Plus, Raleigh's oldest eateries.
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🏡 Your all-in-one path to “home sweet home”

Presented by Coastal Credit Union
RALtoday coastal Cu 12.19 experience.gif
Photos by RALtoday
Buying real estate often feels like a relay race. Too many handoffs. Too many moving parts.

That’s why Coastal Credit Union and Daymark Realty keep everything under one roof, simplifying your journey from financing to move-in.

Whether you’re looking for your first place, upsizing, or just relocating to North Hills, their integrated team is here to help every step of the way.

đź’¸ Low rates, real guidance


You’ll start by connecting with one of Coastal Credit Union’s dedicated mortgage loan officers, who provide personalized guidance on everything from rates to refinancing.

They’ll help you choose the right mortgage, get pre-approved, and move forward with clarity — no pressure, no guesswork. (Loan subject to approval. Member eligibility required.)

🔑 Finding your “yes”


From there, Daymark Realty becomes your go-to resource.

As Coastal’s in-house real estate team, their experienced agents will already be familiar with your individual needs, and can help negotiate, spot value, and avoid costly errors.

You’ll have someone right there with you for the final paperwork, final walkthrough, and finally, keys in hand.

Learn more about the 5-step process this way, or connect with a member of their team below.
Home, here you come

Equal Housing Lender. Coastal Federal Credit Union | NMLS #619449

Events

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Holiday Pop-Up | Tuesday, Dec. 30-Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 4 p.m.-12 a.m. | Wolf & Porter | Free

Illuminate Art Walk - Downtown Holiday Light Art | Tuesday, Dec. 30-Tuesday, Jan. 6 | 5-11 p.m. | Downtown Raleigh | Free

Music Bingo | 7-9 p.m. | Ponysaurus Brewing Co. | Free

Wednesday, Dec. 31

WRAL First Night Raleigh | 2 p.m.-12 a.m. | Fayetteville Street | $15

Trivia at the Brewery | 7-9:30 p.m. | Incendiary Brewing Raleigh | Free

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Wednesday, Dec. 31-Sunday, Jan. 11 | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $16+

Thursday, Jan. 1

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $60+

Sunday, Jan. 4

Historic Oakwood and North Blount: Architecture and History Tour | 1 p.m. | Heck-Andrews House | $15
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Open

Liberation Station, North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, celebrated its grand reopening on Hill Street in Raleigh on Monday in front of a large crowd. Supporters can donate online through the store’s GoFundMe or join the membership program to help sustain the bookstore. (CBS17)

Coming Soon

Raleigh’s getting a new sushi spot. Shinjuku Station, known for its rotating sushi bar, is set to open at Capital Marketplace in northeast Raleigh. This would be the chain’s second NC location, joining High Point, with more planned across the state. The menu features nigiri, specialty rolls, and classic sushi favorites. (Triangle Business Journal)

Plan Ahead

Ringing in 2026? Raleigh has plenty of ways to celebrate. Head out for live music, fireworks, or parties around the city — if you’re heading downtown, here’s your guide to the WRAL First Night Acorn Drop.

Holiday

Speaking of the holiday… city offices will be closed on Jan. 1. Triangle grocery stores are adjusting hours too — some close early on Dec. 31 or stay closed on New Year’s Day, so check this list before you go. (The News & Observer)

Environment

Give your Christmas tree a second life. Wake County Parks is accepting undecorated holiday trees for mulch through Jan. 31. Drop them off at designated locations — just note all facilities will be closed on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

Eat

Who’s making a comeback in Raleigh’s restaurant scene? From 42nd Street Oyster Bar to other local favorites, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of delicious returns. Check out the Triangle Business Journal’s roundup of the most anticipated restaurant comebacks. (Triangle Business Journal)

Jobs

240,000+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Psst — choose between a free Nighttime Nourisher or High Dose Hero with any purchase of Canary’s science-backed supplements until tomorrow, December 31. Think: waking up rested with energy, easing joint pain the natural way, or optimizing urinary tract health.*

Number

$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*

Seasonal

Don’t let post-holiday cleanup be a stressor. Simplify storage and organization with these two must-haves: an ornament storage box that holds up to 128 pieces and a wrapping paper organizer with pockets for bows + ribbons. Find more seasonal storage solutions.*

Try This

Our top tip for 2026 home hunting? Work with a team that works together. Here’s how Coastal Credit Union’s in-house Real Estate services make your journey smooth and seamless.*

🍽️ Meet Raleigh’s timeless eateries

A plate of fried chicken, collard greens, and lima beans.
Mecca is a family-owned Southern comfort food staple in Raleigh since the 1930s. | Photo by @themeccarestaurant
Raleigh may be over 230 years old, but its oldest restaurants keep the city’s soul alive. Here’s a look at some of the longest-standing spots still serving today.

The Mecca Restaurant | Birthdate: 1930


Mecca is located just a few blocks from the NC State Capitol and has long been known to serve NC politicians Southern classics. In 2014, the building housing the restaurant was named a historic landmark.

Bonus: Read this story on the legacy of The Mecca Restaurant.

Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque | Birthdate: 1938


Clyde Cooper’s feels like a step back in time, with its stainless steel counter, wooden booths, and historic photos. The longtime spot has racked up a slew of awards and serves classic Eastern Carolina–style barbecue with a vinegar-based sauce.

Bonus: Celebrate 88 years at the longtime shop before it moves from its downtown location with a Southern-style buffet on New Year’s Day. Tickets are available online and at the door, plus there’s a “Donate a Plate” option to help someone enjoy a meal on New Year’s Day.
6 more treasured restaurants

City Guides are presented by Coastal Credit Union.

The Buy

Ten minute daily language lessons, on sale for 65% off with Babbel’s New Year’s Sale. Unlock expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practice to make learning a new language feel easy and actually stick — it’s a smart way to kick off the year with a habit you’ll be proud you started.*
Get 65% off for New Year’s
RALtoday Games

The Wrap

Today’s edition by: Cat Gillihan

It’s good to be back, RAL — hope you’re not sick of restaurant news. Over the holiday, we splurged for my husband’s 30th at Crawford Brothers Steakhouse, and it was a dream from start to finish — steakhouse rolls with whipped butter, tallow fries with truffle aioli, and main courses like Prime New York Strip and Faroe Island Salmon with truffled potato risotto. Word is, I need to come back for the chocolate cake.

Highly recommend for your next celebration — but make sure to book a reservation.
Three pictures: To the left, a glass of red wine + six dinner rolls with butter; in the middle, a big steak; and to the right, tallow fries with truffle aioli.

My idea of a perfect dinner trio.

Cat Gillihan

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