How to Enjoy an Elevated 48-Hour Staycation in North Hills 

If you’ve ever thought of enjoying a staycation in Raleigh, we think the North Hills District offers the perfect opportunity to play tourist in your own backyard. 

We are fans of a staycation, and you think of it as a new form of vacation. Between work stress, family stress, and health stress we’re all in need of a collective vacation and some self-care, but taking a typical vacation to a far-flung destination may not be feasible.

A staycation offers many of the same mental and physical benefits as a traditional vacation, but with less stress and a lower price tag!

Staycations don’t require early morning flights, long travel days, or complicated trip planning. The only thing standing between you and being on #StaycationMode is perhaps a short drive or organizing overnight child-minding for the kids at home – thankfully, our kids are grown and can take care of themselves!

Our busy schedules typically don’t leave much time for exploring new restaurants, local businesses, or that hotel we always drive past. A staycation is a good excuse to finally check things off our tourist to-do list. 

And when I think of a district in Raleigh that offers enough to keep you occupied and stimulated over a 48-hour period, North Hills immediately comes to mind, it has everything you need!

Home to 130+ local shops, high-end boutiques, restaurants, bars, salons and spas, cinemas, a bowling alley, Farmers’ Market, indie bookstore, outdoor concerts, greenspaces, and on-site hotels, it’s the premier destination in Raleigh.

We recently enjoyed a staycation in partnership with Visit North Hills, and below is how we turned it into an “elevated” stay, how we filled in our time, and the experiences we had. You can follow in our footsteps. 

Where to Stay

Renaissance Raleigh Hotel

Checking into our room, I remember one of us saying, “I think we’ve found our home-away-from-home here in Raleigh”. First impressions count, and that feeling was repeatedly reinforced throughout our staycation time at this hotel. 

This was our first time stepping inside the Renaissance, and we were immediately impressed with how modernized it all felt, from all the common areas to our room.

There’s so much we loved about our stay. Firstly, the location. Step outside the doors of the hotel and you’re immediately in the heart of Raleigh’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district. We parked our car in the hotel lot, and with the great walkability of all four districts at North Hills we thoroughly enjoyed exploring on foot.

Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. We’ve stayed in many cramped hotel rooms, and this was a room we were happy to come back to. And looking out our window over Main District with views of Park District gave us the feeling of being on vacation!

Features of our room included the living/sitting area with an oversized chair, work desk with ergonomic chair, cable/satellite tv, whirlpool spa, kitchenette area, modern bathroom and artful decor. Read our full review of the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel in North Hills.

Drinks at 41Hundred Restaurant and Lounge

Before dinner at nearby Tamasha, we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks at the casual yet sophisticated hotel bar, and our server, who was originally from the New Orleans area, was fantastic – we could have listened to her stories all night!

Breakfast in the Hotel

The breakfast in the 41Hundred lounge was also impressive. Choose from a large selection of hot buffet style or à la carte, and made-to-order omelets. 

Overall, this hotel is very clean and quiet. We found the staff to be always professional and accommodating, and they genuinely seemed joyful and happy to be working there!

If you like gyms and working out when you stay at hotels, Renaissance has a relationship with the nearby Fitness Connection, which is an excellent gym located next door that guests may use as part of their stay!

FUN FACT: the visiting NHL hockey teams stay at the Renaissance when they are in town to play the Carolina Hurricanes. And the US Olympic Swim team stayed here while training at the Triangle Aquatic Center before the Paris Olympics – the server at Bartaco where we stopped in for an afternoon snack excitedly told us he served Katie Ledecky tacos three times during their stay!

• Address: 4100 Main at North Hills St, Raleigh
• Website: renaissanceraleigh.com

Where to Eat & Drink

Tamasha Modern Indian

If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience in the North Hills district, look no further than Tamasha Modern Indian.

They may be relatively new on the scene, but judging by their popularity, yes, you need to book well ahead in advance, and their recognition as one of the “50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America” by OpenTable and People Magazine – you are in for a visual and culinary treat.

Before entering, you’re struck by the gold archways over the tables by the windows that create an intimate space. Then upon entering, the dramatic marble, light fixtures, and professional and friendly service sets the mood and you immediately feel special. 

‘Tamasha’ means “a grand performance or drama”, and owners Mike and Tina envisioned an upscale Indian restaurant, reflecting class, luxury, and modern chic design. And the ambiance is nothing short of spectacular – modern, elegant, and beautifully designed. The custom-made table tops made out of Sinter stone offer a chic look and provide for a sophisticated touch. 

