I’m certainly not implying that Raleigh will ever be a tourist town like Savannah or Orlando is, but I do think that there is a steady stream of people moving through Raleigh for specific events (like you alluded to) who aren’t participating in anything else because there isn’t anything grabbing them. It just seems like that is an easy thing to capitalize on… you already have people in town so how do you get them to stay an extra day or two in the city vs. just coming to their event and leaving?
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I know I am the one that mentioned Savannah earlier, but it should be noted like some have said that just because you implement an entertainment district, it doesn’t mean you immediately turn into a crazy party area. A suburb in Birmingham, AL implemented an entertainment district and have strict rules around it:
That area is by no means anything like Savannah now and never will be, but it does make it more of a place that people will walk around and visit more places. Instead of driving to one, visiting, and then leaving. It is especially nice for events in town, for example they do the occasional Friday night where stores will have wine and it encourages people to visit a lot of places they otherwise wouldn’t have. I think the slippery slope argument is easy to make and point to Savannah and New Orleans, but that isn’t the likely outcome IMO.
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These districts are super hot here in Alabama currently, nearly every town has adopted one. My little 'ville has one right along side the university, across from the campus stadium! They hoped it would spur some development along this road which has several empty lots and some student housing. So far, nothing yet. Ours is used for a couple festivals that are held in the stadium lot, and on game days, but that is it.
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From the article, I think that this is key.
The hours of Homewood’s entertainment district will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 12 to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 12 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Somehow I doubt that any such district downtown would be limited like this.
apples and oranges…
Wasn’t sure where to put this. The family that ran J. Betskis restaurant, their 10 year son was diagnosed with Leukemia last week and started chemo. They live in our neighborhood and my son is friends with him.
They have a gofundme set up to help cover expenses, as being in the restaurant business, do not work for companies that provide health insurance. They had to close J. Betskis due to the pandemic, and had plans to reopen soon.
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Another way you (forum members) could contribute is to give platelets. They’re critical for cancer patients.
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Not an easy feat to achieve!!
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Thought this was neat, especially the results so far. Honestly the only place I’ve been to is Tir Na Nog, and while I liked that place, Brewery Bhavana is a thousand times better. I voted for them and Greenshields because that coming back in City Market would be a gamechanger for that whole area.
https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article258387793.html
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I miss Finch’s, but High Horse (absent from list) was the saddest loss despite the short tenure.
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Yes!!! Didn’t even think about that, but that was my saddest loss for sure. Now that you mention it, where are things like Frazier’s, Porter’s, Red Room, buku, etc. Maybe it’s supposed to be dives?
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I like the space and the brewery / flower shop they put in. It’s unique. But the food to me is terrible. There are at least half a dozen Chinese restaurants in the triangle that are way better, and cheaper. Honestly if you just go to the Asian market and buy the frozen soup dumplings and steam at home, it is better than Brewery Bhavana’s, which has no soup with a thick dumpling skin.
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Pretty sad that I only recognize Tir Na Nog from this list. I’m too new to Raleigh I guess.
I know it’s early on, but Sadlack’s coming in behind a K&W would be an absolute travesty.
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I’m probably in the minority here, but I’d bring back Natty Greene’s (not on the list). Their Raleigh location was one of the first breweries I ever visited. Don’t really go to GSO much.
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I had my 21st birthday at Stool Pigeons on Glenwood South! I used to love going there; Also, the Hard Times Cafe that was right beside it. They had the best chili.
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Brothers, Capitol Room, Andy’s, K&W? It’s a greatest hits of my childhood. I went with Two Guys, Rock-O-La, and Fat Daddy’s. Many happy times there.
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Back when I was a student at NC State that was the place to be on Thursday nights for pint nights. I can’t remember a time it wasn’t always packed to the brim and always wondered why it closed up shop.
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New owners bought the Powerhouse building with plans to renovate it and significantly increased the rent. Tobacco Road was happy to pay that amount so Natty Greene’s got the boot.
Money talks so that doesn’t surprise me. Who knows, they may try again somewhere in DTR. I remember their beer being good but honestly haven’t had it since they left but I’m sure it’s probably available at the Raleigh Beer Garden.