📫Nature Play Day | Family Activities | Cary Glow | Lights - Camera - Action | 50 Things To Do📍

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Hello friends!

Grab your forks and get ready to celebrate because today is National Chocolate Cake Day (January 27th) – the one holiday where calories don't count and chocolate is basically a love language!

Whether you're baking a gooey masterpiece from scratch, raiding your favorite bakery for the fudgiest slice, or just sneaking an extra piece (we won't tell), let's make this day deliciously epic. Life's too short not to have chocolate cake for breakfast... or lunch... or midnight snack. 😏

Here's to more frosting, more fun, and way more chocolate in our lives! Who's joining me for a virtual cake party? Drop your best chocolate cake story or pic in the replies – I want to drool over them all!

Sweet hugs and extra sprinkles,

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

P.S. If you're feeling extra indulgent and want to treat yourself (or grab something to share with friends/family), here are a few local Wake County gems I highly recommend for the ultimate chocolate cake fix:

• Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Cafe (Raleigh) — Locals absolutely rave about their rich chocolate pound cake and generous slices. Super dense, fudgy, and perfect for this occasion—scratch-made magic!

• Hayes Barton Café & Dessertery (Raleigh) — This spot frequently tops "best chocolate cake in Raleigh" lists for good reason. Their cakes are legendary (big slices great for sharing), and the cozy, retro vibe makes it even sweeter.

• Lucettegrace or Sugar Euphoria (Raleigh area) — Both are artisanal favorites with decadent chocolate ganache cakes and custom options that look (and taste) like pure luxury.

Swing by one of these if you can—nothing beats fresh, local chocolate cake on National Chocolate Cake Day! 🍫 If you end up at any of them or any other decadent chocolate desert place snap a pic and tag me... I'd love to live vicariously through your deliciousness. 😋

Sweet dreams of frosting!

—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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Buffalo Wild Wings – (Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest)
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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the student eat his chocolate homework?

Because the teacher told him it was a piece of cake! 

📍 Trivia 📍

• Over 300 Miles of Coastline (and Constantly Changing!) — North Carolina boasts more than 300 miles of coastline, including the famous chain of barrier islands called the Outer Banks. These sandy strips are always on the move—migrating slowly westward toward the mainland due to ocean currents and erosion. Fun bonus: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S. at 208 feet, had to be moved inland in 1999 to save it from the encroaching sea.

Winter on Cape Hatteras is pure magic – think empty beaches, crisp salty air, and zero crowds fighting for parking spots. Forget the summer chaos; December through March turns this Outer Banks gem into your personal peaceful playground, with temps in the comfy 40-60°F range (sweater weather, not freeze-your-toes weather) and killer deals on stays – often 30-50% off peak prices!

Why go now? Miles of quiet sand for soul-soothing walks, epic birdwatching (migrating swans and geese galore at Pea Island), and chances to spot those famous wild Banker ponies trotting along the dunes like they own the place. Plus, the stars pop on clear nights – no light pollution, just you and the universe.

Timing tip: February 2026 is extra fun with the Oyster Roast (Feb 7), Polar Plunge (Feb 28), and cool art shows. From Rolesville, it’s a breezy 3-4 hour drive east on US-64 – pack a playlist and go!

Must-dos:

• Climb the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (tallest brick one in the U.S.!) for jaw-dropping views – often no line in winter.

• Stroll Buxton or Avon beaches for shells, kites, or just wave-watching.

• Hike Buxton Woods or spy birds at Pea Island with a hot cocoa in hand.

• Cast a line for winter fishing (red drum are biting!), or cozy up with oysters and chowder at Howard’s Pub.

Pack layers, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen (yes, even in winter – that sun still shines!). Grab an oceanfront rental or camp at the KOA – most spots stay open year-round.

Cape Hatteras in winter is the ultimate reset: hushed waves, starry skies, and zero rush. Come home with sandy pockets, big smiles, and stories that’ll make everyone jealous. Who’s ready to bundle up and hit the road? The Outer Banks are calling – let’s answer! 🏖️✨

For more inspo, peek at outerbanks.org or nps.gov/caha.

Hugs from the coast (almost!),

Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays at Burgerfi

10831 Wakefield Commons Drive
Wakefield, Raleigh NC 27614

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Dust Of Your Boots Guys!

Tuesday, January 27: Dust off those boots and head to Zin Yoga & Wine Lounge (104 Rand Mill Road, Garner) for Line Dancing & Lessons from 6:30-8:00 pm! It's a fun, laid-back evening of beginner-friendly instruction mixed with social dancing, great music, and that welcoming community vibe—perfect for date night, trying something new, or just kicking back with a glass of wine afterward. No experience needed; just come ready to learn some moves and have a blast!

For more details, including any updates or registration info, check out the official event page on their site here: zinyogawine.com/community-events/line-dancing-lessons-7wkwn

Who's grabbing their dancing shoes and joining? Drop a boot emoji if you're in! 👢✨

Triangle Restaurant Week

(Jan 26 – Feb 1): Get ready to feast like a foodie boss during this week-long love letter to Triangle cuisine! Top chefs across Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, and beyond are rolling out special fixed-price menus—think multi-course lunches for as low as $15 and indulgent dinners from $25–$50. It's the perfect excuse to try that spot you've been eyeing or revisit an old favorite with fresh twists.

