📫Don’t Want to Cook on Thanksgiving? | Holiday Magic to Thanksgiving Weekend | Sensory Friendly | Scams Surge Across Wake County 📍

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Hello friends!

Thanksgiving is the perfect reminder to slow down and truly notice the good in our lives. I am deeply grateful for my family, friends, neighbors, you, my readers, and for living in a community like Wake where so much kindness and connection thrives. Try this challenge this week: every day, write down something you’re thankful for, no matter how small—a favorite cup of coffee, a kind smile from a neighbor, a sunny morning. By making gratitude a daily habit, you can cultivate joy, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings.

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the turkey cross the road?
To prove it wasn’t chicken! 🦃

📍 Trivia 📍

• Presidential Turkey Pardon: The first official “turkey pardon” by a U.S. president is often attributed to George H.W. Bush in 1989, although earlier presidents sometimes spared turkeys informally.

• Thanksgiving Day Parade: The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City was held in 1924 and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo. The giant balloons we see today were introduced in 1927.

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🎄 Experience the Magic of the Holidays in Bryson City, NC! ❄️

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City, NC transforms into a cozy winter wonderland each holiday season, making it a perfect destination for families, couples, and anyone looking to escape for a festive weekend.

One of the town’s biggest draws is the Polar Express Train Ride, where visitors can relive the magic of the beloved holiday story. Sip hot cocoa, sing along with caroling staff, and meet Santa himself as the train winds through snow-dusted mountains — a truly enchanting experience for both kids and adults.

But Bryson City isn’t just about the train! Stroll through the charming downtown streets, lined with local boutiques, artisan shops, and cozy cafés, perfect for finding unique gifts and savoring seasonal treats. Don’t miss Swain County’s light displays, which twinkle across the town and the nearby river, creating the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the area. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy a winter hike, or explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for breathtaking views of snow-tipped peaks. For those who love adventure, the Tuckasegee River offers opportunities for kayaking or just enjoying the crisp winter air along its banks.

End your day with a warm meal at one of Bryson City’s cozy restaurants, where you can savor hearty mountain fare and festive drinks. Many lodges and cabins offer fireplaces and rustic charm, making it easy to relax after a day of holiday fun.

From magical train rides to twinkling lights, scenic mountains, and charming small-town vibes, Bryson City, NC is a holiday destination that offers joy, adventure, and a little bit of Christmas magic for everyone.

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Don’t Want to Cook on Thanksgiving?

So go ahead—cancel the 4 a.m. turkey anxiety, silence the group chat about “who’s bringing rolls,” and let someone else baste the bird this year. Your only job on November 27 is to show up hungry, hug the people you love, and maybe sneak an extra slice of pie.

You’ve earned it. Happy (stress-free) Thanksgiving, friends. ❤️

Click Here For A List Of Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving meals!

Holiday Magic to Thanksgiving Weekend

Kick off the season with Cirque Holiday Pops, returning Thanksgiving Weekend for a spectacular blend of live symphonic music and breathtaking circus artistry. Aerialists, acrobats, and contortionists perform alongside the North Carolina Symphony, creating a festive, family-friendly show filled with holiday spirit.

Show Dates: November 26, 28 & 29
Location: Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh, NC

Don’t miss this dazzling holiday tradition.
Buy tickets here: https://www.ncsymphony.org/holidays-with-the-symphony/

Sensory Friendly Night Returns to Lantern Festival on December 2

The beloved Lantern Festival is once again opening its gates for a special Sensory Friendly Night on December 2, offering an inclusive and welcoming experience for guests who benefit from a calmer environment. This annual tradition creates a space where families and individuals with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the magic of the festival without the typical crowds, loud noises, or overwhelming visual effects.

During Sensory Friendly Night, festival organizers adjust lighting, lower sound levels, and provide designated quiet zones to ensure a more comfortable atmosphere. Staff members receive additional training to support guests who may need extra assistance, making the event both enjoyable and accessible.

Visitors can stroll through stunning illuminated displays, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy festive treats—all at a gentler pace. Many families say the evening gives them a rare opportunity to take part in a community celebration that truly meets their needs.

As the Lantern Festival continues to grow, Sensory Friendly Night stands out as a meaningful reminder of the importance of inclusivity. For many attendees, December 2 is more than just a date—it’s a night where everyone can shine.

