New Year’s Day Buffet at Clyde Cooper’s BBQ: A Final Downtown Feast (Before the Big Move)
Kick off 2026 with comfort food, good luck, and a celebratory sendoff for their longtime location.
Shannon
December 22, 2025
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Clyde Cooper’s BBQ is welcoming 2026 the Southern way—with a New Year’s Day buffet stacked with chopped pork, fried chicken, black-eyed peas, collards, and all the “health, wealth, and good luck” fixins you can pile on a plate. From noon to 4pm, enjoy two hours of free parking, non-alcoholic drinks included, and beer and wine at 50% off.
This isn’t sponsored (we’d tell you). We just respect a place that celebrates a fresh start with candied yams. (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 Half-Price Pours at Barcelona Wine Bar 🔥
Every Monday, bottles of wine are half-off—no code, no catch. Just show up and sip.
📍Where: Barcelona Wine Bar
📅 When: Mondays, 4PM–LATE
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,172 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $222,000
Move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in Raleigh featuring a fresh interior paint and newly installed LVP flooring in the common areas.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,614 SQ FT | .02 ACRES | $391,000
This three-bedroom townhome, just six minutes from NC State University in the heart of Raleigh, features an open living area filled with warm natural light, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 4,674 SQ FT | 1.28 ACRES | $780,000
Dream home at 6212 Trevor Ct featuring a cozy fireplace, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a functional island, and comfortable bedrooms including a primary suite with a walk-in closet.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 4,113 SQ FT | .24 ACRES | $1,749,900
This custom build opportunity allows personalization of a thoughtfully designed floor plan in the quiet, charming heart of Laurel Hills, with quick access to Raleigh corridors and city conveniences.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Vivace’s House-Made Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a rich, comforting guest favorite that’s the perfect addition to your dinner plans this week.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: ABIGAIL | DOG | 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS | FEMALE
Abigail is a beautiful 63-lb lab mix with the softest fur, a sweet and slightly shy nature, and a personality that shines as she settles in, happy either with a canine companion or on her own. Check her out here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: How to Start Real Estate Investing, Online Class on December 24 at 8PM.
This free online class explains how to get started in real estate investing, why it’s a popular path to long-term wealth, and how beginners can succeed while keeping their day jobs. 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: ETAS ALRHEIG
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Game Time - Happy Hour Edition @ Rally Point Sport Grill | December 24 | 4PM
Game Time – Happy Hour Edition at Rally Point, where a reserved room off the bar will be available to play games while enjoying drinks, appetizers, and dinner. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Hertz | 20% Off Rentals
Hertz makes travel easier for drivers 50+ with up to 20% off base rental rates.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Mike Casey & Adeem the Artist
Expect an energetic night at Slim’s featuring mind-bending live magic from Triangle favorite Mike Casey—served with a punk-rock edge—followed by a performance from Adeem the Artist.* | Slim’s Dive Bar | December 22, 9PM | More info here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Robert Plant | Rock
Robert Plant is an English singer and songwriter best known as the iconic lead vocalist of Led Zeppelin, renowned for his powerful voice and lasting influence on rock music. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | March 31, 7:30PM | 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: Dedrick Flynn at Goodnights Comedy Club | December 27 | Dedrick Flynn is an American stand-up comedian known for his dynamic stage presence, animated storytelling, and sharp, quick-witted humor. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Jason Cheny at Raleigh Improv | March 27-28 | Jason Cheny is a Taiwanese-American stand-up comedian known for his sharp cultural humor, animated delivery, and relatable storytelling. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Wreath & Wine: New Year Edition @ DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel | December 27 | 2PM
An unforgettable early New Year experience where creativity meets compassion, hosted at the welcoming DoubleTree Suites and inviting guests to sip, socialize, slow down, and support a meaningful cause. Get details here →
🤝 NYE Day Party @ Kore Durham | December 31 | 5PM
An epic NYE Day Party bringing people together to celebrate life with good vibes, great company, and nonstop fun for an unforgettable daytime bash. Get details here →
Atlantic Gardening is one of those feel‑good spots in north Raleigh...lush greenhouse, sprawling outdoor nursery, even a little garden bar tucked in there. They’ve got the rare plants, friendly help when you need it, and a vibe that’s more ‘wandering through a friend’s backyard’ than typical garden center.
—Bronte, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
💻 WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Everise is seeking a Contact Center Agent.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Massage Envy is seeking a Front Desk Sales Associate.
💸SIDE HUSTLES:
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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