Exploring Raleigh-Durham, NC - Asheville Day Trip - Day 3 and 4

On our third day, we decided to take a day trip to Asheville, a charming mountain town in western North Carolina.

Farm Burger

Our first stop was Farm Burger, a popular farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in locally sourced burgers and fries.

Blue Ridge Parkway

After fueling up, we hit the road and drove along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, taking in the stunning mountain views along the way. It is a scenic drive that runs 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains.

Along the way, there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys with numerous opportunities for hiking, picknicking and enjoying the great outdoors.

Bull Gap Trail

Linville Falls

We stopped at Linville Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades down the rocks into a picturesque pool below. We hiked along the trails and took in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, marveling at the natural beauty of the area.

Linn Cove Viaduct

Our next stop was the Linn Cove Viaduct, a unique architectural feature of the Blue Ridge Parkway that winds through the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

We walked along the viaduct, taking in the stunning views of the mountains.

Pompieri Pizza

After a full day of exploring, we ended the night with a delicious pizza from Pompieri Pizza, a popular local spot that specializes in Neopolitan-style wood fired pizza. We grabbed our pies to-go and enjoyed them in the comfort of our hotel room, savoring every delicious bite.

Guglhupf Bakery

On our fourth and final day in Raleigh-Durham, we started the morning with breakfast at Guglhupf Bakery, a German-inspired bakery that offers a variety of delicious pastries and coffee drinks. We enjoyed our final meal in the area before catching our flight back home, already planning our next trip to this charming corner of North Carolina.

Exploring Raleigh-Durham, NC - Wedding! - Day 2

Our second day in Raleigh-Durham was just as exciting as the first, filled with plenty of delicious food, stunning sights, and unforgettable experiences.

Press

To kick things off, we started our morning with a visit to Press, a charming coffee shop located in the heart of downtown Durham. Here, we indulged in some of the best coffee in the city, accompanied by a selection of fresh pastries and baked goods. The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the café made for the perfect way to start our day.

Brightleaf Square

After coffee, we took a leisurely walk to Brightleaf Square, a historic shopping and entertainment district that is home to some of the best restaurants and boutiques in Durham. These red-brick buildings were constructed in 1904 by the American Tobacco Company and are now revitalized with local boutiques, restaurants, and bars all within walking distance of each other. We spent some time exploring the charming streets and checking out the local shops and eateries.

9th Street Bakery

Our next stop was 9th Street Bakery, a local favorite that offers a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and pastries. We grabbed a few snacks here, savoring the flavors of fresh-baked bread and locally-sourced ingredients.

Linda and Mitch’s Wedding at Namu

The highlight of our day was undoubtedly Linda's wedding. The intimate ceremony was held in a beautiful outdoor setting in Namu’s garden, surrounded by lush greenery and an expansive garden. It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, love, and plenty of memorable moments.

The Roof at The Durham

After the wedding, we ended the night with a visit to The Roof at The Durham Hotel. This rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, along with a selection of craft cocktails and small bites. It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day.

Exploring Raleigh-Durham, NC - Day 1

We had the pleasure of visiting Raleigh-Durham for my friend Linda’s wedding, and decided to make a weekend trip out of it to explore all that Raleigh-Durham had to offer. From the exciting food and drink scene to the city’s fascinating history and natural beauty, there was no shortage of things to see and do.

Transfer Co Food Hall

As soon as we landed, Transfer Co Food Hall was the first stop. With over tons of vendors in an early 1900s building, the food hall offers a diverse range of cuisine from all over the world. We grabbed a quick bite to eat, which was the perfect pick-me-up after the flight.

The space itself is modern and inviting, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and communal tables throughout the hall.

Chhote’s

Dank Burrito

21c Museum Hotel

After filling up on delicious food, we made our way to the 21c Museum Hotel in Durham. This contemporary art museum is housed in a historic bank building, complete with a restored bank vault. The vault’s intricate architecture and design was fascinating and it was definitely a unique experience to be inside it.

Bar Virgile and Annexe

To cap off our first night in Raleigh-Durham, we headed to Bar Virgile and Annexe for some drinks and food. Bar Virgile is a cocktail bar with a laid back and cozy vibe, the perfect date spot. We ended up in the sister basement bar Annexe, which is a more casual space that has a variety of small plates to complement the drinks. This was the perfect way to unwind for the end of our first day.

Crispy friend oysters and wild mushrooms

A Weekend Getaway To Denver and Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak and the Cog Railway

Located in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the United States. The Cog Railway has been in operation since 1891 and is the world’s highest cog railroad that takes visitors up to the summit of Pikes Peak. On the way up, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the beautiful scenery surrounding Pikes Peak.

The views from Pikes Peak are absolutely stunning, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Cog Railway provides a unique perspective of the mountain and surrounding landscapes as it slowly makes its way up to the summit.

When you get to the top, there’s a visitor’s center where you can warm up and grab some snacks.

Manitou Springs, CO

Maintou Springs is a charming mountain town at the base of Pikes Peak. It’s filled with galleries, studios, and boutiques showing the works of the local artists. We walked around the town and grabbed a bite to eat. There’s lots of eclectic shops for souvenirs shopping, or simply just taking a leisurely stroll down the main street to soak up the atmosphere.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a world-renowned natural landmark known for its massive red rock formations. You can either explore the trails by foot or by bike with over 15 miles of trails to choose from. The red rock formations are some of the most stunning and unique rock formations in the world. The towering spires and steep cliffs create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape that is sure to take your breath away.

Siamese Twins

Siamese Twins

Siamese Twins

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock

Denver Union Station

Union Station is a historic landmark right in downtown Denver. The train station was completely renovated and is home to restaurants, bars, boutique shops and a hotel.

Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a stunning public garden and cultural center. It spans 24 acres and has a wide variety of themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, a desert garden, and a water garden. When coming to Denver, it is a must visit for nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful escape from the city.

Where Did We Eat in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO

We had a wedding to attend in Colorado Springs so we made a quick weekend trip out of it splitting time between Denver and Colorado Springs. Here’s where we ate!

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Denver Central Market - Denver, CO

This marketplace and food hall is right in the RiNo River North art district. We got food from Vero Italian Kitchen and Tammen’s Fish Market and picked a nice table outside to enjoy the weather.

Fish Tacos

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Breckenridge Brewery Ale & Game House - Denver, CO

We stayed at the Hotel Inverness and this beer garden is located on the ground floor of the hotel. We stopped by here to grab a quick drink and a snack before heading back to our room for the night. It had great atmosphere with tons of pub games like shuffleboard, darts, and pool. We weren’t anticipating the nachos to be so HUGE so you definitely get your money’s worth.

Chicken Nachos

Dry Rub Wings

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Exile Kitchen Denver - Denver, CO

This was a great spot for some comfort food. They had all sorts of Southern Louisiana style food and the restaurant had a very cozy feel. Now looking back at the restaurant, it looks like this restaurant has closed.

Pot roast benedict

Boudin balls

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Urban Egg - Colorado Springs, CO

Great brunch spot with your typical breakfast offerings. The place was packed so it must have been popular with the locals.

Breakfast burrito

Breakfast Sandwich

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Border Burger Bar - Manitou Springs, CO

From Colorado Springs, we went up the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. After we were done, we walked around Manitou Springs and grabbed lunch at Border Burger Bar. Can’t go wrong with a classic cheeseburger with a side of pickles!

Cheeseburger

Fried Pickles