It’s fall y’all. The long, hot days of summer are officially behind us and now it’s time for crunchy leaves, foggy mornings, and the musky-sweet smell of autumn air.
As the oak trees that line our streets start turning shades of orange and red, you’re probably wondering how you can embrace the season of change when you’re spending time in Downtown Raleigh. So we compiled a list of things to eat, buy, and try that celebrate this enchanting time of year and support local businesses at the same time.
Now raise your PSLs, and let’s cheers to the end of triple-digit temperatures and the start of cozy nights, festive food & drinks, exciting events, and Halloween/Thanksgiving celebrations.
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Thanksgiving Menu Pre-Orders
Dinner & Mains:
- Longleaf Swine
- Irregardless
- Alimentari at Left Bank
- The Pit
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Weaver Street Market
- Element Gastropub (Vegan/Vegetarian options)
Pastries & Baked Goods:
Shopping
Explore more shopping
Blackbird Books & Coffee – Nothing is better than cozying up with a good read on a chilly day, especially if it’s paired with a hot cup of coffee.
Crude Bitters & The Bittery – Add a bit of spice to your dinner parties with festive cocktails using earthy, seasonal bitters.
Decree Company – The holidays are right around the corner but Decree Company has you covered for all your invites, thank you cards, and other stationery needs.
Feature Flora – Warm up with a hand-brewed, artisan teas in a calming atmosphere.
Fifi + Talbot – Elevate your cold-weather wardrobe with sustainably-made knitted scarves and sweaters.
The Gathering Gathering – Pick up everything you need to give your space that snug, autumn ambiance such as candle or fall-themed decor.
The Green Monkey – Green Monkey’s gift shop is stocked with Halloween goodies including mugs and socks.
Munjo Munjo – Find Halloween-themed art, comics, and clothing made by local artists all under one roof.
Reign Luxury Beauty Lounge – Treat yourself to a fresh set of autumn-themed nails in Reign’s serene, glamorous studio.
Food & Drink
Explore more dining and nightlife
Escazu Chocolates – Step up your Halloween candy with handmade, micro-batch Pistachio Ghost chocolates.
Heirloom Brewshop – What a better way to start your day than with a Pumpkin Cheesecake Mochi Waffle. (You can enjoy mochi waffles even if you’re gluten sensitive!)
The Hippo Wine Bar – Have a Hallo-wine sampling with your friends at downtown’s newest wine shop.
The Parlor at Heights House – If you’re looking for a high-end, fall cocktail experience, the Parlor is now open to the public inside of The Heights House Hotel.
Raleigh Raw Juice Bar and Cafe – Head over to W. Hargett St. for a satisfying treat from their fall menu that features clean, fresh autumnal flavors.
Raleigh Rolls – Raleigh Rolls is a unique ice-cream experience that puts a twist–or should we say roll–on the traditional sundae with their October special: the Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Rolls.
Sir Walter Coffee – Sir Walter Coffee is offering spicetacular drink specials ranging from tea to nitro cold brew, but a pumpkin spice latte is always a classic choice.
Tasty Beverage Co. – Grab a pack (or two) of craft, autumnal brews for football Sundays.
Young Hearts Distilling – The mixology at Young Hearts is on point with creative ingredient combinations and a seasonal selection of spirits distilled in-house.