In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Kendra Alley, a passionate wellness advocate, content creator, and lifestyle expert, for an empowering conversation about health, self-care, and finding balance as a busy mom. Kendra opens up about her journey to optimal health, revealing how something as simple as hydration and the right supplements—like Element—transformed her energy levels and helped resolve unexpected health issues.

But this conversation isn’t just about health—Kendra dives deep into how she’s shifted from building a fitness business to becoming a full-time content creator, sharing her life’s journey on social media. From styling tips to DIY home projects, Kendra’s authentic, no-BS approach has built a community of like-minded individuals looking to improve their wellness, productivity, and style.

Kendra also talks about her family’s decision to make Raleigh their home and why they chose this vibrant city to plant roots. If you’re a mom, wellness enthusiast, or someone looking to lead a more fulfilling lifestyle, this episode is packed with tips and insights you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to Best of Raleigh every Friday on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for more inspiring conversations with the people, places, and businesses shaping the future of the Triangle!

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Patrick Young, Director of Raleigh’s Planning and Development Department, for an eye-opening conversation about the city's explosive growth and what’s next.

With Raleigh ranking as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., the stakes are high—how do we balance expansion while preserving the charm and character that make the city so desirable? Patrick reveals the inside scoop on major city initiatives, including the "Missing Middle" housing strategy designed to combat rising home prices, Raleigh’s $4.8 billion downtown development pipeline, and the game-changing expansion of mass transit to reduce traffic and improve accessibility. He also shares how residents can get involved in shaping the city’s future, ensuring that growth works for the community—not against it. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or thinking about making Raleigh your new home, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

Tune in to Best of Raleigh every Friday on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for the latest insights into the people, places, and projects shaping our city’s future!

Welcome to The Best of Raleigh! In this episode, host Gretchen Coley chats with Wesley Jones, Senior Leasing & Marketing Specialist at Kane Realty and driving force behind the stunning Highland at North Hills.

This luxurious 12-story residential development redefines modern living in Raleigh and is located in the heart of North Hills. Highland offers stylish apartments, world-class amenities, and access to vibrant retail and dining options, including a co-working hub, rooftop terraces, and a resort-inspired fitness center. Wesley shares the thoughtful vision behind this project and gives an exclusive preview of "The Row," an upcoming development in Raleigh’s transitioning Rockway district.

Join us to explore how Kane Realty is transforming Raleigh into a dynamic hub for living, working, and playing.

Welcome to Best of Raleigh! In this episode, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Sarah Shepherd, the visionary behind Heights House Hotel, where historic charm meets modern elegance. Located in Raleigh’s historic Boylan Heights neighborhood, Heights House has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its unique blend of old-world allure and contemporary luxury.

Sarah shares her inspiring journey of falling in love with a dilapidated Italianate mansion and her commitment to its restoration, transforming it into a stunning boutique hotel and event space that now serves as a beloved Raleigh landmark. With a deep passion for preserving the area’s history, Sarah has created a welcoming space that embodies authentic Southern hospitality.

Heights House offers more than just luxury accommodations; it functions as a vibrant community hub featuring curated events, from afternoon teas to holiday gatherings, as well as an Italian-inspired parlor bar where locals and travelers can connect and unwind.

Join us to learn about the rich history behind this iconic property, Sarah's dedication to bringing people together, and the unique experiences that Heights House has to offer. Whether you’re a Raleigh native or planning a visit, this hotel is a must-see destination that beautifully captures the heart of Raleigh's evolving charm.

For more information or to book your stay, check out Heights House at Heights House NC and follow them on Instagram at @heightshousenc. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories about the people and places that make Raleigh special!

Looking for the ultimate Raleigh experience? In Episode 38 of Best of Raleigh, titled "Rooftop Views & Raleigh Vibes," host and real estate expert Gretchen Coley dives into one of the city’s most exciting new developments with guest Anthony Zinani, General Manager of Hyatt House.

This episode offers an insider’s look at everything Hyatt House Seaboard Station has to offer. Located in Raleigh’s historic Seaboard Station, this luxury property features Highrail, a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, and Latitude, Raleigh’s first poolside bar and dining experience. Both spaces are designed to capture the spirit of the city, blending Raleigh’s industrial heritage with elevated urban amenities.

With the Hoffman Group’s vision for Seaboard Station, Hyatt House is a vibrant community hub with dining options, shopping, and residential spaces, perfect for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re in the mood for a drink with a view, a business meeting in a unique setting, or relaxing by the pool with great food and drinks, Hyatt House Seaboard Station is a must-visit destination.

Tune in to see how Hyatt House Seaboard Station is redefining hospitality in Raleigh and setting new standards for city living!

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In this episode of Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Maggie Kane, the inspiring founder of A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit café. Since 2018, Maggie and her team have been serving the community by providing delicious meals to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With a strong mission to build community and fight food insecurity, A Place at the Table has created a welcoming space where everyone feels seen and valued.

Maggie shares her personal journey from volunteering at a day shelter to launching this unique café model. She talks about the importance of choice, dignity, and connection in the fight against food insecurity. The café’s pay-what-you-can system encourages community involvement, allowing people to pay more, pay less, or volunteer for their meal.

In this episode, you'll also learn about The Traveling Table, Maggie’s latest venture. This food truck brings A Place at the Table’s mission to more communities while partnering with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club.

Check out the full video for an inside look at how Maggie Kane is making a difference in Raleigh! To support or learn more, visit A Place at the Table.

