Ditch the PSL and spice things up this fall with creative seasonal bevs.
We love a pumpkin spice latte as much as the next person, but this season, Raleigh coffee shops and bars are crafting creative fall flavors that go way beyond the orange-hued froth. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy latte or a unique craft cocktail, these seasonal cider-spiked, nut-infused and sugar-dusted bevs are worth savoring every sipping—and skipping Starbucks for.
The Longleaf Lounge Drink This: Autumn White Sangria Sangria gets a fall makeover with this crisp, cool and smooth bevy mixing white wine, apple brandy, cider, maple, orange and lemon. Think of it like a cold version of a hot toddy—add apple and a touch more sweetness. White it might not cure a sore throat, it’ll certainly lessen your post-summer blues.
NoRa Cafe Drink This: Chaider + Honey Harvest Latte This neighborhood coffeehouse in North Raleigh leans into seasonal comfort with its Chaider, a warming blend of spiced chai tea and tangy apple cider that tastes like straight up fall in a mug—and is the perf op for non-coffee-drinkers. For the creamy caffeine heads, opt for the Honey Harvest Latte, featuring local honey that provides just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the espresso’s depth. Either way, you’re in for a flavorful break from pumpkin overload.
Wye Hill Drink This: Roots & Rye Play into purple with this vibrant concoction of rye whiskey, ube (a purple yam), cinnamon, clove, lemon and egg white. Frothy, bold, and subtly sweet and spicy, it offers multiple reasons to ditch the orange for a new color of the season. ~Wye~ not give it a try?
Boatman Spirits Co. Drink This: Cleopatra Julep Seaboard Station’s otherworldly cocktail bar takes seasonal sipping seriously, drawing inspiration from historical recipes. Depart from the norm with the Cleopatra julep feat. a fragrant mix of olive oil-washed rye whiskey, cinnamon, rose, myrrh, cardamom and mint reminiscent of what historians have determined about the Queen of the Nile’s signature perfume. It’s a history lesson in a glass, and one that tastes perfectly of fall.
Sonder Drink This: Apple Cider Donut, Carrot Cake & Cinnamon Toast Crunch Lattes The bright and airy Wendell coffee shop’s seasonal menu reads like a bakery case—but in latte form. The apple cider doughnut latte serves as a nod to orchard visits (and is best served with Tepuy’s apple cider doughnut holes), while thecarrot cake latte blends spice and sweetness for an autumnal twist on a classic dessert. And for pure nostalgic comfort? The Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte brings the cereal-milk trend into fall territory. It’s a playful, sugary lineup guaranteed to brighten gray fall mornings.
East Bower Cider Co. Drink This: False Fall Cider Raleigh’s first cidery’s aptly named False Fall cider bridges the gap between hot summer afternoons and crisp autumn evenings. Made with local apples, peace purée and layered with bright, refreshing notes from chai spices that hint at cooler days ahead, this semi-dry cider is light, crisp and easy to sip when the weather can’t quite make up its mind.
Jubala Coffee Drink This: Spicy Churro Flat White If you’re really looking to spice things up, Jubala’s seasonal flat white takes the heat to the next level with a mix of chile de arbol, Videri chocolate, Cinnamon Toast Crunch-infused milk and espresso. It’s a surefire antidote for a cold fall day—packing both the heat and the sweet for flavorful fall sipper. A pumpkin spice latte could never.
The Haymaker Drink This: Burnt Sugar & Rye Old-Fashioned Sweater weather in a glass? Say less. Haymaker is channeling autumn’s smoky meets spicy side in its riff on an old-fashioned made with Jack Daniel’s Bottled in Bond rye, burnt sugar syrup, orange essence and aromatic bitters. And the result is rich, warming and subtly sweet—making for an ideal nightcap on crisp evenings. Now the only thing missing is a cozy fireplace.
Bittersweet Drink This: Blair Witch Tea Party Something wicked(ly delicious) this way comes… Get in the Halloween spirit with Bittersweet’s witchy and refreshing bev made concocted of Cardinal barrel-rested gin, black tea, honey, pineapple, lemon and cayenne pepper with a spiced rim. No tricks—just a sweet and slightly spicy liquid treat, best paired with one of the DTR bar’s signature desserts (the pumpkin crème brûlée and apple pie sundae will really get you in the fall mood).
