Fenton’s ice skating rink is fit for all ages. | Photo courtesy of Fenton
As temps drop and festive events kick off, we’re itching to hit the ice. While not all of us can skate like the Canes, here are two outdoor ice skating rinks to practice at around Raleigh this season.
Skate the Square | Fenton | Through Feb. 8, 2026 | $18 | Before you start your holiday shopping, lace up on the ice. Plus, take advantage of Cheapskate on Mondays for $15 skating.
THE RINK | Red Hat Amphitheater | Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2026 | $18 | Book online through Ticketmaster and upgrade to a private igloo package for your group with a hot chocolate bar + snacks to fuel up between skating.
Perfect for couples or solo travelers, Columbia’s arts scene promises memorable experiences. | Photos provided by Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina State Museum, and Experience Columbia SC
Columbia, SC offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences for visitors seeking something unique:
Ham jam. If you don’t already know, this is local parlance for the holiday season traffic buildup on Six Forks Avenue from the Honey Baked Ham store. This year, it could be better thanks to a new store in Cary at Parkside Town Commons. (The News & Observer)
Open
Left Hook might have left Gussie’s, but coffee is still brewing on Morgan Street. Foxhole Coffee, a new coffee shop from Gussie’s, is now open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Try This
This weekend is one of Raleigh’s most festive. Friday kicks off the 919 holiday season with the downtown tree lighting in Moore Square — a new home for the tree. The next morning, head back downtown to watch the 78th annual Raleigh Christmas Parade.
Coming Soon
Every day is Pilates day at a new fitness studio in East End Market. A new franchise of Daily Pilates, an Atlanta-based workout spot, will open across from Lynnwood Brewing Concern this winter. (Triangle Business Journal)
Sports
After a 3-0 start to the season, NC State men’s basketball is on the board as No. 25 in the AP poll’s second week. After two tough losses, the women’s team dropped to No. 16, just below UNC at No. 14.
Watch
Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, and Jerry O’Connell are coming to Raleigh to celebrate 40 years of “Stand By Me” at the Martin Marietta Center on March 15, 2026. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m.
Community
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice + passion for local biz and vote for RALtoday’s Best. Voting ends Tuesday, Nov. 25.
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Missed out on last week’s $1,000 Holiday Shopping Sweepstakes? Don’t start re-gifting just yet — Coastal Credit Union has plenty of smart ways to help you save, spend, and spread cheer (Federally Insured by NCUA).*‡
Finance
Investing in exotic and classic vehicles delivers results — a Lamborghini Countach sale just generated a 14% net return for MCQ Markets investors. Diversify for $20 a share.*
Real Estate
This new community checks all our boxes: Spacious floor plans, unique amenities like a rock climbing wall, on-site coffee shop + bar, expansive green spaces, and a private dog park — all just minutes from Raleigh transportation hubs. Explore your options at NOVEL Morrisville.*
City Guide
❄️ Baby, it’s cold outside
Take a class a Current Wellness to warm up + break a sweat. | Photo by KieChey Photography
If you’re like us, you’re resisting bundling up to spend time outdoors and would much rather spend some time indoors with the heat. Here are a few ways to get out of the house and the cold.
For the animal lovers:Purr Cup Cafe | Drink coffee + make a reservation to cuddle with adoptable cats.
For the movie buffs:Marbles IMAX | Watch a flick on Raleigh’s only certified IMAX screen.
For the art lovers:Artspace | Check out local art at the largest public studio environment for visual artists in North Carolina.
For the crafters:Craft Habit | Talk about a crafter’s dream. In addition to a shop full of crafting supplies, take a class on crocheting, jewelry making, and everything in between.
For a shopping spree:Father and Son | You’re sure to find some unique, one-of-a-kind treasures at this vintage shop. The home goods section is our favorite.
Benefit’s top-rated brow pen that’s on sale for a limited time. We love that it draws on three superfine lines in one stroke, resulting in fuller-looking brows in seconds. Bonus: Get $10 off your order of at least $20 with code HSN2025 by Sunday, Nov. 30.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Do you remember my interview with Sarah Bock from “Severance”? That was one of my favorite days “in the office.” Not only did I get an exclusive with a trending Raleighite, but I felt so proud to represent 6AM City, be a Raleighite, and publish that story for you. Readers like you inspire me to keep finding hyper-local, positive content, and if you love what I do, let me know through our giving campaign.
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