First of all, hello and Happy National Squirrel Appreciation Day to all who celebrate!

Our esteemed senior newsletter editor Billy Ball is out of the office today, so I’m coming to y’all live and direct from Asheville, where it’s currently a balmy 46 (though the weather app says it “feels like 36.”) I’m gearing up for this weekend’s inclement weather, and one way I do that is planning what to make for my family and I to eat.

I’ll be making a soup or two in my crock pot, and while I was looking for inspiration online, I came across this post, which pairs birth months with iconic North Carolina foods.

As a December baby and lover of pimento cheese, I have no qualms with the author’s claim that this cheesy treat should be assigned to those born in the 12th month of the year. I am a bit jealous of those January babies, though, because they get black-eyed peas and collard greens. Interestingly enough, my Bojangles-loving, February-born husband’s go-to order is the Cajun filet biscuit. Perhaps there’s something to this? What do y’all think?

In other news, Cardinal & Pine’s own Jessica F. Simmons brings us a closer look at this weekend’s predicted winter storm.

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(Informa Plus/Shutterstock)

Happy Wednesday, NC. Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

Shoppers exploring Brightleaf Flea Market. (Brightleaf Flea Market)

Whether you’re looking for a funky piece of artwork or furniture to jazz up your home’s interior or a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one, a flea market is an excellent place to start your search. Flea markets bring together vendors selling all sorts of goods—from home decor and appliances to clothing and accessories—that are often much more unique and affordable than what you’d find at a traditional mall or online retailer.

While outdoor flea markets are popular during the summertime, indoor flea markets tend to stay open year-round, rain or shine. Keep reading to learn more about North Carolina’s best indoor flea markets and all the treasures they have to offer.

1. North Carolina begins planning for $1B rural health initiative. WUNC News

“North Carolina health officials are beginning to sketch out plans for turning the first wave of funding from a new federal program into on-the-ground changes for rural communities that have long struggled with provider shortages, hospital closures and limited access to care.”

2. This weekend’s snow forecast brings to mind Raleigh’s ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ storm. News & Observer

“As Triangle snow lovers check this weekend’s weather forecast — multiple times a day — those who have been around here awhile are thinking about the last time the Raleigh area got significant snow.”

3. More measles cases are popping up in North Carolina. Here’s where the state is tracking them. WUNC News

“Since December, there have been 11 cases of measles in North Carolina, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ new measles tracking dashboard.”

4. Renovate, don’t relocate: UNC basketball legends want to keep Smith Center on campus. WRAL News

“As university leadership considers the future of North Carolina’s basketball arena, some program legends are making their opinion clear: Renovate the Dean E. Smith Center and keep it on campus.”

The grandiose Biltmore Estate. (ZakZeinert/Shutterstock)

Great news for fans of the Biltmore Estate and Hallmark movies: Production for an upcoming holiday romance has started on the grounds of America’s largest privately-owned home.

A sequel to the 2023 Hallmark Channel film “A Biltmore Christmas” will feature numerous estate locations, including Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bedroom, the rooftop, the swimming pool, and the main kitchen.

The as-yet-unnamed movie will premiere during Hallmark Channel’s holiday programming in late 2026.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Brook Bolen. Today’s edition includes stories from Jessica F. Simmons, Britteny Dee, and USA Today via Reuters. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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