What an exciting weekend of NC State basketball we have coming up, with both the men’s and women’s teams competing in the Final Four of March Madness in Phoenix! The Players Retreat If you’re in Raleigh and looking to cheer on the Pack surrounded by other Wolfpack fans, why not join in on all the fun at one of the classic NC State bars near campus – and be close to the iconic Belltower when they light it red! Raleigh isn’t just the home of NC State University; it’s also packed with top-notch college sports bars where you can soak up the excitement of the game alongside fellow students, alumni ..read more

Raleigh, North Carolina is not just a vibrant city filled with culture, history, and innovation; it’s also home to a thriving community of Black-owned businesses that contribute significantly to its economic and social fabric. Did you know that East Hargett St in downtown Raleigh was once known as Black Main Street. At its height in the 20s it was home to 50+ Black-owned businesses namely medical offices, law offices, a hotel, restaurants, barbershops, and retailers.  You can learn more about the history and stories of the businesses via the sidewalk murals on East Hargett Stree ..read more

Looking for great local coffee shops in downtown Raleigh to get your fix, catch up with friends, or get some work done, and you’re searching on your phone for coffee shops near me? We’ve got you covered! The Morning Times coffee shop We’ve been living in Raleigh since 2004 with a few years back in our birth home of Australia, and the Raleigh coffee scene has definitely upped its game and continues to get better. Whilst we are primarily latte drinkers (or flat whites when available being Aussies), the whole craft coffee scene here is evolving for the best and just adds to the reasons we love li ..read more

Did you know there is a winery near Raleigh in Apex? The grapevines at Cloer Like a legit vineyard with grapes growing on the vines? Neither did I until it popped out on the map when I was planning a bike ride along the Tobacco Trail. What? You mean I can ride 30 miles from Durham and stop off at this winery in Apex for a chilled glass of wine and a charcuterie board? Yep. Nestled in the scenic beauty of Apex, North Carolina, Cloer Family Vineyards is a true gem for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a delightful escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Cloer Family Vineyard It is the only fam ..read more

Hey there, wine lovers! If you’re seeking the perfect spot in Raleigh to indulge in your passion for the nectar of the gods, you’re in for a treat. Vita Vite Wine Bar, North Hills Raleigh’s wine scene has blossomed over the years, and I’m thrilled to share my favorite wine bars in Raleigh with you. And it’s not just bars I’ve included, but retail stores that also offer a small bar area for wine tasting in Raleigh amongst the bottles or in cozy wine gardens. And, as always on This Is Raleigh, we don’t just focus exclusively within the Raleigh borders but branch out a little to include some wine ..read more

Are you a gluten-free eater and struggling to find safe places to eat in Raleigh? Tired of searching on your phone for gluten free options near me and coming up with a salad? I know how you feel. I am not celiac, but I do react to eating gluten and have done my best to steer clear of it for a decade now. Cheers to Gluten free finds in Raleigh As a full-time professional travel blogger, this is not easy. I’m often frustrated with how few options there are, and how I can often be treated as a pain in someone’s backside. Don’t get me started on airlines. (BTW, on my recent trip to Canada, United ..read more

It’s about time we shared a post on our favorite coffee in Wake County, I mean the Triangle area. And I also mean one of our favorite coffees in the USA, Fount Coffee + Kitchen in Morrisville. Fount Coffee + Kitchen in Morrisville, NC Big call I know. But we’ve traveled to 37 states and have drunk many cups of coffee. Sadly, in the USA a large percentage of coffees are unmemorable and typically end up in the trash. So, when I get a cup of coffee that transports me back to my homeland of Australia, you better believe I’m letting y’all know. If you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply someone lookin ..read more

Raleigh and the surrounding areas are home to a vibrant and diverse dining scene, including a growing number of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh that offer extensive options for the non-meat eaters. Fiction Kitchen is a popular vegan restaurant. Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, pescatarian, or simply seeking delicious meatless meals, you’ll find a range of plant-based delights to tantalize your taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the top vegetarian restaurants and eateries in Raleigh, throughout Wake County and the broader Triangle ..read more

The longer I sat down in the Burger Village restaurant in downtown Raleigh the more I liked it; the signs on the wall clearly stating this is my kind of place. And if you’re searching on your phone for “gourmet burgers near me”, keep reading below! Exotic burgers are their specialty! Craig and I try to eat as clean and as healthy as possible. We cut back on some areas of our budget so that in our home we can eat grass-fed beef, wild salmon, and organic foods! When eating out in Raleigh, it’s not always easy to find organic food, grass-fed beef is even rarer, and gluten-free is hit or miss! But ..read more

Apex has lots of popular locally owned restaurants, cafes, and breweries around town. And if you’re looking for Apex restaurants to try that the locals love, keep reading! Two popular restaurants in downtown Apex We always enjoy exploring Apex, North Carolina. Just a 25-minute drive from downtown Raleigh brings you to the historic downtown area. Salem Street is lined with some of our favorite places to eat in Apex, with others just a short drive away within close access to the best Apex neighborhoods. So, if you’re searching on your phone for “restaurants near Apex”, the below list is a good p ..read more