Moving to Downtown Raleigh can be quite exciting, especially when you're exploring dining spots and planning fun family activities for weekends and holidays. It's not about relocating; it's about immersing yourself in the lifestyle and traditions. In this guide featuring restaurants, family-friendly events, and hidden holiday gems known only to locals, our aim is to help you settle in smoothly. Whether you're looking for a venue for occasions or a cozy café for lazy Sunday breakfasts, we've got you covered.
Top Picks for Family Bonding
Discover the spots within walking distance of your place where you can enjoy quality family time. Let's delve into walking routes and fantastic family-friendly hangouts!
1. John Chavis Memorial Park
One spot that's sure to win your heart is John Chavis Memorial Park,a setting for family moments. Housing the Allan Herschell No. 2 Special Three Abreast Carousel since 1937 and designated as a National Park Service site in 2016, the park also boasts a half-mile segment of the Capital Area Greenway Trail.
2. Moore Square
Looking for another park option? Moore Square awaits as your park destination. Since 1792, Moore Square has been a spot for people in Raleigh to come together, relax, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors. Originally designed as one of Raleigh's five spaces, this four-acre urban oasis hosts a wide range of activities and events catering to both small gatherings and large-scale happenings.
3. Community Center
The Community Center offers a variety of highlights for visitors to enjoy. You can explore the Artistic Lounge, showcasing David Wilson's artwork and stunning downtown views from the balcony. The Youth Lounge provides seating and a gaming station along with family-friendly bathrooms equipped with accessible showers and baby changing tables.
4. Fitness Amenities
Additionally, there are fitness and fun amenities, including a fitness room with treadmills, bikes, and weights offering plaza views, locker rooms with accessible showers and baby changing tables, and a gym that can be rented out for basketball or volleyball games featuring an indoor track with skyline views.
5. Best Spot for Children
For children, there is a playground and splash pad area. The playground offers a fun environment for all ages with equipment for kids and adults alike. The Water Feature at the Splash Pad is open daily from 9 a.m. To 9 p.m. ensuring splash pad fun while adhering to safety rules.
6. Historic Spots
If you're interested in history, you can take a ride on the Historic Carousel featuring the Allan Herschell Carousel; tickets cost $2. Are free for children under 1 year old when accompanied by a paying adult. After that, you can explore the Past to Present Exhibit.
7. Don't Miss These Other Spots
Explore the history and community tales of the park at an outdoor exhibit. Don't forget to check out the outdoor track and fields, including a lit track for walking or running equipped with water fountains and benches. The Multipurpose Fields offer space for youth baseball and various activities. For occasions, there are rental options with event spaces like meeting rooms, fields, picnic shelters, and more for your upcoming gathering.
8. What to Look Forward To
Exciting news is on the horizon with a water park set to open at Chavis Park! Anticipate enhancements at Chavis Park in Raleigh, including the reintroduction of a pool. According to Stephen Bentley, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources for the city, "Chavis historically had a pool; this new addition will bring back that feature." The planned facility near the track and community center will feature lap swimming areas along with slides and a lazy river for community enjoyment.
After a day filled with family fun, the natural question that arises is, Where should we go to eat?
Transfer Food Hall
Look no further than the Transfer Food Hall in downtown Raleigh. Housed in the Carolina Coach Garage and Shops building, this renovated space boasts over 50,000 square feet of food options from various vendors. It has become a hub for food enthusiasts and locals alike (Transfer Co. Food Hall).
Not a market for delicious treats, the food hall also functions as an event space that can cater to gatherings of all sizes—from intimate luncheons to grand concerts—accommodating up to 350 guests at once.
The venue has a charm blending industrial design, with original brick walls, reclaimed beams, and expansive skylights that add to its historical appeal (Transfer Co. Food Hall).
Exciting events like Jazz Fusion Night contribute to the hall's sense of community, providing entertainment for all age groups. These events highlight the hall's dedication to serving as a hub in Raleigh.
Wondering where adults unwind after a work week? The Raleigh Wine Shop has the answer.
Raleigh Wine Shop
A beloved spot for wine lovers, The Raleigh Wine Shop is situated in downtown Raleigh. Known for its curated selection of wines that prioritize quality and authenticity, the shop is run by a team passionate about wine and dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for both beginners and connoisseurs.
In addition to offering an array of wines, The Raleigh Wine Shop provides opportunities to expand your knowledge of wine. They offer both in-person and online classes covering topics such as wine tasting techniques and the rich history of winemaking. These classes take place in their designed classroom equipped with state-of-the art multimedia technology to enhance the learning experience. Furthermore, the venue can accommodate events and classes, making it an adaptable space for gatherings.
The Raleigh Wine Shop also has a wine club that gives members the chance to access wine selections every month at discounted prices. Members can enjoy curated wines that are meant to enhance their appreciation and exploration of wines.
For those who like an atmosphere for drinking wine, the shop has a wine bar where guests can enjoy glasses of wine or pick any bottle from their collection. This laid-back option is complemented by services such as management and personalized gift options to meet all your wine-related needs.
Don't forget to check out some shopping spots in the area around Loft 3 in Raleigh. Downtown offers plenty of options.
A spot known for its unique collection of vintage clothing, décor items, and classic vinyl records, perfect for fans of retro finds. Explore them at 400 W Martin St., Raleigh, NC 27603.
2. Revolver Consignment Boutique
Revolver Consignment Boutique is a store that specializes in vintage and designer clothing catering to those seeking both high-end fashion pieces. Located at 122 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603.
Sircastleteees is a shop that sells customized sneakers and stylish apparel for those who want to stand out with their fashion choices. You can find this gem at 610 W South St., Raleigh, NC 27603.
The Green Monkey is a bottle shop and gift store that doubles as a bar. Situated at 1217 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603, it offers a mix of products and fun gift items for your enjoyment.
A cooperative grocery store where you can become a member and enjoy benefits. They offer a variety of sustainable and organic products. Located at 404 W Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27603.
These stores each offer a shopping experience that mirrors the culture and artistic flair of Raleigh. Whether you're into antiques, fashion trends, local delicacies, or one-of-a kind gifts, there's something waiting for you nearby.
For grocery shopping near Loft3, Raleigh locals recommend these stores that are worth exploring:
Weaver Street Market is situated in Raleigh's Warehouse District at 404 W Hargett St. This community-owned natural foods grocery store stocks a variety of sustainable products for you to choose from.
2. Mecca Market
Mecca Market, located at 3913 Western Blvd., is admired for its service and competitive prices, making it a beloved destination despite its off-beaten-path location.
3. Publix
Publix, accessible through Instacart for shoppers, is renowned for its array of products, including fresh produce and high-quality meats available for same-day delivery. Lowes Foods, also deliverable via Instacart at 2900 E Millbrook Rd., offers a shopping experience with staff members.
These stores provide a range of shopping options, from organic goods to popular grocery items, meeting diverse preferences and requirements. It's a place for those supporting a cooperative model where the community has ownership in the market, like Weaver Street Market.
Loft3 isn't a cookie-cutter complex. We're offering 19 unique residences, each designed with modern style and downtown living with your unique desires in mind. Whether you're a solo adventurer or you’re looking for a space to share with your crew, we have the perfect layout for your lifestyle. For more information, reach out to us at 919-526-0401 or email [email protected].
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