“It’s so hard to care when you’re this relaxed.” Channel the chilled-out energy of Chandler Bing in the bathtub a la Friends with a day chock-full of stretch, sip and snack seshes around the city perf for your next Sunday funday (or any day really). And since planning adds energy and effort—this is for you, Type B’s—we did the hard work for you. Sit back, relax and scroll for your ideal daylong self-care itinerary. Me time, here you come…
But first, coffee. Start the day with a caffeine/brekky pit stop at this eclectic and artsy coffee spot. Sit and sip within the cozy and intimate space (you’re gonna wanna grab a seat on one of the comfy couches!), or take your cuppa on the road for your next destination.
Opt for a quick commute by car or stroll across the street to the Capital Area Greenway trail for a hot girl (or boy!) walk to NCMA’s Museum Park. Then, soak in the rays out on the lawn or meander indoors to glimpse the exhibits.
For a dose of Zen, book a stretch/sweat sesh at Smoky Hollow’s uberpopular hot yoga studio. Work out that stress and head into the rest of the day with a blast of postworkout endorphins and mellow vibes to boot.
Hungry? Venture to Downtown Raleigh for gluten-, soy-, refined sugar- and seed oil-free fare via a health-conscious eatery touting toast, signature bevs, poke bowls, salads and sushirritos (translation: a sushi/burrito). After lunch, shop till ya drop with a visit to local hotspots Deco and Curate.
Ready to wine down? Order a glass (or bottle!) of bubbly at Vita Vite’s DTR or North Hills locations and enjoy a sip-sational time out on the patio or amid the artistic atmosphere inside. Cheers to chilling out!
Did someone say massage?! Finish out your day at Woodhouse via the massage table for the ultimate self-care Sunday treatment (think facials, massages, body treatments and more). Spa, la, la, indeed!
Conclude the day with a delish dinner you can feel good about from the stacked palatable ops in the North Hills area—think a signature bowl from Happy + Hale; fresh Italian fare from Vivace; or crepes, salads and charcuterie selects from Coquette Brasserie. Post grub, head home and flick on your fave Netflix show or flip open a good book before catching some beauty sleep. Sunday scaries, who?
Local businesses to support in Raleigh and Wake County for National Hispanic Heritage Month—and beyond
National Hispanic Heritage Month returns Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and to celebrate, we want to ensure our local Hispanic-owned businesses get the love they deserve—not just this month, but all year long. Here, some local Hispanic-owned shops, restaurants and other businesses to support.
After first dipping his toes into the Triangle food scene via successful Fenton spot Superica, the celeb chef is expanding his reach to Raleigh Iron Works and once again blessing us—this time with his already-thriving Tex-Mex concept. Centered around “al carbon” wood-roasted cooking, the highly anticipated spot will serve an array of droolworthy staples such as al carbon—naturally—plus traditional street-style tacos, fresh salsas and handmade tortillas to boot.
Ford says RIW is the perfect home for the popular restaurant, slated to bow in 2024. “The property is fresh, innovative and visionary—and well-positioned between several growing parts of the city,” he said in an exclusive chat with Raleigh Magazine this week. “Plus, we’re thrilled to be neighbors with talented friends like Brodeto, Eastcut Sandwiches and Andia’s Ice Cream, to name a few. We can’t wait for Little Rey to become part of the Triangle community.”
To complement the fiery menu, a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavors (tres leches! salty cajeta and fried peanuts!) await—or diners looking to sweeten the experience can also tuck into the concept’s cult-fave pancakes with buttermilk syrup.
Thirsty? Enter the impressive beverage program. Masterminded by beverage VP Eduardo Porto Carreiro, the drinks will pair perfectly with the flavors of the fare. Toast to the tantalizing Tex-Mex morsels with an on-the-rocks marg or crack open a Mexican beer from the scad of handselected local and regional craft ales a la the convenient reach-in cooler.
Impressive in both scope and scale, the expansive counter-service taco spot sprawls across 3,100 square feet via indoor and patio seating, with a walk-up to-go window affectionately dubbed Uno Mas. More casual than its Cary-based cousin, the resto exudes relaxation and zest via its rose pink, deep blue and sage color palette; old-fashioned handpainted signs; and Waylon & Willie songs on the queue. And be sure to peep vintage Mexican mementos and standout art compliments of a curated collection decorating the dining room.