And the food was presented with artistic flair and exquisiteness, offering a delightful culinary journey through modern Indian cuisine, complemented by a lively atmosphere, excellent cocktails (I recommend the Khushi), and extensive international wine list.

This is upscale Indian food, each dish a delightful blend of traditional Indian spices with a contemporary twist by Executive Chef, Bhavin Chhatwani, who’s culinary philosophy revolves around skillfully blending spices and flavors from around the world to craft unique, relatable, and unforgettable dishes.

The attention to detail is evident in every corner at Tamasha, including the incredibly knowledgeable and attentive waitstaff who offer personable suggestions and drink pairings with every dish.

• Address: 4200 Six Forks Rd Suite # 130, Raleigh
• Website: tamashanc.com

Cucciolo Terrazza

We love Italian food. Our 12 days in Italy last summer was the highlight of our month-long European trip, and we take any opportunity to enjoy quality Italian food at home here in Raleigh.

While dinner at Cucciolo Terrazza in North Hills is not quite the same as being in Italy, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience that consisted of delicious food, a lovely ambiance, and top-notch service. 

You can expect creative and modern Italian cuisine with a twist. Their goal is to serve simple and delicious Italian food using the highest quality ingredients in an upscale, yet casual space.

Their menu is small by design, how we like it, offering a rotation of seasonal dishes with the focus on pasta. 

From the stylish bar to the seated tables and lighting fixtures, the decor is smart and modern and the atmosphere inviting. The wait staff is pleasant and informative and offer insightful suggestions while being mindful of food intolerances. 

A lovely evening all round. Each dish and dessert was thoroughly enjoyed, with no leftovers, and we look forward to returning and taste testing the rest of the menu.

• Address: 4200 Six Forks Rd Suite 100, Raleigh
• Website: cuccioloraleigh.com

Happy + Hale

Well-being is at the center of our lives, and when we were in need of a fresh and healthy meal prepared quickly upon arriving at North Hills before checking into our hotel, we thought of Happy + Hale.

Featuring bowls, salads, smoothies, and all-day breakfast, this is the place to go for healthy, organic, and reasonably priced lunch or breakfast.

You can ‘build your own bowl’ or choose from the pre-selected suggestions, including lots of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Choose bowl options with signature protein choices such as buffalo cauliflower, herb roasted chicken, seared tenderloin, ahi tuna, crispy tofu. Plus, a large range of base salad options, toppings, and sauces. Note that all smoothies are gluten free and vegan.

The staff certainly lived up to the “happy” mantra and everyone seems to enjoy working here. And the space is bright and clean, with somewhat of a California vibe, with indoor and outdoor seating. 

• Address: 200 Park at N Hills St #101, Raleigh
• Website: happyandhale.com

Coffee Fix at Jubala

Jubala is the go-to coffee spot in North Hills for your caffeine fix. A specialty coffee shop with professionally trained baristas serving up excellent lattes and a full coffee bar menu.Plus seasonal specialties and tasty comfort food such as fluffy biscuits, and banana Nutella waffles. 

• Address: 200 Park at N Hills St Suite 140, Raleigh
• Website: jubalacoffee.com

Clean Juice

If you’re looking for a juice or smoothie, either between meals or as a meal replacement, head to Clean Juice. This locally owned juice bar specializes in using fresh ingredients in their cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and acai bowls.

It’s more than just a juice bar though, on their menu you’ll also find small bites like their popular avocado toast and other healthy foods like salads, sandwiches and wraps in a bright and clean space.  

Caroline ordered the Dragon Fruit and Lemonade juice, and I went with their Protein bowl with chicken. If you’re really into juicing, they also offer organic juice cleanses!

• Address: 4421 Six Forks Rd #103-B, Raleigh
• Website cleanjuice.com

Alternate dining options in North Hills we love include Coquette Brasserie (French), Las Ramblas (Spanish tapas), Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Rosewater. See the full list of dining options here. 

Where to Shop

Makers Alley in the Innovation District

The newest district in North Hills is the Innovation District (NHID), and it’s here you’ll find Makers Alley, a hub and alley way for hyperlocal business owners and creators to show off their products and services on a walkable ground level.

We love how hyper local these stores are in Makers Alley, and the support of local entrepreneurs to show off their creations.

This area is within walking distance of Park District and consists of the following local stores:

• Designed For Joy – they sell amazing handbags and jewelry, and they provide women in crisis with stability through immediate employment and support. 
• Green Rabbit – house plants and planters designed for home living. 
• Hellbent – curated boutique clothing, accessories and lifestyle collections.
• Balloonz – Balloon installs, boutique party goods & fashion for teens and tweens. 
• Ky’s Kandles – luxury, refillable candles hand poured in NC.
• Bofémme – quality and unique jewelry.
• Trendlend – an in-person and online rental company that allows you to try on clothes before renting them.

