Five Outside

Where to sip, sup, shop and more outside Raleigh this month

1. Rewind Retrobar
   KNIGHTDALE 
   Drink up, game on. Nostalgia comes in the form of classic board games, cool consoles and childhood-themed cocktails (see: Bowser’s Breath) at this, well, retro bar set to put you on rewind, where they’ve “cultivated a fun, inclusive environment where it doesn’t matter who you are—as long as you’re looking for a little trip down memory lane.” So you can release your inner child and harken back to those halcyon days playing games with friends—only now, you can drink while doing it. Cheers! rewindretrobar.com
   
2. The Cheese Shop
   CARRBORO
   Say cheese! Rolling right from the wheel to your kitchen table is this cut-to-order cheese store serving fresh cheeses, meats and other goods (think butter, chocolates, crackers and toasted breads) via an array of small artisanal producers. And for those seeking to keep things sharp, the monthly cheese club subscription box touts special tastings of three cheese wedges, a toasted bread/cracker op, and a jam or spread—plus deets on the cheese origins, culture and perf food/drink pairings. “Where culture meets cultures,” indeed. cheeseshopnc.com
   
3. Auroaflow
   DURHAM
   Ready, set, flow! Founded by queer couple Castle Frame and Lauren McCullough, this Zen spot operates with an MO of helping its patrons build happier healthier lives via touch and powerful affirming moments. Go ahead, channel that Tom and Donna energy via Parks and Recreation and “treat yo-self” with a spa treatment (thinks massages, facials, hair removal and more) and show that beautiful bod some love. We’re sure it’s totally kneaded (!). auroraflow.com
   
4. Bep Vietnamese Kitchen
   HOLLY SPRINGS
   You’re the banh for mi! Locally owned and internationally flavored, this Vietnamese sup spot serves a slew of Southeast Asian dishes sure to have you slurping the last of the broth from the bowl. Stuff your belly with (ahem) pork bellies, banh mi, spring rolls, pho and more… then wash it all down—and sate your sweet tooth—with sips of specialty milk tea. We’ll see ya there, pho sure. bepnc.com
   
5. Zen Yoga Center
   CARY
   Om, feeling stressed? It’s time to inhale some Zen via a yoga sesh tailored for “all levels, all bodies” and “all love, always,” natch. So stretch into your best mental and physical self via the studio’s meditation and mindfulness classes—gentle, Zen flow, yin, restorative, ashtanga, core flow and more—or nab a spot in a workshop/teacher training to lean a little further into your practice. Namaste! zenyogacenter.com

For more places to visit outside Raleigh click here!

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