January Weekend in Raleigh, NC

Wrapping up my annual six week winter sabbatical. In that time, I’ve eased back to the States after the whirlwind of Italy, deeply decluttered our home, spent hours at my favorite local cafe, ran every day and became a regular again at my hot yoga studio. I rounded the last weekend of my sabbatical with a trip to Raleigh. We use to live in Raleigh and it’s home for us. It did not disappoint. I am often asked for recommendations for Raleigh so thought I’d share what we did and a few recs.

Wall outside of Transfer Food Hall, Raleigh

We stayed at the Long Leaf Hotel which is a mid-century hotel that used to be a 1960s hotel lodge. You get the 60s vibe and modern hotel feel upon walking in. It’s sandwiched between two busy streets so be prepared for some street noise. After getting settled, take a 15 minutes walk to Morgan Street Food Hall, so many good food options. We also like Transfer Food Hall, which is a 30 minutes walk from the Long Leaf Hotel but worth a stop at Benchwarmers Bagel for one of their creative breakfast bagel sandwiches. Be prepared for the long lines - so good tho. While we are on eats…add Morning Times on your list for a quick coffee or tea break or pop upstairs to sit in their cafe that feels like an old school NYC loft apartment. For dinner we stopped at our fave Laotian restaurant, Binda Minda. Their sister restaurant, Brewery Bhvana next door is also just as amazing and more beautiful inside. After dinner, we went online and bought tickets at the Pour House Music Hall and Record Store to see a live band. We lucked out and got to hear an amazing soul band Josyln and the Sweet Compression. Her voice blew me away. Btw, ignore the 3.5 google rating for the Pour House. It’s clearly a place to get drinks and enjoy up and coming artists for $20 a ticket…not an upscale joint. Get there a bit early and sit upstairs on the stools overlooking the stage. If you crave some late night desserts after the show, head over to Bittersweet a dessert and cocktail lounge.

I got my movement practice on with a run and a hike at my favorite trail, Lake Johnson Park. The park has two trails, one is a paved 3 miles path and the other is more of a hiking trail. I love these trails for its scenic lake view while you run or hike. I also like it because it is very popular so as a non-local, you won’t feel isolated on the trail. A walk or hike at Lake Johnson is a nice break from downtown. I also dropped by 110 Yoga for a hot yoga flow class. The studio has a young vibe and I like their creative yoga flow. The teachers deliver a more athletic yoga practice so the classes may not fit most beginners. I didn’t get a chance to go to my other fav yoga studio, Cirque De Vol. Their restorative aerial yoga puts you in a silky aerial cocoon that just feels so good.

Raleigh is a walkable city, while meandering I popped into Father and Son Vintage Shop and the CAM Museum. We also dropped some coins at Raleigh Denim Workshop and Curatory where small batch clothing and jeans are sourced and made in-house. Their clothes are really thoughtfully made and the shop is a vibe.

Art Installation at the CAM Museum, Raleigh

These are just the few things we did over the weekend. This list only scratches the surface on what to do, eat, and explore in Raleigh. Be on the lookout for more Raleigh gems on the blog. Drop a comment if you have questions or recommendations of your own for others. Cheers!