Dix Park Conservancy Announces Food and Beverage Market to Open at Gipson Play Plaza

(RALEIGH, NC) - February 27, 2024 - Dix Park Conservancy today announced its concept for an elevated grab-and-go market at the historic House of Many Porches, adjacent to the park’s highly anticipated Gipson Play Plaza.  

The market – offering grab and go options of all kinds from local vendors – will debut with the Play Plaza this spring. Envisioned as the Park’s welcoming grand entrance, the 18.5-acre Play Plaza will feature a variety of playgrounds and gathering spaces for all ages, including climbing towers, a waterfall wall, areas for festivals and performances, a picnic grove, a swing terrace, and more. The Play Plaza is the result of a partnership between DPC, the City of Raleigh, the generosity of donors like Tom and Pat Gipson and the creativity of countless community members who contributed to the Dix Park Master Plan and in other ways. 

“Dix Park strives to be a world-class destination, and as we prepare to open the Gipson Play Plaza, the House of Many Porches Market will only enhance the experience for visitors both local and from afar,” said Ruffin Hall, CEO of Dix Park Conservancy. “As families and fun-seekers enjoy the many attractions of the Play Plaza, they’ll be able to easily find refreshments in anticipation of more adventures at the park. This is yet another milestone in our journey to becoming a landmark urban park unlike any other and a welcoming place for all.”   

Father-son duo John and Mike Cline lead Raleigh Park Ventures, and bring deep experience investing in and operating regional food and beverage businesses such as The Veggie Wagon (Carolina Beach and Masonboro), Carolina Crust (Raleigh-Durham), the grab-and-go Market 317 and The Bark Bar, both at Downtown Cary Park. The market at the Play Plaza will serve a variety of fresh offerings like sandwiches, wraps and dips, as well as coffee drinks, baked goods and frozen desserts. Beer and wine will be available to enjoy on the great lawn around the House of Many Porches. A section of the market will also offer unique merchandise and North Carolina-based items.  

The House of Many Porches Market is committed to showcasing and supporting small and local businesses. Businesses interested in having their products featured at the House of Many Porches Market can email dixparkhomp@gmail.com to learn more about vendor opportunities. 

“We are beyond thrilled to bring our passion for food, hospitality and community to Dix Park,” said Mike Cline, co-owner of Raleigh Park Ventures. “As a family-run business, we value connection and inclusivity, and we can’t wait to create a space where everyone–locals and visitors alike–feels welcome.”