Airplane mode: on. I’ve been to 15 airports on three continents during the last two years alone. I’ve dealt with delays, TSA traumas, disappointing dining options and airports that simply don’t pass the vibe check (cough, cough, O’Hare). I’ve also bopped through boujee travel pads touting nap rooms, capsule hotels, customer service robots, eye-catching artwork and droolworthy fare (s/o to the noodles at Narita International Airport!).
Yet, as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. After all my travels, one airport continues to soar above the rest for me. *Cue the drumroll* … it’s none other than our local, lovable and what some might call little Raleigh-Durham International Airport (“though she be but little she is fierce,” and I’d even argue RDU’s smaller size adds to its appeal).
To wit, our airport has friendly TSA agents and local eateries boasting our city’s impressive foodie scene (La Farm Bakery! Char-Grill! Raleigh Brewing!), with more hometown eats and drinks on the way—think Conniption Cocktail Bar, Raleigh Beer Garden and Lonerider Brewing, to name but a few. And going the extra mile, RDU continues to extend its direct flight options. Translation: way less layover drama.
Then there’s the unbeatable vibe. Call me sentimental, but there’s no feeling quite like returning to Raleigh after a long flight and rolling my suitcase past the iconic Raleigh mural toward my pickup point. The whole airport gives off a warm ambiance—so much so that I would just visit for fun… and I have (don’t @ me).
Whether it was love at first flight or I’ve got my head in the clouds, RDU will forever be an airport standout in my heart. And I can’t wait to see how it keeps spreading its wings and flying higher in the future. Essentially, if I’m starting my travels from Raleigh… consider me ready for takeoff.
Just a city boy/girl lookin’ to frolic around a concrete jungle.
ATLANTA
“Down in Atlanta” there’s plenty to eat, drink, see and do to stay peachy all summer long.
Rooftop Drinks It’s worth coughing up a few extra bucks to sip and sup on ATL’s ultimate rooftop destination, aka Ponce City Market’s Endless Summer Beach Bar. Can’t talk right now, alcohol you later.
Get in Line The Atlanta BeltLine—aka 22 miles of unused railroad tracks surrounding the city’s core—provides a straight shot to access some of the city’s best breweries, artworks, parks, restaurants and other cool spots def worth scoping out.
Secret Sips Prefer to throw your bevs back underground? The James Room is a vibe, esp. with its leather couches, curated playlists (hear anything from hip-hop to pop to R&B), and expertly crafted cocktails. We just know Don Draper would feel right at home here.
Cool Down You haven’t done ATL to its full potential until you Shoot the Hooch (really, it’s a thing). Rent a kayak, river tube or raft to float down the Chattahoochee River—taking a dip encouraged to escape that grueling HotLanta sun. Phew!
Beard Dinner Celebrate chef Terry Koval’s 2023 Best Chef: Southeast James Beard win by noshing on thoughtfully made rotating dishes boasting local, seasonal ingredients (think beef fat potatoes, scallop risotto and pappardelle pasta) at his delectable resto The Deer and the Dove.
Bottle It Up Did you even go to Atlanta if you didn’t go to the World of Coca-Cola (visit the Georgia Aquarium too and you’ll be the epitome of a tourist!)? The answer is no. “Taste the feeling”—literally—via the museum’s tasting experience of Coca-Cola beverages from throughout the world.
CHARLOTTE
Time to get on your queen sh*t. For a royal getaway with big-city energy, take a quick 2.5-hour jaunt to Charlotte, where the city’s crown jewels (aka hoods) offer plenty of fun for all. Sports lovers are gonna wanna “root, root, root” for the home team—the Charlotte Knights—at Truist Field, while foodies should reserve a table at 2023 James Beard Award Best Chef: Southeast Finalist’s Counter, which specializes in 10- and 14-course tasting menus. More of an adrenaline seeker? Hit up the Whitewater Centerfeat. 1,300 acres to run, paddle, ride, climb—plus eat, drink and jam. Of course, any activity should be followed by a beer—and Queen City’s got a ton of breweries from which to choose. Go ham and create your own brewery-hopping tour. Oh, hoppy days!
RICHMOND
For a vacay touting a, ahem, wealth of activities, look no further than Virginia’s Cap City, where “lovers,” friends or families can take full advantage of all Richmond has to offer. Naturally, who you’re bringing will affect your itinerary, so choose your fave travel partner(s) and take inspo from our rich picks.
Get a dose of education while on vacay via these 5 historical travel destinations.
Kitty Hawk
Do you believe you can fly? Take your travels to new heights at the Wright Brothers National Memorial; then continue the history lesson and honor our city’s namesake with a visit to Fort Raleigh—or wander into The Lost Colony at Roanoke, just ~30 minutes south of the birth of aviation. Lost history, found!
