There’s no question about it—events and experiences are having a moment in the spotlight. From sports games and comedy shows to theater performances and big-name artists, people are springing on tickets in droves. Case in point: Live Nation, which also owns Ticketmaster, boasted its biggest year yet in 2023 for audience attendance and ticket sales—marking a whopping 20% increase compared to 2022.
Locally, soaring fan demand continues to sell out shows in record numbers (see: David Sedaris and P!nk each adding dates to their respective appearances). With so much (literal) fanfare, one could argue venues have the luxury of sitting tight and watching the revenue roll in. Instead, a lineup of local spots have stepped up their game—and a trend is emerging that taps into that deep desire for experiences. Through add-on options, attendees have the op to elevate their event endeavors and keep the good vibes going beyond a typical ticket.
For starters, take Martin Marietta Center’s just-launched add-on pre-show experience, The Lounge. Easily mistaken for the interior of Cinderella Castle, the lushly decorated hangout offers light bites and boujee (read: top-shelf) spirits accessed via an exclusive entrance—all at an inclusive price of $35 due to the center’s goal for all ticket purchasers to enjoy the lush atmosphere.
“We are always trying to come up with ideas that will open a fresh new experience for guests when visiting Martin Marietta Center,” notes Marketing Manager Sarah McAlister. “We wanted to make space for any ticket holder, whether they are a season ticket holder of the ballet, symphony—or visiting us to enjoy a comedy or concert. We want to provide a warm, inviting space for our guests while they are spending time with us—and The Lounge will not disappoint.”
For the big ballers, fans seeking better seats at PNC Arena can opt for a premium viewing experience feat. chef-prepared fare, VIP parking, leather seats and flat-screen TVs in suite seating. And music enthusiasts heading to The Ritz can spend a smidge more moolah for access to the lush and red-ily decorated Jupiter Lounge for priority access, raised platform views and pre-show imbibes.
Not to be left out—and a pro at the upgrades—Dreamville is launching its latest level-up this year: the Hall of Fame Suites, which showcase high-rise views, free parking (say less), an open bar and dinner buffet. Clearly, the internationally renowned fest has a draw that can’t be denied (hey, Nicki Minaj and SZA!).
Yet, the dreamy fest is known for continually enhancing the attendee experience each year—from the “Fam” hangout area offering snacks and bevvies to JV, Varsity and MVP ticket ops to, now, the Hall of Fame oasis.
And eventgoers have proven they’re willing to sacrifice more coin for an elevated experience. As with Taylor Swift’s concerts, which have shown a new upswing in traveling for the sole purpose of attending one of her shows. According to Skyscanner, a whopping 44% countrywide “are willing to fly short-haul to see their favorite artists,” with a solid 18% saying they would even hop on a longer flight for a concert.
With so many fans investing time, effort and cash for what’s oft an hourslong occurrence, it tracks that they’d jump on an add-on elevated experience too. After all, don’t we all want to feel like VIPs?
POV: digging into Figulina’s positively perfect pasta dishes
You’re not going to find pasta like Figulina’s anywhere else in Raleigh. Period. Not your run-of-the-mill Italian-American spaghetti joint, chef/owner David Ellis and team’s brand-new restaurant, which just opened in the former Humble Pie space, features just six pasta dishes on its adorably illustrated menu—and you might only recognize one or two of them by name—alongside veg-heavy small plates.
Personally, I’ve been writing about Figulina since the concept was first announced last fall, so I was somewhat familiar with the dishes by the time I finally got the chance to dine there last week. Not to mention I got the pleasure of watching Ellis and his chef de cuisine, Dylan Shook, prepare a couple of the pasta stars at his home for a photoshoot (and I’ve been thinking about them ever since…).
Naturally, the little known rotolo was one of the dishes I ordered right out of the gate. Although chef David’s presentation of the rolled pasta had changed since his home kitchen R&D, it was everything I’d hoped it to be—and then some—thanks to its flavorful pesto-esque celery root and mustard greens filling, and buttery broth base starring whey and blue oyster mushrooms.
