The Flying Biscuit

One of our top breakfast spots! Get there early or there will inevitably be a wait (tip: call ahead to put your name down. Warm, gooey biscuits with apple butter are served with every meal - a real southern treat. Try Lydia’s favorite: southern eggs Benedict with the grits.

Raleigh Morning Times

This downtown venue is a local favorite. Biscuits and cheese grits are a staple (noticing a theme here?). A great spot if you want a delicious meal on the go.

Big Ed’s

Another delicious local favorite with more biscuits. If you’re brave (or hungover), considering the pancake challenge… warning: it’s not for the faint of heart. Two locations to choose from depending on where you’re staying.

Morning Rolls

Small local spot with our favorite cinnamon rolls and sweet/savory breakfast sandwiches. Highly recommend asking about the monthly special cinnamon roll as the owner/chef always has some delicious tricks up his sleeve.

Beasley’s Chicken + Honey

We haven’t been here yet because the line is always too long! If you can get here early enough, this is a staple in Raleigh that we’ll get to one day…

Gym Taco

Food truck in North Raleigh near Costco with other brick and mortar locations, this some pretty excellent Mexican food. Adam prefers the burrito and al pastor taco while Lydia gets the quesadilla. Make sure to ask for some cups for their salsas! The North Raleigh truck will trade places with another truck called Mr. Burro in the mornings which serves really great breakfast burritos but make sure to get a side as well.

Chido Taco

This is the ultimate quesabirria station. We’ve been here so many times we’re embarrassed to admit it and all of those that we’ve brought there have given it great reviews. It gets busy but there is a lot of seating outside and if you’re waiting around then grab a drink at the bar!

Longleaf Swine or Sam Jones BBQ

If you’ve got the itch for some ‘cue, we recommend these places and while you’re there try the NC sauces. Adam likes the vinegar, but mustard-based will also be there. Skip the cornbread at Same Jones unless you’re feeling adventurous since it won’t be what you expect, but they have plenty of other great sides to choose from.

Morgan St Food Hall or Transfer Co Food Hall

Cafeteria-style restaurants with many different food options if your group can’t agree on where to go! We prefer Transfer Co. if we had to make a choice but both will get the job done and have a fun atmosphere.

Benny Capitale’s

For those that have spent any time in Blacksburg, VA after 2011, you’ll know the name “Benny’s.” The chain began in a small building in downtown Blacksburg offering massive pizzas with lines around the block and expanded into Downtown Raleigh. This is one of the few later-night food options closing at 1a on weekend nights.

Special note for the late-nighters

Late-night food options are pretty slim so make sure you plan accordingly and have some emergency munchies if needed. Here are some options you might consider:

- Benny Capitales

- Flying Saucer (Dive bar but good bar food that hits the spot)

You’ll be able to trip and fall into a brewery anywhere you are in Raleigh but here are some of our favorites:

- Lynwood Brewing Concern (the one closer to downtown)

- Crank Arm (bike-themed dive bar)

- State of Beer

- Raleigh Beer Garden (Huge place with many beers to choose from, also has corn hole in the back area)

- Clouds Brewing (has good food)

- Wye Hill (a bit out of the way, but super awesome view of Raleigh)

- Flying Saucer (dive bar with good food)

- Watts and Ward (Cool speakeasy-type ambiance)

While we fully expect everyone will be resting up for our big day, if you find yourself out for a night on the town there are some places we recommend avoiding at certain times so send us a text and we’ll be happy to sort you out!

Jubala Coffee

With locations around the Triangle, this is the tried and true coffee shop with great coffee and delicious food. We love the breakfast sandwiches here but you can’t go wrong with any of the food on the menu.

NoRa Cafe

It’s a bit of a hike outside of Downtown Raleigh but easily Adam’s favorite coffee shop in the area. Serving excellent coffee and English muffin breakfast sandwiches from a local bakery, it will get you back on your feet or start your day on the right foot.

Heirloom

If you prefer tea or find yourself in the Warehouse District, stop in here to get your tea or coffee. You won’t be disappointed.

Cup a Joe

This is another Raleigh staple closer to NC State campus if you need a quick pick me up

Umstead

If you’re feeling adventurous or just need see some nature, check out Umstead. Super close to Raleigh, Umstead offers some good hiking for any difficulty level. Parking lots can fill up quickly on weekends so try the Glenwood Ave entrance where there is more parking.

Local Parks

If hiking isn’t your thing but you still need some fresh air and greenery check out these parks:

- Pullen Park

- Shelly Lake Park (where the big proposal happened)

- JC Raulston Arboretum

- Dorothea Dix

- Cedar Hill/Kentwood disc golf courses

Greenway Trails

If you want to take a bike ride or take a casual stroll on a rail trail, there is a huge network of paved trails running through the city and suburbs. We both enjoy hitting the Neuse River Trail in particular.

Shopping

You’ll find a good number of boutiques that are housed in some of Raleigh’s historic buildings in both the Warehouse District and City Market area and are otherwise fun areas to walk around.

Museums

While you won’t find the Smithsonian here in Raleigh, some local favorites are:

- North Carolina Museum of Art

- Marbles (it’s for kids but adults can have fun there too)

- City of Raleigh Museum