Get a Taste of North Carolina’s Booming Social District Scene

In these locales, you don’t have to worry about finishing your drink before leaving. Simply bring it to your next stop – even if it’s an art gallery, a groovy gift shop or a chocolate factory. Pro tip: When visiting a social district, pay attention to storefront signage that identifies where and when participating patrons can imbibe.

Uptown Social District

Greenville 

The home of East Carolina University is also home to a popular concoction fit for an alumni reunion. Now you can grab a refreshing Sup Crush to go while taking in the revitalization of Dickinson Avenue and beyond.

1 Emerge Gallery and Art Center

Aerial view of a vibrant outdoor patio space featuring colorful geometric and figurative murals on the ground. The murals depict abstract human figures and bold patterns in shades of blue, red, pink, and white. Wooden tables with red umbrellas are spaced across the artwork, with a few people seated. To the left, there's green grass with sculptures of horses, and on the right, a white brick building displays a painted fox on its exterior wall. A two-lane street borders the scene at the bottom of the image.

1 Emerge Gallery and Art Center

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As the home of the Pitt County Arts Council, Emerge is not just an art gallery but a vibrant community hub. Check out rotating exhibitions and art installations, often showcasing local talent.

2 Pitt Street Brewing Company

Closeup of three types of beers from Pitt Street Brewing with logos on mugs and patrons and brewery in background
Photo credit: Greenville-Pitt County CVB

2 Pitt Street Brewing Company

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Sit under the covered beer garden in the front or romp around the pet-friendly outdoor space in the back and enjoy a few local brews here. The 15-barrel brewing system and craft beer production facility are in full view of the taproom inside this former Coca-Cola Bottling Company building.

3 Crush Vodka Distillery and Cocktail Bar

3 Crush Vodka Distillery and Cocktail Bar

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The Sup Crush, a spritzy fusion of flavored vodka, freshly squeezed citrus and a dash of lemon-lime soda, gets the party started. The drink originated at Sup Dogs, a locally cherished hot dog joint across from the distillery.

4 Native Fine Diner

4 Native Fine Diner

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One part old-school diner, one part upscale canteen, it’s a colorful contrast of nostalgia and innovation. Contemporary takes on classics include Disco Fries accented with truffles and Gruyère.

Sip N' Stroll Downtown

raleigh

Historical architecture, high-tech wonders and modern public art define Raleigh’s thriving downtown. Pair your explorations with one of many lively festivals held throughout the year.

5 DECO Raleigh

Woman browsing interior displays at DECO Raleigh shop.

5 DECO Raleigh

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Pop into this curated collection of fun and funky gifts – including gourmet foods, decor, candles, children’s items, jewelry and home goods – from local independent makers, artisans, crafters and designers.

6 Videri Chocolate Factory

Woman Sitting and Reading at Table in Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh.

6 Videri Chocolate Factory

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The bean-to-bar chocolatier offers allergen-free confections sourced from fair-trade and organic farms. Witness the chocolate-making process and finish your visit on a sweet note: soft-serve topped with a chocolate cowboy hat and other glorious garnishes.

7 Whiskey Kitchen

Interior of trendy bar and restaurant with people sitting at tables and bar with floral wallpaper on back wall

7 Whiskey Kitchen

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Indulge in one of the house specialties, such as the Beer and Loathing with bourbon, amaro, lemon, honey and a splash of IPA. Elevate your experience with kitchen bites, including boiled peanuts or a slice of shoofly pie.

8 Bittersweet

8 Bittersweet

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Can’t choose between a cocktail and dessert? You don’t have to. Weekends feature a blueberry peach galette topped with crème fraîche ice cream. (It makes a dreamy match with the toasted almond coffee cocktail.) A to-go window allows for uninterrupted neighborhood perusing.

Catalyst Social District

High Point

Anchored by the High Point Rockers baseball stadium, this buzzy area set within the Catalyst District boasts a brewery, a winery, a food hall and a colorful array of retailers.

9 Stock + Grain Assembly Food Hall

Bartender extending drink through order window at food hall.

9 Stock + Grain Assembly Food Hall

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Choices, choices! High Point’s sole food hall features two bars and seven food kiosks. Try Cahoots, a patio bar with Truist Point stadium (home of the High Point Rockers) providing the backdrop.

10 Nomad Wine Works

Three smiling friends drinking wine on front patio of wine store during daytime.

10 Nomad Wine Works

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The first urban winery in the Triad region resides in a former furniture showroom. Nomad sources grapes, fruit and honey from around the country to make their cider, wine and mead.

11 The Blooming Board

11 The Blooming Board

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This boutique charcuterie and cheese shop invites you to gather, graze and shop. Check out the outdoor patio while you reserve a grab-and-go charcuterie board or stay and sip on frosé (all day).

Main Street Social District

Sylva

Sylva proves you don’t have to be a big city to be buzzworthy. Here, you can experience contemporary Main Street draws with a timeless mountain backdrop.

12 Innovation Brewing

People enjoying beers on brewery outdoor patio during daytime.

12 Innovation Brewing

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A stop on the Jackson County Ale Trail, the brewery sits beside a mountain creek and serves up peak vistas. Hop into the rotating selection of seasonal brews, hard ciders and a house-made ginger ale. The on-site Cosmic Carry-Out food truck features pizza from Meatballs. (Learn more below.)

13 Meatballs

13 Meatballs

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Santiago and Crystal Guzzetti own multiple hot Italian spots in town. This one’s home to inventive pizzas – think pears, walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette as toppings – jazzed up further by zippy drink pairings like the spiced sangria.

14 White Moon Cafe & Dark Moon Cocktail Bar

Friends enjoying coffee on patio as another customer walks into brick coffee shop.

14 White Moon Cafe & Dark Moon Cocktail Bar

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By day, White Moon welcomes you as a cozy cafe, only to morph into Dark Moon, a hidden cocktail bar nestled within the shop come nightfall. Nosh on avocado toast and other brunch favorites in the a.m., then return for evening delights as you savor cocktails amid a candlelit ambience.

15 Jackson County Farmers Market

15 Jackson County Farmers Market

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The year-round market invites you to sip, stroll and explore on Saturdays. Browse crafts vendors and artisans from Western North Carolina, peruse handmade pottery and treat yourself to baked goods – all to the tune of live music.

Outdoor NC tip: Always remember to place your trash in garbage bags. Food scraps, cigarette butts and other litter can take years to decompose.

Seek out other sip and stroll areas in The Official 2025 North Carolina Travel Guide.

Updated January 23, 2025
About the Author

Nikki Miller-Ka

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