You already know that North Hills is the place to be. But here at RALtoday, we like to show, not tell, which is why we’re spilling all the deets from our (City Editors Catherine + Anne) recent North Hills night out to celebrate the Midtown Beach Music kickoff. Read along to learn how you can Try This and steal our North Hills drink, food + event hacks.

City Editor Anne with Kelsey Montague’s #WhatLiftsYou mural. | Photo by the RALtoday team

What we tried:

First, we stopped by the new Kelsey Montague “#WhatLiftsYou” mural, which is beautiful and super Instagrammable. This made us thirsty, so we went to Level 7’s Rooftop Bar to grab a glass of Pinot and admire the North Hills skyline before dinner at Coquette Brasserie.

After a mouthwatering meal (pro tip: order the escargot and Melon-Lime Fizz cocktail), we headed to Midtown Park to get our groove on for the Midtown Beach Music Series kickoff.

Then, because life is too short to skip dessert, we finished the night with an Oreo milkshake from Cowbar — quite possibly the ultimate cherry on top.

What not to miss:

Midtown Beach Music Series, happening every Thursday night from 5-9 p.m with beach music, Motown, R&B + other oldies hits. It’s almost impossible to leave without a smile on your face (or hitting the dance floor, if you’re us).

Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to relax on.

A percentage of Beach Music’s proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House and Designed For Joy. | Photo by the RALtoday team

What we’re still talking about:

Dinner at Coquette. Once you walk into this North Hills eatery, it’s like you’ve been transported into a little slice of French heaven.

We sat by the bar (which feels like a quaint French cafe) + ordered a Melon-Lime Fizz cocktail + a Pink Panther, both of which were almost too pretty to drink. For the main course, we loved the beef bourguignon + seafood crepe — they were both packed with flavor. 🇫🇷

Escargot + a half dozen oysters from Coquette, aka the perfect appetizers. | Photo by the RALtoday team

How you can experience this:

Steal our itinerary — or don’t, because there’s so much happening at North Hills that you can build your own perfect visit. Check out North Hills’ event schedule + we’ll meet ya there:

✨ Midtown Beach Music
What: Good music in a family-friendly setting
When: Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. through Thurs., June 23
Cost: $5 in advance or $10 day-of; free for kids 13 and under

✨ Wellness Wednesday
What: Rotating fitness classes (pro tip: bring a mat)
When: Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. through Wed., June 29
Cost: $5

✨ Midtown Farmers Market
What: Produce, flowers + more from local vendors
When: Saturdays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. through Sat., Nov. 5
Cost: Free

Flowers from the Midtown Farmers Market. | Photo by the RALtoday team

Things to know if you go:

Experience: An afternoon in North Hills
Website: https://visitnorthhills.com/
Address: 4011 Cardinal North Hills St., Raleigh, NC 27609

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