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In this episode of Best of Raleigh, we feature the incredible Joanne Wetzel, founder of Five Freedoms Photography, a business dedicated to capturing the heart and soul of rescue dogs. Joanne’s unique talent for dog photography has helped over 650 shelter pups find their forever homes, with her work raising nearly $50,000 for rescue efforts. Her passion for animal welfare goes beyond the camera—she donates a portion of her sales to local rescues and hosts initiatives like Foster Photo Day.

Tune in to learn about Joanne’s journey, from volunteering at shelters to becoming one of Raleigh’s top pet photographers. Discover how she uses her photography skills to showcase each dog’s personality, especially those that are harder to adopt. Whether you're a dog lover, looking to adopt, or just love a good heartwarming story, this episode is for you!

Watch to see how Joanne’s passion for dogs and art is making a real difference in the Raleigh community. Ready to get your own pet's portrait? Visit Five Freedoms Photography and learn how you can capture your dog's personality while supporting a great cause!

Don't miss out! Subscribe and join us every Friday for more inspiring stories from Raleigh!

In today's episode of the Best of Raleigh Podcast, we are featuring Ryan Darge, Senior Vice President at OriginPoint. He is known for making a significant impact on the mortgage industry with his unique insights and dedicated service. Over time he has been able to assist many families in achieving their dream of homeownership. In this episode, we will explore Ryan’s journey to becoming a key figure in the industry and how his leadership at OriginPoint is influencing the future of real estate financing.

Ryan Darge serves as the Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending and Producing Sales Manager at OriginPoint, leveraging nearly ten years of experience in the mortgage sector to assist clients in achieving homeownership. He earned a BA in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and originally hails from New York. In 2001, Ryan moved to North Carolina and currently resides in Raleigh with his wife, Devney, and son, RJ. Before joining the mortgage industry, he followed the family tradition in law enforcement, serving as a police officer for the Greensboro Police Department.

Ryan transitioned into the finance industry from being a police officer after his mother, who was an office manager at a mortgage broker, suggested he consider a career in mortgages. Initially, he decided to explore the opportunity, shadowing a loan officer and finding the experience enjoyable. This led him to pursue a career in mortgage lending, starting in the broker world and eventually moving into banking, before expanding his career further in the mortgage industry. He described the change as a pivotal moment that launched his career in finance.

There are many skills that he learned from law enforcement that he was able to integrate into the finance industry.

OriginPoint merges two pioneering digital-first companies to ensure a seamless and transparent experience for all stakeholders. Guaranteed Rate, ranked as the second-largest retail mortgage company nationwide, boasts a 96% customer satisfaction rate. As the innovator behind the world’s first digital mortgage, Guaranteed Rate has transformed the mortgage industry and maintains a prominent presence in national markets. Compass, leading as the top independent real estate brokerage in the U.S., leverages a suite of AI-driven, cloud-based software. Compass's mission is to empower everyone to find their place in the world through innovative real estate solutions.

As we conclude today's insightful exploration into the world of mortgage lending with Ryan Darge, we are reminded of the profound influence that dedication and expertise can have on both individual lives and the broader community. Ryan's journey from law enforcement to a pivotal role in the mortgage industry encapsulates a commitment to service and excellence. His transition highlights how diverse experiences can enrich one’s professional endeavors and ultimately benefit the community.

Today, we are excited to feature Lindzy Plott, a standout local entrepreneur who has significantly impacted the beauty industry with her salon, (in) tandem + west, independent stylists and their guests come together to redefine the salon experience. Here is another engaging episode of the Best of Raleigh, where we explore the personal and professional stories that define our community.

Lindzy's career began in a direction many wouldn’t expect from a salon owner, the healthcare industry. Initially drawn to field of nursing for its service-oriented nature, Lindzy soon realized her true passion lay elsewhere. The decision to shift careers wasn’t easy; it involved facing societal expectations and personal doubts, a journey that many find daunting, but Lindzy navigated with grace and determination.

A key theme in Lindzy’s story is the power of support, both personal and professional. Her network, including long-time clients and family, played a crucial role in her success. This support system helped her weather the storm during tough times, like 2008’s financial crisis and the recent pandemic, and also empowered her to thrive and give back to the community.

Stay tuned for an exciting journey through Raleigh's treasures with The Coley Group. In this captivating series, Gretchen Coley takes us into the vibrant world of Raleigh's business elite, offering an exclusive gateway into North Carolina's thriving business scene.

Beacon Street stands out with its legacy of building timeless living spaces in the heart of Raleigh. In today's episode of The Best of Raleigh Podcast, we will discuss how Jim Wiley and his son James of Beacon Street have masterfully balanced tradition with modernity in their latest project, Birney Park.

Jim Wiley is the President of Beacon Street Development and leads transformative developments in Raleigh by creating walkable neighborhoods and reinventing residential areas. A Raleigh native and North Carolina State University alumni, Jim flourishes in his skillset with management expertise and a profound commitment to community.

The discussion concludes with a look toward the future, where Beacon Street continues to expand its vision of Raleigh. Jim and James Wiley share their excitement about upcoming projects and their ongoing commitment to enhancing urban living in Raleigh. They envision their development not just as buildings but as cornerstone spaces that promote community interaction and a high quality of life.

Jim and James invite the community to explore Birney Park and other Beacon Street projects, inviting residents to connect and find their seventh heaven in Raleigh. Beacon Street’s commitment to the city and its people makes it a key player in shaping the bright future of Raleigh’s urban landscape.

Stay tuned for an exciting journey through Raleigh’s treasures with The Coley Group. In this captivating series, Gretchen Coley takes us into the vibrant world of Raleigh’s business elite, offering an exclusive gateway into North Carolina’s thriving business scene.