Places I love to support around the research triangle. I'm located in JoCo so some of these are about a 30 min trek-but worth a visit!
Map
Sections
3
Shopping
Professional Services
Cool Experiences
Shopping
If you love all things mod-great place to just look around. A little on the pricey side, but I've snagged some pretty cool items at a reasonable price. Just makes the search more fun!
Father & Son Vintage
Brittany the owner takes a lot of time curating her seasonal selections. Super friendly staff and always something to grab!
The Dragonfly Boutique
3 stories of antique shopping. I can easily spend several hours here. You'll notice I enjoy a good bit of thrifting.
Cheshire Cat Antique Gallery
Great place to grab local inspired gifts and home decor. The owners are super nice and involved with the community.
The Market at Three Little Birds
This one is definitely out there, but I love this place and have a lot of childhood memories. Mr. Stanfield keeps this place running smoothly and has a variety of local items to grab.
Stanfield's General Store
Just a great place to go look around. Get out and talk to people in the community.
The Twisted Willow Boutique
This is a great way to support several small businesses at once, as you can shop multiple booths.
The Southern Bostonian | Selma NC
Really cool curated group of items. I've never not found something here.
Durham Vintage Collective
Kinda eclectic, but I'm into it. Fun to poke around in.
Vaguely Reminiscent
Professional Services
This is my go-to nail salon. I'm mostly a pedicure person and never disappointed here. Sometimes there's a wait, but they'll be sure to get you in.
TOP COATS NAILS & SPA - Updated November 2025
I never knew that this was a service I needed/would enjoy. If you've never been to a head spa, book yourself an appointment here asap.
Willow Head Spa
I HATE waxing, but I hate it a lot less here. Great vibes, professional service, reasonable price.
Wax Poetic
Best place to go in Clayton. Variety of services, especially if you don't know what your body needs.
MNH Therapies, LLC
Emma is the only person who does my hair. Not only because she knows what she's doing, but she listens to all my crazy demands, interprets them, and achieves results without frying my hair. Plus she's sweet and hilarious!
Emma At Hair Junkies - Clayton NC
Emily has done family photos for us, and will continue to photograph our special moments. She's so talented!
I've been coming here since I was a child, and it's still just as much fun as an adult! Fairly cheap (check for groupons!) and a great way to relax with friends or entertain kids.
Pottery Camp
Is axe throwing off trend now? I still think it's pretty dang fun. Go throw sharp things!
Epic Axe | Social House & Axe Throwing North Carolina
*Technically* a bar but I'm there to win! Great place to bring friends or people visiting you.
Boxcar Bar + Arcade
I think escape rooms are cool. Sue me.
Conundrum Escapes LLC
If you want to get outside and go camping, tubing, or kayaking-this is the company to do it with. All family-owned and ran. Great times, cheap, and I keep coming back!
