If you’re craving authentic North Carolina barbecue, The Pit is a must-visit. This kitchen serves up whole-hog, pit-smoked barbecue with all the classic Southern fixings—think hush puppies, collard greens, and mac & cheese. Whether you go for the chopped pork, brisket, or fall-off-the-bone ribs, you won’t leave hungry. Pro tip: Save room for the banana pudding!

A Raleigh icon, Angus Barn is the perfect spot for a special night out. This legendary steakhouse serves up perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and an impressive wine selection—all in a cozy, rustic barn setting. The service is top-notch, and the complimentary cheese and crackers are just the beginning of a truly memorable meal. Definitely don't skip the chocolate chess pie for dessert!

Located in the North Hills area just outside of downtown Raleigh, this vibrant, Colombian-Mexican fusion spot is a go-to for bold flavors, strong margaritas, and a festive atmosphere. The tacos are packed with flavor (the carne asada and shrimp tacos are fan favorites!), and the homemade salsas bring just the right amount of heat.

If you're in the mood for sushi while you're in town, O-Ku is the place to go! This stylish spot serves up incredibly fresh fish, creative rolls, and delicious small plates with a unique mix of Japanese and Southern flavors. Plus, the rooftop bar is a great place to sip a cocktail and take in the skyline.

If you're looking for great food, craft beer, and one of the best skyline views in Raleigh, Wye Hill is the place to be! This lively spot has a fantastic selection of house-brewed beers, creative cocktails, and a menu full of delicious, elevated pub fare. For brunch, dinner, or just a drink on the patio, it’s the perfect place to soak in the Raleigh vibes.

If you have a sweet tooth, you have to stop by Two Roosters! This local favorite serves up creamy, handcrafted ice cream in fun and unique flavors—think Girl Scout Mint, Blackberry Hibiscus, and even seasonal surprises. Whether you go classic or adventurous, every scoop is made with love and local ingredients.

You're in luck–the 2025 NC State Fair begins on October 16th! It’s one of the biggest and most fun events in Raleigh, packed with everything from rides and games to fried food (hello, deep-fried Oreos!) and live music. You can wander through rows of colorful booths, check out local crafts, or even visit the livestock exhibits.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to experience Raleigh, catching a Carolina Hurricanes game is a must! Known for their passionate fans (aka Caniacs) and electric atmosphere, Hurricanes games at PNC Arena are always a good time—even if you’re not a die-hard hockey fan. Grab a beer, cheer on the home team, and maybe even witness the famous Storm Surge celebration if they win!

A true Raleigh gem, Pullen Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. As one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, it has a charming, nostalgic feel with a beautiful lake, walking paths, and plenty of space to unwind. Take a ride on the historic carousel, rent a pedal boat, or simply enjoy a stroll under the shady trees.

If you’re a history buff (or just love a good pirate story), the North Carolina Museum of History is a great spot to explore while you're in town! Located in the heart of downtown—and just across the street from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences—this free museum showcases everything from North Carolina’s early colonial days to its role in the Civil Rights Movement. You’ll find fascinating exhibits on everything from sports legends to Revolutionary War artifacts, plus a life-size replica of the Wright brothers’ plane.

If you're looking for a fun, low-key spot to grab drinks, The Avenue is a great choice. Located right beside the AC Marriott Hotel, this laid-back neighborhood bar has a great selection of cocktails, local beers, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

This country-themed bar delivers everything you want in a memorable night out—from an impressive whiskey selection to an always-energetic dance floor that keeps moving until last call. The expansive space strikes that perfect balance between upscale and downright fun, featuring live music that ranges from up-and-coming country artists to top-notch cover bands.

This intimate speakeasy captivates with its thoughtful attention to detail—from the carefully curated vintage décor to the masterfully prepared drinks that elevate classic recipes with modern imagination. The expert mixologists take pride in their craft, incorporating seasonal ingredients and house-made infusions into both traditional and innovative cocktails. What makes this venue particularly enchanting is its ability to transport you to another era while maintaining an inviting, unpretentious atmosphere.

