THROUGH THE LENS

& cranniesnooks

photographs by MADELINE GRAY words by JESSIE AMMONS RUMBLEY

BEYOND THE BOOKSHELF

(1) Tucked behind a faux bookshelf upstairs in The Architect Bar & Social House, The Green Light only seats about 30 people and features craft cocktails. Bailey Pate, left, and Spencer Nunn, right, students at William Peace University, have a drink there on a rare uncrowded weekday afternoon. (2) Little Free Libraries are a familiar sight across the city, all part of a nationwide program that encourages reading and community building. This outpost in Five Points boasted a classic title in February. (3) Sontina Barnes sits at Raleigh Raw. The mural is by Raleigh native Taylor White, whose work can also be seen locally along the bar wall at Whiskey Kitchen restaurant.

2

1

3

Even as downtown Raleigh grows, there are a number of carefully considered spaces meant for lingering. From the enclosed rooftop patio of Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria to Budleigh neighborhood’s shared grassy plot, these places serve as afterhours escapes, second living rooms, and creative workday offices. Cozy, edgy, sophisticated, outdoors – they run the gamut, offering both intimate and urban atmospheres. Sontina Barnes, pictured at left, moved back to the Triangle about a year ago from New York City. She’s now a regular at Raleigh Raw, “because it reminds me of my coffee shop in New York, even the music.” This handful of snapshots celebrates the nooks and crannies of downtown. Some might soon become “your” spot, others a new once-in-a-while destination to add to the list. Regardless, you can settle in and stay awhile.

4

FRESH AIR

(4) Above Centro Mexican restaurant is Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria, which includes a completely enclosed open-air patio. The mural, by Sean Kernick, is inspired by the logo of Espolón tequila. (5) A courtyard behind Sitti and Gravy restaurants offers coveted outdoor seating options for diners, in addition to hosting events. (6) HQ Raleigh recently opened a second coworking location in the Capital Club building, including a top-floor multi-purpose coworking and event space with sweeping downtown views. The Cannon Room is named after Raleigh’s first female mayor Isabella Cannon. (7) Murals still adorn the walls in what used to be the Village Subway below Cameron Village. The former entertainment district, which opened in 1972, housed stores, restaurants, and night clubs. (8) Davis Poole, 10, left, and Joe Poole, 13, right, play with their dog, Jenny, in the informal park tucked behind their house on Cambridge Road. The outdoor area is shared by residents of the Budleigh neighborhood and includes a grass field and small basketball court.

5

6

8 7