As a Raleigh resident who loves a good daytrip, here are some of my faves!
Map
Sections
4
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
Adorable little park with carnival-like rides! Cute for families and for a cute, low-cost date. They really do it up for the holidays so definitely recommend checking it out!
Pullen Park
Went here with a friend and loved it! Honestly fun for anyone, plenty of produce, great selection of plants, handmade bags, clothes, and jewelry. All around a good time!
State Farmers Market - Raleigh | NC Agriculture
My completely honest take on Topsail beach: it is a lovely beach! Nice and flat so not only is sand in your eyes not a problem, the ocean itself is pretty shallow for a while! There is a pier, great for fishing if that's your thing. I WILL SAY: when ...
Topsail Beach
A personal fave of mine! I went 3 times last summer :P Lots to do around the island, ice cream, fun shops, and more!
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
ok, it's not a beach, BUUUTTTT if you enjoy shell - searching, this is the place for you! Go during low tide and you will see a PLETHORA of absolutely massive shells!! Gorgeous as well, I've included a picture I took myself :)
Fort Fisher - NC Historic Sites
just look at the pictures y'all isn't it gorgeous
JC Raulston Arboretum
eee so pretty!!
WRAL Azalea Garden
You can see the sunset over the river from here! Gorgeous, there is a pier you can watch from, and the food and atmosphere is good too
Riverview Cafe: A Seafood Haven in Sneads Ferry, NC
Restaurants
yes it is delish
Johnny's Pizza (Cary)
People forget about these but they are so good! Good vibes, fast service, good food :)
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
my go to chinese food!
HONG KONG NO 1 Restaurant
the best spot!! huge portions of course, I've been going here ever since I was little!
Los Tres Magueyes
I even recommend their tater tots, especially with their signature sauce!
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
Incredible portions, and if you're picky about your burgers, they give you the base burger and you add all the fixin's yourself!
Remington Grill
Tried this spot on a whim while visiting the beach and was blown away by how good everything is! I get a bagel and coffee everytime I go now
Ben & Bean Bakery and Café
DELISH AND BIG PORTIONS!!
Amedeo's Italian Restaurant
Arts & Entertainment
Always a fun time, plus they have a teen committee that sometimes has events tailored to teen interests! I went to one a couple years back that had desserts, crochet, games, and more!
North Carolina Museum of Art
one of my faves! I actually went here on my birthday last year. The dueling dinos exhibit is a must, especially now that it's the site of a new dino discovery! (google “nanotyrannus” to learn more about it, it's actually super cool!)
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
incredibly talented performers and they have all sorts of fun plays for all ages!
Durham Performing Arts Center
bowling and an arcade all in one!
Buffaloe Lanes Cary Family Bowling Center
if you haven't been oh mah goodness you have to go. It is so so much fun, faster ride times than disney, better energy and less overstimulating (no disney hate), and a much better variety of thrill rides if you love coasters!!
Dollywood
Local Favorites
Amazing service and all the staff are super friendly! You can tell they all love working together, and there is such great energy in the salon. I especially love Caarin, she is the absolute sweetest!
Indigo Salon
Great prices! Books here are as cheap as $2, and you can even sell them your old books (not for much, but it supports the business!) highly recommend!!
