Caitlin and Patrick's wedding will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Home of a burgeoning tech industry, three of the top universities in the world, an established foodie culture, and Southern Hospitality, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill create what is known as "The Triangle".

If you are staying in the North Hills area (at the Renaissance, the Hyatt House, or the AC Marriott), you are just north of Downtown Raleigh, a quick 10-minute drive. Ubers are plentiful in this part of the city and you will find that you are close to restaurants, museums, city parks, and historical sites.

If you want to to travel a bit further, Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill are all located along I-40 to the west of Raleigh. We have listed here some great sites to visit, as well as some of our favorite restaurants, so that you can fully take advantage of your time in our home.

Wherever you decide to go, we hope you have the best time exploring the Triangle's cities, walking its parks and greenways, and savoring its excellent cuisine.

In North Hills (close to the Renaissance)

Coquette Brasserie: lunch/brunch/dinner/drinks; Caitlin's favorite restaurant and a place that Patrick and Caitlin have enjoyed many a date night! Coquette has excellent Brunch, Cocktails, Wine, and French Food. Enjoy some Moules or Beef Bourguignon with a French 75!

Firebirds: lunch/dinner/drinks; a delightful bar and restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.

Bar Taco: lunch/dinner/drinks; right next to the Renaissance! Enjoy the margaritas and all types of tacos here.

Level7: small plates/drinks; a rooftop bar across the street from the Renaissance. Delicious drinks and tapas with a view. Can be found inside the AC Marriott.

The Cowfish: lunch/dinner/drinks; a sushi and burger restaurant across the street (Six Forks Rd) from the Renaissance and in the same general area as the AC Marriott and the Hyatt House.

The Yard House: lunch/dinner/drinks; a gastropub and bar in the same area as the AC Marriott and the Hyatt House (and across the street from the Renaissance.)

The Capital Grill: lunch/dinner/drinks; if you fancy a steak dinner, The Capital Grill is located in the same area as the AC Marriott and the Hyatt House.

Vivace: lunch/dinner; an Italian restaurant located a brief walk from the Renaissance across Lassiter Mill Rd.

Downtown Raleigh (5-10 minute drive)

Trophy Brewing and Pizza: lunch/dinner/drinks; an excellent brewery to go to just a short walk from the State Capitol building.

Gravy: lunch/dinner; one of Caitlin and Patrick's favorite restaurants, an excellent Italian restaurant in downtown Raleigh.

Beasley's Chicken and Honey: lunch/brunch; an institution in Raleigh for Southern breakfast and brunch.

The Pit: lunch/dinner; an excellent choice if you are looking for North Carolina Barbeque. Plus they have tons of Southern sides.

Raleigh Beer Garden: lunch/dinner/drinks; RBG (what great initials) has the largest number of taps in the world. Enjoy North Carolina beers, Craft Beers from around the country, and brand name beers from around the world.

Anchor Bar: drinks; Caitlin and her bridesmaid, Lola spent one excellent New Year's Eve together at this bar. Neither lady remembers very much except for the fact that there was popcorn and delightful cocktails.

Durham/Chapel Hill (30-minute drive--but worth it!)

Pizzeria Toro: lunch/dinner/drinks; being from New Jersey, the Cushing family are pizza snobs. Pizzeria Toro is an excellent pizza establishment with a fantastic bar attached.

Dashi: dinner/drinks; this is an excellent ramen shop and izakaya in the heart of downtown Durham.

Bull McCabe's Irish Bar: lunch/dinner/drinks; always a good place for snacks and drinks! Caitlin worked here in grad school!

Bar Virgile: lunch/dinner/drinks; one of the best bars in Durham. Bar Virgile has delicious bistro-style French food and small plates. Their cocktails are to die for!

Guglhupf: lunch/dinner; this restaurant is a true Durham establishment. It is famous for its German food, bakery, and lunch. One of the most popular restaurants in the Triangle!

Dame's Chicken and Waffles: lunch/brunch; a famous Durham establishment. If you want Chicken and Waffles come here (or to its satellite branch in Cary--see below!)

Mediterranean Deli: lunch/dinner; a Chapel Hill institution. Come here for a large, and delicious, selection of Mediterranean food.

TRU: light food/drinks; one of Caitlin's favorite spots in Chapel Hill. An excellent selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wine as well as cheese plates and sandwiches.

Cary (10 minute drive)

Dame's Chicken and Waffles: lunch/brunch; come see where it all began! This delicious spot is the site of Caitlin and Patrick's first date. (You should definitely get the What a Classy Hen?)

La Farm: breakfast/lunch; a French bakery, café, and sandwich shop that Patrick lovingly calls L.A. Farm. The Parisian sandwich (jambon buerre!) is most certainly what you should order.

Downtown Raleigh (5-10 minute drive):

State Capitol

North Carolina Museum of Art

North Carolina History Museum

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Dorothea Dix Park

Walking Downtown Raleigh

NC State University

Walking Downtown Glenwood Ave

Cameron Village (a boutique shopping center)

Raleigh/Cary (10-20 minute drive):

Umstead State Park

Carolina Hurricanes Games

Lake Crabtree County Park (Patrick lives on this lake!)

Downtown Durham/Chapel Hill (30 minute drive):

Duke University

Nasher Museum of Art

The Duke Gardens

Walking Downtown Durham

UNC Chapel Hill (one of Caitlin's alma maters!)

Ackland Museum of Art (the site of Caitlin and Patrick's third date-- she knew he was a keeper when he listened interestedly to her extolling the merits of Medieval art)

North Carolina Botanical Garden

Walking Franklin Street

Further afield (for those of you who would like a day trip outside of the Triangle):

Asheville, NC

Charlotte, NC

New Bern, NC