Zebulon, NC Lifestyle and More

One of Raleigh's most influential restaurants will close after 13 years

One of Raleigh’s most distinct and influential restaurants will close this month after more than a decade of championing and celebrating vegetarian cuisine. Fiction Kitchen plans to close its doors for good on Saturday, Nov. 14, and will serve its final Sunday brunch on Nov. 8. “This was a very difficult decision and one full of tears, but we feel the time has come for us to sunset Fiction Kitchen,” owners Caroline Morrison and Siobhan Southern said in an Instagram post. Fiction Kitchen opened in 2013 on Davie Street in Downtown Raleigh. Serving an entirely vegan menu of comforting and seasonal favorites, Fiction Kitchen became a destination for vegetarians and omnivores alike, solidifying its spot as one of the city’s signature restaurants for a time. Its vegan pulled “pork” has been a sensation for years, collecting national write-ups from outlets like The Washington Post . View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Fiction Kitchen (@thefictionkitchen) In 2024, Fiction Kitchen closed its original location in Downtown Raleigh and relocated to the redeveloping Gateway Plaza shopping center, first as a pop-up and then in a new permanent space in 2025. The owners hoped the move would offer a fresh

Raleigh, NC · 2d

familydestinationsguide.com

People Wait Outside For Hours At This 10-Table North Carolina Steakhouse That Serves Only Ribeye

There are restaurants that give you options, and then there’s the Beefmastor Inn in Wilson, North Carolina, which looked at the whole idea of options and politely showed them the door. One cut of beef, one dining room, and a line out front that tells you everything you need...

Wilson, NC · 6d

Raleigh News & Observer

A Raleigh bar, beloved for 40 years, will return after more than a decade away

A revival is in the works for a Raleigh icon that closed more than a decade ago. The sandwich shop and dive bar Sadlack’s will return in a few months in a new location and under new ownership. Jack-of-all-trades Henry Goodall is reopening Sadlack’s in a century-old building at 913 W. Morgan St. in Raleigh. The name is the same, but the new Sadlack’s will open for drinks only to start, with food to follow if all goes well, Goodall told The News & Observer. But more than a menu, Goodall said the new Sadlack’s hopes to conjure a sense of community. “We’re not trying to be the old Sadlack’s, you can’t go back in time and do that,” Goodell said. “But whether you miss the old Sadlack’s or you never had the opportunity to go and always felt like you missed something, this will be here to fill whatever it is they’re trying to find. The world is lacking community and that’s what we’re trying to create here.” The Sadlack’s return was first reported by Raleigh Magazine . Sadlack’s stood for 40 years on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, serving sandwiches and drawing fans from all walks of life. Goodell

Raleigh, NC · 3d

Raleigh News & Observer

Multiple coffee shops across Triangle will close or change in the coming months

On Monday, Nov. 2, a fire was reported at Village Coffeehouse in North Raleigh, prompting the business’ closure for until further notice, according to a post on the business’ social media . It’s the latest in a number of setbacks for coffee shops across the Triangle, which are experiencing struggles for a variety of reasons. In addition to the Village Coffeehouse fire, The Optimist Raleigh announced chapter 11 bankruptcy, Bad Brain Coffee Co. faces relocation and Parallax Coffee will close its Wendell location at the end of the year. On Monday, Oct. 26, Andrew Ward, owner of Optimist Raleigh, took to social media to share the news of the bankruptcy filing. “We will continue to operate normally going forward,” The Optimist said in a social media post. “Staff will be paid. Coffee and food will be served and nothing will change, especially in the interim. This process is just beginning, but the idea will always be to be here and protect this place and our staff.” In January 2025, The Optimist opened WRK by The Optimist on the first floor of North Hills’ The Exchange Raleigh before closing. Then Café Royale , a Parisian-inspired café and bar took over the

Raleigh, NC · 2d

pbsnc.org

North Carolina Weekend

Celebrate the flavors of fall across North Carolina. Enjoy modern Chinese cuisine at The Majestic in Asheville, Thai favorites at Nai Thai 2 in Goldsboro and seasonal Italian cooking at Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro.

North Carolina · 2d

hoodline.com

Teens Hurl Slurs at North Hills Shoppers in Viral Video, Mall Says It's Disappointed

A TikTok video showing two young teens hurling racist and homophobic slurs at shoppers near Raleigh's North Hills has racked up more than 40,000 views, reigniting concerns about unsupervised teen gatherings at the upscale shopping district. The woman who posted the clip says it captured just one of three separate encounters teens had with patrons there within the same stretch of time.

