Shopping in Charleston, South Carolina Guide

***Please note that this Shopping in Charleston, South Carolina Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This travel guide was most recently updated as of April 2026.***

While many people view New York City as THE American fashion capital, I have ALWAYS fallen more and more in love with the fashion sense and Southern charm that comes with the style in *surprise* Charleston, South Carolina. I have ALWAYS admired the gorgeous preppy and Southern flair style and Charleston seems to have ALL the boutiques which I have dreamed of visiting in-person yet were too far from my Washington, DC area home base to do so. Just a few weeks ago, my best friends and I had a fun beach weekend in Isle of Palms, South Carolina (here) aka one of the prettiest places I have ever been (!!!) where we spent a day in Charleston (here). On THE top of my list of things to do in Charleston …. check out ALLL the shops. SO, I am sharing my own curated guide to shopping in Charleston, South Carolina!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

Shopping in Charleston, South Carolina Guide

From Madison Mathews to Lilly Pulitzer to LoveShackFancy, the charming fashion and shopping in Charleston, South Carolina is HARD to beat! Luckily for myself, the shops in Charleston’s Fashion District are primarily on the well-known King Street or within a few blocks away, making it an easy and fun afternoon activity. There’s *even* a Gucci and Louis Vuitton storefront there, too. A Target aka my favorite storefront is on King Street as well. Needless to say, I had an incredible time shopping and mostly browsing here in Charleston. And, I think YOU will have a great time shopping in Charleston, South Carolina, too!

Gretchen Scott Designs (233 King Street) – Living by the motto “Laugh More, Gripe Less, Ignore Critics, Say Yes, Order Dessert, Love Life,” Gretchen Scott Designs’ founder and CEO Gretchen Scott specializes in super fun, chic, and globally-inspired designs often in a bright and bubbly fashion. Shop Gretchen Scott Designs online here.
Candlefish (270 King Street) – The ultimate destination for an array of candles and gifts including storefront workshops, Candlefish has a library of over 100 scents to choose from of which will be perfect for your happy home. Shop Candlefish online here.
Kenny Flowers (345 King Street) – With products crafted in Colombia and Bali, Kenny Flowers specializes in beautifully made tropical apparel and goods, including an array of Hawaiian shirts and resort wear. Shop Kenny Flowers online here.
Stoney Clover Lane (316 King Street Suite A) – Selling customizable and personalized nylon or leather accessories including bags and pouches in a range of colors, Stoney Clover Lane truly has it all. The best part?!?! Customers can get their pieces customized at the store! Shop Stoney Clover Lane online here.
Hill House Home (145 King Street) – Founded in 2016 by London native and New York living Nell Diamond, Hill House Home brings romantic and dreamy styles through Diamond’s dream to make “happy things for happy places.” Hill House Home’s most well-known garment is their Nap Dress, which I have created both a Nap Dress review for here and a Nap Dress dupe shopping guide for here. Shop Hill House Home online here.
Roller Rabbit (163 King Street) – With pop-up storefronts across the country including recently in Washington, DC’s Georgetown, Roller Rabbit is a feel-good lifestyle brand known for their popular printed pajamas, loungewear, clothing, home goods, and accessories. Shop Roller Rabbit online here.
Madison Mathews (178 King Street) – I have been following Madison Mathews on Instagram for a few years now and have fallen IN LOVE with the brand’s gorgeous designs. I stopped in here to kick off my shopping stroll on Charleston’s King Street while my friends went in mainly for the air conditioning and free seating LOL! I LOVED finally getting to admire some of the most stunning designs by Madison Mathews in-person after seeing them on my phone screen for the past few years. The BEST part?! The store owners had their gorgeous dog there who LOVED visiting with me and my sweet crew (!!!). Shop Madison Mathews online here.
Palm Avenue (251 King Street) – Palm Avenue is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store that was once one of 4 storefronts across the South. Now, Palm Avenue’s Charleston location remains the only storefront still in business since their Savannah and Raleigh locations went out of business. The ladies at Palm Avenue were SO SWEET and welcoming and *even* had a preview of Lilly Pulitzer’s Splash Sale on their sale racks! I invested in one of their hot pink belt bags for summer walks with my dog Rosie. My fellow Lilly Pulitzer loving best friend Alanna and I had a blast there!
Spartina 449 (231 King Street) – For YEARS, I have been a HUGE fan of Spartina 449‘s designs. More speciafically speaking, I am a HUGE fan of the Lowcountry-based design house’s map prints on their accessories of which I own items in the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia map prints. It was SO MUCH FUN to stop in one of my favorite brand’s storefronts that are not super common up in the Washington, DC area. Not to mention, the ladies there were so sweet. Shop Spartina 449 online here.
The Finicky Filly (303 King Street) – Confession: I do not know much about The Finicky Filly besides the fact that one of my college friend’s Mom’s suggested it to me. HOWEVER, the name is WAYYYYY too cute not to pop in and make a visit at the next time I am in town. Shop The Finicky Filly online here.
LoveShackFancy (218 King Street) – Well, I rarely feel like a 5 year old kid in a candy store nowadays, BUT I did when I stepped foot into THE iconic LoveShackFancy storefront here on Charleston’s King Street. The LoveShackFancy storefront is literally every grand millennial’s (like myself) dream come true in a store. I was so so so obsessed with the storefront the entire time and my friends LOVED all the sparse and plethora of seating options within the air conditioning *yet again*. The ladies working at LoveShackFancy were SO SWEET, too, and were happy with my excitement within their store. The day we went, an artist was custom painting on sunglasses cases which was complimentary with a purchase of one as apart of a promotion going on then. Needless to say, the vibes there were impeccable. Truly, a DREAM COME TRUE (!!!). Shop LoveShackFancy online here.
Charleston City Market (188 Meeting Street) – While it can get pretty overwhelming to walk through ALL the shops, the Charleston City Market has been apart of the city dating ALLLL the way back to the 1790’s. It also stretches four blocks of Charleston’s historic district and has markets of local businesses to Charleston, Charleston-oriented souvenirs, and small business owners. I ended up purchasing two of Sofya’s (here) stunning paintings to frame in my own apartment. (I hope to buy more of her designs someday, too!).
Old Whaling Company (409 King Street Suite 100) – We stopped here *also* for the air conditioning – surprise!! BUT, we all LOVED getting to smell the plethora of lotions, body soap, and candles that Old Whaling Company has to offer its customers. Maybe, *just maybe*, I will be placing an online order soon after I write this paragraph. Old Whaling Company also has a mini storefront at the Charleston City Market AND a gorgeous mural of sea-like paintings on its walls within its King Street store. Shop Old Whaling Company online here.
Jean-Pierre Klifa (214 King Street) – As of Summer 2023, the Jean-Pierre Kilfa storefront is brand-new to Charleston! I ended up talking with the store associate who was SO SWEET and explained the fashion house’s brand-new ties to Charleston. The Jean-Pierre Klifa brand is *just like* an affordable version of Emilio Pucci’s gorgeous designs with the bright and bubbly charm that comes about from Lilly Pulitzer. I had a blast browsing the new storefront and congratulating the associates there! Shop Jean-Pierre Klifa online here.
Lake Pajamas (153 King Street) – I have seen SOOOO many of my fellow blogger/influencer friends raving about Lake Pajamas. I once found a pair of Lake Pajamas at my local Goodwill and sadly did not pick them up for some reason (there’s always a next time, though!). One day, I shall own a pair. And, next time I am in Charleston, I *most definitely* want to make a stop in this sleeping in heaven storefront! Shop Lake Pajamas online here.
The Tiny Tassel (46 Spring Street Unit B) – I have been connected to The Tiny Tassel’s store owner the ultra-adorable Mimi for a few years now and have been DYING to check out her stunning storefront for a few years now! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the designs that Mimi designs herself, ranging from beaded earrings and bracelets to clothing. I’ve had a pair of flamingo tassel earrings for over 3 years now! Well, what can I say?! There’s ALWAYS a next time!! Shop The Tiny Tassel online here.

Wrap-Up

The shopping alone would bring me back to Charleston just about *any* day. I will definitely be back in Charleston (hopefully) very very very soon!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide

***Please note that this Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This guide was most recently updated as of November 2025.***

Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee) over the past few months, I have shared a bit about my recent brief experiences visiting Raleigh, North Carolina and more specifically enjoying the city’s well-known North Hills Shopping District. I also visited North Hills a lot throughout my college years when I was a student at Meredith College and made several memories during that era of my life. One of my favorite memories at North Hills was shopping at the Lilly Pulitzer store there! North Hills has so many adorable shops and restaurants that those local to Raleigh and visiting can enjoy. This Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide will outline everything you need to know before you go!

