When the first buds of spring shoot out of the ground, there’s no better place in Raleigh to soak it all in than North Hills. From fresh fashion finds to blooming patios and outdoor events that celebrate the sunshine, this Midtown hot spot is buzzing with energy, color, and good vibes.
We’re especially loving all the new additions to North Hills that feel made for spring – think patio-filled restaurants, rooftop views, and charming alleyways lined with makers and blooming flowers.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your new spring wardrobe, looking for family-friendly weekend fun, or craving a relaxing lunch under the Carolina blue sky, we’ve rounded up the best ways to blossom, bloom, and spring into style at North Hills.
Spring Fashion Finds
Ready to trade in those heavy coats for breezy layers and bright florals? The boutiques and retailers at North Hills have rolled out their spring collections, and we’re here for it.
- Stop by Makers Alley in the Innovation District to support local and discover one-of-a-kind pieces from NC makers – think handcrafted jewelry, spring-scented candles, home decor with a serious personality, and more.
- Since the sun’s making some bold appearances, now’s the perfect time to pick up a pair of stylish new shades from Warby Parker’s Spring Collection. This season’s trending looks include pastle-colored rims, vintage-inspired looks, classic silhouettes with tortoiseshell patterns, and playful shapes – something we’re pretty sure Victoria Ratliff would pack for her next trip to Thailand…or is it Taiwan?
- We’ve also been window-shopping for a new pair of Ray-Ban Glasses at Sunglass Hut ready for summer. And for the pop fans out there, Sabrina Carpenter’s go-to Versace sunglasses? Yep, they’ve got them too!
- Parents don’t miss Pink Chicken for adorable Easter outfits for the little ones. Raleigh artist Inslee Fariss designed the sweetest bunny prints on twirly skirts and dresses in pastel spring hues – local art meets spring fashion at its finest!
- Looking to elevate your wardrobe, step into Vermillion, a locally owned boutique that’s been curating chic, trend-forward collections from domestic and international designers for over two decades. The store itself is a bright and funky delight -and even if you’re just window shopping, you’ll leave inspired.
- Another must-visit is Charlotte’s, where the Spring Break collection is giving us major beach day energy. It’s got me ready to pack my weekender bag and head for the coast.
- Over at Gena Chandler, spring has arrived in full force with a fabulous collection of floaty dresses, light skirts, and all the denim styles you’ll want in your rotation.
- For the gents, Johnnie-O has rolled out their latest arrivals — perfect for spring outings or days on the golf course. Think effortless prep with a pop of seasonal color.
- Anthropologie is always a spring favorite, with a fresh mix of minis, maxis, and more. We’re loving the neutral tones and simple vibes inside the store right now — it makes styling pieces in your wardrobe much easier.
- And of course, on the other end of the spectrum with bold and bright and beautiful! Nobody does spring colors and patterns quite like Lilly Pulitzer. Their new takes on the beloved shift dress are playful and polished, and the Mom & Me matching sets? Too cute to resist!
- Finally, swing by Vineyard Vines, where spring is in full bloom with pastel pinks and blues, florals, and performance-ready essentials for whatever the season brings. From casual skirts to dresses for every occasion, you just might find your new spring fling here.
💡 Pro Tip: Head to North Hills on a weekday morning and shop in peace before the lunch crowd rolls in!
Quick Grab: Coffee & Lunch
Grab a coffee from Jubala Coffee, or get a specialty coffee or matcha from Dinoska Café, a Jurassic-themed coffee truck that sells fruity and flavorful teas, coffees, and matcha drinks.
Need a quick lunch between shopping stops that still gives you those springtime feels? Pick up a fresh salad or bowl from Sweetgreen, Happy + Hale, or Bul Box. Or refuel with a refreshing juice or smoothie from Clean Juice – ideal for keeping things light and energizing your day.
Patio Season is ON
There’s something about spring sunshine that makes food taste even better, and North Hills delivers with patio dining galore. Here are some of our go-to spots for dining outdoors this season:
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
When it comes to spring ambiance, there’s no patio quite like Rosewater Kitchen & Bar. Inspired by European romance, this dreamy spot features a lush garden setting with hanging plants and greenery galore – even the indoor space is filled with potted charm.
Every dish is thoughtfully crafted with ingredients that celebrate local gardeners, farmers, fishermen, and foragers. Come hungry, leave inspired – your spring vibes will flourish here (especially with their signature Rosewater Martini).
Village Tavern
Village Tavern is one of those rare places where everyone feels welcome. From the exceptional service to the extensive menu of artisan recipe, it’s easy to find something for every taste and dietary preference. As a gluten-free eater, I truly feel seen here.
