Out and About in Downtown Raleigh.

We were visiting Steve’s son and daughter-in-law in August 2019 and I had some time to myself. I spent it wandering around in Downtown Raleigh, NC and had a great time with just me!! After looking at my pictures I probably should have named this post, “Eating My Way Through Downtown Raleigh”.

Coffee and Chocolate at the Old Depot

First things first, I needed a cup of coffee! Having been in Downtown Raleigh before, I decided to park by the old train depot, as I knew where it was and it would be a good starting place for me. The depot is at one end and the capital at the other end of the area I wanted to explore. I planned on making my base Fayetteville St and then wandering around to anything looking interesting.

The Depot has been restored and has several shops and restaurants located on its premises. Most importantly there was a coffee shop! Black and White Coffee was at the end of the building and shared a space with Videri Chocolate Factory! Great way to start my morning, coffee and chocolate! I couldn’t decide if I liked the chocolate or coffee more so I bought a few bars of chocolate and a couple of bags of coffee to take home. The folks working there were fun and easy to chat with. A great start to my day! After having a cup of coffee, pull apart cinnamon roll, and a nice chats with the folks at the coffee shop, I headed on my way.

Gypsy Jule

I found a cute boutique shop called Gypsy July. I loved this shop! It had so many of the things I love here. A nice selection of BoHo clothes, cute coffee mugs, jewelry, pillows, hats, and more! I found myself unable to resist a beaded necklace, wrap bracelet and a coffee cup

Soda Pop and Candy

Next on my excursion was Rocket Fizz, a soda pop and candy store. There was all types of candy from my past there! I bought some Pop Rocks just because! These were the most interesting soda’s, they had the most outrageous flavors, Bacon, Sweet Corn, Worm Ooze, just to name a few! I ended up selecting a root beer which was perfect on such a hot day, and it also was a safe flavor for me!

Capitol Building

Since it was getting so hot out I decided it was time to visit the capital building. I could check it out and cool off a bit! I really enjoyed all of the statues outside the building. Some I had never heard of, but none the less, interesting to look at.

The capitol building had three floors in which you could self tour. The capitol building is a Greek Revival design and was completed in 1840. No longer in use, it was restored to it’s mid 1800’s decor. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Wandering the Streets

After the capital building, I wandered around to some of the cute side streets. I love all the old buildings and churches in Downtown Raleigh. I came across some street art too.

The House of Swank

I found a couple of cute shops, one being, The House of Swank. I loved the name so I had to check it out! This store was also eclectic, and I found some North Carolina made soaps and candles which I bough a few of to take home. Good thing I had my backpack purse so all my purchases had a place to go!

The Morning Times

Since it was hot, I was getting thirsty again so I headed to a coffee shop called The Morning Times. This cute little coffee shop features an upstairs eating area with exposed brick walls. I ordered iced tea and remembered to say “unsweetened”, then found myself a cozy chair upstairs by a window looking down on the street.

Historic City Market

Relaxed and refreshed I decided to follow signs to an area called City Market. I was glad I did. This place was so much fun. The City Market was established in 1914 where basically, people came to exchange and sell their goods. Much like a farmer’s market today. Currently, the City Market is a cute area with specialty shops and restaurants. There was a band playing when I was there and I felt like it had an exciting vibe to the place!

Art Space

The Art Space is a building in downtown Raleigh that houses local artists who sell and display its work. I wandered through there and enjoyed the various displays.

Oak City Meatball

I had I spotted a cute Meatball place on my way back to my car and it sounded so good! Since it was mid afternoon and I hadn’t had lunch I was hungry. I stopped in and had their special of the day, Meatballs in chimichurri sauce and also a beer. I’m not a big beer drinker but it was hot outside and really hit the spot! Excellent food and fantastic service. I would highly recommend this place. Steve had finished golf by this time and his son dropped him off so after I finished my meatballs we headed to the car and back to Steve’s son’s place.

Conclusion

I had a great time entertaining myself in downtown Raleigh! I was impressed with how much there is to see and do and just by wandering around. Great way to spend the day.

To view more of my posts from North Carolina, click below.

Hiking Chimney Rock State Park Aug 2019

Biltmore Estate Photo Tour Aug 2019

The Inn at Biltmore Aug 2019

Historic Yates Mill, Raleigh May 2017