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Remodeling Your Wake County Home?

The average major kitchen remodel costs about $80,000. You probably don't want to pick the contractor by Googling “remodeler near me.”

Tell us what you're planning and your budget. We'll connect you with up to three reputable Raleigh remodelers who may be a good fit.

Free. Local. No endless contractor hunt.

The Fenton Art Festival returns for its second year on September 13 from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. More than 50 fine artists will be selling original paintings, mixed-media works, sculptures, and more, while demonstrations and public art projects unfold throughout the day. The Backyard Art Party adds hands-on activities including painting, Gelli printing, upcycled sculpture making, and an art-meets-math project.

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Not Your Typical Barbecue Spot

SmokeStacks Cafe may specialize in smoked meats, but don't expect the usual barbecue-and-three-sides setup.

The family-owned restaurant sits in Raleigh's Historic Oakwood neighborhood, where the kitchen creates daily menus rather than sticking to the same lineup. Smoked meats remain at the center of things, but the approach leaves room for changing dishes, seasonal cocktails, wine pairings, craft beer, and desserts that rotate as well.

There's also some flexibility in how you experience the place. SmokeStacks serves brunch and cocktails on its patio as well as weekend dinners inside, so it can work for anything from a meal with friends to a quieter night out.

For anyone who loves the flavors of smoked food but wants to venture beyond traditional barbecue, SmokeStacks offers a more creative take on the idea—and a menu that may look a little different the next time you stop by.

Want to get your business in front of {{active_subscriber_count}} active Raleighites? Contact us.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t Miss These Happy Hour Oyster Deals at Bloomsbury Bistro 🔥

Enjoy $1 freshly shucked East Coast oysters from North Carolina and Virginia every Monday through Friday — no special code or reservation needed, just show up before the hour’s over.

📍Where: Bloomsbury Bistro
📅 When: Mondays–Fridays, 5–6 PM

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,420 SQ FT | $249,900
A recently upgraded home featuring new LVP flooring, granite kitchen countertops, and a convenient location near shopping and schools. Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,537 SQ FT | $325,000
A charming one-story Raleigh home featuring a vaulted living room with a brick fireplace, stainless steel kitchen, separate dining space, and two-car garage. Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,932 SQ FT | 0.42 ACRES | $625,000
A spacious three-bedroom home featuring an open-concept quartzite kitchen, versatile bonus room, large family room, and a fenced backyard with plenty of outdoor space. Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 5,098 SQ FT | 0.63 ACRES | $1,050,000
A striking custom estate featuring timeless architecture, modern updates, a bright kitchen, spacious entertaining areas, and inviting views of the backyard pool. Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Peregrine's Bangladeshi Puffed Rice Snack is a vibrant take on a nostalgic street food featuring fresh yellowfin tuna, lime leaves, tamarind, jaggery, and fresh curd.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: FERN | DOG | 10 MONTHS | FEMALE
Fern is a sweet, gentle dog who warms up with patience and thrives with an active lifestyle, plenty of playtime, and durable chew toys. Check her out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to New Hope Springs on September 12 from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM for a variety of treasures and great finds from several households throughout the community. More details here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Adult Pasta Workshop at Reality Ministries on September 12 at 2:00 PM
A hands-on adult pasta workshop covering the essentials of crafting fresh pasta from scratch in a fun, approachable cooking experience. Learn more here →

🧠 UNSCRAMBLE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase and reply with the correct answer. First person to answer correctly earns eternal Raleigh bragging rights: EYRBWRE VAANABH

Yesterday’s answer: DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

🗳️ YOUR RALEIGH PICK: Vote to see the results. If you’re not already, you’ll need to subscribe to the free newsletter to vote.

Which Raleigh institution deserves more recognition?

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📊 YESTERDAY’S POLL RESULTS:

📸 Raleigh Through Your Lens

Have a great photo of Raleigh? We'd love to feature it in a future edition of Raleigh.com. Whether it's a skyline shot, a neighborhood landmark, a local event, a beautiful park, or a hidden gem around town, send it our way.

📧 Submit your photos to: [email protected]

By submitting a photo, you confirm that:

  • You own the copyright to the image or otherwise have the legal right to submit it.

  • The image does not infringe upon the rights of any third party.

  • You grant Raleigh.com and its affiliated entities a perpetual, royalty-free license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the image in newsletters and other media. We won’t sell the photo (of course).

We can't wait to see Raleigh through your eyes. Submit your photos to [email protected].

🌳 Golden Years Gatherings

Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.

👋 Event of the day: Crafted Connections @ Morrisville Senior Center | September 11 | 1:00 PM
A relaxed monthly arts and crafts meetup featuring hands-on creative projects, provided materials, and opportunities to connect with fellow makers of all skill levels. Get details here →

💲 Senior Discount of the Day: A-Z Thrift Shop | 25% Off for Shoppers 55+
Stop by on the first Thursday of every month and show your ID at checkout to score 25% off your entire purchase.

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Floy Doy | Fusion
Floy Doy is a Raleigh-based jazz fusion band known for its “psychedelic roots jazz,” blending jazz, folk, rock, lounge, jam, and electronic music. | Bond Brothers Eastside | September 11 | 8:00 PM | Get tickets here →

🎤 Plan Ahead: Beck | Fusion
Beck is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for his genre-blending sound, inventive songwriting, and eclectic mix of rock, folk, hip-hop, and electronic music. | DPAC | October 27 | 8:00 PM | Get tickets here →

Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)

When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.

Call them and tell them we sent you!*

✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.

✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.

✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.

✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.

✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.

✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.

✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!

✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!

✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.

✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!

✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.

✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.

✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.

Let’s Get Laughing:

🎤 This Week: Suzanne Lambert at Goodnights Comedy Club | September 10 | 7:30 PM | Suzanne Lambert is a comedian and internet personality known for her sharp wit and humor spanning pop culture and everyday life. Get tickets here →

😂 Plan Ahead: Michael Blaustein at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | October 18 | 7:00 PM | Michael Blaustein is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcast host known for his sharp crowd work, relatable humor, and co-hosting the Stiff Socks podcast. Get tickets here →

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 Midtown Magazine Fall Social @ Arhaus | September 10 | 6:00 PM
A stylish fall social celebrating fashion and design with shopping, drinks, delicious bites, mingling, and meaningful connections with Triangle businesses and community leaders. Get details here →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

If you're ever in Raleigh and need a cozy spot to unwind, you’ve got to check out Jubala Coffee. It’s a small, laid-back place with great vibes and even better coffee. The baristas are super friendly, and they make some of the best lattes around. Plus, the bakery items—especially the cinnamon rolls—are next level.

Colleen, a longtime reader

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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.

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