Features

2025 Gift Guide

Seasonal shopping has never been easier. These Wake Living partners offer unique items with a local touch. From stocking stuffers to diamond jewelry. Just for Fun 1. Creativity and cuteness collide in The Woobles Learn to Crochet Kits, complete with step-by-step videos and easy-to-follow patterns, best suited to ages 12 and up. 2. ’Tis the... Read More

Festive Wine Guide

Vivid personalities tend to come on even stronger during holiday gatherings. Perhaps it’s an overbearing mother-in-law (not mine, of course), a kooky great aunt, or a know-it-all cousin. Whatever quirky personalities surround your holiday table, there’s a wine to satisfy every palate. Instead of suggesting bottles based on a holiday menu, I’ve called on more... Read More

Pay it Forward: 127 Haven

Ryan McEvoy’s faith-led nonprofit isn’t only a safe haven for Uganda’s orphaned children — it’s a haven for hope. For Ryan, owner of Jeff’s Bagel Run in Wake Forest, the urge to serve came in 2019 when, a decade after he cofounded the uBreakiFix franchise, he felt a divine calling to pivot his life’s work.... Read More

Small Business Spotlight: The Kupkake Fairy

For one small business in the food and beverage industry, the pandemic provided a sprinkling of fairy dust. In the bustling world of baked goods, The Kupkake Fairy, with locations in both Morrisville and Raleigh (inside the Morgan Street Food Hall), has captured the hearts — and taste buds — of the community. Married co-owners... Read More
View All Features

Now + Next

Holiday Happenings

Turkey Bowl V November 8, 1–3 p.m. Morrisville Community Park The Morrisville Police Department and Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department face off in a game of kickball. Admission is one nonperishable food item for families in need. Turkey Trot 5k Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m. Apex Community Park apexnc.org/538/Turkey-Trot-5K-Run The course will take you through... Read More

Lend a Hand: Volunteer Opportunities

As the temperatures drop and we move toward the season of giving, consider donating your time to help others in the community. These organizations offer an array of opportunities. Activate Good A sort of one-stop volunteering shop, Activate Good links up with more than 600 partners across the Triangle. Its resources make it easy... Read More

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Hip Hop

Hip Hop already lives up to his name — full of rhythm, energy, and joy! This happy, goofy pup has been thriving in his foster home and is ready to bounce his way into a forever family. Hip Hop is crate trained and happily hops into his crate with the promise of a treat or... Read More

Adoptable Pet of the Week: O’Romeo

Hi, I'm O'Romeo, a 70-pound bundle of energy, heart, and charm! My ideal date night: A walk around the lake, a picnic basket full of T-bone steaks, and then stargazing as I enjoy a belly rub Love language: TIME. I really love hanging out, walking, and spending quality time with the people I love I'm... Read More
View All Now + Next

Food + Dining

Celebrated Spirits: Nomu Japanese Rice Lager

Originally created for a Korean fare purveyor in Durham of the same name, Nomu has become a mainstay on the Funguys lineup. It starts with a traditional lager base and adds flaked rice, resulting in a smooth, light-bodied beer with 4.6% ABV. About Funguys Brewing A mom-and-pop owned and operated brewery, Funguys is best known... Read More

Celebrated Spirits: Kodagu Classic

As India’s largest coffee-producing region, Kodagu is known for rich, aromatic beans and hearty, spice-driven cuisine. The addition of coffee liqueur to a classic boulevardier creates a complex cocktail suited for slow sipping over conversation following a rich meal. 1 ounce rye whiskey 1 ounce Campari 1 ounce coffee liqueur 1 ounce sweet vermouth Combine... Read More
View All Food + Dining

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
View All Life + Style

Home + Garden

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

Garden Adventurer: Dividing Irises

In the spring, bearded irises (Iris germanica) can be real showstoppers with their masses of gorgeous blossoms. However, after a few years of dependable displays, established bearded iris beds often fizzle in the flower power department. What’s wrong? Too little fertilizer? Too dry? Too wet? Try too mature. As with all plants, happy, healthy bearded... Read More
View All Home + Garden

travel

A World Away: Adventures in South Africa

When Production Manager Lauren Morris spent the first month of this year in South Africa, I was filled with questions ... so I asked them! Give us some background: What took you so far from home? On December 30, 2024, I boarded a flight headed to South Africa with my boyfriend, who was born and... Read More

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
View All travel