RALEIGH, NC
Raleigh is home to great breweries, scenic outdoor spots and warm North Carolina sunshine. My friend Caroline has lived in Raleigh for almost 5 years now and filled me in on her favorite spots. Happy traveling!
Travel Tip:
- Don’t limit yourself to downtown Raleigh. While there’s a lot to do downtown, the greater city offers even more. Public transportation isn’t great, you should either rent a car or be prepared to Uber/Lyft around.
One fun thing:
- On a nice day, it’s fun to grab a pizza from Trophy Brewing and head to Dorthea Dix Park for a picnic. There is always a plethora of dogs running around and it’s a lovely green space with a view of the city.
- Raleigh Marriott City Center: in a great location – perfect for walking around downtown Raleigh.
- AirBnB: one of the best options when you come into town. Lots of options in whichever area you choose.
- Brewery tour: the craft beer scene in Raleigh is huge. There are lots of breweries to choose from, but favorites include Trophy Brewing, Raleigh Beer Garden and Lynnwood Brewing. Find more info about Trophy Brewing in the lunch section. Raleigh Beer Garden has over 350 beers on tap, and their first floor is dedicated to NC beers. Lynnwood Brewery is a small local favorite.
- Umstead State Park: a true display of North Carolina’s gorgeous green space. It’s a great spot to go hiking and admire the forest, streams and all accompanying nature.
- Catch a college game: an exciting way to cheer on the local schools. Raleigh is close to several sports- dominant schools including UNC Chapel Hill, Duke and NC State. As someone who went to a small D3 college, it was exciting to get to experience a game at a big D1 school.
- North Carolina Museum of Art: a museum that is home to both indoor traditional galleries and an outdoor section with walking paths, sculptures and more. Recently ranked one of America’s top 25 museums by Insider.
- Boulted Bread: a bakery known for their flaky pastries. Try their morning bun or ham & cheese croissant. It’s located near the Raleigh Farmer’s Market, which is open every day year round. Grab a pastry and walk around the farmer’s market!
- Jubala Coffee: a coffee shop that prides itself on its handcrafted coffee experience. In addition to great coffee, they serve amazing biscuits that you can eat with bacon, egg & cheese or with a variety of compotes. They have 2 locations in Raleigh – one close to downtown and the other in North Raleigh.
- Beasley’s Chicken & Honey: a fabulous brunch spot. Chef Ashley Christensen is a James Beard award chef who is renowned for her southern food. This is a sit down restaurant that is known for their fried chicken and biscuits.
- Sola Coffee: a coffee shop with tasty sandwiches. Sola doubles as a fantastic breakfast place and has wonderful sandwiches for lunch. Additionally, their hot mini doughnuts are to die for.
- Transfer Co. Food Hall: a food hall with plenty of options. Raleigh has two food halls, but Transfer Co. is the better of the two. While it’s a bit smaller, the food is superior, there’s more seating and it’s not as crowded. A favorite spot in Transfer Co. is Mama Crows, noted for its burgers and salads.
- Trophy Brewing: the favorite local brewery. There are two locations, one that hosts the brewery and a variety of food trucks, and the other that makes their own specialty pizzas. Pizza favorites include “Most Loyal” and “Best Dressed.” Caroline’s favorite beer is the “Cloud Surfer IPA.”
- Brewery Bhavana: a bookstore, flower shop, dim sum spot and brewery all in one. Get a few small plates to share and consider ordering their delicious soup dumplings. Drink wise, they have a great spicy green margarita and the Grove IPA is a favorite. You’ll need a reservation in advance, it books up very quickly. If you can’t get in, their sister restaurant Bida Manda is also fantastic.
- Poole’s a retro 1950s diner themed Ashley Christensen restaurant. The macaroni au gratin is rich and delicious. Their cocktails are top-notch.
- Death & Taxes: another Ashley Christensen spot with a smokey flair. All their dishes contain an element roasted over a wood fire. It is a bit on the expensive side.
- Raleigh Times: a more casual option with a “chill vibe”. It’s a large restaurant with an upstairs patio area. The salmon fried rice is very tasty.
- Two Roosters ice cream is THE BEST. The store has your traditional flavors but also serves locally inspired ones like roasted NC strawberries and honey. Caroline loves this place so much that she is bringing in a Two Roosters ice cream truck for her wedding.
- The Cupcake Shoppe: a delightful shop for a sweet treat. Try the lemon zinger, pretty in pink or you mocha me crazy cupcakes.
- Glenwood South: a neighborhood/street where you can find high-energy bars galore.
- Whiskey Kitchen: a bar for a more casual night out. They have great cocktails, especially ones made with Whiskey.
- Watts & Ward: a speakeasy downtown. They also have outdoor seating too.
