Y’all or ya’ll?

Anonymous asked: Can I ask you, what are some fun things to do in Raleigh? Favorite restaurants? Activities? Etc., etc.

Oh, Raleigh. Restaurants: Lilly’s Pizza, Mitch’s, Finch’s, Mecca, Raleigh Times, Morning Times and Cafe Helios for coffee, Busy Bee Cafe, Big Ed’s City Market, Humble Pie, Boylan Bridge Brewpub… Mostly I did boring student things when I lived there, but go to the NCMA, the NCSU Arboretum, the State Farmer’s Market (the restaurant is good too), The Museum of Natural Sciences. Cameron Village, North Hills, and the mall if you like to shop. Lake Wheeler, Lake Johnson, and the newly renovated Pullen Park. There’s lots of places for the arts—look into that if that’s your thing. There’s always music at all of the music venues, as well as events like Local Band Local Beer at Tir Na Nog. If you’re not from Raleigh, never have visited or lived there, these websites might help: godowntownraleigh and visitraleigh.

Anonymous asked: The science museum just opened a huge, amazing new wing, and the CAM museum is now open (it’s hit or miss depending on what’s there at the moment, but still worth checking out). There’s also a segway tour and a ghost tour, both of which are silly but look fun.

oldsmokey asked: Heya, I saw you ask the NC tumblr about Raleigh and they left out two of my favorite places in town. The Hibernian for drinks and Irregardless Cafe for food and drinks. Irregardless is quite possibly the best food in the city, regardless of dietary restrictions or cultural preference. Enjoy.

longandshortofit asked: Pick up The Independent! On top of everything you pointed out, there’s always a weekly calendar of any kind of goings ons you could possibly want in the triangle!

Anonymous asked: I'm an NC native; born and raised in Raleigh. I love your blog! It is great seeing stuff that I know popping up on my feed. Now, I do have a question: I'm going to be going to Winston-Salem this week; do you know any awesome places to eat there? (preferably downtown...or not too awfully far away)

Thanks! My roommate recommends Sweet Potatoes and Milner’s. I’ve been to 4th Street Filling Station, West End Cafe, and 6th and Vine and liked those. I remember someone submitting a photo here of Krankie’s—that might be good for coffee? And go to the bakery in Old Salem if you head over there.

plaidscarf asked: Caffe Prada is better for coffee in downtown Winston. Also, Hutch and Harris is really good.

escondido asked: Hey I’m a Raleigh native living in Winston-Salem for school. Krankies is the best place to go for coffee. Their chai tea lattes are fantastic as well. Along with the restaurants you mentioned I’d add Downtown Thai, Foothills brewery (their meals are delicious), Noma, also for brunch I definitely suggest Mary’s Of Course/Mary’s Too

Anonymous asked: well...how do you feel now that amendment 1 passed?

A lot of North Carolina is hurting right now, some are rejoicing, and many are apathetic. There was a lot of misinformation going around about the amendment, but even if there hadn’t been misinformation, it might would have still passed. It will probably go through the courts, and we’ll see how it’s handled there. I’ve said it a hundred times and I’ll say it again here: civil rights and discriminatory practices should not be put to a vote. A group receiving rights or people receiving protection should not be a divisive party issue or contended.

I’ve seen a lot of people distancing themselves from their home state, saying they hate it, the South, and “ignorant people”. Those feelings are obviously valid, but when you turn your back to something, somewhere, or someone, you lose hope. You can’t fix something you turn your back to. As hard as it is sometimes, progress doesn’t come from two people facing away from each other. We need all y’all here.

themundaneworld asked: I have to say I've admired your ability to make a blog about North Carolina without making it political. With so much out there that can divide us, we need a few things to help bring us together too, even if it is just a blog. Thank you.

Thank you. “We need a few things to help bring us together” is my goal, even though it might get a little muddled at times.

Anonymous asked: I get what you are trying to do but there are historical political events already posted on this tumblr. Of course, most historians would wait twenty years to judge whether an event was "truly" profound but I don't think anyone would debate that this IS very important. Perhaps even if you don't acknowledge it before a decision is reached, you could post the results of it. These are just talking points though.

What you’re saying is very valid. Maybe I should post about certain current events (especially things pertaining to rights, discrimination, and justice). You’ve given me some things to think about.