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Hello friends!
As we gather today to enjoy the people, places, and events that make our community special, we also pause to remember the significance of September 11.
We honor the innocent lives lost, the courageous first responders who ran toward danger, and the countless families whose lives were forever changed. We also remember the extraordinary compassion, courage, and unity Americans showed one another in the days that followed.
May today remind us that even in the darkest moments, kindness brings light, courage gives us hope, and caring for one another makes us stronger.
We will never forget.
Diane
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—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Why did the calendar get invited to every party?
Because it always had a lot of dates! 📅😄
NC Fall Get-A-Way | Fall Color
A Fall Retreat in Blowing Rock
When autumn arrives in North Carolina, few places capture its beauty quite like Blowing Rock. Nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming town becomes a tapestry of crimson, gold and orange beneath crisp blue skies.
Located about three hours from Wake County, Blowing Rock offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Its walkable downtown, cozy restaurants and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway make it an ideal destination for a romantic weekend or peaceful mountain retreat.
October is generally the best month to enjoy fall color along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Leaves begin changing at higher elevations before gradually spreading into the valleys, with mid-to-late October often bringing especially beautiful views around Blowing Rock.
Begin with a leisurely drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Around every curve, scenic overlooks reveal layers of mountains dressed in brilliant autumn color.
Stop at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, near Milepost 294, for a peaceful walk along the estate’s gently winding carriage trails. The grounds surrounding historic Flat Top Manor offer forests, meadows and sweeping mountain views.
A visit to Grandfather Mountain is a fall favorite. Walk across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, explore the wildlife habitats and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Timed admission reservations are recommended during the busy fall season.
For a beautiful waterfall excursion, continue to Linville Falls. The moderate 1.6-mile Erwins View Trail features four overlooks with striking views of the falls and Linville Gorge. Check current trail and road conditions before visiting, as some areas remain affected by storm damage.
After a day outdoors, return to downtown Blowing Rock to browse its boutiques and galleries. Enjoy an Appalachian-inspired meal at The Speckled Trout, relax in a welcoming café or settle into one of the town’s cozy pubs.
Spend the night at a charming downtown inn, a private mountain cabin or Chetola Resort, where guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations close to shopping, dining, and outdoor attractions.
Fall weekends fill quickly, so reserve lodging early and consider visiting Sunday through Thursday for a quieter experience. Pack comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and check Blue Ridge Parkway conditions before leaving.
A fall retreat in Blowing Rock is more than a chance to see beautiful leaves. It is an invitation to breathe deeply, wander beneath golden trees, and let the mountains set the pace.
Real Customer Testimony:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Erica Tjonajong Local Guide·25 reviews·27 photos
What a great experience! My daughter had a fantastic time, which is huge. She was very at ease. It was super fun activities to get her to participate. I love the catchy songs and characters to get them to remember safety and skills. We definitely recommend Water Babies!
9/11 Events in Wake County 2026: Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs & More (Times, Locations)
Friday, September 11, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Across Wake County, towns and nonprofits are pairing quiet remembrance with service: fire-station ceremonies, volunteer projects, and weekend 5Ks that honor first responders and the nearly 3,000 lives lost. Confirm times and registration before you go; a few events are Saturday, September 12 rather than Friday.
Raleigh / Wake County
What: Activate Good’s 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance — hands-on volunteer projects, community connections, and remarks.
When: Friday, September 11, 2026; shifts 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free; registration required (space limited)
Comment: Flagship Triangle service event in partnership with the City of Raleigh.
Link: https://activategood.org/9-11-service-remembrance/What: Countywide first-responder moment of silence (Raleigh Fire, Wake County fire departments, Raleigh Police).
When: Friday, September 11, 2026, 8:46 a.m. (gather ~8:40 a.m.)
Where: Local fire stations and police district stations across Raleigh and Wake County
Cost: Free
Comment: Lights on apparatus, radio tone, one-minute silence at the time Flight 11 struck the North Tower. Check your nearest station.
