The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has looked mortality in the face more than once.

In the 1930s, North Carolinians built sand dunes to protect it from the Atlantic Ocean, which yearned to have it. The lighthouse was originally built just 1,500 feet from the ocean. 

In 1999, the ocean came for it still, so the state moved it a few thousand feet inland. 

Now the 154-year-old landmark is getting another rescue—this time from the ravages of aging. In today’s edition of “Good News Friday,” we wrote about the $19.2 million makeover the lighthouse is getting this year. 

One of NC’s brightest diamonds, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton. (Shutterstock)

NC officials say the makeover—which includes interior and exterior repairs, as well as a coat of paint—will force some closures at the lighthouse, which gets more than 500,000 visits a year. 

There’s lots more to read about in “Good News Friday,” including a shout-out to a Raleigh artist whose 2023 children’s book made the year-end list at The New York Times. 

Here’s what else you’ll find below in today’s newsletter:

Friday’s just in time. 

(Photo via NC Museum of History)

This is how you begin Black History Month in NC, with the African American Cultural Celebration in the state capital.

This event gathers historians, artists, filmmakers, performers, and more to celebrate one part of our NC community. Highly recommended.

It runs from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Saturday at the NC Museum of History in Raleigh. For more info, go here.

More NC life:

The “polar plunge” at Chetola Resort, part of Blowing Rock’s annual WinterFest. (Photo via Blowing Rock WinterFest) 

🗓️ Friday – Sunday
📍Blowing Rock 

Founded in 1998, this 4-day festival is all about the fun side of winter. As their website says, “Don’t hibernate, celebrate!” 

Each day is packed with polar plunges, mini-golf, crafts, live music, and the festival of lights to end the evening. Visitors can also spend time at the beer garden, wine tastings, sampling chili, and watching artists create ice sculptures! Get tickets here. 

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Local school board races are always important. 

It’s one of the most direct ways you can impact local education without badgering your kid’s overworked teacher. This week, Mary Ellen Kurstin, a school board candidate down in Henderson County, wrote about why these elections are so crucial. 

More NC news:

The Boileryard at Camp North End in Charlotte. A good place to kick back and see a show. (Photo via Camp North End)

We love supporting local artists, so we’re fans of the artist-first atmosphere at Charlotte’s Camp North End, a renovated industrial park turned culture hub. 

Camp North End made our new list of ways to have fun in Charlotte without spending more than $20. 

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