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
Alex Caterson/The Splinter Group
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
Slice, sip and shop at these outposts just outside the city.
Dino’s Pizza DURHAM Searching for a slice of New York without the plane ride? Two of the Triangle’s culinary vets, Matt Kelly (of Mateo, Vin Rouge, and Mothers & Son fame) and Tom Cuomo (of Raleigh’s now-closed Papa Shogun), have joined forces to debut this cheesy casual neighborhood affair that harkens back to the pizza spots of your youth. Combining Italian American classics and New York/New Jersey favorites, the nostalgic experience is worth sinking your teeth into—and making the drive to Bull City for. Round out your meal with the zingy Caesar salad, hearty chicken Parm and finger-licking cannolis that’ll have the whole famiglia obsessed. @dinospizza_durham
Madison Fann
Fable Books & Cafe HOLLY SPRINGS Cozy season is so back—time to flip open a new book and embark on a different kind of adventure through words. And with its selection of over a million books (!)—carefully curated and leaving no genre untouched and no reader unsatisfied—this bookstore and cafe is just the spot to scavenge for a good read while enjoying a warm cup of coffee. Born from the love of bookworms and the dreams of writers, the contemporary book nook brings a little bit of everything to the table—whether you’re in search of a riveting romance novel, mind-bending social science fiction or anything in between. So go ahead, get lost in the pages—and your cup. fablebooksandcafe.comv
Narrative Coffee Company DURHAM Skip the Starbs for a local brand writing a new narrative. Originally started as a humble mobile trailer (which you can still spot throughout the Triangle), the specialty coffee concept has officially opened its very first brick-and-mortar. Pouring up a cup of ambition, Narrative’s high-quality coffee is made from 100% Arabica specialty coffee beans from local vendors, furthering its tagline of “seed to cup.” Caffeinated ops range from a traditional Americano and cortado to house cold brew and cappuccinos, plus an assortment of lattes upping the sweet factor—think the Butter Beer with toffee nut and butterscotch, or the fan-fave Cookie Butter Oat feat. Speculoos and dulce de leche. And for a Zenned-out morning, there’s brewed teas, matcha and chai—because after all, there’s more than one way to sip away the bad vibes. narrativecoffeecompany.com
Wedgewood Cheese Bar CARRBORO Cheese lovers, prepare to feel like a kid in a candy store. The Triangle’s first standalone cheese bar is ripe and apt for slicing, inspired by Euro haunts, quirky cheese bars and intimate wine bars the world over. Taking your classic cheese and wine outing to the next level, the chef- and cheesemonger-led concept serves up an extensive menu of cheese boards (build your own or spring for the cheesemonger’s choice, aka “Omaqueso”), sandwiches, salads, and other bits and bobs served across its daytime and lunch menus—as well as a sprawling cheese case where you can get your wedges wrapped-to-order. And, naturally, wine is a borderline necessary pairing, expertly picked and partnered for your cheese of choice. wedgewoodcheesebar.com
The Bowerbird Agency
North Left Mercantile APEX Apex’s one-stop shop for all your wants and needs, this modern mercantile has everything and then some for everyday living. Whether you’re in search of custom goods, a new set of silverware or just window shopping for your next visit (we all do it), North Left has got you covered. The expansive collection leaves nothing to be desired, with an inventory ranging from handcrafted heirloom-worthy gifts to gourmet provisions and all-natural bath & body products—plus apparel, jewelry and unique finds from across the country. Founded by two Pacific Northwesterners, the store serves as an homage to the majestic North and their new home in the South, boasting a charmingly inviting atmosphere welcoming all to find their next best treasure. northleftmercantile.com
Get your coffee, beer and sweets fix this month just outside Raleigh.
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The Grounds CHAPEL HILL Build-your-own lattes and spiked coffees? Ahem, grounds for posting up for, say, a strawberry Baileys white chocolate latte—or literally whatever liquid therapy floats your boat (even coffee-alts like Lotus energy sips for the non-java junkies). Brewing up good vibes and jolts of energy, the student/alumni-run java joint percolates community from its post in the popular entrepreneurial hub The Pitch—never mind its creative toppings (Oreos, anyone?) and signatures (cookie monster, please!)… and those local pastries to boot. Life’s a grind, indeed. thepitchchapelhill.com
The Carolina Manor House + Treehouses FRANKLINTON Childhood nostalgia meets boujee adulthood in these charming and rustic wooded treehouses—er, the perf retreat for living that Walden life after a day spent frolicking in Franklinton. Channel Thoreau as you settle into the Adirondack rockers over a cuppa and good book in the morning, and by night, park it in front of the fire pit while you toast up some s’mores. Events at the Manor House further fill in your free time—think a Bourbon, Blues and BBQ fest May 18 feat. live music and food trucks. And, don’t worry, if you start to miss reality (as if), there’s a TV in the cabin to boot. Your childhood treehouse could never.thecarolinamanorhouse.com
Sugar Koi CARY Life’s sweeter with sugar. And this sweet ice cream shop relocated from Durham takes dessert next-level thanks to fresh Asian-inspired ice cream served in Koiyaki fish waffle cones. So ’Grammable! Stay in your comfort zone with traditional flavors like chocolate and vanilla, or branch out and indulge in the likes of matcha green tea, cappuccino crunch, raspberry sorbet or brown butter bourbon truffle. Not to mention seasonal specials—for spring, there’s a peach of a feature, literally. And don’t forget the sprinkles and whipped cream. Scoop, there it is! @sugarkoiicecream
The Daily Beer Bar DURHAM Beer, coffee, sandwiches—check. If ever there were a spot for all your daily needs, it’d have to be, well, The Daily. Perk up the mornings with a flight trio of farm-to-cup filtered coffee (!), a ganache shot (filter coffee + dark chocolate) or pretty much any crafty full-gravity concoction you can think up—including more tea than you can spill during a GNO. Sandos, salads, sweets (hey, Tepuy Donuts!) and snack boards’ll sate any daily craving—while those spirited suds promise to keep you in the zone (or zoned out—no judgment). And don’t sleep on brunch. Translation? Consider the bar raised. thedailybeerbar.com
Seraphine DURHAM Hola, NoLa! Brothers and NanaSteak managing partners Brad and Graham Weddington are bringing a taste of Louisiana to the Bull City. A bevy of modern takes on Cajun standouts will have you checking your location—from a classic gumbo and housemade boudin sausage to seafood snacks (hey, shrimp and crawfish croquettes!) to fluffy beignets, natch, plus an array of crafty cocktails, beer and wine. Make like Iggy or Reba and be fancy in the classy dining room, or go full Big Easy on the intimate outdoor patio, complete with string lights and a fountain. Bayou vibes only. seraphinedurham.com
