Where to sip, sup and shop outside Raleigh this month
Louie and Honey’s Kitchen (Nate Allen)
Louie and Honey’s Kitchen
WINSTON-SALEM
Mother knows best! At this nostalgic bakery, find mother-daughter duo Naomi and Natalie Gingerich dishing out decadent desserts reminiscent of their grandmother’s table—think seasonal heirloom treats and old-fashioned cakes and pies with an array of European delights sprinkled in. The pastry case is filled daily with an assortment of sweets running the gamut from scones to cookies to doughnuts—and do not sleep on the Amish cinnamon rolls, a heritage recipe topped off with a brown sugar frosting. It’s the tastiest nod to family tradition you’ll find outside of your own grandmother’s kitchen. louieandhoneyskitchen.com
Bull City Solera + Taproom
DURHAM
If pizza and nachos had a baby, it would be the mouthwatering Mexican pizzas found at this Bull City gem—made with corn tortilla chips and alll the toppings. Additional fusion fare includes Italian tacos (a tortilla shell cross between corn and pizza dough with American-Italian fillings) and loaded burritos. … And be sure to satiate your sweet tooth with the housemade triangle-shaped churros (!). Brought to you by the same people that started Bull City Burger and Pompieri Pizza, this sup spot also touts a slew of recurring events—think pinball, board game nights, yoga, hammered trivia and a knitters happy hour. You’re gonna wanna get a slice of the action!bullcitysoleraandtaproom.com
Esteamed Coffee
CARY
Brewing up more than just delish drinks, this nonprofit Cary coffee spot creates employment opps for adults with differing abilities—and showcases art from 17 local artists with special abilities to boot. Situated inside a bright and airy quaint cottage, this Downtown Cary hot spot serves up your fave java, smoothie and snack selects while supporting a pretty sweet cause. How’s that for brewing esteem?! esteamedcoffee.com
The WalkUp
CARY
Step—er, walk!—right up to Cary’s recently bowed cocktail club, a swanky and suave bricked-out building with a regal and refined ambiance. Find cocktails, wine and beer on call for your next post-work drink sesh with your coworkers, date night or GNO. Pro tip: The hidden light-strewn patio offers some of the best seats in the house! … It’s giving happy hour vibes—at any hour, really. thewalkupcary.com
Bright Black
DURHAM
Lighten up and foray into the Bull City for a whiff of this family-owned candle company, complete with a new creator’s studio and scent showroom (!). With a mission to honor the “brilliance of blackness,” founders Tiffany and Dariel Griffin—and their little one Elena!—create each candle with care and positive intentions. Sniff a slew of aromas with names ranging from Durham and Paris to Gospel and Hip-Hop. And we’d be remiss not to mention the signature scent, a heavenly combo of earthy and citrus that nods to the fam dynamic in scent form. So lit.brightblackcandles.com
They don’t call Savannah the Hostess City of the South for nothing, as I learned during my third trip to the “Savi” city (fun fact: My sister lives in the area, so this wasn’t my first rodeo!).
With gorgeous Spanish moss, Antebellum architecture and cobblestone squares setting the scene for my weekend stay, I frolicked through the historic streets to eat, drink, shop and explore—ultimately stumbling upon both new-to-me faves and time-tested spots I’d be happy to return to again and again (honorable mentions include Fox & Fig Cafe, Coco & Moss and—a city tradition—Leopold’s Ice Cream, natch).
While full of history and old charm, Vanny’s classy dining and nightlife scene lends it a timeless refined vibe. But nothing beats a picturesque stroll along River Street while noshing on a fresh praline—and, for those with guts, a ghost tour never disappoints. Here, some of my most peachy finds in Georgia’s “First City.”
