Media requests can be directed to:
Martin Armes, (919) 645-2654 or marmes@visitraleigh.com
Ryan Smith, (919) 645-2676 or rsmith@visitraleigh.com
WHAT'S NEW IN RALEIGH
Late Spring/Summer 2007
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 2007) --"What's New in Raleigh" is a quarterly release listing new venues, activities, exhibits and much more compiled by the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau. More information on all of the listings found in "What's New Late Spring/Summer 2007" can be found at www.VisitRaleigh.com
FESTIVALS & EXHIBITS
Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art from the British Museum
The N.C. Museum of Art presents Temples and Tombs, an exhibition of 85 renowned masterworks and seldom-seen treasures from The British Museum's exceptional collection of ancient Egyptian art. Sculpture, relief, papyri, jewelry and cosmetic implements, as well as funerary items in a variety of media, will provide a glimpse of more than 3,000 years of Egyptian history, from the Old Kingdom's Third Dynasty (ca. 2686 BC) to the Roman occupation of the fourth century AD. April 15-July 8, 2007. Admission: $10 General Admission, $8 Students and Groups of 10 or more. www.ncartmuseum.org
The Big Picture
The BIG Picture, on display at the N.C. Museum of Art, presents 23 large-scale photographs by a diverse group of 13 contemporary photographers who are expanding the size and pushing the boundaries of their medium. The works on view include portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, and fabricated worlds; with images that explore a wide range of themes, including personal identity, fantastic narratives, environmental issues and consequences, the changing landscape of major cities, systems of power, the passage of time, and pictures of contemporary life. March 18-September 2, 2007. Admission: Free. www.ncartmuseum.org
Wild Music
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences ask what do we all have in common as whales compose, bullfrogs chorus, songbirds greet the dawn, and people everywhere sing and dance. Long before the advent of iTunes, the musical instinct ran deep. "Wild Music" explores evidence for the biological origins of music through highly interactive exhibits and exceptional sound experiences, and -- in the process -- expands our understandings of what makes music. With its multicultural content, careful attention to accessibility, and rich menu of public programs and performances, "Wild Music" offers broad appeal for diverse, intergenerational audiences. June 30-September 16, 2007. Admission TBD. www.naturalsciences.org
CULINARY NEWS
Moore Square Farmers Market
Following a very successful first season, the Moore Square Farmer's Market openedfor its second season on Wednesday April 4th with its mission to bring the highest quality local growers and food artisans together for the Raleigh audience, and to support and preserve the family farms and the landscape that make North Carolina unique. The market is located in downtown Raleigh under the oak trees in charming Moore Square. In addition to the huge selection of vegetables, fruits, pastured meats, fresh eggs and artisan breads that will continue to be offered, they're also delighted to offer more organic products than ever before, and feature North Carolina wineries on a rotating basis, making the Moore Square Farmer's Market one of the few in the nation to showcase local wine. Plans are also underway again this year for a chef's demo series, educational programs, live music and more. The Moore Square Farmers Market will take place every Wednesday from 10:30am until 2pm from April through October. www.godowntownraleigh.com/farmersmarket
South
The highly successful Urban Food Group that brought Frazier's, Porter's City Tavern and Vivace to North Carolina's Triangle has opened South, a contemporary Southern bistro (4351 The Circle at North Hills Street in North Hills, Raleigh, NC; 919-789-0606; opened January 12, 2007). Diners will recognize the best of the South, old and new, including Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Pimento Cheese Beignets, and the Jennings' signature stylish design revealing an urban backdrop for Southern comfort food. Bar side, guests will wash down complimentary pork rinds with cocktails that tell Southern tales – Mint Juleps served in traditional silver tumblers and an artisan bourbon flight showcasing the best from Kentucky. South's wine list speaks of the South as well, showcasing wines from North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Alabama, and throughout the United States. 15 wines will be available by the glass and 100 by the bottle.
