Sweet Talk Cafe | Garner Pastel perfection meets Asian-inspired indulgence at this charming cafe dishing out swoonworthy desserts and specialty ’Grammable drinks (like, seriously, your feed will thank you). From fluffy Korean milk-based shaved-ice bingsoo piled high with fresh fruit and mochi to buttery croffles that are the ultimate crispy-meets-flaky treat, every bite is as pretty as it is delicious. And you can’t go wrong pairing with a bright-green matcha or strawberry latte. Sweet tooths, consider this your new happy place.sweettalkcafenc.com
Burlington Food Hall | Burlington Packing serious flavor into the Alamance County small town is this dynamic food hall shaking up the local food scene with five unique eateries, a fully stocked bar and a buzzy communal atmosphere. With ops ranging from hibachi and boba tea to Turkish street food and Filipino cuisine, there’s certainly something for everyone—plus desserts for those wanting to end their meal on a sweet note. Not to mention regular live music and ample spots to sit and stay awhile both inside or out on the patio. OK, Burlington, we see you! burlingtonfoodhall.com
Nan Xiang Express| Durham NYC’s cult-favorite hot spot has officially made its mark in the Bull City as the place to get ~dumped~. A household name in the Big Apple’s dim sum scene, the offshoot of the Michelin-rec’d dumpling darling is now serving up its famous xiao long bao (choose from pork, chicken, beef, and crab & pork), crispy-bottom buns and pot stickers, and rich beef noodle soup right near Duke’s campus. Pro tip: The scallion pancake is also a must-order. A Raleigh location is also in the works—but, until then, you know where to get your slurp on. nanxiangexpress.com
Annexe | Durham Dimly lit, neon-drenched and oozing with funky flair, this underground escape is as electric as its drinks. Tucked beneath its sister bar, Bar Virgile, the upbeat hideaway thrives on tropical ’tails (some literally on fire), late-night grooves and immaculate vibes. Sip a Dragons Breath while DJs spin vinyl and heat up the dance floor, or cozy up in the lounge with next-level bites like crispy fried oysters, steak frites, risotto and a bangin’ burger. So whether you’re there to sip, snack or shake it, Annexe more than delivers. annexedurham.com
MoonRunners Saloon | South Garner, Dunn From Bar Rescue to hometown hero, this lively saloon proves that a little grit—and a whole lot of moonshine!—goes a long way. Serving up Prohibition-era speakeasy meets honky-tonk energy, the old-timey watering hole is home to the world’s largest moonshine menu—plus ample traditional bar food and Southern comfort selects. Think award-winning wings and burgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and scratchmade Carolina classics that hit the spot every time (shrimp and grits, please!). While you nosh, enjoy a smoky craft cocktail, catch a live band or kick back with a Mason jar of shine and see what all the fuss is about. moonrunnerssaloon.com
And we’ll never be royals… but we can romp around the Queen City.
Uptown Girls (and Boys)
Uptown (not to be called downtown—they’ll know you’re a tourist) is the beating heart of CLT, and it’s chock-full of fun things to do—from theNASCAR Hall of Fame to open-air shopping to museums to acclaimed restaurants and bars. Soak it all up…
For the Fanatics
Sports fans can get their fill year-round in Charlotte, thanks to the Panthers, Charlotte FC, the Hornets and the Knights(P.S. Stick around Truist Field after home games for fireworks!). Game on.
Savor the Asheville flavor during the two remaining weekends of culinary event series Chow Chow (Aug. 4–7, Sept. 8–11) feat. multiple food-focused events—including a handmade tamale workshop and a free Sunday super series. Chow down!
Jam Out
Live music fans are gonna wanna grab tix to a show at legendary music venue The Orange Peel—this summer hosting Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Spoon, Switchfoot and more. Ah, “the way we get by…”
Your ribs’ll be shaking from laughter after attending the Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, aka the largest stand-up comedy event in the Southeast, with 40 comics performing at an array of Asheville venues.
Winston-Salem
Brunch is always a good idea. And the perfect day in Winston-Salem starts with brunch at Parisian restaurant The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, located in the The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (Pro tip: Get the croque-monsieur)—where you should also absolutely lay your head after a day of adventuring. Post-noshing, stroll Winston-Salem’s Downtown Arts District and check out the breweries and ’cue joints on The NCBS Historic Barbecue Trail.
