The Art of Aperitivo in Raleigh: An Italian-Inspired Evening at Merrimon-Wynne House

Sip, snack, and slow down—just like they do in Italy.

Trade your usual weeknight routine for a glass of something lovely at The Merrimon-Wynne House on April 29. This immersive evening celebrates Italy in a Glass with founder Susan Gravely, featuring wine, bites from HL Catering Co., and a full-on aperitivo experience designed for lingering and laughing.

Curious what makes aperitivo more than just pre-dinner drinks? That’s your cue to click for tickets and see what’s being poured.

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Not sponsored (though we wouldn’t say no to a refill). Just here for the vibes 🍷 (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).

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📖 Your life story—or your parents’—deserves to be told beautifully.

We’ve all said, “Someone should really write this down” after hearing an incredible story from a parent or grandparent. But life gets busy, and those memories start to fade. That’s why we love what MemoirGhostwriting.com is doing.

They make it easy to turn a lifetime of memories, lessons, and stories into a beautifully written memoir—whether it’s for yourself, your parents, or someone else in your family. Through warm, personal interviews and the work of experienced writers, they create a book you’ll be proud to pass down.

It’s not just about history—it’s about identity, legacy, and love. It’s never too early—or too late—to get it all down.

The 919 Deal Drop:

Don’t Miss These Daily Drink Deals at Brickhouse Sports Pub 🔥

Specials change every day—think $4 drafts, $5 mimosas, and hump day pitchers that’ll keep the crew happy. Just show up and ask for the day’s special—it’s that simple.

📍Where: Brickhouse Sports Pub
📅 When: Every Day

Raleigh Real Estate:

🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,295 SQ FT | .3 ACRES | $299,000
Beautifully refreshed townhome in Raleigh featuring fresh paint, new carpet, a spacious layout, and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Take a look here →

🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,539 SQ FT | .28 ACRES | $349,900
Well-maintained home with updated kitchen and baths, recent major systems, a cozy gas fireplace, hardwood floors, and a large private backyard. Take a look here →

🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3,035 SQ FT | .59 ACRES | $799,000
This home offers strong curb appeal with a brick exterior and mature landscaping, complemented by new hardwood floors, plush bedroom carpeting, fresh designer paint, and updated fixtures. Take a look here →

🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4,156 SQ FT | .95 ACRES | $1,125,000
Fully remodeled home with stunning outdoor features including a river rock waterfall, mahogany entry, expansive fenced yard with trails, barn, and a gazebo wired for a hot tub or EV charger. Take a look here →

Raleigh Overtime:

🍴 FOODIE FIND: Crawford and Son’s Roasted Cauliflower is a vibrant dish with lemon tahini, capers, pickled sultana raisins, and crispy rice for layered texture and flavor.

🐾 FOR ADOPTION: CHUBBY | DOG, RETRIEVER | 2 MONTHS | MALE
Chubby is a charming, playful, and friendly puppy with a lovable personality, balanced energy, and irresistible good looks. Check him out here →

🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 224 Ravensworth Dr, Garner on April 25 at 7AM for the Annandale Spring Community Yard Sale featuring multiple homes and a wide variety of items. More details here →

📝 LOCAL CLASS: Woodburn your own Charcuterie Board at Joy Worthy Co. on April 22 at 6:30PM. 
Learn beginner wood-burning techniques as you transfer and burn a custom design onto a 5x7 cutting board to create a keepsake or gift to take home. Sign up here →

🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: AEIGHRL KETAS RKAP

🌳 Golden Years Gatherings

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

👋 Event of the day: Senior Services Expo @ South Park Community Center | April 22
A community-focused expo with 50+ local providers offering resources, activities, and opportunities to meet others in a relaxed setting. Get details here →

💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Sonic | 10% Off
Sonic treats seniors to 10% off their favorite eats and drinks.

Local Vocals:

🎸 This Week: Alabama Shakes | Rock
Alabama Shakes is an American rock band known for their soulful, blues-influenced sound and Brittany Howard’s powerful vocals on songs like “Hold On.” | Red Hat Amphitheater | April 25, 7PM | Get tickets here

🎤 Plan Ahead: MGK | Hip-Hop
Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) is an American artist known for his genre-blending career that spans hip-hop, pop-punk, and rock, marked by raw lyricism, high-energy performances, and a rebellious edge. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek | June 2, 7PM | 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.

✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.

✔️ 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: Bill Bellamy at Raleigh Improv | April 24-25 | Bill Bellamy is an American comedian and actor known for his smooth, charismatic style and for popularizing the phrase “booty call.” Get tickets here

😂 Plan Ahead: Felipe Esparza at Raleigh Improv | June 5-6 | Felipe Esparza is a Mexican-American stand-up comedian known for his laid-back storytelling, sharp humor, and memorable win on Last Comic Standing. Get tickets here

Find Friends in Raleigh:

Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:

👋 Latin Dance Social @ Cuya Cocktail Bar | April 22 | 8:30PM
A weekly Wednesday Latin Dance Social featuring a complimentary Salsa and Bachata lesson followed by high-energy social dancing into the night. Get details here →

🤝 Alzheimer's Fundraiser @ Drive Shack | April 24 | 4PM
An elevated happy hour fundraiser supporting Alzheimer’s awareness and research, bringing people together for connection, energy, and a meaningful cause. Get details here →

Raleigh Hidden Gem:

The Country Doctor Museum is one of those hidden gems you almost don’t believe exists until you see it. It’s tucked away in this unassuming spot, but when you walk inside, it’s like stepping back in time. They’ve got these old medicine bottles, weird-looking doctor tools, and even a hand-cranked wheelchair that makes you grateful for modern medicine. It’s a little bit eerie, a lot fascinating, and one of those places that makes you appreciate how far we’ve come.

Carl, a longtime reader

Oak City Job Openings:

🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Daily Transcription is seeking an AI Editor.

💼 RALEIGH JOB: Walmart is seeking a Front End Service Team Associate.

💸SIDE HUSTLES:

  • Refer a business that goes on to advertise in the Raleigh.com newsletter and earn 20% of the advertising revenue. To find out more, email [email protected].

  • Alternatively, refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend (you'd collect around $4,140 on an average project). Find out more here

Interested in promoting your business or event to 14,426 trendsetters in the Triangle?

Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. In select cases, we’ll run ads on a commission-only basis—meaning we only make money if you do. Find out more here.

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

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