Get out of Raleigh & Durham: Other Triangle towns to visit & what to do there
When it comes to listing the fun things to do and best places to eat in the Triangle, the larger cities like Raleigh and Durham tend to get most of the attention.
But there are great things to explore in the smaller surrounding towns — good food, great bars, fun activities and lots of charm.
Here are just a few reasons why you should get out of your town and visit a neighboring burg.
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Things to do in Apex (Wake County)
Big attraction
▪ Apex PeakFest: The 2022 event will be held on May 7. PeakFest is the largest public event in Apex. There’s live music all day, many kinds of artists, children’s entertainment and fair-specific food from local eateries, per the festival’s website. Info: apexpeakfest.com
Restaurants and bars
▪ Brüeprint Brewing: Brüeprint is Apex’s first brewery. Visit on a Tuesday to participate in the run club (and enjoy a $4 pint after), or check out their calendar of events for Friday night and weekend happenings. There’s another location in Cary. Info: brueprint.com
▪ Anna’s Pizzeria: Visit for what the locals call an authentic New York slice. Info: annaspizzeria.com
Things to check out
▪ Apex Farmers Market: Customers can get fresh, local homegrown organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, pastured and sustainably farmed chicken, beef and pork, fresh farm eggs, baked goods, honey, cheeses, jams and preserves, sauces, salsas, and other artisanal food products, along with a variety of crafts. Info: apexfarmersmarket.com
▪ Apex Community Park: This 160-acre park offers athletic fields, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, fitness and nature trails and a 50-acre lake. There are picnic areas with grills, and with a fishing permit, you can use the fishing dock. Info: apexnc.org/795/Apex-Community-Park
Things to do in Carrboro (Orange County)
Big attractions
▪ Cat’s Cradle: Located under a mile from UNC Chapel Hill, the Cat’s Cradle has been a premiere music venue in the Triangle for the past 40 years. Artists like Nirvana, John Mayer and Public Enemy have had performances there. Info: catscradle.com
Restaurants and bars
▪ 401 Main: 401 Main has a laid-back vibe, two big patios and outdoor seating. Check out their live music lineup, and you can even bring your dog. Info: 401main.com
▪ Pizzeria Mercato: Pizzeria Mercato is a seasonally focused restaurant with a menu that relies on and is inspired by the nationally renowned Carrboro Farmers Market. Ingredients are sourced from right across the street. Info: pizzeriamercatonc.com
Things to check out
▪ Carrboro Farmers’ Market: The Market is made up of more than 75 members who sell their locally produced goods each week to shoppers. All of the goods sold have been produced within 50 miles of the market, which the farmers and artisans themselves run. Info: carrborofarmersmarket.com
▪ The Carrboro Music Festival: The event works to make all genres of music more accessible to the public through free concerts where all performers donate their time, per the festival’s website. Info: carrboromusicfestival.com
Things to do in Cary (Wake County)
Big attraction
▪ Koka Booth Amphitheatre: Enjoy live music, annual festivals and events at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. Summertime brings the Movies by Moonlight series, where families can enjoy a movie on the big screen under the stars. Wintertime brings the annual Chinese Lantern Festival, a highly anticipated and well attended event featuring colorful lantern creations and performances. Info: boothamphitheatre.com
Restaurants and bars
▪ La Farm Bakery: Loaves are hand-crafted daily in a variety of flavors, shapes and sizes. Along with artisan breads, they also offer pastries, desserts, baked goods and café items. Info: lafarmbakery.com
▪ Bond Brothers Beer Company: Bond Brothers Beer Company started as a group of brewers competing in local and regional homebrew competitions. Their success in these competitions fueled the desire to brew on a commercial level. Info: bondbrothersbeer.com
Things to check out
▪ Phillips Farms: Visit (seasonally) for strawberry picking, corn mazes, sunflower patches, Christmas trees and Halloween activities. The farm opened a farmer’s market in April that ran through October. Info: phillipsfarmsofcary.com
▪ The Cary Theatre: Find inexpensive movies and live shows at the Cary Theatre year round. The annual Cary Film Festival, featuring dozens of independently produced short films presented with filmmaking workshops, comes to the Cary Theatre every fall. Info: thecarytheater.com
Things to do in Chapel Hill (Orange County)
Big attraction
▪ Attend a UNC-Chapel Hill game: Wear your blues and attend a game on campus. Info: goheels.com
Restaurants and bars
▪ He’s Not Here: ”Home of the Blue Cup,” this college bar is an obvious choice for birthday bashes and summer hangouts on Franklin Street. Visit for 32-ounce draft picks in the signature blue cup. Info: hesnotherenc.com
