i’m thrilled to add another southern city design guide to our growing city guide collection today. this guide to raleigh, nc (as well as some great shops in other parts of the ‘triangle’: durham and chapel hill) was written by d*s reader, and blogger, whitney barnes. whitney graduated from nc state’s design school this past may and spent the past four years living and shopping in raleigh. she now lives and works in chapel hill (guide coming soon!) but today she’s focusing on raleigh. i hope you’ll enjoy her introduction and guide- thanks again to whitney for her hard work! and thanks to the lovely michelle s. of indie nc for some great additions towards the end of the guide. click here for the full guide or just click “read more” below. [as always, if you have a local favorite you’d like to add please feel free to do so in the comment section below]
Raleigh – City Guide
As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh stands as a richly historic city on the brink of cultural explosion. Now in a period of urban renewal and downtown revitalization, what once was a small city is now transforming in front of our eyes. Its geographic location in the center of the state allows easy access to the mountainous west, the coastal east, and everything in between. It fuses small town charm with urban living to produce a plethora of trendy restaurants, unique shopping, intriguing vintage markets, and sweet southern hospitality. What makes Raleigh so appealing is that it is part of the larger Research Triangle metropolitan region consisting of three main cities: Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Together, the “Triangle” region is home to collegiate powerhouses (Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State), Research Triangle Park (land of high-tech companies and empires), and a bounty of design/cultural experiences.
Shops:
Stitch: Stitch serves as the design studio for handbag designer, Holly Aiken. Aiken creates handcrafted bags completely from vintage-inspired vinyl. Beaming in unique color combinations, Stitch houses her latest collections and super discounted treasures.
Father & Son Antiques: A hub of vintage flair, you can find it all here. Be it an Eames era chair, a classy leisure suit, or a Benjamin Miracord turntable – you are certain to get in touch with your inner mod on one of their four floors of vintage clothes, house wares, furniture, records, and gallery spaces. If you can’t find it here, it probably never existed.
Ornamentea: This crafty haven not only offers a fabulous collection of beads, they also have some of the finest beading classes in the state. Situated in a lime green, converted warehouse, it’s a can’t miss for local hobbyists and professional crafters.
Askew Taylor Paints: A disheveled art supply store offering everything you could think of – but only that which you can find. Known to the locals as “the” art supply store, this 60+-year-old store overwhelms newcomers by its size and unorganized nature. If you are looking for something specific, you are better off just asking where it is! But have no fear, this controlled chaos is a treasure-trove of artistic must-haves.
Cat Banjo: Home to funky jewelry, accessories, handbags, and fresh finds, Cat Banjo is a vibrant and engaging boutique nestled in the Cameron Village shopping center of Raleigh.
Cherry Modern Design: Hip, modern furnishings and accessories make up this showroom/store also found in Cameron village.
Accipiter: Just around the corner from Cherry Modern you will find this one-of-a-kind boutique perfect for home décor and unique/unusual gifts. If you are in the market for jewelry made by local artisans or just trying to find the perfect Galileo finger puppet, you are sure to be here.
NOFO at the Pig: Whimsical, daring, and delightful accessories for the home and garden describe this west Raleigh shop and eatery.
To Do & Eat:
First Friday (http://www.downtownraleigh.com/play/list/first-friday-raleigh.php): On the first Friday of every month, the artsies come out in droves to local museums for food, drink, music, and plenty of pleasure for the eye. A good starting point is Artspace – a community arts center housing studios, open exhibitions, and arts instruction. After taking in two levels of local creativity, head on over to Lump Gallery for exhibitions of paintings, drawings, sculpture and more from a wide range of contemporary artists. Even if you don’t make it over to the warehouse-turned-culturally aware church Vintage 21 for their gallery presentations, your artistic palette will be satisfied by night’s end. And what to wash it all down you ask? Stop by one of the downtown watering holes such as Raleigh Times Bar (a former newspaper building recently renovated to pay homage to its historic past) or The Big Easy (phonetically and tastefully New Orleans). Once your thirst is whetted, hop across the street to the “The Fish Market” (NCSU College of Design’s gallery) for presentations from up-and-coming artists/designers.
