The Sustainability Walking Tour of Raleigh is educational as well as inspirational

As you may already know, Raleigh has received high praise in the past for being the most sustainable mid-size city in the U.S. So why shouldn’t we show off just how sustainable we are! And the way it’s done is by introducing a walking tour of the area!

If you’re not familiar with Raleigh’s conservation ways, then perhaps you should embark on this walking tour. The best part is that you can complete the mission within one hour– that’s a lunch break!

The self-guided Sustainability Walking Tour aims to educate, as well as inspire, people to live a life of environmental awareness. The trail is a 2.2-mile trek that winds through downtown Raleigh, stopping at highlights that demonstrate the city’s energy efficiency. The Big Belly Solar Trash Compacter, solar charging stations, and various businesses that have adopted LED lighting are just some of the features on the tour.

Not much of a walker, but interested in the tour? That’s OK! Segway and rickshaw options may be coming soon.

Photo source: Dominic’s pics

Catch the Super Bowl at a sports bar in Raleigh

On Sunday, February 5, millions of viewers will have their eyes glued to their TV sets in anticipation of the biggest sports game of the year– the Super Bowl! The New York Giants will be taking on the New England Patriots for the top title in the NFL!

If you don’t plan on attending any Super Bowl parties that night, perhaps you should head over to a sports bar instead! There are plenty of venues in the Raleigh area where you can whoop it up with your friends. We’ll suggest a few places to you– all you have to do is wear your favorite team jersey!

Source: Yelp
Name: Landmark Tavern
Location: 117 E Hargett St Raleigh, NC 27601
Reviews: 16

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Landmark is my favorite straight-up drinking and chatting bar in downtown Raleigh. Get a beer and head to the patio with some friends with whom you need to…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: The Raleigh Times Bar
Location: 14 E Hargett St Raleigh, NC 27617
Reviews: 119

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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This place rocks! I first came here for a work-ish happy hour-ish event last week and I have already gone back!!

They have a GREAT selection of beers. They…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Players Retreat
Location: 105 Oberlin Rd Raleigh, NC 27605
Reviews: 31

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Friendly service, one of the best burgers I have ever had. Nice drink selection, good local culture.Great Place to GO!Read More…

Photo source: watchsuperbowl2012

You can't go wrong with a dozen roses on Valentine's Day

If you haven’t yet thought about what gift you’re going to give your significant other for Valentine’s Day, now is a good time to start putting a plan into action! With the multitude of items available– from chocolates to balloons, candies to stuffed toys– the choices can be overwhelming! So why not keep things simple, with flowers!

Everyone loves to receive a beautiful bouquet of fresh-cut flowers! And calling up a florist to arrange a bunch of blooms to have delivered to your loved one’s home or workplace is fast, simple– and it’ll keep you out of the doghouse! Here are some floral shops you can trust around Raleigh:

Fallon’s Creative Flowers, 700 St. Mary’s Street, 800-632-5566

North Raleigh Florist, 7457 Six Forks Road,  919-847-3381

Watkins Flowers of Distinction, 2731 Capital Blvd., 919-872-3333

What is your favorite flower? Leave a comment to let us know!

Photo source: pat7047

The Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting will be February 4

Just a couple weeks ago, we told you about where you can grab a craft beer at a brewery around Raleigh. And now for an extra-special treat, we’ll share with you an event that is sure to bring out the beer connoisseur in you!

On Saturday, February 4, head to Tyler’s Taproom for an event that you won’t forget! From 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy unique brews at the Raleigh Rare and Vintage Beer Tasting! Ciders and beers from over 40 vendors will be available for you to try.

Tickets to the beer tasting cost $65 per drinker, $15 per designated driver, and are on sale now! Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward non-profit Pints for Prostates.

What is your favorite craft beer? Leave a comment to let us know!

Photo source: miss.libertine

Catch the MythBusters live show in Raleigh on March 25

Ever watch the Discovery Channel show MythBusters and wish that you could see the curious duo’s antics live and in person? Well, soon, you can! Because the troublemaking twosome, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, are taking their show on the road!

On Sunday, March 25, head to the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium for the MythBusters: Behind the Myths tour! This live show will give you a first-hand look at experiments, entertaining graphics and tales of behind-the-scenes antics! Some audience participation will even be required on some skits!

This is suitable for the whole family as an entertaining and educational event. Who says science can’t be fun!

Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase online. Be sure to grab them while you can!

What is your favorite MythBusters experiment that you’ve seen performed? Let us know!

Photo source: Otavo TV

Durham is the most tolerant city in the country

As if the Raleigh area hasn’t racked up enough accolades in the past year: best city to live in the United States, most sustainable mid-size city, best city in which to do business… are we forgetting anything? Overall, Raleigh sounds like a pretty great place– and it just keeps getting better!

In a survey using data gathered by UCLA, the FBI and other institutions, The Daily Beast reports that nearby Durham is the most tolerant city in the nation! Now, that’s quite an honor! Fittingly, these rankings were released on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.

The numbers were based on population of an area versus hate crimes. In 2010, the number of hate crimes that occurred per 100,000 persons in Durham came to 0.4 percent.

Raleigh came in at a respectable #18 on the list. Way to go!

What do you like most about living here? Let us know!

Photo source: ncmichael2k3

Raleigh is full of breweries that serve delicious beer

The Triangle is not only a research and business center but a top destination for colleges and universities, too! This makes for a mix of people who love to sit back and relax with a beer. And what better place to do it than at a microbrewery! Here is where you can find the best in small-batch and seasonal suds– all of them containing unique flavors! And most breweries allow you to sample the goods and tour the facility, too!

