Plus, illuminated scavenger hunt + Christina Koch.
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44º | 45% chance of precipitation

Sunrise 7:12 a.m. | Sunset 5:45 p.m.

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Escape to the Golden Isles this spring

Presented by Golden Isles CVB
a gif featuring images from the Golden Isles
Sun, sand, and a little bit of Southern charm await. | Photos courtesy of Golden Isles CVB
Our idea of the perfect getaway includes salty breezes, scenic bike rides, and really good seafood. Sounds like it’s time to take a trip to the Golden Isles of Georgia.

Tucked along the Georgia coast between Jacksonville and Savannah, this sun-soaked destination blends natural beauty, coastal adventure, and laid-back charm in all the right ways.

Whether for a long weekend or full vacay, the isles offer the perfect coastal escape, made up of four barrier islands and a coastal city:
Each spot brings its own personality, from quiet, nature-filled escapes to lively beach towns with shopping, dining, and rich history.

Don’t forget to add outdoor adventures to your itinerary. Spend your days:
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Biking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Horseback riding
  • or hiking through maritime forests and along miles of shoreline
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too — the area’s diverse ecosystems are home to everything from coastal birds to Loggerhead Sea Turtles, which begin nesting in May.

Don’t worry, if you can’t swing a trip this Spring, the islands host a slew of events all year round, celebrating food, music, and family fun, including Fourth of July celebrations, Southern Grown on Sea Island, and the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival.

When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find accommodations ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy vacation rentals.

And wherever you stay, one thing’s guaranteed: amazing food. The Golden Isles serves up classic Southern flavors, fresh-caught seafood, and creative coastal twists that keep visitors coming back for seconds — and return trips.
Plan your trip

Asked

Which island or town are you most eager to visit?

A. St. Simons Island
B. Sea Island
C. Jekyll Island
D. Little St. Simons Island
E. Brunswick
Let us know

Events

Wednesday, Feb. 4

The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt | Through Sunday, March 8 | Times vary | North Carolina Museum of Art | $20

Echoes of the Belle Époque: Two Visions of France | Through Saturday, Feb. 7 | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Gallery C Fine Art | Free

Wine Wednesday | 5-10 p.m. | Urban Oak | Free

Thursday, Feb. 5

Room 861 at Goodnights: Comedy N Dice | 8 p.m. | Goodnights Comedy Club | $40+

Florida State Seminoles at NC State Womens Basketball | 8 p.m. | Reynolds Coliseum | $13+

Friday, Feb. 6

Gershwin & Bernstein — NC Symphony | Friday, Feb. 6 + Saturday, Feb. 7 | Times vary | Meymandi Concert Hall | $35+

The Original Raleigh Ghost Walk | 8-9 p.m. | NC State Capitol War Memorial | $15
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Traffic

According to the NCDOT, roads + highways may remain uncleared for days after two weekends of winter precipitation — and more potentially falling today. Interstates 40 and 95 have been cleared, but local state-controlled roads may still be slushy or icy, so drive with caution (The News & Observer)

Fun Fact

As part of the Artemis II mission, NC-raised astronaut + NC State alum Christina Koch is heading to space again. Koch and three other astronauts will circle the moon and head back to Earth and could launch as early as March 6. (Axios Raleigh)

Try This

Downtown Cary Park is aglow this season with an illuminated scavenger hunt experience that will make winter feel just a little bit brighter. Try it for yourself.

State

As part of its 50th season, the “Survivor” team is dropping 50 immunity idols, one in each state, and winners will attend the show’s live finale in Los Angeles. NC’s clue will drop this Friday, and like other states, will have a unique challenge. Keep an eye out for an idol in Raleigh. (Axios Raleigh)

Pets

Show a furry friend some love this February with $2.14 adoptions at the SPCA of Wake County through Valentine’s Day. All cats and dogs older than one year are eligible and ready for your lovemeet the eligible bachelors + bachelorettes.

Film

A new short film from creative Darryl Jones puts Raleigh on center stage. “Tandem” is a love letter to his Triangle-born wife with cycling + gorgeous views of Umstead State Park and downtown. Catch the short film this Friday at the Rialto. (Raleigh Magazine)

Try This

Fall in love with our easy to use Self-Service Ad Portal this Valentine’s Day. Submit your business’s romantic events, specials, and soirees to reach our thousands of highly engaged local readers.*

Learn

You’re smart. Don’t let your spending habits be dumb. These are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money onyou won’t believe No. 9.*

Shop

This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it boosts arousal and supports natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? You can save 50% during the limited-time Valentine’s Day Sale.*

Wellness

Perelel’s Triple-Support Protein is a clean, doctor-founded and third party tested protein powder, with each scoop delivering 20 grams of protein, three grams of creatine, and five grams of no-bloat fiber. Support muscle, brain, and gut health with 20% off using code 6AMCITY20.*

Health

February is about connection, from intimate dinners to catching the game with friends. Don’t let background noise get in the way. Horizon IX hearing aids use advanced German engineering for crystal-clear sound, all-day comfort, and a nearly invisible fit. No wonder 540,000+ customers love them. Start your 45-day no-risk trial.*

History

❄️ This weather’s nothing

The NC State Capitol covered in snow in 2022.
Raleigh is anticipated a potential third snowfall for 2026. | Photo by RALtoday
It’s been a cold start to 2026, but let’s put things in perspective: Historically, Raleigh’s gotten much colder than this.

While the 919 isn’t known for its chilly weather, Raleigh has seen its fair share of below-freezing temps. Our coldest day on record was recorded at -9 degrees on Jan. 21, 1985 during a widespread freeze from a southern-shifting polar vortex.

For some context, the last time Raleigh experienced single digits was Jan. 7, 2018 with 4 degrees, and the closest we’ve come to negative in recent memory was 0 degrees on Feb. 5, 1996. Before 1985, the coldest temp on record was a comparatively toasty -2 degrees in 1899 — so be thankful for a balmy 44 degrees today.

The Buy

Merit Beauty’s Signature Lip Blush. Available in eight pigmented shades, it applies like a lightweight balm with smooth, buildable color.
Find your perfect shade

The Wrap

I’ll be out for a few days, but my friend Patrick will be taking good care of you while I’m gone — say hi to him by sharing your most-anticipated restaurant opening this year. See you soon!
A picture of Allie Remhof with her name next to it.
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