Drink

• Sir Walter Coffee’s second location on Fayetteville Streetopened yesterday, and we can barely put a lid on our excitement. The new location offers a range of bevs and dishes from breakfast delights to evening bites. (Raleigh Magazine)

Eat

• Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey is set to debut its first NC location in a 3,415 sqft space at Smoky Hollow in early 2025. Known for its build-your-own taco concept, the restaurant will join other new tenants like Morelia Gourmet Paletas. (Triangle Business Journal)

Civic

• As of Sunday, Oct. 20, over 1 million in NC have voted early, with 916,433 voting in person. This represents about 13% of the state’s nearly 7.8 million registered voters, showing a 2.4% increase compared to the same period in 2020. 

Sports

• False alarm, folks. The Tampa Bay Rays will not be temporarily hosted in Durham due to stadium damage from Hurricane Milton. The Durham Bulls said there have been no discussions following fan speculation, citing logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts. (WUNC)

Outdoors

• Pullen Park has welcomed new wooden residents, including nearly a dozen carved squirrels and birds along a newly enhanced walkway. Created by chainsaw artist Corey Lancaster from a white oak tree removed from Nash Square last year, these sculptures celebrate the park’s history and wildlife.

Open 

• Cue the champagne + balloons — Merz Aesthetics just unveiled its new RAL-based R&D Innovation Center. The state-of-the-art facility will act as a hub for pioneering medical aesthetics research.*