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Sadlack's Heroes: A Raleigh hangout like no other

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Considered a nightly staple by some, a midday sandwich lunch stop by others, it s certainly a neighborhood watering hole with a fun live music scene for all. Professors, students, blue collar shifters, burgeoning musicians, fledgling artists and nearby dwellers all cross the Sadlack s threshold and walk away with a story or two to tell.

Cherry Bounce Festival 2010: Lit, flicks & beats

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Cherry Bounce. It s a cocktail. It s a festival. And this year, the third time's the charm. This three-day fest, themed "Recess for Restless Minds," takes creative shape Thursday, July 29 - Saturday, July 31 in downtown Raleigh.

The Rialto: Specialty cinema in Five Points

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Every town worth its cinematic salt should have its own independent movie theater that caters to the sharp, thought-provoking specialty films floating around out there in the cultural ether. For cinephiles and anyone else that desires more than just the raging Hollywood blockbuster found at the generic multiplex, there's the single screen Rialto Theater in the center of Raleigh's Five Points.

Raleigh Wide Open 5: 12 hours of extreme entertainment on July 31

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Of all the days on the summer calendar, the final day of July is certainly going to put an exclamation mark on summer FUN in Raleigh. From 11am-11pm, Raleigh Wide Open 5 is the name of the extravaganza, and extreme entertainment is the order of the 12-hour day into night.

Moonlight Pizza Company: Out of this world specialty pizzas

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Just off the beaten path of busy Glenwood South and Hillsborough St., Moonlight's one gem of an eatery slightly hidden from the masses but certainly not forgotten. For diners desiring a relaxed spot for gourmet pizzas and zippy beverages, this is the place.

First Fridays Art Walk: Kick off your month with culture

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Coming up is the first Friday of the month, which means it s time to feed your artistic side. Go ahead, mark it on your calendar this month and every month going forward, and look up participating galleries and new exhibits for your monthly dose of culture.

Krispy Kreme: Nostalgia served with a glazed doughnut

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

It's not exactly the same small-time Mom & Pop doughnut shop that it once was, but chat with a few Raleigh locals since the 1940s and they will tell you a thing or two about what has become the now iconic Krispy Kreme. There s just something about spying through the glassed window to watch the Krispy Kreme signature doughnut making process that brings a smile to the 5 year old child and the 75 year old alike.

Oakwood Cafe: Cooking it up Argentine & Cuban style

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Try to list five restaurants in Raleigh that offer Beef Napolitana, Milanesa a Caballo, Ropa Vieja, and Churrasco Steak all vying for your attention on the same menu. On second thought, don t bother. You only need to know of one. At Oakwood Caf , these authentic Argentine and Cuban dishes including other cultural staples have been served to devoted diners for just over a decade in the small, downtown corner restaurant.

4th of July: An evening of celebration at the NC State Fairgrounds

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

With our nation s celebrated summer holiday around the corner, grills are getting fired up, pool parties are being planned and picnics are in the works. If your plans have you in Raleigh on July 4th, a packed evening of family fun beginning at 5pm paired with an arsenal of fireworks at 9:15pm will light the night at the NC State Fairgrounds.

Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden: A treasure abloom in University Park

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

William Shakespeare wrote, Of all flowers, methinks a rose is best." How fitting that the lovely Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, boasting 60 rose beds of 56 varieties, is adjacent to the historic Raleigh Little Theatre and its 1,700-seat amphitheatre, one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the country.

Raleigh Amphitheater: Downtown's newest performance venue

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Downtown nightlife just got another exciting shot in the arm with the recent opening of Raleigh's new boutique amphitheater. The venue on the southwest edge of downtown promises entertainment bookings through October for a capacity crowd of 5,500 visitors to enjoy.

IMAX Theatre at Marbles Kids Museum: Larger than life 3D entertainment in downtown

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Rising 50 feet high and 70 feet wide, images on the IMAX screen command attention. Add the 3D glasses, 44 speakers and 16 amplifiers within the theater, and immediately you are moved from viewing a movie to actually being transported INTO it. And guess what else -- Raleigh is the sole city in NC where you can experience a truly 3D-capable IMAX adventure.

Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure: Go PINK on Saturday, June 12

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Over 25,000 people will lace up their sneakers and show their support in the fight to end breast cancer during the 2010 Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure on Saturday June 12. Since Jeanne Peck brought the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Race Series to Raleigh in 1997, this fundraising, awareness heightening footrace has grown to become the largest 5K in both North and South Carolina.

Midtown Beach Music Concert Series: Groovin' on the Commons through August 26

Mon, 24 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Raleigh's about two hours from the nearest sandy beach, but pop over to North Hills on a Thursday evening through the end of August, and you ll feel a little closer to the coast. Now in its third year, the Midtown Beach Music Concert Series is back in full swing and drawing thousands with lawn chairs in hand and dancing shoes on their feet to socialize, sip and Shag.

NC Museum of Art Summer Concert & Movie Series: Entertainment under the stars

Fri, 21 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina at the NCMA's intimate amphitheater under the open sky. Showcasing legendary musical talent and critically acclaimed cinema, this season s line up seems bent on giving you a reason to stay in town on the weekends.

Buku: Distinct dining without borders

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The question isn t have you been to Buku, rather, it simply is when are you going to Buku? Acclaimed Chef William D Auvray s vision of preparing global cuisine inspired by the traditional street foods served from the pushcarts in cities all over the world has come to fruition on the corner of Wilmington and Davie streets in downtown Raleigh.

Artspace: An engaging hub of creativity

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

On the corner of Davie and Blount Streets in downtown Raleigh sets 30,000 square feet of thriving artistic energy and inspiring creativity. Enter Artspace, one of the largest open-studio artists facilities in the country, and engage with professional artists within their personal studio spaces to truly experience the artistic process in action.

Mirazozo: The Inspiring Luminarium World Premiere on City Plaza

Wed, 12 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Venture to City Plaza in downtown Raleigh beginning this Thursday, and you ll see a most lively and curious multi-dome structure to say the least. For four days only, from Thursday through Sunday, choose to enter the world of Mirazozo and experience your own personal version of an alternate reality soaked in rays of filtered liquid color and vibrant hues of light within its maze of tunnels and cavernous domes.

Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market: Eat and Shop Local on City Plaza

Wed, 12 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Grab some of the sweetest strawberries you ve ever tasted and some of the brightest, freshest greens and veggies just out of the garden while you give a listen to a local musical performance and indulge in an old fashioned homemade cookie or artisan cupcake before you go back to your daily grind. All of this locally provided sustenance, entertainment, and more unfolds and transforms City Plaza on Fayetteville St. on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm through October 27.

Artsplosure: Annual festival soars to new heights in its 31st year

Wed, 05 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you haven t had the opportunity to take in one of the most anticipated annual events on the annual Raleigh arts calendar, then make this the year you change that. "Artsplosure" descends upon the downtown's historic Moore Square and City Market on Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th promising two full days of premium juried art, renowned musical performances,and the world premiere of Mirazozo, an exhilarating new luminarium created by England s acclaimed Architects of Air.

Marbles Kids Museum: Enter and unleash the fun

Sun, 02 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

At Marbles Kids Museum, prepare for a full on explosion of fun. From the minute you enter the light, bright lobby and turn the corner to see the life-sized chess pieces in Curiosity Square, children's imaginations are suddenly unleashed.

Sono: High-energy sushi with flair

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Walk into Sono s sleek downtown pad and you immediately feel an urban vibe. Sono s d cor and atmosphere alone make an impression on you long before you are able to size up the fish, but in keeping with its high energy surroundings, the menu offers an energy of its own.

The Remedy Diner: A dose of healthy eats

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you are suffering from a need for vegan or vegetarian fare, breakfast served day or night, or a special alcoholic concoction, then check into this downtown infirmary immediately.

