Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
Post-holiday blues can be blah, but your New Year doesn't have to be. So, here are some hip haunts and choice events to hit up:
FIRST NIGHT 2011: It’s just not a new year until a Honda-sized acorn descends from the sky. Or if you’re in Eastover, NC, a flea. Weird. But true. So, get squirrely and flicker over to Fayetteville Street and prop up in any number of downtown hotspots while you wait for that City of Oaks tree-token to toll in the New Year. Just try not to let the anticipation drive you nuts. Check out firstnightraleigh.com for a full list of activities, events and performances. When: Dec. 31. Free.
NC SYMPHONY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION: Roll out 2010 with a little Zen classical and rolling rock as the NC Symphony bends the boards at Meymandi Concert Hall. Then mosey to the Marriott and flap back to a time when it was hip to nip highballs before noon with a jazz-ed up afterparty a la the Roaring ’20s. Package includes reception, concert, dinner and dancing, as well as transportation to and from the concert hall. When: Dec. 31. Reception 5:45 p.m. Concert 7:30 p.m. Reception, Concert, Dinner and Dancing: $200/person (reserve table for eight for $185/person); Reception and Concert: $75/person; Concert Only: $30-$60/person. More info
NOON YEAR’S EVE AT MARBLES: Color outside the lines and ring in 2011 a little early by taking in the stroke of 12 with your tots at Marbles’ New Year at noon event. Event starts at 11:30 a.m. Guests wearing a First Night badge receive free admission. When: Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m. More info
SPARIANS NEW YEARS 2011: Beer-stained Lebowskis are so 20 years ago. But swank bowling boutiques are in the now. Spare yourself from amateur-hour about town and strike up some posh pocket pounding at the Hills’ newest hot spot. Food buffet, Champagne toast and every-half-hour prizes included. So, you can still go on a bender…just try to keep it in the lane. When: Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m. More info
PARTY AT MCCABE’S: Let’s not pretend like you don’t still rock the “Thriller” dance like it’s 1984 when no one’s watching. So, plop on some parachute pants, krimp your hair and bring your best moonwalk on over to Bull McCabe’s as they rewind to the totally tubular ’80s with a no-cover NYE Party—featuring ’80s music and a midnight Champagne toast. When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m. — 2 a.m. free.
