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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.

Moore Square is turning First Friday into a full evening of food, music, and movie nostalgia on September 4. Browse the local vendor market and food trucks from 5:00–9:00 PM, catch live local music starting at 5:30 PM, then claim your patch of lawn for Remember the Titans (2000) at 7:15 PM. There’ll also be field games for all ages, so bring a blanket or chair and come hungry.

Not sponsored—we just support snacks with a side of Denzel. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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A Bookstore and Wine Bar Built for Romance Readers

Anyone who has wandered into a bookstore looking for romance novels has probably noticed that the section can sometimes be surprisingly small. Bright Side Books & Wine was born from that exact frustration.

Now open in Downtown Raleigh, the shop pairs curated romance reads with wine in a bright, comfortable setting designed for browsing and lingering. The focus includes indie authors and local favorites, along with cozy seating and thoughtful wine pairings.

The idea goes well beyond bookshelves and a glass of wine. Bright Side also hosts book clubs, author events, trivia nights, page-turner paint nights, themed celebrations, and local food and wine pairings.

For romance readers especially, it feels like a place designed around an entire reading experience rather than simply selling books. And for everyone else, it's another reminder that bookstores can still be places to gather, discover something new, and lose track of time for a while.

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

The 919 Deal Drop:

Start Your Week with $3 Sips at Chubby’s Tacos 🔥

Every Monday, Chubby’s serves up $3 house margaritas—no password or secret handshake required. Just show up, order your marg, and enjoy the start of your week with a little extra lime.

📍Where: Chubby’s Tacos
📅 When: Every Monday

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,347 SQ FT | $287,000
A well-maintained Raleigh townhome featuring open-concept living, a stylish quartz kitchen, and a primary suite with a custom walk-in closet and private bath. Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,483 SQ FT | 0.32 ACRES | $355,000
A well-established Raleigh rental featuring easy-care flooring, a cozy stone fireplace, and a prime location near NC State, public transit, and I-40. Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,380 SQ FT | $445,000
A private end-unit condo featuring treetop views, a screened-in deck, open-concept living, high ceilings, ample parking, and convenient access to Centennial Campus. Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4,679 SQ FT | 0.32 ACRES | $1,250,000
An impressive brick-and-stone home featuring light-filled interiors, elegant architectural details, hardwood floors, and exceptional spaces for indoor and outdoor entertaining. Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Garibaldi's Calzone features a golden, flaky crust paired with rich marinara sauce for a warm and comforting classic.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: FREDONIA | CAT | 4 MONTHS | FEMALE
Fredonia is a cautious but deeply affectionate cat who blossoms with patience, gentle attention, and time to build trust. Check her out here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Beginner Gelli Printing Workshop at Outer Loop Arts on August 31 at 6:00 PM
A hands-on two-hour workshop exploring the basics of gelli plate printing with acrylic paint and stencils to create multiple unique prints. 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: REIHALG GEERWAYN

Yesterday’s answer: DOROTHEA DIX CAMPUS

🗳️ 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 venue do you prefer for live music?

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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: Stretch and Refresh @ Downtown Cary Park: DCP Academy Pavilion | August 31 | 10:00 AM
A senior-friendly seated stretching class designed to improve mobility and flexibility in a safe, comfortable, and welcoming group setting. Get details here →

💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Burger King | 10% Senior Discount
Burger King offers 10% off for seniors, plus extra drink discounts for guests 60 and older.

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Jutes | Fusion
Jutes is a singer-songwriter known for blending alternative rock, pop-punk, and hip-hop with raw, emotionally charged lyrics. | Lincoln Theatre | September 1 | 9:00 PM | Get tickets here →

🎤 Plan Ahead: Lil Wayne | Hip-Hop/Rap
Lil Wayne is a Grammy-winning rapper known for his influential lyricism, distinctive voice, and lasting impact on modern hip-hop. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | September 26 | 7:00 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: Godfrey at Raleigh Improv | September 4-5 | Godfrey is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his high-energy performances, sharp impressions, and outspoken comedic style. Get tickets here →

😂 Plan Ahead: Fortune Feimster at DPAC | October 3 | 8:00 PM | Fortune Feimster is a comedian, actress, and writer known for her warm storytelling, Southern charm, and standout stand-up specials and television appearances. Get tickets here →

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 Glam.Set.Match! @ Pullen Park Tennis Courts | August 29 | 2:00 PM
A high-energy tennis and beauty experience featuring clinics, match play, challenges, glam touch-ups, games, giveaways, a live DJ, and refreshments. Get details here →

🤝 Bookworms & Chatterboxes @ Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen | August 30 | 2:00 PM
A relaxed book club discussion of All Systems Red by Martha Wells, with conversation about the featured book, recent reads, and related topics over coffee. Get details here →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

Al Baraka is one of those spots you don’t want to tell too many people about. It’s a little Mediterranean market and grill on Hillsborough where you can grab fresh pita, spices, halal meat. Their shawarma wraps hit the spot.

Justine, 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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