Best things to see, eat and do across North Carolina according to our journalists, January 2025
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Hillman Brewing at Mill Creek in Old Fort. Photo: Katie Peralta Soloff/Axios
We're spoiled here in North Carolina. We're usually a manageable drive to relaxing beach towns, bustling big cities, dramatic mountains in the western part of the state and vibrant college towns throughout.
- Our team of reporters is plugged in across Charlotte and the Triangle — and we're trying something new by sharing some of our favorite meals and activities from across the state during January.
"Plough Boy's" grit bowl from Undercurrent in Charlotte
"When friends visit, you want to show them some of the best of what Charlotte has to offer. The grit bowl and chai latte from Undercurrent provided plenty of fuel for our 11-mile walk around the city." — Ashley Mahoney, Axios Charlotte reporter
Matcha at Feature Flora in Raleigh
"Feature Flora has become our family's home away from home. It's cozy and inviting, and owner Deana Nguyen curates a marvelous selection of home and garden goods from around the world. Her carefully crafted traditional matcha drinks are truly my favorite beverages in town." — Lucille Sherman, Axios Raleigh reporter
Movies at the Independent Picture House in Charlotte
"I've gone to Independent Picture House a few times the past couple of months to see "Anora," "A Complete Unknown" and "A Real Pain" ahead of Oscar season. They sometimes email free popcorn coupons after you visit, so I keep coming back. (I would come back anyway)." — Alexandria Sands, Axios Charlotte reporter
Go deeper: Read about the recent expansion
The dessert case at Al Baraka Market in Raleigh
"One of my favorite lunches to grab in Raleigh recently is to order a kebab from Al Baraka Market in Raleigh and add whatever fresh dessert has just come out of their kitchen. The rotation of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern desserts has never let me down, from a delightfully sweet namoura cake (pictured) and salty-and-sweet pistachios baklavas to my personal favorite knafeh, a perfect symphony of filo dough, cheese, pistachios and simple syrup." — Zachery Eanes, Axios Raleigh reporter
Caesar Salad with Chicken Supremes from Resident Culture in Charlotte
"These aren't just any chicken tendies on a Caesar. They're the beloved Harper's Restaurant chicken supreme — and yes, they're even crispier than they look." — McKenzie Rankin, Axios Charlotte lifestyle reporter
Naos Hellenic Cuisine in Cary
"I've never been to Greece but stepping into this restaurant made me feel like I traveled there. We ordered the clay pot lamb ($32) and grilled bone-in pork chop ($36)." — Alexis Clinton, Axios Charlotte + Axios Raleigh lifestyle reporter
Go deeper: Greek restaurant will take over former Ko.an space in Cary
Hillman Brewing in Old Fort
"One of my favorite places to visit while out in western North Carolina is Hillman Brewing, which is right next to Mill Creek in Old Fort (near Black Mountain) and was devastated by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene last fall. After a brief closure, Hillman is back up and running, serving fantastic beer and mouthwatering dishes like the grilled cheese that comes loaded with Swiss and cheddar cheeses, plus spinach and tomato ($12)." — Katie Peralta Soloff, Axios Charlotte + Axios Raleigh editor
Food that looks like art from Counter- in Charlotte
"This month, Counter- hosted an exclusive seven-course tasting menu in honor of legendary chef Jacques Pépin. The dinner was part of The Jacques Pépin Foundation's nationwide fundraising campaign, in which 90 chefs and restaurants across the country will participate." — Laura Barrero, Axios Charlotte editor
Go deeper: 5 major changes happening at Counter-
