Unwind in a five-star hotel. Dine in James Beard Award-nominated restaurants. Explore antique shops. Wander through art exhibits. Shop local boutiques. A weekend in North Carolina’s capital city has something for everyone and then some. With its proximity to Charlotte, Raleigh is a picturesque weekend getaway for those looking for refined Southern hospitality at its finest.
STAY
The Umstead Hotel & Spa
For those looking for pure luxury, look no further than The Umstead Hotel, located just outside Raleigh in Cary. The five-star resort is a conclave of serenity and features an expansive spa and pool area and a staff that leaves no detail unturned. Check in and indulge in one of their signature massages before heading into Raleigh for drinks and dinner, or opt for the five-course tasting menu at Heron’s, an AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant on-site.
Heights House Hotel
Located in the Boylan Heights neighborhood, this historic mansion-turned-boutique hotel delivers unparalleled charm and sophistication. Owners Sarah and Jeff Shepherd spent three years painstakingly renovating the nine-room property before opening in 2021, and shortly after Travel & Leisure named it one of the best new hotels in the world. Sip on a drink from the parlor bar on the porch in the evenings, or enjoy high tea on select afternoons.
The Longleaf Hotel
Originally a travel lodge in the 1960s, this centrally located Raleigh hotel has been revamped with modern, swanky, mid-century vibes. Longleaf is ideal for stretching a weekend getaway as long as possible, with its 3 p.m. check-in time and noon checkout. Its location makes it possible to walk to several bars, eateries and attractions downtown and in the Oakwood neighborhood.
EAT
Crawford & Son
Scott Crawford has five James Beard Award nominations. Crawford & Son is his longest-running restaurant in Raleigh, which has been described as both a casual and elegant neighborhood spot. Make reservations a couple of weeks prior to visiting, as the space is on the cozier side and walk-in spots are scarce during prime dining hours. The menu changes fairly often but always features a raw section with at least one crudo—always a must order, as are the manchego-herb biscuits—but anything that comes out of his kitchen is outstanding.
Peregrine
Peregrine is one of Raleigh’s hottest new restaurants and for good reason. The sleek architectural design is reminiscent of what you’re likely to find in New York City, not Raleigh. The Contemporary American cuisine draws influence from Chef Saif Rahman’s travels throughout the South to to Bangladesh. Order the melt-in-your-mouth halibut for an entrée and leave room for the chocolate date fudge to finish off your meal.
St. Roch
Oysters are never a bad way to start the day, and at brunch, this New Orleans-reminiscent restaurant in downtown Raleigh has several ways to enjoy them. Try the flame-roasted oysters with chili-garlic sauce to start before tucking into the fried oyster hotcake topped with sunny-side-up eggs. For non-oyster lovers, go for the BBQ shrimp and grits with local shrimp from the North Carolina coast. St. Roch is open for brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner every night starting at 5 p.m.
Figulina
Sunday brunch at Figulina, a 2025 James Beard Award-nominee for Best New Restaurant, is a must-do for food lovers. Chef David Ellis showcases his British origins with his own take on dishes like bubble & squeak, a fried potato cake topped with a runny egg and black pepper maple bacon. The restaurant is known for its homemade pastas, and Mafaldine Carbonara with guanciale and pecorino romano for brunch doesn’t disappoint.
Brodetto
Brodetto specializes in Adriatic Cuisine, influenced by dishes from Croatia and Southern Italy. Expect to find seafood-centric dishes on the menu, along with an emphasis on wood-fired cooking. The whole roasted branzino is a delicious work of art, as is the linguine with sea urchin butter. The bar program at Brodetto is phenomenal, too. Seasonal cocktails like the Euro Step feature fresh ingredients like grilled strawberries..
DRINK
Sous Terre
Sous Terre is a speakeasy-esque cocktail lounge. Locals can pay a nominal fee for a key to access the bar as they please, but non-members have to gain access through one of the restaurants above. Choose one of the more creative cocktails, like the “Tom Yum Sour,” a refreshing and playful riff on the soup with whiskey, coconut, and Thai chiles, or ask the bartenders to design something tailored to your specific tastes.
Standard Beer + Food
On a hot afternoon, nothing is better than the frozen cocktails at the Standard. Grab a picnic table outside and use a QR code to order a frozen margarita or a gin and tonic. If you’re feeling peckish, the Standard also serves excellent bar bites. Expertly fried tater tots, spicy tuna tartare and the smash burger are all great options. The Standard is a popular watering hole among families as kids can run around the adjacent Raleigh City Farm.
St. Pierre Wine Bar
The newly opened St. Pierre Wine Bar in Raleigh’s Iron Works development is part wine shop and part wine bar. Owners Anthony and Brett Guerra put a particular emphasis on sourcing great wines and champagnes from family-run producers, and take great care to help guests find a wine they’ll love to drink. Drop in for a glass or two of wine before or after having dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
DO
Antique Shopping
Spend an afternoon browsing Raleigh’s antique and vintage stores to find a unique souvenir at spots like Union Camp Collective, Hunt & Gather and Trunk Show. You’ll find art, furniture, clothing and plenty of coffee table tchotchkes to take home to remember your weekend.
Art Museums
Check out the contemporary art at the CAM museum and gallery in Raleigh’s warehouse district or make a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art. Expect to spend a few hours wandering the exhibits at NCMA and meandering the 164-acre museum park on-site. NCMA also has a café open for lunch and brunch on Wednesday through Sunday.
Boutique Shopping in North Hills
The open-air shopping area in the North Hills neighborhood offers a mix of local upscale boutiques, high-end national brands and dining experiences. Pop into Vermillion or Uniquities for luxury designer clothing and Quintessentials for home goods. For a mid-shopping break, head to RH’s outdoor terrace for a cold glass of champagne.
Hiking in Umstead State Park
Venture 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh and you’ll find a peaceful oasis of more than 5,000 acres at Umstead State Park. Many of the hiking trails are shaded, and there are more than 13 miles of trails for horseback riding, too. Rent a canoe from the boathouse to explore the “Big Lake” or grab sandwiches from Union Special for a picnic.
Originally a travel lodge in the 1960s, this centrally located Raleigh hotel has been revamped with modern, swanky, mid-century vibes.