📫Help Fill the Holiday Table | Moonlight in the Garden | Friendsgiving in Wake | Be Safe Out There📍

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Hello friends!

It’s that spooky time of year—don’t forget to check your candy before indulging, and maybe even try making a few homemade caramel apples for a sweet treat with a festive twist! Whether you’re handing out goodies or enjoying them yourself, a little Halloween magic goes a long way. 🎃🍏

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 ghost go into the bar?
For the boos! 👻🍹

📍 Trivia 📍

• North Carolina Connection: Several NC towns, like Wilmington, Asheville, and Sleepy Hollow-themed events in the mountains, host major Halloween celebrations and haunted tours, making the state a festive hotspot for October 31. 🕸️

• Food Fun: October 31 is also National Caramel Apple Day, a perfect excuse to make sweet treats using NC apples! 🍏

✨ Moonlight in the Garden: Raleigh’s Secret Glow-Up Returns November 7–30, 2025! ✨

Forget mega-malls and mega-crowds—Moonlight in the Garden at NC StatYou e’s JC Raulston Arboretum is your November passport to pure, pint-sized magic. For select evenings from November 7 to 30, 2025, this 10-acre botanical wonderland flips the switch on over 100,000 twinkling lights, draping ancient magnolias, bubbling fountains, and perfectly pruned topiaries in a rainbow glow that feels like stepping into a living storybook. No screaming Santas, no elbowing for selfies—just you, your crew, and a self-guided stroll under the stars that’s equal parts cozy, romantic, and kid-approved.

Picture this: You crunch down a leaf-strewn path, breath fogging in the crisp 40-degree air, when suddenly a 30-foot oak erupts in sapphire spirals. A camellia archway blooms in rose-gold, and the koi pond reflects a disco of LED lilies. Every corner is a photo op—giant light-wrapped butterflies hover over the perennial garden, color-shifting orbs float above the Asian Valley, and the iconic white garden turns into a moonlit snowscape (minus the snow). It’s intimate (capped at 1,500 per night), immersive, and zero stress—the kind of place where toddlers chase fireflies (okay, fairy lights) and couples sneak kisses under glowing wisteria tunnels.

But the real magic happens at the fire pits:

• S’mores stations with house-made vanilla marshmallows (pro tip: toast slow for max goo).

• Hot cider—spiked for adults, cinnamon-kissed for kids.

• Live acoustic sets from local indie crooners strumming covers of Fleetwood Mac and original tunes that sound like autumn feels.

Roaming food trucks keep the party fueled: think gooey gourmet grilled cheese (truffle brie, anyone?), loaded sweet potato fries, and spiked hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps or bourbon caramel. Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten-free? They’ve got you—Raleigh’s food scene shows up strong.

Why go?

• Holiday kickoff without the chaos—beats the mall by a mile.

• Date night gold—low lights, warm drinks, zero kids judging your PDA (unless they’re yours).

• Kiddo paradise—stroller-friendly paths, glow sticks for sale, and a “fairy house” hunt in the children’s garden.

• 20,000 visitors yearly can’t be wrong—this is Raleigh’s coziest tradition.

Tickets & Glow Hacks:

• $15–$20 (kids 3–12 $10, under 3 free)—buy online at jcra.ncsu.edu/moonlight to skip lines.

• Select nights: Thursdays–Sundays + Nov 26–30 (closed Thanksgiving). Gates 5:30–9:30 PM.

• Dress code: Layers + cute boots—paths are mulched, not paved.

• Parking: Free on-site, but carpool—lots fill by 6 PM.

• Rain plan: Runs drizzle or shine; ponchos in the gift shop.

Whether you’re a Raleigh regular, a Triangle transplant, or road-tripping from Charlotte, Moonlight in the Garden is your November happy place. Come for the lights, stay for the s’mores, leave with a phone full of pics and a heart full of glow.

See you under the magnolias—where winter starts with wonder. 🌟🍁

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🥫 Help Fill the Holiday Table: Donate Food in Wake County

As we approach the holiday season, many families in Wake County are already facing uncertainty. With reports that SNAP benefits may potentially be disrupted, local households that rely on these programs for their weekly groceries could face serious hardship. The holidays, a time meant for joy and celebration, can become a stressful period for families struggling to put food on the table.

This is why we are encouraging everyone who is able to give to consider donating food or making a monetary contribution to local organizations. Every donation, big or small, helps ensure that families, children, seniors, and neighbors in need can enjoy a warm, nourishing meal during the holiday season. The impact is immediate and meaningful—helping those who are most vulnerable in our community and keeping the spirit of giving alive.

Here are some organizations in Wake County where you can donate food for the holidays:

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

• Host a food drive or drop off donations at local Food Lion stores.

• Website: foodbankcenc.org

Wake Forest Police Department – Turkey Drive

• Donate frozen turkeys or make monetary contributions online.

• Website: wakeforestnc.gov

Holly Springs Food Cupboard

• Accepting non-perishable food donations Mondays (9 AM–4 PM) and Thursdays (10 AM–5 PM).