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Shopping + Dining at North Hills in North Carolina Guide

About North Hills in North Carolina:

Originally a strip mall and then constructed into an enclosed mall in the 1960’s known as North Hills Mall, North Hills in North Carolina has transformed over the decades into what it is today. At the time of its construction as an enclosed mall in 1967, North Hills Mall was the only two-story indoor mall between Atlanta and Washington, DC. North Hills transformed into what it is today in 2001 when Kane Reality Corporation bought the mall site, reopening it in 2004 into what it is and continues to evolve into today. Today, North Hills in North Carolina is a well-known multi-faceted district offering opportunities to live, work, and play in the heart of Raleigh’s Midtown. Offerings include Four-Star hotels, restaurants, shops, apartment complexes, and signature events throughout the year. One of the most unique things about North Hills in North Carolina is that there is truly something for everyone to enjoy, whether it be indulging in some luxury shopping at one of the many options such as Chanel or Lilly Pulitzer or grabbing a Starbucks while you stroll and shop or catching a movie and admiring the art displays.

Note: It is also worth noting that North Hills has a strong Code of Conduct and Parents Onsite policies, to ensure the safety of all who live, work, and play there.

Getting There:

Driving: North Hills is located just off of North Carolina’s I-440. Like most of Raleigh, North Carolina, it is easiest to reach North Hills by car – the City of Oaks has several rental car options. There are multiple parking opportunities in front of shops and restaurants. Depending on where you plan to eat, shop, or dine at, I would suggest taking a peak on North Hills’s Interactive Parking Map beforehand to look up parking options, as they differ throughout the shopping district.

Flying/Train: If either flying or taking Amtrak from out of town, Ubers are readily available and accessible around town. If you plan to stay at North Hills, then there are 3 onsite hotels offering several walking opportunities to ALL the shopping, dining, and events offered.

North Hills’s main address is: 4321 LASSITER AT NORTH HILLS AVE. RALEIGH, NC 27609

Dining + Shopping Options:

There are several dining and shopping opportunities at North Hills. As I’ve previously mentioned, there is something for everybody when it comes to having a good time in the heart of Midtown Raleigh! Whether it be a Target run, clothing shopping at Lilly Pulitzer, Anthropologie, or Charlotte’s, or wine-ing and dining at Firebirds, Coquette Brasserie, or RH Rooftop, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. That all being said, I have listed a few shops and restaurants that I’ve enjoyed when in North Hills.

Dining at North Hills

Please note that I will be focusing on local and popular dining options, as opposed to bigger chain restaurants and cafes. For the full dining list at North Hills, look no further than here.

Village Tavern – Originally opening its doors at its first location in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Village Tavern prides itself on serving up affordable and delicious Southern fare while being a great place to both work and dine at. If you love Shrimp & Grits, then you must try them!

Restoration Hardware’s RH Rooftop – The popular luxury home furnishings brand’s RH Rooftop has made its way to Raleigh calling North Hills its home! Before you go, be sure to check out my experiences at RH Rooftops across the country here.

Vivace – Having been voted one of the Triangle’s “Top 20 Best Restaurants,” Vivace provides guests with delicious Italian fare in a cozy and chic atmosphere. If you’re a Brussels Sprouts lover like myself, then be sure to order them as an appetizer!

STIR – Having a made-from-scratch menu, STIR focuses on premium cocktails, oysters, and much more. If you’re an oyster-loving gal like me, then you must try them at STIR!

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – A polished-casual restaurant specializing in wood-fired American cuisine, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has it all from steaks to seafood and cocktails. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the wine wall!

Coquette Brasserie – An authentic French Brasserie centered around a spectacular zinc bar. Weekend brunch at Coquette Brasserie is a favorite!

Shopping at North Hills

Please note that I will be focusing on local shopping options, as opposed to bigger chain shops. For the full shopping list at North Hills, look no further than here.

Quail Ridge Books – Founded by Nancy Olson in 1984, Quail Ridge Books is an independent bookstore that carries a curated selection of books and hosts discussion groups, events, and town Hall meetings. The staff at Quail Ridge Books are known for being friendly and helpful!

Pink Chicken – Pink Chicken is adorable Mommy and Me apparel store carrying a collection of versatile items in block prints and with a vintage flair that will take customers from play dates to barbecues to Saturday dinners on the town.

Paperbuzz – A favorite local shop for 20+ years, Paperbuzz offers a wide array of gifts from formal to eclectic, including wedding invitations. Merchandise is from popular brands including Scout Bags and Weezie Towels.

Lilly Pulitzer – Although a popular resort wear brand nationwide (and beyond!), I firmly believe that every Lilly Pulitzer storefront is different (including their uniquely hand-painted dressing rooms!). The staff at North Hills are always excited to help customers find the best clothing to brighten their daily lives.

Charlotte’s – Charlotte’s prides itself on their customers being at the cutting edge of gifts, fashion, and home accessories, whether it be $30 earrings or designer diamond rings.

Wrap-Up:

Whether it be a local shop or restaurant or a nationwide favorite shop or restaurant, North Hills in North Carolina truly has it all when it comes to shopping and dining! On my recent visits to Raleigh, North Carolina, I have really enjoyed getting to shop and dine at North Hills. Indeed, there is SO much to enjoy without even leaving North Hills. Til next time!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Your Guide To The Biltmore Asheville, North Carolina

***Please note that Your Guide To The Biltmore Asheville, North Carolina has been updated and re-circulated to include more up-to-date information. This guide has most recently been updated in April 2026.***

A few years ago on a whim, my best friend Alanna and I decided to spend an afternoon at The Biltmore while we were on a long weekend trip to Asheville, North Carolina for our best friend Kearra’s Birthday Weekend and *JUST* happened to find that we had an afternoon free while the rest of our crew went horseback riding. Flash forward to April 2025 when I was visiting my best friend Hannah in Charlotte (see my full guide on Charlotte here!), I decided to take a solo Spring day trip to Asheville to see The Biltmore, as I hadn’t seen the interiors of it my first time there. The Biltmore is approximately 2 hours from Charlotte, making it an easy day trip to do. SO, above all else, when in doubt, take a day trip to The Biltmore!!!

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Your Guide To The Biltmore Asheville, North Carolina

Book Your Stay:

When planning a trip to The Biltmore, having a comfortable stay is always key. Book your stay in or around Asheville, North Carolina today!

About The Biltmore:

So, The Biltmore Estate is the largest mansion built by the Vanderbilt’s on at least the East Coast and is located in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains in Asheville. It is a Chateau-style mansion that was designed by George Washington Vanderbilt between 1889-1895. An interesting thing about The Biltmore was that Vanderbilt designed and constructed it when he was a bachelor. A few years later, George Vanderbilt married Edith Dresser in 1898 where he brought her to Biltmore to live and raise their only child a daughter: Cornelia Vanderbilt. George Vanderbilt was an intellectual and the interiors of Biltmore truly showcase that via vast collections of artworks and things from his travels and his massive library filled with books. After George Vanderbilt’s passing in 1914, Edith Vanderbilt continued to live at The Biltmore with Cornelia and eventually Cornelia’s husband John Cecil until the 1930s when her daughter divorced John and moved to Europe. John on the other hand resided at The Biltmore and continued to do so and he and Cornelia’s sons joined him throughout the years that followed. The Biltmore did though remain a residence for the descendants of George Washington Vanderbilt until the 1950s when it became a historic mansion. The Biltmore is proudly kept alive thanks to the several visitors that come to see and appreciate it as well as the legacy that George Washington Vanderbilt and his descendants built during their time there.

I recently read The Wedding Veil by Kristie Woodson Harvey and found it to be a great read about the women (most specifically Edith Dresser Vanderbilt and Cornelia Vanderbilt) of The Biltmore and their stories. Truly, this incredible historical fiction read dives into the thoughts and feelings of these women as they navigate the 1900s at Biltmore in the world’s ever changing landscape. I highly recommend this read before/after you plan to take a day trip to The Biltmore.

Alongside The Biltmore mansion, The Biltmore estate also has adjacent gardens and grounds (including a ticket just to explore that), special exhibitions, hiking trails, multiple onsite restaurants and cafes, several adorable shops that are all-things Biltmore-themed, and the Biltmore Winery which has its wine produced on several acres of the Biltmore’s property.

