Take Your Guests on a Unique Tour of DTR
Do you ever find yourself visiting the same places when visitors come to town? We tend to be creatures of habit, leading us to sit at the same bar or explore the same shops, even when friends and family visit from afar. The next time your brother drives down for some quality time or your best friend crashes on your couch for a long weekend, take them to a few spots that aren’t normally on people’s radar.
Raleigh's Smallest Park - When wandering around Raleigh, you have the opportunity to be surprised by a mural masterpiece at any moment. The noteworthy installation around the corner from Roast Grill on Hillsborough, designed by local artist Katie Stewart and inspired by Gabriel Eng-Goetz, is exploding with vibrant color and has seating for you to rest and reflect. Take a moment with your guests to sit and contemplate. What conversations come up? 415 Hillsborough St.
Side Quest Game Lounge + Bar - Sitting at a bar surrounded by people scrolling social media is out of style (and, quite frankly, no fun.) Hang out with the cool cats at Side Quest. This game lounge and bar offers over 300 popular board games, card games, RPGs and family/party games. They serve food, beer, craft cocktails, and NA drinks. Give them a call to reserve a table for you and your crew! 317 W Morgan St., STE 113
Lump Gallery - Lump this hidden gem into your agenda! The Lump Gallery is non-profit art space on Blount Street that has been open since 1996. Roam the halls and let your eyes feast on works of art designed by artists who push boundaries in the realm of visual expression. Their mission is “to support artists who take risks and help them realize new ambitious projects; to coordinate a strong support system for visual artists; to promote relationships between artists and the community; and to increase access to the visual arts and arts education for the citizens of North Carolina.” 505 S. Blount St.
Historic Oakwood Cemetery + lunch at Side Street Restaurant - If your friends love a good walk in the park and also enjoy contemplating the meaning of life and death, take them on a tour of the 72 acre Historic Oakwood Cemetery. Founded in 1868, this breathtaking resting place for over 22,000 individuals contains the graves for seven governors, five United States Senators, eight Supreme Court Chief Justices of North Carolina, four Civil War generals, two Secretaries of the United States Navy, and numerous Raleigh mayors. 701 Oakwood Ave. After strolling the grounds, dine at the quaint Side Street Restaurant tucking in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood. Their salads and sammies are delish! 225 N. Bloodworth St., #427
Edge of Urge - Walk into Edge of Urge, and walk out with a Christmas, birthday, and surprise gift for every one of your favorite humans (and a bag stuffed with gifts for yourself, #SelfCare.) With a heart for seeking out one-of-a-kind finds from talented artists, this boutique will wow your out-of-town friends. Some of their current summer essentials include: Giant Inflatable Pool Float Red Lips, Unicorn Snot Liquid Highlighter, Dragon Fruit Claw, Psychedelic Swirl Koozie, and much more. 215 E. Franklin St., #110