Dec. 15, 2023

If you’ve been with us a while, first off: Thank you. Secondly: Don’t we look so fresh and so clean?

We’ve been hard at work on a new look for Cardinal & Pine. The goal is to make the site, our social media channels, and this award-winning newsletter a consistent, easy-to-read product.

If you notice some kinks along the way, forgive us. But while we look a bit different, Cardinal & Pine will still be bringing you North Carolina news and culture that puts you—not the politically connected or the powerful—first. Without a paywall, ever. 

Enough housekeeping. Let’s talk about NC. The holidays are a four-course meal in NC, especially in the upper reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of a few places where you might actually see snow on a Fraser fir tree. 

Today’s “Good News Friday” roundup takes stock of all the holiday-themed shout-outs for NC’s mountains, especially in Blowing Rock, NC, which was recently chosen as one of the “best Christmas towns” in America.

Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for holidays. (Shutterstock)

Today’s “Good News Friday” has a lot of stargazing too, between the Geminids meteor shower and Wilmington’s Azalea Fest, which has booked a pair of headliners for their annual April party. 

Here’s what else is in this weekend newsletter:

As always, thanks for reading, NC. It’s our pleasure to work for you.

Reproductive-rights rally in North Carolina in 2022. (Photo by Jason Redmond / AFP)

In one of the biggest stories of 2023, North Carolina joined the growing list of Southern states stripping women of their long established reproductive rights.

Cardinal & Pine’s Michael McElroy breaks down a watershed year for reproductive freedom in our state, and explains why NC lawmakers aren’t nearly done rolling back abortion. 

In fact, Republicans have said that if they win the governor’s race and expand their control in the legislature in 2024, a full ban is on the table. 

Getty 

We want you to tell us your favorite bakery in NC. 

And we’re expecting a lot of answers, because it seems like every town in NC has a booming donut shop these days. My pick is Monuts in Durham, which has maybe the most perfect basic, glazed donut I’ve ever had. Cakey, moist, and not too, too sweet. 

Click the button below to tell us your favorite! And keep an eye on this newsletter for the results. 

Image via Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular

Carolina Holiday Lights Spectacular

📍Charlotte

📅 Now until Dec. 30, hours vary

Ballantyne’s Backyard is the place to stop for a holiday light show like no other! For the second year in a row, visitors from all over can enjoy a half-mile stroll filled with more than a half-million lights, holiday scenes, and music playing throughout. 

Advanced ticket purchases are suggested for time slots which start at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday until Dec. 30. 

Recently, we counted down of our favorite secret towns to visit during the winter. 

From hot cocoa crawls to a trip through time and hillsides covered in Christmas trees, you have options. 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by NC journalist Billy Ball. Cardinal & Pine is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.

Send us your feedback and news tips to info@cardinalpine.com