DO
Tybee Island
Seas your day in Savannah via a quick excursion to this popular barrier island, where you’ll find 3 miles of sprawling sandy beaches and a water-lined highway welcoming visitors on their way in. Discover one-of-a-kind shops, fab and funky eateries, attractions, and outdoor activities—from kayaking, biking and paddleboarding to dolphin tours/cruises. Or opt for the obv choice: lounging by the sea. After all, you’re on Tybee time. visittybee.com
Broughton Street
Get in loser, we’re going shopping… on Broughton Street (!). Stroll along this iconic Downtown Savannah staple and stop in a slew of unique specialty shops. Discover delicate treasures and trinkets for the world traveler at The Paris Market; take a peek inside Savannah Bee Company’s flagship store; or pick up a cute curated ’fit from The Copper Closet—plus take a step back in time via the Glory Days Vintage shop hidden inside. officialsavannahguide.com
It’s time to go for the green. Run, stroll or sprawl to your heart’s content amid local artisans, musicians perfecting their sounds, and locals out and about on the Savannah scene. This 30-acre park also feats the famous fountain designed to mirror the ones you’d find in Paris (!), as well as two playgrounds, a concert and event space, and a serene garden. Ooh la la!
Hey, taco belles. Shellin’ out fare that absolutely slaps is this hip taco joint nestled inside a renovated 20th century brickhouse boasting tacos, bowls and a bar with all your fave booze (mezcal, tequila, wine, etc.). And don’t sleep on marg Mondays, when fresh-squeezed house ritas are just 5 bucks (!). This spec-taco-lar spot also jives with a lit outdoor patio; fun, eclectic ambiance; and relaxed overall vibe. And it’s giving taco Tuesday… every day. bullstreettaco.com
Treylor Park
Want your meal plans to go off without a hitch? Make a pit stop at this weird-meets-cool eatery, now touting three Vanny locales. The OG sup spot offers double (wide) the delish eats in an urban/chic atmosphere with food that’s as quirky as the environment—think PB&J chicken wings, bacon cheeseburger tacos, and fried Oreos, among myriad munchin’ ops. The ’tails also pack a punch. Grapeful Dead, anyone? treylorpark.com
Starland Yard
For food trucks as far as the eye can see—or as far as the yard space sprawls—belly up to this meals-on-wheels mecca for rotating selects weekly. Find casual eats like hot dogs, pizza, international fare, cookies and Italian ice on deck depending on the day (um, come hungry!). Go for the food—stay for the culture via myriad music, art and cultural event ops. “Let’s go to the yard!” starlandyard.com
DRINK
The Peacock Lounge
Don’t stop till ya flock. This self-proclaimed “sophisticated, timeless and classic” exclusive lounge/drinkery dabbles in delicately crafted cocktails, small plates and a vibe that Gatsby could definitely get behind. Just be sure to dress to the nines before rolling into this juice joint. peacock-lounge.com
The Artillery Bar
Calling all history buffs! In the mood for an old-fashioned… bar experience? This sophisticated speakeasy was originally erected in 1896 as an armory and has since transformed into an immaculate bar/social space exuding the eclecticism of the era—merging historic nods with modern design elements. Upon entering, be sure to silence your phone and skim the cool cocktails and lengthy bourbon menu. It promises to be a barrel of fun. artillerybar.com
Mirabelle
Paying tribute to the quintessential street food of Belgium, this waffle home/coffee house combines Southern flair with tastes from across the pond via its liège waffles crafted with rare pearl sugar and naturally fermented dough—plus an outstanding coffee program spearheaded by Stay Golden Roasters paying homage to coffee traditions from Vietnam to LA. When you don’t want to leave, find lodging upstairs, complete with vintage decor and a view of the cathedral across the way. mirabellesavannah.com
STAY
Bellwether House
Located only steps from Forsyth Park, this quaint B&B boasts beautiful accommodations fit for royalty (see daily afternoon teatime and evening sabering of a bottle of bubbly) and an endless array of eats for breakfast (think shrimp and grits, pumpkin sambhar parotta, golden oatmeal). The 160-year-old mansion also boasts luxe suites, seasonal yoga, and a spa serving up massages and hot baths soaked with whatever scent suits your fancy. Pro tip: For a cozy respite, ask the staff to set you up by the fireplace with a warm cup of tea. Pinkies up! bellwether.house
Laura’s Cottage
This rustic Airbnb is your home away from home. Located in the Landmark District, the cottage is a hop, jump and skip away from River Street; renowned restaurants; and other Savannah boutiques, museums and must-see staples. So, whether you’re seeking a day packed with sightseeing or want to rock the day away on the front porch, this cozy stay is here to serve you. airbnb.com
River Street Inn
All feels right by the river—River Street that is! Hence a stay in this refurbished 200-year-old cotton warehouse overlooking the river (natch) and featuring all the amenities you’d expect: complimentary beverages; a fitness center; and discounts at a slew of locally owned restos, shops and Old Savannah Tours.riverstreetinn.com
Think you know NC—and Raleigh? Test your smarts on some NC trivia—from historic hauntings and happenings to namesakes and state veggie—to prove your stripes so you can “esse quam videri” (aka “to be rather than to seem”—our state motto). Get after it!
