Features

Where We Are with AI: A Primer

Fall doesn’t just signal the comeback of Pumpkin Spice Lattes. This November will mark three years since the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which reached 1 million users in five days and launched a thousand new AI models. In these three years, AI has been all over the news, and the pace of continued development has... Read More

The 2025 Pet Parade

They might tip over our trash cans, bark at every car that drives by, and leave fur everywhere, but we couldn’t imagine life without the animal companions that add love and laughter to our homes. Thank you to all the readers who submitted their furry family members for this year’s parade. Give them a belly... Read More

One Big Stage

Between appearances on stage at The Pour House, Dave Hedeman changes his baseball cap at least once. It’s fitting that Dave wears multiple hats, seeing how he shifts from one role to the next during a September Sunday afternoon of live music in Raleigh. Keyboardist for rock band Rotoglow. Frontman for the Gone Ghosts. Duet... Read More

Just BOO It!

Halloween is a time for creepin’ it real: A spook-tastic opportunity to unleash your creativity, showcase your individuality and — if done thoughtfully — a chance to save some cash. For those of us who feel at home with a glue gun and glitter bombs, Halloween is our Super Bowl: our chance to show the... Read More
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Now + Next

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Bartoc

Bartoc has been with Freedom Ride Rescue since Christmas Eve. He’s this big, lovable goofball – about 120 pounds of pure sweetness! Yeah, he’s rocking the silver fox look a little bit at 11, but honestly, it just adds to his charm. He's still got that puppy twinkle in his eye when he’s bouncing... Read More

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Melody

My name is Melody, and I have been with Perfectly Imperfect Pups for about eight months. I was very pregnant when I arrived, and I surprised everyone by not only raising my own puppies but happily nursing two orphaned pups as well. These days I'm a ball-chasing, soccer-playing adventurer who loves meeting new people and... Read More

Out & About in Wake County: September/October 2025

1. Make memories and celebrate the changing of the seasons at the Family Day Fall Festival. Shop vendors, enjoy food truck fare and ice cream, and groove to live music at this family- and pet-friendly fest. Kid-centric activities include games, face painting, and crafts. Thursday, September 11, 4–8 p.m. 3117 Poplarwood Court, Raleigh. Free admission.... Read More

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Mr. 305

Hi, I'm Mr. 305! People say I'm a tail-wagging charmer with swagger for days. Just like my namesake, I've got international appeal, endless energy, and a whole lotta love to give. Whether you're out for a stroll, playing with pup-friends, or just vibin' at home, I bring the party (and the cuddles) every time. I'm... Read More
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Food + Dining

Celebrated Spirits: Fo{u}r Friends

What’s in a name? Everything! Four friends form the backbone of Norse Brewing Company: owners Chris and Jenni Jorgensen and their longtime neighbors Brad and Lynn Wynn. After a lively night of drinks, the brewery was born. When it came time to name this IPA, the reasoning was simple: “It’s for our friends to drink.”... Read More

Celebrated Spirits: The Old Wonderland

Step into the Mad Hatter’s tea party with this cocktail that combines the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland and the essence of an Old Fashioned. 2 ounces Conniption barrel aged gin 2 dashes Crude Sycophant orange and fig bitters Earl Grey simple syrup Combine gin and bitters in a mixing glass with Earl Grey simple... Read More
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Life + Style

Erica Chats: Crisp Air & Clean Closets

Hey, fabulous people! It is that magical time of the year again when the air turns crisp, the leaves morph into a collage of colors, and pumpkin spice dominates everything from lattes to candles. Fall is knocking at our door and bringing more than just apple cider. Before you get all cozy and snuggle into... Read More

Erica Chats: Rethinking Food

Hey there, fellow foodie! Let me take you on a little journey through my recent culinary transformation. I’ve always had a sweet tooth and a love affair with food, but life threw a bit of a curveball when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly, food became more than just delicious — it was about... Read More
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Home + Garden

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

Garden Adventurer: Catmint: A Purr-fect Perennial

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant well known to kitty owners who like to see their feline friends get goofy. But a close cousin, catmint (Nepeta faassenii), packs a visual pop that can have gardeners purring with delight. Unlike catnip, which shows modest flower displays and tends to be weedy, catmint generally behaves — typical... Read More
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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
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