2026 is here. And with it, a new wave of new arrivals in the ever-growing North Hills neighborhood.
Let’s dive right in: Here’s what recently opened, what’s on the way, and what could be on the horizon (with your help).
✨ Already open
2025 was filled with all-new faves, including:
Sixty Vines | Pouring wine-country vibes with shareable plates and wall-to-wall taps.
Jetset Pilates | Raising the bar on low-impact, high-burn workouts.
Barking Dog | Serving elevated comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
➡️ Coming soon
You won’t have to wait long for these nine new additions:
Hush | Bringing high-end hair, lash, and brow services.
gorjana | Effortless, everyday jewelry designed to layer.
Face Foundrié | An all-inclusive focused facial bar.
Veronica Beard | Modern American womenswear known for its polished look and feel.
Reformation | Sustainable fashion, designed to dazzle.
Benchwarmers Bagels | A local bagel shop coming to the Innovation District (yum).
Sephora | Your go-to destination for all things beauty, skincare, and fragrance.
Velvet Taco | Globally inspired, chef-driven tacos with fun flavors.
Standard Beer + Food | Locally owned gathering spot for casual bites, cocktails, and beer brewed on site.
🎤 Your turn
We want to hear from you: North Hills is growing with the community in mind, and your input helps shape what’s next. Just fill out the poll below to make your voice heard.
A top-notch collection of chefs is behind Big Cat, a new restaurant coming to Brookside Drive, including the owners of Mala Pata, Ajja, and Locals Seafood. Cheetie Kumar will head the dinner service, and Big Cat will also serve lunch and soft-serve ice cream year round — expect it to open this spring. (The News & Observer)
Sports
Durham has been chosen as one of six cities for a professional women’s softball team by the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Named the Carolina Blaze, the team will be pitching from Smith Family Stadium beginning June 9, and the Blaze have the No. 1 overall pick in this spring’s draft. (The News & Observer)
Try This
Cultivating a green thumb this year? Head to a free plant swap this Saturday, Jan. 17 at the City of Raleigh Museum for free sprouts + a chance to meet other plant enthusiasts.
Learn
Artemis 2 will mark the first mission to the vicinity of the moon since 1972, and your family can learn more during the Museum of Natural Sciences’ Astronomy Days on Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25. Expect telescopes, homemade rocket ships, and moon rovers at this out of this world event.
Community
Thanks to the 2024 voter-approved libraries bond, Wake County will oversee $142 million for five new libraries, one expansion, and eight renovations. Green Road Community Library is under construction and grow to 12,000 sqft from 8,000, and Olivia Raney Local History Library is scheduled to be replaced by 2033.
Kids
Registration is now open for the City of Raleigh’s youth spring soccer league for ages 3 to 8, and the season kicks off in March. Make sure to sign up your future baller.
Wellness
Interested in a THC or CBD journey in 2026? Women-owned and operated brand TribeTokes is offering 15% off with code DRYJAN15, plus a free CBD/CBG tincture when you spend $40. Try pineapple THC gummies or mini THCA prerolls for some California sober fun during dry January.†*
Today Is
Today is
🥯National Bagel Day
This Commando bagel is made with jalapeno dough, Cajun seasoning, everything seasoning + red pepper flakes, pepper jack cheese and bacon. | Photo provided by Jeff’s Bagel Run
Chewy or bready, toasted or as-is, schmeared or un-schmeared. There’s a lot of choices when it comes to bagels, but luckily, Raleigh + our neighbors have plenty of options for you to find your perfect match. Here’s where to get your new favorite bagels in the Triangle.
FQWL Bagels, pop-up, multiple locations | FQWL, AKA From Queens With Love, pops up at VPizza and Veloce Italian Market with NYC-boiled and Raleigh-baked bagels for a real taste of NYC.
H&H Bagels, 239 S. Estes Dr., Ste. 101, Chapel Hill | OK, Carrie Bradshaw. This NYC icon opens today in NC, serving chewy bagels that will make you feel like you’re in the Big Apple.
Jeff’s Bagel Run, 12534 Capital Blvd., Wake Forest | This bagel spot is all about fun, with cacio e pepe bagels, cannoli cream cheese, and tasty iced coffees. Plus, a location is coming to Raleigh near Wong’s Tacos soon.
⛳ This men’s fleece-lined quarter zip is the perfect base layer.
⛳ A pair of windproof and waterproof pushcart mitts to keep your hands warm + dry.
⛳ These men’s thermal golf pants that deliver lightweight insulation for under $50.
⛳ A handy golf cart heater that can run for almost six hours.
⛳ Bonus: If your course is closed for the season, this 4.8-star rated indoor golf simulator is calling your name.
I really should have appreciated that warm front last week while I still could, and I’m counting down the days till the spring equinox in March. Did you know? Almost all of NC is experiencing a drought right now, which might be contributing to the chilly weather.
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