RDU On the Rise: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Turn and face the strange)

Laura Brache
·4 min read

Hellooo, readers! Laura Brache here, mustering up some strength to bring you this edition of RDU On the Rise. What I initially assumed were just spring allergies, turned out to be a bout of the flu. It’s kept me out sick for a few days, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to give y’all the latest RDU-area updates. And, trust me, there are lots!

Let’s get to it.

♈ The N&O’s spring events guide

Even though I missed White Reaper at Cat’s Cradle with my husband Wednesday, I’m kind of glad I got sick this week... and not on Dreamville Festival week. For those who couldn’t snag tickets, a few News & Observer staffers will be on the ground at Dix Park to bring you a glimpse of the music, the food, the merch and the vibes of J. Cole’s music festival. Be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram, if you don’t already.

Fans cheer as BLXST takes the stage at the Dreamville Music Festival at Dix Park in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, April 2, 2022.
Fans cheer as BLXST takes the stage at the Dreamville Music Festival at Dix Park in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, April 2, 2022.

While one of the most talked-about, Dreamville isn’t the only event happening this spring in the Triangle. In fact, reporter Colleen Hammond rounded up a list for 40+ festivals, concerts, plus other free and ticketed events. A few on my radar:

  • “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at the N.C. Museum of Art, April 1 to Aug. 6.

  • “Beetlejuice The Musical” at DPAC, April 11-16.

  • Brewgaloo Beer Festival in downtown Raleigh, April 20-21.

☹️ Sweet Nix-teen

Apparently, I was barely a year old the last time the Triangle was shut out of the Sweet 16 across the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. 27 years, to be exact, according to our deputy sports editor Justin Pelletier.

As we enter a Triangle-less Sweet 16, he crunched the numbers in this fascinating quick read.

UNC (my alma mater) didn’t even make the cut for the tournament at all. N&O sportswriter C.L. Brown reported this week that junior Puff Johnson brought the total number of Tar Heels who’ve announced their departure from the program to four by entering the transfer portal. Carolina fans rejoice: Armando Bacot is not among them. He announced he’ll take advantage of a fifth year of eligibility and return to play for the Heels next season.

If any of your teams are still dancing, congrats. For those of us left sad and jaded, at least there’s one March Madness bracket we can still be excited about: food and dining reporter Drew Jackson’s Triangle March Madness sports bar bracket. Vote for your favorite before noon today. Is it The Brickhouse? Players’ Retreat? Sammy’s Tap & Grill? Or Woody’s Sports Tavern? The Final Round will take place over the weekend.

Fans take in college basketball at the Carolina Ale House in Durham. The sports bar chain plans to open a restaurant in the new White Oak development in March.
Fans take in college basketball at the Carolina Ale House in Durham. The sports bar chain plans to open a restaurant in the new White Oak development in March.

☕ More foodie news

  • Food Halls: If there’s one thing N&Oers love is a good food hall. When it’s nice out, don’t be surprised if you spot some of us at Transfer Food Hall in Raleigh after work. Food halls have become super popular in North Carolina. Durham recently joined in on the fun, too. Drew Jackson wrote a nifty guide to the Durham Food Hall’s latest offerings. I can’t wait to get better to check it out.

  • Drive-Thrus: The Dunkin’ Donuts on East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill will get the drive-thru that customers have been clamoring for, writes Orange County reporter Tammy Grubb. I’ll be honest, I’m one of those customers. I teach once a week at UNC and have become known for bringing my students Dunkin’ donuts and coffee for our very early class. I can’t wait to be able to select the “Drive-Thru” pickup option at checkout on my Dunkin’ app when this happens.

  • North Hills: Did you know Restoration Hardware had a gallery-style store with a rooftop restaurant and bar? I didn’t. But apparently one is coming to the new-and-improved North Hills Shopping Center, in a new report by real estate reporter Chantal Allam. According to my editor Elizabeth Walters, “People don’t think of food when they see Restoration Hardware, but it’s incredible.” I’m sold.

Corner Yaki, a new ramen and dumpling shop, will open in the Durham Food Hall, from owner Jen Kremer, left, and chef Ray Williams.
Corner Yaki, a new ramen and dumpling shop, will open in the Durham Food Hall, from owner Jen Kremer, left, and chef Ray Williams.

✨ Other good reads

Rocket Larkspur flowers at I-26 westbound mile marker 10 in 2022.
Rocket Larkspur flowers at I-26 westbound mile marker 10 in 2022.

✌️ See you next time!

That’s all from me, folks. Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter, hosted by my colleague Tyler Dukes.

Before you go:

Laura Brache is an Audience Growth Producer at The News & Observer.
Laura Brache is an Audience Growth Producer at The News & Observer.
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