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Hello friends!

Thank you all so much for the kind messages and support while we took a short break due to circumstances beyond our control. We truly appreciate this amazing community!

We’re back — and you are going to LOVE today’s issue! It’s packed with fun events, local happenings, weekend adventures, and all the best things going on around Wake County.

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Now let’s go enjoy the weekend! 🎉

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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The Best Time to View Flowers at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Although spring is the star of the show, the arboretum offers beautiful blooms throughout the year. During the summer months, roses, hydrangeas, daylilies, and tropical-looking flowers fill the gardens with bright colors and attract butterflies and pollinators. Early mornings are often the best time to visit in summer because temperatures are cooler and the lighting is perfect for photography.

Fall brings a completely different kind of beauty to the arboretum. Japanese maples turn brilliant shades of red and orange, ornamental grasses sway in the breeze, and tea olives fill the air with a sweet fragrance. Camellias also begin blooming in late fall, adding color as temperatures cool.

Even winter has its own charm at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Winter-blooming camellias, evergreen plants, berries, and unusual bark textures create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. With fewer crowds, winter is a wonderful time for quiet walks and enjoying the beauty of the gardens at a slower pace.

The best way to experience the arboretum is to take your time and explore without rushing. Visitors are encouraged to wander along the winding paths, stop to admire the flowers, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Bringing a camera is highly recommended because the gardens provide countless photo opportunities throughout the year. Comfortable shoes, water, and an early morning visit can also make the experience even more enjoyable.

One of the best things about visiting the JC Raulston Arboretum is that admission is completely free. Donations are welcome to help support the gardens and ongoing plant collections. The arboretum is open year-round, with current hours typically running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.

Visitors from all over North Carolina often describe the arboretum as one of Raleigh’s most relaxing and beautiful attractions. From colorful spring blooms to peaceful winter gardens, the JC Raulston Arboretum offers something special during every season. Whether you are visiting for the flowers, the photography, or simply a quiet afternoon outdoors, it is a destination that leaves a lasting impression.

A massive 1.1 million-gallon sewage spill was reported near Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Brier Creek on May 13, 2026, after a temporary sewer bypass pipe failed during construction work near John Brantley Boulevard. Raleigh Water crews responded to contain the spill, though some wastewater entered nearby waterways connected to Brier Creek and Crabtree Creek. Officials are urging residents to avoid the affected areas while cleanup and water testing continue. Read the full free story here: https://abc11.com/post/raleigh-sewage-spill-11m-gallons-released-airport-boulevard-pipe-failure/19093905/

A Morrisville man was arrested after allegedly boarding a Wake County school bus and making racial remarks in front of students, according to police. Authorities said 29-year-old Dominic Eugene Brawley is charged with disorderly conduct, trespassing on a school bus, and delaying the bus after the May 6 incident. Arrest warrants state Brawley allegedly cursed loudly and made racial comments while students were on board. Read the full free story here: https://www.wral.com/news/local/wake-county-bus-man-trespassing-abord-may-2026/

A 34-year-old Wake County man was arrested Sunday and charged with felony second-degree kidnapping, according to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities allege Jonathan Michael Vazquez unlawfully confined a woman without her consent in an incident connected to an ongoing investigation. Vazquez was taken into custody and is being held without bond pending his court appearance. Read the full free story online here: https://www.wral.com/news/local/wake-county-man-felony-charges-second-degree-kidnapping/

Apex officials are considering stronger tree protection rules after the town experienced some of the highest tree canopy losses in Wake County. Proposed changes would require developers to preserve more existing trees and expand protections for heritage trees as rapid growth continues across the area. Read the full story here: https://indyweek.com/news/tree-canopy-loss-in-apex-is-among-the-highest-in-wake-county-now-the-town-is-considering-new-protections/

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