We’ve got a lot of exciting things planned during the week for our annual CO2 conference. 

Heading into town early, staying a few extra hours, or just looking for some local haunts to escape to amidst all the conference activity? If you find yourself with a little free time on your hands this week, we asked our team to share some of their favorite spots in downtown Raleigh. 

Hungry?

• For great food and even better beer: Raleigh Times (14 E Hargett St) is a historic favorite. Even in cold weather, the view from the rooftop patio is worth it. We have it on good authority that the salmon fried rice is the menu item to beat. 

• For the best North Carolina BBQ: The Pit (328 W Davie St) offers up Eastern-style smoked pork, ribs, and brisket.
  Didn’t get enough Thanksgiving leftovers before heading to Raleigh? They’ve got BBQ turkey, too. 

• For foodies: Brewery Bhavana (218 S Blount St) was named one of Forbes 10 Coolest Places to Eat, offering contemporary dim sum and asian fusion in a beautiful restaurant/flower shop. (Make a reservation ASAP, because Raleigh locals fill this place up fast!)

• Have trouble making up your mind? Morgan Street Food Hall (411 W Morgan St) and Transfer Co Food Hall (500 E Davie St) are recent additions to Raleigh’s food scene. Pick and choose from a variety of casual dining options. 

Thirsty?

• For atmosphere: Watts & Ward (200 S Blount St) is Raleigh’s underground speakeasy, paying homage to the roaring 20’s. If overstuffed couches and craft cocktails are your style, it’s well worth the $1 membership fee to get in.

• For beers: Raleigh Beer Garden (614 Glenwood Ave) is the world’s largest beer garden, with 378 beers on tap. Stop on the first floor to try one of 144 NC local brews, or head upstairs and try to choose between 222 other draughts. 

• For liquor: Whiskey Kitchen (201 W Martin St) has an extensive collection of (surprise!) whiskey, as well as craft cocktails and southern fare.

Bored?

• For culture: CAM Raleigh (The Contemporary Art Museum - 409 W Martin St) and the North Carolina Museum of History (5 E Edenton St) are just two of many great museums in the greater Raleigh area. (We’re taking over the Natural Museum of Science on Thursday night, so save that dance for us!)

• For relaxing: Marbles IMAX (201 E Hargett St) offers 3-D immersive movie screenings. 

• To get moving: 110 Hot Yoga (444 S Blount St #110) offers group yoga if you’re looking to start your day with some deep stretching. Not sure the hotel gym is going to cut it this week? The YMCA (227 Fayetteville St) offers day passes for $10.

Happy exploring! We hope you enjoy downtown Raleigh as much as we do.