Scams Surge Across Wake County

Authorities across Wake County and surrounding regions are warning residents about a wave of new scams involving fake emails, spoofed calls, and fraudulent charity drives. Here’s a breakdown of the newest schemes and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Phony “Planning Commission” Emails in Wake Forest

Residents in Wake Forest have reported receiving emails pretending to be from the town’s Planning Commission. These messages claim residents need to pay fees for rezoning or historic-landmark applications. The sender address—[email protected]—is completely fraudulent.

Town officials urge residents not to click any links, respond, or send money, and to report the emails immediately.

🔗 Read More: Wake Forest Scam Alert

Fake Food Drive Scams During the Federal Shutdown

As financial strain increases during the government shutdown, scammers are creating fake online food drives to solicit donations. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns that these fraudulent fundraisers may also be used to steal personal information.

🔗 Read More: NC Department of Justice Scam Alert

Shutdown-Related Impersonation Scams (Statewide)

Fraudsters are impersonating federal and state agencies—such as the IRS, SSA, and other benefit offices—through calls, texts, and emails. Victims are threatened with arrest or loss of benefits unless they provide money or personal details.

Officials emphasize that no legitimate agency will ever demand payment or personal information under threat.

🔗 Read More: NC Department of Justice Scam Alert

Spoofed Calls Claiming to Be from the N.C. Supreme Court

Within the past two weeks, scammers have spoofed the official number of the North Carolina Supreme Court (919-831-5700) to intimidate victims with claims of warrants or legal action. The court confirms these calls are not legitimate and does not issue demands for payment by phone.

🔗 Read More: Wake County Fraud Alerts

Scammers Pretending to Be Immigration Officials

The Attorney General’s office has also received reports of individuals posing as immigration attorneys or government representatives. They promise legal help, charge large upfront fees, and then disappear—sometimes after collecting sensitive documents.

🔗 Read More: NC Department of Justice Scam Alert

Officials advise everyone in the Triangle area to:

• Verify suspicious messages by contacting agencies directly using official phone numbers.

• Never give out personal or financial information in response to unexpected calls or emails.

• Report scams to local law enforcement or the North Carolina Attorney General.

A Grandmother’s Grocery Lifeline

On November 4, 2025, eighty-one-year-old Army veteran Clarence Blackmon shuffled back into his small apartment in Fayetteville, North Carolina, after another exhausting round of chemotherapy at the VA hospital. The refrigerator stood empty, the cupboards bare; his wife had passed years earlier, and his children lived hours away. Too weak to drive and too proud to ask for help, Clarence finally picked up the phone and dialed 911—not for an ambulance, but simply because he was hungry.

Dispatcher Marilyn Hinson, a soft-spoken 911 operator with grandchildren of her own, answered the call. When Clarence’s frail voice explained, “I need someone to go to the grocery store for me… I just can’t do it,” Marilyn didn’t hesitate. She finished her shift at the Cumberland County 911 Center, stopped at the Food Lion on Skibo Road, and filled two carts with milk, bread, sandwich meat, canned soup, peanut butter, and fresh bananas—everything a tired body might crave.

Less than two hours later, she knocked on Clarence’s door on Langdon Street, arms loaded with bags and a warm ham-and-cheese sandwich she’d made herself. Clarence, thin and trembling in his Army ball cap, opened the door and immediately began to cry. “God bless you, ma’am,” he whispered, tears rolling down his weathered cheeks. “You didn’t just bring me food—you gave me my life back.”

Marilyn hugged the veteran she’d only just met and promised to check on him again. Word of her kindness spread quickly across local news and social media; within days, strangers from California to Maine were sending gift cards, Meals on Wheels stepped in, and neighbors Clarence had never met showed up with casseroles and smiles. In the space of one compassionate afternoon, a lonely veteran’s hunger became a nationwide embrace—one grandmotherly heart reminding us all that sometimes the most heroic rescue begins with a simple grocery run and ends with a village wrapped around one grateful soul.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

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Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!📌

We strive to make sure that all information is accurate. However, we always recommend check all details with the event organizer.

There are so many events happening in and around Wake County, NC that we have gone to a seperate page to list events. Please click this button to view all of the area’s great events!👇

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If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]