Golden hour in Raleigh just hits different—especially from an ideal perch that doubles as a spot to sip cocktails on a patio or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself. Whether you’re after a skyline vantage point or a tucked-away trail, here are the best spots around the city to wind down and soak in the sunset in all its orange-hued glory.
For Wide-Open Views: Dorothea Dix Park DTR’s sprawling park delivers major sunset magic with sweeping views of the city skyline. Head to Flowers Field for prime golden hour real estate—bonus points if you bring a blanket, snacks and someone to share the view with.
For a Classy Vibe: Heights House Hotel + Parlor For a superb scene paired with superb sips, grab a drink at the gorgeous DTR hotel’s Parlor bar and post up on the wraparound porch, aka the perf perch to sip and savor the sky show—equal parts elegant and effortless.
For Chill and Quiet: Lassiter Mill Park A true hidden gem tucked off Lassiter Mill Road, this peaceful spot blends history and nature with a touch of whimsy—think a crumbling old mill, soft water sounds and trees that catch the light just right. No crowds, no rush—just you and some stunning golden-hour views.
For Rooftop Energy: The Raleigh Times If city sunsets and people-watching are more your speed, this lesser-known Downtown rooftop is begging to be your new go-to for eats, drinks and golden-hour skyline vistas. Grab a seat on the rooftop patio and order a round or two—plus nachos, obviously—and watch the rooftops glow as the sun dips low.
For a Garden Moment: WRAL Azalea Garden Tucked off Western Boulevard, this flora- and fauna-filled oasis feels like your own secret garden. Stroll through the blooms, find a quiet bench and enjoy a peaceful pause for your solo sunset getaway.
Step aside, traditional ramen—a new slurpworthy hot spot is in town. Enter Daijobu, which recently opened in the former Darby bar space on Davie Street from the same team behind City Market Sushi.
Translating to “okay” or “alright” in Japanese, the noodle haven spotlights ramen and hand rolls—in addition to small plates like sesame spinach tofu, truffled edamame, and crispy rice with spicy salmon.
With an MO of challenging the way ramen is presented, the menu boasts Daijobu’s unique takes on classics like tonkatsu (pork broth) and shio (dashi and clear chicken broth) ramen, plus innovative bowls like spicy tan tan ramen. These seriously delish dishes are made with a 12-plus-hour steeped deep rich broth, fresh veggies and roasted meats—think chashu (braised pork belly), chicken chashu and strip loin.
Not to be left out are those hand rolls which feature top-tier proteins like toro, yellowtail, scallops and crab. Opt for a hand roll set to enjoy three, four or five different flavor-packed rolls—because the more the merrier (!). Oh, and don’t skip dessert: The black sesame creme brulee and yuzu lemon sorbet are the perf options to close out a meal.
With its moody, intimate digs—plus a full-service bar pouring sake and spirits—Daijobu makes for an ideal spot to enjoy dinner with friends or fam, or a sultry date night. Not to mention it’s also open for lunch, so you can satisfy those cold-weather cravings all day long. Slurp on!
Summer is the perfect time to get your plant on—here’s where to shop green in Raleigh.
Looking to cultivate your green thumb this summer? There’s no better time to spruce up your space or get dirty in the garden—and, luckily, Raleigh is home to tons of killer plant shops. Whether you’re looking for something edible to spice up your cooking or just simply want to add some color to your abode, these green outposts have got you covered.
Calling all beginners! In addition to housing a great selection of plants and plant accessories, Copperline hosts tons of workshops and classes on all sorts of plant topics, making the shop ideal for those looking to sharpen their skills. And if you’ve got a plant that’s not doing so hot, bring it in and their plant experts can help diagnose, repot, and provide some encouragement and reassurance. Think of it like your very own plant doc!
Raleigh’s trusted garden center and plant nursery—nee 1965—is a mecca for anyone looking to flex their green thumb, from beginners to veterans. You’ll find everything from annuals and perennials to veggies to potting services and outdoor furniture. Plus, the plant haven puts on regular events and sales to get the most out of your wallet. Read: Double the green!
There’s no shortage of great produce and flora/fauna at the State Farmers Market (snake plants, cacti and peace lilies oh, my!)—but where the market really shines is its herb selection. Shop from classics like rosemary and sage to more unique ops like pineapple mint. Paired with the ample produce, you’ve got yourself a fresh summer meal in no time.