Getting There & Admission:

The Biltmore Estate is located just outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the Western part of the state. It is situated with easy access to I-40. Within North Carolina, the Biltmore (and Asheville) are located about 4 hours from Raleigh and two hours from Charlotte. That being said, a day trip to The Biltmore is easily doable from Charlotte and makes a great stop on a weekend trip to Western North Carolina from Raleigh!

It is also worth noting that on a day trip to The Biltmore that it is easiest to have a car while there (there are several rental car options). Different parts of The Biltmore, such as the grounds and gardens, the Antler Hill Village & Biltmore Winery, and special exhibitions are all on different parts of the estate’s property. There are also gorgeous hiking trails. Parking is included within all admission tickets to The Biltmore.

In 2022 on my girls trip to Asheville, there were 6 of us girls. And, since between the 6 of us for the weekend we had only 2 cars and carpooled everywhere, our friends dropped us off at The Biltmore Visitor Center. Upon dropping us off at Biltmore’s drop off only location, Alanna and I learned with the help of SUPER sweet customer service representatives there that we would have to purchase tickets for the Biltmore Express – a $15 flat fee/day shuttle service that comes on the hour to varying parts of The Biltmore Estate. I will say, though, when I went back to The Biltmore, I definitely took my car with me, as it was much easier and more convenient to get around. See more on all-things getting there here.

For my first day trip to The Biltmore, Alanna and I ended up booking our tickets to The Biltmore the night before going. Upon booking a ticket there, we had a few options of what ticket(s) to get: including a ticket just to the Gardens & Grounds, a House tour, and a guided House tour. There are also additional ticketing add-on’s, including special exhibits and carriage rides. All tickets include a complimentary wine tasting, too! Alanna and I just went with the Gardens & Grounds ticket, as we only had an afternoon to spend there and it was the cheapest option. It’s important to note that prices to visit vary per day of the week, month, and season (Christmas is definitely more expensive than all of the other times of the year). See all of the ticket options here.

What To Do on a Day Trip to The Biltmore:

There’s several things to do on a day trip to The Biltmore, alongside *of course* checking out the beautiful gardens and grounds and admiring the mansion. Check out all the things to do at The Biltmore below:

For more things to do in and around Asheville, North Carolina in addition to your Biltmore day trip, don’t fear! There are plenty of activities and tours in Asheville to choose from.

My Experience

From my first day trip to The Biltmore – gardens and grounds only:

Well, we took the Biltmore Express to the Biltmore Mansion where my jaw had absolutely literally DROPPED TO THE FLOOR! Our driver to the mansion was super friendly and made it all that more special upon arrival there. The mansion is STUNNING and even more so than in ALLL the pictures that I have seen of it. Alanna and I took photos at the front of the mansion and along the gardens and on the sides of the mansion. You can take in SOOO many views of the North Carolina mountains, too. Every part of it was jaw-droppingly beautiful. Alanna and I enjoyed strolling through the gift shops (where the Spartina 449 custom Biltmore totes were VERRRYYY tempting!), sipping the wine via our complimentary tasting (you get to choose four of their wines to taste!) which was also extremely tempting to take home some bottles of wine, and lunch at one of their cafes whose name I forget – haha! Through it all, I was in awe every second!

After about 90 minutes at the Biltmore mansion, Alanna and I headed for the Antler Hill Village and Winery where we ended our lovely afternoon there. Antler Hill Village and Winery plays homage to the Biltmore Winery, several gorgeous high-end gift shops (including some that sold Kendra Scott jewelry!!), and restaurants/cafes. The Biltmore Estate’s very own hotel is there, too. There was a gorgeous garden as well representing the Seven Wonders of the World. Not to mention, musicians were playing such relaxing, upbeat music making that the cherry on top of the ice cream cone filled to the rim with ice cream and whipped cream!! While there, Alanna and I went to the Biltmore Winery – which by the way had the most whimsical lit up entrance!!! – and enjoyed some glasses of wine while sitting at their GORGEOUS BAR! Afterwards, we browsed through some of the sweet little shops at Antler Hill Village and Winery, enjoyed some music, called our families to tell them where we were, and then head back to our AirBnB with our Kearra’s Birthday Weekend crew.

Personally, getting there between 1-2pm, I was very worried that we were going to arrive too late. I know that The Biltmore Estate gets crowded and crowded pretty fast, too. BUT, to my surprise, it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I had expected. In the future, I hope to go tour the inside of the mansion with an audio guide or via a Candlelight tour at Christmas time and bring my car with me to get around better. I know that you need to book a specific time to tour the mansion, so it definitely would’ve been more challenging to do this time around. BUT, overall, I am really happy and blessed that I was able to even see The Biltmore Estate with my very own eyes, since it had been HIGH on my bucket list for some time.

From my second day trip to The Biltmore – going inside the mansion in addition to the gardens and grounds:

After my first day trip to The Biltmore, I decided to take my car with me from Charlotte. I ended up booking a 11am tour of the interior of the mansion, as that was my biggest priority for my next time there alongside *of course* Ooooo-ing and ahhhh-ing at all of the gorgeousness in the gardens, and got to the grounds around 9am. Once my complimentary parking was secured, I checked out the gift shops (all outlined earlier in this post!) and admired the gorgeous mansion’s grounds before heading inside. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed on both of my day trips to The Biltmore is how kind and wonderful the people that work there are. They truly make a day trip to The Biltmore one for the books!

Upon entering The Biltmore mansion, I was immediately in awe by how immaculate it was and to learn more about the history of George Washington Vanderbilt and Edith Vanderbilt, especially when it came to their service to the Asheville community and beyond. I learned that Edith served as the first woman ever to be elected as president of the North Carolina Agricultural Society, which organizes the North Carolina State Fair, greater known in the state as the “NC State Fair,” a role she took on for many years after her late husband’s passing. In North Carolina, the NC State Fair is a BIG deal – something that I learned during my college years in Raleigh. I also learned that George collected many of the items on display to this day at Biltmore throughout his travels. I imagined their daughter Cornelia Vanderbilt as a little girl running through the halls of Biltmore and how magical a sight that must’ve been to see! I envisioned myself as a guest at Biltmore, through seeing how guests enjoyed their stays there. And, I saw the inner workings of Biltmore, from the kitchen to laundry and everything in between and learned about key staff members throughout the years. Above all else, the complimentary audio guide tour of The Biltmore truly immerses you in all aspects of this magical home, from the lives of the Vanderbilts who lived there to the faces and stories of the incredible staff that made day-to-day life at Biltmore happen. Personally, I felt that the audio guide did an excellent job of showcasing all aspects of Biltmore, from the stories of those who lived and worked there to its incredible legacy that attracts thousands of visitors annually to this very day.

After my amazing audio guided tour all around The Biltmore mansion, I stopped for an early lunch at the spot I stopped at last time: The Stable Cafe. I tried a delicious pulled pork sandwich and Blue Ridge Mountain blueberry-infused cocktail. Because, when at The Biltmore?!? My waitress was extremely kind as much of the staff were!! I, then, admired the gift shops again where I had a mini version of the complimentary wine tasting as I was driving 2 hours later that afternoon where I grabbed some wine, a magnet, and a match box to enjoy at home. Next up: the incredible gardens which BLEW ME AWAY!!!! The gardens at Biltmore, situated adjacent to the mansion are truly out of a magazine. I had so much fun snapping several photos of the beautiful gardens with several mansion and mountain skyline views in between. Alllll before making my way back to Charlotte.

Wrap-Up

Ever sine my college years, I have dreamed of getting to visit The Biltmore. Several of my North Carolina-based college classmates went throughout the years, given that it is a North Carolina staple, especially during our holiday breaks. I remember hoping to go someday, too, despite it being challenging to reach from the Washington, DC area when I didn’t have a car or much room in my budget. Now, I am extremely thankful to say that I have been to The Biltmore not once but TWICE. Here’s to my next day trip to The Biltmore!

XOXO – Katie <3

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4 Things To Do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Recently on my road trip to Charlotte, North Carolina (here) to visit my friends there, I made a pit stop in charming Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Although I only spent ~2 hours in this North Carolina college town, I loved my time here and am excited to take another pit stop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. That all being said, this blog post is going to be dedicated to things to do in Chapel Hill and will potentially be updated over time.

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

About Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Chapel Hill is a charming town situated approximately 30 minutes West of Raleigh in North Carolina’s Orange County. It is a part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, which includes Raleigh and Durham as well. Most notably, Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina – one of many colleges in the Research Triangle. Its well-known and bustling street, Franklin Street, boasts a wide array of cafes, shops, restaurants, and hotels. One thing to note about Chapel Hill is that everything is Carolina Blue aka University of North Carolina’s well-known college color!

