Routes to Raleigh: Dashing from the West
(1) Starting Point: Los Angeles, California
Hollywood Boulevard. Shutterstock, 1 Mar 2016, https://bit.ly/lastockphoto.
To Do: The Broad, a contemporary art museum offering free general admission and an active program of rotating exhibitions.
To Eat: The Little Door, with a consistently rotating menu, The Little Door holds the title for the "Best Romantic Restaurant of LA." A Parisian-style restaurant with seasonal French fare, pastries, and fine wines.
To Drink: Bar Bohemian, a sleek, bright and breezy craft cocktail rooftop bar and lounge at Citizen Public Market.
(2) Albuquerque, New Mexico
To Stay: Painted Lady Bed & Brew, a twist on the traditional B&B concept. Built in 1881 as a brothel and saloon, The Painted Lady is rumored to be haunted, if you’re into that sort of thing.
To Do: Hike La Luz Trail to the top of South Sandia Peak for a beautiful view of the city. If the weather’s good, take the cable car back down to the bottom.
To Eat: Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm, technically a hotel, but their restaurant’s food is grown right on the property.
To Drink: Sip on local wines at Casa Rondeña Winery.
(3) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Skyline Sunset. Pixels, 13 Apr 2019, https://bit.ly/okstockphoto.
To Stay: Colcord Hotel, housed in a historic building from the 1910s, the Colcord is a boutique hotel smack in the middle of the downtown scene.
To Do: Ride OKC’s Bike + Brews, a three-hour-long bike tour, with stops at five breweries and a few other notable city sites along the way.
To Eat: Grey Sweater, one of OKC's newest and most unique restaurant concepts.
To Drink: Elemental Coffee, a minimalist cafe with espresso and craft coffee drinks. Their beans are roasted in-house!
(4) Nashville, Tennessee
Spirit of Nashville Bus. Shutterstock, 15 Feb 2020, https://bit.ly/nashstockphoto.
To Stay: Kimpton Aertson Hotel, located in Nashville’s Midtown district next to the legendary, Music Row. Pet friendly!
To Do: You can’t go to Music City without hearing some live music. Go see a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
To Eat: Pinewood Social, a trendy restaurant, cozy coffee shop, craft cocktail bar, and a bowling alley. All in one!
To Drink: Yee-Haw Brewing Co., a dual distillery and brewery in Sobro that is a much-loved go-to.
(5) Asheville, North Carolina
To Stay: The Foundry Hotel Asheville, restored and resurrected an abandoned steel foundry.
To Do: Take a hike in the Pisgah National Forest.
To Eat: Jargon, located in historic West Asheville, Jargon is an intimate spot that offers modern American dishes along with craft cocktails.
To Drink: Capella on 9 takes rooftop drinking to the next level. Smack in the middle of downtown Asheville, Capella has a great cocktail program with phenomenal city views.
Welcome to Raleigh, West Coasters!
