Raleigh’s rich history, lively arts scene, and burgeoning culinary landscape are beginning to draw more visitors to the state’s capital, eager to explore its unique blend of Southern charm and modern vibrancy. (Locals are eager to explore this, too!)
Our friends Colleen and Phil from Scottsdale recently visited Raleigh to see what all our fussing was about. Colleen runs the travel site, Travel Mamas and Grown Up Getaways and hoped to craft content on Raleigh focused on adult fun and farm to table experiences.
As local explorers, we joined our friends to dive into some of Raleigh’s best elevated food and wine experiences, all beautifully complemented by the charm of its local attractions.
If you’re planning a short getaway with friends or just looking to explore the city from a new perspective, this 2-day itinerary will guide you through some of Raleigh’s best local gems.
From downtown Raleigh’s cultural spots to the quaint allure of downtown Cary, this itinerary promises a perfect balance of flavors and fun.
Day 1: Exploring Raleigh’s Cultural and Culinary Delights
What do you do in Raleigh with one day? So hard to decide, but when you have a focus on food, adult fun, and a little bit of culture, here’s what we think is a great mix.
Breakfast at PRESS Coffee, Cocktails & Crepes
Our latest dining obsession is Press Coffee on Hillsborough St in downtown Raleigh, like been-there-three-times-in-three-weeks obsessed.
Traveler’s hearts will be drawn to this European style cafe that serves artisanal coffee and creative crepe selections that are big enough to share. Shout it from the rooftops: all crepes can be made gluten free! No wonder I’m obsessed.
We took my parents to the Durham location when they visited in June, and my dad promised he was going to show the photo to his local creperie in Australia and say, “Now that’s what you call a crepe!”
Our recommendations at PRESS:
- The BLT Morning crepe loaded with bacon avocado and pimento cheese.
- The blueberry and lemon ricotta crepe is to die for. I’m not a sweet tooth person, but this has my taste buds constantly tripping down memory lane requesting more please.
- If you don’t want crepes of any kind, I recommend the lox with chipotle cream cheese and a froached egg (that’s poached and then fried)
- If you want something light, you can pick up a pastry and coffee to go from here as well.
- Pair your crepe with a delicious flat white or cappuccino (so good you’ll order two) or, if you’re feeling indulgent, a morning cocktail to kick off the day in style.
Explore the Capital District
For new visitors to Raleigh, the Capital District is a great introduction to Raleigh’s history and culture. And the perfect way to walk off those crepes (it’s a half a mile walk from PRESS).
You can walk around the outside of the Capitol building or if you have time, and its open, tour the inside.
If you’re short on time, I recommend the North Carolina Museum of History, as it’s specific to our region. This museum offers a comprehensive look at the state’s past, from its Native American heritage to its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Just across the street is the NC museum of Natural Sciences where you can explore interactive exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to the state’s diverse ecosystems.
As our time was limited, we opted for just a photo outside the Daily Planet, one of NC’s most iconic landmarks. On the outside it’s a scaled-down replica of our planet. I’m surprised we’ve never done this before as it’s a truly Raleigh unique photo opportunity – Colleen is even considering using it as a cover image for her travel blog (very fitting).
Near here is Freedom Park, a newly developed urban green space dedicated to the fight for freedom and equality.
The park’s design beautifully honors the many individuals who played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and fighting for equality in North Carolina. You’ll find inspiring quotes along the winding pathway that share the enduring spirit and relentless drive to overcome challenges.
If you have more time, you may want to peer at the Executive Mansion, the home of North Carolina’s Governor. (We did a tour when sharing the Best of Raleigh with my parents and loved it).
Lunch at Irregardless Café
Our friends left us to have lunch at Irregardless Café with the folks from Visit Raleigh. Since it’s a Raleigh institution that has been serving up innovative, farm-to-table cuisine since 1975, we wanted to include it for you. We’ve been many times and can vouch that it’s a solid inclusion in this 2-day Raleigh itinerary for foodies.
This beloved Raleigh restaurant is known for its commitment to sustainability and its ever-evolving menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian, and gluten-free. options!
While they were stuffing their bellies with delicious Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes, fried chicken and waffles, and watermelon and feta salad (we also recommend the shrimp and grits). Craig and I waited in our latest favorite coffee shop: Little Native and did some work. If you’re looking for an afternoon coffee break, consider here!
