Features

Small Business Spotlight: Apex Racing Lab

Referring to Apex Racing Lab as an arcade is a violation. And for a venue that encourages drivers to speed (albeit safely), that’s really saying something. Located in Cary’s MacGregor Village, Apex Racing Lab is the largest simulated racing center in North Carolina. Billed as “virtual motorsports,” this entertainment hotspot allows drivers to enjoy racing... Read More

Pay it Forward: Active Adventure

Active Adventure was born out of Bryan Maasch and Millie Jones’ shared experiences in recovery. They realized how powerful nature and outdoor activities had been in their personal healing processes and wanted to create a space for others to experience the same transformative connection. Says Bryan: “We saw the need for a program where people... Read More

2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

You voted. We tallied. Now presenting ... our most popular feature of the year: The Readers’ Choice Awards. These are the people and places worthy of applause for making life in Wake County better — as determined by you! Thousands of Wake Living readers have once again made their voices heard by voting for the... Read More

2025 Readers’ Choice Awards: Restaurants

Duck Donuts Best Donuts While still a relatively young brand, Duck Donuts has been operating across the Triangle for almost a decade. “We are humbled to know our fans are still supporting us and loving the donuts,” says owner Brandon Trimyer. “They’ve been loyal ambassadors.” Many of those guests were first introduced to Duck Donuts... Read More
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Now + Next

Hearts Aflutter

There’s something in the air at Cary’s Fred G. Bond Metro Park — and it doesn’t take a long-lens camera to see it. In fact, news of this unexpected visitor has quickly swooped across social media and flown through Wake County photography groups. It’s a wood duck, and he’s spread his wings by falling for... Read More

Spring Break Day Trips

Looking for something different this spring break? Try one of these destinations within an easy day-trip drive of Raleigh. Sylvan Heights Bird Park Scotland Neck, about 90 minutes from Raleigh open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (4 p.m. until April) A hidden gem for animal lovers! This 28-acre bird park is... Read More

On Trend: Activity-Based Family Travel

As adults, we consider vacations a time for unwinding and relaxing. But when you’re traveling with kids, you quickly realize their energy levels aren’t going to drop just because you’re in a new place. By planning an activity-based trip, everyone goes in with similar expectations and shares excitement and connection. Ashley Knowles, owner of TRIP... Read More
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Food + Dining

Worth the Drive: Fratelli’s Delicatessen

At long last, Apex has a bona fide family-owned deli. Let’s just say it’s worth visiting early and often. Located at the new Sweetwater Town Center off Highway 64 in Apex, Fratelli’s Delicatessen features New York- and Chicago-style breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. The counter-service eatery opened in September 2024. Owners Dave and... Read More

Celebrated Spirits: Den of Dragons

Tazza’s bar team is known for the thought and attention they put into crafting drinks. When bartender Haley Brogden set out to create a cocktail inspired by her favorite show, House of the Dragon, she wanted something bold — alcohol forward and with a spicy bite. But with warmer weather and springtime on the way,... Read More
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Life + Style

Erica Chats: Travel Bougie on a Budget!

Imagine yourself lounging by the pool of a chic hotel, a delicious cocktail in hand, feeling the sun’s gentle warmth as palm trees sway around you. We all dream of that glamorous vacation vibe ... but not the price tag. With a little creativity and smart planning, it’s possible to splurge on style without overspending.... Read More

Erica Chats: Surviving Holiday Stress

The holidays are here again! This season is filled with cheer, fancy parties, family, gifts … and stress. No matter how joyful this time of year is, the endless to-do lists and disruptions to our regular routines take their toll. Between navigating interesting family dynamics, trying to magically budget for gifts, and the pressure of... Read More
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Home + Garden

Garden Adventurer: A Moonvine Diary

Moonvine (Ipomoea alba) is a strange beauty that waits until day’s end to unfold its shimmering white, very fragrant flowers. I have enjoyed this annual ornamental ever since Methuselah was a kid. Last year, I kept an informal diary on my latest moonvine experience, just to see if I could give you enough of a... Read More

Garden Adventurer: Seeing Red

Seeing red is not exactly the best way to start off a brand new, hopeful New Year, but right now I just can’t help myself. No, I’m not angry, irritated, annoyed, or peeved — whatever that is. Instead, I’m thinking back to a photo session I did at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh last... Read More
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travel

Wingin’ It

In last year’s travel issue, we brought you Road Tripping for Success full of tips from a seasoned traveler with more than 50,000 miles of experience under her belt. This is the opposite of that. The week before Thanksgiving, my husband and I set out from our home in Pennsylvania with just over a... Read More

The Art of Restoration

“It felt … not alive to me,” says Lynn Bregman Blass about the painting leaning at her feet. Before Helene, the canvas had hung on the psychotherapist and mixed media artist’s studio wall. After the disaster, which she admits “is informing my work,” Lynn verbalizes a feeling palpable in Asheville’s River Arts District: loss. Though... Read More
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