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Good afternoon, Raleigh. Why did the elephant quit his job?

He was working for peanuts.

In today’s Raleigh Rundown:

• 7 fun things to do in Raleigh this weekend

• A new Cook Out location is coming

• Potential Raleigh-to-Wilmington rail line

• Carolina Hurricanes advance to the second round 🏆

Let’s get to it. 🏃

Stories this week

Potential Raleigh-to-Wilmington passenger rail line 🚊

Wilmington businessman Gene Merritt, who previously helped lobby for building out Interstate 40, is now leading an effort to build a 134-mile commuter rail line connecting Raleigh and Wilmington. Merritt co-founded a nonprofit called Eastern Carolina Rail and is holding public meetings to rally support.

The proposed line paralleling I-40 is estimated to cost $810 million and carry 80,000 riders, but costs have risen sharply from initial estimates. It received a $500,000 federal grant to plan the corridor. Merritt sees it as benefiting freight traffic and providing passenger rail service, which is currently lacking. He's trying to replicate his earlier grassroots lobbying success for I-40.

Carolina Hurricanes move on to round two of the NHL playoffs 🏒

The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders 4 games to 1 in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, capped off with a 6-3 victory on Tuesday night in Raleigh.

Next up are the New York Rangers. The schedule for their second round matchup is yet to be set, but you can go ahead and buy tickets for game 3, game 4, and a potential game 6 that will take place at the PNC Arena.

A new Cook Out location is coming to Raleigh 🍔

Cook Out, the popular North Carolina-based fast-food chain known for hot dogs, burgers, and shakes, appears to be planning a new location in North Raleigh after acquiring a former Boston Market property at 9500 Strickland Road near the Six Forks Road intersection for $3.5 million. Though Cook Out's website shows the new location "coming soon" to this 1.09-acre site between a Chipotle and Wells Fargo, no site plans have been submitted yet to the City of Raleigh.

The transaction continues Cook Out's recent real estate moves in the Triangle, including buying and reselling the original Mami Nora's and acquiring a former PDQ restaurant in Wake Forest. It fills the vacancy left when the Boston Market at this location closed in November 2022 after nearly 30 years, amid the chain's broader struggles with lawsuits and closures in recent years.

Popular Raleigh antiques store is closing 🛍️

Acquisitions Limited, a beloved antiques store in Raleigh for over 30 years, is closing its retail location on June 1st as announced by owner Ross Spain on Instagram.

Though surprising loyal customers, Spain cited a desire for change at age 60, planning to launch a new online travel venture in 2025 offering luxury European tours and villa stays with his partner Thomas Ard. The closure marks the end of an era for the taste-making antique purveyor known for its British and French styles.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Marbles Bike Rodeo | Saturday, 9:30 AM | Marbles Kid Museum - 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh

Bring your bike, trike, and helmet and get rolling at this family-friendly Bike Rodeo! Practice obstacle courses, learn about bike safety, and create bike bling for all ages and skill levels.

This is a free event on Hargett Street and in Moore Square. No registration is required.

COST: Free

Ma & Pa Market Festival | Saturday, 11 AM - 6 PM | 400 Fayetteville St, Raleigh

The 2024 Mother's and Father's Day festival will feature 100+ local vendors, a DJ, food trucks, and a new Lounge section. Shop local this year for your parents. They'll have a DJ keeping the party alive and an interactive lounge section with a bar and plenty of activities!

Click here for more info.

COST: Free to attend, cost for vendors

Raleigh Foodie Fare | Saturday, 11 AM - 3 PM | Raleigh Iron Works - 2200 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh

Calling all Foodies! Join us for our monthly foodie and art market series featuring a food truck rodeo, food vendors, art vendors, drinks, live music, and more.

Grab delicious food and drinks, jam out with live musicians, and shop from local vendors.

COST: Free to attend, cost for vendors

Raleigh Tacos & Margs Crawl | Saturday, 12 - 7 PM | The Avenue Raleigh - 14 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh

The exclusive VIP party begins at noon, general admission opens at 2 PM.

Join the fiesta with hundreds of attendees, and get access to Raleigh's best bars & restaurants, live music, a la carte taco specials, margaritas, and prizes.

Click here for tickets and info.

COST: $25 for general admission, $65 for VIP

NCFC VS Rhode Island FC | Saturday, 7 PM | WakeMed Soccer Park

North Carolina FC plays at home this Saturday. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere while cheering on NCFC.

Click here for tickets.

COST: $13 and up

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE FUTURE EVENTS

May 17-19: Got to be NC Festival - Local food, local mood. Local ag, local swag. Local wine, local swine. Local rides, local strides. Local bands, local brands. Local cows, locals wow! From tractors and the Carolina Pig Jig to the Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace and free fun at every turn.

May 18: 24th annual All-Star Ride for Life - Hop on your motorcycle and head over to Scooter's Bar and Grill on Saturday, May 18th for the 24th Annual All-Star Ride for Life. Registration begins at 9 am and the ride begins at 11 am.

May 26: NC Sugar Rush - Enjoy a Dessert-filled experience like no other at the City Plaza Downtown Raleigh. Dessert Foods of all kinds, Merchant Vendors, Axe Throwing, DJ, and supporting the Wake County Foster Care System.

June 14: Dave Matthews Band performing at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Click here for tickets.

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

91 🌡️ 64 | 🌤️ | 0%

Saturday

82 🌡️ 65 | ⛈️ | 40%

Sunday

80 🌡️ 65 | ⛈️ | 50%

LOCAL SPORTS

Baseball ⚾️

FRIDAY

• NC State @ Florida State | 6 PM

• Durham Bulls @ Gwinnett Stripers | 7:05 PM

SATURDAY

• Durham Bulls @ Gwinnett Stripers | 6:05 PM

• NC State @ Florida State | 7 PM

SUNDAY

• NC State @ Florida State | 1 PM

• Longwood @ Duke | 1 PM

• Durham Bulls @ Gwinnett Stripers | 1:05 PM

Hockey 🏒

• The Carolina Hurricanes VS New York Rangers round two playoff game schedule is yet to be set. Click here to buy tickets to game 3, game 4, and a potential game 6 at the PNC Arena.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the Raleigh Rundown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who likes ping pong. 🏓

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Let’s do this again next Thursday!