Now, if you know me, you know I’m a big sauce girl, especially when it comes to pasta. But I didn’t miss it in this dish at all, nor did I in the short rib cappelletti with brothy mushroom conserva. Clearly, pasta in broth is having a moment—and I am here for it.
That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate the saucy rigatoni with braised sweet potatoes, caciocavallo cheese and fried garlic, a treat from Ellis himself that I happily forked into despite starting to get full. Or the gnocchi (my favorite pasta shape and another must-order) feat. turnip green pesto and stracciatella. I’m calling it now: Stracc is going to be the next burrata (you heard it here first!).
Figulina’s apps deserve a round of applause as well. Namely the market lettuces sprinkled with panko and piled high with a mountain of pecorino romano. After all, “it’s not a salad without cheese,” Ellis said after I gushed over the pecorino-to-greens ratio. Clearly he got the message of my love for cheese, as he then sent out the whipped ricotta with golden beets, castelvetrano olives and marinated rainbow carrots (two words: *chef’s kiss*).
When it comes to drinks, I rec pairing your pasta with a selection from the extensive vermouth and amaro list, a highlight of the drinks menu. You can’t go wrong with a simple Negroni—or a glass of wine if that fits your fancy. Cocktails, beer and NA options are available as well.
And, offering dinner and a show is Figulina’s pride and joy: the pasta-making room, which you can get a full view of from the large community table right next to the bar. According to Ellis, it’s the best seat in the house. But thanks to Ellis and his wife Sam’s redesign and sprucing up of the space—complete with a gorgeous mural, indoor string lights and more artwork to come—there’s not a bad spot to perch. Especially when you know you have a comforting, unique dish of pasta on the way. Bon appetit!
As Raleigh rapidly grows upward, will we be ready when the next fire ignites?
Seven years ago, a fire raged in Downtown Raleigh, burning the construction site of The Metropolitan Apartments to the ground and damaging 10 other buildings. The five-alarm fire—which persisted late into the night—was the biggest in Raleigh in almost 100 years.
Nash Square’s Fire Station 1 (South Dawson Street) played a direct role in extinguishing the flames, working swiftly to ensure no one was injured or killed—and RFD was later applauded by the city for its efforts.
But in the aftermath of those heroic measures, the blaze resulted in a devastating $50 million in damage to infrastructure and proximal businesses—not to mention lingering effects on their livelihood. Smoky Hollow’s Clouds Brewing and Little City Brewing, for example, incurred significant interruption and financial devastation as shutdown streets brought business to a grinding halt, impacting ease of access to the popular destinations for months.
Since that harrowing conflagration in March 2017, Raleigh’s rising skyline is all but unrecognizable, with a plethora of towers since joining the horizon—and many more in development, specifically in Downtown and Midtown. For its part, the latter had only three high-rises of 10 stories or more that spring (Bank of America, Captrust and Midtown Plaza), with four more erected since and two in progress.
Disaster was curbed at The Metropolitan because Raleigh fire personnel were at the ready—organized and well-equipped. But the proliferation of high-rises begs the question: What happens when the next fire burns? Is Raleigh ready?
Safety Standards
Fire safety standards are set forth by the National Fire Protection Association, which establishes a goal emergency response time of 320 seconds (aka 5.33 minutes). The NFPA breaks that goal time into an 80-second turnout and 240-second travel increments. This requirement serves to provide effective and efficient protective services and reduce the risk to life and property.
Raleigh Fire Apparatus
All 28 fire stations in Raleigh have at least one pumper truck capable of pumping at least 750 gallons per minute and several stations house battalion SUVs, cargo trailers and ATVs to boot.