4 Things To Do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

1 – Stroll University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Campus

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a beautiful campus. Boasting everything from beautiful Southern style churches to gorgeous gardens and most notably the Old Well topped off in Carolina Blue, the University of North Carolina truly has so much to admire with a simple stroll on campus. You’ll definitely want to snap some photos, too!

2 – Grab breakfast and coffee at Chapel Hill’s oldest cafe: Carolina Coffee Shop

Become immersed into Chapel Hill’s history and food scene by dining at a cafe serving students for over a century. A cozy cafe that’s been situated right by the University of North Carolina’s campus since 1922, Carolina Coffee Shop is well-known for delicious breakfast eats, coffees, cocktails, and lunch foods.

3 – Admire the lobby and grab a drink at The Carolina Inn

Recognized as a AAA Four Diamond Award Hotel, The Carolina Inn is a luxurious hotel located a few blocks away from Franklin Street and adjacent to campus. The lobby, alleys, and hallways at The Carolina Inn are literally a grand millennial’s DREAM COME TRUE and also pay tribute to the history and heritage of its home at the University of North Carolina’s campus. While at The Carolina Inn, be sure to grab a drink or a delicious bite to eat at the onsite restaurant: Crossroads Chapel Hill which has a bar with signature wines.

4 – Walk along Franklin Street

Check out all of the local businesses and *even* spot one of the town’s iconic alley way’s murals alongside Franklin Street. While I didn’t spend too much time inside the shops, one thing that I wasn’t sure to miss and know you won’t miss too is ALL of the Carolina Blue and University of North Carolina pride at every turn that is beautiful to take all in!

Wrap-Up

I adored my brief pit stop and time in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is a beautiful college town filled with so much pride and heritage tied to its home university: The University of North Carolina. That college pride town-wide is such a beautiful thing to see and made me proud to be there, too.

TIL next time, Chapel Hill!

XOXO – Katie <3

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4 Restaurants I Tried in Cary, North Carolina

Whilst I spent 24 hours in Raleigh, North Carolina over Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend which I shared more about over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee)! Although cut short due to impending snow storms in the Washington, DC area, my trip to the Raleigh area was truly a blessing as I got to see some friends that I hadn’t seen for almost a year and some over a year. While there, I got to try some new-to-me delicious eats in the nearby Raleigh suburb of Cary, North Carolina. Cary, North Carolina dining experiences are definitely ones for the book, too! Last time I went to Raleigh and truly dined out there was in December 2023 (here). I feel SO lucky to have been able to try some delicious Cary eats. The Raleigh/Cary area has changed a bit since I graduated from college in 2021 (Raleigh is my college town!) and I LOVED getting to experience some new-to-me eats!!

***Please note that this blog post was written in January 2025 and will be periodically updated and recirculated to reflect recent updates.***

4 Restaurants I Tried in Cary, North Carolina

La Farm Bakery (4248 Northwest Cary Parkway)

Truly, I was *in awe* as soon as I walked through the doors of La Farm Bakery! While there are currently four La Farm Bakery locations across the Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area, the location on Northwest Cary Parkway is their original home. La Farm Bakery is a North Carolina-based French style bakery that sells breakfast/lunch items alongside a cafe full of drinks to dine in (and most recently wine glasses!!) or take to-go alongside a French-style market selling all-things from wine bottles to pastries (cakes, macaroons, cookies galore!) to sandwiches to salad dressings to breads and unique La Farm-branded merchandise. My college best friend Claire and I visited La Farm Bakery on a rainy Saturday morning and had a lovely time together. Claire has grown up dining at La Farm Bakery and even worked there a some years ago and gave me the crash course on all-things La Farm Bakery, which was truly a gift if you ask me! My time at La Farm Bakery transported me to what it must feel like to be in a Mom & Pop French market! I ended up taking home some locally sourced North Carolina peanuts and some freshly baked scones to enjoy. Needless to say, I will be back to La Farm Bakery next time I am in Cary!!

The Refectory Cafe (2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, Durham)

While technically not in Cary, The Refectory Cafe was one of the delicious restaurants that I enjoyed on my January 2025 dining expedition. Located in Durham, The Refectory Cafe offers a variety of delicious brunch and lunch delights. The Refectory Cafe has continuously been ranked the Number 1 Restaurant in Durham (as of November 2024) by TripAdvisor. This well-renowned Durham restaurant also offers special wine dinners and other delicious dining experiences on occasion. I had their North Carolina caught fish & chips alongside an Aperol Spritz. And, well, I cannot wait to have it again!

Sports & Social Cary (301 Fenton Gateway Drive)

A local sports bar at Cary’s Fenton shopping centre, Sports & Social is an ultra-fun location! Alanna and I stopped in here after some shopping at Fenton for some drinks and a snack. The interiors of Sports & Social is definitely an elevated sports bar. The vibes were impeccable and I’d definitely come back to watch a Commanders game, as it’s truly the perfect spot to watch any sports game!

Colletta (1 Fenton Main Street Suite 170)

Colletta came highly recommended to me by my best friend Shivani. Also located in Fenton shopping centre alongside Sports & Social, Colletta is an upscale Italian restaurant that offers unique lunch and dinner menus. Alanna and I started off with a charcuterie board and cocktails before enjoying a rigatoni Bolognese as an entree. I am STILL craving that Bolognese!!! Alongside the delicious eats at Colletta, the staff is ultra-kind. Our server Michelle was a literal angel and a true testament alongside her coworkers to the kindness that they offer to all diners there. One of the biggest things that I admire about my favorite restaurants, hotels, etc. is the people that make it amazing and admirable. Colletta is a true testament to that admiration of mine for this restaurant!

Wrap-Up:

One of my consistent highlights of visiting Raleigh, North Carolina and its surrounding area is ALL of the delicious food that I have on my itinerary. Raleigh and Cary have a wonderful variety of dining experiences that are sure to leave you coming back for more!

XOXO – Katie <3

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I’ve Tried 4 RH Restaurants: Here’s My Take!

Truly, an opulent and elevated dining experience at a furniture store is what any RH Restaurant will have! Amongst all of the glitz and glamour of the Restoration Hardware stores, Restoration Hardware has opened several RH Restaurants across the United States and in England at the storefronts. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to dine at not one, not two, but THREE RH Restaurants: Dallas, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Indianapolis, Indiana. One of the things that has struck me about the RH Restaurants is that they are super similar from city to city. However, that concept is far from the truth. Now, I am sharing my take on each restaurant.

***A special thank you GS-JJ for sponsoring this blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today!***

I’ve Tried 4 RH Restaurants: Here’s My Take!

About RH Restaurants:

RH Restaurant is the signature elegant dining experience that multiple Restoration Hardware storefronts offer to shoppers and diners, alike. Truly, guests get to experience the sheer opulence of the storefront while enjoying a fine dining experience and/or a lovely glass of wine. The restaurant is a bit on the pricier side, yet it offers a truly great experience in an opulent setting for what you get. RH Restaurants are located all across the United States and a few in England, including beyond the four cities where I’ve happened to dine at one. Some of their other cities besides Dallas, Charlotte, and Indianapolis that have a RH Restaurant include: Nashville, New York City, Newport Beach, Chicago, and Minneapolis (see the full list and make a reservation here). Personally, I think that everyone should dine at an RH Restaurant at some point in their lifetime!

Dress Code:

While there isn’t a specified dress code, RH Restaurants encourage casual elegant. With casual elegant meaning that diners should avoid athletic wear, beach wear, loungewear, and overly casual clothing. Business casual or dressy casual attire is rather strongly encouraged within reason. Think business casual, but jeans are accepted!

To personalize your elegance, consider adding sophisticated accessories to your outfit. Custom Patches are a must-try.

Whether it’s a subtle monogram on the cuffs of a smart casual suit or a unique pattern on otherwise acceptable jeans, these subtle touches can elevate your outfit. These subtle touches complement the restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance without appearing forced. Customization is also incredibly convenient; you can get your own patches in a short time, easily adding a personal touch to your dinner outfit and adding a touch of flair to your elegant and sophisticated look.

My RH Restaurant Experiences By City:

Dallas, Texas (3133 Knox Street)

Dallas’s RH Restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Restoration Hardware storefront in the heart of the city’s shopping district. This RH Restaurant was my first-ever RH Restaurant experience, too! One of the things that immediately struck me as I walked through the Restoration Hardware storefront’s doors up to the rooftop for my dining experience was how literally opulent it is. I truly felt like royalty walking up those grand steps into the gorgeously elegant dining room! Filled with windows alllll around overlooking downtown Dallas made this location a truly magical first RH dining experience!

