5 West Mag

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.

Entertainment Out & About

Unique dates beyond the box of chocolates

BydathanJanuary 6, 20260Comments

By Kate Loeffel | Valentine’s Day sparks a familiar call to action for couples—declare your love with chocolates, flowers, and balloons filling every grocery store aisle.

Food Sip & Savor

Meet the Chef – Christopher Prieto

BydathanJanuary 5, 20260Comments

By Dathan Kazsuk | In our new series, we sit down with a standout Triangle chef for a quick-fire Q&A designed to give readers a taste of who they are—straight from the kitchen.

Home & Garden

A New Year’s Guide to the Organized Home

BydathanJanuary 1, 20260Comments

By Kyle Marie McMahon | There is a specific, bittersweet quiet that settles over the house once the holidays are officially over. This January, let’s focus on a tangible reset.

Family & Education

Classes and Online Resources are Plentiful for Standardized Testing

BydathanJanuary 1, 20260Comments

By Kurt Dusterberg | In some cases, scoring well on the SAT or ACT can be the difference between acceptance at a student’s number one choice or settling for a safety school.

Local Business

Apex’s New Father-Son Spice Shop

By Kate Koeffel | As customers step into The Spice & Tea Exchange in downtown Apex, they’re greeted by an expansive mix of…

BydathanJanuary 1, 20260Comments

Out & About

January/February Events in the Cary-Area

January 2 First Friday Downtown Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varinadowntown.com Start the new year on a high note with Fuquay-Varina’s signature monthly street party. Even in the winter…

BydathanJanuary 1, 20260Comments

Health & Wellness

A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Running a 5K

By Sonali Sethi | It’s inspiring watching someone cross a finish line. Seeing their faces shining with glee—and no doubt some sweat—might have…

BydathanJanuary 1, 20260Comments

Community Features Special Sections

2026 Diamond Award Winners

5 West readers voted for their favorite businesses, services, and venues. Now, we are excited to present this year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners!…

BykyleJanuary 1, 20260Comments

Community Special Sections