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Retail and recreation on the rocks just outside Raleigh
1Villa 19 Boutique – CARY
From Dubai to your door comes Ashley Hendricks’ brand-new boutique boasting stylish resortwear and neutral essentials—perfect for elevating your everyday with a capsule wardrobe or taking your next vacay to a chic new level. Inspired by the successful businesswomen surrounding her, the fashionista strikes the perfect balance between luxe statements and bold staples via a collection that screams “effortlessly elegant” but whispers “totally affordable” (think: majority of styles under $125). The boutique prides itself in putting timelessness before trendiness, with lasting pieces that effortlessly transition between the seasons—plus shoes and accessories to finish your look. Catch you at the villa?! villanineteen.com
2 Primrose Bar & Lounge – DURHAM
Ditch your usual watering hole for this floral-filled lounge, where mixology is more than just a passion—it’s an art. From the Instagrammable floral wall and quirky paintings to the colorful wallpaper, it’s giving “garden party meets gallery”—with no shortage of selfie spots or cheeky ’tails to sip on. Becky With the Good Pear brings the heat with her spicy tequila-mezcal blend, while Midnight Confessions’ serves an espresso ’tini twist that promises to keep the convo going. Whether propped at the bar or in one of the cozy seating areas, drinking outside the box never felt so good. primrosedurham.com
3 iSmash – WAKE FOREST
Unleash your inner artist (or annihilator!) at the fast-growing rage room and splatter-paint experience crushing entertainment expectations—literally. Set in The Factory, local franchisee Aaron Wright provides an experience designed to suit any and all stress-relieving, milestone-celebrating, team-building or new adventure-seeking whims. Whether in search of a printer to smash or a canvas to splash, the space redefines quality time for families, friends, corporate teams and anyone in between. Smash, splatter, repeat. ismashusa.com
4 Sidetrack Bar & Lounge – CHAPEL HILL
All aboard your cozy neighborhood bar! Decked out with nostalgic board games and retro ’70s decor, this gem feels homier than your grandma’s living room. Taking the name for the nearby railroad lines, Amy and Rod Anderson invite the community to unwind with bottled classics, rotating local brews, staple cocktails (think mojitos, orange crushes and spritzes), weekly trivia and live music every weekend. Hungry? BYO food or catch the occasional food truck posted up outside. Whether you’re stopping in to see a familiar face, grab a round or play a lively card game, odds are you’re on the right track (wink, wink). @sidetrack__lounge
5 La Recette Pâtisserie – DURHAM
What started in a cozy apartment kitchen has blossomed into the Bull City’s go-to bakery for churning French, Algerian and Middle Eastern classics into craveworthy treats. From flaky pistachio croissants to savory shakshuka Danishes to inventive takes on baklava cheesecake—and even Algerian street-style stuffed pizza—this charming patisserie delivers serious flavor with every bite. Grab a seasonal latte, settle in and savor Durham’s sweet side. larecettepatisserie.com
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