Things To Do
North Carolina State Farmers Public Market
This ain't your yoga instructor's farmer's market. This is how we do farmer's markets in one of the top ag states in the country. It's where Sam goes every Tuesday for our weekly produce shopping. It's where we get our Christmas tree and buy our pasture-raised pork sausage. It's where vendors address you as "Sug" and implore you to "come on back and see us again now, ya hear?" If you want some NC flavor, this is a must. Pro Tip: Enjoy a classic NC lunch at the State Farmers Market Restaurant or the NC Seafood Restaurant.
Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery
Hear us out. This creamery is owned and operated by NC State at one of our Field Labs, just a short drive south of the State Farmers Market. As if the fact that you can drive 5 minutes out of the city and be in literal farm country isn't enough to tempt you, the ice cream is INSANE. It's also staffed by students, so you get massive scoops 'cause they couldn't care less. Oh, and the actual best part is the ice cream is made from the cream that's milked from the cows on site and is tested and developed by faculty and staff. The wraparound porch with rocking chairs and fans is just the cherry on top, especially when you get a mid-lick whiff of cow manure. Yummm. Pro-tip: Enjoy a lovely walk around the pond at Yates Mill Historic Park just across the street.
William B. Umstead State Park
For a walk in the woods during peak fall foliage, head to William B. Umstead State Park. There are countless easy trails for jogging or strolling.
JC Raulston Arboretum
This was almost our wedding venue, but they only allow alcohol to be served for two hours, so that pretty much ended that discussion. In early November, JCRA will be filled with blooms and fall foliage at the same time and is free, with no restrictions on street parking nearby.
The Greenways
One of the best surprises Raleigh had to offer when we first moved here was its extensive network of urban greenways. Riley runs on the Neuse River Greenway almost every day from our house.
Transfer Co. Food Hall
When we first moved to Raleigh, we lived in a bougie apartment building a few blocks from this food hall. Food Halls are classicly Southern and this one is our favorite. We have enjoyed countless bagel sandwiches and cups of coffee at Benchwarmer (join us here for goodbye bagels on Sunday) and even more burritos at Dank Burrito (the soy ginger and jerk chicken are our favorites). Morgan Street Food Hall is also stellar.
All the Breweries
There are just so many to choose from, you might as well go brewery hopping and see how far you get. Brewery Bhavana is right downtown and combines Belgian-inspired craft beer with dim sum, so that's a big fat duh. Neuse River Brewing also has Belgian-style beer and great food -- duck poutine anyone?! East Bower Cider Co. is Raleigh's first and only cidery. They're slightly more about the vibe than the cider, but still a good one to hit up. Lynwood Brewing Concern (right around the corner) has great seating, darker beers, and more of a game-day clientele. If you make it up to our neck of the woods in Wake Forest, Norse Brewing is our absolute favorite. They also do belgian-style craft beer and they make a mean tray of tots (along with other substantial meals for grown-ups). Some other great include Trophy and Salty Turtle. Pro tip: Skip Raleigh Brewing Company and Crank Arm Brewing unless you're into mediocrity.
The Raleigh Wine Shop
With all the cute little neighborhood bodega feels, you can buy a bottle of red, white, orange, or rose and add on a cheese board. Sip and munch in the sunshine *chef's kiss*
Breakfast Foods
Drag your hungover self to one of Raleigh's many brunch/breakfast spots. We like: Rosewater, Beasley's Chicken and Honey, Mecca Restaurant, and Hibernian Restaurant and Pub, to name a few.
Making a trip out of it?
Highly encouraged if you can swing it. The beach towns on the coast will have a delightful nip in the air as you pass under boradwalks along sandy beaches while watching pelicans skim the tide. Please do not travel to the mountains at this time.