Whether you're craving creative small plates, hearty mains, or decadent desserts, there's something delicious for every craving and budget. Head over to the official site to browse participating restaurants and check out the full menus right here: trirestaurantweek.com/restaurants – plan your eats now before spots fill up!

North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh!

On January 31, join a day full of joyful music, captivating dance performances, interactive arts, and meaningful cultural experiences celebrating Black history, heritage, and creativity. It's a beloved tradition that draws families, friends, and community members together for inspiration and connection.

Admission is free (though some activities may have limited capacity—arrive early!), and it's the perfect way to kick off Black History Month with heart and soul. For full details, schedules, and what to expect, check out the official museum page here: ncmuseumofhistory.org/visit/exhibits-and-events/african-american-cultural-celebration

Appalachian Road Show

(Jan 30): Get ready for a toe-tapping evening of fresh bluegrass magic as part of PineCone's beloved Down Home Concert Series! This visionary acoustic ensemble brings new-generation twists to traditional Americana, bluegrass, and folk tunes—think heartfelt harmonies, killer instrumentals, and that warm, down-home vibe right in the heart of Raleigh. Happening Friday, January 30 at 7:30 pm in the intimate A.J. Fletcher Opera Theatre at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, it's the perfect cozy night out for music lovers.

Grab your tickets now before they sell out—head over to the official PineCone page to buy online or call the box office at 919-664-8333 to save on fees: pinecone.org/event/2026-down-home-concert-series-appalachian-road-show

Cary's GLOW

Bundle up and head to Downtown Cary Park throughout late January (and beyond into March!) for this enchanting free outdoor exhibition of light art installations! Kicking off with the magical Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade on January 10, the park transforms into a glowing wonderland with temporary technology-driven sculptures, interactive pieces, and luminous displays from local and regional artists—perfect for evening strolls, family photos, and soaking in that winter wonder vibe right in the heart of Cary.

It's a beautiful, community-focused way to brighten up the chilly nights—no tickets needed, just show up and enjoy the sparkle! For full details on the installations, parade recap, artist info, and ongoing exhibit timeline, check out the official Town of Cary page here: carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/arts-culture/gallery-exhibitions/glow

Kick off the last weekend of January with some fun, family-friendly vibes around Wake County! On Saturday, January 31, 2026:

• Nature Play Day at Prairie Ridge Ecostation (Raleigh) is a free, drop-in event perfect for little ones 7 and under (and all ages welcome!). From 10:00 am, kids can dive into outdoor play with fort-building supplies, giant bubbles, and tons of creative materials to spark imagination and get those wiggles out in nature—no registration needed, just show up!

For full details on Nature Play Day (including what to expect and any weather updates), check out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences page here: naturalsciences.org/calendar/event/nature-play-day-8/2026-01-31

• Makery Kids Club: Winter Wonders at The Makery in Wake Forest starts at 10:00 am— a cozy creative art session designed especially for children, full of hands-on winter-themed projects to get crafty and inspired.

Makery Kids Club info, tickets, and more: themakerywf.com/event-details-registration/makery-kids-club-winter-wonders-2026-01-31-10-00

Get vacation-ready with breezy maxi dresses, vibrant swimsuits, chic cover-ups, and tropical resort outfits—all on sale right now at prices that won’t sink your budget!

Stock up on flowy florals, sunny accessories, and must-have beach looks perfect for deck days and sunset dinners. Your next getaway starts here—shop today and sail in style! 🌴👗🏖️

An Everyday Hero

In late August 2025, during Labor Day weekend, Raleigh native Larry Pickett Jr. — a former standout football player at Enloe High School in Raleigh and now a sophomore defensive back for the Army West Point football team — became a true hero without hesitation.

While on a family trip visiting his campus, Larry Jr., his dad Larry Pickett Sr. (a Raleigh multimedia producer), and his sister Lauren were driving back from New York City when they spotted a horrific crash on Route 9W near Fort Montgomery, NY. A car had slammed into a utility pole and trees, downing live power lines that sparked dangerously, and the lone driver was unresponsive and trapped inside as flames began to spread.

Despite the risks (others nearby warned about the wires and fire), the father-son duo sprang into action. They rushed to the vehicle, opened the door, unbuckled the man's seatbelt, and pulled him to safety—Larry Jr. grabbing his shoulders, his dad his legs—carrying him across the street just moments before the car erupted in flames. Larry's sister filmed the rescue, which quickly went viral and landed the family on national shows like Good Morning America, CBS, NBC, and more.

The driver, named David, suffered only minor injuries and was treated at a hospital. Larry Jr. stayed humble, crediting his military training and his dad's lifelong example: "It all happened so fast... If it was any other Cadet, they would have done the same thing." He was later named a candidate for the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl Courage Award and even had "Larry Pickett Day" proclaimed in Raleigh on December 10, 2025, by the city to honor both him and his father for their quick-thinking bravery.

This isn't a caped superhero story—it's an everyday guy from our own Wake County community, raised right here in Raleigh, stepping up in a split-second crisis because that's just who he is. His actions remind us that heroes walk among us, often shaped by family values and local roots.

What a proud moment for Enloe grads and Wake County folks! If this sparks any local hero stories from your readers, I'd love to hear them for future features. Who's your everyday hero? Share below! 💪❤️

"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!👇

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]