See more about my experience in Dallas, Texas, including lodging and at RH Restaurant, here.

Charlotte, North Carolina (6903 Phillips Place Court)

Less than a week after my first-ever dining experience at the RH Restaurant in Dallas, I made my way to the next one in Charlotte. We ended up doing a brunch and the menus were pretty similar from Dallas to Charlotte. The entrance into the RH Restaurant was pretty similar and super magical and opulent, however, the interiors of each storefront were different between the two cities. Like the Dallas location, the Charlotte RH Restaurant was also on the rooftop and boasted several gorgeous views of the Charlotte skyline (though there weren’t as many tall buildings in view as there were in Dallas). The interiors of both the Dallas and Charlotte dining rooms were pretty similar too, making it for an elegant experience that was quite familiar!

See more about my travels to Charlotte, North Carolina, including lodging and my experience at RH Restaurant here and here.

Indianapolis, Indiana (4501 North Michigan Road)

The Indianapolis RH Restaurant is situated on a previously family-owned estate that Restoration Hardware bought out and restored to its true glory. Unlike the Dallas and Charlotte RH Restaurants that are located on the rooftop, Indianapolis’s RH Restaurant dining room is at the mansion’s first floor dining room and has a complimentary Wine Bar/Cafe for shoppers and diners. We ended up having to wait a bit upon checking in for our reservation and grabbed some drinks at the Wine Bar/Cafe and felt like true royalty. Once we were seated, the RH Restaurant experience was great as per usual. And, afterwards, we ended up touring the estate and Restoration Hardware storefront where the RH Restaurant is located. Truly I was BLOWN AWAY! The Indianapolis RH Restaurant is indeed a RH Restaurant location like no other!

See more on my travels to Indianapolis, Indiana, including lodging and RH Restaurant, here and here.

Raleigh, North Carolina (4120 Lassiter Mill Road)

The RH Rooftop at RH Raleigh is located in the heart of North Hills Shopping District – a popular upscale shopping and dining district (see my guide on Shopping + Dining at North Hills here!). Just like the Dallas and Charlotte locations, Raleigh’s RH Rooftop location is located on the third floor of the RH Raleigh shop and gallery. While the RH Rooftop reminded me of both the Dallas and Charlotte locations in terms of its interiors and layout, I felt that the staff focused more on providing guests with a fancy and fun time out on the town. Truly, I felt that the RH Rooftop location in Raleigh went above and beyond and as if we were treated like royalty!

See more on my travels to and lodging in Raleigh, North Carolina here!

Wrap-Up:

Truly, RH Restaurants offer such an elevated dining atmosphere and overall experience. I adore getting to visit them in different cities (and hope that the Washington, DC area gets its *very own* RH Restaurant, too!!). While the dining experience at any RH Restaurant does include a hefty price tag, I do find it worth the experience on occasion when traveling or wanting to try something different. Not only are the vibes and taste impeccable, but you’ll be able to make lasting memories, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Angus Barn Restaurant Review

Flashback to Fall 2017 and I had just started college at my incredible Alma mater Meredith College. I had ALSO moved down to Raleigh, North Carolina for the beginning of 4 years living in the South (see more of my Raleigh, North Carolina dining experiences here!). During those Fall 2017 months, I had learned about the ultra-popular and nationally well-known “fine Southern dining” restaurant: Angus Barn Steakhouse. Since learning about Angus Barn, I had been DYINNGGGG to try it myself but had yet to make it! HOWEVER, I luckily had the chance to fulfill my Angus Barn Raleigh dining experience dreams this past March 2024 with my best friend Alanna who also was eager to try too!!! Today, I am sharing my Angus Barn Restaurant review.

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina Review

About Angus Barn:

Angus Barn Restaurant also widely known as “Angus Barn” is a fine Southern dining restaurant located in Raleigh, North Carolina serving American-style cuisine ranging from fresh seafood, upscale Southern comfort foods, and well-made in-house steaks (their notorious food!!). Angus Barn also has a vast list of wines and delicious desserts. Every Christmas season (November-January), Angus Barn decks out for the season and becomes a Christmas wonderland for all to enjoy! Angus Barn also has a first-come, first-served wine bar known as The Wild Turkey Lounge. Angus Barn also has an adorable gift shop aka their Country Store filled with North Carolina-made goods, including barbecue sauces and honey and hand-painted wine glasses dazzling with state flowers and birds. Guests over the years include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and North Carolina-based politicians and pageant queens. Through it all, think: rustic elegance!

Dining there:

Angus Barn Restaurant in HIGH in-demand and a popular destination for North Carolinians from all across the state and out-of-state visitors, alike! That ALL being said, it is tricky to get a reserve ration especially during peak dining seasons (think warmer months and Christmas time for the notable decorations). It is recommended for ALL to get a reservation as soon as you know you would LOVE to dine there and when you know you can/are able to. Christmas reservations fill up MONTHS in advance. I booked Alanna and I’s reservation in January 2024 for March 2024.

Getting there:

CONGRATS! You’ve made your Angus Barn Restaurant reservation!!! Angus Barn is easy to reach as it’s located on Glenwood Avenue and easily reached off of I-40 with signs directing you once off the highway. There are tons of parking options, too!

Dress code:

It is important to note that Angus Barn Restaurant has a strict dress code of business casual with no tank tops, hoodies, revealing clothing, baseball caps, no offensive language, etc.

The interior design of Angus Barn Raleigh is known as rustic elegance with handmade quilts for sale on display AND taxidermy, too! There is an HUGEEE wall off of its staircase upstairs showcasing all of the notable guests who have dined there over the years. And, on the exterior, Angus Barn is LITERALLY a massive barn complete with a fireplace. One of my FAVORITE parts was simply sitting at our table and admiring the rustically elegant ambience that Angus Barn has to offer.

Alanna and I were treated like the QUEENs that we are (!!!!!) while dining at Angus Barn Raleigh. We got to sample some of their many wines on their vast list (I went with a delicious red wine!) and Alanna enjoyed a cocktail. Coming with our entrees, we got a complimentary cheese and crackers platter to share. Alanna and I both went with the steak of our choice entree combination that came with a choice of soup/salad, potato choice, and side. I ended up getting a short rib and Alanna got a roast (I think?!). All in all, the food and our server were extremely kind and took GREAT care of us!

Wrap-up:

After YEARS of wanting to try Angus Barn Restaurant, I am SO SO glad that I finally got to with my best friend who had the same desires to dine there as well. I was truly blown away by the service, interiors, and cuisines at Angus Barn. I hope to dine back at Angus Barn in the future with loved ones as many have done in generations’ past and will do for generations to come!

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wore in Dallas, Texas

On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee), I have been sharing A TON about my adventures in Dallas, Texas (here) celebrating one of my influencer besties Lindsay of @sunshineandstairclimbs on Instagram (GO FOLLOW HER TOO!!!!) with some of my now new fellow friends of Lindsay’s! We had A BLAST getting to celebrate Lindsay altogether AND enjoy and explore the Lonestar state aka state 25/50 for me (!!!!). Today on the blog, I’m going to be sharing ALLLL the details about what *none other than* I wore while exploring a brand-new-to-me state.

My trip to Dallas, Texas was SUCH A BLAST (!!!!!). From dining at a Valentine’s-themed restaurant to a Super Bowl party with a …. Bejeweled PINK football clutch to a glamorous shopping experience at Highland Park Village with *even* Chanel-themed Mimosas, my trip to Dallas truly gave me my Sex and the City moment. Over the years, I have admired Dallas’s fashion scene, as a preppy fashion lover who attended college in North Carolina. SO, getting to visit Dallas was such a dream AND such a blast to plan outfits for.

I regularly share content regarding what I wear each month to work (here, here, and here) and I want to share more about some of my more fun outfits, too! While many of us spend A LOT of our time at our 9-5 jobs, all of us enjoy time outside of it with our loved ones, as well. In the future, I hope to share EVEN MORE fun content surrounding what I wear when I travel AND locally for fun adventures!