And speaking of feeling seen – their year-round patio opens right onto the vibrant new public plaza, making it the perfect place to enjoy Raleigh’s near-perfect spring weather. It’s a spot to see and be seen, to relax, and to celebrate the season.
💡PRO TIP: Start your spring visit with brunch on the patio. Order the shrimp and grits and pair it with an espresso martini. You won’t regret it.
Foxcroft Wine Co.
The sun is shining on North Hills’ newest patio gem, Foxcroft Wine Co., where cozy outdoor seating, shareable plates, and twinkling string lights set the mood for laid-back spring afternoons and lively evenings.
Foxcroft is open for lunch, serving a robust midday menu featuring sandwiches, fresh pastas, crisp salads, and more. Pair it with a glass (or flight!) of wine from their thoughtfully curated global selection – because why choose just one when you can taste a few?
Bartaco
A spring staple for street tacos, margaritas, and good vibes, Bartaco is always a solid move. The white-washed interior, dreamy escape-inspired photography, woven basket light fixtures, and lush greenery spilling across the patio make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a breezy beachside spot in Latin America.
Add in fresh beats, bold flavors, and some of the best margaritas in town – made with freshly squeezed juice – and you’ve got the perfect place to linger for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night drink under the stars. Read our review of Bartaco in North Hills.
Vivace
Is there a more perfect pairing than sunny skies melting into twinkling lights, paired with delicious modern Italian bites on the patio? We think not – unless you add a glass of Chianti at Vivace!
There’s a reason this spot is one of our longtime North Hills favorite restaurants – and why it’s a Midtown Magazine Gold Award winner for best patio dining. Trust us, it’s pure spring magic!
Giorgio Pizza Bar
A small but mighty patio can be found at Giorgio Pizza Bar. A bright, casual, and family-friendly dining experience loaded with hand-tossed, crispy, sourdough pizzas as well as small Italian style shared plates of vegetables, meat, seafood, and pastas. Apertivo hour with a refreshing Aperol Spritz never sounded so good. Read our review of Giorgio’s.
Level7 Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Elevated cocktails and sunset views for the win. Opening in 2025, Level7 Rooftop Bar and Lounge has tasty small plates, flatbreads & burgers, new entrees, and nostalgic sweets perfect for sharing.
Chuy’s
Tacos, queso, margaritas, and beach music on the patio? What more could you want from your spring dining lineup? Chuy’s brings all the vibrant, laid-back energy you need with bold Tex-Mex flavors, colorful decor, and a prime location overlooking Midtown Commons. PRO TIP: Get here early on Midtown Beach Music nights – this patio fills up fast!
Vita Vite
You can’t go wrong with spring sips, a cheese board, and sunshine – especially when you’re enjoying them from the patios (upper and street level) at Vita Vite. Overlooking Midtown Park, it’s the ultimate perch for people-watching, wine-sipping, and soaking up the season.
Thursday evenings are especially magical during the North Hills Beach Music Series, with front-row views of the stage and dancers grooving in the park. This is the spot to toast to spring in Raleigh. Vita Vite is one of our favorite wine bars in Raleigh!
Yard House
Spring hits different on the patio at Yard House – especially during their weekday Happy Hour from 3–6pm. Treat yourself to half-off select apps like nachos, wraps, and sliders, plus half-off all pizzas, all perfectly paired with a refreshing IPA or one of their seasonal cocktails.
RH Rooftop
This spot is a total vibe! If you’re craving a spring break escape but not quite ready to hop a flight to California or the Amalfi Coast, we’ve got a dreamy alternative – just walk three flights up to the stunning, glass-encased Rooftop Restaurant at Restoration Hardware.
Perched high above North Hills, this skylit garden oasis feels like stepping into a European daydream. Dine beneath a dramatic atrium filled with sparkling chandeliers, heritage olive trees, and a cascading cast-stone fountain.
The space flows effortlessly from indoor elegance to the open-air beauty of the Wine Terrace, a beautifully landscaped patio inspired by classical European gardens. With a series of intimate RH Outdoor lounge spaces, it’s the perfect spot to relax, sip wine, and feel worlds away – without ever leaving Raleigh.
Coquette Brassiere
Spring at Coquette is like stepping into a little slice of Paris right here in Raleigh. Their intimate patio, framed by flowering planter boxes, is the perfect spot to sip and savor in the sunshine. Inside is just as lovely – with glass doors swung open to let the fresh air (and charm) flow right through.
Coquette’s Spring menu delivers. From classic French flavors to fresh seasonal dishes that will transport you straight to the streets of Paris—or a cozy village café—you’ll want to linger a little longer. Bonus? They serve our favorite espresso martini in Raleigh. Bon appétit!
We’re also eagerly awaiting the opening of the new Sixty Vines patio. This wine country restaurant was a favorite North Hills find from last year and made our most exciting restaurants in Raleigh for the year!
