Hello Friday.
April 26 2024
Urban Pothos, an eclectic houseplant shop with unique inventory + classroom space, is opening its doors this weekend. The shop is Latinx and LGBTQ-owned + located at 714 W. Peace St. (next to Peace Street Market).
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt, owner Jose Harvey had to make a career switch.
“Before this, I was a travel writer and every modern city I’ve visited has cool shops to visit and I usually find one or more boutique houseplant shops,” Jose said. “Since Raleigh is growing, I see the need for more retail downtown and I want to be part of that growth.”
Interior of Urban Pothos | GIF by RALtoday
Jose also wanted to offer the Triangle a plant buying experience unlike anything else in the area. The shop focuses on houseplants, with a flare for rare varieties. It works with small producers in Florida, as well as southeast Asia, to bring exotic plants to the store — aka: it's unlikely you’ll find Urban Pothos’ plants in other garden centers + shops nearby.
However, Urban Pothos is more than just a houseplant store. Jose also plans to offer classes, workshops, and seminars in the upcoming months, as well as social gatherings.
“Everyone has a green thumb,” Jose said, as advice for people just starting their houseplant journey. “You just have to find it.”
Storefront of Urban Pothos | Photo by RALtoday
Interior of Urban Pothos | Photo by RALtoday
Join Urban Pothos for its grand opening from 10 a.m.-6 p.m on Sat., June 12. The shop will have free wine + a food truck outside. Shoppers will also get the chance to win prizes, including a rare Philodendron Pink Princess worth more than $250. ProTip: The store has 5 parking spots + Jose suggests grabbing street-parking for Saturday.
Normal hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The store will close for lunch from 1-2 p.m. everyday.
Talk
- Courageous Conversations | Fri., June 11 | 7–8 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Engage in an important conversation with the transgender community + the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
- Juneteenth with Artist Beth P. Leigh | Fri., June 11 | 6–7:30 p.m. | 219 South East St. | Free | The artist will walk listeners through her art piece, the history of Juneteenth, and the importance of Black Art + community. 🎨
Show
- Acoustic Nights in The District | Fri., June 11 | 6–9 p.m. | 3400 Village Market Pl. | Free | Enjoy live music while dining out or shopping at your favorite restaurants + stores. 🎶
- Open Mic Comedy | Fri., June 11 | 7–9 p.m. | Durty Bull Brewing Company, 206 Broadway St. | Free | Grab a seat outside for a good laugh from co-hosts Rob Schneider + Ashley Preston.
Biz
- C-Suite Perspectives | Fri., June 11 | 9–10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Free | Dr. Jo Allen explains her own personal success story + teaches attendees how to achieve leadership roles.
Saturday
- NC Hops Festival | Sat., June 12 | 12–9 p.m. | Jim Graham Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd. | $10+ | Sample NC craft beverages while enjoying live music, food trucks + local goods. 🍺
- Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival | Sat., June 12 | 5–12 p.m. | 1141 Falls River Ave., Suite 114 | Free | Grab a beer, bourbon or both + enjoy the Lawrence and Perry BBQ Food Truck.
Sunday
- MAKRS Market | Sun., June 13 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | 305 Church at N. Hills St. | Free | Join the MAKRS Society and over 35 vendors for goods, food trucks + music. 🛍
- Young People's Concert Matinee: Cirque de la Symphonie | Sun., June 13 | 3 p.m. | Virtual | $21.46 | The NC Symphony presents breath-taking acrobatics paired with an instrumental masterpiece.
- Shmack'n Sunday Brunch | Sun., June 13 | 12–4 p.m. | Gatsby’s Bar Raleigh, 6109 Maddry Oaks Ct. | $44+ | Follow the Shmack'n Plates food truck for great food and all-day drink + mimosa specials. 🍽
With another hot weekend ahead of us, it’s likely you’ll need a way to cool down — Raleigh Rolls' June monthly special, Stir Fresca, may do the trick.
The new sweet treat is a collaboration between Raleigh Rolls and STIR Raleigh + features strawberries, chopped hazelnut, and strawberry basil agua fresca. Find Raleigh Rolls inside Morgan Street Food Hall, located at 411 W Morgan St. or keep up with its food truck here.