This Nashville-inspired hotspot comes alive when local and touring bands take the stage, serving up the perfect mix of country, rock, and pop covers that'll keep you moving. The spacious dance floor is always packed, and the atmosphere is infectiously fun. Trust us, once you're caught up in the live music scene here, you might find yourself staying way later than planned!

Just a quick 20-minute drive from Raleigh, Durham is a city that perfectly blends historic charm with modern innovation. This former tobacco town has reinvented itself as a hub of culture, technology, and seriously incredible food—in fact, Southern Living once dubbed it the "Tastiest Town in the South," and one bite at any of its award-winning restaurants will show you why! The heart of the city beats in the American Tobacco Campus, a beautifully restored tobacco factory complex that now houses restaurants, offices, and open-air spaces perfect for enjoying those warm Carolina evenings.

Don't miss the chance to explore Durham's Brightleaf District, where historic tobacco warehouses have been transformed into a vibrant neighborhood filled with local shops, innovative restaurants, and buzzing bars. Baseball fans will love catching a Durham Bulls game at the iconic Durham Bulls Athletic Park (featured in the classic film "Bull Durham"), while culture enthusiasts should absolutely make time for a visit to the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. Speaking of Duke—the university's stunning neo-Gothic architecture and Sarah P. Duke Gardens offer some of the most beautiful photo ops in the state!

For food lovers, Durham's dining scene is a must-experience, from James Beard award-winning restaurants to bustling food halls like Durham Food Hall and Transfer Co. Food Hall. End your Durham adventure at one of the city's craft breweries or distilleries, where you can raise a glass to this dynamic city that proves some of North Carolina's biggest surprises come in smaller packages!

Only 30 minutes from Raleigh, Chapel Hill captures everything we love about a quintessential college town—but with an extra helping of Southern charm! Home to the nation's first public university, UNC-Chapel Hill, this vibrant community absolutely buzzes with energy, especially along the famous Franklin Street. This historic thoroughfare is the heart and soul of Chapel Hill, lined with locally-owned boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and some of the most beloved restaurants in the Triangle (don't leave without trying the iconic Carolina blue cups at He's Not Here or grabbing a bite at Top of the Hill's rooftop restaurant!).

Sports fans, get ready—this is Tar Heel country, and the passion for Carolina basketball is infectious! If you're lucky enough to be here during basketball season, the energy around town is absolutely electric. Even if there's no game on, you can still soak in the sports history at the Carolina Basketball Museum or take a stroll through the gorgeous campus, where towering oak trees and historic brick buildings create a picture-perfect setting for an afternoon walk.

For a taste of Chapel Hill's thriving arts scene, catch a show at the historic Cat's Cradle (one of the Southeast's most legendary music venues), or explore the Ackland Art Museum's impressive collection. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the NC Botanical Garden, where you can wander through native plant collections and themed gardens that showcase the region's incredible biodiversity. And foodies, you're in for a treat—from James Beard award-winning chefs to beloved college hangouts, Chapel Hill's dining scene proves that a small town can pack a serious culinary punch!

About two hours east of Raleigh, Wilmington beckons with its irresistible blend of coastal charm and historic grandeur! This port city captures your heart with its picture-perfect Riverwalk—a scenic boardwalk that winds along the Cape Fear River and was named "America's Best Riverwalk" by USA Today. As you stroll past bobbing boats and waterfront restaurants, you'll understand exactly why this enchanting city has become a favorite filming location for countless movies and TV shows!

The heart of Wilmington beats in its Historic District, where centuries-old mansions and cobblestone streets transport you to another era. Take a guided tour of the spectacular Bellamy Mansion, or simply wander through the historic neighborhoods where massive live oaks draped with Spanish moss create magical canopies over the streets. Downtown's brick-lined streets are packed with unique boutiques, art galleries, and some seriously amazing restaurants—from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to innovative Southern fusion cuisine.

