Let’s go!
Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!
It’s been a beautifully slow end to the year over here — the kind that fills your cup in the quietest ways. Staying home. Time with my girls. No hair, no makeup, no rushing anywhere. Exactly what my soul needed.
And now? I can feel the energy shifting. I’m rested, recharged, and genuinely excited for what 2026 holds — and I hope you’re feeling that spark too ✨
Let’s be honest though… January and February can be dull. The days are short, the calendar feels empty, and hibernation mode is very real. So, we’re making it our mission to keep your explorer energy high these next couple of months — even if it means convincing ourselves to put on a coat and leave the house 😄
We kicked off 2026 in the best way: at a NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball game at Reynolds Coliseum.
Our youngest, Savannah, is a huge women’s basketball fan. She watches every game her team, UConn Huskies women’s basketball, plays — and she’s a devoted follower of Paige Bueckers (now with the Dallas Wings). She even spotted the NC State head coach the day before at Amadeo’s Italian Restaurant — so getting to cheer in the stands the next day felt extra special for her.
If you haven’t been to a women’s game at Reynolds, consider this your nudge. The energy is high, the talent is incredible, and honestly? The NC State band can sometimes be more entertaining than the game itself 😉 It’s such a fun, feel-good way to spend a winter evening in Raleigh.
As we head into this new year, we’d love to know — how else can we help you in 2026?
More events? Cozy winter ideas? New openings? Easy ways to shake off the winter blahs and reconnect with Raleigh?
Hit reply and tell us. We’re all ears 💛
Happy New Year’s!! Make 2026 extraordinary!
Caroline
💖 FAVORITE FINDS
Amadeo Italian Restaurant: I cannot believe we have not been to this legendary restaurant in Raleigh before. It is like an NC State sports museum with all the memorabilia on the walls. Plus, the food is delizioso. I think we have found our new game day spot!
Cat Tales Cat Cafe I took my girls to this Chapel Hill cat cafe this week, and we fell in love with the rescue cats. it’s such a special place as they have space to roam with plenty of toys and comfy seating areas while they wait for their forever home. We really wanted to bring home Souffle, but right now I can only manage two cats in the house.
Sup Dogs: Enjoy a burger or sandwich here before or after your cat cafe visit! Here is a Chapel Hill guide with more ideas
Coffee Studio & Downtown Cary Park: My eldest, Kalyra, and I enjoyed a coffee and soaking up the sun at Downtown Cary Park this week. A much better option than the Dutch Bros coffee she was hoping to get but the line was RIDICULOUS!!! All I remember from trying this coffee when traveling Oregon was feeling immensely disappointed
Face Foundrie: My daughters and I had a facial this week, a lovely present from my sister back in Australia!
NC Women’s Wolfpack
Sophia at the Cat Cafe
Amadeo’s
Amadeo’s
⭐DID YOU HEAR?
Beasley’s Chicken & Honey will be closing down Jan 25. Ashley Christensen has said she wants to minimize her portfolio and focus instead on Poole’s and Death & Taxes.
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ has closed their downtown location and will be moving to Quail Corners Shopping Center at Millbrook Road and Falls of Neuse Road.
Zest Cafe and Home Art, a North Raleigh staple since 1995, has permanently closed.
RDU Airport’s Park Economy 4 lot becomes employee-only parking lot as of today!
I’m happy to hear that Liberation Station, North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, is back with its new location on Hill Street in Raleigh (east Oakwood neighborhood)
🖋 ON THE BLOG
📆THIS WEEKEND
You may like…
FRI: First Friday in Downtown Raleigh. Check out the rotating art on display in the downtown galleries and here are some other fun events happening. Read our guide to First Friday with the events for this month
Fri - Sun: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Touring), DPAC
SAT: Emancipation Day Trolley Tours Pope House Museum Celebrate Emancipation Day by joining local historian Carmen Wimberly Cauthen and Cheryl Williams for a guided tour of Oberlin Village. 10 – 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Adults $15, Children $6
FRI: NC State University Ghost & Urban Legend Walk We did this tour in the summer, and it was a lot of fun! A great way to learn more about the university and its spirited students and guests! $15 5:30pm (this tour only happens a few times a year)
More ideas 👇
🗣JOIN THE CONVERSATION
The social posts that have everyone talking (click image to join)
Last week for Illuminate Art Walk in Downtown
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! 👇