Explore the Warehouse District
We rejoined our friends after their lunch to show them around the Warehouse District, an area that has transformed from industrial to innovative, now filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
As you wander through the Warehouse District, stop for photo opportunities at the many murals that brighten up the streets. These murals, often created by local artists, showcase the creative spirit of Raleigh, and provide perfect photo opportunities.
CAM Raleigh
Begin at CAM Raleigh (Contemporary Art Museum), where you can immerse yourself in innovative art exhibitions that rotate regularly, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary art. I really love how diverse and inclusive the exhibits are here.
We were all mesmerized by the high priestess energy of the portraits in the Crowning Glory exhibit by Samantha Everette which highlights female strength and beauty through the ritual of hair braiding.
Videri Chocolate Factory
Next, satisfy your sweet tooth at Videri Chocolate Factory – but good news is the chocolates aren’t sickly sweet, but made from high quality sustainably sourced ingredients that are allergy free, filler free, and nasty free.
You can take a self-guided scavenger hunt tour of this bean-to-bar chocolate factory and pick up some handcrafted chocolates to enjoy later. Your prize at the end is a tasting of their soft serve ice cream. You can also have tasting samples of their chocolate recognized by USA Today as one of the best in the USA.
If you need a coffee break, right next to Videri in the same space is one of our favorite Raleigh coffee shops, Black and White Coffee Roasters. I particularly like their seasonal coffee here. They’re unique, made in house and not too sweet.
Designed for Joy
Before moving on, don’t miss Designed for Joy, a boutique that empowers women in crisis by providing them with employment and artisanal skills. The store offers beautiful, handcrafted goods, perfect for finding a meaningful souvenir.
I was so disappointed I could not take our friends here, due to itinerary delays. It’s a wonderful unique story and local businesses doing wonderful things for the community – plus their handbags are amazing. Check out their Evening of Giving fundraiser happening in September in Raleigh.
Note, as of August 2024, there is a lot of construction as they build the new transport hub, so be prepared for a bit of noisy mess. But don’t let that distract you from exploring.
Afternoon drinks at Wye Hill
We couldn’t walk past Wye Hill Restaurant and Brewery and not stop in for an afternoon drink with its unbeatable Raleigh views.
Perched on a hill overlooking the city skyline, this brewery and restaurant is the perfect place to relax with a craft beer from their rotating taps or a refreshing cocktail.
They also do homemade seltzers which is refreshing after a hot day exploring Raleigh. Grab a plate of beetroot hummus if you’re peckish. And if you time your visit right, you may get a nice sunset casting a warm glow over the city.
As you walk over the Boylan Bridge to your next destination, be sure to take some photos of the new mural spanning both sides of the bridge. It’s a great photo spot!
Evening Drinks at The Parlor Bar
As the afternoon winds down, head over to The Parlor Bar for pre-dinner drinks. Located in the historic Heights House Hotel, The Parlor offers a sophisticated setting with a range of Italian influenced craft cocktails to honor the Italianate style of this 1858 historic mansion.
The intimate, speakeasy vibe makes it an ideal spot to relax and chat about the day’s adventures.
Choose what room you want to sit in. The front parlor where the bar is, the library room for solving world problems, or outside around the fire circles. We loved all three, and each gives a different vibe.
Recommended cocktails:
- Tropicale: Mezcal, Coconut Water, Italicus, Fresh Lime, Sage, Hint of Pineapple
- Cherry Thyme: Bourbon or Mezcal, Hibiscus, Luxardo Marichino, Cocchi Rosa Aperitivo, Lime
- Historic Heights: Bourbon, Italian Elderflower, Orange, Angostura Bitters
Dinner at Stanbury
If you want an exceptional food experience that oozes Raleigh character, dinner at The Stanbury, tucked away out of sight in a cozy neighborhood street, is a must.
We love the laid-back, warm, and inviting vibe of this dining spot, with its rustic-chic interior and open kitchen. The ambiance gives off the relaxed feel of a coastal seafood shack – complete with quirky touches like the IT-like clown hanging above our table – but with an elevated farm-to-table dining experience that truly stands out.
If you’re in the mood for flavorful, innovative dishes that use fresh local produce and changes daily, the Stanbury’s menu is sure to impress. Just look at their previous dishes: bone marrow, crispy pig head, roasted marrow, beef heart Bolognese with a few more common sounding names like tagliatelle bigeye tuna, oysters, and pork chop milanesa.
It will come at a price, but for a special occasion it’s worth it. The grilled ribeye steak at the Stanbury is one of the best we’ve ever had. We shared it with small plates as it is pricey and has risen considerably since we last ate it.