Williamsburg
’Ello Guv’na! Start the day in VA with a guided tour of the Governor’s Palace(Pro tip: If you want to wander the palace at your own pace, visit after 4pm). Discover modern-day craftsmen using 18th century tools and techniques via a stroll down “the most historic avenue in all America,” according to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Duke of Gloucester Street. Also don’t miss the ongoing Custis Square Archaeology Project to see Colonial artifacts as they’re being unearthed, and visit the historic Public Gaol and pillory (public humiliation, anyone?) to discover where prisoners awaited trial in one of the birthplaces of American justice.
Monticello
Stay mellow at Monticello as you learn about the land on which Thomas Jefferson’s plantation resided via the Plantation Archaeology Walking Tourweaving through the gorgeous woodlands of the estate. Or, try the Founding Father’s take on the grape and indulge in the Monticello Wine Trail (aka the Birthplace of American Wine). Great minds drink alike!
Born in the Carolinas: Let’s get fizzical! Pop into the former pharmacy housing The Birthplace of Pepsi-Colaand walk through the history of “Brad’s Drink” in the birthplace of the distinguished Carolina beverage.
The Great Rebellion: Calling all Civil War buffs! Explore the site of the 1862 Civil War battle as it was over a century-and-a-half ago (perfectly preserved!) at the New Bern Battlefield Park.
Blast From the Past: Allow costumed guides (!) to take you on a tour through Tyron Palace, the former headquarters of the British governors of NC. And don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers in the palace gardens. Tea and crumpets, please!
Spark Some Romance: “It wasn’t over. It still isn’t over…” As any bookworm (or romantic!) knows, the unsuspecting town of New Bern plays a central role in several Nicholas Sparks novels. If your visit isn’t fully booked, join the A Walk to Remember Tour and visit 15 distinct landmarks from The Notebook, The Wedding and A Bend in the Road.
Mount Vernon
No lies found here! General Washington’s home and estate, Mount Vernon, is a revolutionary destination. After marching through the estate and gardens, hit up the fully functioning reconstructions of Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill(we rec you try a sample of the whiskey made on-site and grab a bite at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant). And don’t miss the Pope-Leighey House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, aka the pioneer of modern architecture.
Life’s a beach—and NC is blessed with over 300 miles of coastline and 25+ beautiful beaches, each with their own distinct vibe and offerings. Not sure which is the best fit for your vacay style? Take our quiz to seas the day this summer.
Top priority while at the beach? A. Check out the local foodie scene B. Lay out in the sand with a good book C. Take a stroll through town D. Ride the waves E. Grab your rod and go fishing
Who are you taking with you? A. My SO B. The gals C. My wife/husband D. The fam E. The guys
How are you getting to the beach? A. Convertible B. Jeep C. Sedan D. Minivan E. RV
Activities on your agenda? A. Couples’ massage B. Shopping & sunning C. Seeing the sights D. Building sandcastles E. Fishing & boating
Fave beach attire (besides a swimsuit, of course)? A. Golf shirt for him, Lilly Pulitzer for her B. Swimsuit cover-up C. Sundress and slacks D. J. Crew T-shirt and shorts E. Columbia/Patagonia gear
In the morning, you’re most likely to… A. Stroll to a coffee shop B. Do a quick yoga sesh C. Rent a bicycle D. Take a family surf lesson E. Buy bait
Your ideal beach dinner? A. Oysters B. Shrimp cocktail C. Surf and turf D. Grilling on the patio E. Fresh catch of the day
Song you’re jamming to throughout your trip? A. “In the Summertime” by Jerry Mungo B. “Let’s Get It Started” by Black Eyed Peas C. “Carolina Girls” by General Johnson D. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles E. “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffet
Go-to sunset drink situation? A. Martini overlooking the ocean B. Daiquiri at a beach bar C. Glass of wine on the porch D. Homemade margaritas E. Beer on a boat
Reading material you’re packing? A. A Nicholas Sparks novel B. A magazine C. My book club book D. The Harry Potter series E. No book
Know Your Beach Personality
Kitty Hawk Kites, Rodanthe, NC (visitnc.com)
If you picked mostly A’s, you’re headed to a romantic getaway in the Outer Banks.
Summer lovin’, had me a blast… With 100 miles of barrier islands sprinkled with lovely beaches, cute towns and historical attractions, the Outer Banks allows couples to live out their juiciest Nicholas Sparks romantic fantasies. Adventurous types will thrive via kayaking, kiteboarding and windsurfing, and horseback riding tours on the water (really), while lax lovers will appreciate a sunset cruise, spa sesh or just simply lounging in the sand—bev in hand, natch.
If you picked mostly B’s, you’re off to a girl’s getaway in Wrightsville Beach.
