Raleigh is ranked the 14th least walkable city in the United States. Without a car, a license, or money for gas, a day out of the house can turn into visiting the same 3 strip malls. Yet despite Raleigh’s general disregard for pedestrians, there are still hidden gems within the city that can entertain you and some friends for upwards of three hours without a vehicle.
- Hillsborough Street
NC State campus’ main street, an afternoon on Hillsborough Street requires zero car, just a willingness to walk. Start at Cup-a-Joe, a beloved local coffee shop. The menu has something for everyone, ranging from Italian sodas to iced mocha lattes. Their baked goods are famous too, though they’re limited each day and sell out quickly. Aim to arrive before 11:00 a.m. if you’re interested in a muffin or cookie. After you’ve got your energy boost, right next door is Nice Price Books and Records. Find your recent favorite album on vinyl or CD, or an old classic in their used record section. If you’re interested in physical music but not spending, check out their $1 used CD sections; you could spend hours scanning the densely packed shelves for a steal, and chances are you’ll walk out of Nice Price with three new CDs for only $3.50.
From here, you have a few options. If you’re in a productive mood, walk 10 minutes to Hill Jr. Library, where you can knock out a math assignment or read a few chapters of the used novel you just got. Or, grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area (my personal favorite will always be Zaxby’s) and grab boba, ice cream, or a perfect pastry all at Bliss Cafe.
- Oakwood
The historic Oakwood neighborhood is situated just north of Enloe. The neighborhood is the perfect place to spend a sunny fall day, full of tree shaded streets and classic Raleigh architecture. Side Street is the perfect restaurant to grab breakfast or lunch. Their menu features quality sandwiches and salads. Don’t miss their desserts either, the apple pie is always a hit.
If you want to stretch your legs a little, Oakwood park is only a 20-minute walk away. The trek there is sure to be worth it, not just because of the destination; admire the beautiful old architecture and gardens of Oakwood on your way there. Take a picnic blanket and a novel, a frisbee, or soccer ball. When you’re satisfied, grab an energy booster from The Optimist, a local coffee shop across the street.
If you’re not feeling the extensive time outside, walk half the distance to Person Street. A staple of east Raleigh, there are countless spots to grab a treat or shop. A standout is Edge of Urge, a gift and trinket store. Their relatively small space is packed full with hair clips, beautifully illustrated books, candles, and more. They even have a corner dedicated solely to Jelly Cats. When you’re done, check out the monthly ice cream flavors at Two Roosters, or grab a pastry at Yellow Dog Bakery.
- Warehouse District
If you’re looking for a day in downtown Raleigh, look no further than the Warehouse District. What used to be downtown’s industrial district now holds a thriving cultural scene, still housed by boxy redbrick buildings. Start your morning at Press Coffee Crepes and Cocktails. A unique and beautiful breakfast location, try a sweet or savory crepe paired with their delicious coffee. Pro-tip, if you’re not into caffeine, their hot chocolate is incredible too. If you’re looking for something a little less pricey, start at Heirloom Brewshop. The adorable cafe has breakfast and brunch plates along with great drinks and baked goods. My favorite is their avocado toast, for only $10.
Seven minutes from Press and two minutes from Heirloom, the Raleigh Contemporary Museum of Art, or CAM, holds vibrant and constantly changing exhibitions of current art. Although CAM closed over the summer for renovations, they’ll be temporarily reopening from October 2 to November 9 to host the Raleigh Fine Arts Society. If you happen to be in the area between these dates, be sure to catch the exhibition and support our city’s artists.
Right across the street from CAM is Father and Son Vintage, a second-hand store packed with clothes, jewelry, records, and furniture. The store is dense but quality, you can easily spend an hour alone browsing everything from sunglasses to CDs. If you’re more interested in first-hand shopping, Urban Outfitters is right next door. When you’re done there, four minutes away is the Videri Chocolate Factory. Try out their uniquely flavored chocolates or specialty coffee. Be sure to check out their beautiful fenced outdoor patio while you’re there.
Despite the infuriatingly car-reliant infrastructure of Raleigh, there are plenty of pockets of walkability that can make for long, fun, and fulfilling days out of the house.
Places
https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/hill/map
https://www.theblisscafenc.com/
https://www.sidestreetrestaurantraleigh.com/menu/
https://galateaboutique.com/jewelry/
https://edgeofurge.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo9qnNRBlqHQH1QveXcnBOJCIMVgj2sXCVfa2jSrdmKysVao5eO
https://pressccc.com/locations/raleigh/
