Jen H.

02 Fitness

I should have realized they weren't really dedicated to helping people lose weight and get fit when their workout clothing selection was all size L or smaller. Without going into all the specifics, I was told things when I signed up that turned out to be untrue. I also discovered that many other gyms (with better hours and free personal training) were cheaper. "Rules" were not enforced (like men wandering around in the "women's only" area, outside food being allowed in the nursery), broken things went unrepaired. Poor experiences with staff. Except Scott Smith. He's awesome. But the rest - pffft. Perhaps they have improved, but I won't go back.

Peche Chocolate

What a delightful store. I love shopping here, they are part of what makes the City Market area downtown so much fun. Gourmet chocolates, gift items and fancy original packaging, excellent for wedding favors, gifts or a personal treat!

Wills Cheri - North Raleigh Medical Ctr

Takes regular patients AND a walk-in urgent care. I have been very pleased with my experiences. I've seen at least 4 different people there (2 physicians, a surgeon, and a PA) and they were all wonderfully attentive, good listeners, pleasant, thorough, efficient, knowledgeable and helpful - unfortunately, very UNLIKE many other physicians and specialists I've seen in the area.

Magic Corner

Very small store that is not a good place to try and take little children (too much to grab or get into, no room for a stroller), but a bit of fun for those slightly older. The clerk (owner?) took the time to show us several tricks, which my daughter thoroughly enjoyed. Lots of little inexpensive novelties, tricks and gags. Also carries costume stuff, clowning and juggling supplies.

Tir Na Nog Raleigh's #1 Irish Pub & Restaurant. Live Music 5 nights per week & Pub Trivia

This was the first restaurant my husband and I ever visited after moving to Raleigh 5 years ago. My oldest child's first solid food was the Irish stew here. It has changed owners since then, and is even better. This is more than a restaurant to us, it's like another member of our family. Love the staff, love the new owners, love the live Irish music (on certain days/nights - sometimes there's even Irish dancers). And the food - delicious! Even things I think I wouldn't like, like spinach asparagus dip, end up being fantastic. The salads and homemade soups are my favorites.

PROS: Atmosphere, music, food, beer menu and whiskey selection
CONS: cigarette smoke

Boccella John Dc - Atlas Chiropractic & Wellness

My husband broke his back several years ago; I have scoliosis and bad knees. We tried several different doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors to deal with the pain and problems of our conditions - then we found Atlas Chiropractic. No "cracking," no twisting, no mumbo-jumbo. Just real results! God bless Atlas Chiropractic.

Hall Melody - North Raleigh Pediatric Group

I've been going there for almost 5 years (since my oldest child was a baby). All of the other docs I've seen have been good-to-excellent, except one who is efficient but has terrible interpersonal skills and always seems like he never gets enough sleep. The nurses are patient and kind. They offer a 24-hour advice nurse line, which I've used many times. However, the office staff (the ones who answer the phones, take the payments, check out) are just plain rude. I put up with it because I really love our main pediatrician, Dr. Flannelly, but if she ever leaves, so will I.

Women's Birth & Wellness Center

I had my second child here, 17 months ago. My first child was born in a hospital - we lived in a different area and had no access to any free-standing facilities. I dearly wish I had been able to have my first at WBWC. It would have set the stage for a completely different transition into motherhood. My second birth experience was so fantastic, so completely different from the first. I had to drive a 1/2-hour one-way to Chapel Hill for every pre-natal appointment and for the delivery, but it was well worth it. This facility is staffed by midwives, and has home-like rooms, a variety of natural birth options (various birth chairs, in-room pools, etc), a lending library, a list of local doulas and lots of other resources. This is the place to go for a natural childbirth, or one with as little intervention as possible. If you want lots of sonagrams, drugs, a c-section or an episiotomy, don't start here.

Harmony Farms

OK, it doesn't have the selection of a place like Whole Foods because it is considerably smaller. But it does have a fantastically friendly and helpful staff, and a decent variety for its size. I live about 30 minutes away, so I don't get there often, but when I do go, I have lunch there (there are a few tables inside and out, and a microwave for customer use), and then I stop by the French pastry shop a few doors down. Mmmm! Makes for a lovely afternoon.

Bolsa Hair Designs

I found this shop because it was the only one open on a Sunday a few years ago when I needed to get my haircut. But I have continued going back over the years because I love my haircuts. Fantastic. Doesn't take forever, and affordably priced, but always do a good job. I can walk in with a picture of something I like, and she always makes it work for me!