Boone
“Get your awe back” in the “high country”—from breweries and artastic attractions to the Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock (whitewater rafting, wineries, spas!) and, of course, Grandfather Mountain, where you’re gonna wanna hike the highlands. Plus you can’t say you’re an NC’er until you’ve seen NC from the famed Mile High Swinging Bridge (aka America’s highest suspension footbridge—and, yes, it literally swings). Poetry in motion, really.
Durham
Staycation all I ever wanted. … Skip the heavy baggage and gas prices for a summer siesta in the Bull City. Whether you like it dirty or keepin’ it neat, Bar Virgile’s award-winning bar and resto’ll help you get in the spirit and kick it into #vacationmode with a craft cocktail via one of the largest liquor selections in the Triangle. Then keep it jamon at multi-Beard-nominated chef Matt Kelly’s Mateo for tapas that’ll straight transport you to Spain before a nightcap on the rooftop of bougee midcentury-modern boutique hotel The Durham (pro tip: Book the Night Out Package so your nightcap is mere steps from your swank sleep sitch).
Wilmington
Garden Variety
Stop and smell the flowers at the year-round Airlie Gardens, also home to the Airlie Luncheon Garden Party—Wilmington’s premier event during the annual spring NC Azalea Festival.
Flock Here
’Tis the season for seafood, and there’s no better spot to get your fill than Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton’s recently opened Seabird restaurant, which puts a spotlight on local seafood, natch, in addition to creative and seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes.
Local, local, local—this charming family-owned retail spot in downtown Clayton is a must-shop for finding something new, neat and North Carolina-made. Local merch is on full display (national brands are on offer as well) via a range of home goods (from furniture and decor to gourmet kitchen items and beyond), plus apparel, handmade goods, fun foods (jalapeno pepper spread and candy unicorn popcorn!) and tons of gift options. We dare you to not walk away with a unique piece or the perfect gift. threelittlebirdsnc.com.
02
Rofhiwa Book Cafe Durham
This Black- and queer-owned bookstore and cafe just opened in east Durham. Together, founders Bev Tumi Mahkubele and Naledia Yaziyo created Rofhiwa (which translates to “we are given”) as a safe space for people to learn, process and have conversations about its curated collection of diverse Black literature and the Black experience. Check out the new spot, dive into a book, spark conversation over a cup of coffee—and join the open dialogue. rofhiwabooks.com
03
LuLuBangBang Durham
LuLuBangBang’s elevated Pan-Asian street food and Tiki drinks satisfy the craving of traveling to some place new and experiencing different cuisines. The cool, modern space features two private rooms, a gorgeous outdoor patio and a spacious edgy main dining area—each which makes noshing on chef/partner William D’Auvray’s eclectic dishes all the more delightful. Choose from char-grilled meats, pad thai (and other wok-prepared faves), soups and tasty apps (scallion pancakes, please). Wash it down with an array of tropical-inspired cocktails, wine, beer or mocktails for the perfect pairing. lulubangbangnc.com
04
Bar Virgile Durham
An air of sophistication can be found in all things at this famed Durham bar and restaurant, from the interior decor and vibe to the food and drinks. Cozy up in a leather banquette or take in can’t-beat Bull City views from the patio with crafted cocktails and seasonal small and large plates created with quality local ingredients (think vegetable risotto, linguini Bolognese and pork chop al pastor). Bar Virgile boasts one of the largest liquor selections in the Triangle and rotates its beer and wine offerings often to keep you coming back. barvirgile.com
05
Venable Bistro Carrboro
Located in the historic Carr Mill, Venable Bistro serves up delectable global comfort food every day of the week. Chef-owner Andrew Moore, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, incorporates local ingredients into each menu item and draws inspiration from his past cooking experiences in Italy, as well as from French, Asian and Mexican cuisine. Seasonal faves include the panko-crusted fried chicken, Korean pork BBQ bahn mi and vegetable tamales. For an unparalleled dining experience, take in a meal and a craft cocktail in Venable’s industrial open-air space. venablebistro.com
