With Di & Col
Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
The house feels a little quieter today.
Craig’s parents headed back to Australia on Monday after a beautiful stretch of family time, and almost seamlessly, we rolled straight into hosting more Aussies — our friend Di and her partner Col, who we met for the very first time in person. Di and I go way back… all the way to 2004, when we were both living in Raleigh on the same cultural teaching exchange program.
Friendships formed in seasons like that really do last forever.
Di was that grounding reminder of home when we were young, far from Australia, and finding our feet in a brand-new country. But she also shared our deep love for Raleigh — so there’s this unspoken understanding between us. We get each other. We get this place.
It felt really special to show Di and Col how Raleigh has grown and evolved since those early days. We introduced them to what’s new (yes, the downtown trolls were a huge hit 🧌), wandered familiar streets, and did plenty of “this didn’t exist back then!” moments. But just as meaningful were the slower parts — time at home, long conversations without distractions, and yes… vegging out on the couch watching movies.
And now? I’m tired.
Not the frantic kind of tired — more the deep, end-of-year, “my body and soul are done” tired. As we wind down 2025, I honestly don’t want to do much of anything. It feels like I’ve already celebrated Christmas and New Year in my own way, and what I’m craving most is a quiet couple of weeks to reflect… to take stock of the year that was, and gently consider how we want to show up better next year.
That reflection includes you.
This community is the heart of This is Raleigh, and as we pause before the new year begins, we’d truly love to hear from you. What do you enjoy most about what we share? What’s been helpful? What could we do more of — or less of — to serve you better in 2026?
There’s no pressure for polished feedback. Even a simple thought is a gift. We’re listening, and we’re grateful you’re here.
Here’s to slower days, meaningful connections, and honoring the need to rest before we begin again. 💛
Caroline
P.S. S: This community shapes everything we do. If there’s something you’d love to see more of in 2026, just hit reply and let us know.
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
The pavlova from Paul & Jack Bakery in Downtown Raleigh is one of the best I’ve ever had. Pavlova is an Australian dessert, and I’ve eaten hundreds of them So that is clearly your sign to go and enjoy it! Their coffee is also good.
The Brass Tap in Downtown Raleigh. Craig enjoyed watching the Liverpool premier league football match here with his dad. It’s the Liverpool supporters club bar.
Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour. We had a great day for this event, and we were able to go inside my dream home on the hill in Historic Oakwood!
We enjoyed a meal with our friends at the relatively new New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar in Cary. Excellent wines and delicious food - my pork chop was delicious!
House on the Hill, Historic Oakwood
pavlova
Troll hunting
Pork chop
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
The ice-skating rink at Red Hat will be closing earlier this year (Dec 28) to assist in the Convention Center fire recovery. Be sure to book your ticket before it’s too late.
Did you know you can add our website ThisIsRaleigh.com as a preferred source in Google Search results? Just click here to do that now. 🙏🙏
NC State plays in the Gasparilla Bowl today against Memphis at 2:30 p.m. Go Pack!
The shortest day of the year happens this Sunday with the winter solstice! Yay!
Four-time NC governor, Jim Hunt, died yesterday at home in Wilson
LGBT Center of Raleigh has opened a new permanent center on Cabarrus Street in downtown.
Very sad to hear the news that my favorite local non-profit Designed for Joy will be closing down at the end of July.
Sephora will open in North Hills in February near the Renaissance Hotel.
Lines were long for the opening of The Triangle's first Dutch Bros location in Morrisville. We visited a Dutch Bros once somewhere out west on our RV trip. It was a once experience and I don't get why anyone is lining up for their coffee!
🖋 ON THE BLOG
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
FRI: Silent disco at Dix Park. Bring your ugly sweater and dance under the stars to celebrate the winter solstice. 5pm - 8pm
Fri - Sun: A Candlelight Christmas with the N.C. Symphony Holiday Brass at the Martin Marietta Center.
Fri - Sun: The Carolina Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker. The Cary Ballet will also have their nutcracker performance at the Cary Theater
Fri - Sun: Kids will love the Disney on Ice performance of Jump In at Lenovo Center. There'll be over 50 characters skating on the ice
Sat: Holidays at the Pope House: enjoy period-accurate Christmas decorations, music, and games. This guided tour will also feature delicious treats, a Children’s story hour, and carolers 10am – 4pm
More ideas 👇
🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION
The social posts that have everyone talking (click image to join)
Need a Raleigh Realtor?
No need to spend all your resources trying to find a knowledgeable and trustworthy realtor who puts customer care first! We have partnerships with savvy and experienced, local realtors who can help you find your perfect property (or sell the one you have!) allowing you to focus on the more important aspects of your move. You'll also get personal access to us to help you with questions on life in Raleigh! Reply to this email or click the button 👇
If you find our newsletter helpful, please share it with people you know. We’ve created a referral program with a few rewards to say thank you! 👇