Lois V Magee

12/13/2021

Happy Holidays, friends!

I always love exploring events around the Triangle during the holidays. I’ve been doing research and want to share some that sound extra special!

-The Nutcracker-
Carolina Ballet presents the winter classic, The Nutcracker, through December 24th, at Memorial Auditorium at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. With magic performed onstage, this is a true spectacle for children and adults alike!
Visit https://www.carolinaballet.com/2021-2022-season/the-nutcracker/ for details on tickets.

-WRAL Night of Lights-
This is a fantastical drive-thru winter light display at Dorothea Dix Park! Open through December 24th, from 6-10pm each evening.
Visit https://www.wral.com/WRAL-presents-Nights-of-Lights-at-Dix-Park-tickets-times-holiday-lights/19317026/ for timing and admission details.

-A MOTOWN Christmas
-
Pure Life Theatre presents this holiday musical at the Cary Arts Center through December 29th.
Visit https://www.purelifetheatre.com/ for details on tickets and COVID-19 requirements.

-Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk-
Stroll downtown “after dark” and enjoy the beautiful, creative light displays throughout the city! The artwork will be up through January 7th.
Visit https://downtownraleigh.org/illuminate for details!

-Downton Abbey’s "Dressing the Abbey"-
Fans of the show, don’t miss this opportunity to view 35 costumes worn by the beloved characters! The exhibit is open through January 16th at the NC Museum of History. Check their website for specific days and times.
Visit https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/dressing-the-abbey for admission and experience details!

-THE RINK-
Ice skate with family and friends in downtown Raleigh’s outdoor rink! Featuring “cozy stations” with warmers and fire pits to warm up, a snack bar with sweet treats, and giant sets of corn hole and Jenga for all to play, this is a perfect “staycation outing” during the holidays!
Visit https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink for details on admission. @

Come enjoy the thrill of ice skating in a winter wonderland created in the heart of downtown Raleigh! THE RINK presented by UNC Health features a natural ice skating rink with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. Activities to Enjoy Winter Wonderland themed Ice Rink...

09/07/2021

Hello Facebook friends!

Are your kids back in school and you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house? Or, do you have little ones at home with you and you’re looking for some new ways to break up your day? I recently discovered a coffee shop in Raleigh that checks both of those boxes!

Start your morning at Idle Hour Coffee Roasters, one of Raleigh’s newest and most innovative coffee shops! Located off Oberlin Rd near downtown, Idle Hour is known for their fresh coffee and seasonal specialty drinks, yummy house-made sandwiches, and superb pastries, sweet breads, and mini cakes. They also partner with many local small businesses including the phenomenal Tepuy Donuts! Considered to be the “best” donuts in Raleigh, these donuts are made hot every morning in incredible flavors and delivered to multiple local small shops. Get an assortment of exciting flavors each morning at Idle Hour…until they sell out! I can’t recommend them highly enough. After grabbing a cappuccino or homemade Vietnamese coffee and a warm donut to start your day, head to Jaycee Park for a brisk walk or shop around Cameron Village for a leisurely shopping trip. If you have your kids with you, drive into downtown to visit Marbles Kids Museum for an indoor adventure, or Pullen Park for an outdoor adventure. You can’t go wrong with either!

Enjoy!
Lois

03/05/2021

Cary friends,

Have you discovered Asali Desserts & Cafe in MacGregor Village? It’s a true gem! Specializing in Mediterranean desserts, cakes, savory baked goods, coffee, and teas, Asali has something that everyone will love! For their ever-changing selection of baked goods and treats, follow them on Instagram or Facebook. From their traditional Zaatar Pie, Cheese Kenafa, Sahlab, Tahini Tart, and Baklava to their creative Banofee Baklava Pie, Macarons, Kenafa Cheesecake, Chocoflan, and every sort of tart, cake, cake pop, and mousse available…their menu is extensive and impressive. It is no wonder they received a Maggy Award for Best Dessert!

Take a trip to Asali Desserts and Cafe and let me know what you try. The hardest part is choosing what to get!

In addition to take-out, Asali offers online ordering with curbside pickup.

Enjoy!
Lois

02/26/2021

Friends,

Have you ever dreamed of having freshly-baked sweet and savory treats delivered to your front door? Paul and Anne Marsland of Wistful Baker in Raleigh dreamt it and made it happen, and I am so thankful they did! They are a small-batch, family artisanal bakery that delivers freshly-baked cookies, bars, tarts, and more directly to your door. Each week they bake two different recipes for you to choose from. Their mocha baby bunts and faux nutters are heaven! They also just started including the option of freshly roasted coffee from Cup-a-Joe, ground to order, with their delivery. Can you envision a more perfect Saturday morning?!

Take a look at Wistful Baker’s Instagram or Facebook and order yourself some yummy treats! Orders are accepted Tuesday-Thursday with deliveries Friday and Saturday. You will love this new local gem.

