Hi {{ first name }}
As we step into 2026, I’ve been sitting with one simple question: How do we want this year to feel?
Like many of you, the past year stretched us in ways we didn’t always expect. So instead of setting rigid resolutions, I chose a word of the year — one that feels grounding, spacious, and steady. A word that helps filter decisions, energy, and focus.
For me, that word is about intention — choosing what truly matters, moving with more ease, and saying yes to what feels aligned (and no to what doesn’t).
And that intention is shaping everything we’re excited about in Raleigh this year.
What We’re Looking Forward to in Raleigh
Exploring Raleigh — Deeper & Slower
This year, we’re committed to going beyond the “greatest hits” and really exploring Raleigh in-depth.
That means:
Finding those hidden gems you might drive past every day
Creating interest-based itineraries (food lovers, families, outdoorsy types, creatives… you name it)
Uncovering low-cost ways to enjoy the Raleigh lifestyle without feeling like you’re missing out
Sharing more local business owner stories — the people who give this city its heart
Spending more time on Raleigh’s trails, powered by pedal bikes and food rewards (because motivation 😉)
If you’ve ever thought, “I love Raleigh, but I’m stuck in a routine,” — we’re here for you.
Real Life Goals
Let’s be honest for a moment.
This is the year we are intently focused on paying off debt and then finally turning toward the long list of house improvements we haven’t really made a dent in yet.
If you’re juggling big goals, rising costs, and trying to still enjoy life, you’re not alone. We’ll be sharing more realistic, grounded ways to enjoy Raleigh while keeping your bigger goals in sight.
Meetups Are Coming (For Real This Time!) 🎉
One of the loudest messages we heard from our Facebook community last year was:
“We want to meet in real life.”
So… we’re listening.
We’re hoping to integrate more meetups in 2026 — casual, welcoming, low-pressure ways to connect with others who love Raleigh as much as you do. Coffee meetups, neighborhood walks, happy hours, themed outings… we’re open.
We finally feel in a better headspace and position to make this happen — and we’re genuinely excited.
👉 What kind of meetups would you love to see? Hit reply and tell us.
A Few Personal Things I’m Looking Forward To
While Raleigh is our anchor, here’s a little peek at what else is on my radar this year:
New York City in January for the IMM Travel Media event — two packed days of meetings and conferences, but also reconnecting with longtime travel friends and soaking up that unmistakable NYC energy
A possible mother-daughter basketball trip to Connecticut with Savannah to see UConn play (she’s working very hard to make this happen 😉)
Leading my first group tour to Morocco with my good friend Christina’s Your Limitless Adventures group tour company — something new, exciting, and slightly outside my comfort zone (which usually means it’s exactly right) You’re invited to join me if you’d like a fun adventure!
Travel will always be part of our story — and we’ll keep sharing easy getaways from Raleigh that don’t feel overwhelming or overcomplicated.
We’re also exploring ideas like destination guides created specifically for Raleigh travelers (think Raleigh to London — flights, neighborhoods, how to plan, and what’s worth it). Or even hosting destination info sessions for places we know deeply — like London, where we once lived.
👉 Would that be helpful? Fun? Worth doing? Let us know.
Coming Soon: The Abundance Reset 🌿
I also want to share something important that’s launching soon — especially for those of you who’ve followed my personal journey closely.
This January, Christina and I are launching the Abundance Reset — an evolved, deeply grounded version of my original 30-Day Money Cleanse I ran several years ago.
This isn’t about hustling harder or “manifesting” more. It’s about softening your relationship with money, unwinding scarcity, and creating more trust, ease, and alignment — especially in a year where so many of us are focused on financial stability and intentional choices.
We’ll be sharing more details very soon, and I wanted our Raleigh community to hear about it first 💛
Here’s to 2026 🥂
A year of deeper connection.
More intention.
More ease.
More Raleigh.
Thank you for being here — for reading, sharing, exploring, and helping shape what This Is Raleigh becomes next. Hit reply with any suggestions and thoughts!
With gratitude,
Caroline & Craig
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