Move to Raleigh

Living local

Not a tourist list. This is where I actually go, and where I send you in your first month.

Raleigh favorites

Updated as places open and close — and they do. If something on this list has slipped, tell me and I'll fix it.

Morning

Sola on Fairview for the pastry case, Jubala in Five Points for a slow one, Black & White downtown when you actually need to work.

Breakfast

Big Ed's at the City Market for the full experience, Rise for a biscuit in the car line, Person Street Bar for brunch that runs long.

Barbecue

Eastern-style, vinegar, no argument. Sam Jones and Clyde Cooper's both earn their lines. Ask ten locals, get eleven answers.

Saturday

Open year-round off Lake Wheeler. Go early, bring cash, and eat at the restaurant on the corner afterward.

Outdoors

Neuse River Trail for distance, Lake Johnson for a loop with a view, Umstead State Park when you want to forget there's a city.

Evening

Quail Ridge Books for a signing, the Art Museum park at golden hour, and Lincoln Theatre or Red Hat Amphitheater for a show under the sky.

Around town

Runner, gardener, restaurant person, museum person — it changes which neighborhood I'd put you in.