One of the new convention center’s most anticipated events for locals begins today. The Junior League of Raleigh starts its Shopping Spree show today, and runs thru Sunday. Over 130 unique vendors from outside of the area (including 40 new ones) are present. Shop for jewelry, home decor, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, art, men’s gear, food, and much more. Spree is a fantastic place to buy gifts, especially for women.

The daily hours are:

• Thursday, October 2: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 3: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, October 4: 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 5: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for a four-day pass. Children under 5 are admitted free.

There are numerous areas for public parking around the Convention Center. Daily public parking is available in the Performing Arts Parking Garage on Lenoir Street, two parking lots across from the Progress Energy Center on Salisbury and Wilmington Streets and in the Convention Center Parking Garage next to the new Marriott Hotel on Lenoir Street. Hourly public parking is available in a garage on the corner of Cabarrus and Wilmington Streets and in the block of Davie and Salisbury Streets. Weekend-only public parking is available across from the Convention Center on Cabarrus Street and beside the Convention Center Parking Garage on Lenoir and Wilmington Streets. Daily parking fees are: $7.00; Hourly: First 15 minutes, free; $1 each additional half hour, $10 maximum.

My personal favorite parking place, though, is under the new Marriott. It allows one to have quick access into the convention center with very few steps. To get there, head downtown on Capital Blvd, which magically becomes Dawson. Proceed three lights past Joe’s Place (featuring Joe’s Mom’s food) and turn left onto Lenoir Street (which is now two-way). Just past Salisbury St., turn left into the Marriott’s parking garage. map it