Lincoln Theater: From mainstream pop acts to local indies, this newly renovated music hall hosts the best of live entertainment in downtown Raleigh.
Pour House Music Hall: On Wednesday nights your thirst for song and drink will be well served at “mug night” – good beverage and great local music.
Rock & Shop: Held annually at Tir Na Nog Irish Pub, The Rock & Shop is a downtown event that proves to be the perfect combination for buying handmade and indulging in music from some of Triangle’s best independent acts. The next Rock & Shop will take place on June 28, 2008.
Handmade Market: As the name might suggest, this is a fabulous handmade market. Bringing out some of the best indie designers in NC, the next scheduled market will be held on May 3, 2008.
Rialto Theatre: the best old theatre for new independent films, the Rialto also screens Rocky Horror Picture Show every Friday night at midnight for those wishing to indulge in their secret love of cult musicals.
Durham
The Scrap Exchange: This non-profit organization reclaims industrial discards including fabric, paper, boxes, wood, glass, metal scraps, and more to resale at discounted prices.
The Anti-Mall: A collection of one-of-a-kind shops such as: Ha Ha Shoes (local shoe designer), The Crafty Local (craft consignment store), and a music venue.
Branch Gallery: This contemporary art museum houses national and international emerging artists. The gallery has a strategy of showing two artists at one time: a well-known with an unknown in order to expose up and coming artists and further showcase the well-established.
The Nasher Museum: Serving as a leading university museum on Duke University’s campus, this young museum is a cultural meeting place for students and community members. Its stunning architecture combined with a multidisciplinary approach to presenting contemporary art and its place in the modern world we inhabit, make a day at this museum thought-provoking and pleasing for any eye.
American Dance Festival: This creative institution strives to educate and promote modern dance. Often denoted as the world’s greatest modern dance festival, it consists of classes, performances, workshops, and more.
Full Frame Film Festival: This international festival is focuses on every aspect of documentary film. Drawing in some of the biggest names in film (see: Scorsese) as well as undiscovered talent, the Full Frame Festival is an event not to be missed.
Chapel Hill and Carrboro
Nested: A little boutique housing the best in home interiors and gifts. From quality handmade items to marimekko fabric, there is a treasure here for everyone.
Cameron’s: A unique collection of handmade gifts, jewelry, accessories, and more. The perfect place to find something cute, quirky, or just plain lovely.
Carr Mill: This converted cotton mill is home to several local boutiques and eateries. Businesses include: Elmo’s Diner, Wootini (shop & gallery of vinyl & plush art toys), The Original Ornament, and Mulberry Silks and Fabrics.
Crook’s Corner: This local eatery is the perfect combination of southern delight with uptown class. With a pig on the roof, it can’t be missed.
Mama Dip’s: for the best in down-home, country cooking - this place can’t be beat. Sweet tea, fried chicken, and homemade pies have brought crowds here in droves for 30 years. You can usually find the namesake herself on any given day to sign your cookbook or just say hello.
Michelle S. Additions:
-Larry’s Beans is a local company specializing in fair trade & organic coffe
-If you are near the North Carolina State Campus be sure to check out locopops, a local chain that creates gourmet popsicles with flavors like basil and tequila!
-Rebus Works– an art gallery & shop dedicated to presenting compelling and innovative works in the Boylan Heights neighborhood.
-Lilly’s Pizza in Five Points offers up tasty pizzas with mostly organic & vegetarian-friendly ingredients in a rawkus punk-rock environment
-Habitat ReUse Center – 42,000 sqft of salvaged building materials. Great for home renovation projects plus your purchases support Habitat for Humanity, a volunteer run organization that builds houses for those in need
-The State Farmers Market – Buy a bouquet of flowers, fresh baked bread and of course fresh veggies from the dozens of farmers selling their goods.
-Scratch Bakery - Pheobe Lawless makes the best baked goods using local & organic ingredients. I especially love her Sweet Potato Empanadas. Find her at markets around town or buy into her “community supported pie” concept