Translation: The city’s fire apparatus is comparable to other sister cities of similar size—think Richmond, Austin and Nashville, which boast ladder trucks ranging from 100 to 110 feet tall. Larger cities such as New York and Miami house ladder trucks reaching similar heights, with Chicago able to reach 137 feet. Raleigh Assistant Fire Chief of Professional Development Ian Toms explains an 110-foot ladder is standard and works as an aerial streaming device to allow firefighters to dump a couple thousand gallons of water onto a building in an efficient manner.
Across Raleigh, top resources—including the most sizable stations and ladder trucks—are purposefully positioned in the most densely populated areas or in districts with concentrated infrastructure. “We’ve got nine ladders in the city right now and a 10th one on the way, and, with all the development, we are asking for more.” says Toms. “The 10th will generally be in the southeast area of Raleigh because that’s where this massive push is now.”
Nash Square’s Fire Station 1 is well-equipped to serve the Downtown area—as clearly evidenced by its response to The Metropolitan Apartments. Brier Creek’s Station 24 is able to serve The Westin and RDU via its on-hand 105-foot aerial ladder. And the Station 14(Harden Road) is a quick call from the well-populated Blue Ridge Corridor, including UNC Rex Hospital, PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium, equipped with a ladder truck, various vehicles and a mini-pumper (a smaller, less expensive pump truck that can pump at least 250 gallons per minute).
Centered in Midtown adjacent to Carroll Middle School, Station 9 (Rowan and Six Forks) serves an area that has arguably seen more upward—and outward—expansion than any single district in Raleigh since 2017, including the ascension of The Cardinal East Tower, the Advance Auto Parts Tower and—Raleigh’s third tallest building at 36 stories—The Eastern. Housing a pump truck and a Battalion Chief’s vehicle, Station 9 is ideally positioned to respond to any proximal emergency.
“Are we short ladder companies? Yes. Are we short personnel? Yes. The chief right now is advocating for us on that behalf.”
— Ian Toms, Assistant Fire Chief of Professional Development
The Station 9 Shortcoming
Between locations and resources, RFD stations are, with one exception, equipped to reach any rescue needs well under that benchmark 320-second goal established by the NFPA. The city’s only potential vulnerable spot is North Hills—which doesn’t house an aerial ladder truck, nor the space to store one in-station.
According to a firefighter at Midtown’s Station 9 we spoke to about the matter, any necessary ladder support must come from sister Station 4 (near Sawmill and Six Forks roads), where the closest aerial ladder sits, 3.5 miles north. Last paced in 2022, that route records a time of 380 to 480 seconds from North Hills—clearly exceeding the standards set by NFPA. Thus, with continued growth and taller infrastructure, the question of needing a ladder truck at Station 9 is no longer a matter of if, but when. According to Toms, the station isn’t currently set for a ladder truck—nor the station expansion necessary to house it.
Rezoning Rescues
The need to adjust apparatus to accommodate our city’s rapid growth is well-documented. In 2022, Kane Realty asked Raleigh City Council to rezone part of its North Hills properties to adjust the allowed 12-story towers to 37 stories. Among other concessions, the proposal included land for a larger building for Station 9, which would have provided room for a ladder truck appropriate to tackle the building heights at North Hills. City Council voted against the proposal, killing the immediate opportunity for a larger station.
So where does that leave us? According to Toms, “Everything we have now from the ladder perspective is state-of-the-art. … Are we short ladder companies? Yes. Are we short personnel? Yes. The chief right now is advocating for us on that behalf.” So, until new equipment is acquired, the city must make do with the apparatus we have.
Dec. 15, 1851
An apartment fire burned for 2 1/2 hours, leading to the destruction of 17 wooden buildings on Fayetteville, Hargett and Wilmington streets. The city’s first fire department was created as a response.
Nov. 6, 1915
Five buildings on Martin Street were destroyed in a printing shop fire, with embers lighting 10 additional fires in the area.
