📫2026 Is Off To A Great Start! | What's On The Bucket List? | Only In NC!| Crazy High Temps | Free Infinite Adventures Await📍

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Hello friends, Happy New Year, and Welcome to 2026! 🎉

As the calendar turns and a brand-new year begins, I want to take a moment to thank you—our readers, neighbors, and community members—for being part of this journey. Each new year brings a fresh chapter, and 2026 arrives filled with opportunity, hope, and the promise of good things ahead.

The start of the year is a natural time to pause, reflect, and look forward. It’s a chance to carry forward the lessons we’ve learned, let go of what no longer serves us, and step into the months ahead with renewed energy and optimism. Whether your goals for 2026 are big or small, bold or quiet, this is your moment to begin again.

In the year ahead, we remain committed to bringing you timely information, uplifting stories, and local highlights that connect us, inform us, and celebrate the people and places that make our community special. From events and milestones to everyday moments that matter, we’re excited to share another year with you.

May 2026 be filled with good health, meaningful connections, laughter, and moments that remind you just how much there is to be grateful for. Thank you for starting this new year with us—we’re so glad you’re here.

Here’s to a bright, hopeful, and joyful 2026! 🥂

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.”

New drop alert: the coziest, cutest women’s tops just landed in EVERY color and style — plush fleeces, mock-necks, cropped cardis & more! Crazy-soft, insanely flattering, and prices so good you’ll want the whole rainbow.

Stay warm, look hot, slay winter. Shop now before they’re gone! 🏃‍♀️💨

✨ Shop Boujee for Less! ✨

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 T2T— so you can feel good while looking great!

💎 New deals drop daily — and if you’re lucky, you’ll uncover some hidden steals that’ll make your wallet happy.

So go ahead — enjoy the boujee life at budget prices.
👉 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 – (Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest)
🍽 BOGO 50% Off Traditional Wings 

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why doesn’t anyone listen to each other on New Year’s Eve?

Because their words go in one year and out the other.

📍 Trivia 📍

The Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina is home to the hall of fame of what stock car racing association?

Answer: NASCAR

Hit the Slopes: Why a North Carolina Ski Trip Belongs on Your January 2026 Bucket List

When winter settles into North Carolina, the mountains transform into a playground of snow, scenery, and seasonal fun. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the Southeast’s most accessible and family-friendly ski destinations — including Appalachian Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Cataloochee Ski Area — each offering a perfect mix of adventure and charm.

January is prime ski season in North Carolina. Colder temperatures mean the best snow conditions of the year, fewer weather interruptions, and well-groomed slopes ideal for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Whether you’re carving your first turns, snowboarding with friends, or racing down a tubing hill, January delivers consistent conditions and a true winter feel without the long travel required for western resorts.

Each resort offers something unique. Appalachian Ski Mountain is known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent ski school programs, making it ideal for families and first-timers. Sugar Mountain boasts the largest ski area in the state, with longer runs, higher elevations, and breathtaking views. Cataloochee Ski Area combines scenic mountain beauty with a cozy, nostalgic vibe — a favorite for those who love a classic winter getaway.

Beyond the slopes, these mountain towns shine in winter. Think crackling fireplaces, cozy cabins, hot chocolate after a day in the snow, and quiet mountain mornings wrapped in mist. It’s a refreshing change of pace from everyday routines and a chance to experience a side of North Carolina many people overlook.

A January ski trip isn’t just a vacation — it’s a memory-maker. It’s laughing on the lift ride up, warming up by the fire afterward, and embracing winter instead of waiting it out. If you’re building your 2026 bucket list, hitting the slopes in North Carolina’s mountains is an adventure that’s close to home, surprisingly affordable, and unforgettable.

This winter, don’t just watch the season pass — experience it. The mountains are calling, and January is the perfect time to answer.

Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays at Burgerfi

10831 Wakefield Commons Drive
Wakefield, Raleigh NC 27614

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Relax and Recharge: Sauna House Raleigh Opens in January 2026

Raleigh’s wellness scene is getting a refreshing upgrade! Sauna House Raleigh, a brand-new Nordic spa experience, is expected to open this January 2026 in the vibrant West End of downtown Raleigh at 324 Dupont Circle.

Designed as a tranquil urban escape, Sauna House will feature two traditional saunas, two cold plunge pools, and expert massage services to help you unwind and reset. The centerpiece of the space is a unique open-air atrium with a warm pool, offering the perfect blend of warmth and fresh air — a hallmark of Nordic spa culture.

Whether you’re seeking stress relief, muscle recovery, or simply a peaceful break from everyday life, Sauna House Raleigh invites visitors to embrace the restorative power of heat, cold, and calm. Watch for its grand opening this January and get ready to elevate your self-care routine right in the heart of downtown!

