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Sips, snacks and shopping just outside Raleigh
By Elyse Waters & Lauren Kruchten
Sip and Shop Cafe & Boutique | Wendell
When Hannah Montana said you get the best of both worlds, this is what she meant. Part boutique, part cafe, all vibe— this gem is your new go-to for retail therapy with a side of lattes (or wine, no judgment). The distinctive destination allows you to do double- duty, browsing stylish women’s apparel, chic home decor and adorable kids’ finds—then hit pause to refuel with a pastry and pick-me-up at the cozy cafe bar. The rotating menu also features lunch items like chicken salad, quesadillas, salads and sandwiches—and be sure to stick around for wine seminars, trivia and other events. So whether you’re scouting for the perfect gift or just want a space to sip and unwind, this place is less errand, more experience. sipandshopcafe.com
Beer Study | Carrboro & Durham
Get yourself a beer education via this equal-parts bottle shop, bar and nostalgic arcade outpost where hopheads and high scores go hand in hand. With over 20 rotating taps and shelves stacked with hard-to-find brews, the hop haven’s two Triangle outposts are a go-to for rare sips, NC faves and funky imports alike. Whether you’re posted up in Durham’s laid-back, arcade-lined lounge or Carrboro’s cozier, retro VHS- and console-filled den, the vibe is the same: casual, quirky and quietly cool—with something new to sip on during every visit. And you can always count on various events to keep you entertained, from tapping parties and wine tastings to DJs and trivia. beerstudy.com
The Lenny | Durham
Dinner and a view? We’re all in. Taking downtown Durham dining next- level—literally—is this new rooftop restaurant and bar from Raleigh brothers Joel and Charlie Ibarra, the latter of recently bowed Cuya Cocina Latina fame. With sweeping sights of DBAP and 180-degree skyline vistas, the 11th-story dining experience wows both the eyes and palette with lunch, brunch and dinner selects ranging from charcuterie, flatbreads, oysters and burgers to eggs Benny and French toast. Come golden hour, bask in the sunset with local DJs and playful cocktails (the Espresso Dalgona—a whipped take on an espresso martini—is where it’s at). And a photo for the ’Gram is a borderline necessity. thelenny555.com
CharleyMadelyn | Apex
Walk, walk, fashion, baby! Founded by Chelsea Jennette and named for her twin daughters is a welcoming haven for shoppers in search of flattering pieces that inspire confidence. The trendy size-inclusive boutique boasts an abundance of bold-patterned and brightly colored apparel, elegant jewelry, and a wide range of accessories designed to set you apart from the crowd—no dull hues here!— plus coffee mugs, candles, stationery and other goods. With the desire to empower women of all ages and cultivate an ever-positive energy, Jennette encourages customers to embrace life’s challenges—and look good while doing it, naturally. charleymadelyn.com
Jeff’s Bagel Run | Wake Forest
“Always boiled, never toasted,” these bagels are worth breaking up with your snooze button. What began as a noble way to serve their community during quarantine has become a thriving franchise as of last year, with Jeff and Danielle Perera’s passion for New York-style bagels snowballing into nearly 30 (and counting!) brick-and-mortar locations—bringing to the South a true taste of the Big Apple. But these aren’t your average bagels. The hole-in-one spot boasts 15 unique bagels and 20 spreads, along with a creative off-the-menu bagel of the day. Never tried an Old Bay and cheddar, fruity cereal, baked ziti, or loaded baked potato bagel? The early bird gets the worm! jeffsbagelrun.com
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