Things To Do
The Players Retreat - Restaurant
This is a great local staple that Todd and Shelly eat at quite frequently. It's just a 15 minute walk from Shelly's condo that offers a relaxed environment, patio seating (of course Shelly loves being outdoors), tvs for sports viewing, dog-friendly, and great community hangout. Also, right across from NCSU belltower.
Cup A Joe
Another local staple here is Raleigh. A locally owned and operated coffee shop that Todd, Harper and Brody used to frequent every weekend for a muffin and a cup-a-joe. Definitely worth a visit.
Fred Fletcher Park
Our first date spot! A local park where Shelly, Todd, and Dually have taken many a walk. Get out for some yoga, tennis, a jog, or just hanging out and looking at the beautiful flowers. We really enjoy and greatly appreciate the City of Raleigh Parks program.
Lake Johnson Park -Hike
This is a beautiful local park with a great walking trail right around Lake Johnson. They offer a paved (~3 miles) and an unpaved path (~2.5 miles)....be careful crossing the road. This is one of the first dates that Shelly and Todd went on while Shelly was recovering from a treatment and Todd being sweet and helping her get out and avoid pain.
Memorial Belltower at North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NC State)...home of the Wolfpack...is a fun campus to walk around. Since Shelly spent many years of her life (2004-2009 & 2017-2019) pursuing degrees here, she is well-versed with the campus. Todd and Harper used to life close and take bike/scooter trips through the campus (little hooligans). Notable stops...Talley Student Union (get the ice cream), Reynolds Colesium (home of the Lady Wolfpack Basketball team), Belltower, pickleball courts (bring your paddle).
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
A downtown breakfast staple.
Pam's Farmhouse Restaurant
This is a delicious breakfast spot. It's been around forever, and offers a sweet, old-school community feel.
Village District Shopping Center
Todd and Shelly (and Dually) have spent many days/hours walking through, shopping and eating at the Village District (formerly Cameron Village). Some of our favorite restaurants include Village Deli, Tazza, Cape Fear Seafood, and Cantina 18; ICE CREAM - Jeni's Ice Cream; Shopping Galore - Antiques (Cheshire Cat-Todd's Fave) boutiques, homestores, jewelry, tea, knick knacks; and, our local grocery store Harris Teeter.
Flower Cottage at Dix Park
308 acres right in the Heart of Raleigh. They have plenty of spaces to hang and play...including a few hammock areas, dog park, ultimate frisbee, playground, flower areas (sunflower field probably won't be in bloom yet).
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
As lovers of sports, especially baseball, Shelly and Todd would recommend trying to catch out some of the ACC championship baseball games at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park about 40 minutes from Raleigh....GO STATE....but no playing hooking from our events for the baseball.
Dose Yoga and Smoothie Bar
Well, well, well....this represents the ol' bait and switch. Shelly used to frequent Dose yoga studio, now Todd is the regular. Ironically, Shelly swims (Todd's old past time). We highly recommend their classes. They offer a intro rate or drop in rates and you can rent a mat.
Alexander Family YMCA
We LOVE the Y, for some many reasons. Shelly goes weekday mornings for swim and athletic conditioning, Harper goes in the summer, and Todd will dabble in some basketball. It's a great community. The Poyner Y is downtown and very close to the Hilton hotel. We'd be happy to provide you a guest pass for free.
State Farmers Market
Got To Be NC Agriculture....you are guaranteed to have a good time and enjoy some delicious food here. Fresh fruits & veggies, salsas, plants, flowers and pastries are in the open air market; meats, cheeses, desserts, canned foods and jams are in the covered building; Farmer's Market restaurant & seafood restaurant. This will be busy on the weekends. You'll want to go early to avoid crowds and have the best selection.
Trophy Brewing & Pizza
Shelly and Todd have gone on plenty a date to Trophy brewing. Fabulous indoor & outdoor areas, good pizza, salads, beer and cocktails.
La Santa Modern Mexican Food
The location of our first date (after a walk through Fred Fletcher Park). WE have enjoyed many a meal at this restaurant. Delicious food, fabulous wait staff with a family feel, and fun atmosphere whether you sit inside or outside.