Press Releases
What's New In Raleigh Fall 2005
Media Contact: Jim Lee, DCI ( 312) 202-0507;
jim.lee@dc-intl
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 2005) --"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 Fall 2005" can be found at http://www.visitraleigh.com/
New Festivals & Exhibits
Stitched from the Soul: The Farmer James Collection of African American Quilts
As home to one of North Carolina's most popular and free museums, the North Carolina Museum of History showcases Stitched from the Soul: The Farmer James Collection of African American Quilts, a powerful exhibit providing the chance to see 61 quilts stitched by African Americans. Each quilt was crafted using a variety of different cloths, giving each quilt a different shape, texture and meaning. This exhibit lets you feel the passion for Southern folk art that was created from the Civil War to World War II. The exhibit is on display through August 2, 2006.
Discovering Chimpanzees: The Remarkable World of Jane Goodall
This fall the Gombe National Park of Tanzania, Africa comes to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Discovering Chimpanzees: The Remarkable World of Jane Goodall provides the experiences of seeing and touching early discoveries and artifacts from Jane Goodall's 40 years of primate research, hearing the sounds of the jungle and the unmistakable call of the chimpanzees, as well as, participating in "hands on" activities like recording your own animal sounds and learning to walk like a chimpanzee. The exhibit runs October 15, 2005 – January 10, 2006.
The Potter's Eye
The North Carolina Museum of Art houses 5,000 years of art created by many of the world's greatest painters and sculptors. On display this fall is The Potter's Eye: Art & Tradition in North Carolina Pottery. Masterpieces from the state's 19th-century pottery tradition and the works of six distinguished N.C. potters are featured in this show, including Vernon and Pam Owens, Ben Owen III, Mark Hewitt, Kim Ellington and Dave Stuempfle. Exemplary pieces from South Carolina, New England, Great Britain, Germany, China, and Japan demonstrate connections among N.C. pottery and other traditions. On display October 30, 2005 – March 19, 2006.
Raleigh Area Awards & Honors
American Legacy Museum Preservation Award
American Legacy magazine has chosen "Amistad Saga: Reflections" and the African American Cultural Complex as recipients of the American Legacy Preservation Award.
The American Legacy Museum Preservation Award celebrates excellence in preserving the historical and cultural perspectives of the African American experience. The African American Cultural Complex focuses on the unique contributions African Americans have made toward the development of North Carolina and America.
A Winning Season
The Sporting News has named the Raleigh area the 23rd Best Sports City in the United States in their annual poll. Based on the sports season of local teams as well as wins vs. losses, the Raleigh area was the only city in North Carolina ranked in the top 25.
The Raleigh area was named the 17th Best City for Running by Runner's World Magazine. In the magazine's listing of 25 top cities, the Raleigh area was rated on number of running clubs, how much park area is available for runners and average temperature.
Single in the City
Forbes Magazine has rated the Raleigh area the 4th Best city for Singles in their fifth annual poll. The listing for America's Best Cities for Singles ranks 40 of the largest metropolitan areas in six different categories including: nightlife, culture, job growth, number of singles, cost of living alone and overall coolness.
Culinary News
DiRoNA Recognizes Five Area Restaurants
Five area restaurants received the distinction of being named as a Distinguished Restaurant of North America (DiRoNA). Bloomsbury Bistro, Enoteca Vin, Fins, Papas Grill and Second Empire join elite company as only 76 restaurants were ranked as DiRoNA recipients in 2005.
Wine Spectator
The Raleigh area can now boast 21 winners of the annual Wine Spectator award. This year Biaggi's, Capital City Chop House, Nana's Chophouse and Zely & Ritz were all recognized for their unique and well stocked wine selections. The Angus Barn won Wine Spectator's Grand Award for the 17th consecutive year and Enoteca Vin won the next highest accolade, the Award of Excellence.
Vivace
In October 2005, the seasoned restaurateurs of Frazier's and Porter's City Tavern join the Raleigh Renaissance taking shape at The Lassister at North Hills with plans underway to open Raleigh's newest Tuscan-inspired restaurant, Vivace. Taking its' name and cue from the Italian word meaning "lively," Vivace will open at The Alexan, North Hills' first condominium project. House-cured meats, hand-cut cheeses and classic antipasti, as well as the global wine list, emphasizing Italian and American selections, will complement the experience. In addition, an Italian-focused beverage program, showcasing Vivace's own Limoncello, will quench the Triangle's thirst for creative cocktails.
New on the Spa Scene
Iatria Day Spa – A 5-Star Beauty Destination
Iatria Day Spa has been named a Five Star Beauty Destination and one of the Top 20 Spas in America by Launchpad Magazine. The award was based on outstanding customer service, attention to detail and inventive interiors. Iatria Day Spa, with four locations throughout Raleigh, is comprised of two concepts: the day spa with its own brand of products and services as well as a medical area with a staff consisting of a facial plastic surgeon, cosmetic dentist and chiropractor.
Downtown Spa
Downtown Raleigh is the fourth location for the award winning Iatria Day Spa. Opening in the Progress Energy Two Building, the new 4,300 square foot day spa will cater to individual guests as well as meeting planners and local and regional corporate teams looking for retreat centers.
The Spa by Mitchell's
The Spa by Mitchell's, which aims to achieve the ultimate day spa experience, has opened its newest location in Triangle Town Commons. The 5,400 square foot day combines the best of traditional spa services with the most contemporary technology.
RDU Terminal Spas
RDU will begin leasing terminal space to XpresSpa, a New York City firm that operates spas at airports in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, San Francisco and New York. The spas are not RDU's first attempt to help travelers relax. In 2004, the authority leased 80 square feet of space in Terminal A to an Atlanta firm that offered chair massages. A thousand customers paid for the rubs – which cost up to $60 – each month. That response led the authority to seek bids for a full-time spa operator. Massages, facials, manicures and pedicures are coming to Terminals A and C in late October.
Family Friendly Offerings
Frankie's Fun Park
Described as the Triangle's Premier Place for Fun, Frankie's of Raleigh serves up "Great Rides, Great Food and Great Times". Go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, amusement rides, laser tag, batting cages and an arcade are part of the mega mix of fun. With attractions sized up for little kids, big kids and those who still think they're kids. Admission to Frankie's is free providing the pay as you play options, making it another affordable family attraction.
Travel News
RDU Re-launches a New and Improved Website
Raleigh Durham International Airport launched a new version of http://www.rdu.com/. Receiving more than 10,000 hits per day the website assists in helping travelers in planning their trip, connecting them with airlines and features the latest on new air service and information. Specific features include: up-to-date flight schedules, news service announcements, detailed maps and directions, information on Terminal C expansion, traveler advisories, listing of restaurants and shops and a media guide.
Other Notables
Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts
The City of Raleigh and Progress Energy announced a 20-year partnership to rename the city's performing arts center. The center which is the site of Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, Kennedy Theatre and A.J. Fletcher Opera Theatre has previously been known as the BTI Center for the Performing Arts for the past decade. Effective immediately it will be known as the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
New TGIF Special Offers
Enjoy your visit even more by taking advantage of Greater Raleigh's TGIF hotel special offers. Mention TGIF and receive the guaranteed lowest rate at 23 participating hotels, a $10 shopping card, a Sprint Calling Card, lowest available golf rates at three area courses and a Visitors Rewards Card that offers special discounts for local attractions, restaurants, golf courses and more!
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 http://www.visitraleigh.com/, or e-mail visit@visitraleigh.com. That's "City Life, Carolina Style."
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