📫A Ton Of New Restaurants Opening!| Big Bowling Rock Winter Festival| Great Blue Grass Concert & More!📍

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Hello friends!

We’re so glad you’re here—thank you for reading and being part of our community. We hope this issue brings you something helpful, uplifting, and fun to discover.

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 📍

Where do waiters with on leg work?

Answer: IHOP

📍 Trivia 📍

North Carolina's Piedmont region has historically been known for the growth of what crop, with modern companies such as Phillip Morris, Reynolds American, and Lorillard still having a heavy presence within the state?

Answer: Tobacco

Hike to Frozen Waterfalls This Winter

Winter brings a special kind of magic to North Carolina’s mountains, especially when waterfalls transform into breathtaking frozen works of art. Colder temperatures turn cascading water into shimmering ice formations, creating scenes you won’t see any other time of year.

Popular spots like DuPont State Forest and the easy-access Dry Falls offer unforgettable winter hikes with icy views, crisp air, and fewer crowds. If you’re looking for a peaceful outdoor adventure this season, a hike to a frozen waterfall is a must-see winter experience.

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Firebirds Wood Grill Open in Wake Forest

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is set to open a new location in Wake Forest in summer 2026, according to a company spokesperson, with an exact opening date to be announced. The restaurant will be part of the Grove 98 development, bringing its signature wood-fired cuisine to the area. It will be located at the southeast corner of Highway 98 and Ligon Mill Road, near the new Wegmans.

New Hawaiian BBQ Restaurant Opens in Raleigh

A new taste of the islands has arrived in Raleigh with the opening of Hawaiian BBQ, a casual spot serving classic Hawaiian plate lunches and comfort-food favorites. Located on Capital Boulevard, the restaurant opened in late 2025 and is quickly drawing attention for its generous portions and bold flavors.

The menu features popular dishes like BBQ chicken, teriyaki chicken, katsu, short ribs, Spam musubi, and other island-inspired sides, along with boba and fruit teas. Most plates range from about $14 to $22, making it an affordable option for lunch or dinner.

With relaxed vibes and hearty portions, Hawaiian BBQ brings a welcome splash of island flavor to the Raleigh food scene.

Senior Activities

Ongoing Daily Senior Center Programs (Weekdays)
Senior walking & games, wellness & social activities at Eastern Wake Senior Center (Wendell) — including morning walking, cornhole, ping-pong, Wii games, and bingo twice weekly. These types of activities are typically offered Monday–Friday mornings 8:30–11:00 am (check with the center for exact schedule). Revize

New Mexican Flavor Coming to Rolesville: Mezcalito Grill & Tequila Bar

A vibrant new dining spot is headed to Rolesville! Mezcalito Grill & Tequila Bar, a Mexican restaurant known for its bold flavors and lively atmosphere, is opening soon in the heart of Rolesville, North Carolina. Located at 144 Southtown Circle, the restaurant promises a menu full of authentic Mexican dishes, handcrafted margaritas, and a wide selection of mezcal and tequila.

Set to open in early 2026, Mezcalito will offer locals a fresh spot for great food, festive drinks, and community gatherings — perfect for family dinners, date nights, and celebrations. Keep an eye out for the grand opening and get ready to spice up your dining options right here in Rolesville!

Editor’s Pick!

Fresh, fast, and full of flavor! Hummus Republic is now open at 53 Cabela Drive in the White Oak Crossing shopping complex, serving up fast-casual Mediterranean favorites. Opened in October 2025, the restaurant lets you build your own bowls, wraps, and pitas, packed with fresh ingredients and bold, healthy flavors. Stop by and customize your perfect Mediterranean meal today!

Bluegrass & Gospel Night with The Penny Family in Garner

Kick off your weekend with the uplifting sounds of The Penny Family at Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music in Garner on Friday, January 9, at 7:00 PM. Known for their heartfelt blend of bluegrass and gospel music, The Penny Family will bring rich harmonies and toe-tapping tunes to this cozy local venue.

