Photo by Triangle Around Town. In a long-awaited decision, the N.C. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association, agreeing that Gov. Roy Cooper violated the state constitution by forcing private bars to stay closed while permitting similar businesses to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The opinion says the trial court should have ordered that the state is liable for violating private bars’ “fruits of their labor” and equal protection rights.  Nearly four years ago, on May 22, 2020, the worst fears of many bar owners were realized as Co ..read more

Colton Hamm works at the Wilmington location. Photos courtesy of Dram & Draught. Welcome to a new series spotlighting North Carolina's talented bartenders and mixologists. We've explored bars, lounges and distilleries from mountains to coast, savoring many great drinks. At Triangle Around Town, we're eager to showcase these individuals who delight us with their libations. Stay tuned for features on our social outlets and our upcoming digital magazine, Spirited Haven. This new feature will spotlight favorite hangouts, interviews with local distilleries, cocktail recipes and industry ..read more

There were a lot of drinks to sample that Monday afternoon. You know the two of us are passionate about mixology and all cocktails delicious, right? We also like creating and drinking mouthwatering cocktails that capture the season's essence. So we were thrilled when Dram & Draught Raleigh invited us to join their exclusive gang to help curate and vote for their upcoming Spring/Summer menu—unfortunately, Jen had prior engagements that afternoon. On a sunny Monday afternoon in Raleigh, I immersed myself in the world of flavors and creativity. I gathered with some of D&D's bartenders, m ..read more

Cook’s Mill Whiskey will launch an exciting series of North and South Carolina whiskey dinners, starting with a 5-course whiskey dinner at The Angus Bar on April 27. Guests will experience the exclusive pairing menu by Angus Barn executive chef Jordan Scott, showcasing the local corn and grains used to make the craft spirit. The April dinner will kick off a whiskey supper series by Cook’s Mill Whiskey, which was named North Carolina’s Best Bourbon in the “Heartland Whiskey Competition” and the third highest-scoring bourbon in America in the 2023 “CHILLED Tasting Competition.”  The series ..read more

Michael and Abi McGeary along with their infant son, Parish, are the owners of Euda Wine. Edua Wine is the state's newest winery, opening earlier this year and planning its "grand" opening celebration on Saturday, March 30. Michael and Abi McGeary run the winery, which is located in Old Fort, around 30 minutes east of Asheville. We had the pleasure of visiting the couple and sampling all their wines before heading back to Raleigh. Here's a rundown of what you can expect to sample at Euda Wine—a visit we highly recommend! We tasted through all seven wines that Euda currently offers. 202 ..read more

Chelsea Franklin works at the Charlotte location. Photos by Blake Ennis. Welcome to a new series spotlighting North Carolina's talented bartenders and mixologists. We've explored bars, lounges and distilleries from mountains to coast, savoring many great drinks. At Triangle Around Town, we're eager to showcase these individuals who delight us with their libations. Stay tuned for features on our social outlets and our upcoming digital magazine, Spirited Haven. This new feature will spotlight favorite hangouts, interviews with local distilleries, cocktail recipes and industry stories and ..read more

  On Tuesday, February 27, we attended the second night of the annual Cooking for the Kids competition, held at 1705 East. This event is a beloved tradition in the local culinary scene, where chefs compete in a fierce yet friendly battle, all for the sake of charity. We were thrilled to participate once again as passionate advocates of this cause.  Cooking for the Kids isn't just any cooking competition; it's a heartfelt endeavor with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting two impactful charities: Overflowing Hands and A Place At The Table. Overflowing Hands, a volunteer-led o ..read more

  On February 24 we explored four wines from Black winemakers to celebrate Black History Month. We are approaching Black History Month's end, observed annually in February. It is a time dedicated to commemorating and celebrating achievements, contributions and rich cultural heritage throughout history.  The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to the early 20th century when historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-American leaders recognized the need to highlight Black Americans' often overlooked. Since then, Black History Month has served as an ann ..read more

  Amy and Bruce Jeffers, Owners of Riversong Cabins   A true haven for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts and small-town explorers, Riversong Cabin Rentals, nestled within the scenic landscape between the Mitchell River and Snow Creek in the heart of Elkin, North Carolina, has recently opened to guests. This family-owned and operated getaway is the brainchild of Amy and Bruce Jeffers, a couple deeply passionate about hospitality and nature. With a dedication to providing an unforgettable experience for their guests, the Jeffers have meticulously crafted Riversong to embody the e ..read more

  Escape to the tranquil retreat of Riversong Cabins in Elkin, North Carolina, for a rejuvenating long weekend or extended stay, and indulge in a self-guided winery tour. Nestled in the heart of the Yadkin Valley AVA, Elkin acts as a perfect gateway to around 48 wineries, with more than 20 just a short drive away, offering guests a chance to dive into a rich tapestry of wine varietals and experiences. Each winery boasts its unique charm, history and enchanting selection of wines, making it difficult to choose where to start. But fear not; Triangle Around Town is here to guide you ..read more