• Website: hsfoodcupboard.org

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive

• Supports various community initiatives, including food security programs. Donations accepted online or by check through December 31.

• Website: wakeforestnc.gov

The Salvation Army of Wake County

• Drop off non-perishable food items at their Raleigh location to help families in need.

• Website: southernusa.salvationarmy.org

Your generosity can make a meaningful difference. By donating, you are helping families enjoy a holiday meal, easing the burden on parents, and bringing warmth to those who might otherwise go without.

If you know of additional food donation opportunities in Wake County, please contact us with the details so we can include them in our guide and help as many people as possible this holiday season.

🦃 Friendsgiving and How to Join the Fun in Wake County

Friendsgiving is a modern twist on the traditional Thanksgiving holiday—a time to celebrate friendship, gratitude, and community. The concept first gained popularity in the early 2000s as young adults, often living far from family, began hosting their own Thanksgiving-style dinners with friends. Unlike the traditional Thanksgiving feast, Friendsgiving is typically casual, potluck-style, and focused on laughter, shared memories, and enjoying good food with chosen family.

The beauty of Friendsgiving is that it’s inclusive and flexible. It can be as small or as large as you like, held at someone’s home, a community center, or even a local restaurant. It’s a chance to connect, give thanks, and create new traditions alongside the people who matter most in your life.

In Wake County, NC, Friendsgiving has grown into a vibrant mix of community events, hosted dinners, and social gatherings. From casual potlucks in Apex and Cary to festive dinners in Wake Forest and Holly Springs, there’s something for everyone looking to celebrate friendship this season.

Do you know of a Friendsgiving happening in Wake County? We want to make sure our list is as complete as possible! Please send us the event details—name, date, time, and location—and we’ll add it to our growing guide of Friendsgiving celebrations. Together, we can help everyone in Wake County find a way to celebrate friendship and gratitude this holiday season.

🦃 Friendsgiving Events in Wake County, NC – November 2025

1. Friendsgiving (Smiling While Sending Hope)

   • Date & Time: Saturday, November 1, 2025 · 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

   • Address: Joyner Park, 701 Harris Rd, Wake Forest, NC

   • Details: A community gathering hosted by Smiling While Sending Hope. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite dish, dessert, or drink to contribute.

   • Source: Facebook

2. Friendsgiving Fest (Antioch Church)

   • Date & Time: Sunday, November 2, 2025 · 4:00 PM

   • Address: Antioch Church, Apex, NC

   • Details: A potluck-style gathering with fun games, a festive photo booth, delicious food, music, and more. Ham and turkeys will be provided; attendees are asked to bring a dish.

   • Source: newlifenc.church

3. Friendsgiving Cocktail Party

   • Date & Time: Monday, November 24, 2025 · 6:00 PM

   • Address: Restore and Rejuvenate Hydration, Apex, NC

   • Details: A cocktail party celebrating Friendsgiving.

   • Source: Dohertys Irish Pub

4. Friendsgiving at the Yacht Club

   • Date & Time: Saturday, November 16, 2025 · 6:00 PM

   • Address: Church 52 Youth Center (Door #2), Wake Forest, NC

   • Details: A Friendsgiving celebration at the Yacht Club.

   K-Food Festival Raleigh: Two Days of Bibimbap, Beats & Bingsu

   Raleigh is turning up the heat (and the flavor) for a weekend where Korean cuisine and culture take center stage. The K-Food Festival brings two delicious days of sizzling bibimbap, icy bingsu, and nonstop music, dance, and energy.

   Grab a spoon and dive into bowls of colorful bibimbap, then cool off with fluffy bingsu drizzled in sweet syrup. From spicy street eats to modern twists on Korean classics, it’s a foodie playground you won’t want to leave hungry.

   Beyond the bites, the festival pulses with live K-pop covers, dance crews, and traditional drumming—proof that Korean culture is as vibrant as its food is flavorful.

   Whether you’re a longtime K-food fan or just K-curious, this two-day celebration promises bold tastes, great vibes, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

   Two days. Endless flavor. All fun. Raleigh, get ready to bibimbap, beat, and bingsu your weekend away.

A Beacon of Resilience and Dedication

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation in 2024, many communities in North Carolina faced the arduous task of rebuilding. Among the unsung heroes was Jake Jarvis from Bat Cave, North Carolina. Known for his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Jake became a cornerstone in the recovery process.

His dedication did not go unnoticed. In October 2025, Jake was nominated as a finalist for the prestigious America's Hardest Worker Award, sponsored by Con-Equip, a company specializing in construction equipment parts. This recognition highlighted not only his physical labor but also his emotional resilience and leadership in rallying others during challenging times.

Jake's story is a testament to the power of community spirit and the profound impact one individual can have in the face of adversity. His actions remind us that even in the darkest times, there are those who shine brightly, guiding others toward hope and recovery.

"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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Leaf or not to Leaf?

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

What’s Happening Today?

🎃 Wake County Events – October 31, 2025

🪔 Wake County Events – November 1, 2025

🎭 Wake County Events – November 2, 2025

Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events happening today and this week!

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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]