Puzzle Off: Raleigh’s Ultimate Jigsaw Showdown

A battle of brains, snacks, and speed.

Author

Shannon
March 03, 2025

Think you’ve got puzzle prowess? Put those skills to the test at Puzzle Off, Raleigh’s quirkiest (and most competitive) jigsaw competition! Head to Berkeley Cafe on Saturday, March 8th (2–5 PM) for a puzzle swap, brain-teasing warmups, and a 350-piece race to victory at 3 PM. Bring a team (or join one there), $15 in cash, and your A-game. Winners score a GIANT snack box—because solving puzzles works up an appetite. Walk-ins welcome, or sign up here to secure your spot.

This isn’t sponsored—we just get really excited about puzzles and prizes. Mostly prizes. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

FYI: Our newsletter goes out every morning. Move our emails to your primary inbox so you can see the next edition! Our subject lines always include the 📧 emoji so they’re easy to find.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Wine Wednesday Deals You Can’t Miss! 🍷🔥

Enjoy $10 off select bottles and $6/$7 select wines by the glass at Bar Louie every Wednesday until 10 PM! No code needed—just show up and sip away.

📍 Where: Bar Louie – Brier Creek
📅 When: Every Wednesday until 10 PM

Have a phenomenal deal you'd like to share for FREE with 10,000+ people in the Triangle? Email [email protected]. It’s free to share a deal, but it has to be something really useful to our community.

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 1 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,065 SQ FT | 9,583 SQ FT LOT | $298,000
Beautifully renovated 3-bed, 1-bath ranch near downtown Raleigh, featuring a modern kitchen with quartz countertops, fresh paint, updated flooring, and a spacious backyard. Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,225 SQ FT | 2.25 ACRES | $325,000
Charming 3-bed, 2-bath home on a 2.25-acre cul-de-sac lot in Raleigh, featuring a cozy fireplace, spacious deck for entertaining, a large partially fenced backyard, and an updated main bathroom. Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,029 SQ FT | 4,791 SQ FT LOT | $679,000
Sleek 2022-built Downtown Raleigh home with modern design, an open-concept layout, dual gas fireplaces, a private balcony, and a fenced backyard—perfect for stylish city living! Take a look here →

👩 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)? CALL HEATHER…

Heather Larose

Longtime Raleigh real estate agent Heather LaRose can get you in. But don’t wait—these homes are bound to draw a lot of interest!

📱 Text or call: 919-333-1571
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: LaroseRealtyGroup.com

Act fast—your dream home won’t wait!*

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Lechón Latin BBQ & Bar’s CARNITAS TACOS are filled with tender, slow-cooked pork, topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: RICKI | DOG | 1 YEAR | MALE
Ricki is a loving, intelligent, and affectionate 91lb pup who thrives on companionship and is ready to be your loyal, literary-minded best friend! Check him out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 6829 Greystone Dr near Pony Run on March 7 and 8 at 9AM for amazing finds and downsizing deals! More details here →

Looking for a Therapist?

Raleigh native Hilary Norris offers compassionate telehealth therapy with a sliding scale rates to make care accessible.

Why Choose Hilary?

✅ Experienced & Compassionate: A licensed social worker with 20+ years of mental health experience.
✅ Help for Life’s Challenges: Specializing in anxiety, relationship struggles, and major life transitions.
✅ Flexible & Accessible: Offers telehealth sessions for convenient, confidential care—as long as you're located in NC.
✅ Affordable Care for All: Sessions are $150/hour, but sliding scale arrangements are available if that’s outside your budget.

Call or Text Her Now–Limited Openings Available!

It’s rare for qualified mental health practitioners to have availability, so don’t wait to improve your situation.

📱 Text or call: 919-608-4096
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Learn more: HilaryNorrisLCSW.com

Your well-being matters—reach out today!*

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Pathogenic / Leylines / Killing the Void | Progressive Death Metal
Pathogenic, a progressive death metal band from Boston, joins forces with Leylines for a tour stop in Raleigh, featuring local heavyweights Killing the Void. | Chapel of Bones | March 4, 7PM | $15 in advance, $17 day of show | Get tickets here →

🎤 Plan Ahead: The Lumineers | Folk Rock
The Lumineers, known for their 24 #1 hits, have become a global touring powerhouse with multiple platinum albums, Grammy nominations, and record-breaking stadium shows. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park | September 16, 7:30PM | Get tickets here →

Let’s Get Laughing:

🎤 This Week: Craig Conant at Goodnights Comedy Club | March 5, 8PM | Craig Conant is a charismatic and unpredictable comedian known for his laid-back storytelling, self-deprecating humor, and hilarious takes on life's quirks. Get tickets here →

😂 Plan Ahead: Marc Maron at the Carolina Theatre | March 21, 7PM | Marc Maron is a veteran stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster known for his introspective, conversational comedy style. His humor is often raw, self-deprecating, and deeply personal, tackling topics like relationships, mental health, aging, and existential struggles with a mix of cynicism and wit. He gained widespread recognition through his podcast WTF with Marc Maron, where he conducts in-depth interviews with celebrities and fellow comedians. His stand-up blends storytelling with sharp social commentary, offering an honest and often neurotic take on life. Get tickets here →

Raleigh Reads:

🚗 North Carolina Day Trips includes 170 must-visit destinations, organized by theme.*

🔍 Raleigh's Great Scavenger Hunt Adventure uncovers 50 must-see spots and hidden gems.*

🥾 Best Hikes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill features 40 family-friendly hikes within an hour of the Triangle, including hidden trails.*

🚙 Backroads of North Carolina uncovers the state’s most scenic drives, charming small towns, and hidden gems—complete with maps, travel tips, and stunning photography.*

🏕️ North Carolina Adventure Weekends maps out epic outdoor getaways—featuring the best spots for hiking, cycling, climbing, and paddling, plus where to eat, stay, and stock up on gear.*

🎧 Get 12 FREE bestselling audiobooks with this Audible deal.*

🏆 Finally, this one has nothing to do with Raleigh (it’s about happiness) but it’s currently #1 on Amazon, so we thought you’d like to check it out.*

Get Outside, Raleigh!

