There’s no denying that this Summer has been a little different. With most places being temporarily closed, it’s easy to feel bored and repetitive. I mean… how many times can someone bake banana bread before it’s too much? There’s a good chance you’re ready to try something new and I’ve got you covered.
Even during Phase ll, there are tons of great Raleigh activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy. All of the following businesses are taking numerous safety precautions to keep customers healthy. So, whether you’re looking to get out of the house or interested in picking up a new hobby, this list is for you.
Please remember to practice safe social distancing while out and about in the Triangle. Do your part—Wear a mask!
Visit a Triangle Park
There are so many great parks in the Triangle for you to explore! Getting outdoors is a great “pandemic-friendly” option that is also FREE! Plus, getting some fresh air doesn’t hurt.
There are also multiple ways to enjoy Triangle parks. You can hike, fish, kayak, hammock, and more! One of our favorite things to do is pack a picnic to eat at Fred G. Bond Lake and just watch the world go by. If you’re having trouble making a decision on which park to go to first, check out my post, 6 Triangle Parks to Enjoy This Summer.
Paint with Pinot’s Palette Raleigh
When Pinot’s Palette closed their doors in March due to the pandemic, they had to come up with a new way for their business to stay afloat! Thus Pinot’s Palette “Take-Home Paint Kits” were born. The studio created a virtual teaching platform for people to enjoy the wine and design experience from the comfort of their couch.
Take-Home Paint Kits include a 16×20 canvas, paint, brushes, mixing plate, apron, & more. You will also be emailed a link with video instructions to watch as you go along! To provide a safe environment, your take-home painting kit is available for pickup at their studio.
Sit Outside at a Local Restaurant
Raleigh has tons of great local restaurants that need our support during this time. Many of these restaurants have adapted to the new “normal” by providing outdoor seating, single-use menus, six feet between tables, and hand sanitizer. Some restaurants, like Coquette Brasserie, even ADDED patio seating to make customers feel more comfortable.
And if you’re still not comfortable about dining out yet, that’s okay. You can order pick-up or delivery from one of the many Morgan Street Food Hall vendors.
Take a Mural Tour of Downtown Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh is filled with a plethora of great street art. Spend the afternoon strolling downtown and checking out all the awesome murals. Bring a camera along to snap some Instagram photos of your adventure. You can use my Quick Guide to Raleigh Street Art for some direction!
Learn to Knit with Craft Habit
One of the largest reasons I’ve been able to keep my sanity during the pandemic is crafting. Through the quarantine, I’ve learned how to knit, make jewelry, macrame, and more! All thanks to Craft Habit.
Craft Habit has multiple take-home kits to learn a new skill. Whether you want to learn embroidery, sewing, glass etching, paper flowers, jewelry projects, home decor projects, beading, macrame, or terrariums, Craft Habit can help you. You can shop Craft Habit online and order pick-up or delivery.
Grab a book from Quail Ridge Books
I could spend hours just walking around Quail Ridge Books in North Hills. Pop into the book store and browse their incredible selection books—about cooking, self-help, fiction, sci-fi, and more! Take a book home (like Beach Read by Emily Henry) and spend your weekend binge-reading.
Quail Ridge is also implementing awesome safety procedures to keep customers happy and healthy while shopping. Masks are required, no more than eight people are allowed in the store at a time, and hand sanitizer is provided. However, you can also order from Quail Ridge Books online too. Shipping is FREE.
Explore the Honeysuckle Tea House
The Honeysuckle Tea House is truly a magical oasis tucked in the woods of Chapel Hill. Grab some of their delicious tea and spend the afternoon walking around the teahouse and enjoying all the beautiful flowers, berries, and herbs. Dogs are welcome too! Pick blueberries during Honeysuckle’s Blueberry Harvest in August. Pick-your-own pints are available for $6.
Check out art at NCMA Park
Even though the museum is still closed, you can enjoy the NCMA grounds anytime! Walk the 1-mile blue loop and check out several art pieces including the Gyre, Lowe’s Park Pavillon, and Wind Sculpture. Make sure to also stop by the pond and ellipse while there. And if you get lost, don’t worry, there are numerous signs to help guide you through your visit.
Attend a Drive-In Movie
If you miss watching movies on the big screen, get your movie-watching fix at Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre in Henderson. Henderson is a bit further of a drive from Raleigh but the experience is definitely worth it! Double features take place every weekend and tickets are only $19 per car.
Social Distance at the NC Farmer’s Market
The North Carolina Farmer’s Market is OPEN! Pick up some peaches, watermelon, apples, and more. Aisles are adequately spaced for social distancing and hand sanitizer is offered at every vendor!
Afterward, enjoy brunch on the patio of The State Farmer’s Market Restaurant.
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