Go beyond the ordinary with a fall getaway on a road less traveled.
Think you’ve seen all of fall in North Carolina? Think again. When pumpkin patches and leaf-peeping feel too predictable, these unexpected getaways flip the script. From waterfalls and wineries to award-winning barbecue and polar bears (really), each of these hidden-in-plain-sight destinations promise a surprising escape—and they’re all only a short drive from Raleigh. So pack your bags, roll down the windows and prepare to shake up your weekend plans.
New Bern Outlander fans, this one’s for you. Live out your king/queen fantasies with a trip to Tryon Palace in New Bern, the former state capital. Take a guided tour of the re-created governor’s mansion, visit the on-site history museum, then wander 16 acres of storybook gardens that look like they’re plucked straight from bonny old England. A couple blocks away, you can visit the soda fountain where Pepsi got its start, shop the year-round Saturday farmers market and dig into the local food scene—a steakburger at Morgan’s Tavern & Grill or the apple pie French toast at Baker’s Kitchen, preferably drenched in its famous butter syrup, are musts. Snap a pic with a painted fiberglass bear before you leave—there are over 80 around town—and cap things off with a sunset cruise down the Neuse.
Rock Hill A ~three-hour trip from Raleigh, Rock Hill is one of Charlotte’s coolest suburbs (you heard it here first). A hot spot for culture vultures, must-do’s include exploring Old Town’s whimsical murals, pop-up markets and free cultural attractions like the Comporium Telephone Museum and the Jail, No Bail exhibit honoring the Friendship Nine sit-in. You can even eat at the counter where the sit-in happened at Kounter, an Instagram-worthy farm-to-table restaurant with a swinging speakeasy. The SC city also boasts its fair share of seasonal crops, with something to pick year-round from surrounding farms—think strawberries in the spring, peaches in the summer and apples—or apple doughnuts—in the fall. Cooler temps are also perfect for hikes at the Anne Springs Close Greenway and Kings Mountain. And looking ahead to winter, get in the holiday spirit as downtown turns into a walk-through Hallmark card during ChristmasVille.
Halifax County If you’ve ever wondered why North Carolinians drive around with “First in Freedom” on their license plates, you’ve got Halifax to thank. The tiny town of under 300 is where colonists first called for independence, aka the Halifax Resolves. Dive into the full history at the state historic site as costumed interpreters bring the past to life with musket firing, beer making and general 1700s revelry. Beyond fifes and wigs, Halifax has your nature fix covered too. Pedal the Roanoke Canal on a free loaner bike (pickup at Riverside Mill, an outlet mall meets craft market), kayak the 20K-acre Lake Gaston, hang with flamingos at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, or simply soak up the riverside views as you sip something smooth at Weldon Mills Distillery. For peak fall feels, Halifax Harvest Days add live music, corn shucking and pumpkin chucking to the lineup.
Hanging Rock State Park Craving a mountain vacay without the four-hour trek to Western NC? You can make it to Hanging Rock State Park in half the time. It’s especially glorious in fall when the trees turn—and the music turns up as three bands take the outdoor stage at Rocking the Rock on Nov. 1. At the park, soak up Mother Nature via a 45-minute hike to the legendary Hanging Rock—plus peep waterfalls, a lake and a climbable fire tower at the top of Moore’s Knob, sitting at an elevation of 2,479 feet. Secure an off-the-grid Airbnb to extend your trip through the weekend, with nearby historic Danbury offering an old-timey general store, a sprawling art gallery (complete with an ice cream shop dishing out four-scoop flights in a mini canoe) and the hefty hike-fueling sandwiches at River Rock Cafe.