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Friday Night Dinner at XOXO Dining Room:

Dress: The Impeccable Pig; Necklaces: Kendra Scott & Charlotte’s; Earrings: The Tiny Tassel; Headband: Simply Southern; Handbag: Stoney Clover Lane x Target; Bracelets: Lilly Pulitzer, All She Wrote Notes, & Amazon; Heels: DSW

Friday Night Juicy Couture Night:

Saturday Morning Hot Chocolate Run & Walk:

Jacket: Fabletics; Workout Dress: Amazon; Belt Bag: Lilly Pulitzer; Leggings: Fabletics; Bracelet: Scout Bags x Teleties; Sneakers: Nike; Water Bottle: Stanley

Saturday Afternoon at Highland Park Village:

Dress: Crown & Ivy at Belk; Top: Talbots; Necklaces: Kendra Scott & Vintage; Scarf: Lilly Pulitzer (gifted by Emily of @loveemilydarling on Instagram GO follow her!!!); Leggings: Shapermint; Handbag: Stoney Clover Lane x Target; Bracelets: Little Words Project & J Crew Factory; Booties: Lucky Brand

Saturday Night Dinner at The Finch:

Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Necklace: Kendra Scott; Bow: Lele Sadoughi; Bracelet: J Crew Factory; Leggings: Shapermint; Booties: Lucky Brand; Handbag: Coach

Sunday Afternoon at Lower Greenville:

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer; Trench Coat: Kika Vargas x Target; Headband: Lele Sadoughi x Lilly Pulitzer; Tote: Scout Bags; Bracelets: Amazon & Lilly Pulitzer; Leggings: Shapermint; Flats: New Bella

Sunday Night Super Bowl Birthday Bash at Moxie’s:

Headband: Packed Party; Necklace: Charlotte’s; Dress: TJ Maxx; Bracelets: Kendra Scott, Lilly Pulitzer, Amazon, & The Inspiration Co; Clutch: Amazon; Tights: Shapermint; Heels: DSW

Monday Afternoon Lunch at RH Rooftop & Airport Look to Travel Home:

Dress: Sail to Sable; Necklace: J Crew Factory; Scarf: Burberry; Bracelets: Amazon, The Inspiration Co, & Lilly Pulitzer; Handbag: BCBG; Flats: New Bella

Here’s to sharing MANY MORE fun outfits with y’all on this platform!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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72 Hours in Dallas, Texas

Ever since I was in college, I was SOOO excited to go and visit Texas someday. In August, I got invited to go to Dallas for a birthday weekend. My Instagram best friend Lindsay of @sunshineandstairclimbs on Instagram (GO FOLLOW HER!!!!) whom I have been lucky enough to visit in her own hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana (here) and Chicago, Illinois (here) with was celebrating her Birthday on SUPER BOWL WEEKEND (!!!!!) in Dallas, Texas and invited several of her friends (some of whom happen to live in Dallas!) who all live across the country to come and celebrate. It was such a special weekend getting to celebrate Lindsay AND meet some of her many friends that I have heard SO MUCH about in-person (shoutout out to Cody, Eva, LaRaina, Meredith, and Mich!!!) who are such LOVELY people! Needless to say, I LOVED how Lindsay’s birthday weekend brought all of us together in one city AND that I got to visit a brand new-to-me city and state that I now want to go back to too!!!

Our Dallas weekend was planned by Lindsay herself! Lindsay has been to Dallas before and knew ALLLL the good places to go to celebrate her Birthday. Luckily for me and our Birthday Bash crew, Lindsay planned to hit up MANY spots that we ALL loved (!!!!).

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

Getting There:

The best way to get to Dallas from Washington, DC is to fly. Dallas has two major airports: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). Dallas-Fort Worth is the 4th busiest airport in the United States and is pretty large, whereas Dallas Love Field is much smaller and is more peaceful. I booked my flight about 4 months beforehand for about $260 round trip. Typically, I fly on either United or Delta, and this time, I flew United out of Dulles International Airport (IAD) to DFW, since it was the most affordable option. While I was a bit nervous to fly in and out of DFW, due to hearing about its crazy busy reputation, I was pleased to have had a good experience there at least in my Terminal (Terminal E!), as it was much more peaceful and extremely chill *even* on a Friday afternoon when I landed there.

As for transportation within Dallas and to/from the airport, I found myself using Uber/Lyft (whatever the cheaper option was!) and found that getting around Dallas happened to be pretty affordable compared to the Washington, DC area due to most things in Dallas being close to one another. My airports to/from the airport were around $100 with tip round trip, as DFW is about 30-45 minutes from downtown Dallas (DAL is much closer to downtown than DFW).

Where We Stayed:

Lindsay did some research on travel for our trip to Dallas and ended up selecting … The Canopy by Hilton – Dallas Uptown! Personally, I have ALWAYS wanted to stay at a The Canopy by Hilton location and was SO excited when Lindsay decided to book this for her 33rd Birthday Bash for our group to stay at. I found the staff at our hotel to be EXTREMELY kind and receptive AND fun to talk to. While I didn’t check it out, all hotel guests have the opportunity to check out the rooftop within the evenings and enjoy a stunning Dallas city skyline. AND, The Canopy by Hilton has a wide array of drinks, snacks, and dining options at an extra charge to all guests. At the same time, I enjoyed the rich history of Dallas that our hotel had to offer, including the frame from an old Dallas trolley car on display within its breathtakingly gorgeous lobby!

As for location, our hotel was located within ALLL that Dallas has to offer, being in the West Village Neighborhood near and easily walkable to several shops, murals, restaurants, cafes, and MORE! As previously mentioned, Ubers were super easy to come by and affordable to get and all rides were super quick, too. Dallas ALSO has an adorable and free historic trolley that takes you allll throughout the city with a stop right by our hotel, running every 15-20 minutes. The only potential downfall to some to our hotel was that there was no free breakfast/coffee after a certain hour, BUT luckily there are cafes within easy walking distance (LESS than 5 minutes walking!!!) away for that morning caffeine fix.

What We Did:

Hot Chocolate Run & Walk – Bright and early on Saturday morning, Lindsay and I walked a whopping 5k at the Texas State Fairgrounds via the touring Hot Chocolate Run & Walk. We met Lindsay’s best friend (now a friend of mine!!!) Eva before the race (as she ran it!) and enjoyed walking over to the starting line before kicking off our respective run/walk. Lindsay and I enjoyed GREAT conversation during the run/walk despite it POURING and practically everyone getting their shoes/socks wet and the exciting energy of being apart of a race. Afterwards, we got complimentary shots (I chose an AMAZING Peanut Butter Whiskey!) and fondue.

Highland Park Village – That Saturday afternoon Lindsay, Mich, and I went off to the ultra-darling Highland Park Village. Highland Park Village is definitely a luxury fashion hub within Dallas! Stores there include: Chanel, Lele Sadoughi, LoveShackFancy, Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch. We had an AMAZING time visiting the Lele Sadoughi Dallas storefront, where the ultra-sweet ladies recognized Lindsay from her past visits there (!!!!) AND we each made one too many purchases. After a pit stop at Lele Sadoughi and *of course* Starbucks, we shot some fun content amongst the gorgeous architecture around Highland Park Village and I wondered into LoveShackFancy!

Lower Greenville – Sunday afternoon, I took a solo adventure to Dallas’s super fun Lower Greenville neighborhood. My Mom texted me during my trip that I needed to check out the consignment store scene in Dallas, SO that’s what I did! Luckily, Lower Greenville is home to MANY great ones!! I started my trip at the Goodwill store and then headed over to Crossroads and 2nd Street consignment stores, all of which where I found some *incredible* name brand items altogether for a total of under $100 (retail value over $1500). I ALSO popped into Dallas MKT which had some ultra-adorable merchandise and came across an artisan market where I fell *in love* with J’Luxe Candle Co candles and *just wish* I could’ve taken one of those candles into my carryon! At the same time, I enjoyed taking in the many murals, shops, dining options, and vibes within this eclectic Dallas neighborhood.

Where We Ate:

XOXO Dining Room – Our first night in the Lonestar State, we enjoyed *none other than* a Valentine’s-themed dinner at XOXO Dining Room. We took an Uber there and outside of the restaurant was a pink Valentine’s-themed Barbie-like box (!!!!) to take photos at amongst the stunning PINK “XOXO”-themed murals! XOXO has two rooms inside: one that is extremely Valentine’s-themed and the other feels like a modern day revamp of a retro theater-turned restaurant, which is where we sat! I LOVED the restaurant vibes of both sections! And, as for the food, it was subpar and the drinks as well, however, the vibes and photo opportunities were everything!

Bistro 31 – I truly felt like Royalty at Bistro 31! Not only was the service phenomenal and the staff extremely kind here, BUT the food and drinks and vibes were IMPECCABLE! One of the biggest highlights of dining at Bistro 31 is *none other than* … Chanel (!!!) mimosas! What could make a brunch spot ANY better than a Chanel mimosa (well alongside terrific service and food!)?!?!

