Hello friends!
Quick dose of joy: it's National Golden Retriever Day! š¾āØ These fluffy, tail-wagging bundles of sunshine are all about big smiles, endless love, and pure happiness on four paws.
If you've got a Golden stealing hearts (or socks), give 'em extra belly rubs today. No pup? Puppy video scrolling is 100% valid celebration!
Thanks for being hereāyour good vibes make every email feel special.
See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane
āPhilippians 4:6
āDo not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.ā
New drop alert: the coziest, cutest womenās tops just landed in EVERY color and style ā plush fleeces, mock-necks, cropped cardis & more! Crazy-soft, insanely flattering, and prices so good youāll want the whole rainbow.
Stay warm, look hot, slay winter. Shop now before theyāre gone! šāāļøšØ
⨠Shop Boujee for Less! āØ
Love looking fabulous without breaking the bank? When you shop through our Wake News & Events Boujee link, part of your purchase helps fund Esophageal Cancer research and T2Tā so you can feel good while looking great!
š New deals drop daily ā and if youāre lucky, youāll uncover some hidden steals thatāll make your wallet happy.
So go ahead ā enjoy the boujee life at budget prices.
š Shop our Boujee Link today and sparkle for a cause!
Please note that for some deals you may need to be an Amazon member.
Buffalo Wild Wings ā (Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest)
š½Ā BOGO 50% Off Traditional WingsĀ
š Todayās Chuckle š
What do you call a pony with a cough?
A little horse!
š Trivia š
The Day the Music Died happened on February 3, 1959.
Rock 'n' roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper tragically lost their lives in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowaāimmortalized in Don McLean's song "American Pie." A somber but iconic moment in music history.

Hey friends! š
Advertising a small business is pricey, and keeping our newsletter thriving takes your help! We need your referrals! If you shared our newsletter with just one friend, we would double in size! If you shared with two friends, we would be one of Wake Countyās biggest local newsletters. Thank you for helping us grow!
Todayās Cheapest Gas Prices in the Wake County area! (See Prices Here)

This should be on your āBucket List!ā
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Jackson County emerges as one of the South's most enchanting winter getaways during its magical "Secret Season" from January through early spring. With fewer crowds, lower rates on cozy cabins, historic B&Bs, and mountaintop lodges with crackling fireplaces, this peaceful escape delivers crisp mountain air, breathtaking layered views, and the occasional light dusting of snow that turns peaks and frozen waterfalls into a serene wonderlandāperfect for stargazing under brilliantly clear skies with minimal light pollution.
The real draw? A delightful mix of adventure and relaxation without the big-resort frenzy. Thrill-seekers flock to Sapphire Valley Resort near Cashiers for family-friendly skiing, snowboarding on gentle slopes with short lift lines, and exhilarating snow tubing down multi-lane runs like Frozen Fallsāideal for beginners mastering the basics or kids giggling through speedy slides. Nature lovers hike quieter trails like Whiteside Mountain for panoramic vistas and icy cascades, cast lines for trout on the Tuckasegee River (part of the renowned WNC Fly Fishing Trail), or simply drive scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway for jaw-dropping sunsets and wildlife spotting.
Beauty abounds in the frost-kissed forests, sparkling rivers like Lake Glenville (the highest east of the Mississippi), and quaint townsāSylva and Dillsboro buzz with brewery hopping, farm-to-table dining, and cozy galleries, while Cashiers offers upscale Southern comfort food by warm hearths. Fun events keep the vibe lively: lingering holiday lights, community markets, live music at breweries, and occasional winter festivals or craft fairs add warmth and local charm to the chill.
Whether you're craving adrenaline on the slopes, tranquil hikes to frozen beauty, or fireside evenings with mountain magic, Jackson County wraps you in rejuvenating serenity and unforgettable joyāyour ideal winter reset awaits in these hidden gem mountains! āļøšļø (Check DiscoverJacksonNC.com for the latest deals and updates.)
10831 Wakefield Commons Drive
Wakefield, Raleigh NC 27614
shared.image.missing_image
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill Sundays - One kids' meal for $1.99 per adult meal purchased. Check out our āKids Eat Free Below.āš

