RALEIGH

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• BANO ITALIAN BOUTIQUE read more ›
  (2706-A Chapel Hill Rd. Tel. 919-489-9006)
  This upscale women's clothing boutique has every high-style item you could be jonesing for, including fine Italian bags. It carries styles for all ages as well, from gauzy wraps to more mature jackets.
• CATCH 22 read more ›
  (322 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh. Tel. 919-755-1524)
  www.shopcatch22.com
  The owner of this men's and women's apparel store in downtown Raleigh says it "bridges the gap between Raleighwood and Hollywood," with trendy tops, designer denim and accessories. Look for Fortune Denim and funky streetwear from Kitchen Orange.
• WILLIAM TRAVIS JEWELRY read more ›
  (113-A W Franklin St, Chapel Hill. Tel. 919-968-0011)
  www.williamtravisjewelry.com
  Precious gems mounted in gold and silver are the hallmark of this studio/store in downtown Chapel Hill's University Square. Nothing catch your eye? It also does custom work.

• THE BOLSHOI BALLET: DON QUIXOTE read more ›
  (208 E Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill. Tel. 919-843-3333)
  www.carolinaperformingarts.org
  The legendary Russian ballet company presents a performance full of gravity-defying dancers. Music is courtesy of the North Carolina Symphony. June 11.
• CIOMPI QUARTET read more ›
  (426 Anderson St, Durham. Tel. 919-684-4444)
  www.dukeperformances.org
  Duke University's resident string quartet is joined by violist Max Raimi for a performance of his Quintet for Strings and Dvorak's Quintet for Strings in E-Flat Major, Op. 97 on June 18. Tickets are just $10.
• HISTORIC STAGVILLE read more ›
  (5828 Old Oxford Hwy, Durham. Tel. 919-620-0120)
  www.historicstagvillefoundation.org
  This restored plantation property just north of downtown openly discusses slavery in its guided tours and educational materials. Sites include slave dwellings, a plantation home and family cemetery. You can also learn how to play African and European games like Mancala and Nine Men Morris when you visit.

• WOODEN NICKEL PUB read more ›
  (105 N Churton St, Hillsborough. Tel. 919-643-2223)
  Locals cram into this tiny joint for great beer and good pub grub (the Reuben is a must-try). Get a seat by the window or on the sidewalk for maximal people-watching. $
• GEORGE'S GARAGE read more ›
  (737 Ninth St, Durham. Tel. 919-286-4131)
  www.ghgrestaurants.com
  This restaurant is many things: a whitetablecloth sushi bar and grill; lunch deli; bakery; cocktail bar; and dance lounge. It's open for your morning coffee and your last-call cocktail and at all points in between. $$$
• SAFFRON read more ›
  (4121 Davis Dr, Morrisville. Tel. 919-469-5774)
  www.saffronnc.com
  Don't let the strip mall location fool you. Delicious Indian cuisine prepared by acclaimed chef Gamer Rawat is served in an elegant candlelit environment. Try the saffron sikandari raan (a rum-marinated leg of lamb). $$$

• CHARLIE'S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR read more ›
  (758 Ninth St, Durham. Tel. 919-286-4446)
  A favorite among Ninth Street regulars and Duke graduate students, this dive-y sports bar features quality drinks, tasty food and good company. Go early to get seats at the bar.
• TAILGATERS SPORTS BAR read more ›
  (2645 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh. Tel. 919-790-6800)
  www.tailgaterssportsbar.com
  Get the gang together to catch the big game at this sports bar featuring two dozen TVs. Fun snack food and a plethora of beers make this the perfect game day location.

• UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST read more ›
  (789 NC Hwy 24/27 E, Troy, NC. Tel. 910-576-6391)
  www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc
  This small national forest is big on recreation. Camp, hunt, mountain bike or hike in the forest; pan for gold in a creek; or boat, bird-watch and fi sh on Badin Lake. A number of outfi tters and guides operate nearby.

This month...

Fun Fact!
One of the first documented gold finds in the nation was at Reed Gold Mine in Midland, NC.