Groundhog Day Predictions (and Critters!) at White Deer Park
Free family fun, live animals, and a noon spring prediction.
Shannon
January 26, 2026
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If winter’s got you feeling a little dramatic, Groundhog Day at White Deer Park is a great reset. Stop by on February 2, 2026 (10:00am–12:15pm) for a free morning packed with live animals, educational booths, Smokey Bear, and story time on stage. The main event happens at noon sharp, when the groundhog delivers its official prediction—early spring or six more weeks of winter—to Garner Mayor Buddy Gupton.
Not sponsored—we just love a forecast with fur. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t miss these feel-good sips at The Mecca 🔥
1/2 off mimosas and $3 beers every Friday—the perfect way to wrap up your week. (P.S. Flights not included, but hey, single mimosas still sparkle.)
📍Where: The Mecca Restaurant
📅 When: Every Friday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,032 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $215,000
Affordable Raleigh townhome with a functional layout, spacious bedrooms, brand-new LVP flooring on the main level, a new roof, and great potential for first-time buyers or investors looking to build sweat equity.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,679 SQ FT | .19 ACRES | $349,900
An amazing value in a prime location, this home offers four true bedrooms on one level, new quartz countertops and sinks, new hardwoods in the main living areas, and major updates including a newer HVAC and roof.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,609 SQ FT | .48 ACRES | $648,500
A serene cul-de-sac retreat featuring a classic 4-bedroom brick home on nearly half an acre, with a heated and cooled garage, finished basement, mature landscaping, and a tranquil goldfish pond close to Raleigh’s best amenities.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 4,234 SQ FT | 1 ACRE | $1,250,000
Expansive North Raleigh retreat on nearly an acre featuring 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a pool, and multiple bonus spaces across three levels for exceptional indoor and outdoor living.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Crawford and Son’s Carolina Gold Risotto is a creamy heirloom rice dish layered with sweet blue crab, roasted honeynut squash, crunchy pepita crumble, and nutty brown butter for a rich, balanced finish.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: TANK | DOG | 3 MONTHS | MALE
Tank may have a tough-guy name, but he’s a petite, smart, and confident puppy with a heart of gold who’s snack-motivated, adventurous, and ready for his forever family. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Don’t miss this Garage Sale on January 31-February 1 at 9AM for antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, mid-century toys, furniture, military items, jewelry, tools, and unique finds spanning the 1800s to today. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Cardinal Stained Glass Intermediate Workshop at Wine and Design Chapel Hill on January 27 at 6PM.
In this class, participants will learn how to foil and solder precut glass pieces together to create a finished masterpiece that will be completed during the session and taken home. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: TRPYOH IWGNBER
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: GOLD Technology Workshops @ Morrisville Senior Center | February 6 | 12PM
Senior Center – GOLD Technology Workshops offer monthly sessions on practical topics like cell phone accessibility, MyChart, and AI to support Growing Older Living Digitally. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Harris Teeter | 5% Off Thursdays
Show your VIC card and let the cashier know you’re 60+ — discount applies after coupons (not valid on fuel, pharmacy, gift cards).
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Super Diamond, The Neil Diamond Tribute | Pop
Super Diamond is a high-energy tribute band that celebrates the music of Neil Diamond with spot-on vocals, theatrical flair, and faithful renditions of his classic hits. | The Rialto Theatre | January 29, 8PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Santana | Rock
Santana is an American rock band led by guitarist Carlos Santana, known for blending Latin rhythms with rock, blues, and jazz into a signature, soulful sound. | DPAC | April 3, 8PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!
✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!
✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.
✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!
✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.
✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Brian Plumb at Raleigh Improv | January 29, 7PM | Brian Plumb is an American stand-up comedian known for his clean, upbeat comedy style that blends sharp observations, positive humor, and wide appeal for clubs, corporate events, and theaters. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: David Spade at DPAC | March 27, 8PM | David Spade is an American comedian and actor known for his dry, sarcastic wit and memorable work on Saturday Night Live and in numerous comedy films. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Stitch & Sip @ East Regional Library | January 28 | 6:30PM
A cozy evening of chatting and crafting where crafters of all kinds bring their projects, share tips, and enjoy tea and light snacks. Get details here →
🤝 Good Dog Social Club @ Liberty and Plenty Distillery and Cocktail Bar | January 29 | 4PM
Good Dog Social Club is Liberty & Plenty Distillery’s weekly, dog-friendly gathering where owners connect, unwind, and enjoy craft cocktails together—regulars and first-timers alike are part of the pack. Get details here →
Mandolin feels like Raleigh on a plate…Southern classics made with seasonal ingredients, the kind of spot where comfort and craft meet without any fuss.
—Nina, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Liveops is seeking Licensed Insurance Professionals.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Navigate Realty is seeking a Real Estate Agent.
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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