Craft beer, BBQ smoke, and college-town chaos.
Brewery-and-barbecue circuit with a dueling-college edge. Whole hog at Sam Jones BBQ, cocktails at Watts & Ward and Foundation, a Durham Bulls game if the schedule lines up, late steaks at Angus Barn. Golf at Mid Pines or Pine Needles an hour south in the Sandhills. RDU is one of the easiest fly-in airports in the South for a 10-man group.
brewery tour • 2 hours
Durham's funkiest brewery with a taproom, food trucks, and cornhole.
axe throwing • 1.5 hours
Indoor climbing gym with axe-throwing lanes and group competition packages.
golf • 4-5 hours
Arnold Palmer-designed course on the NC State campus — pristine and affordable.
sports event • 3 hours
Catch a minor league game at the iconic Bull Durham stadium with dollar beers.
bar • balanced • $
Massive barcade with 100+ games, craft beer, and free play after cover.
cocktail bar • balanced • $$
Downtown Raleigh cocktail bar with exposed brick, punch bowls, and late hours.
dive bar • balanced • $
Durham's beloved live music dive — eclectic bookings and a community vibe.
speakeasy • chill • $$$
Underground speakeasy beneath Fayetteville St with craft cocktails and live jazz.
bar • balanced • $$
Durham's best live music venue with a beer garden, food trucks, and two stages.
cocktail bar • chill • $$$
Upscale Durham cocktail bar with a curated menu and dimly lit ambiance.
comedy club • balanced • $$
Top-tier touring comics in an intimate Raleigh room — reserve a group table.
beer garden • chill • $$
Hilltop brewery with a massive patio overlooking the Raleigh skyline.
BBQ • $$ • Best for: group-dinner
Whole-hog, wood-smoked Carolina BBQ in a converted warehouse.
Korean • $$ • Best for: late-night
Durham's Korean fried chicken and soju spot — crispy, spicy, perfect late-night.
Laotian • $$ • Best for: dinner
One-of-a-kind Laotian restaurant in downtown Raleigh with house-made noodles.
Spanish Tapas • $$$ • Best for: group-dinner
Shareable Spanish plates in Durham — perfect for a boozy group dinner.
Southern • $$ • Best for: brunch
Ashley Christensen's fried chicken temple — brunch lines are real.
New American • $$$ • Best for: dinner
Neighborhood gem in Raleigh with a seasonal menu and open kitchen.
Japanese Ramen • $$ • Best for: late-night
Rich, deeply flavored ramen bowls in a hip Durham space.
Southern • $$$ • Best for: dinner
Iconic Raleigh diner with legendary mac-and-cheese and a communal counter.
boutique-hotel • Max 4 guests
Mid-century modern rooftop hotel in downtown Durham — the coolest stay in the Triangle.
hotel • Max 4 guests
Sleek Marriott property on Fayetteville St — walking distance to all the bars.
boutique-hotel • Max 4 guests
Playful boutique hotel with a pool, rooftop bar, and retro-mod vibes.
house • Max 14 guests
Lakefront house with a dock, firepit, and space for the whole crew.
house • Max 14 guests
Lakefront house with a dock, firepit, and space for the whole crew.
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