Back in June my family and I took a trip up to Raleigh for the weekend. We explored as much as we could, took some good notes of the area, and got to share some of the images in this month’s issue of Garden & Gun Magazine!
Such an honor to be included in this issue (on the opposite side of my dear friend Mandy no less!), for their travel south guide. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, NC areas are extremely family friendly, and there is more to do there than possible to achieve in a weekend, so here are just some of the highlights…
RALEIGH
EAT:
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey – Chicken and Waffles. Need I say more?
Joule Coffee – We actually went here for lunch, and no one was disappointed. Delicious.
Boulted Bread – We visited here twice because of how much we liked this locally owned gem.
Stanbury – Oh my word. We went here for a date and Gabe still talks about the steak. It was tucked away in a neighborhood and the atmosphere was a fun one. We had such a good time here.
EXPLORE:
Videri Chocolate Factory – See how this locally famous chocolate is made, indulge in a sample or two, and pick up a frozen hot chocolate in their coffee shop area while you are at. Might as well;)
North Carolina Museum of Art – My little Gabriel loves art so he thought this museum was pretty cool. There is a kids section as well as the classics. There is an original Raphael painting worth the hunt down. The museums here are free so it allowed us to go in and out and not feel to guilty when they were ready to go in a short hour.
Pullen Park – Paddle boating, carousel, playground, train rides, etc. My children voted this one their favorite stop.
SHOP:
Furbish Studio – I took home a few pieces for my living room from this shop. So many bright, eclectic, and modern pieces. Beautifully set up too.
Raleigh Denim – You can see the denim being sewn right in their own factory attached to the back of the store. You all know how I feel about locally made! And their shop is really fun to explore.
DURHAM
EAT:
Pizzeria Toro – Watch your pizza being made and then indulge in some fiiiiiine pizza my friends.
The Parlour – My little ones loved this quaint ice cream shop we hit up after lunch. Good seating options inside or you can walk around the corner to visit shops.
Mateos – We got a sitter and snuck out for a frew date nights while we were there. I haven’t had tapas that good here in Atlanta, so hats off Mateos!
Parker & Otis – We had brunch here on our last morning. Countless corners to explore in the shop, and a delicious breakfast menu you can eat out on the patio.
EXPLORE:
Duke Campus – Despite them being my basketball team’s rival, I would say this is worth a view!
Brightleaf Square Historic District – Gabe and I walked around here before dinner one night. It is full of charm.
Civil Rights Mural – Right around downtown you can catch this president’s mural. We caught the painter in action!
Duke Gardens – We spent all morning here with some friends of ours. It is breathtaking! There is a big open area for kids to run and play while you picnic too.
^^ Forcing hugs. The usual scene. ^^ 
STAY:
Washington & Duke Inn – I can’t say enough good things about this place. The staff was exceptionally kind and friendly, and the service was supreme. Not to mention the view was beautiful from every window. I told my kids not to get used to this type of stay;) Gabriel asked if we could move and live there…..so that says something. Might have had to do with the cookies and milk they delivered to our room after dinner.
Traveling with our family has been a really cool learning experience for all of us. More patience for Gabe and I as well as flexibility of schedule required, and creative parenting a must (especially when you are waiting on your food with a hungry toddler;)). The kids get to explore through their curious perspectives and build good memories with each other that will hopefully stick through their childhood.
(My tips for traveling with kids post.) We will be on the road again in a few weeks to visit family, and I would say the more you stretch your travel legs, the less intimidating it becomes. We are all looking forward to the next adventure, and hopefully will make it back to Raleigh soon!
To see the feature, You can pick up the fall issue of Garden & Gun online or in the magazine aisle of your local store:)
