Sarah P. Duke Gardens (Durham): 55 acres of botanical gardens located on Duke University's campus. Explore the walking trails and bonus points if you find the spot Michael proposed at!

The Al Buehler Cross Country Trail (Durham): Stef's favorite 3-mile loop for those visiting Duke's main campus. Park at The Washington Duke Inn and enter the trail at the entrance of the parking lot. Across the street are the Duke Athletic facilities.

William B. Umstead State Park (Raleigh): wooded trails nearby the hotels and wedding venue.

Michael doesn't go a day without coffee. Where are his favorite spots for a pour-over and pastry?

Yonder Coffee (Downtown Durham)

Cocoa Cinnamon (multiple locations throughout Durham)

Bolted Bread (a MUST visit bakery in downtown Raleigh. The morning bun is to die for!)

Black and White Coffee Roasters (Downtown Raleigh)

La Farm Bakery (Downtown Cary)

BREW Coffee Bar (Downtown Cary)

BREWERIES:

Raleigh Beer Garden (Downtown Raleigh): 400 taps!

Trophy Brewing: celebrate accordingly with a Trophy Wife or Trophy Husband

Bond Brothers (Downtown Cary)

South Line Brewing (Downtown Cary)

Ponysaurus (Durham and Raleigh locations): Stef and Michael participate in their Thursday night run club!

Bull City Cider Works (Downtown Durham and Cary): our first date was at the Durham location. Special shout-out to our gluten free friends here!

Highwire Brewing (Durham): our favorite is the low-pitch IPA

Louella (Durham): wine bar and bottle shop

COCKTAIL BARS:

Durham Distillery/Corpse Reviver: the best espresso martini in the Triangle

The Velvet Hippo (Durham)

Kingfisher (Durham)

Watts & Ward (Raleigh): speakeasy atmosphere with a large outdoor courtyard

Foster's Market (Durham): our favorite brunch/lunch spot with a country market atmosphere. In the wise words of Matt Hochman, we always order a crumb cake "for the table"!

Guglhupf (Durham): brunch and lunch, german inspired

Di Fara Pizza (Cary): NY style pizza. The owners have a shop in Brooklyn as well.

Hutchin's Garage (Durham): a frequent pizza destination. Michael's favorite: The Grandma Pie. Stef's favorite: The Eggplant Pie

Q Shack (Durham): Michael's favorite NC BBQ

Brewery Bhavana (Raleigh): Asian cuisine

Morgan Street Food Hall (Raleigh)

Looking for something specific? Text either Michael or Stef for tailored suggestions. We love exploring different restaurants on the weekends and the list goes on!