Beach lovers, you're in for a treat! Wilmington is surrounded by three distinct island beaches, each with its own personality. Wrightsville Beach is perfect for surfing and water sports, Carolina Beach offers classic boardwalk fun (don't miss Britt's Donuts—trust us!), and Kure Beach provides a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe with the North Carolina Aquarium nearby. Pro tip: Time your visit to catch sunset at Wrightsville Beach's Crystal Pier, or join a sunset cruise along the Cape Fear River—both offer absolutely magical views. And if you're into craft beer, Wilmington's brewery scene has exploded in recent years, offering the perfect way to unwind after a day of sun and sand.

About three hours east of Raleigh, the Outer Banks (or "OBX" as the locals call it) is a stunning string of barrier islands that offers the kind of coastal magic you can only find in North Carolina! This isn't your typical beach destination—instead of high-rise hotels and crowded boardwalks, you'll discover 200+ miles of windswept beaches, rolling sand dunes, and charming coastal villages that feel wonderfully untouched by time.

History buffs, get ready to geek out! Visit Kitty Hawk, where the Wright brothers made their first flight (the Wright Brothers National Memorial offers incredible views from the top), or head to Roanoke Island to unravel the mysterious story of the Lost Colony. For lighthouse enthusiasts, the OBX is absolute paradise—climb to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (America's tallest!), or capture that perfect photo of the distinctive black-and-white stripes of Bodie Island Lighthouse at sunset.

Adventure seekers will find their happy place here too! The consistently strong winds make this one of the best spots on the East Coast for kiteboarding and windsurfing, while the waves at spots like S-Curves and Jennette's Pier are a dream. Nature lovers shouldn't miss the wild horses of Corolla—these majestic creatures are descendants of Spanish colonial horses and still roam freely on the northernmost beaches; you can even take a 4x4 tour to see them in their natural habitat! And when it comes to seafood, you're in for a treat—from fresh-caught blue crabs to classic fish fries, the local restaurants serve up the kind of coastal cuisine that makes the OBX a food lover's paradise. Whether you're watching the sun rise over the Atlantic from Duck or catching the sunset over the sound in Nags Head, the Outer Banks offers a slice of coastal paradise that feels worlds away from everyday life!

About four hours west of Raleigh, nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a magical mountain town that perfectly blends artistic spirit with outdoor adventure! This eclectic city has earned its reputation as one of the South's most vibrant cultural hubs, where the crisp mountain air seems to inspire creativity and craft beer in equal measure (fun fact: Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city!).

At the heart of it all stands the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America's largest private residence and a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture. The 8,000-acre estate offers more than just a glimpse into historical grandeur—you can tour the spectacular gardens, visit the on-site winery, or stay at one of their luxurious hotels.

Downtown Asheville is a treasure trove of artistic expression, where street performers provide the soundtrack to your exploration of locally-owned shops, galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants. Don't miss the River Arts District, where more than 200 working artists have transformed former industrial buildings into vibrant studios. For food lovers, Asheville's culinary scene is a revelation—from James Beard-nominated chefs crafting innovative Appalachian cuisine to cozy mountain cafes serving up comfort food with a twist.

Outdoor enthusiasts, you're in for a treat! The Blue Ridge Parkway (America's favorite scenic drive) offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and those perfect mountain-vista photos. In autumn, the surrounding mountains explode with fall colors, creating a spectacular backdrop for adventure. End your day at one of Asheville's legendary breweries like Wicked Weed or Highland Brewing, or head to the Grove Park Inn's sunset terrace for breathtaking mountain views with your craft cocktail. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, artistic inspiration, or just want to soak in that laid-back mountain vibe, Asheville delivers mountain magic that'll make you want to extend your stay!