10 Decade-Defining Moments

10 Decade-Defining Moments

When we launched Raleigh Mag a decade ago, there was no blueprint—just a belief that this city deserved a publication that actually got it. One that didn’t play it safe. One that celebrated Raleigh’s growth while questioning the growing pains. One that gave a damn.

Over the past 10 years, as the voice of Raleigh, we’ve chronicled her rise, spotlighted the changemakers, and captured this city’s evolution, from triumphs to turning points, grand openings to goodbyes—one issue, one neighborhood, one headline at a time. 

From our first print-run jitters to becoming Raleigh’s most trusted and talked-about source, it’s been one hell of a ride. So, as we hit year 10, Publisher/owner Gina Stephens looks back at 10 defining snapshots that shaped who we are—and, more importantly, give insight to where we’re headed next.

Raleigh Mag’s very first issue (!) splashed on the scene, quickly becoming Raleighites’ and visitors’ go-to resource.

Our first recurring TV segment on CBS17, marking a major milestone—bringing our voice and visuals straight to the screen.

Lacing up to walk alongside the community we cover with the likes of the ALS Walk exudes our deep commitment to supporting causes that matter.

Ushering in a bold new era—Raleigh-bred, seasoned Editor-in-Chief Melissa Howsam joins as visionary force and partner-in-crime.

Santa, we know him! Every year, RM sets up at DRA’s Downtown tree lighting to take pics of families, friends, couples, etc. with St. Nick.

Celeb chef Ford Fry yaps with Publisher Gina Stephens on RM’s Office Talk pod while in town opening Superica at Fenton.

Photo by Albright Studio

Our first Best Restaurants Awards Party celebrated Raleigh’s restaurant titans—crowning Crawford and Son as Restaurant of the Year.

Photo by Sean Junqueira

Our first ticketed event, The Cocktail Classic shook up the scene, spotlighting RM’s best bartender noms and serving serious party-of-the-year energy.

Repping our next chapter loud and proud, our bold new look debuted in style on custom totes at our annual Best Bars bash.

RM moves into our fresh DTR digs in the heart of the Warehouse House District, putting us directly in the pulse of what’s going on in the city.

On Air, Off Air

On Air, Off Air

We get a look inside the homes of some of Raleigh’s top media titans—and the juxtaposition between their big colorful on-air personas vs. their more muted, elegant and sophisticated spaces. Meet CBS17’s Bill Young, WRAL’s Amanda Lamb and ABC11’s Kim Deaner.

Bill Young
CBS17
In TV news, it’s not typical to put down roots—so when CBS17’s Bill Young decided to buy his first-ever house in Raleigh after nearly 20 years in television, he couldn’t wait to renovate and personalize it to make it home. “I’m really proud of finally feeling settled,” says Young. Here, Young dishes the details and accoutrements of his living room/dining room refresh—and gives us a look inside his life. 


Amanda Lamb
WRAL
Behind the 30-plus-year-veteran TV reporter—not to mention podcaster and author—is a married mother of two “amazing college-aged girls and one precocious poodle, Dolly Parton,” says Lamb. As empty-nesters, she and husband Reginald “Grif” Griffin recently swapped their Cary home of  26 years for a DTR downsize with a view: a three-bedroom condo situated in a Boylan Heights high-rise that now lends her the invaluable time, space and money for experiences, not things. Here, a look at Lamb’s new locale. @alamb


Kim Deaner
ABC11
Kim Deaner fell in love with weather at the age of 7 and always wanted to be a meteorologist. Ergo the degree in atmospheric science from NC State University and 18-plus years as a meteorologist in the Raleigh market. So, “how I ended up reporting on traffic at ABC11 for more than six years now is a mystery.” An avid reader with a self-described “simple style,” the wife of 28 years and mom to one boy, two girls and two fur babies gives us a glimpse of her fixer-upper. @kimdeanerabc11