Stylish and cozy, South's dining room has a warm bistro feel. Canvassed chandeliers illuminate suede panels in chocolate, latte and cinnamon hues, and deep club-style booths and banquettes are comfortably contemporary. In the bar, high cocktail tables and an elevated window seat banquette are ideal for lingering with your bourbon of choice and telling a few tales of your own. www.urbanfoodgroup.com
Rare Cognac at Herons
The Bar at Herons in the new Umstead Hotel and Spa features only premium liquors –and some top notch items including the Ellipse Cognac by Hennessey. Only 16 bottles are available worldwide, and only one has been allocated for NC. The Bar at Herons offers this exclusive and rare Cognac for $4000/bottle, or $450/glass. It is poured from a crystal bottle designed by Thomas Bastide, a designer for Baccarat. The cognac incorporates the best from the 7 Master Blenders of Hennessey since 1800. www.theumstead.com
La Farm Bakery
Known throughout the country as one of the top artisan bakers, Master Baker Lionel Vatinetis opening a new store front in Raleigh where he will produce 15 different styles of breads, and an additional 20 seasonal breads throughout the year using a European hearth oven. Vatinet emerged from France's prestigious "Les Compagnons du Devoir" in 1990 with the distinguished and hard-earned title of Maitre Boulanger (Master Baker), and pledged to devote his life to teaching, sharing and preserving the ancient art and science of bread baking. Since, Vatinet has consulted for many of the most well-known artisan bread brands in the United States, and abroad, and was the founding instructor at San Francisco Baking Institute. La Farm Bakery is a realization of Vatinet's life long dream – a modern bakery that continues the centuries-old baking traditions and techniques, honoring the ordinary yet extraordinary boulangeries that once flourished in every little town in France. Experience the taste of hundreds of years of French cuisine at La Farm Bakery. www.lafarmbakery.com
The Umstead Hotel & Spa – Afternoon Tea, Southern Style
Food & Beverage director Patrick Kemmache has collaborated with a tea expert to source exceptional loose leaf teas to pair with Chef Phil Evans and Pastry Chef Daniel Benjamin's decadent selection of mini sandwiches and sweets.
Tea lovers will delight in the fine Villeroy & Boch China and silver tea service, as well as the sumptuous selection of classic, flavored and organic black teas, as well as oolong, green and herbal teas. To accompany, Chef Evans offers tea sandwiches whose Southern roots are unmistakable including Mini Buttermilk-Chive Biscuits with JohnstonCounty Country Ham and Jalapeno-Strawberry Preserve. Benjamin's luxurious house-made pastries are show stoppers. Presented as a traveling pastry shop, Benjamin's cart may include assorted French macaroons, Cornbread Madeleines, and Strawberries with Grand Marnier Chantilly Cream.
"Afternoon Tea" is served every Monday through Saturday from 2:30pm to 4:00pm in the hotel's elegant lounge. "Afternoon Tea" is available for $32 per person. www.theumstead.com
NEW SHOPPING
Fleur Shoes
Fleur, a fashion-forward boutique known for carrying a coveted mix of clothing and accessory designers, has opened an equally fashionable shoe salon in Raleigh's Midtown, North Hills.
Fleur Shoes plans to offer in-home consultation on matching shoes to outfits (both new and old). The salon will be consistent with Fleur's overall feel of shopping in a trusted friend's closet; complete with pristine white décor, feminine pink accents and of course, all of your favorite shoe designers. www.fleur–boutique.com
TRAVEL BUZZ
Express Jet
ExpressJet Airlines recently announced it will begin non-stop service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to: Birmingham; Jacksonville, Fla; Kansas City, Mo; Louisville; New Orleans and San Antonio. The airline will offer two daily departures to all cities except for Kansas City, to which it will offer three daily departures. ExpressJet beganservice from RDU on May 7 with service to Jacksonville, Louisville and Kansas City. Service to Birmingham and New Orleans begins on May 14, while flights to San Antonio will launch on June 12. American Airlines will offer new direct service to Jacksonville, Kansas City and Louisville as well.
The ExpressJet fleet of 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145XR aircraft is configured with no middle seat, assigning every ExpressJet passenger a seat on the aisle, window or both. ExpressJet service will also offer valet carry-on bag service and complimentary brand snacks with full meal service options available on longer flights. www.rdu.com
Midwest Airlines Announces Non-stop flights to Milwaukee
Midwest Airlines will begin non-stop service from RDU to Milwaukee beginning June 1. The airline will fly as Midwest Direct and offer three daily departures using 50-seat regional jets. www.rdu.com
Raleigh to Denver Nonstop
Beginning April 24, 2007, United Airlines' customers will be able to jet nonstop from RDU to Denver. The Triangle region and Denver are both home to leaders in the finance, high-tech and healthcare industries. This new service will help facilitate these business synergies. United Airlines will operate one roundtrip flight per day. www.rdu.com
MUSEUM NEWS
Prairie Ridge "Off the Grid"
Prairie Ridge, the field station of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, has received a $69,760 grant to help in the development of sun-and-wind powered projects that will eliminate the use of fossil fuel-based energy at the site. The grant funding will help to purchase and install solar photovoltaic panels that will provide power to the existing outdoor classrooms and a planed residential center. The grant will also fund the construction of a wind generator, which potentially will power an environmental monitoring station and communications system.
