One of my favorite sources to use for happenings in Raleigh is Offline. Not familiar with Offline? It gives great recommendations on what to order at restaurants, events, places to visit, etc. So, when I saw their 36 Hours in Raleigh by Chana from RaleighWhatsUp, I decided I would do something similar.
First things first, I’d grab a coffee from Benelux Coffee in Cameron Village. I just feel cooler when I am in there.
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Next, head over to Parlor Blow Dry Bar for a blow out. Get a blood orange mimosa while you’re at it. Those girls know how to make you feel pampered!
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Shopping in Cameron Village has always been my favorite. There’s Moon & Lola, Furbish, Charlotte’s, Uniquities, The Impeccable Pig, and Madison, just to name a few of my go-tos.
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After leaving Cameron Village, dinner would be at Calavera Empanada and Tequila Bar. I recommend the chicken tinga, chimi churri, and the havana jerk and the cilantro jalapeno margarita.
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After dinner, head over to Centro/Gallo Pelon for a drink on their rooftop bar.
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End the night at Foundation, which is a speakeasy, and has the most amazing gin drinks.
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For breakfast the next day, go to Big Ed’s City Market. The food is the best Southern breakfast food, and you can’t beat the price for the amount of food you get. Anything you order will be delicious, but I can’t recommend the pancakes and hash browns enough.
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Walk off breakfast by taking a stroll through Moore Square before ending up at the North Carolina Museum of History.
Then, head over to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
For lunch, The Station at Person Street has great outdoor seating and even better food. Start out with the bacon, haberno, pimiento cheese dip. Their black bean burger with homemade potato chips is my go-to.
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Head in to downtown again and check out High Cotton Ties. This is especially close to my heart because the cotton products are made with cotton grown in North Carolina.
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Make a pit stop at Paddy O’Beers. Such a fun scene with a great selection of beer.
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Walk over to Raleigh Denim Workshop and check out their awesomeness.
Head over to Boylan Bridge Brewpub for the best view of the city.


Before you leave, have brunch at Joule and order the hangover with a latte.


I think this is going to be one of your most popular posts!! You totally make me want to take a weekend trip to Raleigh – there is so much to do and see and you're always eating the best food – so that would of course be the highlight of the trip! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Dang girl! So many fun things to do! Ive never been to Raleigh before but this makes me want to check it out. And the food… omg yes. You always post the most amazing food pics!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
yep, because of this I am even more ready for a vacation down south!
WOW, what a great list, lady! I'll have to bookmark this for my next trip to Raleigh. I went a ton when I was younger for soccer tournaments and to visit friends. The food looks amazing!
What a fabulous post, and a must-read for anyone visiting Raleigh! You've totally inspired me to try a post about being a tourist in my own city 🙂
Wow, I have a big to-do list now…. must try all of these restaurants! Loved reading this.
xo, Shelby
http://www.prettyinthepines.com
Such a great round up! I've been to most of those places but now I have some new places to check out!
You know…I lived in Raleigh most of my life and have never been to most of these places. For shame!
I love being able to find awesome places in my area, and then in areas that I visit. One day maybe Ill make my way to Raleigh for a blate! 🙂
I was supposed to go to Raleigh years ago to meet up with a girl friend and go to a concert (embarrassed to say it was Ms. Dion bahaha) but a snow storm hit and I couldn't make the drive. What a cute town!
I totally agree with everything on this list and I have one addition… you have to go to Neomonde! It is the best Mediterranean food around 🙂
I've lived in Raleigh almost 6 years and I haven't been to half of these places. These are great recommendations, now I just need to get out more!
You've named so many of my favorite places!!! LOVE Big Ed's and The Station!
xo,
Angela
This is reminding me of my trip down there. I got a wallet from Charlotte's. Movie nights at the art park was a fun night.
I need to try a lot of these places out! Hopefully I can dine at one of the spots you mentioned this weekend!
I ended up going to Calavera! It's amazing!!!
Thanks for all of these wonderful suggestions! It's always difficult to decide what to do/see/eat when in an unfamiliar city so this is really great. – Svetlana @ Life with a Side of Wine
I've had brunch at The Station and Joule and both were delicious!! And I need to check out Foundation… I've heard good things. See ya tomorrow lady 🙂
I think you put together a great list. Great job.
Leigh
Wow, Raleigh looks so awesome! Lots of great things to do!
~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
You nailed it! And this is why we love our City! Xo, Stephanie