Go Shop View archives

• NC Crafts Gallery

  If there’s a story behind a painting, a piece of pottery or a glittering glass displayed in this bright storefront, expect to learn it. The gallery staff’s knowledge of and respect for their exclusively North Carolina artists makes shopping there an enlightening experience. (9/2011)

  212 West Main St, Carrboro
  919-942- 4048
  nccraftsgallery.com
  

• QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS & MUSIC

  A wide-ranging selection and helpful staff increase the odds of leaving this beloved bookshop with a new favorite novel under your arm. Their impressive schedule of readings and events means that bibliophiles might just run into their favorite author as well, like North Carolina native and National Book Award Winner, Charles Frazier on October 4 at 7:30pm (9/2011)

  3522 Wade Ave, Raleigh
  800-672-6789
  www.quailri...oksense.com
  

• Imaginese

  There’s nothing typical about the gifts, art and accessories that are for sale at this shop. With an inventory ranging from offbeat toys (like a "Stack the Bones" version of Jenga) to delicate handmade jewelry, it’s unlikely that anyone who appreciates the lovably eccentric will leave this place empty-handed. (9/2011)

  107 Ledgestone Way, Cary
  919-463- 5515
  imaginesegifts.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• ACKLAND ART MUSEUM

  With a superb collection that spans centuries and continents, this UNC landmark has made connoisseurs of students for over 50 years. In addition to its permanent collection, a new show, Carolina Collects: 125 Years of Contemporary and Modern Art opens Sept. 9 to Dec 4. (9/2011)

  250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill
  919-966-5736
  www.ackland.org
  

• Jordan Lake

  This 14,000-acre lake in the heart of a lush, forested state park serpentines through two counties. Camping, hiking, swimming, fishing and boating top the park’s most popular activities list, but visitors inclined to take it easy may also enjoy looking for bald eagles at the water’s edge. (9/2011)

  80 State Park Rd, Apex
  919-362- 0586
  ncparks.gov
  

• Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company

  Winding through historic villages, small towns and lush farmland, the Haw River offers some of the North Carolina Piedmont’s most scenic stretches of waterway. This Saxapahaw outfitter provides everything needed to get a paddler's-eye-view, from rentals to guided trips— even overnight camping on Spirit Island. (9/2011)

  6079 Swepsonville-Saxapahaw Rd, Saxapahaw
  336-260-6465
  hawrivercanoe.com
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• Bella Mia

  If there were a Best Pizza contest in the Triangle, this family-owned pizzeria would come out as a critical and popular favorite for first place. A slice of any of the 20 coal-fired pies—named after streets in New York City—may prove that great pizza in the south is not a contradiction. $ (9/2011)

  2025 Renaissance Park Pl, Cary
  919- 677-3999
  bellamiacoalfire.com
  

• Bu Ku

  Inspired by global street food traditions, this stylish Raleigh restaurant and bar serves up spice from around the world. Combine a Thai chili and gin cocktail with a plantainencrusted Chilean sea bass to join the jet set without leaving the ground. $$$ (9/2011)

  110 E Davie St, Raleigh
  919-834-6963
  bukuraleigh.com
  

• Onlyburger

  This Durham grill spent its first few years of business on four wheels, before settling into its current brick-and-mortar location. The simple concept— creating the best burger around without any bells and whistles—has earned them raves just shy of ecstatic. $ (9/2011)

  3710 Shannon Rd, Durham
  919-937-9377
  durhamcater.../onlyburger
  

 

Go Party View archives

• Frazier’s Wine Bar

  A simple formula of excellent wine, local beers and a great location ensured this bar would be a success even without its awesome velvet armchairs, oriental rugs and menu that bears scant resemblance to bar food. Those details—and the delicious merguez crepinettes—make it truly memorable. (9/2011)

  2418 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
  919- 828-6699
  frazierswinebar.com
  

• Isaac Hunter’s Oak City Tavern

  With a name that hearkens back to Raleigh’s original 18th-century watering hole, this intimate downtown bar endeavors to unite past and future to become part of city history. A choice cocktail menu with some seriously old-school roots has already made it a modern classic. (9/2011)

  112 Fayetteville St, Raleigh
  919-526-0060
  huntersoakcity.com
  

• Casbah

  In its short lifespan, this florist’s shop-turned-midsized music hall has played host to an impressive roster of nationally recognized artists as well as the local acts most likely to go big. The well-stocked bar and proximity to some of Durham’s best restaurants make this a near-perfect spot to end up on a weekend night. (9/2011)

  1007 W Main St, Durham
  919-687-6959
  casbahdurham.com