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Slice, sip and shop at these outposts just outside the city.
Dino’s Pizza
DURHAM
Searching for a slice of New York without the plane ride? Two of the Triangle’s culinary vets, Matt Kelly (of Mateo, Vin Rouge, and Mothers & Son fame) and Tom Cuomo (of Raleigh’s now-closed Papa Shogun), have joined forces to debut this cheesy casual neighborhood affair that harkens back to the pizza spots of your youth. Combining Italian American classics and New York/New Jersey favorites, the nostalgic experience is worth sinking your teeth into—and making the drive to Bull City for. Round out your meal with the zingy Caesar salad, hearty chicken Parm and finger-licking cannolis that’ll have the whole famiglia obsessed. @dinospizza_durham
Fable Books & Cafe
HOLLY SPRINGS
Cozy season is so back—time to flip open a new book and embark on a different kind of adventure through words. And with its selection of over a million books (!)—carefully curated and leaving no genre untouched and no reader unsatisfied—this bookstore and cafe is just the spot to scavenge for a good read while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. Born from the love of bookworms and the dreams of writers, the contemporary book nook brings a little bit of everything to the table—whether you’re in search of a riveting romance novel, mind-bending social science fiction or anything in between. So go ahead, get lost in the pages—and your cup. fablebooksandcafe.comv
Narrative Coffee Company
DURHAM
Skip the Starbs for a local brand writing a new narrative. Originally started as a humble mobile trailer (which you can still spot throughout the Triangle), the specialty coffee concept has officially opened its very first brick-and-mortar. Pouring up a cup of ambition, Narrative’s high-quality coffee is made from 100% Arabica specialty coffee beans from local vendors, furthering its tagline of “seed to cup.” Caffeinated ops range from a traditional Americano and cortado to house cold brew and cappuccinos, plus an assortment of lattes upping the sweet factor—think the Butter Beer with toffee nut and butterscotch, or the fan-fave Cookie Butter Oat feat. Speculoos and dulce de leche. And for a Zenned-out morning, there’s brewed teas, matcha and chai—because after all, there’s more than one way to sip away the bad vibes. narrativecoffeecompany.com
Wedgewood Cheese Bar
CARRBORO
Cheese lovers, prepare to feel like a kid in a candy store. The Triangle’s first standalone cheese bar is ripe and apt for slicing, inspired by Euro haunts, quirky cheese bars and intimate wine bars the world over. Taking your classic cheese and wine outing to the next level, the chef- and cheesemonger-led concept serves up an extensive menu of cheese boards (build your own or spring for the cheesemonger’s choice, aka “Omaqueso”), sandwiches, salads, and other bits and bobs served across its daytime and lunch menus—as well as a sprawling cheese case where you can get your wedges wrapped-to-order. And, naturally, wine is a borderline necessary pairing, expertly picked and partnered for your cheese of choice. wedgewoodcheesebar.com
North Left Mercantile
APEX
Apex’s one-stop shop for all your wants and needs, this modern mercantile has everything and then some for everyday living. Whether you’re in search of custom goods, a new set of silverware or just window shopping for your next visit (we all do it), North Left has got you covered. The expansive collection leaves nothing to be desired, with an inventory ranging from handcrafted heirloom-worthy gifts to gourmet provisions and all-natural bath & body products—plus apparel, jewelry and unique finds from across the country. Founded by two Pacific Northwesterners, the store serves as an homage to the majestic North and their new home in the South, boasting a charmingly inviting atmosphere welcoming all to find their next best treasure. northleftmercantile.com
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