The Finch – I WILL say that I am STILLL craving that delicious (and much cheaper than any other city restaurant that I have been in!!!) ribeye that I had there!!!! We ended up getting to The Finch *just* a bit early for our reservation which is rare – LOLLL! – and sat right at the stunning bar with cherry blossom-like blooms front and center. The Chardonnay there was a GREAT way to kick off our dinner at The Finch, before enjoying an incredible sit down meal with even more incredible company!

La La Land – When in Lower Greenville, I *finally* got to check out a La La Land Cafe location! With its gorgeous bright yellow branding, I LOVED getting to walk in and check out this adorable cafe chain that doesn’t have any locations close to home for me. The Lower Greenville location looked like it was in an adorable restored home-turned cafe with a super fun yellow truck outside. I ended up only getting a cookie which was FREE and delicious (!!!), as all first-time guests get a FREE pastry!

Moxie’s – Moxie’s is where we had Lindsay’s Super Bowl Birthday Bash (!!!!) AND where I styled a bejeweled AND pink football clutch! We had a HUGE group with us which made it SOOO much fun, as both of our booths were conveniently located in the bar near the TV showcasing the Super Bowl and *of course* Taylor Swift (!!!!). The nachos and drinks were delicious at Moxie’s and the company and occasion was EVEN better!

RH Rooftop – I had NEVER been to an RH Rooftop location before, but was IN AWE at this incredible location on Dallas’s Knox Street! RH Rooftop is located on the 3rd floor of the Restoration Hardware store which is GORGEOUS and a sight to see on its own (!!!!) and offers a stunning view of the Dallas city skyline. The food is offered on an a la carte basis, with no entrees coming with any sides, however all sides are offered on an a la carte basis, though! I ordered the lobster roll and LOVED it alongside a glass of wine before heading to the airport. I will note that RH Rooftop is pretty pricey compared to most restaurants, but it is definitely worth trying for the atmosphere and vibes!

Wrap-Up:

I truly LOVED getting to visit Dallas and *FINALLY* check the state of Texas off of my bucket list of seeing all 50 United States. In fact, this trip to Dallas allowed me to hit the HALFWAY MARK (!!!!) of hitting all 50 states! Lindsay is such a special friend of mine, I felt so honored to be invited to celebrate her birthday. I LOVED getting to be in such great company, too, with Lindsay alongside all of her incredible friends whom I *finally* got to meet in real life (some of which I am still excited to meet in the future that weren’t able to make it this time around!), too! SOOO many blessings ALLL around during this incredible long weekend away in the Lonestar State. Dallas is SUCH A COOL CITY, with sooo many neat spots, ranging from restaurants to historic hotels to a historic trolley and even museums. I have a HUUGEEE bucket list mentally of places that I hope to hit on future Dallas trips. My biggest bucket list items are the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Dallas Trolley (which is FREE), and a stroll through the Adolphus Hotel. I am SO lucky to have met some incredible people that have since become my friends on this trip and look forward to connecting with everyone again in the future, whether in Dallas or somewhere else or both.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Charlotte, North Carolina Travel Guide

***Please note that this Charlotte, North Carolina travel guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect my most up-to-date experiences. This guide was most recently updated as of April 2026.***

Since June 2023 on our week away at Isle of Palms, South Carolina (here), with the exception of a long and busy graduation celebration weekend for Alanna (see where I dined on that trip here), I haven’t really connected fully with my college best friends since. SO, when Alanna’s Birthday weekend approached us over President’s Day Weekend, I decided to take the long weekend to go and visit and *of course* celebrate Alanna in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina aka the Queen City! I have truly missed getting to catch up with Hannah and Alanna and this weekend in Charlotte was SOOO needed!!!

For Alanna’s Birthday weekend, we all ended up staying at the Hotel Hannah aka Hannah’s place with the sweetest hostesses – Hannah and her dog Pixie! Hannah and Alanna also invited our friend Rachel to come and celebrate Alanna and *of course* to all catch up, too. We also got to see our friends Bryn and Allison who are Hannah’s close friends from high school and have since become me and Alanna’s close friends as well. The last time me, Hannah, Alanna, Bryn, and Allison all got together was to see Big Time Rush in the Summer of 2022 in Charlotte (here), which was ALSO my last trip to Charlotte since briefly for Bryn’s college graduation party *just* before going to Isle of Palms.

Needless to say, my weekend away in the Queen City was JUST what the doctor ordered! Although I had just been in Dallas 3 days before I left for Charlotte, my soul truly needed to get out and about and wake up after having endured COVID and a brutal COVID fatigue (which only got worse when flying to and from Texas), as I drove round trip to Charlotte. I am OH SO BLESSED for this incredible weekend away in a different city within my college state.

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

Charlotte, North Carolina Travel Guide

Where To Stay:

While I am fortunate enough to have multiple close friends who call Charlotte, North Carolina home to stay with, there are plenty of great lodging options to choose from for your Queen City adventure!

Getting There:

I ended up driving down to Charlotte, North Carolina from Northern Virginia. The drive was ~6 hours without traffic and stops and 7-8 hours with traffic and stops (luckily I didn’t run into A LOT of traffic round trip!!!). Needless to say, Charlotte, North Carolina was my longest solo independent drive and I enjoyed it, too! I ended up taking I-95 to I-85 just South of Petersburg, Virginia ALLL the way to Charlotte, North Carolina via a brief stint on I-77 (I think?!). Luckily, I-85 both North and South HAS multiple rest stops, where I ended up stopping at the state lines once I entered into both North Carolina and Virginia AND even got a complimentary “Virginia is for Lovers” sticker for visiting the Visitors Center in Virginia (North Carolina’s State Line has a visitor’s center, too!). Through it all, I am VERY proud of myself for independently making the trip to and from Charlotte in my little white Volvo!

If you do choose to drive to Charlotte from Washington, DC or somewhere further Northbound, I highly recommend taking a few pit stops. I’ve made some pit stops on past road trips to Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia.

Besides driving, there are also flight and train options to Charlotte. I chose to drive to Charlotte, since I have found round trip flights there on my chosen airlines of United and Delta to be rather pricey from my local airports of Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) and the train via Amtrak while cheaper than flying is at least an 8-10 hour ride from the Washington, DC area (it is much easier to take the train from practically ANY part of North Carolina, though!).

Amongst all of the options, *surprise* I would drive again! Personally, I liked the drive and will choose to do it again. I liked having the flexibility of having my own car and would LOVE to come back to Charlotte and take a day trip or quick overnight to the NC Smokies or perhaps Helen, Georgia (a major bucket list item of mine!!), as the mountains are an easy day trip from Charlotte when comparing the distance to them from Raleigh or the coast. My biggest pointer for driving from the Washington, DC area to Charlotte: time your trip around traffic (which can sometimes not happen in the DMV, but for the most part it works!).

What To Do:

Shopping at the Mint Museum Store – Although we didn’t visit the Mint Museum – an art museum in the heart of Uptown Charlotte – we did walk through the Mint Museum Store, which has an excellent selection of home goods, jewelry, and souvenirs for all.

Shopping at Braveworks – Braveworks is a faith-based nonprofit and boutique with a mission to empower women starting over in their lives. Through the power of faith, networking, and creating, Braveworks provides the framework for women to feel safe and empowered for the next phase of their lives. Many of the pieces in their boutique – all ethically and sustainably made – are made by the women locally in Charlotte or in Africa, all with the chance to feel something good and to provide for themselves and their families.

Strolling McGill Rose Garden – A long-time public garden and so-called hidden gem, McGill Rose Garden is a nonprofit organization which hosts a community area for weddings/events, outside organizations to bring people together, and MORE! While there, Hannah, Rachel and I happened to not only admire the many beautiful roses and flowers within the gardens, but also support local artists – graduating Class of 2025 Seniors at the University of North Carolina Charlotte who studied Art there – who were selling their incredible creations. It was AMAZING to be able to meet so many incredible soon-to-be college graduates while also supporting and empowering them in such a gorgeous spot.

Walking at Freedom Park – For YEARS, I have been wanting to walk Freedom Park – a large park with a lake, amphitheater, and so much more in the heart of Charlotte’s Freedom Park neighborhood – with Hannah and her dog Pixie. *Finally*, we got the chance to walk Freedom Park altogether! Freedom Park is a gorgeous park in Charlotte that I’ve enjoyed visiting for years, since my initial visits to the Queen City in college.