The 6th Annual Downtown Raleigh Home Tour: Everyday Urban Living With the Locals

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you ve ever wanted to live in downtown Raleigh or simply wondered what downtown living s like, now is the time for you to experience it up close and personal from a local s perspective. On Saturday, May 15th, from 10am-6pm, take advantage of the opportunity to live like a local and visit downtown dwellings during the 6th Annual Downtown Raleigh Home Tour, featuring properties ranging from charming bungalows to lavish condominiums all within a compact radius of the downtown landscape.

Humble Pie: Eclectic Dining in the Heart of Raleigh's Warehouse District

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Consider this scenario: You ve got a craving for oven roasted mahi mahi, your friend is in the mood for braised short rib tostadas, and the couple joining you for a brief bite is interested in appetizers and cocktails prior to heading on to another engagement. Where to go? Be sure Humble Pie is at the top of your short list of choice dining establishments that fill this bill. Set in a repurposed warehouse, Humble Pie offers appetizer and entree items plated for sharing and enjoying.

Raleigh City Museum: Enriching Future Generations by Preserving the Past

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In the late 1700s, Raleigh was established on 1,000 acres. Today, the city spans approximately 115 square miles and has been named the eighth fastest growing city in the United States. Set in the historic Briggs Hardware Building on one of Raleigh's original, main thoroughfares is the Raleigh City Museum where visitors and residents are invited to enter and experience what the city once was in order to better appreciate what it is continuing to become.

Boylan Bridge Brewpub: Neighborhood brews paired with downtown skyline views

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Complete with an expansive deck and impressive pergola, both designed and built by owner and architect Andrew Leager, the Boylan Bridge Brewpub is the place to be on a sunny afternoon or warm evening with friends and neighbors. Let the sun go down while enjoying a pitcher of a local brew of your choice, and take in the view of the downtown Raleigh skyline.

The Raleigh Trolley: A Leisurely Ride through the Present with an Insight into the Past

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:36:52 GMT

Do you know why Joel Lane is considered to be the "father of Raleigh"? Perhaps you didn t realize that the city s namesake, Sir Walter Raleigh, never set foot on the land that was to be named in his honor. These factoids and more are shared with a welcoming smile and good ol southern charm to eager listeners during the picturesque ride on the Raleigh Trolley, a shiny red replica coasting along downtown Raleigh s city streets on Saturday afternoons.

Tremont Music Hall: Local, regional and national acts

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Tremont Music Hall holds a special place in the hearts of many in the independent and upcoming music scene. The small music venue which features two separate stages has been hosting live music since 1995 and has seen a number of huge musical acts like Green Day and My Chemical Romance perform at the early stages of their careers.

Ru San's: Sushi for newbies or connoisseurs

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Ru San s is a small Japanese restaurant off Park Road that has received plenty of awards from local media outlets for the best sushi in Charlotte.

zMAX Dragway: 'The Bellagio of drag strips'

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The self-declared Bellagio of Drag Strips is the only four-lane, all concrete drag strip in the world. The zMAX Dragway opened in 2008 and has quickly become a popular destination for race fans and amateur drag racers.

Bull & Barrister: Sports Bar mixed with English Pub

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Bull & Barrister Draft House and Grille offers Northwest Charlotte and one-of-a-kind sport s-themed pub with 33 televisions, pool tables, an outdoor patio and a cigar lounge.

Charlotte Motor Speedway: 'The Beast of the Southeast'

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Charlotte Motor Speedway, known as "The Beast of the Southeast," is a 1.5-mile racetrack that hosts a number of NASCAR events each year in Concord, N.C.

NASCAR SpeedPark: Racing rides for all ages

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

NASCAR SpeedPark offers up speedy go-karts, Laser Tag, mini-golf, video games and more for those near the Charlotte Speedway in Concord, NC.

The Flying Saucer: A "beerknurd's" paradise

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you like beer not Budweiser or Miller Lite but ales, stouts, porters, or bocks then you will love The Flying Saucer in the University area of Charlotte.

Mac's Speed Shop: 'Beer, Bikes, BBQ'. Enough said.