April 10, 1926
A fire in Dorothea Dix Hospital’s West Wing led to the evacuation of 1,000 patients.
July 3, 1928
Once “the social center of the capital,” the Yarbough Hotel was almost completely destroyed in a fire started in the elevator shaft that burned for ~five hours.
July 7, 1981
In what is considered one of the worst fires in Raleigh’s modern history, the Mangel’s Building on Fayetteville Street burned for three hours as 100+ firefighters from every department in the city battled the blaze.
Dec. 20, 1992
The contents and structure of the IGA Grocery Store on North Person Street were completely lost to a fire beginning in the ceiling of the building.
Feb. 22, 2007
A lazily discarded cigarette resulted in ablaze pine straw, effectually destroying two dozen townhomes in Pine Knoll Townes in North Raleigh.
March 16, 2017
Starting at the construction site of The Metropolitan Apartments, Raleigh’s biggest fire in almost 100 years burned through the night, shooting flames 200 feet in the air and destroying a construction crane. The Quorum Center, Link Apartments and nine other nearby buildings were damaged, leaving hundreds in temporary housing.
From rock bottom (“Holy crap was I broke,” she jokes) to rocks queen, meet your 2023 Best Bartender. Coming down to the wire—and a literal handful of votes—Watts & Ward bar wizard Kelly Lynch steals the coveted crown from last year’s winning mixologist Colby Kress. Whether whipping up White Negronis or slinging Miller Lites, the Connecticut native cut her teeth on the Charleston bar circuit at 18 (“so, to my previous employers in Charleston, who are definitely going to read this, yes… I was underage”—sounds like an SC problem) and joined the Watts crew in March 2018. “I took a few-year hiatus to explore other bartending opportunities and also decided to finally use my degrees,” she says of her record run. “Turns out law is not for me, so I came back to Watts in May 2023.” Clearly, Raleigh supports this choice. We’ll have what she’s pouring.
Fave drink to make? A Miller Lite (joking… sort of). Since participating in The Cocktail Classic, I now have a newfound love for making White Negronis.
Least fave to make?Tiki drinks (I’m allergic to pineapple.)
Your go-to drink order? A boilermaker
Your bartending backstory: I moved from New York to Charleston at 18. I was completely on my own—and holy crap was I broke. The only jobs I was able to get were hosting at a restaurant or fast food (you know—what 18YOs usually do for work). But, I had rent and a ton of new bills, and I knew from working in restaurants in New York just how much bartenders walk home with. So I walked into a dive bar in Charleston where I knew money was under the table, filled out an application and got a job as a bartender.
18?!: Confidence is key—and I have literally lived by the phrase ‘Fake it till you make it.’ I wish I could describe every bouncer’s face when I wore a 21st birthday sash on my 21st birthday walking into all the bars I had been going to for years (and some of them I even worked at).
When you’re not behind the bar? I write/produce my own music, and I’m a DJ! I’ve played at some of the more popular bars on Glenwood, and I’m known for DJing a lot of Taylor Swift-themed events.
Show you’re currently bingeing? Anything with Gordon Ramsay
In a past life? I was actually going to school for law. I did my undergraduate in San Diego and graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in cultural anthropology.
Advice to current/future bartenders? Don’t put ‘No No’ spicy bitters in a spray bottle. You will end up macing yourself and the entire bar.
Step back in time via an immersive dino exhibit debuting this month.
Put the Jurassic Park theme song on repeat and travel back to the dino era for a roaring good time at what CNN dubbed a “must-see attraction”: Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience, debuting Feb. 8 at the Exhibition Hub Art Center. The engaging exhibit will include 80+ lifelike animatronic dinosaur models, immersive projection technology, virtual reality, theatrical lighting, elaborate scenery and hands-on activities for blossoming Ross mini-me’s (er, paleontologists) of all ages. Sounds simply T-riffic. Turn the page for dozens more best bets to fill your Feb cal. exhibitionhub.com