▪ CholaNad Restaurant & Bar: This restaurant on Franklin Street serves authentic Southern Indian fare. It’s won readers choice awards in INDY Week and Chapel Hill Magazine. Info: cholanad.com
Things to do
▪ Morehead Planetarium: The Franklin Street planetarium has offerings for all ages. Visit (and make sure you get tickets in advance, if needed) for exhibits, galleries and live science demonstrations. The NC Science Festival, produced by the planetarium, is held throughout the month of April. Info: moreheadplanetarium.org
▪ Ackland Art Museum: The art museum, which has exhibits and offerings for the whole family, is open five days a week with late hours on second Fridays. Check out current collections and teaching tools for educators (and everyone else). Info: ackland.org
Things to do in Clayton (Johnston County)
Big attraction
▪ Clemmons Educational State Forest: The first of North Carolina’s Educational State Forests, Clemmons opened in 1976 in Johnston County. Featuring self-guided trails and exhibits, as well as Ranger-conducted classes, the forest offers a wealth of experiences for the senses and the mind, per the website. Info: ncesf.org/cAbout.html
Restaurants and bars
▪ Revival 1869: “The cocktails are fresh and cool, the jazz is hot & the whiskey flows,” the bar and eatery’s website says. “Located on Main Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Clayton, we offer an ever-expanding library wall of over 300 whiskies and spirits from all over the world. Our menu features seasonally changing house-invented craft cocktails as well as countless classic favorites.” Info: revival1869.com
▪ Deep River Brewing Company: Visit for local year-round and seasonal beer. Check out the calendar of events for live music, food trucks and more. Info: deepriverbrewing.com
Things to do
▪ Clayton River Walk: “Clayton River Walk on the Neuse is a beautiful 4-mile, 10-foot wide paved trail that begins at the Wake County/Johnston County line and parallels the Neuse River under Covered Bridge Road,” per Johnston County’s website. “It is part of the 1,000-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which connects Clingman’s Dome in North Carolina’s Great Smokey Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park all the way at the coast.” Info: johnstoncountync.org
▪ Artmosphere Community Arts Center: Check out the calendar of events for art shows and more. There are art classes for adults and children, as well as homeschool and after-school programs. Info: artmospherecac.com
Things to do in Fearrington Village (Chatham County)
Big attraction
▪ The Fearrington House Inn: This hotel is located a few miles outside of Chapel Hill. It offers courtyard gardens, a luxurious restaurant and a spa. fearrington.com/the-fearrington-house-inn
Restaurants and bars
▪ The Fearrington House Restaurant: Located within the Fearrington House Inn, this restaurant is home to seasonal menus and the well-known hot chocolate soufflé. Afternoon tea is served a few days a week, and reservations are required. fearrington.com/the-fearrington-house-restaurant
▪ The Belted Goat: Check out this breakfast and lunch spot that’s also stocked with cafe offerings and a wine shop. Each week, the restaurant offers a Takeout for Two multi-course dinner. fearrington.com/the-belted-goat
Things to do
▪ McIntyre’s Books: Right near the Fearrington House Inn, stop into this bookstore to browse for your next favorite read. Check out the events calendar for author events. mcintyresbooks.com
▪ Fearrington Farmer’s Market: This is a “producer-only” market, meaning the products are grown, made, tended or preserved by the farms who bring them to the market. The market is open year-round, though hours change with seasons. fearringtonfarmersmarket.com
Things to do in Garner (Wake County)
Big attraction
▪ The Garner Performing Arts Center: The Garner Performing Arts Center is an intimate 471-seat auditorium located inside of the former Garner High School, located in the Historic District of Downtown Garner. They are home to Broadway Voices, The Towne Players of Garner and It’s Showtime! series. You can visit them in person and rewatch online performances on their YouTube channel. Info: garnernc.gov
Restaurants and bars
▪ Big Ed’s Restaurant: Visit for southern-style breakfasts and lunches, and check out their homemade biscuits. The Garner location is the latest installment of this restaurant, which also has two locations in Raleigh. Info: bigedsnc.com
▪ Angie’s Restaurant: Angie’s has been a local favorite for the past ten years. Visit for southern-style breakfasts and lunches. Info: angiesrestaurant.com
Things to check out
▪ Rush Hour Karting: Visit this Garner spot to drive high-speed go-karts. Find all prices, safety information, age restrictions and more on Rush Hour Karting’s website. Info: rushhourkarting.com
