Features

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

2025 Gift Guide

Seasonal shopping has never been easier. These Cary Magazine partners offer unique items with a local touch. From stocking stuffers to diamond jewelry, you’ll find it all in Western Wake. 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... Read More

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

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

Now & Next

Bikes for Hope

Help make the holiday special for local children this year with a donation to the third-annual Bikes for Hope drive.

This year’s goal: distribute 150 bikes and helmets through the United Church Christmas Store and the Polar Express Christmas Experience.

“There are kids who have nothing that’s gonna be under a Christmas tree. Nobody deserves... Read More

Holiday Safe Shopping

Chances are you’re already seeing the signs of sparkle and bling that mean the holidays are coming. Halloween candy is out; candy canes are in. Some of you may even be planning a trip to the stores the moment you lick the whipped cream from that empty plate of pumpkin pie.

While expectations for the... Read More

Food & Dining

Liquid Assets: The Fall Favorite

The latest installment in Funguys’ gluten- and lactose-free Shake series, Pumpkin Cheesecake Shake incorporates pumpkin pie filling, vanilla soft serve, and cheesecake for a decadent dessert in a glass.

About Funguys Brewing

A mom-and-pop owned and operated brewery, Funguys is best known for flavor-forward ales and lagers, including fruity dessert beers. Weekly releases... Read More

Liquid Assets: Butternut Old Fashioned

A holiday table mainstay adds buttery flavor and texture for a fall twist on an old favorite.

2 ounces Maker’s Mark bourbon 1 ounce butternut simple syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake for 20 seconds, and double strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with... Read More

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: Camassias: Blurple and More

Late autumn is a grand time to plant spring-blooming bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. If this observation sounds familiar, that’s because these three are obvious suggestions, bordering on cliché.

True, they all can certainly light up the spring garden, but there are many other bulbous beauties to try, including one of my favorites... Read More