by Carlee Nilphai | Jul 27, 2023 | Eat, July/August 2023
Umbrella Dry Bar showers the local community with a slew of sober soirees.
There ain’t no party like a sober party, ’cause a sober party don’t stop! … Local zero-proof cocktail biz Umbrella Dry Bar doesn’t only boast delish nonalcoholic drinks, it touts a batch of events and activities showcasing just how fun sober socializing can be.
The sip-sational enterprise began from a dream held by longtime Raleigh resident Meg Paradise of filling a gap in the market for the sober-curious. “I wanted to create a new option for people,” shares the founder. “Even though it’s specifically nonalcoholic, that’s not to say before or afterward you can’t have alcohol. There are some places that call themselves more of a sober bar, but I see it differently. I just call it a super-inclusive space.”
To expand that vision, Paradise leans into her local connections to host/co-host amazing events inviting people into a safe space where they can let loose—without the hangover (a win-win!). Umbrella has showered sober fun around Raleigh via its recurring appearances at Live After 5, plus its presence at an array of hip local happenings (think Raleigh Pride, FlowerFest, Brookside Bodega’s Summer Block Party, Ever After and Kidchella). And the zero-proof sippery has even begun to dip its toes into the world of private events by catering to baby showers, corporate events and more.
To boot, Umbrella’s permanent pop-up location at Norwood Gardens now hosts regular “weekend kickoff” parties, yoga classes, mocktail mixology/herbal medicine courses and Beyoncé/Barbie-themed dance parties.
And the ’Gramworthy alcohol-free haven cares about more than just brand awareness. For Paradise, it’s all about amping up accessibility to a healthier lifestyle for the community craving a sober social hub just as much as she does.
“I chose to create this because I want to be a customer,” elaborates Paradise. “I want it to exist, so I’m making it exist. It’s beautiful, it’s delicious and it’s good for your body—why wouldn’t you make that choice? Once people are in the space, we have a lot of repeats. I feel like there’s this collective consciousness that’s asking for it. We’re answering that call.”
As for the future forecast of Umbrella, the biz plans to debut a flagship location Downtown—and Paradise doesn’t plan to stop there. “I want to have places everywhere, all over America,” she explains. “I don’t want to be just the nonalcoholic version of a liquor store—I want to be more of a resource, more curated, and provide very specific content and customer service.” Shakin’ it up, indeed!
by Emma Brennan | Sep 7, 2021 | Do, September 2021, Web Exclusive
WEB EXCLUSIVE Stressed out? Stretch Out. Tap into your inner Zen this month with these local yoga classes and events that will have you downward dogging in no time.
If you’re bent out of shape and looking for an excuse to better your mind, body and soul this month, try taking up yoga. The benefits of yoga stretch far beyond the mat—beyond improving strength, flexibility, balance and sleep, yoga is also great at shrinking stress, battling back pain and alleviating arthritis symptoms. Whether you’re a bona fide yogi or a newbie, these local yoga classes are sure to position you in a great state of mind. See you on the mat!
Sculpt your bod from head to toe through one of CorePower Yoga’s most popular yoga fitness classes, Yoga Sculpt. The workout combines free weights with CorePower Yoga’s signature CorePower Yoga 2 sequencing and cardio for a class that builds lean muscle mass and leaves you looking and feeling your best.
Who doesn’t love a hard-earned drink after a yoga sesh? Check out Raleigh’s new development, Smoky Hollow, while bending and stretching through Joy Worthy Co.’s Sweat & Sangria beginners’ yoga event on Sept. 9. Tickets include an introductory yoga session with Pamela Hope of Wanderlust yoga, two handcrafted sangrias and, well, what else could you need? If nothing else, do it for the sangria!
Turn up the heat and flow to the beat through 110 Yoga’s signature Hot Flow class. Practice sun salutations, standing postures, simple arm balances, core strengthening exercises and more in a 103- to 105-degree studio that’ll have you feeling the burn in more ways than one.
We all have to start somewhere. So, if you’ve never done yoga before or are intimidated by the yogis that frequent your local studio, consider getting bendy with Bliss Body Yoga’s 6-week Beginner Series starting Sept. 13. Through the class (offered both in-person and virtually), you’ll learn the basics in a safe and comfortable environment and graduate ready to bend your way through Raleigh’s studios.
Looking to stretch it out while soaking up the last of those warm summer days? Head out to Dix every Wednesday evening for Yoga in the Park (gentle flow yoga takes place the first and third Wednesday of every month, while Yin Yoga takes place every second and fourth Wednesday). Classes appeal to both beginners and pros.
Be healthy and happy at Indigo, where the heat is cranked up to allow for deeper stretches in your body and improve the quality of your breath. A variety of classes are on offer this month, from Hot Vinyasa Flow to Hip Hop Flow to Gentle Hot Flow and more. Whichever class you choose, it promises to be hot!
On Sept. 22, Midtown Yoga is taking over North Hills’ Midtown Park to offer a variety of yoga styles from various traditions. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out some new poses—and it doesn’t hurt that Vita Vite is right there for a well-deserved post-yoga glass of vino.
Is there a better way to start your weekend than with a yoga sesh and a round of mimosas with your crew? We think not. Head over to Dogwood Bar + Eatery every Saturday morning for a 60-minute yoga class with Oak City Yoga founder Paula Fraschetti—followed by our fave weekend morning combo of OJ and Champagne. Cheers!
Coming Soon
Providing yet another op to bend it out in Smoky Hollow is Emily Wallace’s forthcoming Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar. The new digs will offer hot yoga, warm yoga and meditation—plus a smoothie bar for refueling after a tough sesh. Perfect for getting your “daily dose” of fitness and rejuvenation. “Positive side effects, guaranteed.”
