New Year’s Day Southern Buffet at Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
Fried chicken, good luck foods, and one last downtown hurrah.
Shannon
December 26, 2025
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Start 2026 the Southern way with Clyde Cooper’s BBQ’s New Year’s Day Celebration & Buffet, running January 1 from noon–4pm. Expect a classic spread—chopped BBQ pork, fried chicken, collards, black-eyed peas, candied yams, sweet treats, and more—served with a side of history as the legendary spot marks its final day downtown after 88 years. Beer and wine are 50% off, parking’s free for two hours, and tickets are $33 at the door.
Curious? Grab the details and ticket info here and plan your first meal of the year wisely.
Not sponsored—we’re just emotionally invested in BBQ and fresh starts. (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 | 1,123 SQ FT | .08 ACRES | $299,950
Rarely available end-unit ranch townhome in popular Oak Park West, offering an ideal blend of location, convenience, and easy living.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,777 SQ FT | .03 ACRES | $325,000
Modern and convenient North Raleigh townhome featuring low-maintenance LVP flooring throughout the open living, dining, and kitchen areas for a sleek, flexible layout.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,877 SQ FT | .14 ACRES | $475,000
Beautifully maintained home in one of Raleigh’s premier 55+ active adult communities, offering exceptional amenities, a vibrant social calendar, and abundant recreational clubs (only one resident must be 55+).* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 5 BEDROOMS | 6 BATHROOMS | 3,720 SQ FT | .24 ACRES | $1,699,000
Ready in August 2026, the Clara is a high-end custom new construction in The Founding at Blue Ridge featuring upgraded finishes, thoughtful design, and 5 bedrooms each with a private bath plus a half bath.* 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: Candle Making at Fenton on December 27 at 11AM.
A cozy candle-making experience with The Raw Edition Candle Company featuring a guided scent journey, premium fragrances, and hands-on instruction to create a custom candle in a fun, relaxing setting. 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: GRIEAHL STIME ABR
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Make New Friends (56+ Group) | Online | December 27 | 7PM
A fun social group designed for newcomers and locals alike, offering an easy way to meet new people, make friends quickly, and connect with others you might not meet otherwise. 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: Lady Jane Grey | Heavy Metal
Experience a raw, moody night of live music at Slim’s with Raleigh’s Lady Jane Grey, blending grungy, dark, and melodic sounds with flashes of heavy metal.* | Slim's Dive Bar | January 5, 9PM | More info 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!
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✔️ 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: Michael Yo at Raleigh Improv | January 2-4 | Michael Yo is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and television host known for his high-energy storytelling and relatable humor drawn from real-life experiences. 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:
🤝 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 →
🤝 Paint Nite Brand Creative Events @ Hi Wire Brewing Company Durham | December 28 | 3PM
Sip and Paint parties at Hi-Wire Brewing Durham invite guests to enjoy food and drinks while painting an 11x14 canvas with a professional artist, blending guided techniques with creative freedom for a fun night out. 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: Infosys is seeking a Power Apps Lead Developer.
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