Carolina Ballet Presents: The Ugly Duckling

I have always loved ballet but, I'll confess, the breathtaking movie "Black Swan" has rekindled my desire to go watch a ballet live again. While watching ballet at home on my couch in lounging pants is certainly cheap and convenient, nothing quite matches the experience of dressing up and being taken to a nice dinner before going to enjoy a ballet in person.

For those fortunate enough to live in Raleigh (or close by), I now present you with the perfect upcoming opportunity to do just that. (We'll even keep with the "transformation of water fowl" motif!)

Coffee, events, children's entertainment and...oh yeah...books!

Okay, so I know this post isn't technically about "Raleigh", but the Raleigh Barnes & Noble locations are next to Crabtree Valley Mall, which is simply a nightmare to get in and out of, and in Triangle Town Center, which is way up Capital Boulevard and often crowded. I go to the bookstore to relax, and that's why I go to the Barnes & Noble across from Cary Towne Center.

The Cary Barnes & Noble is not in the same parking lot as the mall, it's across Walnut Street from it, so parking is not very much of an issue. Also, unlike other locations, it's very pleasantly oriented with the in-store Starbucks acting like the hub of a wheel, from out which the rest of the store branches. This makes the on-side Starbucks very open and well-lit, with much more seating space than some of the other locations. It's the perfect place to hold a small reading group, or to just sit down with a paperback and an oversugared coffee drink.

The children's area is very nice, as well. There's a great selection of books, toys, puzzles, and games, and a large train set laid out so the kids won't get bored.

The Cary location also boasts a very full events calendar. Here are some of the upcomings to look forward to:
Family Fun Night Friday, January 28th at 7:00 pm
Contemporary Book Group Thursday, February 10th at 7:00 pm
Meet Angelika Selle Saturday, February 12th at 2:00 pm

There are plenty more events listed on the website. I'm there at least once a week, so don't be surprised if you see a red-haired woman with a creme brulee latte hunched over a laptop in the Starbucks.

Irregardless Cafe: Bad grammar, great food and entertainment

The Irregardless has been around since my mom went to college in Raleigh. It is a landmark of the city, an institution, and it didn't get that distinction through luck or accident.

To start with: the food. The menu changes daily, so even if this is one of your favorite lunchtime spots, you're not going to get bored. What doesn't change is: the variety of healthy (including vegan and vegetarian) options, the creativity, and the quality. The last time I went, I enjoyed a pomegranate polenta, of which all attempts to replicate at home have fallen miserably short. So, don't even worry about what you're going to order when you get their. Whatever you get, you're going to love it.

The drinks: The wine selection is exquisite, and the cocktails are wonderfully balanced. (Try the Oreo Martini in lieu of dessert.) The only recommendation I would make is to stay away from the bottled beer as, just like anywhere else in Raleigh, you're going to be overpaying for your alcohol.

The entertainment: This is what makes The Irregardless such a treat. Get late-dinner reservations on a Saturday night and, after 9:00, live music opens up the dance floor. Yes, you heard it here: Somewhere to dance in Raleigh where you neither have to learn to shag nor deal with sweaty co-eds rubbing up against you.

Check out the menu options, music schedule, etc. here at their site. And be sure to book those reservations in advance.

Best Deals

$26 bottle of Lucky Star Californian Pinot Noir

Complementary bottle of house wine on your birthday or anniversary (w/ e-mailed certificate)

Ability to make reservations online

Adventure Landing

When discussing the attractions provided, in the interest of saving time, it's much easier to list what Adventure Landing doesn't have, which is, essentially, nothing.

A little over a decade ago, this was just another basic Putt-Putt joint, lurking out on Capital Boulevard. Since becoming Adventure Landing, laser tag, rock climbing, and a heavily upgraded arcade have joined the three mini-golf courses, batting cages, and go-kart track it already boasted.

Also, for what you receive, pricing is more than fair. Their website consistently has coupons, group rates, and daily specials available. Whether you're looking for somewhere to host a birthday party, team building event, or just a family night out, Adventure Landing is a great place to make those memories.

Best Deals at the Moment
Parents golf free w/ paying child (requires printable coupon from website)
Half-priced attractions on Sundays from 10:00-1:00
Free laser tag session (requires printable coupon from website)
Friday from 6:00-10 is Family Night: unlimited mini-golf, laser tag, and a large pepperoni pizza for $24.99 plux tax (limited to family size of up to four)