Raleigh News & Observer

partner publisher · 13.7K followers

Doo-wop legend who sang ‘Money Honey,' other R&B hits, to get NC marker

Clyde McPhatter, a falsetto-voiced pioneer of early rock-and-roll, who launched his highly influential but short career in the churches of Durham, will soon grace an North Carolina historic marker on the streets where he first learned to sing. Born in 1932, McPhatter grew up in a Baptist family in Durham’s Hayti neighborhood, where he sang solos in the choir at his preacher father’s church, Mount Cavalry Baptist, but he soon moved to New York, formed a gospel group based in Harlem — The Mount Lebanon Singers. Like many crooners of his era, McPhatter followed the powerful draw of secular music, and he lent his voice to the early 1950s blend of rhythm and blues. This combination of gospel soulfulness and free-spirited, sexually charged energy led the country into a new rock and roll era. A young Ernie Barnes would recall sneaking into the segregated Durham Armory to get a glimpse of McPhatter with his doo-wop Dominoes, describing the scene he saw on the dance floor, so bold for the era it seemed sinful, but not so audacious he didn’t move along. “What I observed was the no inhibition, no self-consciousness or rigidity, just fluid movement while the music punctuated every

Durham, NC · 2d

Rocky Mount Telegram

County to offer free pet vaccination clinic Saturday

Nash County Animal Services will hold a free pet vaccination clinic on Nov. 14, providing no-cost preventive care for dogs and cats through a partnership with Petco Love’s national Vaccinated and Loved initiative. The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nash County Pet Connection Center, located at 3600 Eastern Ave. in Rocky Mount. Organizers plan to vaccinate up to 125 dogs and 125 cats. The event is part of Petco Love’s nationwide effort to reduce the spread of preventable diseases by providing free vaccines through local animal welfare organizations. Since launching the Vaccinated and Loved campaign in 2021, Petco Love has distributed more than 4 million free pet vaccines nationwide. At the Nash County clinic, dogs will receive free DAPPv canine vaccines, which protect against several serious canine diseases while cats will receive free HCP feline vaccines. Nash County Animal Services also will provide free rabies vaccinations. Ashley Howell, director of Nash County Animal Services, said the partnership helps remove barriers that might prevent some pet owners from accessing routine veterinary care. “Through our partnership with Petco Love, Nash County Animal Services can provide essential vaccines directly to pet parents at no cost,” Howell

Nash County, NC · 2d

lifeonpawsandwheels.com

📻🐾 WPTF AM Radio Building in Cary, NC – Historic Art Deco Landmark That Inspired Stranger Things!

Simba and I visited the historic WPTF AM Radio Building in Cary, North Carolina, an incredible Art Deco-style radio transmitter station that helped inspire the fictional WSQK radio station in Netflix's Stranger Things! With its rounded corners, streamlined windows, vintage lettering, and towering broadcast antennas, this unusual building looks like something straight out of another era.

Cary, NC · 23h

Raleigh News & Observer

Beyond Buc-ee's: Restaurants with Texas ties keep heading to NC

North Carolina is getting a taste of the Lone Star State. Texas-based Buc-ee’s, already building one store in the state, is now eyeing a second location along Interstate 95. The travel center could join Texas-inspired restaurants setting up shop in the Raleigh area. From a barbecue joint to a beloved burger chain, here are openings The News & Observer has covered this year: Buc-ee’s could build a second North Carolina travel center near I-95 and Halifax Road in Rocky Mount. Its first NC location is already under construction off I-85/40 in Alamance County, and there’s no official opening date. East of Texas , a Texas-style barbecue restaurant from owner Claire Calvin, opened at Durham’s American Tobacco Campus . The restaurant serves brisket, burnt ends, pork belly and housemade sausage. It’s an expansion of a Winston-Salem spot that opened in 2023. Shipley Donuts , founded in Houston in 1936, plans to open two Raleigh shops over the next two years, with the first expected in 2027. The chain is known for handcrafted doughnuts and savory kolaches stuffed with fillings like sausage and jalapeños. Whataburger opened its first Triangle locations : in Wake Forest at 489 Calvin Jones Highway and in Raleigh

North Carolina · 3d

midtownmag.com

partner publisher · 2.4K followers

Cooper’s Hawk Brings Its Wine-and-Dining Playbook to Cary

An Illinois-born restaurant-and-winery concept is coming to Parkside Town Commons. In an exclusive conversation, general manager Heidi Williams explains why the wine is only part of the attraction. Cary isn’t exactly short on places to eat or enjoy a glass of wine. So when Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants announced...

Cary, NC · 2d

Axios Raleigh

From oysters to smashing pumpkins, what's happening this weekend

It's peak fall foliage this weekend in the Triangle, so there's no better time to get out and about. Here are the top things happening this weekend: 🦪 Celebrate the North Carolina coast with Rawleigh Oyster Fest at Raleigh Iron Works on Saturday. 🖼️ Check out the Durham Fringe Festival all weekend, a celebration of experimental art throughout downtown Durham. 🎸 Listen to music and eat well at BBQ Blues & Brews in Fuquay-Varina on Saturday. 🎭 Watch Tom Stoppard's famous play " Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead " at Raleigh Little Theatre. 🍜 Explore Chinese cuisines at Downtown Cary's Taste of China Festival on Saturday. 🕯️ Attend the 11th annual Death Faire at The Plant in Pittsboro on Saturday. 🎃 Make a mess on Saturday and Sunday at Steel String's Pumpkin Smash Party . 🎨 Support artists at the Fall Arts Fair at Fred Fletcher Park in Raleigh on Saturday. 🥕 Honor the humble root vegetable at the Carrboro Farmers' Market's Root Fest on Saturday.

