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.
The Great Escape: Your 5 West Guide to Stress-Free Thanksgiving Dinner
By Kyle Marie McMahon | The thought of pulling off the perfect Thanksgiving dinner can be a little overwhelming, especially after a busy year.
5 in 5: Five Local Finds to Elevate Your Thanksgiving Table
By Kyle Marie McMahon
The menu is set, the guest list is finalized, and the holiday hosting panic is just starting to set in. As the heart of the home in Western Wake, you want to create a special, memorable Thanksgiving, but you're also juggling…
Tri Pointe Homes Breaks Ground on Resort-Style Amenities in Fuquay-Varina
Big things are happening in Fuquay-Varina. Tri Pointe Homes has officially broken ground on a brand-new, state-of-the-art amenities center at Altis at Serenity, the builder’s first 55+ lifestyle community in the Triangle. The 8,000-square-foot clubhouse—set to open in fall 2026—will become the heart of this…
Celebrate by Starlight: FigMINT’s Dinner in the Pines
| By Jennifer Primrose | Photography by Jessica Bratton | Hidden just past I-540 on Highway 64, FigMINT Farms feels like a world apart, where twinkling lights, a long communal table, and the aroma of fresh herbs create a welcoming atmosphere. Here, communities gather for…
100 Years of Hands-On Learning: John C. Campbell Folk School
| By Page Leggett | Going to the John C. Campbell Folk School (JCCFS) is like going to a grown-up sleepaway camp. That is, if…
A Guide to Winter Pet Wellness
| By Dolly Sickles | For some folks, winter is a cozy season. Colder temperatures encourage layered clothing and snuggly evenings by the fireplace. Sound…
Apex Family’s Holiday Display Draws Visitors to Unique Tribute
| By Kurt Dusterberg| Eric and Mandy Rogers started out like lots of other couples with holiday spirit. “We both grew up loving Christmas,” Mandy…
Holiday Gift Ideas: 5 Local Treats
| By Samantha Carson | The holiday season is coming up fast. Are you ready? If you’re still looking for the perfect gift, many local…
Holiday Happenings: Seasonal Events in the Triangle
| By Kyle Marie McMahon | The holiday season is here, and towns across the Triangle are sparkling! From spectacular light shows and festive parades…
Deck the Halls Naturally
| By Katelyn Rutt | While the holidays in North Carolina may not arrive wrapped in a snowy blanket, the season brings something even more…
Winter Hibernation Is Skin’s Rejuvenation
| By Rachel Danielle | When temperatures drop and nature slows down, it’s tempting to think that our skin does the same. But here’s the…
Cary’s Community Theater Takes the Stage
| By Katie Eaker | Photos courtesy of the Cary Players | In the evenings of late August, a creative buzz can be felt radiating…
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cups Recipe
| By Grace Barker| A lighly sweetened raspberry center enveloped in a rich and creamy dark chocolate base, this rich and tangy flavor is ready…
The Soccer Tournament (TST) Stays in Cary Through 2029
In a major announcement for Cary and Wake County, The Soccer Tournament (TST) is here to stay. The world's premier 7v7 soccer festival has signed…
A Doctor’s Instinct, A Life-Saving Discovery
By Kyle Marie McMahon For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are sharing a powerful local story that underscores the importance of proactive health decisions and…
Trick-or-Treating with Autism: A Parent’s Guide to a Stress-Free Halloween
By Matt Rokowsky Halloween is often a time of joy for many kids, as it is filled with costumes and the excitement of trick-or-treating.…
CRÚ Wine Bar Unveils Growth Plans and Fresh Design
By Kyle Marie McMahon Since its founding in 2002, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar has been a pioneer in making the wine experience approachable and enjoyable,…
Tailgating Hacks Every Fan Needs This Football Season
By Zach Ferenchak, Rmd. The Food Agency Football season is officially here, and that means parking lots full of grills, coolers, and spirited fans…
Free Children’s Ballet Classes in Raleigh
Carolina Ballet and the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts are teaming up to offer five FREE “Ballet 4 All” classes for kids…
From Durham to Salzburg: The Sound of Music at DPAC
By Dathan Kazsuk | | Durham might not have the Alps, but this October the hills—well, stages—will definitely be alive with music. From October…