Enjoy!
Lois

12/17/2020

Hello Friends,

Happy Holidays to you and your families!

While the holidays may look different this year, many of the traditions we love can still be experienced...covid style! Thanks to their creators and artists, you can visit light displays from the safety and warmth of your cars, watch a live performance of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra or The Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker from your own living room, and bundle up to visit the outdoor-only Historic Oakwood walking lights tour with your loved ones. There’s so much to do to make the holidays special!

May you and your families have a happy, healthy, and joy-filled holiday season,
Lois

*Historic Oakwood Candlelight Walking Tour*
Walk through history, on your own time with your own “pod” of people, in this new outdoor-only walking tour version of the Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour. Start at the Tucker House and be guided, via a free app that you download to your phone, through a beautiful walk of historic homes decorated for the holidays! Headphones are recommended. The cost is free, and donations are welcomed. For detailed information, visit the link below.
https://www.historicoakwood.org/candlelight-tour-2020

*Winter Wonders Walk*
Beginning at 5pm every night, American To***co Campus in Durham (across from Durham Bulls Stadium) lights up for a stunning evening stroll or picturesque holiday photos. On your way out, order dinner online to pickup and take home from Mellow Mushroom, Boricua Soul, Only Burger, Saladelia Cafe, or To***co Road.

*Local Light Displays*
This year, many of the local light displays that are typically either walk-thru or hayrides have transformed to be “covid-safe” events. Instead of getting out of your cars to view the lights, you get to drive through them! Grab some hot cocoa, play your favorite holiday music, and wear your best tacky holiday sweaters as you and your family drive through enchanting light displays!

—Fieldstream Farm Lights Display
https://triangleonthecheap.com/fieldstream-farm-christmas-lights/

—Piper Lights at Wake Forest
https://triangleonthecheap.com/spectacular-christmas-light-display-wake-forest-piper-lights/

—Lake Myra Christmas Lights
https://triangleonthecheap.com/lake-myra-christmas-lights-wendell/

—Hill Ridge Farms Festival of Lights
https://triangleonthecheap.com/hill-ridge-farms-festival-lights/

Looking for something to enjoy from home?!

*Trans-Siberian Orchestra Live*
The renowned Trans-Siberian Orchestra is streaming a live performance of “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” on December 18 at 8pm! This special event can only be viewed by purchasing as ticket at the website below. This will be spectacular!
https://tsolivestream.com/tso/livestream/

*Holiday Movie Magic Trivia*
Grab your family and play some virtual holiday trivia on December 19! The event is free. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-movie-magic-trivia-tickets-129360495725?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

*Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker*
Support the talented ballerinas Carolina Ballet as they share their beloved Nutcracker performance with all of us on Christmas Day on WRAL at 7pm. A second airing will take place on the 27 at 11am. What a special way to celebrate the holidays!
https://www.carolinaballet.com/season20-21/the-nutcracker/

10/12/2020

Hello Friends,

I am so excited to share a new “local gem” with you! Layered Croissanterie is a bakery in downtown Raleigh that opened last year. I finally checked it out and have been dreaming of croissants, pain au chocolate, brown butter crookies, kouign amann, and morning buns ever since. These are not your run-of-the-mill grocery store pastries...biting into their buttery layers transports you to European cafes! They are truly amazing. From sweet to savory pastries (and even the yummiest chai lattes around), Layered has something everyone will love.

In addition to their pastries and coffee bar, I love their commitment to continue being safe and smart during this time. They offer curbside pickup! Order online the day before or morning of to be sure to get what you want (I have heard they sell out!). Then pickup the treats curbside and either take them home to enjoy, or stop by a downtown park for a picnic! You will feel like you’ve been transported to a cafe in Paris.

Enjoy!
Lois

08/30/2020

Hello Friends,

Have you struggled to stay active during the past six months? Without gyms and fitness studios open, it can be difficult! Below is a link to a list of fitness studios that are offering outdoor classes throughout the Triangle, as well as links to the Raleigh Parks and Capital Area Greenway Systems websites for anyone interested in walking, hiking, running, or biking.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ZuEyfb7im6a7i7WiXNe7h7sENOrbhwPd5_nKoI0Ygw

Thank you to all of these businesses (and many others!) for making it possible for us to stay healthy and active during this time, while also working diligently to keep us safe.

City of Raleigh - Government
Midtown Park Midtown Park
Fit RDU
YMCA of the Triangle
barre3
The Yoga Collective
Fun 4 Raleigh Kids
Frog Hollow Outdoors
Pura Vida Studio
CrossFit Invoke
Shred415
TreeRunner Raleigh Adventure Park

Enjoy getting outside this fall!
Lois

Triangle Outdoor Fitness Classes For a complete and updated list of parks and amenities that are open, visit: https://raleighnc.gov/SupportPages/parks-covid-19-status Greenways are open! For a complete list of the Capital Area Greenway System, visit: https://raleighnc.gov/home/content/PRecDes...

