Welcome to the heart of Carolina! We’re so grateful you’re traveling to celebrate with us. Whether you're exploring Raleigh, grabbing a bite in Durham, or soaking up the charm of Chapel Hill, here are some of our favorite local spots to help you enjoy everything the Triangle has to offer.

Chapel Hill is Annie’s hometown and home to the University of North Carolina, where both she and her parents attended. Ari is now a proud, obligatory Tar Heel and has promised to never again wear the wrong shade of blue.

UNC Basketball Museum: a must-visit to understand the heart of Chapel Hill. Make sure to look at the Dean Dome while you’re there!

Coker Arboretum: a beautiful, five-acre garden in the middle of campus.

Top of the Hill: a classic Tar Heel restaurant with a great view of Franklin Street.

Merritt's Grill: home of the South's best BLT!

Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen: a Passaro Saturday morning staple!

The Crunkleton: a craft cocktail spot in the heart of CH.

Yogurt Pump: a great, hole-in-the-wall frozen yogurt shop that Annie frequented during nursing school, and Paul and Kristi also enjoyed back in their Carolina days!

American Tobacco Trail: a 22-mile-long trail perfect for walking, running, and biking throughout Durham.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens: while Annie was raised to doubt that any good thing could come from Dook, these gardens are good proof of the exception.

Bean Traders: Annie’s go-to study spot during high school and nursing school, this is a Durham classic.

The Durham Hotel Rooftop Bar: great drinks & apps with great view of Bull City’s skyline!

Guglhupf: amazing German-American baked goods and brunch in a garden setting.

Foster’s: right next door to Guglhupf, this is another Durham brunch/lunch staple!

Q Shack: the Passaros’ favorite place to get authentic Carolina BBQ.

Durham Food Hall: a great collection of local vendors in an indoor marketplace.

State Farmer’s Market: Head to the Market Restaurant for some authentic Carolina country breakfast.

William B. Umstead Park: one of Annie’s favorite spots for a hike or trail run!

Pullen Park: a Raleigh classic with paddle boats, a carousel, and lots of green space.

Museum of Natural History: the Southeast's largest history museum! Admission is free.

NC Museum of Art: enjoy their indoor gallery or outdoor sculpture exhibit! Admission is free.

Neomonde: a delicious Mediterranean cafe with a wide selection of fresh dishes.

Fount Coffee: located right next to RDU, this is one of Annie’s favorite places for a quick cup or snack.

Full Bloom Coffee: located in quaint, downtown Garner close to the venue!

Cameron Village (Village District): great outdoor shopping area & food!

Making a week of it? Here are some of the best places to visit across the Tar Heel State! (Spoiler alert: North Carolina really does have it all.)

The Outer Banks: A chain of barrier islands featuring beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, wild horses, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach: A historic port city with a vibrant riverfront and great beaches.

Blue Ridge Parkway: a stunning scenic route through the mountains from Cherokee to Virginia. Asheville, Boone, and Black Mountain are all great places to stop along the way!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hikes, waterfalls, and wildflowers.

Pilot Mountain State Park: the iconic knob-shaped peak near Mount Airy (the home of Andy Griffith).