Whether you’re looking for fashion, home decor, or gifts, there’s an impressive array of shops in North Hills from well-known brand names to unique local boutique stores. For other elevated shopping in North Hills, consider:

•  Monkee’s – a ladies store known to have the finest lines in shoes, clothing and accessories. Choose from a variety of the world’s hottest designers. 
• Liles Clothing Studio – high-end boutique store for men who partners with designers in New York to provide the best clothing, accessories and handmade shoes.
• Art Source Fine Art – Art lovers can take in the fantastic art on display. One of the premiere fine art galleries with more than 2,000 works of art from over 60 artists.
• Uniquities – a women’s boutique carrying contemporary designer apparel, shoes, accessories, and gifts. Denim is just one of their specialties!
• Gena Chandler – sophisticated contemporary women’s apparel boutique specializing in designer denim, clothing, handbags and shoes. 
• La Maison – a home boutique offering furnishings, accessories, gifts and interior design services. 

Health & Wellness

Woodhouse Spa

If you’re looking for some pampering and relaxation during your staycation in North Hills, head to Woodhouse Spa. We’ve enjoyed a massage here previously, on this this visit we were booked in for facials, plus salt therapy and infrared sauna.

Our experience started with a complimentary drink (choose from wine, spa water, or hot tea) in the quiet room, a lovely space with dim lighting and comfy chairs and beds. 

From there we headed to the Salt Therapy room, where you breathe in salt particles. This is a sanctuary where you can clear your thoughts, skin, and lungs naturally. Its intention is to improve respiratory health + skin health + peace of mind. 

We then stepped into the Infrared Sauna. I love traditional saunas for detoxing and recovery which work by heating the air first providing intense heat and you sweat a lot. 

Infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly, offering a more gentle heat that penetrates deeper into the body. This experience helps to relieve inflammation + soreness and increase blood circulation to relax the muscles. 

We both finished with a facial, and if you’ve never had a facial (guys, I’m looking at you), I highly recommend one. Facials can consist of a family of skin care treatments for the face, including steam, exfoliation (physical and chemical), extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage. 

The team at Woodhouse Spa are experts and offer seven different facial treatments depending on the outcome you desire. The full list of services available at Woodhouse Spa to consider include:

• Body treatments
• Facials
• Salt Therapy
• Infrared sauna
• Renewal Bath
• Packages such as a Digital Detox
• Spring packages for mom
• and of course, various massages

Woodhouse Spa is the place to go for everyday luxury and resort-style spa treatments, and perfect for a special couples experience. 

• Address: 4204 Six Forks Rd Suite 102, Raleigh
• Website: locations.woodhousespas.com

Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar

Yoga is a central part of Caroline’s weekly routine, but she’s never done a HOT yoga class before, and I was open to this new experience, too.

Dose Yoga is Raleigh’s first hot yoga studio and smoothie bar, located in the new North Hills Innovation District. Whether you want to strengthen your core, stretch past some stress, or sweat through a flow, you will leave class more energized.

With three classes to choose from; Daily Dose Hot Flow (103°-105°, 60 mins), Micro Dose (103°-105°, 45 mins), and Mellow Dose (75°-80°, 45 mins), your heart will pump and your sweat will drip as you go through a powerful vinyasa inspired flow that will give you the opportunity to dial up intensity or dial down based on your own personal desires.

The star lit ceiling provides a calming mental break, and you can treat yourself to a delicious and nutritious smoothie afterwards including smoothie bowls and wellness lattes at their in-house bar.

The staff are super friendly, knowledgeable, and make you feel comfortable no matter your yoga experience! 

Other services at Dose include Contrast Therapy (alternating between sauna and a cold plunge), and a meditation and breathing room. As they say, come in and get your Daily DOSE. 

• Address: 540 St Albans Dr suite 100, Raleigh
• Website: doseyogaraleigh.com/

In Summary

Whether you’re  a long-time Raleigh resident or new to Raleigh, North Hills (also known as Midtown Raleigh), is a one-stop destination worth your time. It’s home to some of our favorite Raleigh restaurants, hosts fun events throughout the year (check out these Spring events, shopping styles, and patios, and how to sizzle during the summer in North Hills), and is conveniently located just five miles north of downtown Raleigh with easy access to RDU Airport.

Known as the place to Live, work, shop, dine, and play, even if we don’t ever live in North Hills, we can all enjoy staying overnight here!