Come early & Explore!

If you're looking to see other parts of North Carolina,

head to Wrightsville Beach (2 hours from Raleigh)

or go chase waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains!

If you're looking for something more local, here are a few ideas:

Raven Rock State Park -

Lovely, quiet park. Sites are well-maintained, gravel, level & easy back in. Located just 8 minutes from our wedding venue in Lillington, NC.

No entry fee. Walk the trail to the lookout, hike down to the river, enjoy the picnic tables and barbecue grills. Dogs allowed and you can even camp here if you want to skip out on the hotels ; )

North Carolina Museum of Art

This is where Jamie & David met for the first time :)

It's a wonderful art museum. A place Jamie frequents almost weekly to photograph families.

Free to enter and to explore the beautiful grounds.

Pullen Park

Whether you're bringing kids or just want to feel like a kid again. Pullen Park is free park with beautiful trails and so many fun things to do; rent a pedal boat, ride a carousel, play on the playground, etc.

Go downtown Raleigh!!

Walk around, shop, eat, drink, be merry. Some of our favorite places to eat include; Bida Manda, Tavern Agora (rooftop), Madre, Irregardless, Standard Beer + Food, Ajja.. to name a few.

For cocktails try; Watts & Ward, Clockwork, William & Co, or Gussies.

Downtown Cary

Cary & Raleigh are right next to each other. Jamie lives in Raleigh, but closer to downtown Cary. Downtown Cary recently built an incredible outdoor park. It has a super unique playground, outdoor bar, firepits, and just always something happening. Academy street is a cute place to walk around, with great food, drinks, shops, and library. We LOVE to eat at a Laotion restaurant called Saap. And we enjoy going into the Mayton (A boutique hotel) for a nice cocktail in their library or on the patio.

Videri Chocolate Factory

Artisan chocolatier offering self-guided tours, plus a cafe for chocolate bars, bonbons & espresso.

Named after North Carolina's state motto. the Latin phrase Esse Quam Videri, “to be rather than to seem,”.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

David's favorite place. The coolest movie theater you've ever been to. Delicious food and drinks and full service while you enjoy your film.