When it comes to planning a luxurious Raleigh date night, North Hills has it all. North Hills is overflowing with high-end chains mingled with overpriced indie boutiques, all huddled around upscale apartment complexes and luxury hotels. A lively dining scene offers a choice between easy fast-food or overpriced New American or Italian, all washed down with a glass of wine. In the heart of it all, Midtown Park offers an artificial grass respite that serves as a battleground for Lululemon yoga enthusiasts and a venue for summer concerts.
For the perfect North Hills date night, you should definitely start with a fun activity, get drinks, have a tasty meal, and save room for dessert.
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How to plan a Raleigh date night in North Hills
Step 1: A Fun Activity
These fun activities are all perfect for a luxurious North Hills date night.
Go bowling at Kings Bowl-North Hills – 141 Park at N Hills St – Kings offers bowling, billiards, arcade games, and big-screen TVs for if your date isn’t great at conversation.
Check out one of the events at Midtown Park – 4011 Cardinal at North Hills Street – Midtown Park is an artificially green space in the heart of North Hills’ Park District that lends itself well to events. Look for the Midtown Beach Music Series, Wellness Wednesdays, or other upcoming events.
Get sweaty at one of a million exercise places – Options include Cyclebar, Dose Yoga, Fitness Connection Gym, Midtown Yoga, Orangetheory Fitness, and Pure Barre. Pick your sweaty poison.
Shop Maker’s Alley – 540 St. Albans Drive – Maker’s Alley is a new collection of micro-retail spaces prioritizing female and minority-owned businesses. You’ll find a curated selection of shops offering everything from handcrafted goods and artwork to fitness studios and floral boutiques.
Step 2: Grab Some Drinks
North Hills offers Sip & Stroll in the Park District from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Stop in one of the participating restaurants or bars and you will be able to wander around with your drink so long as you stay within the clearly posted bounds of the Sip & Stroll district.
Chuy’s – 4020 Market At N Hls St – Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex restaurant known for its large portions, fun atmosphere, and Elvis Presley decor. Look for burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and other classic Tex-Mex dishes on the menu and all sorts of kitch and bright colors on the wall. I highly recommend the New Mexican Martini, which you can get to go as part of the Sip & Stroll program.
Level7 – 101 Park at N Hills St – This is a rooftop bar where the cocktails are mostly plays on classics. A menu of small plates compliments the cocktail list.
Vita Vite Midtown – 200 Park at N Hills St #130 – Vita Vite is not only a wine bar, but also an art gallery. Look for a super cozy space, a curated selection of wines and craft beers, and small plates and desserts, perfect for sharing or enjoying alongside your drink. They are a Sip & Stroll participant so you can also get your drink to go.
Yard House – 4208 Six Forks Rd #c110 – This high-end chain offers a vast menu of New American cuisine alongside an large selection of draft beers.
Step 3: Have Dinner
With plenty of great spots for a bite to eat in North Hills, these are some of the best ones for a Raleigh date night.
41Hundred – 4100 Main at North Hills St – This is an upscale restaurant in the Renaissance Hotel offering regionally inspired dishes all day. Relax in a warm and inviting atmosphere, and unwind with a drink from the full bar.
Coquette – 4351 The Cir At N Hills St – This is a beautiful French brasserie serving equally beautiful food.
Happy + Hale – 200 Park at N Hills St #101 – Happy + Hale is a local quick-service chain focused on healthy and delicious food. They offer bowls, salads, and smoothies made with fresh ingredients. They also have all-day breakfast options, which might be worth noting if you decide to stay the night.
Tamasha Modern Indian – 4200 Six Forks Rd Suite # 130 – At Tamasha, one can find contemporary Indian cuisine, a delightful departure from the usual butter chicken. This establishment even basked in the recent glory of being named one of the “50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America” by OpenTable and People Magazine. Reservations are recommended.
Step 4: Get Dessert
Saving room for something sweet to wrap up your Raleigh date night in North Hills? These are the perfect final stops.
Ben & Jerry’s – 4160 Main St – The ice cream treats at this Vermont-based chain are renowned for their playful titles and inventive concoctions.
Kilwins – 200 Park at N Hills St suite 110 – If you find yourself wandering down the street, nose twitching with anticipation, and eyes wide with wonder, you’re probably close to a Kilwins. This sweets chain sells chocolates, confections, fudge, and original recipe ice cream.
Where to Park Around North Hills
There is some street parking, a few surface parking lots, and a number of parking decks scattered throughout North Hills. All parking is free so head towards your destination, being careful not to hit any pedestrians, and just keep driving around until you find a spot that’s arguably big enough for your vehicle.
Where to Stay Around North Hills
If you’re visiting from out of town or decide to make a staycation of your North Hills date night, there are a couple of options.
For the intrepid traveler seeking a refined respite, Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel awaits. Rooms are equipped with luxury linens, 55″ flat screen TVs (and TVs embedded behind vanity mirror in each bathroom!), ergonomic chairs and desks, and Wi-Fi but only if you pay for it. Upgraded rooms offer access to a most delightful lounge serving a complimentary continental breakfast, a mid-day snack, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and grab-and-go snacks all day. Suites offer separate living areas with pull-out sofas and whirlpool tubs! Look also for two onsite restaurants and a fitness center.
Alternatively, the AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills offers a modern haven nestled in this bustling retail park! Streamlined rooms each offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, mini fridges, and coffeemakers. Some rooms also offer the convenience of pull-out sofas. Check out the rooftop tapas bar with city views, a well-equipped gym, and coin-operated laundry facilities.
Where to Get Coffee and Breakfast in North Hills
Jubala – 200 Park at N Hills St Suite 140 – This is an inviting and cozy local coffee shop chain serving breakfast and lunch daily. They have a full espresso menu featuring Black and White Coffee Roasters beans along with some very good specialty drinks. Choose from lightly sweet biscuits, crispy Liege waffles, or a variety of sandwiches to pair with your beverage. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating but it fills up quickly.
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar – 110 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh – Rosewater is a garden-masquerading cafe that serves a brunch so globally inspired, it might give your passport nightmares.
Which of these Raleigh spots would you choose for a North Hills date night?
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