Hello friends!
Happy National Blueberry Popsicle Day! Before you grab a frosty treat, don’t forget to vote for your favorite coffee shop, burger restaurant and pizza place. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community—and your vote could help a local favorite win approximately $1,500 in free advertising!
☕🍔🍕 Show them some love and cast your vote before voting ends!
See you out there in beautiful Wake!
Diane
VOTE HERE👇
It’s time to vote!
P.S. Be sure to join our NEW Facebook Group. 👈
—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
I told my blueberry popsicle a joke. It didn’t laugh—it just had a complete meltdown.
A must do event!
All Aboard
There is something wonderfully romantic about seeing the mountains from the window of a train. Departing from the historic depot in Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Nantahala Gorge Excursion carries passengers on a 44-mile journey beside the sparkling Nantahala River, across historic trestles and along the peaceful shoreline of Fontana Lake.
The 4½-hour round trip offers the kind of scenery you simply cannot appreciate from a highway. Depending on the schedule, the train may be pulled by a vintage steam or diesel locomotive, with several seating options available—from breezy open-air cars to comfortable first-class accommodations.
Children will love the excitement of riding a real train, couples can settle in for a romantic mountain escape, and grandparents may find themselves happily transported back to another era. No strenuous hiking is required—just sit back, listen to the rhythmic click of the rails and watch some of North Carolina’s most beautiful scenery roll past your window.
This isn’t merely transportation. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect and remember that sometimes the journey really is the best part of the adventure.
Learn more and check the schedule: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Water Babies of Greater Raleigh offers expert-led swim lessons for babies and toddlers from birth to age 4 in warm, welcoming Triangle pools.
You’ll be in the water together for fun, child-led classes filled with songs, play, and gentle skill-building—creating special bonding moments while your little one gains confidence.
Why parents love Water Babies:
✅ Builds early water confidence and helps prevent fear of water
✅ Introduces foundational water safety skills
✅ Supports healthy physical and emotional development
✅ Creates quality parent-child bonding time
✅ Taught by caring, highly trained local instructors
Give your child the gift of water confidence and joyful memories. Spots fill quickly—contact Water Babies of Greater Raleigh today!
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!
50+ Things To Do On Labor Day Weekend
Culture Comes Alive in Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh will come alive with music, art and community over Labor Day weekend as the 17th Annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County returns to Fayetteville Street on September 5–6, 2026.
This free, family-friendly festival celebrates African American culture through live music, dance, theater, visual art and food. Visitors can explore the Art Gallery Walk, shop from artists and independent merchants, enjoy festival favorites and take part in interactive activities for all ages.
The festival began in 2010 with more than 15,000 attendees. By 2019, attendance had grown to more than 38,000, establishing it as one of Raleigh’s signature cultural celebrations.
Come for the performances, support local artists and vendors, and stay for the wonderful sense of community. It is more than a festival—it is a joyful celebration of heritage, creativity and connection.
Festival Details
Saturday, September 5: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday, September 6: 1–10 p.m.
Location: Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh
Admission: Free and open to the public
🎨 Festival schedules, announcements and additional information:
Visit the official African American Cultural Festival website/
🎨 First Friday Raleigh
Friday, September 4, 2026 | Downtown Raleigh
Galleries, studios, restaurants and shops stay open late for exhibitions, artist talks, live music and other creative experiences. Hours and admission vary by participating location, although many activities are free.
🎬 Hamilton Movie Night
Friday, September 4, 2026 | 7:30–10:30 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy Street, Cary | Free
Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy the filmed Broadway production of Hamilton under the stars on the Great Lawn. Food trucks will be on-site, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
🛍️ The Raleigh Market
Saturday–Sunday, September 5–6, 2026 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
N.C. State Fairgrounds, 4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh | Free admission and parking
Spend part of the holiday weekend browsing hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors offering antiques, vintage finds, collectibles, jewelry, artwork, crafts and other unexpected treasures. The market operates rain or shine.
🍎 North Carolina Apple Festival
September 4–7, 2026 | Downtown Hendersonville
Celebrate North Carolina’s apple harvest with fresh fruit, tempting apple treats, live entertainment, handmade crafts and family activities. The four-day festival concludes with the King Apple Parade on Labor Day.
🎡 Matthews Alive Festival
September 4–7, 2026 | Downtown Matthews
This four-day community tradition packs Labor Day weekend with live performances, carnival rides, food, local shopping, children’s entertainment and a crowd-favorite parade on Saturday morning.
🪕 Earl Scruggs Music Festival
September 4–6, 2026 | Tryon International, Mill Spring
Bluegrass, Americana and roots music take center stage during this three-day tribute to legendary North Carolina musician Earl Scruggs. The 2026 lineup includes The Avett Brothers, Béla Fleck, Greensky Bluegrass and The Del McCoury Band.
🦎 North Carolina Hellbender Festival
September 5, 2026 | Downtown Spruce Pine
Celebrate the wonderfully unusual Eastern hellbender salamander with live music, local food, artisan vendors and hands-on exhibits about clean rivers, conservation and Blue Ridge wildlife. Admission is free.
🔥 Pinehurst Barbecue Festival
September 4–6, 2026 | Pinehurst
North Carolina barbecue takes the spotlight during three flavorful days of pitmaster dinners, grilling instruction, bourbon pairings and the Sunday Pitmaster Invitational. Individual events require tickets.
🏄 WRV Outer Banks Pro
September 3–6, 2026 | Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head
Watch talented men and women compete in a World Surf League qualifying event against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Daily competition times may change with surf and weather conditions.
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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.”