▪ Garner Veterans Memorial: The memorial was designed to honor all veterans, especially those who died during conflict and war. Visitors to the memorial have an opportunity to read the brief but informative history of our war-torn past. Veterans from all branches of service are honored in the Walkway of Honor. These bricks were donated by family and friends of those honored, and bricks are still available for purchase, according to Garner’s website. Info: garnernc.gov
Things to do in Hillsborough (Orange County)
Big attraction
▪ Maple View Farm: Even though the milk company and farm closed in 2021, the ice cream shop and country store in Hillsborough remain open. “The ice cream shop has become of of the Triangle’s most popular activities in the summer, as crowds wind through rural roads and enjoy a cone on the porch,” The N&O’s food writer previously reported. Info: mapleviewfarm.com/
Restaurants and bars
▪ Hillsborough BBQ Company: This well-loved barbecue joint has nachos, black eyed peas and lots and lots of sandwiches. Info: hillsboroughbbq.com/menu/
▪ The Saratoga Grill: The Saratoga Grill has been a family-run restaurant for over 25 years. Visit for their sandwiches and seafood offerings. Info: thesaratogagrill.com/
Things to do
▪ Historic Occoneechee Speedway: This four-mile trail, now enjoyed by hikers and joggers, takes you around the only surviving dirt speedway from from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season, per Visit Hillsborough’s website. The one-mile Occoneechee/Orange Speedway was active from 1948 to 1968. Info: enoriver.org/what-we-protecthidden-gems-of-the-eno/hidden-gems-occoneechee-speedway/
▪ Hillsborough Gallery of Arts: This art gallery, founded in 2006, is owned and operated by local artists. See paintings, sculptures and more upon a visit. Info: hillsboroughgallery.com
Things to do in Holly Springs (Wake County)
Big attraction
▪ HollyFest: This annual, family-friendly event celebrates Holly Springs and all the people, places and services that the community offers. It takes place on the last Saturday in October each year. Featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities and local entertainment, this free event is a Holly Springs tradition. Info: hollyspringsnc.us/356/HollyFest
Restaurants and bars
▪ Bombshell Beer Company: Bombshell is NC’s first women-owned microbrewery. Visit Thursday through Saturday for food trucks and live music on the weekends. Info: bombshellbeer.com
▪ Carolina Brewing Company: The brewer’s first location is in Holly Springs. Visit the taproom on Thursdays for $1 off pints, or check out their run club on Wednesday evenings. Info: carolinabrew.com
Things to check out
▪ Bass Lake Park: Calling all fishing enthusiasts! The park partners with the NC Community Fishing Lake Program to stock the 54-acre lake with catfish, but fisherman will also find plenty of bass, bream and crappie. You can borrow a pole through the free Tackle Loaner Program. Info: hollyspringsnc.us/320/Bass-Lake-Park
▪ Holly Springs Farmers Market: Visit for farm-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, range-free eggs, NC seafood, baked goods and more. The market is open every Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. year-round, but see the events calendar for exceptions. Info: hollyspringsnc.us/319/Farmers-Market
Things to do in Knightdale (Wake County)
Big attraction
▪ Fourth of July celebration: The free event includes fireworks, performances, inflatables, food trucks and free shuttles to get around. Info: knightdalenc.gov
Restaurants and bars
▪ Oak City Brewing Company: Oak City Brewing is located in a renovated 1920s bungalow. Inside is the tap room with 20 rotating taps and three rooms of tables and bars to sit and relax. Outside is a patio area under a pergola with festive lighting, fans in the summer and heaters in cooler weather. The brewery is kid- and dog-friendly. Info: oakcitybrewingcompany.com
Things to check out
Knightdale Farmers Market: Open April through October on second Saturdays. Info: wake.nc.networkofcare.org/mh
▪ Pope’s Strawberries: This pick-your-own farm has strawberries, blueberries, corn and tomatoes. Visit the website for harvest and picking information. Info: ncfarmfresh.com
Things to do in Morrisville (Wake County)
Big attraction
▪ The Morrisville Cardinals: The Morrisville Cardinals is the only minor league cricket team in North Carolina, and the Minor League Cricket Tournament championship matches were held at Morrisville’s Church Street Field in October 2021. Church Street Park, a multi-million dollar cricket facility that opened in 2015, is the home of Minor League Cricket’s Morrisville Cardinals and the Triangle Cricket League. Info: morrisvillecardinals.com
Restaurants and bars
▪ Swagat: Visit for their vegetarian and non-vegetarian North Indian fare. Info: swagatnc.com
▪ Dharani: Visit for their vegetarian and non-vegetarian South Indian fare. Info: dharanirtp.com
