Explore Raleigh and Wilmington

With lots of time exploring Raleigh and Wilmington this month, I have found more and more reasons to fall in love with this state all over again. I am drawn to new places that have a charm or uniqueness that makes them one of a kind. I detailed my favorite places in Raleigh and Wilmington that stood out to me during my exploration this month. 

As much as we love writing about the amazing places that characterize this state, we want to create EXPERIENCES for you. We want to make your time here exactly what you want, so you can fulfill your travel desires locally, because we know how hard it is to hop on a plane and align everyone's schedules with a trip abroad. That’s why we specialize in personalized itineraries to bring you to all these places in a methodical and personal way that works for you. Spend your weekends in Raleigh and Wilmington to cherish the following areas and beyond with ZERO planning involved. 

Lassiter Mill Park, Raleigh

Hurricane Alley's, Carolina Beach

RALEIGH

Morgan Street Food Hall

Morgan Street Food Hall is essentially an elevated urban food court offering 20+ Raleigh vendors. Established in 2018 in the Warehouse District of Raleigh, restaurants including Bare Baked Pizza, Cowbar Burger and Fries, Buoy Bowls, Gym Tacos, Buena Papa Fry Bar, and Raleigh Rolls line the walls. The social atmosphere is vibrant and fun and they offer seating areas and bars with a variety of sports on TV. If you are going with a group, I recommend each getting a different restaurant and sharing across the table. If a place offers Greek, Mexican, ice cream, fries, and crepes, you have to try it all:) 

411 W Morgan St, Raleigh

Open 11 am- 10 pm Monday-Thursday and Sunday, Open 11 am- 12 am Friday and Saturday 

Morgan Street Food Hall, Raleigh

PinPoint Pickleball

Pickleball merely scratches the surface. Not only are the $15 courts to rent super nice, but Pin Point also offers golf simulators, cornhole, ping pong, bars, and merchandise and equipment. I have truly never been anywhere like this and couldn’t recommend it more. I do want to mention the location is in a warehouse complex so it can be a little tricky to find parking but the signage is clear! You will have an amazing time here!

6 minute drive from Birdies

2201 S Wilmington St Suite 145, Raleigh

Open 7 am- 10 pm daily (Closes 8 pm Sunday)

PinPoint, Raleigh

Sir Walter Coffee

Organic coffee in the heart of Downtown named after Sir Walter Raleigh. Enjoy delicious coffee and a slice of NC history in the same stop. Creative is the first and most popular word that comes to mind for most when visiting. 

145 E Davie St, Raleigh

Open Monday 7 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 7 am- 8 pm, Friday-Saturday 7 am- 10 pm, Sunday 7 am-8 pm

WILMINGTON

Spill Coffee

Located in Wilmington, Spill Coffee is all about health minded ingredients and fashionable flair. This pink coffee shop has the cutest lounge area to sip your organic coffee in. The richness and authenticity of their flavors come from their use of natural ingredients and house made syrups. Add ons like collagen and MCT oil are available for extra nutritional value without affecting the flavor. The ambiance and values of this woman owned coffee shop create a truly unique experience.

1207 S Kerr Ave Suite 1, Wilmington 

Open 7 am-3 pm daily, except for opening Sunday at 8 am

Spill Coffee, Wilmington

Calico Coffee Bar

This new coffee bar in Wilmington is a hit! Opened June 7th in the Landfall Shopping Center, people have flocked to this place to try it and LOVE it. The unique cup shapes, latte art, and ability to turn classic flavors into a one-of-a-kind product sets it apart. The 1739 is mine and many others menu choice with maple syrup, double shot, splash of milk, and salted caramel cold foam. This place is also a matcha-lover heaven! They have such unique options and flavors derived from beloved classic flavors giving it their own charm for many kinds of drinks!

1319 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington

Open Tuesday-Sunday 7 am-3 pm

Inland Greens Golf 

Want to golf between Wrightsville Beach and Downtown Wilmington for the price of a taco? Inland Greens is a beautiful 9 hole par 3 golf course for $9-$10. You can also golf for $15 for 18 holes. 

5945 Inland Greens Dr, Wilmington

Open 8 am- 7 pm

The two hours between Raleigh and Wilmington make it an easy weekend or day trip from lots of North Carolina cities. Let us know your favorite spots in Wilmington and Raleigh at customcarolinatravel.com, @customcarolinatravel on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, or email addiekrug@customcarolinatravel.com. Happy travels!