We are in the throws of holiday activites and there is a ton going on each week. The Oakwood Candlelight Tour & the Downtown Raleigh Winterfest Celebration are my top holiday picks this weekend. You can keep tabs on all the local holiday events by checking out my recent post on “Triangle Christmas Parades, Tree Lightings, & Holiday Concerts“. In addition to those events here are some other great things going on that I think would be fun to explore this weekend:
Friday December 6th
First Friday at Oak City Cycling Project & Slingshot Coffee HQ
This Friday swing by Oak City Cycling Project and Slingshot Coffee Company HQ for an evening of Art, Beer, Coffee, Bikes and Massage. Local art will be on display, Slingshot Coffee’s window will be open and serving up tasty cold brew coffee drinks.10 minute chair massage sessions will be available (first 5 minutes are free). Big Boss Brewing Company will be providing beer with all beer donations going to a local cycling charity.
https://www.facebook.com/events/421878427941128/
Saturday December 7th
Elf Fair in Carrboro
The 7th Annual Elf Fair, a magical festival of holiday arts and crafts, will take place at The ArtsCenter on the first Saturday in December! Featuring over 35 local artists offering jewelry, pottery, clothing, accessories, candles, toys, and lots of unique, affordable items for all ages. The bar will be open for holiday beverages, and festive foods will be available during the event. A kids’ zone will feature hands-on art projects and classic holiday films.
http://www.artscenterlive.org/events/elf-fair/
Pop-Up Market at Sola Coffee
Sola Coffee will play host once again to local artisans in a “pop-up” market set up in their cafe’ this Saturday from 10am-2pm. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses as you do your holiday shopping. Look for special musical guest Jo Gore from singing live Christmas music from 10-12! Don’t forget to grab some great coffee and their famous mini donuts!
http://solacoffee.com/
Sunday December 8th
Boylan Heights Artwalk – POSTPONED TO DECEMBER 15th DUE TO WEATHER
The ArtWalk is a great way to start the holiday season and is always a popular event. Over a hundred artists and craftspeople will sell a wide range of glasswork, metalwork, woodwork, textiles and clothing, ceramics, drawings, photography, and painting from the neighborhood’s porches, yards, and sidewalks. Spend the day and check out what the local art scene has to offer. Also a great way to explore the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood! Admission is free. Food will be available throughout the day, including burritos (vegetarian and meat), pulled pork, wraps, and more.
http://artwalk.boylanheights.org/
Brunch at The Parlour
I haven’t been to The Parlour in Durham yet, but I hear the ice cream and food are amazing. This Sunday they are holding a special brunch from 11am-2pm. The menu features vegan and gluten free offerings. Definitely something to check out!
The Menu:
-Gluten-free almond pancakes with vanilla ice cream and poached pears
-Vegan french toast with vegan orange ice cream and quince jam
-Blueberry scones
-Vegan apple crumb muffins
-Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, espresso drinks
https://www.facebook.com/events/746797098667073/
The Triangle Explorer 
If I stayed at the Marriott, I’d have a hard time not walking back to my room without a scoop in hand. I hope I can make it out to Parlour for that brunch (looks good).
Art, I’ve had Parlour’s Ice Cream, the salted butter caramel is to do for, but never had the Brunch. I need to get over there!!
I suggest going to Hard Knocks in raleigh nc. Awesome place. (www.indoorwar.com/location/raleigh-north-carolina/)