Five Outside

McWally’s Brings the Fun to Fuquay + 4 More Must-Try Spots

1: Simmer Coffee House | CARY

Simmer down and perk up at West Cary’s recently bowed cozy coffee shop. Truly living up to its homey vibe and down-to-earth MO, the “gnome away from gnome” is the perf spot to settle in with a cuppa—especially if you snag a seat on the cozy couch or sun-drenched patio. However you caffeinate, there’s something up your alley—from house brews and espresso bevs to layered fruity matchas and chai, plus big-kid-style dairy drinks topped with crispy cereal (because you’re never too old for elevated chocolate milk). Pair your pour with a housebaked scone or signature Simmer toast, and you’ll be snug as a bug in a rug. simmercoffee.com

2: Whilden | CHAPEL HILL

Walk, walk, fashion baby. With this contemporary women’s boutique’s chic mix of classic and eclectic pieces, curating your head-turning fall-to-winter fit just got an effortless upgrade. Always on trend and upping inventory on the reg, the brick-and-mortar stocks 20+ sought-after brands—spanning sleek jewelry, statement bags, showstopping dresses and effortless everyday staples—plus a smattering of swoonworthy home goods and giftable finds. No matter the occasion, you’ll walk out ready to show up and show out (and maybe spark a little outfit envy). shopwhilden.com

3: U Shogun Sushi Kitchen & Bar | WENDELL

Recently rolling into Wendell Falls is this culinary samurai serving up serious skill—and just as much soul. A mod nod to Japanese tradition, the ~lit~ space glows with lanterns and bespoke detail, setting the stage for artful bites that blend craftsmanship and creativity. Expect innovative rolls that wow the senses—like the subtly sweet Kisaki Roll (salmon, tuna, mango, cucumber and eel sauce) or the fiery Shogun Roll (shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avo, spicy mayo, jalapenos and hot sauce). Round it out with a bev and a few extra bites for a, well, well-rounded experience. ushogunwendellfalls.com

4: Barsa New Indian | DURHAM

Indian flavors get a fresh twist in the belly of Bull City—spicing things up with a refined yet approachable tasting experience. The contemporary Indian oasis dishes up vibrant plates that balance bold tradition and mod flair—think aromatic chicken tikka masala, melt-in-your-mouth lobster moilee, and a Southern-inspired korma worth committing to memory. The chef-driven menu spans soups, salads, naan, apps and entrees—each as eye-catching as they are craveable. Not to be overlooked, bevs bring the heat too, from flavor-packed cocktails and mocktails to Indian beers, curated wines, and indulgent sips like the mango lassi and masala chai. Pro tip: Don’t forget to look up while dining—colorful umbrellas cascading from the ceiling nod to barsa—aka “rain”—pouring up goodness, indeed. barsanc.com

5: McWally’s | FUQUAY-VARINA

Channel your inner The Dude a la The Big Lebowski at this 42K-square-foot entertainment hub where bowling gets a serious glow-up thanks to immersive Spark Lanes that amp up your game. But that’s just the first frame. Keep the good times rolling at the classic lanes; go full retro in the 60-game arcade; or battle it out in the multilevel 5K-square-foot Ultimate Arena for some high-stakes laser tag. Wanna mix it up? Step into the Valo Arena—the world’s first mixed-reality playground—for some next-level play. When it’s time to refuel your HP, dig into elevated bites like BBQ pork egg rolls, mushroom bahn mi tacos and shareables (nachos, wings, sliders and craft pizzas). Pair it with a pour, and it’s game on! mcwallys.com