Indulge in some retail therapy at SouthPark – SouthPark is Charlotte’s popular shopping mall! As of November 2025, a beautiful and brand-new Lilly Pulitzer store opened up at the city’s well-known mall. Other well-known stores at SouthPark include Belk, Nordstrom, and Dillards.

Catch the Sunset at Charlotte Airport Overlook – With some food trucks, a Navy jet on display, skyline views, and a playground, the Charlotte Airport Overlook has become a popular spot to enjoy sunset or sunrise views in the Queen City. We happened to catch sunset after a few laps around the crowded parking lot with no luck of finding parking. The Charlotte Airport Overlook is a stunning spot to not only watch planes land/take off and enjoy the sunset, but to also pack a picnic, read, journal, and enjoy time with loved ones.

Strolling + Shopping in South End – Home to Evelyn Henson’s iconic Confetti Hearts Wall, South End is an adorable shopping and dining district in Charlotte with close proximity to Uptown aka Charlotte’s downtown! We enjoyed shopping at Girl Tribe Co. while there and admiring the Confetti Hearts Wall, too. There’s several shopping and dining opportunities at South End – ranging from Bitty & Beau’s Coffee to Jeni’s Ice Creams. Check out all that South End has to offer here.

Admiring skyline views at Novelty House Rooftop – the first night that we arrived in Charlotte, we went to Uptown to celebrate Alanna’s Birthday dinner at Sea Level NC (more on that below!). Afterwards, we went to Novelty House – a gorgeous bar with skyline views in Uptown Charlotte – which happened to be right next door to where we just had dinner. While the rooftop bar was closed at Novelty House when we went up to the top floor around 10:30pm, the staff there kindly let us take in ALLLL the scenic views and snap one tooo many photos at the MANY photo opportunities there. I am a city girl through thick and thin and LOVE a good city view (!!!!), so Novelty House was a highlight for me when in the Queen City!

Mean Girls The Musical at Belk Theater – After not being able to see Mean Girls The Musical when it came to Washington, DC back in 2022, I *finally* was able to go see it in Charlotte with Alanna for her Birthday. Alanna and I both enjoyed some wine and snacks (which I happily learned IS allowed in Belk Theater!!!) and the performance. Alanna and I both LOVED the energy and excitement from ALL of the guests at Mean Girls, too! The performance was SOOO cute and well worth the wait from Spring 2022!

And, most importantly, LOTS of catching up happened this weekend!!! I haven’t seen Hannah, Alanna, Bryn, Rachel, and Allison unless briefly since June 2023 when we went to Isle of Palms, South Carolina for a beach vacation or Charlotte/Asheville for other catching up opportunities. I have to say that catching up with some of my best college gals beyond texting pretty frequently (which I feel SOOO blessed to have each of these ladies just a phone call away!) was such a blessing and truly the highlight of this weekend. I also loved how special it was that Alanna’s Birthday celebration brought us all together to see one another, too!!

Where To Eat:

Oh My Soul – Located in Charlotte’s ultra-fun NoDa neighborhood, Oh My Soul serves delicious South African vegan food with an onsite bar and live music on select nights.

French Quarter Restaurant – Providing Cajun cuisine with a touch of comfort and award-winning burgers, French Quarter Restaurant is located in Uptown Charlotte and has an excellent selection of beer, Cajun fare, and burgers.

Lost Worlds Brewing – Located in the heart of Charlotte’s Midtown, Lost Worlds Brewing is a taproom pouring beers, wines, and specialty cocktails alongside some delicious snacks to munch on. Nearby, diners can enjoy a beautiful skyline of the Queen City!

Renaissance Patisserie – In the heart of Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, Renaissance Patisserie is a French-inspired patisserie serving up delicious pastries, desserts, and breakfast + lunch food. I adored their seasonal cookies in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday!

Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden – Located adjacent to the McGill Rose Garden (more on that above!), Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden serves a vast array of coffees and wines for guests to enjoy as they peruse the garden.

Pinky’s Westside Grill – Featured on Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives, Pinky’s Westside Grill specializes in fried pickles and onion rings, after owner Greg Austen found himself throwing away excess of both. Truly, alll-things fried is Pinky’s Westside Grill’s specialty which we all enjoyed caving in on together!

YaME Asian Noodles – A delicious fast casual and family-owned Asian restaurant, YaME Asian Noodles makes you feel like you’re enjoying the comfort of Chinese takeout in a more upscale way.

Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe – Rachel and I went to Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe as per her suggestion and, needless to say, this suggestion of Rachel’s was a GREAT one!! We ended up waiting in line for about 20 minutes and it was well worth the wait. The array of delicious French pastries ranging from macarons to croissants as well as their vast breakfast menu and coffees and teas, Amelie’s truly has it ALL and I was BLOWN AWAY!!

Sorrellina Pasta Co. – A brand-new as of April 2025 Italian market, Sorrellina Pasta Co. offers pastas, Italian wines and pastries, and meals to go that transports you to Italy without leaving Charlotte. Be sure to check out their market for delicious kitchen staples for your next Italian dinner at home as well as some free samples!

Sea Level NC – For Alanna’s Birthday dinner, she decided to celebrate at Sea Level NC located in Uptown Charlotte! Dining at Sea Level NC was such a GREAT way to kick off our long weekend in the Queen City! I ordered wayyyy too much food, including a delicious grouper and fried oysters, and lots of great cocktails, too! The staff were extremely kind and personable, too. I would definitely dine here again!

RH Rooftop – YES YES YES, I dined at an RH Rooftop location in TWO different cities and states within FIVE days! The RH Rooftop location in Charlotte located at Phillips Place ALSO is on the 3rd floor of the Restoration Hardware storefront just like in Dallas. The RH Rooftop has a very distinct atmosphere to its Dallas counterpart, however, there are a few subtle differences between the two. The menu remains the same, though, and it was fun to try brunch in Charlotte, including the AMAZING forest bacon (!!!!) and a Mimosa! In the future though, I would likely not dine out for brunch at an RH Rooftop, as it was wayyyy too pricey for what I got.

Ralph’s Coffee Truck – I had never been to a Ralph’s Coffee location, despite seeing the cafe on a few occasions at the Tyson’s Galleria near Washington, DC. SO, we were all in for a treat when we got to grab some coffee/tea at the Ralph’s Coffee Truck outside of the Ralph Lauren store in Phillips Place after brunch at the nearby RH Rooftop! Due to my seasonal allergies bugging me over the weekend, I got a delicious tea that truly hit the spot for me. ALSO, I LOVED the many fun fun fun photo opportunities outside of this adorable green truck (!!!!).

Mac’s Speed Shop – Saturday night, we ended up here after trying to get into a Mexican restaurant that had an hour-long wait and we were in for a great treat dining at Mac’s Speed Shop instead! Offering an array of North Carolinian staples, including American fare AND barbecue AND *even* Mexican (!!!!), Mac’s Speed Shop was a great affordable restaurant with options for all. We ordered chips and guacamole and queso before all mainly ordering barbecue dishes. Definitely a fun Charlotte spot!

Starbucks (East BLVD) – While I am never one to really add a Starbucks run that I can do at home to my rooster of places that I dined at while on a trip, I wanted to add this Starbucks location to the list, since it was SUCH AN ADORABLE little spot in Charlotte! Charlotte, North Carolina is known for its gorgeous and historic neighborhoods AND this Starbucks location on East Blvd definitely lived up to that hype, given that it appeared to be revamped from a former historic home! Not to mention, the staff at this location were extremely friendly and accommodating AND this location was popping with people and dogs of ALL kinds.

Wrap-Up:

I truly enjoyed my weekend away in Charlotte, as it was SOOO needed for my soul. Friend time is ALWAYS such a blessing, especially in-person with those I talk to every day (such as those including Hannah, Alanna, Rachel, Allison, and Bryn!). I feel beyond blessed to have gotten such great quality time with those that I LOVE in the Queen City.

Usually when I travel to North Carolina, I am in *none other than* my college town of Raleigh. While I LOVE Raleigh and visiting those that I LOVE there, it is ALWAYS nice to explore a different city within North Carolina and try something new. On a future trip to Charlotte, I would LOVE to take a stroll at the beautiful and charming Queen’s College and Freedom Park, take a day trip to the North Carolina mountains (and perhaps the nearby state of South Carolina – some of which is apart of the Charlotte Metropolitan area), and shop at the popular Girl Tribe Co in South End. Knowing that Hannah, Bryn, and Allison are living in Charlotte, I know that I’ll have PLENTY of future opportunities to catch up with those that I LOVE in a city that I LOVE, too!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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