But hey, ask any local who’s dined at Stanbury, and they’ll mention the steak. On this visit, we got two small plates to share – a curry sausage dish and lamb cutlets.
Note: The restaurant does not take reservations and it’s popular. We arrived after 7:30pm on a Friday night and had an hour wait, but we could sit at their outside table and order drinks and a delicious cheese board (they elevate simplicity in a surprising way. Local tip: go on a rainy for less wait time!
Day 2: Discover the Charm of Downtown Cary
Downtown Cary is one of the hottest places to be right now in Wake County and one of our favorite towns to take visitors. My parents absolutely loved it and can see why we chose to live here.
It offers small-town charm with modern sophistication for visitors to Raleigh. Here’s what you can do in one day in Cary to enjoy sophisticated food and wine experiences with a dash of culture.
Brunch at Peck & Plume in The Mayton Inn
Start your second day with brunch at Peck & Plume inside The Mayton Inn, a boutique hotel in downtown Cary known for its Southern elegance and charm.
The hotel’s restaurant offers a delightful brunch menu featuring Southern classics with a modern twist.
My red eye barbecue shrimp & grits with garlic cheese grits, and sausage egg roll is the most unique grits I’ve ever had, and possibly the most delicious. Other tempting dishes are the pecan fried chicken, eggs benedict, and French toast brick!
Enjoy your meal in the beautifully decorated dining room or, weather permitting, outside on the patio for a peaceful start to your day.
We had eaten at the Mayton previously for lunch and were not too impressed, this time around we walked out saying, “we’ll be back. Thank goodness it showed up for our out-of-state visitors!”
Explore Downtown Cary Park
After brunch, take a leisurely stroll around the Downtown Cary Park, a newly opened green space that has quickly become a vibrant community hub.
The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, art installations, and plenty of seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Whether you’re people-watching, catching a live performance at the park’s amphitheater, or simply taking in the serene atmosphere, Downtown Cary Park is a delightful place to spend your morning.
There is a Bark Bar in the park where you can order a drink, and either drink it at the bar, the seats around the firepit, or walk around the park with it. I’m not fussed on the drink selections, and feel a better experience awaits in the downtown Cary bars. Read on for that!
Shopping in Downtown Cary
There aren’t a lot of shops in downtown Cary to peruse, but it’s a growing scene and what is currently there is kind of cute.
Near the southern part of Downtown Cary Park is Gather Goods, which we did not get to, but I’ve heard good things about. We headed up to Chatham St running through the main part of town.
Good Day Cary is one of my favorite local stores for its cute, curated selection of home goods, locally designed gifts, and accessories. You won’t find Cary merch anywhere else.
If opened, The Perfect Piece has an eclectic mix of vintage and modern decor, perfect for adding a touch of Cary charm to your home.
In the downtown area you’ll also find the new Gentleman’s Corner for men’s clothes, City Garden Design for plants, and Peak Olive Oil.
Finally, make your way to Hunky Dory, nestle into the vintage style couches to listen to cool vinyl tunes while enjoying a craft beer. You can pick up vinyls, new and old, across all music genres here. It’s one of our favorite record stores in the Raleigh area and is a one-of-a-kind spot that captures the eclectic spirit of Cary.
Coffee + Gelato at Geluna Gelato
We waited until after lunch for coffee here as this authentic gelato store only opens at midday. Geluna Gelato have only recently started making authentic Australian style coffee (co-owned by an Aussie), and we only want the best for our guests.
If you can’t decide between coffee or gelato, just get an affogato like Colleen did (with a double thumbs up) or a coffee and a gelato like Phil!
And if you’re wondering if the gelato is good, husband and wife owners Warrack and Diana learned how to make gelato in Bologna, Italy.
They custom make their bases using locally sourced milk and cream for the best tasting gelato and have a wide range of flavors from sea salted caramel, stracciatella (my favorite), and specials like peanut butter choc chips and labne blackberry.
Afternoon Beer at Bond Brothers Beer Company
No visit to Cary is complete without a stop at Bond Brothers Beer Company, one of the Triangle’s most popular craft breweries.
With a spacious outdoor patio and a rotating selection of expertly crafted beers, Bond Brothers is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the afternoon. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a refreshing sour, or a rich stout, you’re sure to find something you love here.
Plus, the brewery’s laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to catch up with friends over a pint. The fact that it was previously named the best new brewery in the USA by USA Today means it has to be a stop on your Cary itinerary.
