Things To Do
North Carolina Museum of Art
NCMA is where we went on our first date and we can't wait to make it official in the very same place! The museum and surrounding park is a beautiful, inclusive space. (Did we mention it's free?!) Explore the galleries hosting art across a variety of periods and collections. Don't miss a few of our favorites including the American Gallery and the Modern & Contemporary Gallery. If the weather is nice explore the museum park. It's home to more than two dozen monumental works of art, with artists actively involved in the restoration of the Park’s landscape and the integration of art into its natural systems. Grab lunch to go from the museum café and eat al fresco!
Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh
Some of the best Lebanese/Mediterranean food we've ever had. Went here after the art museum on our first date. Super casual, super delish! A 10 minute drive from the Embassy Suites. Relatively close to the art museum and on the same street as the Raulston Arboretum. Vegan and Vegetarian options.
JC Raulston Arboretum
Plants and trees galore. Easy to walk and sit and listen and think. Includes a zen meditation garden. 10 minutes from the Embassy Suites.
kō än
Great Asian fusion restaurant. It's 0.4 miles from the Embassy Suites!
Dame's Chicken & Waffles
A great casual place to eat world-class comfort food. Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, mac and cheese...what's not to love? Walk here from the Embassy Suites. 0.4 miles away!
Umstead State Park
Wait...what? A 5,600 acre state park in the middle of Raleigh...about 1/2 mile from the Embassy Suites? Yes. Parking lot, easy trails, one of our favorite places to go.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
Authentic NC BBQ in Downtown Raleigh. 17 minute drive from the Embassy Suites. Parking across the street in a paid lot. Great atmosphere, really worth the drive. Everything you'd expect from BBQ. Vegan and vegetarian options. After this try Crank Arm Brewing across the street. Boxcar Arcade (every classic video game, pinball and bar) as well as Videri Chocolate Factory across the street. These are all in the same block!
Carolina Basketball Museum
Of course this is on the list! We are both alumni. Open Monday-Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. A 25 minute drive from the Embassy Suites. Go visit blue heaven! Even the fire trucks are Carolina Blue in Chapel Hill! Everything UNC basketball, national championships, and includes a letter from Coach K to Michael Jordan wishing him luck in his career. After this go to Franklin Street and check out Top of the Hill restaurant.
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
On Franklin Street...take the elevator or stairs to get to the rooftop bar and restaurant.
Crabtree Valley Mall
Last minute shopping can be found here! 15 minutes from the Embassy Suites.
Target
Last minute emergency shopping...less than 5 miles and a 10 minute drive from the Embassy Suites.