Lexington Make a pit stop at the Barbecue Capital of the World for a taste of the finest ’cue in the South. Lexington specializes in slow-smoked pork shoulder with a signature tangy ketchup-and-vinegar “dip,” as locals call it. You can’t go wrong with any of the dozen BBQ joints around town—including Lexington Barbecue and the Barbecue Center—but if you really want to be in hog heaven, show up hungry Oct. 25 for the Lexington Barbecue Festival. Beyond BBQ, the discerning foodies at Yelp named Nick’s Old Fashioned Hamburger House one of this year’s top 100 places to eat in America (!). Beyond eats, the region is also home to six wineries, the state’s only full-size cable wakeboard park, and Boone’s Cave Park.
Craig Distl
Fearrington Village Fearrington Village isn’t actually an English country village, but it nails the look thanks to brick paths, manicured gardens and cows grazing in the pasture—there’s even an afternoon tea. Lean into the country-chic vibes while noshing on scones at The Belted Goat or browsing indie reads at McIntyre’s Books. In need of some R&R or retail therapy? There’s also a day spa, plus a few upscale boutiques if you’re on the hunt for something unique (acorn-shaped acacia wood cheeseboard, anyone?). By night, check into one of the recently updated rooms at The Fearrington House Inn, which features an on-site farm-to-table restaurant serving over 1,500 fine wines. Classy yet casual, Fearrington is like a mini European vacation—minus TSA or jet lag.
Asheboro Most people associate Asheboro with the North Carolina Zoo—and for good reason. The world’s largest natural habitat zoo is home to grizzlies, gorillas and gazelles, plus some 250 other species. Pro tip: Start in North America and work your way clockwise to Africa so you’re heading downhill—then ride the tram back. When you need a break, swing by downtown for Magnolia 23’s Southern comfort food, or The Table’s epic all-day Saturday brunch—just be sure to get your hand stamped for same-day reentry. Then spend your non-zoo day checking out the rest of Asheboro: Pop into antique shops, the NC Aviation Museum and Four Saints Brewing Company, which constantly tops lists of the state’s best breweries.
Recap: The Pixies rocked Raleigh at Red Hat Amp with Spoon and Fazerdaze.
ICYMI: The Pixies still rock. On Sept. 9, Red Hat Amphitheater was aglow with myriad generations singing along with the ’90s alt-rock group’s wonderfully weird ballads.
Opening the show was New Zealand singer Fazerdaze, after which Austin post-punk act Spoon laid down a concise set, spoon feeding (!) listeners their tangy nuance via hits like “The Underdog” and “Chateau Blues.” Naturally, the crowd ate it up.
At 9pm exactly, the Pixies ventured onstage and launched straight into “In Heaven,” and the crowd, knowing exactly what to expect, sang right along. The alt-rock group formed in the late ’80s, and tends to lean heavily into a loud-quiet-loud song structure paired with lyrics grasping at somewhat surreal topics.
While pulling tunes from throughout their career during the set, the Pixies leaned heavily into Doolittle, the mainstay album that originally caught mainstream eyes and ears. Tracks included the unsettling and relentlessly catchy “Hey,” “Mr. Grieves” (not many other songs could inspire 50-year-old men to shimmy their hips) and forever fave “Monkey Gone to Heaven.”
“Ana” and “Where Is My Mind?” were two gaze-y serenades toward the end of the show during which the crowd—and time—seemed to slow and sway during the dreamy break. Lastly, the group performed “Into the White,” an unexpected B-side track that refreshed Red Hat Amp after the slow tread of the latter two songs.
All in all, the set spanned almost 30 tracks. And while that may seem heavy, the show wasn’t long—they wrapped up before 10:45pm. Barely addressing the crowd apart from a closing thank you, the Pixies had one mission: They put their heads down and offered all the original meddling dynamics that earned their claim to fame four decades ago, without slowing their step once.
The foursome lingered onstage to take a bow, arms linked. Reminiscent of a play’s final curtain call, it served as a subtle reminder that their performance not only takes precision, but that they’re happy to do it. The audience could sense the Pixies were excited to see them too.
Missed the show? No matter—it’s their second time in Raleigh in three years, so have faith they’ll be back to the City of Oaks soon, toting their iconic nostalgia.
RM chats up Tom Blankenship of MMJ ahead of their Hopscotch Set.
