or chilled air that’s blown on the treatment area. The Candela offers the most comfortable laser hair removal treatments because it includes a cooling cryogen mist that’s released immediately after each laser pulse to reduce any potential discomfort.
Life’s a little less stressful when you don’t have to worry about waxing and shaving, all for temporary results. Ready to save time and money and quit outdated hair removal methods for good? Give Milan Laser a call at 833-NO-RAZOR or go in for a free consultation. Visit with a local laser hair removal expert at either of Milan Laser’s locations conveniently located in Raleigh and Durham.
Executive chef Ashleigh Fleming is bringing high-quality eats to the small town of Littleton—and by small we mean barely 1-square-mile small—via recently opened Blue Jay Bistro. A realization of entrepreneur Ed Fitts’ vision to breathe new life into his hometown, the approachable-meets-fine dining restaurant is set in an indoor/outdoor oasis serving up stunning intricate design, with Southern-inspired dishes such as Wild Catter oysters, pickled shrimp and watermelon, and a sweet tea-brined pork chop (though menu items will rotate constantly based on seasonality and local availability). And Fleming won’t settle for anything less than a full stomach, so finish your meal with some beignets or a decadent slice of flourless chocolate cake. bluejaybistro.com
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Park’s Food Street | Durham
Want some global grub that’s all that and dim sum? Park’s Food Street, (a food hall concept by Jay Park, also the owner of Durham’s Itaewon Grill), features three restaurants, each offering their own unique Korean-fusion fare in a vibrant Seoul-inspired atmosphere. Whether you prefer to chow down on chicken in a cup at CupDak, nosh on noodles from Ramyun Time, or taste a taco or two from Taco Park, Park’s cuisine is worth a hang in the Bull City. Pho real. parksfoodst.com
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The PumpHouse 1906 | Kinston
Shake up cocktail hour at Social House Vodka’s new cocktail bar, The PumpHouse 1906, in Kinston, where the North Carolina-made vodka is used in a plethora of superb drinks. From a classic vodka Collins and caipiroska (a traditional Brazilian take on a vodka caipirinha) to the refreshing Summer’s Gettin’ Good (made with Social House Vodka, fresh muddled watermelon, homemade jalapeno syrup and fresh pressed lime)—all the boozy bevs were created by local cocktail connoisseur Bob Peters. And if vodka isn’t your thing, there’s cocktails with gin, tequila and whiskey too. socialhousevodka.com
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Pluck Farm | Carrboro
High times are in store for visitors to Steel String Brewery’s recently debuted Pluck Farm, which just started selling pre-rolled CBD joints—completely legal in NC, BTW, as they don’t contain any THC or psychoactive properties—from Handèwa Farms. Located just 10 miles down Highway 54 from the brewery, Pluck Farm grows flowers, hops, native fruit varieties and more—and features a disc golf course and sizable beer garden. So you can spend the weekend lying in the grass, smoking a CBD joint and sipping on a brewski. Puff, puff, pass the beer! steelstringbrewery.com
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Dram & Draught | Durham
Dram & Draught will always be your go-to comfortable, cool neighborhood bar, no matter what neighborhood—or city—it’s in, which now includes Durham. Recently opening in the Bull City, Dram & Draught Durham is doling the same amazing whiskey selection, kickass cocktails, well-curated beer list and small-but-interesting wine list we all know and love about our resident Raleigh D&D—plus unique cocktails curated by the Durham team of bartenders. Cheers to that! dramanddraught.com
New plant mom Hayden Stephens picked up her penchant for houseplants last year (sound familiar?)—and now has a budding collection of 15. As she works on cultivating her newfound plant passion (“I killed one this week,” she mourns), she poses this question to our Plant Pundit: What is one tool, device or lesson that makes all the difference in keeping your plants alive (and thriving!)? –Hayden Stephens
Dear Hayden,
The most important lesson I can share is that you really don’t know a plant until you’ve killed it a few times! Plants become unhappy for any number of reasons, but each time we lose a plant, we learn another lesson. Don’t beat yourself up if one of your plants passes on. Instead, figure out what may have happened and dust yourself off and try again!
The key to success with houseplants is figuring out the lighting and the water. Succulents and cacti, for example, need very bright, direct light—so they’re not going to thrive 10 feet away from a north-facing window. So, the first question I always ask is: “What kind of light do you get?” Most people answer that it’s pretty bright. That’s great—but what you want to consider is proximity to windows, the direction the windows face and things that would block light (buildings, trees).
If you’re not sure about your lighting, look at the shadows. Dark shadows with a super-hard edge means very bright, direct light. Faint shadows mean lower, more moderate light, and no shadow means low to no light. Understanding your lighting situation will inform which plants will be happiest!
When it comes to figuring out if it’s time to water, the best tool available to us is literally at our fingertips! Forget your apps and your calendars and actually stick your finger in the soil! Depending on the plant, if the soil is still wet a few knuckles deep, you may want to wait a couple more days before you water again. And make sure you really get in there because the soil may be dry to the touch on top, but it’s soaking wet below. Welcome to the wonderful world of houseplants!
In this series, Copperline Plant Co. owner and founder Anna Grace FitzGerald offers tips on how to plant parent like the pros. When she’s not working in the greenhouse, FitzGerald can be found playing with the dogs, sharing a cold beverage with friends or learning a new craft. @copperlineplants; copperlineplants.com
The October issue of Raleigh Magazine will be on stands around town and delivered to your doors and mailboxes in just a few days! If you can’t wait until then, here’s a quick look at some of the stories we have in store.
Revealed: Raleigh Developments
400H
We get exclusive never-before-seen news and views on three hot new developments—Raleigh Iron Works, 400H and Platform—that are sure to take our fair city next-level, from aesthetic to amenities and beyond… bringing with them a plethora of unique opportunities for live, work and play, each distinct in their own right.
Black Sheep Bartender
Pink Boot
You’ve heard the chatter. And we have the (exclusive!) answers on the two brand-new buzzy hot spots: the modern honky-tonk Pink Boot and the “Waffle House on steroids” Rainbow Luncheonette by Raleigh bar owner Jason Howard’s (the man behind uberpopular DTR bars Atlantic Lounge and The Cardinal—and the former Brooklyn Heights). Get excited!
Next Tallest Tower?
Walter Tower
Six buildings are approved to soar to new heights—contending for title as Raleigh’s next tallest tower. We spill the deets on what’s approved for 40 stories in the City of Oaks.
Vodka en Vogue
Sex and the City
Spirits are like sweaters? We chat with local bar owners and distillers about vodka’s trendy past—and how it’s coming back in style (nod to Trophy Brewing Co.’s new vodka distillery Young Hearts).
Harvest Hues
Green Romper
Speaking of fashionable trends, this fall, autumnal hues like emerald green, chocolate brown and rust are all the rage—plus beige booties, of course. Take a note from our fall fashion guide when you hit the stores this season.
