Media requests can be directed to:
Martin Armes, (919) 645-2654 or marmes@visitraleigh.com
WHAT'S NEW IN RALEIGH FALL 2006
RALEIGH, N.C. (September 2006) --"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 2006" can be found at www.VisitRaleigh.com
NEW FESTIVALS & EXHIBITS
Bugfest!
Open your mind, eyes, and mouth to the curious world of bugs. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Science's 10th Annual BugFest! creeps into downtown Raleigh. As the nation's largest single-day bug event, BugFest! offers quirky bug-filled fun for adventurous people of all ages. BugFest! 2006 celebrates swarming insects, in honor of the "Brood X" cicada, billions of which swarm sections of the Eastern United States throughout the month of June. And for the second year, the excitement will last even longer with BugFest: The Twilight Zone ( 5 to 9 p.m. ), an evening portion full of unique "insectivities" with more activities for adults and live bands. More than 120 displays, exhibits and presentations will fill all four floors of the museum, as well as Bicentennial Plaza and the Capitol Grounds outside. For the first time, Jones Street will become part of the festivities as the street will be closed to accommodate the covered BugFest presentation stage and other event activities. Get buggy September 16, 2006 9am – 9pm. www.naturalsciences.org
Monet in Normandy
This fall, Raleigh will be one of only three U.S. cities to host Monet in Normandy. Featuring 50 paintings from around the world, it's a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. Raleigh is the only East Coast venue for this blockbuster show dedicated to Normandy, the French province that inspired many of Monet's best-known masterpieces. The exhibition spans Monet's career, beginning with his paintings of the Normandy coast and progressing to his famed water lilies, a project that consumed the artist for the last 30 years of his life. Monet's iconic "impressions" of Normandy -- the haystac ks, countryside, coastline and gardens -- take center stage for the first time in this exhibition. Don't miss this incredible artistic opportunity at the N.C. Museum of Art October 15, 2006 – January 14, 2007. www.visitraleigh.com/monet
The Enemy Within: Terror in America 1776 1176 to Today
Contrary to the belief of most Americans, September 11th was not the first time terrorist actions generated a national security response. This powerful and provocative new traveling exhibit from the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. provides visitors with a historic perspective on acts of terror that have taken place on American soil - and how the country has reacted. Through haunting "you are there" stories, thought-provoking videos, touch-screen computer surveys, and compelling artifacts including Ku Klux Klan robes, J. Edgar Hoover's personal telephone, anarchists' bombs and fragments of the planes that hit the World Trade Center, The Enemy Within explores nine major events in U. S. history when America felt threatened by enemies within its borders. Exploris Museum hosts this groundbreaking exhibit August 26 – November 26, 2006. www.exploris.org
"Space: A Journey to Our Future"
"SPACE: A Journey to Our Future" brings visitors face-to-face with amazing discoveries and explorations from the past and introduces them to today's explorers who are shaping our future destiny in the universe. "SPACE" reintroduces audiences to generations of dreamers and thinkers, demonstrating how they have at times risked their lives to give the world a better understanding of who we are and how we fit into the universe around us. Most importantly, visitors will meet today's explorers, and learn how these people are working to understand more about the planet, how to protect it, and how to increase our understanding of the beginning of the universe and what life exists beyond Earth. While totally immersing visitors in the exciting scenic elements, the exhibit features live performances, child-friendly interactives, and state-of-the-art projection and audio technology to bring this epic story to life. Explore this breathtaking new exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences October 7, 2006 – February 11, 2007. www.naturalsciences.org
FALL SAVINGS & PACKAGES
Monet in Normandy French Getaway Experience
This fall, Raleigh will be one of only three U.S. cities to host Monet in Normandy. Featuring 50 paintings from around the world, the North Carolina Museum of Art prepares for an once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. Raleigh is celebrating with a French getaway experience to match.
Raleigh is the only East Coast venue for this blockbuster show dedicated to Normandy, the French province that inspired many of Monet's best-known masterpieces.
The exhibition spans Monet's career, beginning with his paintings of the Normandy coast and progressing to his famed water lilies, a project that consumed the artist for the last 30 years of his life. Monet's iconic "impressions" of Normandy -- the haystacks, countryside, coastline and gardens -- take center stage for the first time in this exhibition.
Taste the culture that inspired Monet with special dinners, wine tastings, cooking classes and other French experiences all over the city – and see Raleigh in a whole new light. Buy tickets, find special hotel offers and plan your French getaway now at www.VisitRaleigh.com/monet .
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 available weekend rate at 25 participating hotels, a $10 shopping card, a Sprint Calling Card, lowest available golf rates at four area courses and a Visitors Rewards Card that offers special discounts for local attractions, restaurants, golf courses and more! Learn more at www.tgifraleigh.com .
American Express Offers Cardmembers Discounts in Raleigh
The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with American Express to offer special rates on dining, lodging and events for American Express cardholders . These great offers were developed just for American Express Cardmembers visiting or residing in North Carolina's Capital City area. Take advantage of these the following offers from Wake County merchants to enjoy the best of City Life, served Carolina Style. To find out more about these special offers visit www.visitraleigh.com .
CULINARY NEWS
an
Opening fall 2006, Chef Michael Chuong presents an, the most elaborate Southeast Asian influenced restaurant in the region. Cherished for its use of fresh Asian herbs and exotic fruits, Vietnamese cuisine will play the starring role, complemented by coconut milk, curries, spices and a wide selection of fish and Kobe beef from Maylasia, Thailand, China and Japan. As with all Vietnamese cuisine, the French influence will be present, even more pronounced here – in complex sauces, tableside preparations, indigenous ingredients such as truffles, and in the most classic Vietnamese dishes.
