Experience the Best of Western Wake

5 West magazine is devoted to exploring and celebrating life in Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs. This area repeatedly ranks among the top regions in the country to live or work, to find a home or start a business, to raise a family or retire. 5 West is dedicated to covering the topics readers care about – from hometown stories and community spotlights to fashion, food and local trends. Published six times a year, 5 West helps readers enjoy the good life that Western Wake County has to offer.

Features

Having Their Cake—and Selling It Too

The often-maligned fruitcake has a loyal following thanks to a family business with a just-right recipe. BY KURT DUSTERBERG No matter how you approach Southern Supreme Fruitcake & More on

2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Need gift ideas for loved ones on your list? Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide offers homegrown options for everyone. Shop local this holiday season, and bring your friends and family

This Year’s Diamond Award Winners

Voting has begun for the 2025 BEST OF WESTERN WAKE and BEST OF RALEIGH Diamond Awards! Click here to vote for the Best of Western Wake 2025 Click here to

2024 Meet the Doctors

PHOTOS BY JENN MCKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY AND LEAH MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY The Triangle offers some of the highest-quality health care in the country. Here’s your chance to meet local providers and learn

Departments

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Filling your feed with the most festive local flavors for your holiday table in the November/December issue headed to a media stand near you! In the issue: 

🥧 Discover Delicous Holiday Treats in and around the Triangle
🫶🏼 The Carying Place
🎄 Seasonal Celebrations 
🎁 Holiday Gift Guide 
👩🏻‍💼2024 Influential Women of Wake

Grab your copy and then head to the link in profile to read the full issue 🔗 #newissue #holiday #guiftguide #local #localeats #localevents 

📷: Photo of La Farm Bakery Apple Tart Courtesy of @lafarmbakery
This weekend the world is your oyster! 🦪 Enjoy seafood and brews at @carolinabrewery ‘s Seventh Annual Oyster Roast happening this Saturday, Nov. 2, 1-8 p.m. 🍻 The event will benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation and @obxparksforever 🌊 Admission is free and freshly steamed or raw oysters will be available for purchase by the half-dozen or dozen.🍽️ The oysters, sourced from North Carolina’s own Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., will be served by the oyster farmers, for a farm-to-table experience.🍴 #oysters #localseafood #foodie #foodiegram 

📷 Photo Courtesy of @carolinabrewerybrewpubs
Ready to deck the halls 🔔 in a snow-ver the top celebration? ❄️ Join @avarooftopbarcary atop @sportssocialnccary in @fentonnc for a Holiday Cocktail Making class on Nov 28.🍸 And be sure to check out their spectacular immersive holiday experience Tuesday- Sunday beginning Nov 14- Dec 28 of tinsel, 🎄twinkling lights,✨ small bites, and private igloos for reservation. 🧊 For more info visit avarooftopbar.com #deckthehalls #holidayrecipes #holidayhappenings #carync #cary #fenton 

📷 Photo Courtesy of @avarooftopbarcary
Are you a rides fan or fair foodie? 🎡🎠🎢 If it’s the treats you’re after we’ve rounded up some local favorites and fair-exclusives in “Local Vendors Available at the @ncstatefair “ by Kyle Marie McMahon. Click the link in bio for the full list and tag a friend you want to try them with!👇🏽#fairfoods #ncstatefair #gottobenc #foodiegram #localfun 

📷 Photo Courtesy of @lafarmbakery of Pumpkin Beignets available at their Fair Booth 🎃
Want to do a bit of holiday shopping? 🎁 Or add a bit of sparkle to your own collection? ✨🪩 We won’t tell what your choose. 🤫  But we will tell you this is your sign to enter for a chance win a $500 gift card to @baileysfinejewelry 💍 that Bailey’s gifting to TWO ✌️lucky winners. 🏆 To enter just stop by your nearest location to pick up one of their adorable “Bailey the Box” plush toys and snap a photo with Bailey on your next trip ✈️ or fun adventure. For full rules and details visit baileybox.com/baileythebox. 💎 Contest ends 10/26. Don’t forget to tell them @5westmag sent you.💙 #baileys #baileysfinejewelry #everywomanwantsabaileysbox 

📷 Photo Courtesy of @baileysfinejewelry
A caldron cocktail to kick off the weekend? 🧙‍♀️🍸 Head to the link in bio to find all the spooky specials around town. 🔗 #spookyseason #cocktailoclock #weekendmode 

✍️: “Triangle Bars Offer Deliciously Spooky Halloween Cocktails” by Elizabeth Brignac 
📷: Cover Photo Courtesy of @corpserevivercocktailbar
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Bailey’s locations are participating in a relief effort. Now until Saturday make a donation or stop by any location with approved items. For a full list of products needed and to donate online visit the link in bio. 🔗 #westernnc #Hurricanehelene #disasterreleif #baileysfinejewelry #fenton #CarolinaStrong

📷 Photo by @joshmanningtv
Hum Sub’s annual Diwali event brought a crowd of over 15,000 to Cary’s @booth_amp and does each year. Visitors enjoy South Asian food, performances, artisan vendors, traditional fireworks and more. For full coverage of the event read “Hum Sub Diwali 2024 Brings Crowds and Builds Community” at the link in bio.🔗

✍️: Written by Elizabeth Brignac
📸: Photo Courtesy of Hum Sub
Grand Opening week!✨ @timberpizzaco_raleigh is bringing their wood-fired pizza to town. The establishment is expanding to Raleigh after 10 years in Washington DC. 🍕Experience their inventive flavors and fresh pies at their brand new location opening tomorrow at 627 E Whitaker Mill Rd #grandopening #restaurantopening #pizzapie #woodfiredpizza #eatlocal

📸: Photo Courtesy of @timberpizzaco_raleigh
Happening ✨NOW!✨ Will @collettacary take the gold 🏆 for their Olivero at Sea specialty drink with olive oil fat washed vodka, vanilla liqueur and gold flake garnish? 🥂 Your votes decide! Join the @fentonnc “Shaken + Stirred” until 9p.🍸The cocktail competition🍹 will feature live music 🎶 as you visit each participating restaurant to purchase their event-exclusive drink. Participants receive a souvenir shot glass 🥃 and will be entered to win a @baileysfinejewelry gift card. 💍 All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit those in Western NC affected by Hurricane Helene. 🎟️ Visit the link in bio for more info. 🔗 #hurricanehelene #disasterrelief #fenton #fenton #cary #carync #caryrestaurants #cocktailsforacause
You’re invited! 💌 Join us for the “Shaken + Stirred” event in @fentonnc tomorrow 5p-9p.🍸The cocktail competition🍹 will feature live music 🎶 as you visit each participating restaurant to purchase their event-exclusive drink. Your votes 🗳️ will decide the winner. 🏆 Participants receive a souvenir shot glass 🥃 and will be entered to win a @baileysfinejewelry gift card. 💍 All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit those in Western NC affected by Hurricane Helene. 🎟️ Visit the link in bio for more info. 🔗 #hurricanehelene #disasterrelief #fenton #fenton #cary #carync #caryrestaurants #cocktailsforacause
Talk of the Triangle
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The Newcomer’s Guide to Western Wake

Your Invaluable Resource from 5 West Magazine BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC The Basics Welcome to Western Wake! Here is some basic information along with links to help you get started here.