Features

A Song for Every Season

Hundreds of rock band American Aquarium’s fans boarded flights, loaded cars, or crossed an ocean to attend the band’s 10th annual Roadtrip to Raleigh hometown festival at the Lincoln Theatre in early February. And some just crossed town. Here are just a few of their stories. ‘You never go to a show without a friend... Read More

25 Years of Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A new mural at Koka Booth Amphitheatre observes a major milestone for the Cary treasure, now celebrating its 25th season of concerts, fireworks, and unforgettable nights under the stars. William Lewis, Cary’s cultural arts manager, introduces the colorful scene painted on the side of the amphitheater’s concession stand: “The mural tells the story of Koka... Read More

Pay It Forward: Diaper Train

“Diapers shouldn’t be a privilege,” says Diaper Train Executive Director Katie Lowek. Instead, she asserts, “Diapers are a basic need.” Yet, there is no assistance in place for diapers. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) do not provide diapers, and there are no federal or state programs for... Read More

Small Business Spotlight: Young Writers’ Institute

Thanks to the Young Writers’ Institute, Cary may very well be the home of a future bestselling author or award-winning essayist. The Institute has been nurturing poets, playwrights, novelists, and artists for more than a decade, giving them a safe space to express themselves and tap into their creativity. Like many small businesses, the Young... Read More
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Now + Next

Out & About in Wake County: May/June 2025

1. For more than 40 years, Wake Forest’s Meet in the Street festival has celebrated local culture, food, and entertainment with a variety of artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music. In a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends, attendees can experience activities, crafts, and performances while exploring charming streets and enjoying community time. With... Read More

Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest

Have ice cream for breakfast! A build-your-own sundae experience is just one of many classes presented by the James Beard Foodie Foundation as part of the Creative Kitchen Kids Food Fest at Marbles Kids Museum May 3 and 4. The fest includes a weekend of activities dedicated to teach families about how to make balanced... Read More

Roots for Reece

Chefs from across the region are gearing up for the seventh annual Roots for Reece Chef's Picnic, coming this Sunday, April 27, to Landon Estate in Clayton. The fest runs from noon to 6 p.m. What started as a small gesture has grown into a highly anticipated annual event, complete with samples from amazing... Read More

Easter Food and Fun

Hop into Easter with our ultimate roundup of local egg hunts, festive restaurant specials, and delicious meal preorders to make your holiday celebration egg-stra special! Egg Hunts and Family Fun Egg-cellent Park Adventure through April 17 Fuquay-Varina parks A different type of egg hunt! Large wooden eggs are hidden in 10 different Fuquay parks.... Read More
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Food + Dining

Recipe: Yogurt Panna Cotta from Figulina

Chef David Ellis offers this dish on Figulina’s Sunday brunch menu. The panna cotta are served with seasonal fruit, granola, almond butter, and chia seeds. 1 vanilla pod 3 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup granulated sugar 12 grams gelatin sheets 1 2/3 cups whole-fat plain yogurt Scoop seeds from vanilla pod. Add seeds and... Read More

Celebrated Spirits: Yellow Umbrella

A tropical juice bomb with layers of citrus and stone fruit, Yellow Umbrella bursts with bold hop character. Citra and Mosaic shine with bright notes of mango, tangerine, and ripe peach, while Simcoe adds a subtle piney bite and hints of berry. Strata brings a final flourish of passion fruit and a touch of dank... Read More
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Life + Style

Erica Chats: Fashion: It’s More Than Skin Deep!

Fashion might seem like it’s all about staying warm and covered up, but I promise you — it’s a vibrant work of art expressing your true self. Just ask my understanding husband, who has been hearing this speech for years. Fashion is like sprinkling a bit of magic dust on your day, giving you a... Read More

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
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Home + Garden

Garden Adventurer: Night-lilies

Daylilies’ blithe blossoms unfurl in morning’s glory, shine resplendent under the celestial arc of the summer sun, but then, alas, bow and fade into twilight’s quiet embrace. That sentence is not only poor poetic prose, but it’s also inaccurate because of night-blooming daylilies. Night-blooming daylilies — really? Yep. Oxymorons? You bet. The American Daylily Society... Read More

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
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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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