A day well spent: Exploring Raleigh through its small businesses

From morning lattes to shopping and activities in between, discover how local small businesses shape a day in Raleigh.

RAL_smallbizweek_carousel

Spend the day pouring into yourself and the small business community of Raleigh.

Photos by Naiylah H., @barebakedpizza, @leahlikesskin, @arepaculturenc, and Caitlin Antje

Spending the day frolicking in Raleigh? Let us help to plan your next outing with small local businesses at the heart of your day. Psst... Feel free to stop by our Small Business Week interactive map to switch out locations based on your preferences.

Morning

Start your day in Oak City by grabbing a bite and beverage to fuel your morning. If you’re craving a quick start, Brew Coffee Bar offers locally sourced coffee from Black & White Coffee, teas, and bites like avocado toast in a cozy setting. But, if you’re in the mood to linger, check out other local brunch spots like Hummingbird or Big Ed’s.

Afternoon

After a cozy morning, let your afternoon unfold with a bit of self-care. Skin&tonic offers services like its quick fix facial, focusing on the specific needs of your skin. Then, unleash your creative side at Craft Habit, a local art supply shop and DIY studio brimming with workshops and quirky finds. Pro tip: Check the events calendar before your visit.

Built up an appetite? Head to Bare Baked Pizza for a casual lunch of wood-fired Neapolitan-style slices.

Evening

As dusk settles, let the evening take on a more daring tone. At Leah Likes Skin, you can mark the day — literally — with a fine-line tattoo in a welcoming, art-forward space. For dinner, savor bold Venezuelan flavors at Arepa Culture, a local spot dishing out street-style bites.

Finally, retreat to Heights House Hotel, a historic mansion turned boutique stay, for a staycation or stop by The Parlor for a nightcap in the form of a Dirty Dill Martini cocktail by the fireplace.

More from RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.
If you’re a fan of real trees over artificial, this list is for you. We’re highlighting 10 local spots to pick up Christmas trees in Raleigh, including home delivery options, pre-flocked trees, and NC-famous Fraser firs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
Hi Raleighite. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
A grassroots effort is helping central NC properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.