The Weekender: Raleigh, North Carolina
As someone who works “normal” Monday to Friday work hours, its often times hard to get away for an extended period of time. Thats why long weekend trips are such a great idea. They offer the perfect balance between getting away from the daily grind of your life and exploring new destinations
Weekender, noun week·end·er | \ ˈwēk-ˈen-dər One who vacations or visits for a weekend
For many of us, Raleigh is not the first city think of when you think of North Carolina. Ashville and Charlotte are by far much more popular. However, the state capital shouldn’t be ruled out. If you’re looking for a weekend trip to North Carolina, but don’t want to fight the crowds that more popular cities bring in, look no further!
Day 1
The first day for me is always about getting my bearings. I am the one person in the group who advocates for a walking or bus tour to get a what I like to call, a “high level overview” of the city I’m in. I love to research ahead of time and have an idea of what and where I’d like to visit. But, having a local take me around their city has never let me down. They always bring an insider prospective that Google will never have. If tours are not for you, ask your waitress or bartender – they also have great recommendations to share. Since I lived in Raleigh for one year, think of me as that local guide!
To capitalize on a weekend trip to Raleigh, begin your first day in Downtown. Visit the State Capital building or the Museum of Natural History. The beauty of downtown Raleigh is that there is always something going on or to see. They have everything from festivals to fun murals to find.
Once you’re ready for a lunch break, head over to Woody’s. It may be a dive bar, but it still is one of my favorite places to eat. Pro tip: try one of their dragon berry mojitos – they are fantastic! If you’re looking for a sweet treat to indulge in afterwards, Treats is another favorite of mine downtown. I love their ice cream!
Now that you’re fueled up and ready to take on the rest of the day, hop in the car and head south towards the Historic Yates Mills County Park. The centerpiece of the 174-acre park is The Yates Mill, which has served as the water-powered gristmill to serve Wake County for more 200 years. It’s actually the only one left standing! There are tours available or trails for you to head out on if that is more your speed.
Dinnertime takes you back into the city, to Sushi O Bistro and Sushi Bar. If you’re not a fish eater, don’t worry neither am I and I have no problems finding something to eat! Or if you’re prefer, visit the Greek restaurant Taverna Agora. Both are delicious options to finish up your first day in Raleigh!
Day 2
Good morning and welcome to Day 2 of your weekend in Raleigh! My favorite breakfast place in the entire city is at the State Farmer’s Market Restaurant. DO NOT miss their biscuits! I have to remind myself each time I’m there that I ordered other yummy foods to eat that I need to save room for. When you’re finished and need to walk off everything you ate – head across the street and check out the farmers market. Stall after stall of colorful fruits, vegetables, and flowers await you!
Now that you’ve had your fill of the farmers market, it’s time to hop in your car and get out of the city to explore what nature has to offer. Yes, you’re going to walk even more of breakfast off! There are a couple of different options to choose from – Lake Lynn or Umstead State Park are my personal recommendations. Lake Lynn is going to be a smaller venue than Umstead, as well as being a little closer to the city. Each of them, however, will absolutely satisfy your desire to get outside.
Dinner awaits at The Raleigh Times! And I bet after all of the walking/hiking today, you’re going to be famished! Enjoy dinner and drinks in this 100 year old building surrounded by old press clippings and images from their namesake newspaper. The Raleigh Times started in 1879 and continued to thrive. Eventually though, newspapers across the country decreased and in 1989, it distributed its final edition.
Depending on which time of year you visit Raleigh, there are quite a few evening activities you can do. From November to January, there’s the Chinese Lantern Festival or you can see a show at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Downtown Raleigh also has some fun rooftop bars and speakeasy’s if that is more your speed!
It’s Time to Head Home
Now that your belly full and heart is happy, it’s time to head back home. Whether you’re driving or flying, Raleigh, North Carolina is always a great choice for a weekend get-away any time of the year.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about Raleigh! Have you been? Tell me in the comments below!