is a quick guide of, well, Rachel’s local favorites in Raleigh and Durham! Whether you’re a Triangle Native or looking to add to your “things to do” page on your wedding website, there’s bound to be something here that will stick. These are also all places that The Rabbott could take you and a group of friends for a fun outing, just saying! Every title is linked, and I hope you enjoy!
Honestly, this is simply a really beautiful park, and there’s not much more for me to add. The sunflower field is stunning, and you can get a really great view of the Raleigh Skyline.
Isn’t it frustrating how being a nerd used to be lame, but now it’s cool? Whether you’re looking for an extremely upgraded adult Chuck E. Cheese (minus the unhinged mascot) or you are an adult nerd, Boxcar has you covered. They have a lot of brews to choose from, and they have all of the staple arcade games. I personally love the old-school pinball machines! Boxcar is also a type of train car, so that makes my transportation heart sing.
It’s a question that we ask everyday, yet the solution is different each day for each person: “What do you want for dinner?” Ditch the back and forth banter among your group and non-stop googling of spots. Go to Morgan Street Food Hall where they have anything you’d want. Tacos, pizza, burgers, Indian, Greek, you name it. If the picky eater in your group isn’t satisfied, then I think it’s a “them” problem.
Mixed-use zoning FTW! This niche spot is a fairly new addition to Raleigh, and I dig it. There’s a brewery, a sweet plant store, and a great ice cream shop just to name a few places. This is a nice spot to bring the kids as well since there are huge industrial iron swings and slides!
Think old school pizza parlor, ceiling fans like at grandma’s house, family-run, and servers knowing your name. I know pizza can be a controversial topic, but it isn’t if Frank’s Pizza is in the equation. Check out this OG spot for all of your pizza, stromboli, calzone, and soprano-esque needs. Good vibes only–no literally, they have a sign that says that.
I like to feel that tingle in my jaw when I eat my key lime pie, so I will drive 45 minutes from Raleigh to Foster’s solely for their key lime pie. This place really is the essence of a country store, local market, cafe, deli, and overall “neighborhood spot” all in one.
You can immediately feel the Latina-owned influence and multi-cultural embrace upon entering any of their Durham stores. I like this particular one the best because of the little tables in the main area. Their website is really worth a read because of how much they have going on. Name a local coffee shop who has a sliding scale to make local goodness accessible: it’s Cocoa Cinnamon.
I can see it now! It’s Friday. You attend that HR-mandated team building workshop in ATC’s office space. You crush a workout at the YMCA then devour some pizza and a milkshake for lunch. You swing by the salon to get your hair done, followed by drinks with the crew. To finish off the night, you head to a Durham Bulls baseball game. The best part? It’s all in one place: American Tobacco Campus!
First of all, the name immediately had my attention. Second of all, the energy is so welcoming, hip, and truly empowering that I just want to sign a lease at this lounge. Whether you're looking for a mocktail that isn’t O’Doul’s or you’re a craft beer baddie, it’s probably at The Velvet Hippo. Go there. Now!
You know those alcohol menus that look like science charts with the ABV, country of origin, and how long it’s been aged? This is one of those places. Ladies, if he says “bUT, tHeY dOn’T HavE BEER at wIne pLAceS” tell him he’s wrong because this is also a brewery. They even have cigars and NA options, so bring your smoker friend and your pregnant friend!