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Aloft Raleigh
Choosing your place to stay will help chart the course for your experiences. There are dozens of hotels in Raleigh: If you want to stay near its vibrant downtown, the Aloft Raleigh is a highly rated choice; to be close to shopping, Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley is across the street from Crabtree mall and its nearly 200 stores. Want to make Durham your homebase? The Durham Hotel features a popular rooftop restaurant (and offers rooftop yoga), while 21c Museum Hotel is literally a museum inside of a hotel.
Poole’s Diner
In Raleigh, James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen runs several restaurants and bars, including Poole’s Diner, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, and Death & Taxes. You’d go home full and happy even if you chose only to dine at her eateries.
Ajja
Joining the James Beard conversation in 2024 was Ajja, a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and starring creations from chef Cheetie Kumar. Pro tip: the dips 'n' spreads are must-orders.
Tamasha Modern Indian
Of course there are even more innovative options in town, including Tamasha Modern Indian, where chef Bhavin Chhatwani was named a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for Emerging Chef. Open Table also named this spot one of the “50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America.
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Onto Durham! If you're feeling seafood, Saltbox Seafood Joint is hard to beat. Chef Ricky Moore has created a no-frills joint that puts fresh, local ingredients at the forefront. As the 2022 James Beard Best Chef: Southeast award winner and 2025 Outstanding Chef semifinalist, Moore’s approach is simple yet masterful. Saltbox serves seafood the way it should be: fresh, flavorful and prepared with a deep respect for the local catch.
Brightleaf Square
A visit to the recently redeveloped Brightleaf Square offers provisions and keepsakes by way of locally owned shops in the Historic Brightleaf District. For provisions: Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets; Fonda Lupita; and Afters Dessert Bar. For keepsakes: Wentworth & Leggett (fine books, maps, postcards and prints); Indio (artisan-designed home goods and jewelry); and Mill & Meadow (stationary and other gifts).
The Bar Beej
Wrap up your trip at The Bar Beej, a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for Best New Bar. This intimate (we’re talking 11 — sometimes 12 — seats) Bollywood-themed speakeasy serves Desi-inspired craft cocktails, rotating mocktails, women-driven wines and more.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Aloft Raleigh
Stop 2
Poole’s Diner
Stop 3
Ajja
Stop 4
Tamasha Modern Indian
Stop 5
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Stop 6
Brightleaf Square
Stop 7