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Downtown Raleigh Blog

The Sunny Side of Downtown Raleigh: Scenic Seating, Spring Events, Style Inspo, and Smoothies
There’s just something special in the air every time spring rolls through Downtown Raleigh. And no, it’s not just the pollen. Our community is blooming with new businesses, events, specials, and experiences during this season of fresh beginnings. 
Downtown Raleigh Mother's Day Gift Guide
Local gifts for the incredible moms in our community 
Celebrating Earth Month in Downtown Raleigh
Every year on April 22nd, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day: a global event to raise awareness about environmental challenges and promote efforts to protect the planet. 
Dog-Friendly Guide to Downtown Raleigh
Your canine companions will love spending time downtown just as much as you do with plenty of dog parks, dog-friendly patios, and businesses offering pet products/services. 
Dreamville Festival: Fashion, Food, and Fun in Downtown Raleigh
In the spirit of Dreamville Festival’s love for all things local, we put together this guide of unique, locally-owned shops, restaurants, and bars! 
Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re compiling a list of Downtown Raleigh businesses owned or co-owned by women. 
Ways to Say "I Love You" – Your Guide to Valentine's Day
From sweet treats to date night activities, there are plenty of ways to show your partner or friends “I Love You” by celebrating Valentine’s Day the Downtown Raleigh way.  
Downtown Raleigh's Black-Owned Businesses
Downtown Raleigh has a strong community of Black-owned businesses from retail to restaurant to personal services. 
Celebrating Black History & Future in Downtown Raleigh
Celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history, culture, and achievements in Downtown Raleigh 
Where to Watch Sports in Downtown Raleigh
A list of great spots to watch sports and root for your favorite team together in Downtown Raleigh. 
New Year's Health and Wellness in Downtown Raleigh
With 2024 behind us it’s time for a fresh start: new year, new you, and new goals. This guide includes Downtown Raleigh businesses that can help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions to live a happier and healthier life in 2024.  
Where to Pick-Up Bubbly, Craft Beer, & Spirits in Downtown Raleigh
This guide will help you find champagne, beer, spirits, mixers, bitters, and more from locally-owned businesses to make the most out of your seasonal celebrations. 
City of Raleigh to Offer 2 Hours of Free Parking in Select Decks
Visitors who drive into Downtown Raleigh can benefit from up to 2 hours of free weekday parking in 5 city-owned decks 
Thanksgiving Takeout in Downtown Raleigh
Enjoy carry-out Thanksgiving mains and sides cooked by these Downtown Raleigh restaurants. 
Secondhand & Vintage Stores in Downtown Raleigh
Sustainability meets style when you shop secondhand vintage in Downtown Raleigh. 
Your Guide to Hopscotch Music Festival in Downtown Raleigh
Let us guide you through the experience of attending Hopscotch Music Festival in Downtown Raleigh with local shopping, dining, visitor information, and more. 
Imprint Award Winners - State of Downtown 2024
Downtown Raleigh Alliance honored 5 significant construction projects with Imprint Awards at the State of Downtown Raleigh 2024 event. 
Transforming Waste Management: Raleigh's TRAC Bins For a Cleaner Downtown
Learn more about TRAC bins, the City of Raleigh's new effort to manage waste efficiently while keeping public spaces clean and accessible. 
Your Guide to Pride in Downtown Raleigh: LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses, History, and Public Art
DRA celebrates love, acceptance, and accessibility in support of our LGBTQ+ community, not just this month, but every day. 
Behind the Sign: Get to Know Downtown Raleigh Business Owners
For this Q&A, we focused on the perspectives of Black-owned businesses representing Downtown Raleigh’s restaurant, retail, art, and service industries. 
A Bold Vision for Downtown Raleigh’s Future
Economic Development Strategy | Part 1: Activating Fayetteville Street
This initial chapter of the report is focused on Fayetteville Street and surrounding streets. Ten major ideas are presented as the initial result of close collaboration with stakeholders. 
Downtown Raleigh Routes: 1-Mile Self-Guided Tour
1-mile walking or biking route covering art, history, and local shopping in the heart of downtown. 
Mission-Driven Retailers + Restaurants in Downtown Raleigh
Get to know some of our local businesses that characterize themselves as having mission-driven business models or practices. 
Embracing Fall in Downtown Raleigh: Shopping, Dining, & More
A guide to the fall season in Downtown Raleigh to celebrate Halloween, embrace the autumn vibes, and support small businesses. 
Enhancing Downtown Raleigh's Visitor Experience: A Focus on Safety and Growth
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DTR Economic Development Strategy Q&A
Frequently asked questions about DTR's new Economic Development Strategy 
Research Shows Strong Support for Social District
One of the key findings of the research was that the Social District has increased sales and led to new sales that would not otherwise have occurred. 
Small Changes, Big Impact: What to Know About the DTR Essentials Initiative
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Q&A with Lilian K. Danieli of NASHONA
In celebration of Kwanzaa and the end of the holiday retail shopping season, we wanted to give our community an opportunity to learn more about Lilian K. Danieli, the owner and designer of NASHONA. 
30+ Businesses With Heated Outdoor Seating in Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh restaurants, bars, and bottle shops are working hard to keep you feeling warm and safe while drinking & dining outdoors. Many downtown establishments are offering a variety of heated patio setups, so you can enjoy a delicious meal or beve 
Business Feature: Justin Gallus, Owner of Plates Neighborhood Kitchen
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Going to College in Downtown Raleigh
With this guide, we hope to help you make the most out of your college experience downtown as you settle in and get to know your home for the next few years. 
State of Downtown 2022 Recap
There is a lot of information in our 2022 State of Downtown Report–96 pages of it, in fact. Here are a few highlights... 
State of Downtown Perspectives: Artspace President & CEO Carly P. Jones
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Sip n' Stroll Downtown Explained
On July 5th, Raleigh City Council approved a Social District for a portion of Downtown Raleigh to begin operation August 15th. Visit this page for an explainer and FAQ on social districts. 
Celebrate Easter & Shop Local in Downtown Raleigh
Hoppy Easter! 
DRA's State of Downtown 2021 presented by PNC - Award Winners
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2021 Imprint Award Winners
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is honoring five significant construction projects with Imprint Awards at the State of Downtown Raleigh 2021 event. 
Frozen Treats in Downtown Raleigh
Using this list, you can cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth no matter where you are in Downtown’s six districts. 
Downtown Raleigh Public Realm Study
Share your feedback and ideas! 
Get to Know Darlene McClain: DTR Social Service Ambassador
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Duke Energy Storefront Revitalization Grant Recipients
More than 60 Local Businesses Receive Financial Assistance for Revitalization Efforts 
Spooky Sites in Downtown Raleigh
Guest Blog by Ernest Dollar of City of Raleigh Museum 
2020 State of Downtown Imprint Award Winners
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Your Guide to Outdoor Spaces in Downtown Raleigh
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Happy New Year
Decade in Review: Downtown Raleigh's 10-Year Growth
What's in store for 2020 and beyond 
Oscar Diaz of The Cortez is a James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef in Southeast
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DRA News
Bill King Becomes DRA President and CEO
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DRA News
DRA Board Proudly Supports the Adoption Dix Park Master Plan
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Downtown News
Economic Development Quarterly Report Shows $2 Billion in Downtown Raleigh’s Investment Pipeline
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History
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Visits to Raleigh
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