The site of our first date, so of course it had to be mentioned! There are multiple locations in the Triangle, but this is my favorite one for spending time in. The Miele latte and biscuit sandwiches are my personal favorites.
It's a bit of a drive, but it's worth it if you enjoy stunning botanical gardens. And as a bonus, other than parking, it's free to visit! This is also where we got engaged, so it's definitely a special spot for us.
A good spot for a coffee and a baked good, brunch, or lunch. Most things (or maybe everything?) they serve is gluten free and lots of options are vegan to boot. The cinnamon coffee cake is Tim's favorite bakery treat in the triangle!
Shocker, another bakery! I love Boulted for their amazing breads and pastries. It's all good, seriously you should go.
If you're looking for an outdoor adventure while in Raleigh, this is probably your best option. There's a good amount of trails for hiking and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage!
Where you should go if everybody in your party wants something different. Lots of good options for casual dining in one convenient location. My highlights are Benchwarmers, Alimentari, and Yatai!
Delicious dim sum + a brewery. It sounds kind of odd, but trust me it works. The scallion pancakes with bone marrow and oxtail are insanely good (but know this is only a dinner item - I've been disappointed before). This is a more upscale dining option, so just keep that in mind. You may even need to get a reservation if you're going during a busy time!
Lots to explore here, both in the park itself and the surrounding area. A great place for a walk!