🌞 Farm Club @ Planet Peace Farm | March 8 | 10:30AM
A club for kids ages 5+ who love animals, farms, nature, and outdoor activities, featuring hands-on experiences with ponies, horses, dogs, bunnies, gardening, farm chores, and games.

🌲 The Social Hike @ Lake Lynn Park | March 15 | 10AM
The Social Hike offers a refreshing outdoor experience at Lake Lynn Park, bringing together like-minded individuals to enjoy nature and connect with new friends.

🥾 The Best of Asheville: Private Walking Tour @ Asheville, NC
Want to explore our great state? Discover Asheville’s charm on a 2.5-hour private tour! Stroll the Urban Trail, visit Pack Square Park and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, and sip a brewery-fresh drink in the South Slope Brewing District.*

Drop-In Workouts Around Raleigh:

No recurring gym membership required. Just show up.

🥊 Kickboxing | March 4, 12:00PM | GRIT CITY BOXING | $30 | 8813 Gulf Ct Raleigh, NC 27617

🌀 Pilates | March 4, 6:30PM | BARRE-UP | $25 | 4224 Beryl Rd Suite A, Raleigh, NC 27606

Raleigh Household Deals:

🛒 Browse and print free grocery coupons for all your favorite brands at CouponSurfer.com. Start saving today!*

🛏️ Get comfy: This could be the comfiest thing you ever put on your bed.*

☕ Your coffee game, upgraded: This top-rated coffeemaker makes the perfect cup. It’s not the cheapest but it’s way cheaper than a daily Starbucks.*

🍞 Harris Teeter savings: Breyer’s Ice Cream, buy one get one free!

Oak City Job Openings:

💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: PALCO is seeking a CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE.
The customer service representative provides assistance to individuals self-directing Medicaid services and their caregivers, offering accurate support, program knowledge, and issue resolution while managing 40+ inbound and outbound calls daily in compliance with company systems and PHI handling procedures. More details here →

🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: VAYA HEALTH is seeking an APPEALS SPECIALIST.
The Member and Recipient Appeals Specialist supports the appeals team by managing peer reviews, denials, and appeals, generating notification letters, handling correspondence, and maintaining accurate records in Vaya Health databases while also responding to inquiries from staff, providers, members, and community members regarding administrative and clinical denials and appeals. More details here →

💰 WORK-FROM-HOME SIDE GIG IN RALEIGH: Survey Junkie is looking for people to take surveys! Get paid to share your opinions on products, services, and trends—all from the comfort of your home.* More details here →

🤝 CARY JOB: CATERPILLAR is seeking a SALES SUPPORT SPECIALIST.
Seeking a detail-oriented shipping and receiving associate responsible for managing incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring accurate, safe, and timely product delivery while maintaining efficient inventory operations. More details here →

💼 NEW BERN JOB: CRAVEN COUNTY SCHOOLS is seeking a BUS MONITOR.
Seeking a school bus assistant to help maintain order during bus operations, keep accurate records, and assist with student loading, unloading, seating, and discipline as needed. More details here →

📢 LOOKING TO HIRE? Email [email protected] and we’ll send your job out to the community.

The Hookup:

📖 Grandkids.com – Preserve cherished memories by turning your parent’s or grandparent’s life story into a beautifully written book.*

🛠️ HomeRemodeling.com – Compare bids from top remodelers and get the best quality, service, and price for your home project.*

📚 MemoirGhostwriting.com – Share your story effortlessly with skilled ghostwriters who deliver stunning books that stand the test of time.*

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

Frankie’s Fun Park is one of those places you don’t realize how much you love until you’re there, racing go-karts, battling in laser tag, or losing track of time in the arcade. It’s got that perfect mix of nostalgia and adrenaline. And the mini golf? Way more competitive than anyone admits. It’s a good spot when you just need a break from your usual Raleigh routine.

—Diana, a Raleigh.com reader

Have a Raleigh tip or hidden gem? Email [email protected] and we might feature it.

Love Free Stuff?

🛍️ Get a free Raleigh.com tote bag! Just visit Carroll’s Kitchen in downtown Raleigh, purchase anything, and they’ll hand you a free Raleigh.com tote bag. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause—Carroll’s Kitchen serves up delicious meals while providing jobs for women overcoming adversity. Mon-Fri, 8AM-2PM.

🎧 Unlimited audiobooks, 100% FREE to try! Dive into endless audiobooks—your first month is totally free, cancel anytime.*

Want to Test Our Advertising Services for FREE?

We offer powerful ways to connect with 10,000+ people across the Triangle—starting with a FREE ad for most businesses. Learn more about our advertising options here.

Above all, have a great day, Raleigh!