Spring Events You Don’t Want to Miss
North Hills really comes alive in the spring, with events popping up every week that make it easy to fill your calendar with fun.
Wellness Wednesdays (April 1 – June 17, 2026)
Enjoy fitness classes on the Midtown Park commons every Wednesday 6-7pm. Each season offers a wide variety of fun, fitness concepts taught by popular fitness partners, with several having locations in North Hills. i.e. Midtown Yoga, Pure Barre, Hometurf, Dose Yoga. With an average attendance of 150 participants per week, this series welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Get tickets in advance.
Midtown Farmers Market (Saturdays, April 11 – Oct 31; 8am – noon)
Stock up on local produce, baked goods, and flowers while supporting our Triangle farmers and makers. All vendors are sourced from within a 100-mile radius and all sell products that are grown, picked or handmade. And every week the market hosts cooking demos, live music, and kids’ events. You can also drop off your food scarps every Saturday for composting.
Makers Market (Third Tuesdays April – December)
Every third Tuesday of the month, between 5:00pm – 7:30pm, there will be a pop-up market in the Makers Alley of North Hills Innovation District. It’s a chance to meet local makers and artisans and support local small businesses and celebrate the arts.
Spring Pop-Up Music (April 3 – May 31, 2026)
Nothing says spring like live pop-up music in the open air. These events will be a surprise and delight for guests as they shop, dine, live, and explore. The series will offer a total of 26 acoustic music events, showcasing a variety of genres from artists local to the area. The spring series will run on select Fridays in The Commons (6-9 PM) & Sundays in Midtown Park (2-5 PM).
There will also be pop-up music on Makers Alley on Saturdays between 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the North Hills Innovation District common areas. There will be 12 acoustic performances throughout April and May, creating a relaxed soundtrack while you shop.
Midtown Beach Music Series (April 16 – July 23, 2026)
Raleigh’s favorite outdoor concert series returns! Grab your lawn chairs and dancing shoes and meet us on the Midtown Green. This is really a rocking Thursday night that brings people of all ages. I’m yet to see a face without a smile, and a person without a friend or loved one dancing beside them.
You don’t have to be a beach music lover to attend – any music lover will enjoy this. Bring your chairs and blankets, grab food from the food trucks, or an early dinner before it. We took my parents when they visited, and they really enjoyed it – mostly seeing how the community came together and were so well behaved and happy.
- April 16th North Tower Band
- April 23rd The ToneZ
- April 30th Jim Quick & Coastline
- May 7th The Catalinas
- May 14th Liquid Pleasure
- May 21st The Chairmen of the Board
- May 28th Miss Mini & the Sandman Band
- June 4th Band of Oz
- June 11th Sleeping Booty
- June 18th Blackwater Band
- June 25th The Embers ft. Craig Woolard
- July 2nd The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra
- July 9th The Pink Slips
- July 16th Too Much Sylvia
- July 23rd Spare Change
🎶 Coming with kids? These events are super family-friendly – just bring a picnic blanket and let the little ones play while you relax.
Midtown Music Fest (May 2nd, 2026)
Speaking of music! This year, there will be a Midtown Music Festival on the first weekend in May, which takes place at Midtown Park between 4pm and 9pm.
The event features live music from local and regional bands, delicious food from food trucks (Beefy Buns, Hot Chix Hotcakes and Chicken, Shawerma Bowl. Dusty Donuts, and Nautical Bowls), festival vendors, beverage tents, and more!
This year, there will be performances from Outrun The Weekend, Van Meter, Loud Music Company and DJ Matthew Vorzimer (eCUSSIONIST). There will also be stilt walkers and roaming magicians, as well as fire breathers and character artists.
North Hills Wine Walk, May 16, 2026
- Where: The Commons
- Time: 3pm – 6pm
- Cost: $25 donation to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
- Website
We love this fun way to roam around North Hills, either shopping or window shopping. The North Hills Wine Walk benefitting Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a great way to support and important cause as well as local shopping. You will be given a “passport” listing the participating stores and a cup for sampling wines (or brews!) as you sip and shop. The sips will be complimentary at each store you visit. Bring your friends and make it a date! We like to have dinner at one of the many great North Hills restaurants after.
Time to Spring into Style
Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, planning a sunny lunch date, or looking for fun things to do with the fam, the North Hills District has everything you need to make the most of spring. Happy blooming, Raleigh!
More ideas for exploring North Hills
- How to Enjoy an Elevated 48-Hour Staycation in North Hills
- A First-Timer’s Essential Guide (shop, eat, play, stay)
- Fun Things to Do in North Hills with Kids!
- 48 Hour Itinerary (Things To Do + Places To Eat)
- Fun Date Ideas for North Hills (Midtown Raleigh)
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