The Sunny Side of Downtown Raleigh: Scenic Seating, Spring Events, Style Inspo, and Smoothies

Downtown Voices

There’s just something special in the air every time spring rolls through Downtown Raleigh. And no, it’s not just the pollen. Our community is blooming with new businesses, events, specials, and experiences during this season of fresh beginnings.

Then next thing we know, downtown’s warm summer months will be in full-swing: packed patios, festivals, concerts, and longer days await!

If your Downtown Raleigh business, event, or special belongs on this guide, please reach out to communications@downtownraleigh.org

Patio Picks

Find even more bars and restaurants with outdoor dining here

The Bend Bar

Gringo a Go Go

High Rail

Jolie

Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails

LaGana

The Raleigh Times Bar

The London Bridge Pub

Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

Sitti Authentic Lebanese

Standard Beer and Food

Taverna Agora

Urban Oak

The Willard Rooftop Lounge

Woody’s at City Market

Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing

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Smoothies & Scoops

Amorino Gelato

Bittersweet

Buoy Bowls

The Daily Planet Cafe

Dose Yoga & Smoothie Bar

MILKLAB

Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Palm Berries

Raleigh Popsicle Co.

Raleigh Raw Juice Bar and Cafe

Raleigh Rolls

Simon Says Dip This

Two Roosters

The Yard Milkshake Bar

Videri Chocolate Factory

Weaver Street Market

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A/C Activities

Boxcar Bar and Arcade

Joy Worthy Co.

Hello Yellow Art Studio

Lincoln Theatre

Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX Theater

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina Symphony

Side Quest Game Lounge and Bar

U.B. Paint'N & Sip'N

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Staying Stylish

Before you hit the town, make sure you’re equipped with the right outfit to look fresh, while staying fresh. Need some inspiration? These Downtown Raleigh secondhand store owners have top-notch tips to take on any warm day downtown.

How can you look hot while staying cool in Downtown Raleigh?

Aerial, One For All Thrift: Look hot while staying cool by wearing a cropped t-shirt or jersey with your fav pair of shorts. Always a fire combo.

Brooke, Origami Styling: I know everyone loves shorts, but dresses and skirts are totally underrated for hot looks that keep you cool. Choose knee length or shorter for your hemline and flowy, lightweight fabrics to keep the air flowing freely!

What are your favorite downtown businesses to visit when you need to beat the heat?

A: Gotta stop into the Morning Times to get one of their yummy ice vanilla lattes. Also Raleigh Popsicle Co. has some great flavors that we definitely love when the temps rise.

B: You gotta love the ac when the temps rise outside, so I'll choose the "cool" (both in temperature and atmosphere) vibes of Brewery Bhavana to grab a cold drink and tasty food!

What is one clothing item everyone should own to build their wardrobe around?

A: A graphic t-shirt! Can never go wrong with that and it’s a cool trend that will never go out of style and can be paired with just about anything in your closet!

B: A BLAZER!!! (did I scream that loud enough?) Blazers are great pieces for all genders and ages to add a put-together, polished look with ease. Wear with a dress shirt for the standard business vibe, pair with a tee and jeans for a casual look, throw on over a sleeveless dress to wear in cooler temps, forget everything else and wear it as a dress, as a lightweight layer, sleeves pushed up, classic solid colors or funky patterns. In other words, you need more than one.

What’s the most interesting or exciting item you’ve ever sourced for your store?

A: Most interesting piece would probably be the E.T. poster, VHS tape and toy we sourced!!! How lucky were we to find all 3!

B: I currently have a dress made by a Chicago based catalog company, Alden's, from the 60s or 70s. The cool thing is that I spotted it hanging on the front of a house while driving down the street in the Dominican Republic. It has a sheer, chiffon layer that is amazingly not only intact, but beautiful.

Do you have a personal clothing item or accessory that you look forward to wearing every time it starts to get hot outside?

A: I look forward to wearing my baggy jorts (jean shorts) when it gets hot. They are loose fitting and I can style them with a cute tank to look and stay cool.

B: A shiny spandex spaghetti strap bodysuit in the lightest lavender shade that is straight 70s fire!