Calling all smarty pants! Test your wits and win prizes via these crafty trivia nights.
Hey, know-it-alls! It’s time to put your talents to the test with a night of trivia out on the town. … And no one in the Triangle has more experience helping trivia junkies stretch those mental muscles than Tom Marshall, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary at the helm of his venture Big Slow Tom’s Trivia this year.
You can find his so-called “no-frills” trivia at restaurants and bars in and around the city, including Wakefield Tavern (the endeavor’s flagship locale), all three Woody’s locations, Clouds Brewing, The Piper’s Tavern and more. Or, hire Big Slow Tom to fuel a bit of rivalry at your next event—whether a birthday party, fundraiser or office social.
“My entire life is basically playing Six Degrees From Kevin Bacon,” says Marshall, who prides himself on crafting questions that result in face-palm moments. Rather than quizzing folks on obscure details, he wants players to hear the answers and say, “Oh yeah! I knew that.”
To boot, connecting with triviagoers is one of Marshall’s favorite parts of the job. He’s had the pleasure of watching many of his regulars grow up, get married and have kids. “I’ve met so many great people and seen their lives evolve in front of me,” he says. “They’ve become friends.”
NTM a trivia night is a great excuse to take a break from doomscrolling social media and enjoy a little healthy competition among friends. (Speaking of Friends—for 50 points, what was the name of Phoebe Buffay’s estranged twin sister?)
“I want people to interact,” says Marshall. “It’s a chance to not be staring at your phones.”
So, dust off your pencils, put down your iPhone and get ready to rack your brain. Bonus: Big Slow Tom’s Trivia boasts prizes and bragging rights for your all-star team. Victory! (Oh, and for those of you playing along—Phoebe’s sister? That would be Ursula). How’s that for a quiz pro quo?
Ready, set, spike! Spring has sprung and Spikeball season is officially upon us. You might’ve seen “that yellow trampoline game” popping up at a local park/college campus, or making its debut on Shark Tankcirca 2015—and volleyball and foursquare’s love child has continued to grow in popularity since Spikeball Inc. was launched in 2008.
For the roundnet rookies, a quick lowdown on how the game works: Two teams of two face off with a serve on the net to start the point. Once the ball bounces back up at the opposing team, they have a total of three hits to get it back on the net—aka a bump, set, spike—with play continuing until one team fails to return the ball. And for the pros, expertise can be added to the equation in the form of special serves, dives and fancy moves.
The super-fun and group-friendly competitive game has amassed a particularly large following for chill outdoor hangs (spikes on the beach, anyone?), but it’s also grown into a competitive sport that attracts athletes from all over.
“One of the coolest things about Spikeball is that the sport is still developing,” says Blake Deuser, an amateur Spikeball athlete who has competed in numerous tournaments—from Raleigh Roundnet and NC State intramural games all the way up to Spikeball Nationals. “Rule changes happen, and it’s fun to be part of that experience.”
Deuser got his start in the sport during college playing with friends, and although he rose in the roundnet ranks, he still loves a casual game with his crew every chance he gets—which speaks to the nature of the sport.
So, let’s dive into the local spike scene. Here, a few local leagues and spots to serve it up with your Spikeball squad. Balls away! @spikeball
A Place at the Table launching its very own run/walk club
Walk—or run—toward good food, fun and meaningful connections via A Place at the Table’s newly launching Run & Walk Club (!).
“We believe that through being active, eating good nutritional food and connection, we can build a healthier and happier community together,” the philanthropic sup spot said in a recent Instagram post. “Come be a part of our family of folks that enjoy loving on others and love spreading our mission of providing community and good food regardless of means!”
The run/walking will commence and conclude at the cafe—looping around the perimeter of Nash and Moore Square—with 3- and 1-mile ops.
Happy Pi Day! If you’re in the mood for 3.14 times the fun (!), peep our selects for how to celebrate the day locally. … Whether you’re a math enthusiast or a sweet/savory pie lover, one thing remains constant: You’re gonna wanna get a slice of the action.
Pie and cocktails? Name a better combo—we’ll wait. Opening its doors for the special occasion (they’re normally closed on Tuesdays!), Bittersweet will be serving sweet slices and slinging cocktails from 1 to 6pm. … In pie we crust, indeed!
Life’s all about balance, so lace up your sneaks for this 3.14 kilometer (~1.95 mile) fun run at C.M. Herndon Park, followed by a freshly baked crostada by Durham-based James Beard Pastry Chef Award nominee Phoebe Lawless. And be sure to grab an “equation” shirt after you cross the finish line!
Life is as easy as pie at one of Raleigh’s most renowned sup spots touting tons of pie ops—from Key lime and caramel apple to chocolate pecan pies. Yum!
It’s as simple as 3.141592… and it only costs $3.14 to grab a slice of pie from Durham baker Phoebe Lawless on the rooftop of The Durham Hotel—or a whole pie if you’re feelin’ frisky. Expect pie flavors like double chocolate chess; pear and almond crumb; buttermilk sugar; lavender chess; and apple with bacon and crispy cheddar crumb. Keep your eyes on the pies.
Piece out! Grab a pizza pie from this local family-owned Italian joint touting specialty slices that can’t be topped… unless it’s with pepperoni, veggies or extra cheese, of course.