If you don’t know where local breweries are, we’ll suggest a handful to you. Who knows, you may find your new favorite beer!

Source: Yelp
Name: Big Boss Brewing Company
Location: 1249-A Wicker Dr Raleigh, NC 27604
Reviews: 25

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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To Whom it May Concern:

Any bar that consistently gives me amazingly awful hangovers is fantastic in my book.

The beer is really good and they have…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Boylan Bridge Brewpub
Location: 201 S Boylan Ave Raleigh, NC 27603
Reviews: 66

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Overall I love this place.

Good food, good view, good drinks (but so-so service). Its a great place to just hang out, relax and enjoy your meal.Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Natty Greenes Pub & Brewing Company
Location: 505 W Jones St Raleigh, NC 27603
Reviews: 54

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Great beer. Great sandwiches. Never a wait for a table in thebar area. Not even sure the restaurant side is open, but this establishment is quite large and…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Roth Brewing Company
Location: 5907 Triangle Dr Raleigh, NC 27617
Reviews: 8

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Tucked in the way way back of an industrial complex, lies the awesomeness that is Roth Brewing Company. Here’s the kicker – I don’t drink! Yet, I still…Read More…

Photo source: Peter Trimming

Go for a round of golf at a course in Raleigh

OK, so the weather has been a little cold lately, but we’re right back where we want to be! And to celebrate, wouldn’t it be a good idea to gather a group of friends and play a round of golf! After all, typically, the climate in Raleigh allows us to play golf at practically any time of the year!

If you don’t know where the golf courses and country clubs are around town, no worries! We’ll tell you all about a handful of them. All you’ll have to do is lace up those cleats, swing that driver and shout “fore!”

Source: Yelp
Name: Hedingham Golf Club
Location: 4801 Harbour Towne Dr Raleigh, NC 27604
Reviews: 1

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Ok, I admit, I suck at Golf but this course is nice!

The greens are neatly manicured and the area is nice. Great course for beginners…

Service is great…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Lonnie Poole Golf Course
Location: 1509 Main Campus Dr Raleigh, NC 27606
Reviews: 4

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Great course with super views of the city. We were not rushed or pushed by the group behind us at all. And I play slow/ awful! Was very fun will go backRead More…

Source: Yelp
Name: River Ridge Golf Club
Location: Auburn Knightdale Rd Raleigh, NC 27601
Reviews: 1

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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This is the place to be for a relaxing, easy play of golf. Not too easy and yet not too difficult. No real challenging holes to defeat. I do like one…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Raleigh Golf Association
Location: 1527 Tryon Rd Raleigh, NC 27603
Reviews: 2

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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I was very impressed by the condition of the course considering it POURED rain the night before. Usually public courses can be quite rough (no pun…Read More…

Photo source: danperry.com

Take care of your car during winter so you're not abandoned in the cold

The holidays are over, but winter prevails! And we’ve certainly seen some cold temperatures in Raleigh this past week. Hope everyone has been keeping properly warm! In the event of freezing weather, it is important to keep your car in check. After all, its battery is only 60 percent operational when the mercury dips below 32 degrees! Follow these tips to ensure your vehicle remains in working order in the face of a freeze.

– Check your car battery charge before a freeze and after you get the car serviced (oil change, etc.)

– Turn off accessories, such as radio and heater, before switching off ignition

– Make sure the car battery does not have corrosion

– Look for signs of weak battery, such as electrical problems or loose fan belt

– If the car engine does not turn over initially, wait a minute and then try to restart

Don’t be left out in the cold because of a dead car battery! For more tips on winter car care, click on this link.

Photo source: Robbie1

There are many ways you can workout around Raleigh-- without weights

The year 2012 is almost here! Do you have a list of resolutions drawn up? Whether you do or don’t, we know what may make it to the top of everyone’s wishes: to get in shape!

As you may already know, Oberlin Court has a fitness room for residents to use any day of the year! But if you’re not the type of person who likes to workout with machines and weights, no worries! There are still ways you can obtain physical fitness– and we’ll tell you about a few places around Raleigh where you can achieve that goal.

Source: Yelp
Name: Heat Studios
Location: 400 Glenwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27603
Reviews: 6

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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I have been working out at HEAT for almost 4 months now and I’ve lost 20 pounds, can fit into my skinny jeans and I feel great. I mostly take the HEAT,…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Studio Hargett Pilates
Location: 410 Glenwood Ave – Ste 150 Raleigh, NC 27603
Reviews: 5

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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I was visiting Raleigh, NC for the past 6 months for work and needed something challenging and entertaining to do while not working during the week.

The…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Evolve Movement
Location: 219 Oberlin Rd Raleigh, NC 27605
Reviews: 1

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Great big Beautiful Space. Definetely the best variety of Yoga, Pilates, Gyro, Massage and other “Well-Being” type stuff. Great Teachers and Fun students….Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Durant Nature Park
Location: 8305 Camp Durant Rd Raleigh, NC 27614
Reviews: 3

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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I happened to be in the area today and needed to squeeze in a workout, so I thought I’d check out the hiking trails at Durant Nature Park. I’m not really…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Lake Johnson Park
Location: 4601 Avent Ferry Rd Raleigh, NC 27606
Reviews: 19

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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I discovered Lake Johnson a few years ago when searching for a good place to run that was both shaded and scenic. The paved 3+ mile path around the the…Read More…

Source: Yelp
Name: Blue Lotus
Location: 401 N West St Ste 105 Raleigh, NC 27603
Reviews: 2

Link: Read the Yelp.com Review

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Fantastic Yoga Studio, Fantastic Community, Great Classes and Teachers 5 Stars all the way. See you there.Read More…

Photo source: lululemon athletica