Here at The Merrimon-Wynne House, we love us some Raleigh, and we know our brides do too! We also know that many weddings include guests not familiar with our great city but want to explore it in between wedding festivities. SO, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Oak City hot spots to help give your out-of-towners a taste of our fabulous city:
Bida Manda is a Laotian Bar and Restaurant located in Moore Square and is the perfect place lunch or dinner spot for your guests! Voted Best Restaurant in Raleigh, Bida Manda offers a unique approach to Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine that has taken Downtown Raleigh by storm! The service is amazing, and their food is absolutely incredible (order the Pork Belly…trust us).
(222 South Blount Street)
The Raleigh Times Bar is about as local as it gets, so we’re sure your guests will love it! They offer great cocktails, a huge selection of beer and delicious bar eats, all in a 100 year old building chalked full of Raleigh history. Their rooftop patio will give your guests a spectacular view of Downtown Raleigh too. It’s in walking distance to many downtown hotels so it's a recommendation for those guests looking to explore on foot.
(14 East Hargett Street)
Visiting the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a fun, FREE activity for your guests, whether they have kids or not! The museum is only a few blocks away from Merrimon-Wynne and is open 9AM-5PM Monday-Saturday and noon-5PM on Sundays. It has many exciting, permanent exhibits, as well as special exhibits changing seasonally! Make sure to check their website for upcoming events as well!
(11 West Jones Street)
It’s no secret that the Merrimon-Wynne ladies LOVE Furbish Studio! Located in Cameron Village, Furbish is a fun store chalked full of one-of-a-kind treasures for you and the home that inspires you to “dare to mix”. It’s a must for their visit, and who knows? You might even get an awesome last-minute wedding gift out of it :)
(2012 Cameron Street)
A visit to Pullen Park, North Carolina’s first state park, is a must for any of your guests with children! Whether you spend just a few hours there or all day, the activities are endless. There is a beautiful 1911 carousel, a massive playground for all ages, tennis courts, paddle boats and we can't forget a ride on the bright red train. Admission to the park is free and The Cafe is a great spot to grab a healthy snack. Pullen Park is situated between Western Boulevard, Hillsborough Street, Ashe Avenue and North Carolina State University. Hours vary seasonally.
(408 Ashe Avenue)