Call Marie at 352-585-5259
Follow me on FaceBook
Follow me on Instagram Click Here
š©š”Ā If you want to chat about making a move, fill out this FORM and I can contact you with information!
Iām Marie! As a former teacher turned realtor, I help families relocate to Wake County with expert guidance on school zoning and the market. Iām all about making the process stress-free and enjoyable. When Iām not working, Iām probably fostering dogs, reading, or supporting local businesses!Ā Follow me on social media for real estate tips, local updates, and cute pups!
Check Out Our New Downloadable Home Buyerās Guide! š
šPlease forward our newsletter to a friend. Itās how we grow.š

Whatās Happening in Wake County?
Wake County Experiencing Massive Boom
Wake County, North Carolina, is at the center of a significant boom in life sciences and advanced manufacturing, driven by major corporate investments that are creating thousands of high-quality jobs and boosting the local economy.
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced in January 2026 that it is more than doubling its investment in a new state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility in Holly Springs to approximately $2 billion. Originally announced in 2025 with a $700 million commitment and groundbreaking in August 2025, the expansion increases production capacity for next-generation medicines, including treatments for metabolic conditions such as obesity. The facility, expected to be operational by 2029, will support over 500 high-wage manufacturing jobs and more than 1,500 construction jobs, totaling over 2,000 positions tied to the project.
This announcement highlights the momentum in Holly Springs and southern Wake County, where other biopharma leaders are also expanding:
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is advancing its large-scale cell culture facility with a total investment exceeding $3.2 billion, projected to create 1,400 jobs by 2031.
Amgen has committed to a second expansion in Holly Springs, bringing its total investment to about $1.57 billion and supporting roughly 725 jobs.
Novartis is investing over $231 million in Morrisville for small molecule manufacturing and related capabilities, initially creating over 100 high-paying jobs with plans for further growth and hundreds more by 2030.
Beyond these life sciences powerhouses, companies like BuildOps announced 291 new jobs in Raleigh in June 2025, contributing to broader economic diversification.
The Research Triangle region, encompassing Wake County, has attracted substantial capital in recent periods, with life sciences manufacturing leading the charge. Over 1,000 cleantech companies and 300 advanced manufacturers anchor the area's economy, supporting innovation, supply chains, and workforce development.
These investments are transforming Wake County's job market by generating thousands of skilled, well-compensated positions in biomanufacturing, research, and support rolesāmany offering average salaries well above regional norms. The influx is stimulating local economic growth through increased tax revenues, demand for housing and services, retail developments (such as new projects in Wake Forest including the Wake Forest Exchange and additions like Whataburger), infrastructure improvements, and multiplier effects from construction and operations spending.
As these facilities come online in the coming years, Wake County is solidifying its position as a global hub for life sciences and advanced manufacturing, promising sustained prosperity for residents and businesses in 2026 and beyond.
Get vacation-ready with breezy maxi dresses, vibrant swimsuits, chic cover-ups, and tropical resort outfitsāall on sale right now at prices that wonāt 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 hereāshop today and sail in style! š“ššļø