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Mac s Speed Shop has a simple and short motto. Beer, Bikes, BBQ. That s about as much information many people will need in order to try out the iconic establishment, but Mac s offers a cool environment with some of the best food and drinks Charlotte has to offer.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: One of the nation's must-visit gardens

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful areas of the Charlotte region, and thousands of residents and tourists visit the grounds every year to participate in one of numerous amounts of events it holds. Whether it s attending a wedding, an educational field trip, or taking in the natural gorgeousness of the botanical gardens themselves, everyone should take at least one visit to this area landmark.

Sammy's Deli & Neighborhood Pub: Main Street America at its best

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Sammy s Deli & Neighborhood Pub is one of those small establishments on Main Street America that is really hard not to love. Sammy s has great food, friendly servers, and an endless supply of drinks.

Red Lion Restaurant & Tavern: Europe meets America in Southwest Charlotte

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Red Lion Restaurant & Tavern tries to replicate the European Gastronomy Pub with traditional pub d cor, large pints of imported beer, and classic European dishes like Bangers and Mash, Shepherd s Pie and Fish & Chips. But the establishment doesn t just try and copy the European style; it re-imagines it with an Americanized twist.

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art: Establishing the Queen City as the Cultural Capital of the South

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art opened in January 2010 and is a 36,500 square-foot spaced filled with art owned by the Bechtler family amassed over 70 years. The collection features art from some of the most influential artists of the mid-20th century including Mir , Giacometti, Picasso and Warhol. Until the museum opened, the Bechtler family privately held these works, mostly in Switzerland.

The String Bean Fresh Market & Deli: High quality food and drinks in Historic Downtown Belmont

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The String Bean Fresh Market & Deli is providing a niche service to residents in and near Historic Belmont by combining a market with fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, wine and beer with a restaurant helmed by a local culinary instructor.

Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum: Drawing big crowds since 1955

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

After 55 years of existence, and plenty of competition from newer venues, the Ovens Auditorium and Bojangles Coliseum on Independence Boulevard is still going strong with sold-out events from big names in music and Broadway productions.

Luigi's Pizza: The combination of New York and Italian heritage hits the Queen City

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Charlotte will never be known as the Pizza Capital of the World, but the owners of Luigi s Pizza cousins who grew up in two areas known for pizza could totally fool anyone walking into one of their three Queen City restaurants.

Newk's Express Caf : From the founders of McCalister's Deli, a new and improved dining experience

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Newk's Express Caf , located in Blakeney Crossing serves up large salads, thin crust pizza and some of the best sandwiches around.

Whiskey River: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s signature bar -- and home away from home

Thu, 27 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who lives just a few miles north of Charlotte in Kannapolis, opened the bar in 2008 as a place that he could hang out. He chose the colors, the name, the theme and several of the drinks. His influence hits you as soon as you walk in the door, and Junior himself can be found at the establishment many nights during the offseason.

Cabo Fish Taco: NoDa's version of Southern California

Sun, 23 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The popular Southern Californian combination of seafood and Mexican cuisine is sneaking its way into Charlotte with Cabo Fish Taco, in the hip area of NODA. The restaurant and bar serves up Inspired Southwest Cuisine with a Coastal Twist, and the establishment is always filled with NoDa s eclectic residents and visitors.

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille: The most centralized bar and restaurant in Charlotte

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Dilworth Neighborhood Grille opened in the Queen City in 2004, and has become a very popular hangout for residents of Charlotte that live and work near Uptown, but not necessarily in Uptown.

NASCAR Hall of Fame: The holy shrine for any fan

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Hall of Fame is a NASCAR fan s paradise as it features four floors of historic artifacts, driver tributes and speed-infused simulators that put you right in the action.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery: The only "Brew Pub" in Charlotte

Mon, 10 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery is the only Brew Pub in Charlotte, and its location in the heart of Uptown make this a beer-drinker s paradise for those visiting the Queen City or for those looking for an after work bite to eat.

Rising Roll Gourmet: Big and creative sandwiches in Ballantyne

Sun, 09 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

For a great sandwich or salad in the Ballantyne area, Rising Roll Gourmet is your place to be.