Reformation Coming to North Hills in 2026

West Coast fashion favorite Reformation is expanding to North Carolina! The sustainable clothing brand plans to open its second North Carolina store in the North Hills shopping district of Raleigh in early 2026. Known for stylish, eco‑conscious apparel, Reformation’s new location will give local shoppers a chance to explore its signature mix of chic ready‑to‑wear pieces right in the heart of North Hills — perfect for updating your wardrobe with fashion that feels good and does good.

Lifelong Learning at Wake Tech: Opportunities for Seniors

If you’re looking to learn something new this winter, Wake Technical Community College offers a wide range of continuing education and personal enrichment courses perfect for adults of all ages, including those 50 and older through its Plus‑50 lifelong learning program. These classes — in areas like creative hobbies, language, wellness, and technology — are held at Wake Tech campuses and community locations throughout Wake County, making it easy for seniors to stay active, engaged, and connected. _Raleigh.com

Registration for Wake Tech’s Spring semester begins early January 2026, with classes starting the week of January 7. Wake Tech Whether you’re interested in expanding your skills, exploring a new interest, or simply meeting new friends, Wake Tech’s lifelong learning offerings provide accessible and affordable ways to grow — all right here in our community.

Laugh Into the New Year!

On January 6th, catch award-winning comedian Felipe Esparza live at the Raleigh Improv for a night of sharp wit and big laughs right here in Wake County. The Calendar

One Moment Book Event

January 7th Don’t miss the Here One Moment book event at the North Regional Library in Raleigh, where readers will gather to discuss Liane Moriarty’s captivating novel — learn more and RSVP at Here One Moment Book Event Details & Tickets (Eventbrite). eventbrite.com

✨ GLOW Under the Silver Moon Parade ✨

Bundle up and head to Downtown Cary Park on Saturday, January 10, for GLOW Under the Silver Moon, a magical evening lantern parade celebrating art, light, and community. This free, family-friendly event features glowing handmade lanterns, live music, and a festive parade atmosphere under the winter sky.

Whether you’re marching with a lantern or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a beautiful way to light up the new year in Cary. Don’t miss it!

Every Day After the Storm

When hurricanes tear through North Carolina, the damage is immediate and visible — flooded homes, darkened streets, lives turned upside down. What’s less visible is the long road to recovery that follows. Long after news crews leave and debris is cleared, many families are still trying to put the pieces back together.

That’s where Johnny Anderson comes in.

Johnny isn’t a first responder by title, but in the days and months after disasters, he becomes something just as essential: a steady presence. A longtime American Red Cross disaster volunteer in the Charlotte metro area, Johnny has made it his mission to help people through their worst days — and he does it every single day.

When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, Johnny didn’t wait to be asked. He reported for duty immediately, helping manage emergency shelters and coordinating volunteer efforts for families who had lost nearly everything. As communities struggled with power outages, displacement, and uncertainty, Johnny worked day after day, ensuring people had food, shelter, and someone who cared enough to listen.

But Helene was not an exception — it was simply part of a long pattern.

In one recent year alone, Johnny responded to dozens of disasters across North Carolina, including hurricanes, floods, and home fires. He assisted nearly 200 families, often arriving at scenes when people were still in shock, unsure of what would come next. His work ranged from opening assistance cases and arranging temporary housing to offering emotional support to families standing in the ruins of their homes.

Those who work alongside him say Johnny brings calm into chaos. He doesn’t rush people. He doesn’t treat disasters like checklists. He treats them like human moments — because that’s what they are.

During hurricane recovery operations, Johnny also became a leader among volunteers, helping coordinate teams from across the country who came to North Carolina to help. To recognize their service, he created a simple but meaningful tribute — a signed banner honoring volunteers who showed up when the state needed them most. It now stands as a reminder that recovery is built not just on supplies, but on people.

Johnny rarely talks about recognition, but his dedication has not gone unnoticed. His extraordinary commitment earned him a Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, honoring the countless hours he has given without expectation of praise.

Ask Johnny why he does it, and the answer is simple: people need help.

In a world where disasters can feel overwhelming and recovery can feel lonely, Johnny Anderson proves that one person, showing up consistently, can make an enormous difference. Long after the storm clouds pass, he’s still there — opening doors, offering hope, and reminding North Carolinians that they are not alone.

"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)

55 Plus - The New Silver Standard

Knee pain? The problem might be your ankles!

👉Did you know that Outback Steakhouse gives Senior’s 10% on their bill? Be sure to check out other great senior discounts below👈

Senior Discount of the Day: Brigs Restaurants
Guests 65 and older receive 7% off all adult entrées every day at Brigs Restaurants (excluding sides and drinks). Just ask for the senior discount when you order and enjoy the savings!

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🌟 Wake News & Events: Your Go-To Calendar! 🌟
Discover free and almost free adventures across Wake County! From festivals to family fun, live music to local eats—Infinite Adventures Await. Check it out and start planning your next unforgettable day!

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