Prairie Ridge showcases an array of sustainable design strategies and conservation features as part of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences' commitment to "green" building and technology. It is located on 38 acres and consists of an outdoor classroom, amphitheatre and walking trails with access to a variety of habitats, including prairie, pond and lowland forest. www.naturalsciences.org
SPRING/SUMMER SAVINGS & PACKAGES
New Weekend Experiences
Who will you be this weekend? No matter whom you choose to be, Raleigh is the place to find a weekend experience just your style. Our big city shopping, dining, nightlife, and events make it easy and we've designed exactly the weekend you're looking for. Bring the girls, the sisters, the husband, or the supper club. And be yourself or someone else entirely. And whether you're feeling crazy, clubby, arty, funky, romantic, or just in need of a little retail therapy, start your planning with a weekend menu of experiences and best available hotel rates coordinated by the Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau. www.VisitRaleigh.com/weekends
ACCOLADES
Best Places for African Americans to Live, Work & Play – Black Enterprise
Black Enterprise Magazine has named the Raleigh area one of the Top 10 Places for African Americans to Live Work & Play in their May issue. The selection of the Top 10 Cities was made by 20,000 Black Enterprise readers rating cities on 24 quality of life categories including income, education and homeownership. The Raleigh are made the list for the first time and was included with cities such as: Jacksonville, Fl, Columbus, OH and Nashville, TN.
Raleigh Named a Best Cities for Every Stage of Your Life - Kiplingers Finance
"Where you live is key to your wealth and happiness no matter what stage you are in life." So says Richard Florida, international best-selling author of the landmark book, The Rise of the Creative Class. Kiplinger's Personal Finance teamed with Florida and the Creative Class Group to pick 25 cities with a large creative class—a population that fuels cultural and economic vitality—that are suited for people in different life stages. Raleigh was named one of the 25 Top Cities.
The Rise of the Creative Class explores how 40 million Americans who create for a living drive economic growth. This creative class is found in a variety of fields, from engineering to theater, biotech to education, architecture to small business. The list was compiled with our three T's measurement of talent, tolerance and technology and added economic indicators of job growth and income. For each life stage, the list also weighs the number of similar people already living in the city.To further customize the list, factors specific to the different life stages were included.
Best Places for Business and Careers – Forbes.com
After three consecutive years as runner-up, Raleigh has claimed the top slot in Forbes magazine's annual ranking of the "Top 200 Places for Business and Careers." The Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area outranks eight other North Carolina metros that appear on the list: Durham (7), Charlotte (21), Asheville (23), Winston-Salem (24), Wilmington (38), Greensboro (61), Fayetteville (105) and Hickory (167). The Forbes rankings are based on a number of factors, including job and income growth, business and living costs, education of the work force, migration trends and quality-of-life issues such as crime rates and "cultural opportunities."
Best Place For Jobs – Forbes.com
Forbes.com recently named Raleigh as the Top US City for Jobs. Citing low unemployment, strong income and job growth, and high incomes -- yet still maintaining a relatively low cost of living -- were reasons for Raleigh being chosen over other finalists such as Oklahoma City, Jacksonville, Phoenix and New York.
Best Place to Find a Mate – Men's Health
Raleigh was ranked No. 5 on the annual "Best Place to Find a Mate" list by Men's Health Magazine. Selections were based on the ratio of single men and women in an area, divorce rate, fitness level, philanthropy, education level and attraction. Other notable cities in the top five were: San Francisco, Minneapolis, San Jose, and Arlington, TX. www.menshealth.com
The Greater Raleigh CVB is a non-profit agency to enhance the economic growth and development of Raleigh and Wake County by increasing visitor and convention business. For a free visitors guide or more promotional information, call toll-free (800) 849-8499 visit www.visitraleigh.com, or e-mail visit@visitraleigh.com. That's "City Life, Carolina Style."
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