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Weather
- 86º | Thunderstorms | 80% chance of rain ⛈
Civic
- The city announced 3 possible candidates for police chief following the retirement of Cassandra Deck-Brown. Among 31 applicants were Robert Lowe, Darryl McSwain + Estella Patterson, each with long-standing careers in the field. 🚔 (The News & Observer)
ShopLocal
- Videri Chocolate Factory is reopening later today. To celebrate, the store will include a free classic dark chocolate bar with all $10+ purchases this weekend. TryThis: A new mocha chocolate milkshake. 😋
Biz
- Raleigh-based startup Low Impact Technologies USA, Inc. raised more than $2.5 million in equity. They plan to use the funds to acquire an Australian company + build a facility in the town of Fletcher, bringing 60 jobs to the state. (TechWire)
- Local engineering firm, McKim & Creed, recently purchased GSA Consulting Engineers Inc., located in Louisiana. With GSA's strong presence on the Gulf Coast, CEO Steve Smith hopes to expand his 600-person company. (Triangle Business Journal)
WaterCooler
- Following a head injury obtained in a game last week, Durham Bulls pitcher, Tyler Zombro, was released from Duke Hospital. The player underwent brain surgery + is recovering as an outpatient in stable condition. We’re wishing Tyler a speedy recovery. 💙(The News & Observer)
Arts
- The City of Raleigh is encouraging local artists to submit artwork for display on Fayetteville St. — 9 artists will be chosen. The deadline for application is Mon., June 21 at 10 a.m. Each will receive $500. 🎨
Dish
- On Mon., June 14, 10 chefs from the Triangle area will compete in the preliminary round of this year’s NCRLA Chef Showdown — including Kevin Ruiz with The Rockford + Mark Mishalanie with The Honeysuckle at Lakewood. The winning chefs advance to the People's Choice honors on Mon. Aug 9. 🍽
Cause
- Participate in a Pets 2 The Rescue virtual run, walk, or bike event in support of local animal shelters. Individuals can choose a participating shelter, including SAFE Haven for Cats, and pick between 4 different activities. Registration closes Wed., June 30. 🐾
- Papa Murphy’s is partnering with UNC Children's Hospital to raise money for the facility. June 21-27, all 8 Triangle-area locations will be donating 33% of sales to benefit the organization. Find a location by you here. 🍕
TheBuy
PlanAhead
- This July, head over to Dorothea Dix Park for their annual sunflower field — located near the soccer fields, you can't miss them. This local spot, which attracts thousands of visitors every summer, will be open 7 days a week + flowers will bloom from mid-late July. 🌻 (ABC 11)
State
- Gov. Cooper has launched a new lottery to incentivize people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. From June 23–Aug. 4, there will be 4 drawings of $1 million. Vaccinated individuals 18+ will automatically be entered to win + those ages 12-17 who have received at least 1 shot will be entered to win $125,000 in college scholarships. 💸
- Gov. Cooper recently unveiled his plans for developing offshore wind energy — making NC the eighth state with an offshore target. The newest goals include 2.8 gigawatts of energy by 2030 and 8 by 2040. Development is said to bring new jobs to NC for decades. (The News & Observer)
Award
- Love RALtoday? Be sure to vote for us for best Twitter, Instagram, Facebook + website in INDY Week’s Best of the Triangle 2021. Voting ends Sun., June 13. 🏆
Job
Drink
- Stop feeling intimidated by long, confusing wine lists. Bright Cellars helps vino-lovers level up their wine game, using a 7-question taste quiz to deliver a box of customized wines based on consumers’ unique, individual palates. Plus, they teach you about each bottle you receive. 🍷 Ⓟ
What's your favorite houseplant? 🌱
Did you know the Aloe plant is America's favorite house plant?
A. Monstera
B. Snake Plant
C. Philodendron
D. Pothos
#RALcurrent: What we’re currently hoping for — Carly is hoping to pick up some flowers at Phillips Farm this weekend + Laura is hoping her mama loves Art in Bloom as much as she does when they go this weekend.
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