We wandered throughout the greater Raleigh area in cities such as Apex and Cary where we stumbled upon lovely hometown downtowns, and loads of scenery. The little downtown area of Apex was adorable with cute shops and was super dog-friendly if you bring your fur-baby. We met a darling Bassett Hound one day, and a super-cute Australian Labradoodle on another day. We also found bookstores, chocolate shops, breweries, and local art everywhere went. This really is a wonderful place to spend a few days. 
And the red in the trees is just incredible. This West Coast girl just cannot believe that fall colors exist like this. I did not grow up with the season's "changing of the leaves" and didn't understand the beauty until I traveled to places like Minnesota, Oregon, and North Carolina. Pictures do not do it justice.
We couldn't pass up a visit to the absolutely mega-warehouse that is Bass Pro Shop. I mean, this place is legendarily huge and was set up nicely for the holidays. Check out my Santa Claus!
If you are one of my 2 readers, you also know that I don't like to pass on any cemetery or graveyard, especially with such intact headstones. This one was particularly peaceful.
Loads of snack options around here, including this delicious ice cream spot, Andia's Homemade Ice Cream in Cary. This place was hopping when we stopped in, and I became a huge fan right away. Their dairy-free selection was on-point!
Nor would I want to miss out on some delicious sipping chocolate like this cuppa at Escazu in Raleigh.
*I try hard to search out breweries for my hubby, but he finds the best chocolate stops for me.
There were actually some very solid brewery stops in the Raleigh area, but we especially loved Triangle Brewery on Durham Road in Cary. Great beer, great service, and a fairly new location. Hit them up and keep them brewing! We also enjoyed Dingo Dog Brewery in Carrboro, right near the campus of the University of North Carolina. Their beer was unique and fresh, with extra proceeds going to help out pets in this area looking for their forever home.
We did search out BBQ while visiting this area and landed on Big Mike's BBQ in Cary as our favorite. This place was hidden in a strip mall, but the scent of those ribs led us straight inside. Terrific food, including some very corny cornbread. You wouldn't want to miss this place.
Downtown Raleigh was loaded with historical monuments and a gorgeous Capitol building. This statue highlights three of the worst politicians in history and I couldn't believe it still stands. But hey... I'm a firm believer in democracy, equality, and acceptance. I try not to get my wires crossed when I'm traveling and move on without judgement. The artwork is exceptional, actually.
The North Carolina Museum of Art had some truly stunning pieces. It was Free, Y'all!! I love an art museum and I loved wandering inside this gorgeous space.
This lady was just so beautiful. She was my favorite that day.
The Rodin Gallery was gorgeous, and so were these lovers!
I loved this sculpture's flip-flops!
We also hit up the Gardens on the Duke University Campus and it was one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I have ever seen. Lovely colors, and a wonderful walking trail with loads of waterscapes, grassy hillsides, and blooming flowers in the middle of November!
If you're visiting this area, you wouldn't want to miss out on a wander here.
This willowy bird taking off was a real treat for us.
Heading to Asheville and driving through the lovely scenery that is North Carolina was wonderful. We pit-stopped in Greensboro to visit the Civil Rights Museum with the Woolworth's Counter still intact. I am so glad we stopped there.
Asheville is such a treat! We have visited here once before and definitely needed a second visit.
Check out this darling cottage we stayed in, right behind a glorious Bed & Breakfast, known as the Cedar Crest Inn. The location cannot be beat, and the breakfasts were magical. They catered to my lactose-free diet in a spectacular way. I would stay here again in a hot-second. Truly.
The Biltmore Estate is a wonderful way to spend a few hours checking out how the "filthy rich" lived in splendor. This beautiful home was decorated to the hilt for Christmas and their showcase greenhouse was filled with color.
This image was in their "Halloween" room and I just fell in love with her.
This dining room table was set perfectly for the holidays.
The Asheville Botanical Garden was also truly lovely, smaller than the Duke Gardens, but naturally vibrant with fall foliage.
We enjoyed Asheville and it's many watering holes, snack bites (hello French Broad Chocolate Lounge!) and fabulous dinner places. Our favorites were Ukiah for it's unique take on Japanese BBQ (the Ramen was to die for); Curate for wonderful tapas (YUM!!); and Chestnut for the most delicious truffle french fries EVER.
Here we are sharing mead and enjoying a honey-tasting at the same time. Great sample palette!
These guys were painted joyfully on the side of Burial Brewing Co. Loved their beer and their quirk!
Now this pretty lady was for sale at the Tobacco Barn, a very special (huge) antiques space with hundreds of curiosities, oddities, cool deals, and more. This place is worth the trip for sure.
We had a blast in North Carolina and enjoyed the weather, the people, and time spent with good friends. Until next time...
:) Deb
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