Surprise! It's in downtown Raleigh

SURPRISE! Things you didn’t realize were available in downtown Raleigh.

No matter how long you’ve lived in Downtown Raleigh, it’s always pleasantly surprising to see what’s available within walking or biking distance. Here are five of our favorite recent surprises:

• Invisalign: At least two dental offices offer the alignment treatment in the downtown Raleigh area: Gladwell Orthodontics in Glenwood South (510 Glenwood Ave.) and Downtown Dental on Fayetteville Street (205 Fayetteville St.).

• Wine AND cheese: Raleigh Wine Shop (317 S. Bloodworth) and Wine Authorities (211 E. Franklin St.) have more than just an extensive selection of wines, their cheese cases are pretty impressive as well, making it easier than ever to entertain at home without driving to a grocery store.

• Library books: The Wake County Express Library on Fayetteville Street may be small but it’s mighty. Order your favorite summer best seller online, and walk over to pick it up when it comes in. You can also browse a small but impressive selection of adult and children’s books on site. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 336 Fayetteville St.

• Vintage clothing: Two of our favorites are Unorthodox Vintage (206 S. Wilmington St.) for its hand-picked selection of cool and casual vintage items and downtown Raleigh’s old-faithful vintage shop, Father & Son (302 S. West St.).

• Wedding gowns: Some of the most lux designer wedding gowns in Raleigh can be found downtown at White of Raleigh Bridal Boutique in City Market (311 Blake St.) and Alexia’s Bridal (400 W. North St.).

• Coming soon … an ABC Store! Stay tuned for details on the opening date, but expect to shop for all your liquor needs on Salisbury Street next to Deco in the coming year.