When it comes to resolutions, most of us are looking for personal improvements — better health, financial habits, or productivity. Maybe your goals for 2026 include finding time for a new hobby, or building better habits. Whatever your personal aims include, chances are you’re not looking for ways to spend more time on your mobile device.
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Vibrant towns, mountain landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and outdoor exploration — you can find it all in the North Carolina High Country. Destinations such as Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock often headline a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there’s a quieter alternative overflowing with small-town charm that deserves a place in the spotlight.
The... Read More
“Edenton’s waking up,” says Inner Banks Inn proprietor Susan Martin Cyr about the scenic town tucked into the Albemarle Sound and surrounded by water on three sides in the state’s northeastern region. While it has long been considered a historical gem, Edenton has also been what Susan “would call a sleeper.” But now, she says,... Read More
“I am sleeping really well at night,” says Lynn Minges about the peace she’s found since retiring from her role as CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) in October of 2025. “I wake up in the mornings, and I don’t have a long list of things that I have to get... Read More
Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade January 10, 6 p.m. Downtown Cary Park carync.gov/lanternparade
Add light and joy to the darkest days of winter with a community lantern parade. Bring your own lanterns (no fire is allowed) and join a 15-minute community walk through the park, accompanied by live music, entertainment, and onsite... Read More
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
This hearty vegan stew is traditional for breaking the fast during Ramadan, which begins February 17.
¼ cup brown lentils, uncooked 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 tablespoon turmeric ½ teaspoon ginger 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro 7 cups water 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 medium tomatoes... Read More
Have the best of both worlds, in more ways than one. Rosemary provides wintry depth, while citrus reminds us that warm days lie ahead. Enjoy as a zero-proof option or add spirits to spice it up.
4 ounces fresh squeezed grapefruit juice ½ ounce fresh lime juice 1 ounce rosemary syrup optional: 1 ¼ ounces... Read More
When winter has area gardens in its chilled grip, it is tough to imagine the glory that will be the coming spring. So why not summon a witch to help cheat the consuming cold and create comforting thoughts that, yes, a new, balmy growing season is on the way?
That’s right, I said a witch.
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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