My Morning Jacket has been preaching worn-in rock ’n’ roll for over two decades. Rising from Louisville, Kentucky, in the late ’90s, their music managed to stay rooted in a slight Southern twang while still dipping into the sights and sounds of the rising rock scene. The group seemed to understand what was so compelling about both Drive-By Truckers and Green Day, and were able to stretch themselves to both ends of the spectrum.
Alongside their ten albums, MMJ established themselves as the rock institution to see live. And the proof is evident in various live albums, a 2004 Bonnaroo performance so iconic it’s still celebrated, and even a cameo from muppet and drumming icon Animal. So, Raleigh was rightfully buzzing when Hopscotch dropped its highly anticipated lineup and the MMJ name shone front and center as Friday’s headliner.
It won’t be the five-piece’s first time in Raleigh: According to bassist Tom Blankenship’s list of live shows—which he has kept since they began touring in ’99, ~1,100 shows ago—they’ve graced the city three times. “Traveling can feel like work, but actually playing songs and hanging out with the guys never loses its charm,” he muses.
Hopscotch lands just a month out from the 20th anniversary of Z, a record which Blankenship described as a turning point for MMJ—as coming and going band members lent to a change in sound. “From the opening track, it was definitely a departure from what we had done musically,” he affirms. “At the time, I don’t think we really thought of it as taking a risk, but we were just excited to be working on new music.”
In the two decades since, their sound has (naturally) taken some twists and turns, but even their newest record, Is, echoes back to the scope of their early days. Produced by Brendan O’Brien,who cemented his name working with the likes of Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan, the more-focused-than-usual album gives just a taste of the group’s live sphere. “Brendan trimmed the fat off of all of them—‘Squid Ink’ was two or three times longer than the album version,” says Blankenship.
But holding up to their live show legacy, the trimmings were saved and the group plans to play all the songs in full live. For MMJ, albums come second: Most of their discography was played at shows for years before it was ever released. Read: “One Big Holiday” was played live for three years before it ever saw the light of the studio.
And like any good fest setlist, MMJ’s Hopscotch performance will cater to fans of all capacities. “We joke that it’s a greatest hits set,” quips Blankenship. “We don’t necessarily have any radio hits, but [we play] songs like ‘Wordless Chorus’ that we know resonate with folks who aren’t super familiar with us.” Rest assured, deep cuts—which Blankenship refers to as “nuggets”—are still sprinkled in for the longtime MMJers. All in all, their headlining set will certainly be worth a listen. hopscotchmusicfest.com; mymorningjacket.com
As athletes around the globe train for the 2028 Summer Olympics in LA, a different kind of elite team is sharpening its skills—knives included. The American Culinary FederationCulinary Team USA is already hard at work prepping for the 2028 Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart—and right here in Raleigh, Wake Tech is playing a key role in the effort.
Beyond opening its kitchens to ACF Culinary Team USA for practice sessions and public tasting dinners, Wake Tech is also proudly sending two of its own pastry chefs to compete on the world stage.
Chef-instructors Eric Stopka and Josephine Herbert have been tapped to rep Team USA, which Department Head and lead baking instructor Caralyn House chalks up to WTCC’s standout baking program and its semiannual ACF-sanctioned pastry competition.
“We’ve got one of the stronger pastry programs in the country,” says Herbert, “and we always bring in three judges who are certified by the ACF”—many of whom also coach Team USA. The pair’s selection was cemented at the most recent competition, when the team’s coaches took notice. And, now, what started as a local rivalry in the kitchen could become a global win.
Last year’s Culinary Olympics boasted 1,200 chefs from 55 countries, with only the creme de la creme landing a spot on the podium. To prep, Team USA training kicked off this spring, with chefs crafting a monthly three-course meal at host sites across the country—including Wake Tech.
“The presence of the USA culinary Olympic team in our community is a testament to the strength of our local food and restaurant scene,” emphasizes Wake Tech President Scott Ralls, “and the unique role played by Wake Tech as our region’s ‘culinary college’—growing the regional culinary, baking and pastry, and hospitality management talent pool.”
Olympians in the kitchen? Impeccable precision, endurance and drive are all part of the recipe—and come 2028, Wake Tech just may be bringing home the gold. wtccbaking.squarespace.com/team-usa
