Start the new year strong with Labcorp OnDemand. | Photo by Getty Images
‘Tis the season for reflection. Year-end is the perfect time to check in with yourself, get a clear picture of your health, and set the stage for your 2025 lifestyle goals. (Think: Trying to drink less alcohol, wanting to eat more veggies from Happy + Hale, or planning to train for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon.)
Labcorp OnDemand makes it easy to take charge of your wellness by allowing you to buy the same reliable lab tests your doctor orders — directly, conveniently, and on your own schedule.
What kind of lab tests?
The most popular tests are:
Heart health: Monitor cholesterol, lipids, ApoB, and more.
Hormone health: Assess your hormonal levels for energy and well-being.
Annual wellness: Get a comprehensive view of your overall health.
Why test yourself in December?
Most tests are FSA/HSA eligible, meaning you can use those benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Establishing a baseline before the new year can highlight areas for improvement as you work toward your health goals.
Knowing your numbers can empower you to make informed decisions about your health plans in the new year.
How it works:
The process typically takes less than a week. All you have to do is:
Purchase tests online and get tested at one of Labcorp’s 2,000+ service centers (find a lab near you).
Be notified by email when your results are ready in as little as one business day.
AVA Wonderland | Through Saturday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | AVA Rooftop Bar, Cary | Price of purchase | It’s a winter wonderland at AVA — take in the twinkling lights, tinsel, holiday bevs, and so much more during the most wonderful time of the year.
After School Yoga & Mindfulness Club | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum | $15 | Bring the kids to this age-appropriate yoga class to practice breathing techniques + mindfulness — don’t forget your mat.
Wednesday, Dec. 11
Trivia Wednesdays | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Green Monkey | Free | Test your knowledge at this bar + gift shop.
Dinner with the Grinch | 6-8 p.m. | Ruckus Pizza, Pasta, and Spirits, Apex | $25 | This meal’s gonna be a mean one — dine with the Grinch himself for a night of fun.
Thursday, Dec. 12
THE RINK | Through Monday, Jan. 20 | Times vary | Red Hat Amphitheater | $15 | Lace up your skates, grab some hot cocoa, and hit the ice at this unique rink.
Triangle Rock Club’s new Salvage Yard outpost is now open and has 40,000 sqft of bouldering and climbing as well as yoga, cardio, and strength spaces. Find the new location near Raleigh Iron Works. (The News & Observer)
Concert
Country star Keith Urban is coming to Raleigh on May 31, 2025 at Coastal Credit Union Music Park. Somebody like you can get tickets starting this Thursday, Dec. 12 to see the Australian country singer live.
Sports
NC State football will play against the East Carolina University Pirates in the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland on Saturday, Dec. 28. The Pack has won its last three games against ECU, and this game could be its first bowl win since 2017. (The News & Observer)
Community
After 10 years downtown, queer bar Ruby Deluxe is asking the community for help to keep its doors open. Since 2015, the bar has served as an inclusive place for Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community. You can donate to the bar’s Save the Queer Bar Party event this Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 p.m.
Trending
A YouTuber believes he has solved the cold case of hijacker D.B. Cooper — and he might be a Broughton High School graduate. Over 50 years after the mysterious crime, Dan Gryder found evidence that points to Raleighite Richard Floyd McCoy Jr. as the mysterious Cooper. Watch for yourself.(The News & Observer)
History
Talk about historical — check out the finalists for our Raleigh historical markers contest. Vote for your favorite historic location by Wednesday, Dec. 11 + be sure to read our newsletter on Friday, Dec. 13 to see which location you, our readers, determined should get the recognition it deserves.
Pro Tip
Take the hassle out of holiday cooking by pre-ordering a feast without the fees. Yes, we’re talking about the tasty and convenient catering boxes from Lowes Foods. Think: Fried chicken, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and more. Customize your order.*
Finance
6AM City COO Ryan Heafy here — we’re referring friends to American Express’s The Business Platinum Card®. Join the AMEX family + receive up to 150,000 member points.*
Plan Ahead
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
Category
Eat
🔥 Fire food
Little Rey also offers a walk-up to-go window for quick bites, margs, and to-go orders. | Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee
Raleigh Iron Works’ new addition Little Rey is serving up fiery bites in a cool, Texas-inspired setting, and you might recognize some flavors from a nearby restaurant.
Little Rey opened its doors Monday, Dec. 9 to the public with 4,200+ sqft in Raleigh Iron Works and is from the same chef who brought you Superica in Cary.
Cooked up by chef Ford Fry, expect proteins al carbon, meaning roasted over wood, on street tacos + salads served with fresh salsa and handmade tortillas. Psst... Don’t miss the breakfast options on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tacos + salads aren’t the only thing on the menu — we’re eyeing the flautas, queso primo with chicken, and whole chicken dinners set to share. Grab a bite from Little Rey seven days a week at 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd.
The Buy
The Buy
A meaningful gift that will surprise and delight: a hidden photo bracelet. Customize with the photo of your choice — the gift recipient can hold it up close to their eyes to see it, or project it on the wall with their phone’s flashlight.
Does this view make you jelly? | Photo by RALtoday
This is your sign to go to the Chinese Lantern Festival before it leaves in January. Here’s a sneak peek of my favorite section of this year’s festival. While you’re there, don’t miss the five spice donut holes and the nightly performances, especially the bian lian performer.
Answered
Answered
How many RALtoday newsletters were sent (so far) this year?
As of Friday, Dec. 6, we sent 263 hyper-local newsletters to keep you in the loop, Raleigh. Today’s marks 266.
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