05/14/2020

Hello Facebook Friends,

If you’re looking for some new restaurants to try this spring, here are two that I recommend! Both are doing curbside pickup so it’s easy to order online and pickup curbside without having any unnecessary contact.

Benny Capitale’s is a new pizza restaurant in downtown Raleigh. Originally from Italy and raised in Brooklyn, Benny is known for his “old school” pizza joints that serve huge pizzas (28 inches!) at a great price. $5 for a full meal! A slice can easily serve 2-3 people, and a pizza can feed a whole family. Next time you’re wanting a great slice of pizza, visit Benny Capitale’s!
https://www.bennysva.com/locations/benny-capitales/
Benny Capitale's

Union Special is a full service bakeshop and cafe located near downtown Raleigh off Capital Blvd. The bakery produces amazing sweet and savory pastries, and the cafe offers a fantastic selection of salads and sandwiches, breakfast served all day, and brunch on the weekend. Ingredients are sourced from local small businesses, including flours from Lindley Mills in Graham, NC. To order, visit their website at https://www.unionspecialbread.com/
Union Special

Enjoy!
Lois

05/01/2020

With Mother's Day around the corner and nowhere to go (thanks to Covid-19), I've just discovered some great news that I wanted to share! Catering Works, a local caterer who has been in business for decades, is offering Mother's Day meals for pickup! If you have ever been to an event catered by this company, you KNOW they never disappoint!

Want even better news? They offer every day meals too! Check out their website:
https://www.cateringworks.com/

04/07/2020

During this uncertain time, we are fortunate to be surrounded by businesses that are doing all they can to serve the community. If you are able to support your favorite small businesses, this is a good time to do it! My family and I have ventured out to a few of our favorites that are offering curbside pickup and/or delivery.

Savory Spice Shop: Savory Spice Shop
Located in Lafayette Village in Raleigh, Savory Spice Shop is a locally owned full-service spice shop that sells over 400 spices and herbs, and 140 blends ground fresh weekly. They have everything you need for the perfect seasonings for grilling, baking, pantry staples and more, and are always so willing to help you find what you are looking for. During this time, they are available by phone or email to fill orders for curbside pickup! Call or email them between 10am and 2pm, Monday-Saturday. Be sure to also take a look at the recipe section on their website for mouthwatering meal ideas!

Phone Number: (919) 714-7447
Email: [email protected]

Lowes Foods: Lowes Foods
Lowes Foods is a Carolinas-based full service grocery store, with an emphasis on local goods. During this time, they are holding shopping hours for seniors and the most vulnerable from 7-8am Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They also offer Lowes Food to Go pickup service, and have waived the $4.95 shopper fee for the month of April. To order for pickup and delivery, visit the website below.

https://www.lowesfoods.com/Shop-Online/Lowes-Foods-To-Go

Stay well!
Lois

02/28/2020

Hello Friends,

Spring is right around the corner so it’s time to start exploring the Triangle’s outdoor restaurants and bars! Whether it’s a lunch out with the kids, a night out with friends, or a date night, we are fortunate to be in an area that has so much to offer! Take a look at some of the Triangle’s newest indoor/outdoor offerings. Which do you plan to try this spring?

WYE HILL KITCHEN & BREWING
“People. Plates. Pours.”
201 S. Boylan
Wye Hill is a restaurant and brewery located in the Boylan Heights neighborhood in downtown Raleigh. The food is exceptional, from lunch to dinner to Sunday brunch and even a full vegan menu! Pork Poutine, Seared Yellowfin Steak, Roasted Spaghetti Squash, Shrimp & Grits, Pork Belly Benedict, Boneless Ribeye...and so many more mouthwatering dishes! Of course their beers on tap, cocktails, and wine are also outstanding...there is something for everyone. But what makes Wye Hill a true gem is it’s location and outdoor seating. From the large patio you can take in the grandeur of downtown Raleigh...stunning! And be sure to bring your leashed furry friends to join you on the patio. Wye Hill will quickly become a new favorite!

https://www.wyehill.com

TIN ROOF RALEIGH
“Live music. Southern inspired ‘better than bar’ food.”
300 Glenwood Ave.
Located on Glenwood Avenue across from Hibernian Pub is a fantastic Southern restaurant and bar that hosts live music every day of the week. Tin Roof is passionate about giving musicians a place to play and a place to hang out with musicians and non-musicians alike. The bands featured have included everything from pop music to country, Motown to 90s hits, rock to today’s best covers, and everything in between. They also host karaoke nights and trivia nights that are lots of fun! When you’re there, be sure to try their Dixie Biscuits, Nashville Hot Chicken, and Voodoo Shrimp Grinder...so tasty! Before you go, take a look at the live music calendar on their website to find bands that match your interests. Tin Roof promises a great night out or Sunday Brunch with family and friends!

https://www.tinroofraleigh.com/food-drink