1.) Augmentality Labs

Durham

Open Tues-Thurs 3-10pm; Fri 3pm-12am; Sat 10am-12am; Sun 12-8pm.

Augmentality Labs

Bored of your usual weekend activities? Look no further than Augmentality Labs, Durham’s first virtual reality arcade. Augmentality Labs offers a wide variety of games for visitors to become completely immersed in, from sports and arcade games to exploratory environments. You can play against your friends or by yourself, and there’s something for everyone, even those who don’t consider themselves video game fans. A standard session is 30 minutes, but you can book back-to-back sessions if you can’t get enough of the fun! augmentalitylabs.com

2.) Belltree Speakeasy

Carrboro

Open Tues-Sat 5pm-2am; Sun 5pm-12am

Belltree Speakeasy

For a unique bar experience and one-of-a-kind cocktails, check out Carrboro’s Belltree Speakeasy. Tucked away behind a car wash in downtown Carrboro, Belltree transports visitors back to the Prohibition era with its “hidden” location and cozy, antique feel. Bartenders get creative with Belltree’s specialty craft cocktails that can be tailored to fit each customer’s individual taste. Look for the sign with a tree on it over the entrance! facebook.com/belltreespeakeasy

3.) Honeysuckle Tea House

Chapel Hill

Open Thursday & Sunday 9am-8pm,

Friday & Saturday 9am-9pm

Honeysuckle Tea House

The Honeysuckle Tea House is a tranquil outpost in the countryside west of Chapel Hill. Built from repurposed materials, the tea house is an open-air building surrounded by 17 acres of farmland with berry fields, herb gardens, a greenhouse, a hammock garden and more. Simply relax with a cup of tea and enjoy the peaceful setting or participate in one of Honeysuckle’s workshops, yoga classes or garden tours. honeysuckleteahouse.com

Hillsborough

Open Wed-Mon 9am-9pm

El Restaurante Ixtapa

Located in a small building on the banks of the Eno River, the family-owned and operated El Restaurante Ixtapa takes pride in offering delicious, authentic Mexican food made from fresh ingredients. The restaurant hand-makes its tortillas, and the menu includes staples like tacos, burritos and quesadillas, as well as seafood options, sandwiches, fresh fruit juices and even breakfast. Check out this local favorite the next time you’re in Hillsborough! ixtapa.homestead.com/homepage.html

5.) Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

Cary

July 27-28

This tasty festival at Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre features more than 60 beers and 40 bourbons as well as a wide selection of barbeque, including pulled pork, chicken, ribs, brisket and more. With the admission ticket, guests receive a souvenir glass for unlimited beer and bourbon tastings and access to all barbeque vendors, live music and seminars with brew and barbeque masters. Visit the website for ticket options and more information about the festival. beerandbourbon.com/cary/show-info