Chuong also modernizes classics, than ks to his mastery of Southeast Asian cuisine. Chuong cleverly named his restaurant an, which means "to dine," or "to eat" in Vietnamese. This 10,000 square foot restaurant will highlight Chuongs' cuisine in a space designed in collaboration by avid art patron Ann Goodnight and international architect and restaurant designer, Paul Draper & Associates. The French colonial look and feel – showcasing dark mahogany wood and rattan dining chairs – will be complemented by contemporary design elements reflecting Chuongs' updated interpretation of Southeast Asian dishes. Special design features include a wine room visible by both private rooms, an impressive sake display in the dining room, soaring 35 foot ceilings in the dining room, large outdoor terraces with a fireplace, and a dramatic architectural space inside and out. www.ancuisines.com/
The Grape
Cameron Village's newest tenant, The Grape, presents Greater Raleigh with an opportunity to sample, sip and savor more than 150 varieties of wine in a non-intimidating and pleasurable atmosphere. The Grape's presentation of unique wines, available by the bottle, glass or wine flight is based on its copyrighted Classisfication Guide which classifies by taste. The Grape serves small plate gourmet fare, including specialty spreads, appetizers, entrees, cheeses and desserts, designed to complement wine selections. The Grape also features a one-of-a-kind wine shop where wines are attractively and logically displayed in a classification system based on taste, not region. www.yourgrape.com
Riviera Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge
Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, The Riviera is the newest venture in an area known for its emerging culinary scene. The style is deconstructionist and Chef Steve Pexton's style is a combination of natural and organic ingredients inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Unique lunch, dinner and tapas features include Riviera Carb and Scallop Mouslinne Cake to Chilled Avocado Soup with Tuna and Mint Papardelle with Lamb Ragout. www.rivieraresto.com
The Umstead Hotel and Spa Recruits Chef
Following a nationwide search, The Umstead Hotel and Spa has announced Phil Evans as the executive chef for Heron's, the hotel's signature restaurant. Evans has extensive experience managing food and beverage operations for the St. Regis in Aspen, and brings with him an interest in local, seasonal ingredients as well as a talent for developing healthy spa-inspired dishes. Herons -- a world-class restaurant which will offer modern American cuisine -- is slated to open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch beginning in January 2007. www.theumstead.com
Angus Barn to Open Second Wine Cellar Dining Room
Diners who love the Angus Barn's wine cellar will have another reason to celebrate: A second wine cellar dining room will be built adjacent to the existing space. Guests will enter through the wine cellar into an exquisite dining space with enough room for up to 36 people. A special prix-fixe menu, paired with wine selected by the Cellar Master, will be served. In addition to the dining opportunities, the Angus Barn will also host teaching classes from the Executive Chef, Walter Royal, and his staff of Wine Cellar chefs. The new addition will be open this winter.
SPORTING NEWS
MEAC Tickets on Sale
The 2007 MEAC Basketball Tournament returns to Raleigh in 2007. The MEAC Tournament, a Division I basketball program comprised of 11 historically black colleges and universities located across Atlantic coastline gained a 50% boost in attendance during 2006, the first year it was held in Raleigh. The ticket boo ks go on sale September 1 with prices ranging from $100 for adults to $50 for children. Each book provides one ticket for each session of the tournament, with men's and women's games being played over five days. The MEAC tournament tips off March 6 and the championship games are played on March 10. www.meachoops.com
Carolina RailHawks
Area soccer fanatics got their first long-awaited glimpse of the new Cary USL Expansion Team's identity – The Carolina RailHaw ks . The name RailHaw ks combines the ideas of a railroad – the first mass transportation that helped expand America ; and the Hawk – a cunning and masterful bird of prey. Triangle Professional Soccer operates The Carolina RailHaw ks, an expansion of the USL First Division for the season starting April 2007. The squad will play 14 regular season games and four additional playoff and exhibition games each year, with all home games played at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.
SAS Soccer Park, opened in 2002, is a $14.5 million dollar facility that holds 7,000 fans and includes six adjacent soccer fields, locker rooms, concessions, and a nationally-recognized cross country course. www.carolinarailhawks.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Fayetteville Street Reopening
Raleigh's downtown renaissance kicked off with the reopening of Fayetteville Street to vehicular traffic. The $10 million project features two lanes of traffic, wide sidewalks to accommodate outdoor dining, and parallel parking. The southern portion of the street reaches Raleigh Marriott City Center hotel, Raleigh Convention Center and Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
New flights at RDU
Southwest Airlines will increase its service at Raleigh-Durham International Airport by adding daily flights to Orlando and Tampa Bay. Beginning in November, Southwest will offer one additional flight to Orlando, increasing the number of nonstop flights to four. A third nonstop flight to Tampa Bay will also be added.
NEW ON THE SCENE
Ess Lounge
A trendy new nightclub has opened in Raleigh's up-and-coming Warehouse District. Ess Lounge, a vibrant hotspot with a large patio and separate dance floor, caters to the young and hip with its extensive cocktail list and appetizer menu. Live acoustic music entertains crowds on the patio every Wednesday night. www.esslounge.com/
Primp Salonbar
Raleigh's only private membership salon/bar tempts clients with cocktails while they're getting salon treatments. Guests can enjoy the salon's hip, urban environment as well as the convenience of wireless internet access, iPod docking stations and more -- all with the amenities of a cocktail bar. The salonbar is located in Raleigh's trendy Glenwood South district.
www.primpsalonbar.com
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