“I’m excited about [Little Rey] because I eat it all the time,” said Ford on that prophetic podcast episode, hinting it would one day come to Raleigh. He adds now: “I love the Raleigh area and have wanted to introduce Little Rey here since we opened its big sis Superica in Cary last year. I think the city will enjoy our casual vibe, friendly service, street-style al carbon tacos and cold margs—and we can’t wait to serve them soon.” … We love a full-circle moment. Give us mas!
Oh, hoppy day! Hopscotch Music Festival is back for its 13th year, and this year’s lineup feels like Christmas in September for any Raleigh music fanatics—NTM, all the other fun activations and festivities taking place (hey, day parties!). Whether you’re a seasoned Hopscotch veteran or completely new to the fest, here’s your guide to making the most of your three-day rhythmic romp. Hop to it!
Who? Nearly 100 artists will be performing, including King Krule, Pavement, Alvvays, Dinosaur Jr. and a slew of other big names from all genres. Comedians are also making their debut at the late-night shows this year, including SNL cast member Sarah Sherman (!).
Where? Festivalgoers will hop (get it now?) between the two main stages in City Plaza and Moore Square for each set. Don’t worry, it isn’t a far walk, and the constant movement of people makes riding the rail so much easier. Performance locations for each artist are listed on the online schedule and Hopscotch app.
Tickets and Prices GA tickets ($199) grant you access to three days of live music at the City Plaza and Moore Square stages, plus the late-night comedy sets. VIP tickets ($375) score you such additional perks as a VIP swag bag, priority access to late-night sets at participating clubs and entry to the VIP Oak Lounges at both stages.
Day Parties Whether you want to join the fun without footing the bill or just want to pregame the headliners, the free day parties are the move. Raleigh’s best bars and breweries are hosting a bevy of local bands to watch. Pro tip: don’t miss our top day party picks, Cor De Lux at Kings, Teens in Trouble at Transfer Co. and My Sister Maura at Neptunes. The parties will even feature a few names from the main lineup (eyes on you, Truth Club and Max Gowan).
What to Bring
Bring your credit/debit card: Hopscotch is completely cashless, and virtual payments such as Apple Pay aren’t accepted.
Tote a small bag or no bag at all: Any bags over 13 inches by 15 inches must be clear—but let’s be honest, who wants to lug a huge bag around all day? Skip the hassle and spring for a cute fanny pack or go purseless.
Bring an empty reusable water bottle or factory-sealed bottle: Would it really be September in Raleigh without 90+ degree temps? Hydrate or diedrate! Empty reusable water bottles are permitted and each guest is allowed one factory-sealed water bottle.
Opt for comfy shoes: The festival will go on rain or shine, so skip the strappy sandals and opt for the most comfortable pair of boots or sneakers you own—your ’fit will still slay (promise).
Sip + shop from local artists at these bars and restaurants.
Here’s a hot interior design tip for you: Support local artists (!). Not only is it easier on your wallet, but local art cultivates a sense of identity and community—NTM originality—that you won’t find in the wall art section of HomeGoods. Skipping the screenprints and sourcing Raleigh’s top creatives isn’t difficult, with many local restaurants, coffee shops and bars around the city electing to enhance their spaces with local art for purchase. Here, we dive into a ream of spots around Raleigh selling pieces to kick (st)art your locally curated collection.
Mandolin
Feeling crabby? Longtime server and bartender Luke Marion uses oil paint to depict seasonal ingredients from the kitchen at this soulful Southern restaurant. His Monet-esque style looks good enough to eat (!), adding a tasty addition to any room. mandolinraleigh.com
Foundation
This Downtown den is the perfect spot to post up for cocktails or the whiskey of the week while perusing myriad works by rotating local artists adding some color to the moody walls. Snag ’em to recreate the edgy Foundation atmosphere in your own home (’nuff said!). foundationnc.com
William & Company
Hi, Barbie! Curl up at Oakwood’s cozy cocktail bar boasting works of bright botany and the likes of stars such as Stevie Nicks, Maggot Robbie and Jimi Hendrix, created by the brilliant and gifted Cassie Ott—known for pieces accented by bold florals and familiar faces. @willcobar
Mitch’s Tavern
There’s no shortage of art at Hillsborough Street’s popular pub—think oversize old-timey paintings surrounding the bar and unique pieces perched above the booths. Fun fact: Much of the art features iconic Raleigh landmarks, including many of the ol’ tavern itself. mitchstavernraleigh.com
Cup A Joe
Don’t forget your beans—or your art. This iconic coffee spot highlights a different artist every three months, with local art dealer Rock Kershaw’s watercolor collection and a reproduction of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss currently in the limelight. It’s brew-tiful stuff. cupajoe.com
