Traffic Tidbits: Hargett Street Lane Closure

Heads up, Raleigh roadsters! Starting today, a portion of Hargett Street’s westbound lane is hitting the snooze button for East Civic Hall construction, stretching its nap until December 31. But fear not! Local businesses are still open, sidewalks are strut-ready, and cyclists and buses have detours mapped out. Expect some traffic rerouting along McDowell and Hillsborough streets.

Culinary Chronicles: Cortez Transforms into Cuya Cocina Latina

Foodies, rejoice! Cortez is undergoing a spicy makeover to become Cuya Cocina Latina, the brainchild of Charlie Ibarra and former Oro chef Kevin Ruiz. Nestled on Glenwood Avenue, this revamped hotspot will dish out Caribbean and Latin American delights like ceviche, mofongo, and empanadas, while keeping some Cortez classics. The upstairs bar? Still your go-to hangout.

Ah-Choo Alert: Pollen Season Blossoms in NC

Grab those tissues! Pollen season has officially sprung in North Carolina, with tree pollen levels climbing, especially from juniper, cedar, and oak trees. Warmer temps are stretching pollen seasons, giving allergy sufferers more reasons to sniffle each year.

Play Ball: MLB Raleigh’s 2025 Season Kick-Off Event

Batter up! Join MLB Raleigh for its 2025 season kick-off on Saturday, April 12, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Trophy Brewing’s Maywood spot. Expect an afternoon packed with baseball banter, brews, and barbecue alongside fellow fans.

Say Cheese: Pimento Cheese Festival in Downtown Cary

Cheese enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Pimento Cheese Festival is taking over Downtown Cary on April 12, featuring over 40 food and beverage vendors, including food trucks serving up cheesy delights. Enjoy musical performances and even a pimento cheese sculpting contest.

Dose of Zen: Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar Expands

Wellness warriors, rejoice! Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar is set to open its third studio in the luxury Novus high-rise in downtown Durham by October 2025. The 4,000 sqft space will feature hot yoga, a wellness room, and a smoothie bar. And this is just the beginning—owner Emily Coules plans to expand Dose to 10 to 15 locations.

Hop to It: Easter Bunny at Crabtree

Spring has sprung, and so has the Easter Bunny! Reserve your spot at Crabtree starting Friday, March 21, to capture those adorable springtime memories during Bunny Hours. Don’t miss Pet Nights and the Golden Egg Giveaway, where 12 lucky eggs contain a $50 gift card, and others include store merch or a small toy.

Wolfpack Women: NCAA Tournament Hosts

The No. 2-seeded NC State women’s basketball team is hosting three schools this week for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. On Saturday, the Pack will play No. 15-seed Vermont and will face the winner of No. 7 seed Michigan State and No. 10 seed Harvard.

Green Thumb Alert: Logan’s Garden Shop Blooms at New Location

Plant lovers, unite! Logan’s Garden Shop has sprouted at its new State Farmers Market outpost, boasting an even larger selection and greenhouses. Established in 1965, Logan’s is returning to its roots with this farmers market location, reminiscent of their original business.

Caffeine Fix: Cortado Coffee Shop Opens in Glenwood South

A new caffeine haven has opened its doors in Glenwood South. Cortado, situated near Raleigh Beer Garden and Mellow Mushroom, is serving up inviting coffees, teas, and pastry items—we’re eyeing the brown sugar cortado.

Pastry Expansion: Paul & Jack Heads to Cary

Pastry aficionados, rejoice! Paul & Jack, which recently opened its Raleigh location in the former Layered Croissanterie space, is expanding to Cary near the Apex Costco. The same shopping center is also anticipating a Cape Fear Seafood Company.

Fresh Finds: Flowers Farmers Market Returns

Get ready for the return of the Flowers Farmers Market, bringing fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal goods starting in April.

Leadership Update: Kevin Howell Named NC State Chancellor

Kevin Howell has been appointed as NC State University’s 15th chancellor, succeeding Randy Woodson. An alumnus, Howell will begin his tenure on May 5. Previously, he served as NC State’s Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and Chief of External Affairs for UNC Health.

Tar Heel Triumph: UNC Advances in NCAA Tournament

Last night, No. 11 seeds UNC and San Diego State faced off in the First Four. The Tar Heels emerged victorious and will advance to play No. 6 seed Ole Miss on Friday.

Steakhouse Spotlight: Epic Chophouse Opening in Brier Creek

Meat lovers, mark your calendars! Epic Chophouse is set to open Wednesday, April 2, in the former Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse space in Brier Creek. The 8,000 sqft steakhouse offers upscale dining with a modern vibe. We’re eyeing the angry lobster appetizer.

Local Authors: Sullivan Duo at Quail Ridge Books

Local Instagram and TikTok sensations Rachael and Tom Sullivan will be at Quail Ridge Books on Tuesday, April 10, at 6 p.m. to promote their new book, “Honey, What Do We Got?” featuring 100 gluten- and dairy-free pregnancy-friendly recipes. The ticketed event includes a meet-and-greet with the authors, book signing, and a photo op.

Salon Expansion: HUSH Opens Second Location

HUSH, a local luxury salon brand, is opening a second location this fall at the North Hills Innovation District alongside neighbors like Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar and HomeTurf. The new space will offer expanded services, including a wellness spa, in addition to its hair, lash, and brow offerings.

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