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🏓 Is table tennis having a moment?
Smash Raleigh opened in late 2025. | Photo by Smash Raleigh
The nation’s collective interest in table tennis exists in a strange time loop: once every four years, as the Summer Olympic Games roll around, interest in the sport spikes.
Now, with the success of “Marty Supreme,” the game is gaining attention again — no Summer Games required. If you want to get ahead of the curve, grab a paddle and head to one of these local spots:
You can pair a good game of ping-pong with some excellent food + drink at the newly opened Smash Raleigh, with bar bites, specialty cocktails, and good vibes all on the menu.
Head to Impact Table Tennis in Cary for $5 open play any day of the week, or speak to legendary coach Min about lessons + his experience coaching international teams.
The Carolina International Table Tennis Academy has a whole host of options for players of all ages, abilities, and interest levels, including summer camps, memberships, and competitions.
Let us know if we missed your favorite place to play table tennis — we’re serving up more tips at the button below.
“I am the history being made.” That’s how Victoria Scott-Miller, founder of Liberation Station bookstore, described her appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show. “To everyone watching: This is what refusing to quit looks like.” Read more and support her mission.
Try This
It’s time for the Krispy Kreme Challenge, the annual UNC Children’s Hospital fundraiseing event that sees participants race to finish five miles and 12 doughnuts. You can cheer on the runners — and bring a barf bag just in case — at The NC State Memorial Belltower, starting at 8 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 7.
Arts
First Friday, a chance to celebrate local artistic excellence. Head into downtown Raleigh to browse galleries, exhibits, and explore other participating stores + vendors. We’ve got our eyes on the interactive portraiture exhibit at Fish Market Gallery, taking place from 6 to 11 p.m.
Plan Ahead
Tickets are on sale for Art in Bloom, the North Carolina Museum of Art’s annual spring celebration. Organizers expect the five-day floral spectacular to sell out, with this year’s “Written in the Stars” zodiac sign theme set to make it as popular an event as ever. The event runs Wednesday, March 18 to Sunday, March 22.
Asked
It’s almost time for the big game. Where will your loyalties lie this Sunday? Pick your Super Bowl 60 winner and see who our readers are rooting for on game day.
Trending
We’ve got to wait a little longer for one more small step. NASA’s Artemis II mission to the moon was going to launch as early as this week, but a leak during testing has postponed it until at least next month. In the meantime, a trip to a local park will have to quench our wanderlust. (The Guardian)
On This Day
Legendary baseball player George Herman “Babe” Ruth was born on February 6, 1895. We’re still dreaming of a day the City of Oaks gets its very own MLB team. One day, perhaps.
Featured Deal
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Editor’s Pick
All eyes will be on Milan, Italy during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Rendering via Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026
We’re feeling very Olympic today. The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics is starting soon — at 2 p.m. — and you can follow along with the latest coverage via WCNC’s dedicated Olympics page starting now. Bonus: The ceremony will air again at 8 p.m. and on Peacock.
Whether you’re into curling, bobsledding, speed skating, or ice skating, you can get yourself in the spirit of the Games by familiarizing yourself with the athletes with ties to Raleigh.
Want to try the sports yourself? Keep an eye on your inbox — we’ve got some fun content in the works.
The Buy
A best-selling pair of waterproof boots designed to keep your toes warm and dry in any weather. We love that this pair boasts a warm faux fur lining and a slip-resistant rubber outsole.
Whether you want to watch the game, the ads, the halftime show, or chow down on some game day eats for the last time this season, Raleigh is prepping for the Super Bowl.
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