The science museum changes its famous facade, schools prep for Pollen Days and Dix Park has a giant new installation
by WALTER staff
NCMNS Globe Gets a New Look
Raleigh’s a city known for its obsession with basketball, so as a nod to its local roots, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has repainted the 70-foot globe outside the SECU Daily Planet Theater. Passersby will now see a giant orange basketball wedged into the building’s Nature Research Center. “We study natural phenomena,” notes museum director Denise Young. “And in North Carolina, basketball season absolutely qualifies.”
Schools Plan for “Pollen Days”
In response to complaints about the high levels of tree pollen, some schools are considering a virtual learning curriculum for potential “Pollen Days.” The worst offender of this long-recognized nuisance is pine pollen, that yellow dust that coats every outdoor surface (and indoor surfaces near doors and windows) through much of April. “This year we’re predicting close to an inch of pollen blanketing surfaces,” says Ethan Clark of North Carolina’s Weather Authority. “Stay inside, stay off the roads, keep your house airtight; no opening of windows or cracking doors. Stock up on Claritin, paper towels and cleaning spray. Remember, it doesn’t snow here — it just pollens.”
The Hippest New Restaurant is Granny’s Kitchen & Bar
After the successful launches of several tightly themed bars across Raleigh — like the Romeo & Juliet-inspired Capulet Cocktail Club and frat-house-on-steroids Smash Social Club — a local hospitality pro has launched another immersive, out-of-the-box venue. Titled Granny’s Kitchen & Bar, this new concept is located in their actual grandma’s kitchen in Five Points. All of grandma’s original decor has been preserved, including the 1960s-era vinyl flooring, retro wallpaper and inspirational signs. The menu includes small plates like aspic, apple pie and a seasonal rotation they’re calling LFTF (Leftovers from the Fridge). For drinks, Granny’s will exclusively serve box wine, plus sweet tea in the warm months and chamomile tea when it’s cold. Due to the venue’s small footprint, advance reservations are required.
Giant Raleighwood Sign Installed in Dix Park
The latest public art in Dorothea Dix Park is a riff on what the locals call our City of Oaks. Styled after the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign, the RALEIGHWOOD sign features 100-foot-tall white letters and is situated on Dix Hill. “The public continues to be excited about the park and all the avenues we’re creating to interact, relax and — most importantly — snap selfies,” said a spokesperson. “Is this the most Insta-worthy piece we’ve got? You decide!”
Just kidding! Happy April Fool’s Day!
This article originally appeared in the April 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.
