Get your read on by signing up for a free library card at your closest Wake County library. | Photo via Wake County Public Libraries
Book lovers, this one’s for you. The Wake County Public Libraries recently shared 2024’s most popular books in the county. Last year was a busy time for the libraries of Wake County, and the proof is in the pudding numbers.
Libraries aren’t just a hub filled with books, they’re centers filled with tools and resources aimed to support communities. In 2024 alone, Wake County Public Libraries welcomed over 3.1 million visitors that led to nearly 12 million checkouts. Additionally, the libraries hosted 10,000+ programs for the community and saw more than 300,000 program attendees.
Whether you’re still building your TBR list or want to get more into reading, consider these titles:
Raleigh Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt | Times vary | The Cardinal (Near the Start) | $10 | Get to know downtown in a new light with this interactive scavenger hunt.
THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater | Through Monday, Jan. 20 | Times vary | Red Hat Amphitheater | $6+ | Ice skate through this holiday-themed Winter Wonderland + enjoy hot cocoa, sweet treats, games, private igloos, and more. Kiddos two and under are free.*
Friday, Jan. 10
Raleigh Home Show | Through Sunday, Jan. 12 | Raleigh Convention Center | $6 | Shop, browse + gain inspiration at this home improvement exhibition — plus, potentially meet the hosts of HGTV’s “100 Day Dream Home” show.
Special Event: DC Curry | Through Sunday, Jan. 12 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $30 | See this “Comic View” comedian live.
Yesterday morning, a fire started at House of Art, an event venue, bar, and community hub, causing the business to close until further notice. The art hub is asking for community support to raise funds toward the rebuilding.
Eat
Mami Nora’s, a Peruvian chicken restaurant, will open at Salvage Yard in Raleigh Iron Works later this year following the sale of its original location on Wake Forest Road. Known for its Latin-style dishes like chicken, tostones, and maduros, the restaurant has been a local favorite for over a decade. (Raleigh Magazine)
Feel Good
A Place at the Table is celebrating seven years of community, connection, and pay-what-you-can meals today. From serving 40 meals on its first day to 225,000 to date, the café has become a community hub of hope and generosity. Happy birthday.
Shop
The NC Vintage Bazaar returns to the NC State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Jan. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 19. The event features a rotating lineup of vendors offering a wide range of vintage clothing, accessories, and more. With new vendors each day, attendees can enjoy a fresh experience whether they visit one or both days.
Plan Ahead
The 2025 Annual African American Cultural Celebration will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Museum of Natural Sciences from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expect cultural performances including dance + drama productions and panels.
Try This
THE RINK will host Sensory Friendly Sessions on Sunday, Jan. 12 and Sunday, Jan. 19 at 12 p.m. to offer a more inclusive skating experience. The sessions will feature lower music volumes, reduced lighting, sensory bags, and a quiet room to support individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families.
Announced
Wake County has approved plans for a new regional EMS station in Cary, set to open in 2026. The 15,260 sqft facility aims to enhance EMS response in western Wake, offering improved resources + quicker service. It’s the second station under the county’s new regional model emphasizing efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Pro Tip
Calling all newly engaged couples. If you’re planning a wedding in 2025, AVA Rooftop Bar offers sweeping city views with a classy Mediterranean atmosphere. Secure your date.*
Try This
Take the hassle out of hosting by wowing your guests with charcuterie and cheese boards — that you don’t have to make yourself. Lowes Foods has lots of options, plus, they only need one day’s notice to prepare your showstopper. Browse + order boards.*
Want unbiased, fact-centric national news delivered to your inbox daily? Subscribe to 1440’s free newsletter for neutral reporting on business, entertainment, sports, culture, and more.*
Finance
High interest rates are daunting, so paying off credit card debt is a top New Year’s resolution for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers well into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Category
Open
🍽️ Naōs has entered the chat
The views at Naōs are stunning. | Photos by Negin Naseri
Restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias and the Giorgios Group are at it again with new eatery Naōs, a restaurant centering the gastronomy and hospitality of Hellenic cuisine. The new spot opened yesterday, Tuesday, Jan. 7 in Cary and aims to intertwine tradition, taste + connection.
Patrons of Naōs can expect a modern + home-like ambiance with Greek decor and food that aims to merge themes of sophistication and warmth. Its menu features dishes like Moussaka, a spiced ground sirloin paired with eggplant, potato, and goat cheese bechamel.
Naōs’ opening comes on the heels of Giorgios Epicurean Market, an eatery, market, and community space located near Raleigh Iron Works and next to East Bower Cider Co. with no signs of slowing down.
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m., and reservations are encouraged.
The Buy
The Buy
An under-sink organizer — declutter your cleaning supplies, bathroom products, or pantry items with an easy slide-out design that fits around most plumbing fixtures.
If you’re looking for some Friday night fun, the Unruly Women Collective is having a Night Market event at Mims House with over 15 vendors and refreshments from Sassool. I might come by, will I see you there?
}})
