Although I’m three months late getting my May 2026 Favorites post published, it doesn’t feel like it’s that late. Seems like May was just the other day! May was one of my favorite months of 2026 so far. Certain things that were happening behind the scenes in May didn’t necessarily come to fruition the way I thought they would in the months to come. But I’m thankful to still have some sweet memories from the month to look back upon.
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Carousel Festival
City Park in my hometown has an historic Dentzel carousel. They host an annual Carousel Festival in the park. There’s live music and vendors, but the highlight is always free carousel rides. I went to the Carousel Festival the first weekend in May with my friend Megan. It was unseasonably cool for early May in NC, hence my leggings and sweatshirt. But we still had a great time and I always enjoy a ride on the carousel. One thing I love about this carousel is the variety of animals. While a horse is the classic carousel animal, the cats and bunnies are so cute. I also really like the tiger, but never actually ride it because it doesn’t move up and down.
The Making of American Girl Coffee Table Book
It’s hard to believe that American Girl turned 40 this year! Definitely makes me feel old! Also, seems like just the other day that I bought the re-released Felicity and Samantha dolls in celebration of American Girl’s 35th Anniversary.
As soon as I saw that American Girl was releasing a special coffee table book commemorating their 40th anniversary, I pre-ordered it from Target using a gift card I had. When my copy of The Making of American Girl arrived on release day, it was even better than I anticipated! First of all, the book was bigger than I expected based on the price point. It’s downright gorgeous book, but the best part is the nostalgia. As I flipped through it, I felt like I was back in the 90s perusing a Pleasant Company catalog. I haven’t had a chance to throughly read it cover-to-cover yet. But there’s so much behind-the-scenes content about the history of this iconic brand.
The Making of American Girl coffee table book is a must-have for any American Girl fan.
Run Club
In May I started going to a run club in Raleigh that I had visited once last summer. It’s always nice to have a change of scenery from my typical runs. I also met some new people and got to meet my best friend for coffee at Jubala afterwards.
Two Roosters Guest Flavors
Another month, another trip to Two Roosters to try guest flavors as a highlight! May’s guest flavors theme was the Kid Chefs series, flavors submitted by local kids. I got a scoop of Serena’s Nutella & Oreo Brownie (Nutella base with brownie chunks, Oreo crumbles, and a fudge drizzle) and Juliette’s Espresso Marshmallow Chip (espresso base with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips). As a bonus, I got to catch up with my friend Jeslea while enjoying delicious ice cream.
Memorial Day Weekend at the Beach
I went to our place at Emerald Isle for several days over Memorial Day Weekend with my dad and brother. This was my first trip to the beach since my first half marathon in October. It was wild thinking about how seven months had passed, even though it didn’t seem like it had been that long. And when I went on runs during this weekend, it was crazy to think about how the last time I ran at Emerald Isle was crossing the finish line of my first half marathon! One day was a rest day from running, but I took a walk down to the start/finish line area of the race and reminisced. I also thought about how I will be running my first full marathon in the same spot five months down the road.
The weather forecast was actually better than expected, so we got to enjoy a decent amount of beach time. We also enjoyed takeout from some of our favorite places, as well as a trip to Fish Hut and Dairy Queen.
Memorial Day Weekend at the beach always marks the start of summer for me each year!
Running of the Bulls 8K
The last Saturday in May I ran the Running of the Bulls 8K for the second year. The weather this year was significantly more hot and humid for this particular race. There was also no cloud cover, whereas it was overcast last year. I also had to stop about one mile in to tie my shoe, since I forgot to double-knot beforehand. As a result, my time was 11 seconds slower than last year. I couldn’t be too upset about it though.
Last year’s Running of the Bulls 8K was the largest race I had done at that point. This year, just under five miles seemed like a short race with two half marathons and a 10-miler under my belt. Although multiple times during the race I thought that I would rather be running a half marathon! I believe an 8K is the hardest distance I’ve raced so far.
Though challenging and hot + humid, Running of the Bulls 8K 2026 was a great time. The highlight was a post-race photo opp with Wool E. Bull. Freshly cut watermelon as a post-race snack hit the spot as well. And I especially loved that this year’s cowbell finisher medal featured a hot pink ribbon. I had already planned to wear my green XX-XY Athletics Honest Tee for my race day ‘fit. Turned it out it conveniently matched the hot pink on my race bib and finisher medal.
PS. My green XX-XY Athletics Honest Tee is a retired limited edition color. But you can show your support for women’s sports by saving 20% on any current color with code LIZ20. The Honest Tee is one of my favorite style workout tops for the warm months.
Trader Joe’s Crispy Rice Bars
I discovered a new Trader Joe’s treat in May: Crispy Rice Bars. These are essentially the Trader Joe’s equivalent of individually wrapped Rice Krispie Treats. They are delicious and a great on-the-go treat. Although not perfect by any means, the ingredients in Trader Joe’s Crispy Rice Bars are better than those in Rice Krispie Treats.
Miscellaneous May Snapshot
I went to Waller Family Farm near closing time one day to pick another batch of strawberries (see my first trip of the season here). Since they were about to close for the day and were going to be closed the following day to let berries ripen, Farmer Mark was giving away free wildflowers that had already been picked.
Thanks so much for reading my belated May 2026 Favorites. Now that I’m caught up on recapping my favorite things from Spring 2026, stay tuned for my recaps of the first couple months of summer!
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