Did you know there are more than 100 independent retail shops in downtown Raleigh — all within one square mile? That’s more than half the shopping options afforded by Crabtree Valley Mall and double the number of stores at Cary’s Crossroads, not to mention the many museums, art galleries, parks, and places to eat or drink.
As part of a new series, we’re sharing tips on how to spend a full day downtown. The best part? You won’t even have to move your car.
Start here
🅿️ Parking on Blake Street is free all day Saturday + Sunday
🅿️ Parking at 104 E. Martin Street is $5 Saturday + Sunday
👟 Walk 100-600 feet (approximately 1-4 minutes) for some morning bites
Breakfast at Big Ed’s
📍 220 Wolfe Street
⏰ Sat. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. + Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
🥞 TryThis: Country ham with red-eye gravy + two hotcakes and a side of home fries
👟 Walk 100 feet (approximately 1 minute) to local retailers
Browsing in City Market
🛋️ Bella Vita Home + Lifestyle | 323 Blake Street | Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. + Sun. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
🐱 Unleashed Dog and Cat Store | 329 Blake Street | Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. + Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
🍅 Brovelli Oil, Vinegar, and Gifts | 300 Blake Street | Sat. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. + Sun. 11 a.m.-5:30 pm.
👟 Walk around the corner (approximately 1 minute) to see some local art
Touring Artspace
📍 201 E. Davie Street
⏰ Sat. 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
🎨 Observe local artists at work in their studios + peruse the galleries for current exhibitions
👟 Walk two blocks (approximately 3 minutes) to grab some grub
Lunch at Brewery Bhavana
📍 218 S. Blount Street
⏰ Sat. 11:30 a.m.-midnight + Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
🥟 TryThis: Xiao Long Bao soup dumpling, duck egg roll, turnip cake + the Grove IPA
✏️ ProTip: Make a reservation through OpenTable to skip the wait
👟 Walk next door (approximately 1 minute) to do some more shopping
Browse for records at The Pour House
📍 224 S. Blount Street
⏰ Sat. + Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
🎧 The shop features old and new vinyls + a full bar upstairs.
🎹 ProTip: See live performances each Sat. + Sun. at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
👟Walk around the corner (approximately 2-4 minutes) to enjoy a cuppa
Coffee or something stronger
☕ 42 & Lawrence | 134 E. Martin Street | Sat. + Sun. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
🍷 Short Walk Wines | 123 E. Martin Street | Sat. 12 p.m.-9 p.m. + Sun. 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
🍻 Riddle Raleigh | 314 S. Blount Street | Sat. 2 p.m.-midnight + Sun. 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
🍸 The Davie | 444 S. Blount Street | Sat. + Sun. 4 p.m.- 2 a.m.
👟 Walk 100-500 feet (approximately 1-4 minutes) for your evening meal
Dinner at Oak City Meatball Shoppe
📍 180 E. Davie Street
⏰ Sat. 12 p.m.-midnight + Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
🍝 TryThis: Buffalo cauliflower with ranch, spicy pork ball with pesto + parmesan risotto
👟 Walk two blocks (approximately 5 minutes) to treat yourself
Dessert at Bittersweet
📍16 E. Martin Street
⏰ Sat. 2 p.m.-2 a.m. + Sun. 2 p.m.-midnight
🍫 TryThis: Derby Pie — chocolate bourbon pecan with caramel sauce
👟 Walk 100-600 feet (approximately 1-4 minutes) back to your car
Want to learn more? Be sure to visit the homepage for Downtown Raleigh Alliance to plot even more fun times around the heart of our city.
