Hi Raleigh Lover!

We always say that the best part of any trip isn’t just the place, it’s the people. And our recent Chapel Hill and Carrboro getaway proved that true all over again.

From the moment we arrived, we were wrapped up in that small-town magic and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes you want to stay a little longer. We met so many incredible people—starting with a couple of wonderful This is Raleigh readers who spotted us out and about (you made our day!), to curious onlookers wondering why we were taking so many photos of Merritt’s famous BLT. (Yes, we did finally eat it... and yes, it was cold, as usual. Priorities, right?)

We chatted with a sweet local family about travel dreams, bumped into multiple wedding parties, got to know several local business owners, and even delayed our departure from The Crunkleton thanks to our friend Marcus, who strolled in just as we were about to leave—so of course, one more cocktail it was. Which was fitting as many of the places we visited on our trip were because of his recommendations!

There’s something about this college town that just gets us. It's filled with charm, character, and an open-hearted vibe that feels like coming home. We loved wandering through mural-lined streets in Carrboro, cozying up in forest-hidden coffee shops, and biking the leafy trails that crisscross town. The more we explore, the deeper we fall in love.

We’ve got lots of content coming soon from this magical trip, including the launch of our brand new series: “36 Hours In X” - curated getaways that are easy escapes from Raleigh. And what better place to kick it off than Chapel Hill? You can’t get much easier—or more welcoming—than this.

Until then, may your weekend be filled with good people, good food, and maybe even a spontaneous road trip or two.

Big love,
Caroline

P.S. My younger sister, Jen is checking into her flight at Sydney airport, ready to begin the long and painful journey to Raleigh! We’re so excited to spend the next three weeks with her! She last visited just before COVID in the winter. So we’re excited for her to get to know a much different (and greener) Raleigh!

💖 FAVORITE FINDS

• Novel Apartments in Morrisville - we filmed there this week! Really cool apartments. Their fitness gyn had a rock climbing wall that was a little challenging but fun! While there, grab a coffee from …

• Thousand Hills Coffee - great coffee, and they had a delicious cranberry gluten free muffin

• We discovered Jamaican Grille in North Raleigh - they have a yummy chicken curry lunch deal - $10.99 includes curry, rice, beans, plantain and a drink!

• I can recommend everything we did in Chapel Hill and Carrboro as my favorite find for this week. What I’m totally gushing over though is the Cat Tales Cafe and the Carrboro Farmers Market - worth making a Saturday trip for!

⭐DID YOU HEAR?

• The Canes are out! Sadly Florida was just the better team. They’re still our favorites no matter what and, as always, did our state proud!

• Mexican cocktail bar, La Mala has officially opened in Glenwood South

• Velvet Taco will open in North Hills’ Park District in the former World of Beer later this year.

• Plan ahead as Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park will open next Friday, June 6

• A city can never have too many music venues, and a new one is now ready. Cannonball Music Hall at Raleigh Iron Works will be the place for up and coming local artists! (this kind of things has been on my list of ways to make Raleigh better!)

• Raleigh's inaugural Wide Open Bluegrass Festival announced a lineup for the October festival.

• Strawberry season is nearly over! Here are some strawberry picking places in Raleigh (or nearby)
  

🖋 ON THE BLOG

📆THIS WEEKEND

You may like…

1. Sat - BBQ & Bubbly Event at Fenton in Cary. Sold Out (but you never know of last minute cancellations. We’re taking my sister!

2. Thurs - Sun The annual UNC Health Golf Championship at Raleigh Country Club. Watch the PGA Tour’s rising stars as well as seasoned professionals at the state's only Korn Ferry Tour event.

3. Fri - Sun: 41st Annual Raleigh Greek Festival at the NC State Fairgrounds! taste handmade authentic Greek food Hear live Greek music and see traditional folk dances

4. Sat: Keith Urban rocking the house down at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park

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👍ON THE GRAM

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