Link: https://raleighnc.gov/fire/news/raleigh-marks-24-years-911-attacks
Apex
What: Patriot Day Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 124 with public safety and town leaders.
When: Friday, September 11, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Fire Station 1, 210 N. Salem St., Apex, NC
Cost: Free
Comment: Rain or shine; brief Salem Street closures 9–11 a.m. Apex’s 9/11 memorial with World Trade Center steel is nearby.
Link: https://www.apexnc.org/1711/Patriot-Day-Ceremony
Fuquay-Varina
What: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony honoring local first responders.
When: Friday, September 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 E. Vance St., Fuquay-Varina, NC (verify day-of; some past years used a fire station)
Cost: Free
Comment: Traditional town observance with police and fire. Confirm on the town calendar before you leave.
Link: https://www.fuquay-varina.org/
Holly Springs
What: Holly Springs 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, with 343 flags for fallen FDNY firefighters and remarks by retired FDNY Capt. Chris Ward.
When: Friday, September 11, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Fire Station 1, 700 Flint Point Lane, Holly Springs, NC
Cost: Free
Comment: Those who served or lost loved ones may place a flower at the memorial.
Link: Town of Holly Springs social channels / https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/What: 9/11 Heroes Run 5K (run, walk, and GORUCK ruck divisions).
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026; races from about 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Where: Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, 2401 Grigsby Ave., Holly Springs, NC
Cost: About $0–$55 depending on division
Comment: Honors 9/11 heroes and those who have served since; separate from Friday’s station ceremony.
Link: https://findarace.com/us/events/9-11-heroes-run-raleigh-north-carolina
Rolesville
What: Rolesville Runs to Remember 5K (8:46 a.m.) and 1-Mile Walk for Heroes (9:03 a.m.), then Honor & Remembrance Event with emergency vehicles, North Tower steel tribute, and essay winners.
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026; run/walk morning, program 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Where: Redford Place Park (races); Rolesville Elementary School (program), Rolesville, NC
Cost: Check race registration; remembrance program is free
Comment: Town moved the main gathering to Saturday this year, not Friday evening.
Link: https://www.rolesvillenc.gov/ and town social posts
Hopscotch Music Festival
Raleigh’s biggest weekend party is Hopscotch: 100+ artists, three nights, one downtown. Headliners hit City Plaza while clubs fill in the rest.
When: Sept. 10–12, 2026
Where: City Plaza, Moore Square, and downtown clubs, Raleigh
Cost: 3-day passes about $129–$179; Moore Square Commons and many day parties free
Headliners: Dexter and the Moonrocks (Thu), Cory Wong (Fri), King Princess (Sat)
https://hopscotchmusicfest.com/
NC Mountain State Fair
The mountains’ big fair opens Friday with rides, livestock, food, and free shows. K–12 students get free admission until 6 p.m. on opening day.
When: Sept. 11–20, 2026
Where: WNC Ag Center, Fletcher
https://www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/planyourvisit
Cabarrus County Fair & Rodeo
Nine days of midway, food, and a live rodeo in Concord. Opening-night rodeo starts Friday at 6:30 p.m. Parking is free.
When: Sept. 11–19, 2026
Hours: Fri 4 p.m.–midnight; Sat 1 p.m.–midnight
Where: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord
Cost: $8 adults; $6 ages 6–11 and 55+; 5 and under free
https://www.cabarruscountyfair.com/
Cumberland County Fair
Still rolling in Fayetteville through Sunday. Rides, livestock, crafts, and fair food under this year’s “Agricultural Express” theme.
When: Sept. 4–13, 2026
This weekend: Fri gates 5 p.m.; Sat–Sun gates 1 p.m.
Where: Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr., Fayetteville
Cost: About $11; under 3 free
https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/cumberlandcountyfair
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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