The show takes place at Lorraine’s Coffee House & Music, located at 1400 W. Garner Rd., Garner, NC. Tickets cost $15 at the door, making this an affordable and enjoyable evening of live music, great coffee, and community spirit. Don’t miss a night of soulful melodies and good company!

Jessica Fichot Brings World Sounds to Garner

Experience an unforgettable evening of music with singer and accordionist Jessica Fichot at the Garner Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, January 13 at 8:00 PM. Known for her rich blend of French chanson, gypsy jazz, and international folk influences, Fichot’s multilingual performance highlights her dynamic vocals and accordion artistry, drawing from her French and Chinese-American roots. Tickets are typically around $30, making this a delightful mid-January cultural outing in downtown Garner.

Blowing Rock WinterFest Returns January 22–25, 2026

Get ready to embrace winter fun at the annual Blowing Rock WinterFest, taking place January 22–25, 2026 in the scenic mountain town of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This beloved festival brings together the community and visitors for four days of seasonal excitement, including the daring Polar Bear Plunge, where brave participants dive into icy waters, and the flavorful Chili Challenge, showcasing some of the region’s best spicy creations.

With live music, family-friendly activities, and unique mountain events throughout the weekend, WinterFest is a perfect way to celebrate the season and enjoy the charm of Blowing Rock in the heart of winter. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of North Carolina’s most festive winter traditions!

This is Pure Fun!

Kick off your week with a twang at Beer & Banjos – Raleigh’s free Tuesday night hootenanny!

Every Tuesday (mostly!) from 6:30–9 p.m. at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard (1930 Wake Forest Rd), grab a slice, a cold brew, and soak up killer acoustic vibes: bluegrass, folk, Americana, and old-timey goodness from local and regional pickers.

Brought to you by PineCone – check their Facebook for the latest scoops.

January 2026 Lineup:

•  Jan 13: The Wilted Plums

•  Jan 20: Beer & Banjo Allstars

•  Jan 27: Grass Street

Bring tips for the musicians, your dancing shoes (or just tap along), and get ready to grin! 🎻🍕

Dreamfest🎉

Get ready, Raleigh! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest 2026 hits Jan 16–19 with a jam-packed weekend of cool art shows, inspiring films, fun kids’ activities, community service, the hype 5K Walk for Hope, and a powerhouse keynote from Rev. Jerome Gay. Don’t miss the vibes! 🎉

Hurricane Survivor Who Became a Beacon of Hope

When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina in 2025, it left behind more than destroyed homes — it left fear, uncertainty, and families struggling to survive in the aftermath. Amid that chaos, Clara Carrias, a mother of three and Mexican immigrant, could have focused only on rebuilding her own life. Instead, she became a lifeline for her community.

Clara’s home was damaged, yet she did not hesitate to step into the storm for others. Volunteering with BeLoved Asheville, she spent endless hours sorting donated food, water, clothing, and toys, preparing essentials for families who had lost everything. She braved muddy, blocked roads to deliver help to people in the most isolated corners, and her ability to speak both Spanish and English became a bridge for those often overlooked — neighbors who might otherwise have faced hardship alone.

She brought her children along when childcare wasn’t an option, turning her family into a team of love, resilience, and service. Together, they carried boxes, offered comfort, and greeted every person with a smile, showing that humanity can shine brightest when life is at its hardest. Clara’s compassion transformed not just supplies into sustenance, but strangers into family, fear into hope, and disaster into a shared journey of healing.

In a world where bad news often dominates the headlines, Clara’s story reminds us that ordinary people, acting from the heart, can create extraordinary change. She is living proof that kindness is contagious, and that even amid the fiercest storms, the human spirit can lift others higher than we ever imagined.

"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)

55 Plus - The New Silver Standard

How to get out of a low chair without help!

Senior Deal of the Day: Briggs Restaurants. Guests 65+ get 7% off any adult entrée (excluding sides and drinks) at any Brigs Restaurant—all day, every day.

Look stunning. Feel unstoppable.

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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!👇

Sometimes, email servers can cut off parts of the newsletter, making it tricky to enjoy the full experience. For the best reading experience and to catch all the details, click here to view the entire newsletter!

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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]