“Go...” listings
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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. (09/2011)
212 West Main St, Carrboro
919-942- 4048
nccraftsgallery.com -
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. (09/2011)
80 State Park Rd, Apex
919-362- 0586
ncparks.gov -
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. $ (09/2011)
2025 Renaissance Park Pl, Cary
919- 677-3999
bellamiacoalfire.com -
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. (09/2011)
2418 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
919- 828-6699
frazierswinebar.com -
Bloom
The elegant collection of art, antiques and accessories that comprise the manmade portion of this home and garden store mimic the brilliant colors, shapes and scents of its spectacular selection of plants and flowers. Even Mary, Quite Contrary would leave satisfied. (08/2011)
708 Market St, Chapel Hill
919-942- 9880
bloomnc.com -
Adorn
The cool, relaxed women's clothes and accessories found on the racks of this contemporary Durham boutique suggest that suffering for fashion is as outdated as it is uncomfortable. Pick up designer pieces by Nic and Zoe, Lilla P and Goddis. (08/2011)
905 W Main St, Durham
919-937- 9951
adornboutiquedurham.com -
Scratch
Pie is not the only the made-from-scratch good at this aptly named Durham bakery. The menu combines the down-home comfort of granny’s kitchen with the rich, distinctive flavors of slightly more uptown cuisine. Come for the savory meat pies; stay for the sweets. $ (08/2011)
111 Orange St, Durham
919-956- 5200
piefantasy.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. (08/2011)
107 Ledgestone Way, Cary
919-463- 5515
imaginesegifts.com -
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. (08/2011)
6079 Swepsonville-Saxapahaw Rd, Saxapahaw
336-260-6465
hawrivercanoe.com -
Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh
As a stunning showcase for some of the emerging stars of the art world, this airy, brand-new museum might be the best place in the Triangle to see work by tomorrow’s Picasso. Colorful electric tape installations by New Yorkbased artist Rebecca Ward are on view through Oct. 31. (08/2011)
409 W Martin St, Raleigh
919-513- 0946
cam.ncsu.edu -
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. $$$ (08/2011)
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. $ (08/2011)
3710 Shannon Rd, Durham
919-937-9377
durhamcater.../onlyburger
