How To Spend a Day in Raleigh

Beasley’s Chicken and Honey is a can’t miss.

There’s nothing better than having a full day free to explore the city. Whether you call Raleigh home or are just a visitor, there’s plenty to do to keep busy! Check out this handy guide for how to spend your free day in Raleigh and enjoy your time in the city!

Start your free day in Raleigh with a brunch date you’ll be thinking about long after it’s over. If you’re in the mood for something delicious, Beasley’s Chicken and Honey is sure to hit the spot. Located in downtown Raleigh at 237 S. Wilmington Street, Beasley’s Chicken and Honey is known for its signature savory meals and excellent service.

Start by satisfying your sweet tooth with churros with sugar and cinnamon and then move onto something a little more savory like fried chicken on biscuits or biscuits and gravy. Order to your heart’s content and you’ll leave brunch feeling full and ready for the rest of your day!

After a big brunch, there’s nothing better than getting moving. Raleigh is home to a number of beautiful parks and greenway trails. One of the most notable is Shelly Lake Park, located at 1400 W Millbrook Road, Shelly Lake park is home to over two miles of paved trail encircling the lake as well as basketball courts and playgrounds for kids ages 2–12.

If you’re into the arts, you’re also in luck because Shelly Lake Park also features the Sertoma Arts Center, an arts center that offers classes, workshops and open studio to local artists. The Arts Center is open Monday-Thursday from 9:00am to 10:00pm, Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. You can find more information about the programs offered at the Sertoma Arts center here.

After brunch and a little mid-morning activity, you might be ready for a relaxing afternoon. There’s no better way to relax than by heading to a movie somewhere cool. Check out Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for all your movie-watching needs in the Raleigh area. Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh features 11 screens on which they display everything from big-budget hits to art-house independent films and, with a menu offering over 50 well-curated North Carolina draft beers, you’ll be more than relaxed when you settle into your comfortable and cozy seat in the theatre.

While you might be accustomed to arriving a few minutes before a movie starts, try arriving at the Alamo Drafthouse 20–30 minutes early to be sure to catch the unique pre-show that plays before every feature and to be sure you have enough time to order anything you’d like to eat or drink.

There’s nothing better than a day in Raleigh. With restaurants galore, tons of places to explore and nature at your fingertips you’ll surely have a wonderful, relaxing day in the big city. Enjoy!