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Whimsical gifts, classic eats + local charm just outside Raleigh
Lawrence Barbecue
CARY
The spirit of leisure is alive at local pitmaster Jake Wood’s newly opened barbecue hub in downtown Cary. An amalgamation of his Lagoon Bar, Leroy’s Taco Shop and, of course, Lawrence Barbecue outposts formerly located at Boxyard RTP, the brick-and-mortar slings all your faves. The open sundrenched space features a full bar, patio, and TVs looping nostalgic cartoons and surfing clips—basically a backyard hangout vibe, but with brisket. Also on the menu: pulled pork, spare ribs and smoked chicken—plus raw oysters, cheeseburgers, crispy chicken sandos, birria tacos, and a roasted poblano queso you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. No judgment. lawrencebarbecue.com
Local Charm Boutique
ROLESVILLE
Keep it stylish without all the fuss at this neighborhood boutique that lives up its “charming” name. Whether you’re all in on cozy stay-at-home fall feels or hunting night-on-the-town dresses, there’s a pick for every mood. Add loungewear, cardigans, denim, polos, button-downs and giftworthy gems—plus local chocolate or even a summer-ready spray tan (really)—and you’ve got a full feed-stopping haul. Mall, who? localcharmgifts.com
Autostrada Pizza & Panini
CARRBORO
A casual food stop doesn’t always have to mean a drive-thru. Modeled after Italy’s Autogrills—widespread highway stops feeding hungry drivers—the recently bowed Carr Mill Mall outpost brings the lax Italian lifestyle to the Triangle (read: eat, sleep, coffee, repeat…). Enjoy the best of both worlds with a slice (or a whole pie—dealer’s choice) and a signature panini. Think the La Nonna pizza made with Grandma’s hearty marinara, or the classic Bologna panini with shaved mortadella, pistachio cream and stracciatella cheese. For dessert, wander next door to sister spot Autostrada Gelato & Coffee for a creamy fix and a cuppa Carrboro Coffee Roasters’ finest. Living the Italia way has never been so sweet. autostradacarrboro.com
The Bean Flower
DURHAM
Where childhood flavors bloom into adult magic: The AAPI-owned cafe—named for the traditional Chinese dessert dou hua, aka “bean flower,” a silken tofu pudding—packs a vibrant punch with fresh, local, plant-based bevs that hit you right in the nostalgia. Showcasing a rotating menu, each season brings about a distinct taste of family recipes and childhood faves, from nutty Korean barley Boricha tea to bold and robust Vietnamese coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha. Scratchmade desserts—from almond pudding to grass jelly—round out the menu, while inclusive events make it feel like a home away from home. Basically, a cozy, vibrant landing spot where memory and discovery collide—like a comfort food memory you can sip. thebeanflower.com
Bear Hands Gifts
APEX
Get crafty with your ~bear~ hands at this whimsical gift shop, workshop and studio where imagination rules. Like a Pinterest board on overdrive, 1800s charm and mystic + academia-inspired decor serve as the perf muse for making your own terrariums, jewelry and tea towels; browsing unique treasures and quirky gifts; turning the page on book clubs; or craft-workshopping suncatchers and candles. In essence, it’s like stepping into a Wes Anderson fever dream, where you can get delightfully lost in a DIY world—surreal, crafty and a smidge off-kilter. bearhandsgifts.com
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