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5 spots to check out outside city limits for bites, vinyl, coffee and more
The Fuzzy Needle | DURHAM
The vinyl revival is real—and spinning up nostalgia in this Bull City living room-esque record and book shop pushing both used and new selects with a focus on “independent labels/publishers and outsider voices.” Dig through vinyl, CDs, tapes and vintage apparel, then stick around for film screenings, readings, markets and live sets from local bands and DJs. Because at its core, The Fuzzy Needle is a gathering space built for curiosity, conversation and connection—rewarding every visit with fresh sounds and new favorites. thefuzzyneedle.com
Unhinged Coffee Co | KNIGHTDALE
“A little chaotic. Highly caffeinated. Fully self-aware.” If that speaks to your soul, get unhinged (in the best way) at the little coffee cart that could, now posted up at First & Main with pop-ups around the Triangle. Urging coffee lovers to sip through life’s ups and downs, Unhinged slings a slew of seasonal espresso bevs like apple pie lattes, peppermint white mochas and rosemary flat whites, plus chai, hot chocolate and pastries (muffins, cookies, loaves, etc.). Because if you’re gonna be unhinged, you may as well be wired. unhingedcoffee.co
Vert & Vogue | DURHAM
Alexa, play “Vogue” by Madonna—and get ready to stunt for the grid. If you’ve ever dreamed of being styled by a pro fashionista, look no further than this chic boutique. Founded by Nadira Hurley—who grew up working in Parisian retail and showrooms—alongside husband Ryan, the shop features a curated mix of mindfully made clothing, accessories and shoes you won’t spot anywhere else, beckoning women of all styles to come play dress-up. Odds are you’ll leave with a newfound confidence—and at least one piece that adds that elusive je ne sais quoi to your wardrobe. How parfait! vertandvogue.com
Bellow Butcher Co. | WENDELL
Handcut, housemade. So goes the MO for the family-owned butcher shop and delicatessen from Lauren and Chris Gass, slicing up locally sourced meats and modern gourmet sandos that put your desk lunch to shame—with cheeky names to match. Think the Ric Flair with roast beef, mozz, “Woo-cestershire” mayo, pepper relish and shaved cabbage; or the Y’all Capone with soppressata, capicola, country ham, smoked provolone, fresh herbs and Calabrian aioli. The shop and deli mark a dream realized for the duo following Chris’ previous fine-dining run working alongside Sean Brock at Husk in Nashville and Raleigh’s own Scott Crawford. Now, it’s all about the meats—and they’ve got plenty to go around. bellowbutcher.com
The Blind Pelican | HOLLY SPRINGS
From sea to glass, seafood lovers and drink connoisseurs alike travel across the country for the Pelican’s record-breaking bloody mary experience. Currently holding three Guinness World Records—including for the largest and most expensive garnished bloody—the eye-popping $7,605.25 concoction comes stacked with a smattering of crab legs, beluga caviar, Tomahawk steaks, elk cheeseburgers, chicken wings and more… enough to feed a crowd—and then some. Not in a record-breaking mood? The casual ocean-inspired haunt also serves up an array of seafood-focused bites (think beer-battered lobster pops, crabcakes, po’boys, plus baked, fried and raw oysters)—along with tropical-esque “boat drinks” worthy of a coastal getaway right in Raleigh’s backyard. It’s the “Pelican Way,” after all. blindpelicanseafood.com
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