Wake County

Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve, 7800 Holly Springs Rd.

This quaint but mighty preserve is known for its massive beech trees, beavers, muskrats, and assortment of aquatic life. Its 23 acres of land include eight miles of multi-use trails. Plan ahead: Catch bloodroot and trout lilies in full bloom around the narrow floodplain in mid-February to help launch you into spring.

Bailey and Sarah Williamson Preserve, 4409 Mial Plantation Rd.

This 405-acre preserve is rich in scenery and abundant in biking trails. It has 11 multi-use trails. DYK: This is the first public TLC nature preserve to have active farming activities on site. Submit an agricultural proposal here. The park is temporarily closed; check for updates here.

Orange County

Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, 3055 New Hope Church Rd., Chapel Hill

This 613-acre preserve is focused on safeguarding Raleigh’s water supply. Two of the 15 trails run into the “Healing Labyrinth,” a space created as a place to reflect, meditate + restore your mind. Walk this seven-circuit labyrinth — meant to mirror nature — to center yourself and let go of your worries.

If you’re up for a challenge, check out the TLC hiking challenge to win some goodies.

GO WILD FOR MORE NATURE PRESERVES

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who loves learning about our city.

EVENTS

Today

Cheat Codes with Kastra | Wed., Jan. 26 | 9:00 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E Cabarrus St. | $15+ | Vibe with this American electronic DJ trio + special guest as they play from their debut album, Hellraisers Part 1. 🎵
Make & Take Pizza Networking Event | Wed., Jan. 26 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Wright Village, 420 Hubert St. | $30+ | Make pizza + new connections at this networking event with Legacy Pizza & Catering. 🍕

Thursday

El Ten Eleven, with Sego | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 7 p.m. | Cat’s Cradle, 300 E Main St., Carrboro | $15+ | Listen to El Ten’s newest project, Tautology — a sonic meditation on the arc of human life, composed in three parts.
Mezcalalo: Latin Dance Night | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 7-11 p.m. | Transfer Co. Food Hall, 500 E Davie St. | Free | Stop by for a night of food and dance with Rhythm + Shine Dance Company.
2022 Kickoff Series | Thurs., Jan. 27 | 6-8 p.m. | Raleigh Founded, 310 S. Harrington St. | Prices vary | Don’t miss keynote speaker Micky Kerwick share her three strategies to influence your audience, followed by a fast paced discussion — brought to you by Women Entrepreneurs Inc.

Friday

Ashley McBryde “This Town Talks Tour” | Fri., Jan. 28 | 7 p.m. | Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham | $29.50+ | Hear GRAMMY-nominated country singer Ashley McBryde and her stadium-ready, rock-and-roll sound with a bluegrass wink. 🎸

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

PLAN THE REST OF JANUARY

Just because there’s not a “For Sale” sign in the yard, it doesn't mean a home isn't on the market. Any home could be for sale with the right offer.

Founded in Greenville, SC, Offeroo is rethinking the way homes are bought + sold.

If you’re in pursuit of your dream home, vacation home, or an investment property, Offeroo can help you make an offer on the home you want, not just one that happens to be listed for sale.*

LEARN HOW

NEWS NOTES

Weather

43º | Partly cloudy | 0% chance of rain
For the third weekend in a row, the Triangle might get another round of snowfall. Starting Fri., Jan. 28, the forecast calls for a dusting up to an inch of snow. (The News & Observer) ❄️

Civic

The City of Raleigh invites residents to submit accessory dwelling unit conceptual designs for the ADU Fast Track program. ADUs are smaller, affordable, independent homes located on the same lot as the main house. There will be an open call virtual Q+A session for those interested on Mon., Jan. 31. 🏠
The City of Raleigh is asking for community feedback on the Devereux Meadow Park draft concept plan. The new urban park located near the intersection of Capital Boulevard + Peace Street is envisioned to be a passive park with gathering spaces and opportunities for public art. Find more information here.

Development

Developer Arcaterra Land LLC of Raleigh has begun construction on Norwood Ridge — a lavish neighborhood with house prices starting at $1.7 million. This gated community is located at 14112 Norwood Ridge Rd. and will have 19 homes on the property — 11 of which are already spoken for. (Triangle Business Journal)

Edu

NCSU + the UNC-Charlotte both ranked No.10 as the best place to get an online bachelor’s degree in the nation. The News & Observer offers a thorough breakdown of the best online schools in NC based on degree. 💻

Cause

In response to the first American Red Cross national blood crisis, Krispy Kreme is offering a free, original glazed dozen donuts to those who donate blood. Anyone who donates blood platelets between Mon., Jan. 24 + Mon., Jan. 31 and shows their donation confirmation can receive the offer. (WRAL)

Community

Jennifer Cramer, the owner of Catalan Tapas Bar in Cary, is asking for help to keep her restaurant’s doors open. Cramer created a GoFundMe page to help with operating costs and to pay her employees.
An anonymous donor gave a record-breaking $25 million to UNC for a new cancer center. This transformative donation establishes the UNC Lineberger Center for Triple Negative Breast Cancer and will expand research efforts to find better treatments for triple-negative breast cancer.

Real Estate

Want to buy a house that isn't for sale? Your dream home could be just an offer away. Offeroo helps homebuyers make offers on off-market real estate. Make an offer on the home you really want, not just one that happens to be listed for sale.*

Drink

Fuel your active lifestyle with LMNT, the best, no B.S. electrolyte drink mix. Read: No sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no junk are added. Pro tip: LMNT is offering readers a free sample pack — just cover the cost of shipping.*

📸 @CarolinaHurricanes

The Hurricanes hosted the fourth annual Hockey Talks game yesterday to raise awareness for and start conversations about mental health to reduce stigmas associated with mental illness. All proceeds from the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation game day auction benefited Canes Mental Health partner organizations NAMI NC, HopeLine, Foundation of Hope and Lucy Daniels Center.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the following local support lines: HopeLine, (919) 231-4525 and NAMI, (800) 451-9682 via call or (919) 999-6527 via text. You can find more resources here.

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THE WRAP

Editor's pick: Cat here. 👋 Only 20 days until Valentine's Day — my favorite holiday. It's never too early to think about what you're getting for your significant other, special person in your life, or yourself. If you order now, it's one less thing you'll have to think about. My favorite flower shop in the Triangle is Fallon's Flowers — DYK: Fallon's Flowers has been in the City of Oaks since 1920.

Missed yesterday's newsletter? Check out outdoor concerts to look forward to this Spring.