raleighweekend.com

Smoke and Shuck NC Oysters with Star Pitmasters at Raleigh Iron Works on Saturday

Few pairings capture North Carolina fall quite like briny half shells and rich, wood-fired barbecue. On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, the Rawleigh Oyster Fest takes over Raleigh Iron Works from 1–5 p.m. for its annual Smoke & Shuck showdown. The lineup brings together six chef-and-grower duos—pairing Triangle favorites like Figulina, Seraphine, and Cucciolo Terrazza with coastal N.C. farms like Kinnakeet and Hold Fast—alongside four heavy-hitting pitmasters, including Nick Dampf and Katsuji Tanabe, plus plant-based dishes from Cuya Cocina’s Kevin Ruiz.

morningsonmacedonia.com

Angus Barn Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe & Christmas At The Angus Barn

If you’ve never visited The Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina, during Christmas, you are seriously missing out! Between the incredible Christmas decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, delicious food, and cozy holiday atmosphere, it’s truly a Christmas lover’s dream come true!. And as someone who is absolutely...

publisher · 100.6K followers

WRAL News

Durham County Animal Shelter responds to photos showing deplorable conditions

The Animal Protection Society of Durham has responded to pictures posted on social media showing the shelter in deplorable condition and alleging poor care. The shelter confirmed with WRAL News that the pictures do not reflect what it looks like now following months of changes. WRAL News is not sharing those photos due to their graphic nature.

Durham County, NC · 1d

raleighweekend.com

Enjoy Sunday’s Rooftop Drag Brunch with a Canned Food Drive and Legendary Queens

Nothing beats starting the day with dazzling costumes, powerhouse lip-syncs, and a side of bacon overlooking North Hills. On Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, Raleigh’s original drag brunch returns to the Level 7 rooftop for an afternoon of unmatched entertainment and community impact. The Crape Myrtle Festival team is bringing out a stellar lineup featuring Chloe Cassidy, Kayla LaShay, Alexandra Vittz, Portia Foxx, and Portia Dupree XL.

Raleigh News & Observer

Popular Pittsburgh-based ice cream franchise opens first NC location in Raleigh

Pittsburgh-based ice cream franchise, Millie’s Homemade, announced on Monday, Nov. 2 an upcoming location in Downtown Raleigh. Originally launched in 2014, Millie’s was co-founded by Chad and Lauren Townsend. Raleigh will be the franchise’s first North Carolina location. The opening date has yet to be announced. “Get READY, Raleigh: we’re on our way to becoming besties!,” the company said in the post . “...we’ll have scoops and scoops of tasty stuff to announce.” The creamery company has locations in Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, Maryland, Texas and a mobile truck in Tennessee, according to its website . In addition to store locations and food trucks, the business packages their ice cream at Millie’s Ice Cream Works and sells pints in nearby grocery stores. “We’re on a mission to #spreadLove in our community through the simple joy of scratch-made ice cream,” the company said on his website. “That means real relationships and real ingredients – always sourced from farmers & artisans and proudly spun into super premium ice cream...” Triangle Business Journal reported that the site is scheduled to be at 325 Blake St. near Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh’s City Market before the end of the year. Millie’s sells classic, seasonal

jocoreport.com

Raleigh Market At State Fairgrounds Reopens Saturday

RALEIGH — After a monthlong break for the N.C. State Fair, the Raleigh Market will reopen Saturday, Nov. 7. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays except during October, when the annual State Fair is held. The Raleigh Market is one of...

Raleigh News & Observer

Durham animal shelter says alleged poor conditions don't reflect the shelter today

A former Durham County animal shelter employee posted graphic photos he said showed the shelter’s poor conditions to Facebook on Wednesday. The employee alleged that dogs were fed moldy food, animals were covered in feces, roaches were falling from the ceiling and dead animals were piled up or laid across the ground waiting to be cremated. The Animal Protection Society of Durham, the nonprofit that runs the shelter under a county contract of over $1 million, confirmed it was aware of posts from “a former employee who has expressed dissatisfaction with the organization” in a Thursday statement . But the APS wrote that the former employee’s photos did not reflect the conditions of the shelter now. The former employee has not worked at the shelter for over four months, and the “historical” photos were not from the final months of his employment, APS wrote. “That does not mean we are dismissing what these images show,” the APS wrote. “APS has faced significant challenges, and we have been open about the changes needed to address them.” Design work starting on new animal shelter The News & Observer has previously reported on the animal shelter’s challenges. In July 2025, The N&O tour

Durham County, NC · 18h

raleighweekend.com

That Friday Glow: Stargazing, Hot Cider, and Illuminated Canopies at JC Raulston Arboretum

Few Raleigh traditions feel quite as perfect for trading the couch for a crisp evening stroll as one under an artfully lit garden canopy. Opening on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, the annual Moonlight in the Garden returns to JC Raulston Arboretum, transforming the nationally recognized plant collections into an evening wonderland. Stroll through winding pathways washed in colorful lighting, catch live music echoing through the gardens, and grab dinner from on-site food trucks before claiming a spot around the fire pits with hot apple cider.