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Try This: Shop + dine RDU to make the most of your travel day

As you plan your next travel day through Raleigh-Durham International Airport, factor in time to enjoy the existing (and coming soon) food, beverage + shopping options in Terminal 2.

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Slideshow of photos displaying concessions in RDU's terminal 2.

The secret to a successful travel day is low stress...and good food + drink.

Photos by RALtoday

Table of Contents

Ready for takeoff, Raleigh? RALtoday team member Garcelle here. I’ve got spring break on the brain and summer travel plans aren’t far behind. Come along with me and see how I recently spent time at RDU before my flight (and enjoy a sneak peek of what’s to come).

What we tried

I love the fact that I can still shop + dine at some of my favorite local spots, even in the airport. Once through security, my first stop was local favorite La Farm Bakery + Café. I’m normally a fan of the deluxe breakfast sandwich on a croissant, but opted for an iced matcha latte (and it hit the spot). Pro tip: In a hurry? Grab a drip coffee, pastry, or cold item from the express line.

Latte in hand, I headed to Ink by Hudson for a few flight-ready reading materials (and water, of course). They’ve got a great selection ranging from bestsellers to children’s books + toys.

What not to miss

With plenty of time to spare before boarding (can you tell I’m a planner?), I headed over to Whisky River for lunch. I enjoyed the veggie quesadilla, and others in my group ordered the chicken Caesar salad and the pulled pork sandwich. Bonus: If you’re flying after 4:30 p.m., you can enjoy live music while you dine.

What we’re still talking about

I love picking up local goodies if I’m meeting friends or family where I’m traveling to, and where better to shop than market-style Root & Branch? Dewey’s cookies, Bull City BBQ sauces, and Griff’s Toffee are some tried and true favorites.

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I also got to preview three coming-soon concessions — local fav Black & White Coffee Roasters, Crawford’s Genuine, and Carolina Craft (all with plans for family-friendly menus).

Renderings provided by RDU

How you can experience this

Aside from keeping my travel day low-stress, getting to the airport early is one of my favorite parts of traveling. To make that happen, I always book parking ahead of time. It’s quick + simple, and guarantees me a spot so I can be on my way faster.

    With all RDU has coming, you can thank me later when you arrive with time to spare explore.

    Things to know if you go:

    • Experience: Dine + shop at Raleigh-Durham International Airport pre-flight
    • Price: Price of purchase
    • Website: rdu.com
    • Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd., Morrisville, NC
    • Social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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