Ask Amy
Here are my straightforward answers to questions I have received for buying and selling homes in the NC Triangle area.
Dear Amy,
I am new to the area and don’t have young kids, so I am looking for places to go where there is a theme or activity, like music, or breweries or trending restaurants and bars. What are some of the Triangle’s best places you recommend?
There are great options for both weeknights and weekends, some of these have age restrictions, make sure you check their website for more details.
Art Galleries and Museums: Visit the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, which features an impressive collection of classical and contemporary works. The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University in Durham, CAM (Contemporary Art Museum) in Raleigh and the Ackland Museum on the UNC campus have rotating exhibits and special events. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences is a great museum to visit for all ages.
Bars, Craft Breweries and Distilleries: There are many specialty bars in the area from Bourbon/Whiskey to Tequila. Tequila bars such as A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library in Cary, Mezcalito in Durham, The Blind Barbour and Gonza Tacos and Tequila with multiple locations. If you are more of a bourbon/whiskey drinker there are many choices for you. In Raleigh you have The Oak, Whiskey Kitchen and Relish Craft Kitchen and Bourbon Bar. Chapel Hill has the The Crunkleton and Dram & Draught with multiple locations in the area. The Triangle is known for its thriving craft beer scene, with popular spots like Bond Brothers Beer Company in Cary, Ponysaurus Brewing in Durham, and Gizmo Brew Works, Lonerider, and Raleigh Brewing Company in Raleigh. Many breweries offer tours, tastings, and events. For those who prefer spirits, check out Durham Distillery, Mystic Distillery or TOPO Organic Distillery in Chapel Hill.
A newer trend in several area cities and towns is to have open social districts where you can sip and stroll between bars and restaurants in a designated area.
Fine Dining: The Triangle boasts a rich culinary scene with a variety of high-end restaurants. Some top spots include Herons in Cary, Poole’s Diner in Raleigh, Hawthorne & Wood in Chapel Hill, The Fearrington House and M Sushi in Durham. Whether you're into farm-to-table dining, innovative cuisine, or classic Southern fare, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Hiking and Biking: For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Triangle offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Umstead State Park in Raleigh, Eno River State Park in Durham, and the American Tobacco Trail are popular spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh offers something for everyone!
Live Music: Enjoy renowned performers and concerts at venues like Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, Red Hat Amphitheater in Downtown Raleigh, Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, Lenovo Center in Raleigh, the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), Carolina Theatre in Durham, Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, The Pour House Music Hall, The Lincoln Theater or The Ritz in Raleigh. The Triangle is also home to the North Carolina Symphony, which offers classical and pops concerts throughout the year. Many restaurants and bars have live music several days a week.
Theatre and Performing Arts: In addition to the DPAC and Carolina Theatre, in Raleigh check out Raleigh Little Theatre, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, the Carolina Ballet Inc, Theater in the Park, North Carolina Opera, Theatre Raleigh, Burning Coal Theatre Company, North Carolina Master Chorale, Chamber Music Raleigh or Raleigh Dance Theatre. Outside of Raleigh you have The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle in Hillsborough, Temple Theater Co in Sanford, The Clayton Center in Clayton, PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, Triangle Wind Ensemble in Cary or the Durham Symphony Orchestra. No matter what you taste is in performing arts, the triangle area has you covered!
Trending Dining: The Triangle has great fine dining options but there are also many other great dining options. If you are looking for a food hall experience you can visit Morgan Street Food Hall or the Transfer Co. Food Hall, both in Raleigh. There is also a very large Food Truck scene in the area. You can often find food trucks at local breweries or at a food truck rodeo.
Wine Tasting and Vineyards: Explore local vineyards like Chatham Hill Winery in Cary, ZincHouse Winery & Brewery in Durham or visit the nearby Yadkin Valley for a day trip to some of North Carolina’s finest wineries. Many offer tastings, tours, and events in beautiful settings
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