In just under two hours, you can be sitting on the beach sipping margs with your gal pals (talk about good times and tan lines!). The closest beach to Raleigh, Wrightsville makes for a perf girl’s trip to shop, sip and sun—no boys allowed. By day, lay out by the ocean to soak up those rays in between stops at the myriad local restos and shops, and when the sun sets, hit up the beach bars to dance the night away or take a short excursion to Wilmington for a fun-filled GNO.
If you picked mostly C’s, get a sitter for a kid-free weekend away at Bald Head Island.
No kids, no problem. A weekend away from the youngins allows you to fully immerse yourselves in all this picture-perfect island has to offer—from exploring Old Baldy, the state’s oldest standing lighthouse, to relaxing at the spa to dining and drinking sans kids’ menu. The southernmost of North Carolina’s cape islands, Bald Head is accessible only by a 20-minute ferry ride—so you won’t have to worry about packing those car seats either. Let the peace and quiet commence!
If you picked mostly D’s, pack up the family and head to Emerald Isle.
Family fun abounds at this Crystal Coast gem located about 2.5 hours from Raleigh—think watersports and other outdoor activities, historic sites, ice cream shops, playgrounds, fam-friendly fests and more. NTM the slow-paced vibe (read: lack of loud nightlife and other adult entertainment) makes it the perfect place to let your kiddos roam free. Nevertheless, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained between trips to the beach. An easy, breezy fam vacay, indeed.
If you picked mostly E’s, you and the boys are going fishing at Topsail Island.
Drop the bass. It’s time to gather the guys for a solid retreat of “just guys being dudes”—beach edition. Because of its access to both the warm Gulf Stream and cool in-shore waters, Topsail—comprised of North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach—is a prime area to catch a plethora of sea life, from mackerel, bluefish and trout to shrimp, oysters and crabs. When you’re not casting lines, hit up the designated 4×4 beach driving areas, take a boat tour, get an adrenaline rush via watersports rentals, and refuel at local restos and watering holes.
Celebrate African American tradition, culture and history with the city at this weeklong event feat. activations, games, food trunks and more—plus a dance party and movie screening Thursday night and a Lunch and Jam on Friday. raleighnc.gov
Through 6/19 2023 Capital City Juneteenth Celebration
This celebration spreads across several days of education and heritage and includes everything from workshops and worships to a fish fry to a gospel music concert at the NCMA.juneteenthraleigh.org
Through 6/19 Town of Cary Juneteenth Celebration
Light it red, yellow and green! Find the columns of the Cary Art Center showcasing these significant colors all weeklong… and keep the celebrations going via a R&B, jazz, soul and funk performance from NiiTO on Thursday, with dance, music and history discussions to look forward to Saturday. Keep it colorful, Cary! carync.gov
6/16 For The Culture Crawl
Take a stroll Downtown to honor Juneteenth and celebrate artistic freedom by grabbing a drink and stopping by Artspace for live music/art exhibitions. Then snap a pic with your fave piece of public artwork by a Black artist, dine at a Downtown Black-owned restaurant and finish the evening at CAM Raleigh. #DTRCultureCrawl artspacenc.org
6/16 Juneteenth at the Pope House Museum
Rise up with the Pope Museum for storytelling and tours highlighting one of Raleigh’s most prominent Black families (and one of NC’s first licensed African American doctors!). Plus, sign up for a walking tour Saturday + Sunday to learn more about the City of Oaks’ Black neighborhoods. raleighnc.gov
6/16–17 Wake Forest Juneteenth Celebration
Join the Town of Wake Forest as it commemorates freedom with two days of fun. On Friday, find a community gathering at Taylor Street Park, then come back Saturday for a lineup including a freedom walk, DJs and performative dance groups. wakeforestnc.gov
6/17 Family Day at the Park
Park yourself at Dorothea Dix Park for an all-day celebration of liberty! Embrace African American culture via spirituals, jazz and R&B performances, a children’s activity zone, and story corner. Majazztic, indeed! dixpark.org
6/17 Juneteenth Block Party with Triangle Pop-Up Market
It ain’t a true Juneteenth celebration without food, drinks and live music! Plus, shop til ya drop at the Triangle Pop-Up Market to truly celebrate in style. boxyard.rtp.org
6/17–18 Juneteenth Jubilee 2023
Can you dig it? Fayetteville’s ’70s-themed jubilee will deliver disco and R&B music from award-winning Black artists—in addition to a costume contest (winner gets a prize!), 5K race and historical trolley tour. How groovy! visitdowntownfayetteville.com
6/17–19 Liberation Station Bookstore Grand Opening
Book it to the grand opening of NC’s first Black-Owned children’s bookstore for festivities corresponding with Juneteenth (!). Plus, don’t miss a slew of bestselling and award-winning Black authors, illustrators and historians whose books will line the shelves of the DTR shop. liberationstationbookstore.com