Because we can all use some good news.
Kindness Shines Brightest in Our Kids
One recent and truly heartwarming story of compassion resurfaced and gained fresh attention in late January 2026, reminding the world of pure, unfiltered kindness. In the bustling streets of Grozny, the capital city of Chechnya (in the North Caucasus region of Russia), a young schoolboy named Ibrahim was making his usual walk to school on a chilly morning.
As he passed by a sunny spot on the sidewalk, he noticed two stray dogs peacefully basking in the warm sunlight. Without a second thoughtāor any sign of fearāhe stopped, knelt down gently, and wrapped his arms around both dogs in a tender, loving hug. He embraced the older one fully while softly petting the younger companion, his face lighting up with a genuine smile. Believing no one was watching, Ibrahim simply offered comfort to creatures often ignored or overlooked in city life.
A resident in a nearby residential building spotted the sweet moment from their window and captured it on video. The short clipāshowing the quiet street, the relaxed dogs, and Ibrahim's instinctive empathyāquickly spread across social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), going viral once again and touching hearts worldwide. It was shared by accounts highlighting animal kindness and human compassion, including reposts in early-to-mid January 2026 that praised the boy's gentle spirit and thanked his parents for raising such a caring child.
The original footage (from around 2021 but recirculated with renewed warmth in 2026) beautifully illustrates how small, thoughtful acts can bridge dividesāeven between a child on his way to school and street animals in need of affection. Viewers commented that it serves as a powerful reminder: compassion doesn't require grand gestures; sometimes it's just pausing to show love when no one expects it.
You can see the touching social media pictures and video clips here:
GreaterGood's feature with embedded footage: https://greatergood.com/blogs/news/cw-heartwarming-moment-boy-hugs-stray-dogs-showing (includes the viral capture credited to Facebook/lucyfomhelp)
Stories like this prove that humanity shines brightest in everyday moments of empathyāespecially from the hearts of children.
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
ā Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Prime Time Living
55 Plus - The New Silver Standard
What does your face say about your health?
Sun, style, and zero stress š“⨠Our womenās 2-piece vacation outfits are made for beach days, brunch dates, and sunset strolls. Mix, match, and pack lightābecause looking fabulous on vacation should be effortless. š¶ļøšCheck Out The Sales!
šDid you know that Outback Steakhouse gives Seniorās 10% on their bill? Be sure to check out other great senior discounts belowš
February 3, 2026
Family Storytime at Wake County Public Libraries (various branches): Join an interactive reading session perfect for kids and families to spark imagination and early literacy skills through engaging stories and activities.
Beer & Banjos at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh: Enjoy a free, family-friendly evening of live roots music and banjo tunes in a lively outdoor settingāgreat for unwinding with friends or family over craft beer and pizza.
K-5 Adventures at Athens Drive Community Library (and other branches): Dive into fun, educational programs tailored for kindergarten through 5th graders, featuring hands-on learning and creativity to keep young minds engaged.
Exploration Station: Winter Wonderland at Historic Yates Mill County Park, Raleigh (ongoing through early February, viewable this week): Discover the beauty of winter at the park with self-guided photo displays of snowy scenes, frozen ponds, and wildlifeāideal for a peaceful family nature outing.
Ongoing Daily Options (Feb 3ā6):
Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh: Explore interactive, hands-on exhibits designed to inspire creativity and play for children of all ages.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, downtown Raleigh: Experience free world-class exhibitions on dinosaurs, space, wildlife, and moreāperfect for curious minds any day.
NC Museum of Art, Raleigh: Wander through free outdoor sculpture trails and indoor galleries showcasing diverse art collections in a beautiful park setting.
JC Raulston Arboretum Garden Story Walk (daily): Stroll scenic gardens while following a story-themed path for a relaxing, educational outdoor adventure.
Urban Air Raleigh Jumperoo sessions: Let little ones bounce and play in a safe, energetic trampoline and adventure environment tailored for younger children. More info: Search Urban Air Raleigh events.
Built to Remember Exhibit at Artspace, Raleigh: View artist Lauren Seldenās thoughtful exhibition honoring memory and historyāgreat for seniors and art lovers seeking inspiration.
February 4, 2026
Storytelling and Drumming with Shenette Swann (Black History Month Series) at Southgate Community Library, Raleigh: Celebrate Black creativity through interactive storytelling, singing, and drumming that brings families together in a joyful, inclusive cultural experience.
K-5 Adventures (various branches, including potential Black History themes): Engage school-age kids in educational adventures with games, crafts, and learning focused on history and culture during Black History Month.
Ongoing Daily Options (as listed above for Feb 3ā6).
Events and Shows (Feb 3ā6, 2026)
112 Room 112 Tour: Tue, Feb 3, Meymandi Concert Hall.
Southern Farm Show: Feb 4ā6, NC State Fairgrounds (major agriculture expo).
Carolina Ballet: Carmen Suite: Opens Feb 5, Fletcher Opera Theater.
Little River Band: Thu, Feb 5, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
NC Symphony: Friday Favorites: Fri, Feb 6, Meymandi Concert Hall.
Taylor Tomlinson: Feb 6-7, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
First Friday Raleigh: Fri, Feb 6, downtown art galleries and performances.
Portraits of Resistance and Resilience Quilt Show: Opens Feb 4, Downtown Cary.Ā
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 areaās great events!š
Big style. Smart value. šāØ Our purses bring the perfect mix of fashion and functionāwithout the splurge. Treat yourself to everyday looks youāll love at prices that feel just as good. Great Prices!
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!
ššš
If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]
āFor I know the plans I have for you,ā declares the Lord, āplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.ā