1. Yes, you can(dy). What Raleigh-made sweet treat earned the title of “World’s Largest”—and a feature in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!—before the shop selling them closed its doors a few years back?
a. Gummy bears
b. Skittles
c. Licorice
d. Candy corn
2. This’ll lift your spirits… Which one of these NC State hallowed places is rumored to have disgruntled ghosts haunting its halls?
a. Reynolds Coliseum
b. Bowen Residence Hall
c. Holladay Hall
d. Caldwell Hall
3. Land, ho! Our beloved city’s namesake, Sir Walter Raleigh, founded the first English colony in America. Where was it located?
a. Roanoke Island
b. Ocracoke
c. Cape Hatteras
d. Kill Devil Hills
4. We’re rooting for you! While there’s no doubt NC is a great place for all types of agriculture, which veggie is our state’s official vegetable?
a. Carrot
b. Sweet potato
c. Beet
d. Cabbage
5. “What’s in a name?” … The City of Oaks is known and named for numerous things (e.g. Raleighwood, Oak City, etc.). Which of these is one of Raleigh’s renowned nicknames?
6. Ready to wing it? Which feathery friend is celebrating its 80th birthday (!) as our state bird this year? … Don’t let this one fly over your head!
a. Owl
b. Turkey
c. Blue jay
d. Cardinal
7. Let’s get fizzical. Adding some pop to the local beverage scene, which soda was started in the small town of New Bern in 1893?
a. Mountain Dew
b. Sprite
c. Pepsi-Cola
d. Fanta
8. We’re seeing green… Raleigh’s rec scene is top-tier, touting 200+ parks with activities, programs, playgrounds and more. Which local park claims seniority?
a. Lake Johnson
b. Lake Crabtree
c. Umstead State Park
d. Pullen Park
9. It’s time to get schooled. NC boasts several higher ed programs that earn top marks. Which local university was the first HBCU to open its doors in the Southern U.S.?
Bowing in 1949, this urban oasis nestled near DTR has seen many iterations over the years—and has stood the test of time. Today, its chic surrounds, shops and eateries are a go-to—as is its brand-new Goodnights Comedy Club locale that resurrected the Village underground.
Pinkies up! Sip over 250 different types of organic loose leaf teas born from a family’s love of the beverage and desire to spread the love of the (tea) leaf. Can you brew it? @tinroofteas
Get your comedy fix in a contemporary, underground and newly opened (!) atmosphere touting both big names and upcoming local legends. Ready to laugh? @goodnightscomedy
“We Found Love”—er, we found .gov? The morning of Valentine’s Day—and a couple days after the Super Bowl—Wake County Government nodded to Queen Ri Ri’s stellar halftime performance to announce its new wake.gov url.
While the internet is not always a hopeless place, “Any Girl in the World” can tout a .com web address. … But .gov sites are specially reserved for those who are in tight with the Department of Homeland Security.
With the new name, Wake County has ensured the community can access the website and its resources more safely, simply and quickly—and guarantees you can trust the links they send. Alexa, play “What’s My Name”? wake.gov