I was disappointed as they have previously had a decent gluten-free light Mexican style beer. It’s no longer there and they did not have seltzer. However, if I ever want to sneak a beer, Bond Brothers is the place I’d do it. I especially like their IPAs.
Pre-Dinner Drinks at RBF Champagne Bar
Our friends loved everything we did on their short visit to Raleigh, but our time at the RBF Champagne Bar in Cary was their standout favorite.
You can’t not love such a unique business with its focus on supporting (and championing) women’s authentic self. (There hasn’t been a man I’ve taken there yet who also hasn’t enjoyed it.)
RBF Champagne Bar is a chic and cozy spot that specializes in bubbles, wine and frose, and that is all. The intimate setting, complete with plush seating and soft lighting, makes it the perfect place to snuggle in with friends and solve all the world’s problems – and laugh a lot!
I love the unique RBF wine list that leans toward international, with a dash of domestic wines that aren’t all just Californ-i-a. Owner Tiffany pays her staff a living wage – so no tipping is necessary. Her staff rave about this way of being valued for their worth!
My favorite wine there so far is the Las Lilas Vinho Verdi from Portugal. You cannot go wrong with The Big F**king Mistake cheese board or Brrrr My Cold Heart (enjoyed on a previous visit with friends). And they cater to gluten-free!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying the finer things in life, RBF Champagne Bar offers a luxurious prelude to dinner.
Dinner at SAAP
Finally, we had the shove we needed to dine at newly opened SAAP, a restaurant that brings the flavors of Laos to the heart of Cary.
If you did not know, we lived in Bangkok, Thailand and have traveled extensively around Southeast Asia, including Laos. Southeast Asian cuisine is our favorite in the world. We miss it terribly and have rarely found an authentic match here in Raleigh, except for Bida Manda in downtown Raleigh, and now SAAP.
Coincidentally the chef from Bida Manda is the founder of SAAP!
SAAP, which means “delicious” in Laotian, lives up to its name with a menu full of vibrant, aromatic dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
It will be difficult to decide what to order, but I recommend starting with summer spring rolls, and a green papaya salad (I’m resentful of myself for not ordering one of my all-time favorite dishes) a chicken red curry, or Khao Poon Gai with their rich depth of flavor.
Our friend wasn’t bowled over by his Laotian Thai, and my seafood green curry was delicious, but I enjoyed the Khao Poon Gai more.
And my absolute favorite dessert, mango (purple) sticky rice took me back to the streets of Thailand (Thai and Laotian food is similar). I was thrilled Colleen and Phil preferred the Chocolate-Raspberry Frozen Mousse and Kabocha Squash more as I could keep the sticky rice to myself!
The warm, welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make SAAP a memorable dining experience and the perfect way to cap off our 2-day exploration of Raleigh and Cary with good friends.
Check out more Asian restaurants in Raleigh to love
Extras: The Umstead Hotel & Spa
Our friends stayed at the Umstead Hotel & Spa for three nights, and if you’re looking for an elevated accommodation experience to match the flavor of this 2-day itinerary, then the five star award-winning Umstead is it.
We were lucky to join them for an afternoon drink with snacks in the lounge, and instantly fell in love with the hotel.
Colleen and Phil have stayed in many lux resorts around the world, and they think Umstead is high class. There is something so special about the energy in that place – warm, welcoming, inviting, yet so sophisticated. I adored the mid-century modern vibe of the architecture and décor. And that pool needs me to come sit for a day.
They dined at Heron’s and noted it was one of the best meals they have ever had. We enjoyed some seasonal cocktails (Hibiscus for the win) and a delicious Enfield Wine Co chardonnay (I also loved the French Sancerre sauvignon Blanc). They both paired well with shrimp cocktail, fresh NC oysters, and a charcuterie board.
See rates and availability for staying at the Umstead Hotel & Spa (about the same price as a moderate hotel in NYC)
Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Food, Culture, and Community
We had a blast with Colleen and Phil and made so many fun memories in some truly unique and sophisticated Raleigh and Cary establishments. This 2-day itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of what Raleigh and Cary have to offer.
From savoring the local cuisine to exploring cultural landmarks and charming neighborhoods, every moment is filled with the unique charm that makes this part of North Carolina so special.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these two days will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s vibrant community and its culinary delights. So, gather your friends and discover the best of Raleigh and Cary, one bite at a time.
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