Raleigh Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival: A Very Sweet Way to Spend January
Unlimited tastings, boozy desserts, and an indoor escape from winter.
Shannon
January 05, 2026
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If your New Year’s resolution involves more joy and fewer vegetables, this one’s for you. The Raleigh Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival takes over the Kerr Scott Building at the State Fairgrounds on January 10 with unlimited tastings of chocolate, wine, whiskey, boozy milkshakes, spiked hot chocolate, and more decadent chaos than your dentist would recommend. It’s indoors, heated, and strictly 21+.
Curious how to get your hands on a tasting glass and an alarming amount of fondue? Tickets are available online—consider this your permission slip to indulge.
Not sponsored. We just strongly support chocolate-based decision-making. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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It’s not just about history—it’s about identity, legacy, and love. It’s never too early—or too late—to get it all down.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These $5 Pints at Fortnight Brewing 🍺🔥
Every Sunday, you can grab a pint for just five bucks—no code, no catch, just good beer at a good price.
📍Where: Fortnight Brewing
📅 When: Every Sunday
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,214 SQ FT | $235,000
Fully renovated townhome in a prime Raleigh location with a 2024 roof, new HVAC and water heater, fresh paint, LVP flooring, granite countertops, and new appliances.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,318 SQ FT | .18 ACRES | $310,000
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch located less than 10 minutes from NC State University, near the Farmers Market, and just 12 minutes from downtown Raleigh.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,671 SQ FT | .12 ACRES | $460,000
Charming property featuring a cozy fireplace that anchors the living room and creates a warm, inviting gathering space.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 3,362 SQ FT | .12 ACRES | $1,500,000
Newly built 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in North Raleigh’s Eden Ridge offering refined living space and an unfinished third floor ready for future expansion.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Coquette Brasserie’s Tarte Flambée is a crispy, golden flatbread topped with crème fraîche, Parisian ham, Gruyère, and caramelized onions.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: CHANTERELLE | DOG | 3 MONTHS | FEMALE
Chanterelle is a gorgeous puppy with a warm, bright personality, happily greeting new people, enjoying snuggles, and contentedly entertaining herself with toys. Check her out here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Drop-In Improv Class at Leela Improv Theatre on January 8 at 7PM.
Leela’s weekly drop-in improv class is a joyful, no-pressure way to boost your mood, meet kind humans, and play your way into confidence—no experience required, shy folks very much included. 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: TRNUAD ATNRUE PSEVREER
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Chair Yoga @ North Regional Library | January 8 | 10AM
Chair Yoga offers a guided practice with a yoga professional, focusing on improved mobility, better breathing, a calmer mind, and connection through shared community. 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: Shoot to Thrill | Rock
Shoot to Thrill is an all-female AC/DC cover band that brings thunderous riffs, gritty vocals, and pure high-voltage energy to every stage. | Lincoln Theatre | January 9, 8PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Russell Dickerson | Country
Russell Dickerson is an American country singer-songwriter known for his upbeat, heartfelt hits and energetic live performances. | Red Hat Amphitheater | April 23, 7PM | 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: John Heffron at Raleigh Improv | January 8-10 | John Heffron is an American stand-up comedian best known for winning Last Comic Standing and his relatable, everyman humor about family and everyday life. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Adam Ray at Raleigh Improv | March 11-12 | Adam Ray is an American comedian, actor, and podcaster known for his high-energy stand-up, sharp impressions, and roles across film, TV, and voice work. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Filmmaker's Happy Hour @ Parts & Labor | January 7 | 6PM
A monthly filmmaker’s happy hour at Parts & Labor in Durham for RDU-area filmmakers, actors, and creatives to network, build partnerships, and grow the local creative community. Get details here →
🤝 Free Coworking Day @ ReCity Network | January 8 | 9AM
Free Coworking Day takes place every second Thursday at ReCity Network, offering a chance to work in a new space, connect with other changemakers, and explore the community. Get details here →
NoRa Cafe feels like one of those quiet spots you stumble into once and never stop going back—great coffee, local art on the walls, and just the right kind of calm to start your day.
—Keith, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Equivity VA is seeking a Virtual Family Law Paralegal.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Belk is seeking an Alterations 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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