I may be tagging along with my better half to Raleigh in about two weeks. (Depends on the approval system at his work, etc). But, I want to go on a trip and see new things, dangit!
Now, he’ll be working and I’ll be entertaining myself (oh hush, dirtyminded people like me!) And I love looking up things to do online, and I’ve found some places to visit etc.
I have a few questions for anyone that knows the area–
What’s something great to see that isn’t likely to be on a website?
What are some good places to eat? I like small chains/sole proprieterships. I don’t mean like steakhouses or burgerplaces so much, but I do want to try some low country fare and even bbq (which I assume will be pork there, instead of the correct beef;) )
Then we will hit Savannah, and I can meet one of his daughters for the first time.
yay.
No real suggestions, but you may not find too much low country fare in Raleigh, I think that’s a little further south. I could be wrong, and I do know that shrimp and grits, while originally more low country, is now all across the Carolinas.
If you want to go to Chapel Hill (near Raleigh), I recommend the Ethiopian restaurant Queen of Sheba.
I’m sure there are lots of good BBQ places in Raleigh. My family took me to The Pit last year and I loved it. Authentic Carolina BBQ is awesome, and you simply can’t get it anywhere else in the country.
The Roast Grill - It doesn’t get much more hole-in-the-wall than this, and they do some excellent chili dogs (it’s about all they do, really). It’s not BBQ, but it’s damn good.
The Farmer’s Market Restaurant - You might be able to get fresher food elsewhere, but it’d be a search. Good, good food.
I know you said you weren’t talking about burger places, but if you’re out for lunch Char-Grill is worth a stop.
I actually haven’t hit up any BBQ joints in Raleigh all that often. The only one I remember is The Q Shack at North Hills, but that was years ago and I don’t remember the food very well. It was busy as anything when I went, though.
Where will you be staying? I live in Durham and can give you some recommendations based on where you will be.
I love the NC Arboretum. If you like gardens and it’s a nice day, you can stroll around, and it’s free. There are lots of good restaurants downtown, as well as bars and microbreweries. Boylan Bridge Brewpub has really good food and good beer.
You can see what will be playing at the Durham Performing Arts Center during your stay. It’s not far from Raleigh and in my opinion is the best venue in the state. I’ve seen concerts there, but there are also Broadway plays. The Addams Family is starting next week and runs through March 4. There are several great restaurants with walking distance to DPAC in downtown Durham.
The NC Museum of Art is nice and recently completely renovated.
As far as barbecue goes, I wasn’t impressed with the Pit. It was good and all, but you can get much better barbecue for a lot less money elsewhere. I happen to like Danny’s a lot and they have 3 locations - Cary, Morrisville, and RTP. The QShack is also good. Smithfield Chicken and Barbecue is terrible though.
If I know where you are going to stay, I can give you some better recommendations on food and things to do.