Happy February from RALEIGH… America’s best city for SINGLES
February 1, 2008
I am an impromptu magazine buyer, and yesterday while at the grocery store I splurged and purchased the February issues of Everyday with Rachel Ray (the cover is yummy with purple, orange, pink and red colors on it). When I got home and was doing a quick flip, I was shocked to find an article about Raleigh. Raleigh was described as being “small (but bustling), brainy (but fun), southern (but worldly)”… America’s best city for singles* (apparently almost 60% of our population is single which is 10% higher than the national average).
As a Raleighite (not sure if that is the correct term or not) I am always interested in how other people perceive my city and what places they believe are note worthy. I think that Rachel did a pretty decent job when making her list, But I’m definitely not entirely in agreement. They choose:
to describe our “Smart Locals”: NC State University, Global Village, Reader’s Corner, & Artspace I like this list… but lets go ahead and add Cup of Joe, Quail Ridge Bookstore, and Museum Park at NC Museum of Art
to describe our “Late Night Scene”: Velvet Cloak Inn, Mosaic, & Sushi Blues Cafe
Yes, The Velvet Cloak Inn definitely has charm, Mosaic has a unique feel, and Sushi Blues has 1/2 priced sushi on Tuesday & Thursday Nites. But what about places to go that are off of the Glenwood Ave strip? Raleigh Times, Riviera, Five Star, the Rockford, Landmark Tavern
to describe our “Date Spots”: Hi-5, Turkish Delights, Red Room, & Cupcake Shoppe Bakery
I’m ok with the Cupcake Shoppe (though it is a bit too “sweet” for my taste in dates) and Hi-5 (there better be a good game ie basketball on TV and I better be able to sit), but if someone thinks I would want to go on a date to Turkish Delights or Red Room they are kidding their selves, and I might as well head out on my own. Since Everyday’s list kept with the food/drink theme I’ll do the same… Vin, Poole’s Diner, Lily’s Pizza, Humble Pie, the Borough, J. Betski’s
* Raleigh has been receiving notice for the single scene (at least 6 previous times ranked) among other things for years, check out the list here.
Stumble it!
Tags: , food and drink, nightlife
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February 2nd, 2008 at 11:07 am
Awesome list of places! Definitely adds in that Raleigh character that was maybe lacking from the original magazine list. Even though I’m not single, everybody needs a good date night, so I will add a few places in to the mix - going off the track of food and drink sometimes too…
• ShabaShabu - enter into a loungey lounge space and then go left for Thai or right for Japanese. Outside of the downtown core, and in the deceptive location of a strip mall, ShabaShabu offers great food and a hip swanky atmosphere
• Chargrill - maybe not for date night, but for lunch on a date day - outdoor seating, locals vibe and milkshakes that are great for sharing, all under some Raleigh iconic architecture
• Pullen Park and Lake Johnson - 2 great parks offering either manicured (Pullen) or natural (Johnson) beauty. Great for a long walk AND paddle boating…romantic and sweet
• Carolina Hurricanes games - see some professional hockey for a sport date
• Carolina Rollergirls - or see some major Roller Derby action!
• The Rialto - see an art flick at this local movie house - one big theatre with that old theatre charm
• Raleighwood - or take it to the Raleighwood with yesterday’s box office smash - but sit at tables and order food and drink - the taste is mediocre but the kitsch is great
• First Friday Gallery Walks - as a participating gallery, we have seen many a hook-up due to meeting up at one of the galleries