Features

2026 Maggy Awards: Restaurants

Best Donuts Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company Best Craft Brewery “We’re in a neighborhood. We’re a neighborhood brewery,” says Chris Nadeau, co-owner/brewer at Sneaky Penguin Brewing Company. “We try and make it as welcoming as we can for everybody.” While trivia on Wednesday night is the most popular event, there’s always a good turnout for music... Read More

Find Your Next Favorite Trail with Wander

Everyone should have a favorite place to walk, hike, or bike. For some of us, that’s the Neuse River Trail at sunrise. For others, it’s an easy loop where the kids can burn off energy and you get to grab coffee. For Vimal Vyas, the Downtown Cary Park tops the list for “just the different... Read More

Pay It Forward: Raleigh Stroll Club

The parents of Raleigh Stroll Club are walking together. This sense of belonging is what the club’s founder Jonathan Arellano aims to create: a social network where friendships flourish. Born from his desire to forge connections and establish support, as Jonathan is both a new and first-time father to Enzo and a recently relocated Cary... Read More
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Now + Next

Out & About in Wake County: March/April 2026

Art in Bloom March 18–22 North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh ncartmuseum.org/artinbloom Floral designers create show-stopping displays interpreting works in the museum’s collection. This year’s theme, Written in the Stars, adds inspiration from the signs of the zodiac. Make a reservation at the NCMA Café to make a feast for all the senses.... Read More

What’s Blooming at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Volunteer photographer Don Chernoff has pointed his lens at the beautiful blooms of the JC Raulston Arboretum, and he was kind enough to share his work with us! "For many years I was very into photographing wildlife and even published a book of wildlife in the Washington DC area called Wild Washington," he says. "When... Read More
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Food + Dining

Recipes from Readers: Harira Moroccan Ramadan Stew

This hearty vegan stew is traditional for breaking the fast during Ramadan, which begins February 17. ¼ cup brown lentils, uncooked 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 tablespoon turmeric ½ teaspoon ginger 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro 7 cups water 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 medium tomatoes... Read More

Legendary Lunches

Sandwiches seem simple, but even when they are, a sandwich is always more than the sum of its parts. As a concept, it’s clear: good things between bread. But there are seemingly infinite varieties, not just in ingredients, but also in style and form: hoagies, subs, open-face, tortas, bánh mì, sandos. Almost all are designed... Read More
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Life + Style

Haute Holidays

It’s time to embrace outfits that sparkle and shine. Whether you’re headed to a cozy gathering or a glamorous party, the right ensemble can elevate your festive spirit. This year, explore bold sweaters, shimmering metallics, playful patterns, and thoughtful embellishments that reflect your unique style. Layer for warmth and flair, and don’t forget statement accessories... Read More

Erica Chats: How the World Celebrates

Cherished traditions add a sprinkle of magic and a dash of nostalgia to the season. We establish rituals year after year that bring joy, laugher, and sometimes chaos. But what makes them so important? For one, they offer comfort and a sense of stability and familiarity. The emotional lift they provide is like caffeine for... Read More
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Home + Garden

Garden Adventurer: Better Witches

When winter has area gardens in its chilled grip, it is tough to imagine the glory that will be the coming spring. So why not summon a witch to help cheat the consuming cold and create comforting thoughts that, yes, a new, balmy growing season is on the way? That’s right, I said a witch.... Read More

Garden Adventurer: In Search of Osmanthus

Osmanthus (Osmanthus spp.) is a sneaky plant. Why? Well, this evergreen woody ornamental can envelop the garden with an enchanting sweet aroma that is crazily elusive because it’s borne on flower panicles sometimes so small they can only be found after a dedicated hunt. So, if you enjoy sending visitors in your garden on scent... Read More
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travel

Mountain Air

Vibrant towns, mountain landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and outdoor exploration — you can find it all in the North Carolina High Country. Destinations such as Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock often headline a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there’s a quieter alternative overflowing with small-town charm that deserves a place in the spotlight. The... Read More

Escape to Edenton

“Edenton’s waking up,” says Inner Banks Inn proprietor Susan Martin Cyr about the scenic town tucked into the Albemarle Sound and surrounded by water on three sides in the state’s northeastern region. While it has long been considered a historical gem, Edenton has also been what Susan “would call a sleeper.” But now, she says,... Read More
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