▪ Gulli Boys: Check out this street food eatery for full meals or light bites. Info: gulliboys.com
Things to check out
▪ Springfest: Springfest 2022 will be held on May 14. The event is free, but bring money for food trucks. Info: townofmorrisville.org
▪ Triangle Rock Club: This rock climbing gym has four NC locations, and one is in Morrisville. The gym offers fitness and yoga classes, climbing camp and first-timer lessons. Look into birthday parties and group visits. Info: trianglerockclub.com/morrisville
Things to do in Pittsboro (Chatham County)
Big attractions
▪ Carolina Tiger Rescue: This sanctuary takes in and cares for tigers, lions, leopards, bobcats and more, relocated from dangerous or unhealthy situations. Visit the website for hours, ticket prices and more. Info: carolinatigerrescue.org
▪ The Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music & Dance: The Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance is a collaboration between the Shakori Hills Community Arts Center and the GrassRoots Festival Organization, providing a family-friendly celebration of music, dance, art and education. The 2022 festival will be held May 5-8. Info: shakorihillsgrassroots.org
Restaurants and bars
▪ Chatham Marketplace’s Co-Op Cafe: This cooperative (“co-op”) grocery story is an independent group of people — shoppers, farmers and the local business community — joining together to create a community-owned grocery store. The cafe is a takeout restaurant, committed to quality ingredients and unique foods. There’s sopu, market sandwiches and even sushi made in-house. Info: chathammarketplace.coop/co-op-cafe
▪ The City Tap Bar: This bar offers mostly local draft beers, along with wines and cocktails. Call ahead to learn about rotating daily food specials. Enjoy a drink and snack on one of their patios, or check out their full to-go menu. Info: thecitytap.com
▪ Allen & Son BBQ: Known as some of the most famous barbecue in North Carolina, the famous Chapel Hill location closed in 2018. But the Pittsboro location remains open, serving locals and visitors barbecue platters, hush puppies and banana pudding. Info: stubbsandsonbbq.com
Things to check out
▪ Circle City Used Books & Music: This charming used book and music shop is located in downtown Pittsboro. The Instagram-worthy mural on the side of the shop makes it hard to miss. Info: facebook.com/circlecitybooksandmusic
▪ The Small Museum of Folk Art: This museum is in the process of moving to Oddco, just down the street from their previous location. Info: smallmuseumfolkart.org
▪ Wham Bam! Music Festival: Wham Bam Festival will be March 10-12, 2022 for three days of jam bands, electronic music, camping, arts, video games, vendors and beer lounges. Attendees must be 18 or older, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Info: whambamfestival.com
Things to do in Smithfield (Johnston County)
Big attraction
▪ Ava Gardner Museum: This museum in Smithfield is dedicated to Ava Gardner, an American actress and singer from North Carolina. Visit in person or check out their online offerings. Info: johnstoncountync.org/ava-gardner/
Restaurants and bars
▪ Double Barley Brewing: This family-operated craft brewery has a beer garden, and they also sell wines and ciders. Info: doublebarleybrewing.com/
▪ Cricket’s Grill: This eatery doesn’t have any indoor seating — because it’s a food stand! Stop by for hot dogs and hamburgers. Info: johnstoncountync.org/listing/crickets-grill/1380
Things to do
▪ Brightleaf Flea Market: This flea market takes up about 100,000 square feet of indoor market space and includes a fresh vegetable market. Parking and admission are free. Info: brightleaffleamarket.com/
▪ Neuse Little Theatre: This local theatre puts on performances year-round. Info: neuselittletheatre.org
Things to do in Wake Forest (Wake County)
Big attraction
▪ The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre: Check out art classes, performances and the Wake Forest Film Festival. Info: wakeforestrencen.org
Restaurants and bars
▪ The Empanada Factory: Stop by for breakfast, dessert, vegan, veggie or a variety of many other kinds of empanadas. Info: theempanadafactorywf.com
▪ Charlie’s Kabob Grill: This kabob stop has two locations in Wake Forest — and a truck! Visit for Mediterranean food, including vegetarian options. Info: charlieskabobgrill.com
▪ Backfins Crab House: Get your seafood fix at the Crab House. Kids eat free on Thursdays. Info: backfinscrabhouse.com
Things to do
▪ Wake Forest Farmers Market: The market is open year-round with different schedules in warmer and cooler months. Visit the market on Saturday mornings for free-range eggs, farm-fresh produce and more. Info: wakeforestmarket.org
▪ The Factory: The Factory is a sports and entertainment mall for the whole family. Visit for indoor ice skating, massage therapy, gymnastics lessons, restaurants and more. Info: facebook.com/thefactorywf
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 6:30 AM.