A garden center with a bar? Say less. Atlantic Gardening isn’t just home to tons of amazing shrubs, flowers and houseplants, it also boasts the Garden Bar, aka the first bar to open in any local plant center (!). Pull up a barstool and sip on local brews, a variety of mimosa flavors, or a glass of vino. It’s the perfect liquid encouragement to help you choose your newest plant baby! Bonus: Your furry friends are also welcome to join in on the fun.
For someone who wants to support the LGBTQ+ community: Urban Pothos
Welcome to the jungle! Score a new plant while supporting the local LGBTQ+ community at Raleigh’s only queer- and Latino-owned plant boutique. NTM it’s a vibrant go-to spot for a variety of houseplants in fun and funky pots. Talk about an instant serotonin boost!
*Rooted* in Raleigh since 1967, Homewood is one of Raleigh’s oldest plant outposts. Boasting over four acres of greenhouses, a garden center and an outdoor nursery, there’s no shortage of greenery to choose from—whether you’re in search of shrubs, trees, perennials, houseplants or anything in between. Don’t sleep on the ever-evolving gift and home shop either.
Close out the week—and month—via this new DTR event series.
On Fridays, we fitness… then pig out and rock out, naturally. Enter Fitness & Food Trucks on Final Fridays, Get 2 Know Raleigh’s recently launched event series in partnership with Moore Square and Raleigh Parks. So now you can look forward to both the first and last Friday of the month—a win-win!
Running monthly through October, the series features a free hourlong family-friendly fitness class hosted by Zin Yoga & Wine, Current Wellness, Row House Midtown and Knuckle Up (respectively)—plus food trucks, a local vendor market and live music. So you can break a sweat via workouts like yoga, boxing fundamentals, dance fitness, cardio and more, or just come for the eats, drinks and vibes (hey, no judgment).
Inspired in part by her involvement in First Fridays at Moore Square, Final Fridays promotes a healthy lifestyle while manifesting founder Sana Siddiqui’s “vision of families coming together for free fitness activities.” Case in point: trading your typical Friday evening bar-hopping for fitness and fresh fare.
Via her “movement to celebrate and unite our community, both online and off,” she hopes the event series will not only bring people together, but provide attendees a chance to reset and recover from the month. Not to mention emphasizing a “third place” to hang outside of traditional work and home environments at no cost. Here’s to moving and fueling your body! June 28,get2knowraleigh.com
Enjoy some winter fun at these ski resorts perfect for a long weekend escape.
There’s no better way to spend a chilly winter than heading to surrounding ski resorts for some cold weather fun. Whether you’re all about hitting the slopes for skiing and snowboarding, loafing down the hill on the tube, or just sitting by the fire with a hot cocktail (après ski, please!), there’s something for everyone at the following resorts—all of which are within a six-hour drive from Raleigh. Ski ya there!
Want a pizza this?! A little over three hours from Raleigh, the “High Country’s First Ski Area” boasts 13 slopes fit for all skills levels—read: three beginner-friendly runs, three intermediate runs, three difficult runs and four freestyle terrain areas). Tis the ski-son!
Don’t flurry, be happy, as this top NC skiing destination is only about three hours from the City of Oaks. The resort has trails for all levels of skiers—from beginners on the Easy Street trail to experts on the double black diamond Whoopdedoo trail. And you can enroll your little skiers in Sugar Bear Ski School or Polar Bear Snowboard School to help learn the basics of schussing down the slopes.
Another quintessential NC ski spot, Beech Mountain is home to a bunch of different ski trails for all skill levels—plus ice skating and tubing. You can even go night skiing! After a long day on the slopes, après ski over to Beech Mountain Brewing Co., complete with fireplaces (natch) and a bevy of brews guaranteed to warm you up—plus stick around for fun events and live music from local bands and DJs to keep the fun going all nightlong.
There’s snow place like Wintergreen. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort offers skiing, golfing, a spa (!), fantastic dining options and Virginia’s largest tubing hill—plus a terrain park (think a skateboard park covered in snow). And with a constantly changing layout and over 40 features, this resort ensures there’s something for every skill level.
It’s all uphill at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort, what with over 60 skiing trails, 40 bike trails, snowmobiling, swimming, tubing, a ski village, a world class spa, 30 different accommodation options and so much more—so even if you’re not a big skier, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Schuss down the trails on Snowshoe Mountain before heading to The Village for a hot toddy, shopping and delectable dinner. Sounds like the perf winter getaway, if we do say snow ourselves.
Tennessee’s only ski resort gives powder to the people with ice skating, a mountain coaster, ice bumper cars and an alpine slide, in addition to the standard skiing, tubing and snowboarding. The whole fam can get in on the fun—and you’ll be booked with fun things to do throughout the weekend.
