We’ve only been in NC for seven weeks but here are my favorite spots so far!
We just visited the coast for a night and I LOVED these places:
Kure Beach with its colorful beach houses.
Yellow house at Kure Beach.
Sand play at Kure Beach.
Wilmington town with its breeze riverfront and youthful vibe.
Airlie Gardens, which has huge old trees strung with Spanish moss, a glass bottle chapel, and perfect breezes off the water.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, especially the moving, eye-rolling dinosaurs in the jungly walk.
Dinosaur and baby dinosaurs at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Closer to home, I have enjoyed:
Museum of Life and Science, Durham, also because of its dinosaur walk. You can’t beat its treehouse playground too!
Tree house playground at Museum of Life and Science in Durham.
Cocoa Cinnamon, Durham town, which has magical decor inside, and a young crowd.
Interior of Cocoa Cinnamon, a coffee shop in Durham.
Guglhupf Bakery and Cafe, which has a magical recessed patio with plants galore, decorations, and a fountain going down steps. It is so lovely to sit there while enjoying either a meal such as a Bratwurst sandwich or a delicious muffin from the bakery!
The magical patio at Guglhupf Bakery and Cafe, Durham.
Southern Village, which has a cute square with clock tower and flower boxes- just a great feeling- and a really fun playground.
Hanging out at Southern Village.
Of course, Duke University and UNC, which are fantastic to walk around. Duke University is especially gorgeous at night when the sun is going down, there are fireflies everywhere, and the chapel is lit up!
UNC campus is beautiful!
Sarah P. Duke Gardens, especially in the spring when there are flowers galore and lots of people walking around.
Purple flowers at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, in the spring.
WRAL Azalea Garden, Raleigh, also in spring. A peaceful spot with a cool breeze.
Weaver Street Market, downtown Carrboro– this place has a good feel to it. You can grab a pastry and coffee and just hang out.
Honeysuckle Tea House, an unusual open-air spot for drinks. Really feels like you’re in Bali, enjoying the breezy nature-filled vibe.
Honeysuckle Tea House, an unusual, open-air place for drinks!
There are greenways everywhere, great for a shady stroll, and three of the nicest are Bolin Creek, Lake Hogan, and Meadowmont.
Bolin Creek Greenway, so peaceful.