In partnership with
Hello friends!
We hope you’re enjoying your summer and finding plenty of fun, family time, and local adventures across Wake County! Each week, we’re excited to bring you the best local events, hidden gems, community happenings, and ways to make the most of where we live.
📜 A Little History To Celebrate: July 8, 1776
On this day in history, crowds gathered in Philadelphia as Colonel John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Church bells rang throughout the city in celebration, and the moment became traditionally connected with the ringing of the famous Liberty Bell.
More than 200 years later, we continue to celebrate the freedoms, traditions, and community spirit that make our country special. 🇺🇸
Now… let’s see what news and fun is happening around Wake County this week! 🎉
See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane
When you shop through the Amazon affiliate links featured in our newsletter, a portion of the commission is donated to esophageal cancer research in loving memory of our son, Darren, whom we lost to this devastating disease three years ago.
Thank you for supporting our mission❤️
—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Go from AI overwhelmed to AI savvy professional
AI will eliminate 300 million jobs in the next 5 years.
Yours doesn't have to be one of them.
Here's how to future-proof your career:
Join the Superhuman AI newsletter - read by 1M+ professionals
Learn AI skills in 3 mins a day
Become the AI expert on your team
📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍
Why did the Liberty Bell never win a singing contest?
Because it had a great ring… but a little bit of a crack in its voice!
The Post-Workout Recovery Secret You’re Sleeping On
You’ve dialed in your workouts, nutrition, and hydration. But if progress still feels slow, there’s one recovery factor often overlooked: sleep.
Muscles repair and rebuild while you sleep. Less sleep means less time to recover.
If getting enough rest is a challenge, CBDistillery offers targeted support your sleep solutions.
Their gummies and tinctures combine non-intoxicating CBD with CBN, a cannabinoid commonly used to promote better sleep.
In a 2021 CBDistillery study, participants reported sleeping longer on average after using CBD and CBN together.
Right now, readers can save 25% on sleep solutions with code SLEEPMORE at checkout.
A Great Destination for a Long Weekend!
They don't call Linville Gorge the "Grand Canyon of the East" without good reason. Tucked away in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, this breathtaking wilderness features towering cliffs, dense forests, and the winding Linville River carving its way through a gorge more than 1,400 feet deep. Unlike many popular attractions, Linville Gorge remains wonderfully wild, offering visitors an authentic escape into one of the East's most spectacular natural landscapes.
Formed over millions of years by the relentless flow of the Linville River, the gorge is one of the most rugged areas in the eastern United States. In 1964, it became one of the nation's first federally designated Wilderness Areas, protecting more than 12,000 acres of pristine mountain scenery. Today, it's a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, campers, and anyone looking to experience North Carolina's untamed beauty.
The views alone are worth the trip. Wiseman's View offers breathtaking panoramas of the rugged canyon, while nearby Linville Falls is one of the state's most photographed waterfalls. Several hiking trails lead to overlooks with stunning views of the cascading water before it plunges into the gorge below.
Adventure awaits around every bend. More than 40 miles of challenging trails wind through forests, along rocky ridges, and beside the river, rewarding hikers with secluded overlooks, hidden swimming holes, and unforgettable scenery. Rock climbers come for the towering quartzite cliffs, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, river otters, and even black bears. In autumn, the gorge becomes a dazzling display of red, orange, and gold as fall colors blanket the mountains.
The surrounding area is just as inviting. Visitors can drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, explore Grandfather Mountain and its famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, or spend time in the charming mountain towns of Linville, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk. Cozy cafés, local shops, and mountain hospitality make the perfect ending to a day of outdoor adventure.
Whether you're hiking to a scenic overlook, photographing waterfalls, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of the mountains, Linville Gorge offers an unforgettable experience. Rugged, scenic, and remarkably untouched, it's easy to see why this natural wonder has earned its reputation as North Carolina's own "Grand Canyon of the East."
What’s Happening in Wake County?
Wake Schools Approve Budget with $10.5 Million Cuts
The Wake County Board of Education has adopted its Fiscal Year 2027 budget, making approximately $10.5 million in local budget reductions in response to slower student enrollment growth, rising operating costs, and increased property tax appeals. The spending plan includes reductions in assistant principal positions, decreased funding for elementary literacy coaches, the elimination of the NC Education Corps tutoring program, and cuts to several central support services. While school leaders emphasized their commitment to maintaining high-quality instruction, they acknowledged that the financial challenges required difficult decisions. Residents who would like to review the complete Fiscal Year 2027 adopted budget can find it on the Wake County Government website: Wake County FY 2027 Budget Documents.
Big Business Growth and Hundreds of New Jobs
Wake County continues to attract major investments from global companies, creating new jobs and strengthening the region’s economy. Novartis Pharmaceuticals announced a $220 million expansion in Morrisville, adding 100 new jobs and boosting the area’s growing life sciences industry.
In Holly Springs, Ypsomed is investing $195.4 million in a new facility that will bring 62 additional jobs and expand the county’s biotechnology presence. Meanwhile, Siemens is growing its Wake County footprint with plans to add 350 jobs focused on artificial intelligence and data center technology.
These investments highlight Wake County’s reputation as a destination for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and high-tech industries.
Read more about these economic development announcements here:
Wake County Economic Development Updates Wake County Economic Development Updates
Live Music Under the Stars
Nothing says summer in Raleigh quite like an evening of live music under the stars. The Midtown Beach Music Series returns to Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park at North Hills on July 9 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., bringing the lively sounds of The Pink Slips to one of the city's favorite outdoor venues. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, gather your family and friends, and enjoy an evening of beach music, dancing, and community fun. Best of all, admission is free, making it the perfect way to relax and celebrate a warm North Carolina summer evening. Whether you're dancing on the lawn or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this beloved Triangle tradition is sure to have everyone smiling.
Friday Night Fun Takes Over Wake Forest!
Kick off the weekend at Friday Night on White, one of Wake Forest's most popular summer traditions! Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on July 10, historic downtown transforms into a lively street festival filled with live music, delicious food trucks, local craft beer, and a fun-filled atmosphere for all ages. Bring your lawn chair, grab a bite, and dance the night away as the streets come alive with great entertainment and small-town charm. Best of all, admission is free, making it the perfect way to spend a warm summer evening with family and friends.
Cheer on the World Cup Under the Raleigh Sky
Soccer fever is taking over Moore Square as fans gather to watch the World Cup Quarterfinals on July 10 and the Semifinals on July 14, with kickoff at 3:00 p.m. Watch every thrilling goal, save, and celebration on a giant outdoor screen while surrounded by fellow fans in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, wear your favorite team's colors, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Best of all, this exciting World Cup watch party is completely free, making it the perfect way to experience the world's biggest sporting event together!
"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)
🎉 Something Fun Is Happening Every Day in Wake County! Don't let the best events pass you by! From festivals and live music to family fun, food trucks, markets, and community celebrations, there's always something happening nearby. 👇 Click the Events Calendar above and discover what's coming up this week. Your next favorite outing could be just one click away!
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!
👇👇👇
1,000,000 Men Use This. You Probably Know One.
Most men don't think about their skin until eye bags, dark spots, and wrinkles show up at once. Particle Face Cream is a groundbreaking men's formula that fights all three, while also restoring firmness and hydrating deeply. No complicated routine. Trusted by over a million men. 30-day money-back guarantee. 20% off with code BH20.
“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.”
