Lucky Tree is one of the best places in Raleigh to grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a pastry, and truly…read morerelax. With bar-top seating, couches, tables, and chairs, it offers a welcoming environment to work, study, or find a bit of end-of-day calm. This place also holds personal nostalgia for me. I recently released my book Purple Rose: The Stars Carry Her Name -- Letters from Me to Her, a collection written for a woman I love living in Raleigh, and I was able to write some of those love letters and poems right here in this lovely café. Lucky Tree regularly hosts open mic nights for musicians and poetry-focused events, and the owners are deeply involved in the local arts scene. Through these events, I've met artists, authors, and incredible people--and I've even shared my own work from my above mentioned book here. Overall, this is a truly unique and beautiful shop. The food is always fresh, the staff is vibrant, polite, and genuinely helpful, and the atmosphere shifts naturally from lively to quiet and relaxing depending on the events taking place. Top-tier shop and easily one of my favorite coffee spots in Raleigh. And yes--the coffee is really good.

I decided to try this out for a quick coffee stop while in town for a conference. The service was…read morefriendly and quick! I tried the breakfast bagel bites, which were soft and warm. I loved the cheese on top! I was not a huge fan of the flavor the almond flour gave them but it was not overpowering. I would probably get them again! They had a lot of options as far as specialty lattes but I am glad I went with the Vanilla Maple. I was worried that the maple flavor would be too much but it complimented the vanilla well. The inside was VERY well decorated, and I would've loved to stay and do a little computer work! I could see myself coming by and sitting down for a quick brunch, meeting up with friends, or staying for a work session.

Cute little wine bar downtown that closes on the early side (10pm Tues/Wed/Thurs, 11pm Fri/Sat, 7pm…read moreSun) but nice for an early evening sip. It's got modern, slightly rustic vibes, lit brightly for the art gallery in the back room. There's a good amount of seating and it's not completely filled with the undergrad crowd like other bars in the area. I see they host a book club and if I lived in Raleigh, I'd be all over that-- this is the perfect atmosphere! They have a nice bubbles by the glass selection (4 options, including a Lambrusco), which is really impressive since so many wine bars give you one, two at most. Vegan options on the menu include hummus, olives and pickles. I was planning to eat there, but time got away from me and they do a strict closing time, so maybe next time.

One of my favorite after-work haunts. Very little beats sitting on a swing with a good friend, a…read morebowl of cheese crackers, and a generous pour of wine. I particularly love the work of independent artists hung around the interior! We're having our holiday party here this year and I'm super excited for it - didn't even know this was also an event space.

This art gallery is truly a hidden gem right in the heart of downtown. I've walked passed the front…read moredoor over two dozen times and didn't look twice, which I'm now kicking myself over. It's all thanks to Rod O. for his stellar review that I made my way to Adam Cave Fine Art and I can assure you I will return. The gallery itself is in an old building directly on Hargett Street (next door to Landmark Tavern). Walk up the old, creaky, wooden steps to a beautiful, open room with hardwood floors, bright natural lighting and paintings hung all around. The gallery consists of three separate rooms and has rotating exhibits every 1.5 months or so. The current exhibit, David Dunlop, is an incredible treat to view with beautiful nature and city scenes painted on aluminum with oils (exhibit on display until April 19th!) Although there were only a handful of people upon our visit, Adam Cave, the owner, was greeting everyone and interacting with them on a personal level. There was also complimentary cheese and wine being offered which was a very classy touch on a Sunday afternoon. I checked the website to see if there was a calendar of events so you'd know when they'd be offering these type of perks in the future, but didn't see any information. I did sign up for the e-mail per Adam's request, so hopefully I'll be updated on future events and exhibits through that. Adam Cave Fine Art Gallery is definitely a must visit during First Friday, and will now certainly be on my list (and it's so convenient to anyone already downtown!) I highly recommend giving the gallery a try, I guarantee anyone that appreciates art will appreciate the gallery and you can't help but feel you've stepped back in time as you walk up the flight of steps into a world of beauty in a beautifully restored building.

From the owner: Adam Cave Fine Art is a Raleigh, NC art gallery offering paintings, prints, and sculpture by over…read more25 regional and nationally known artists.

Bev's is a jewel of a find. It touts many American artists whose original art allows the customer…read moreto find the exact style, colors and look that your design project requires. Their custom framing allows you to create the perfect piece to go above your fire place mantel or even above your master bedroom sitting area. We were very excited by the options available there and have told many friends about Bev's and look forward to using them again for future projects in our house.

Bev's Fine Arts has changed our world of art as we once knew it. Duck prints and wildlife art was…read morethe highlight of our wall decor until we stepped into Bev's world of fine art. We have learned and grown so much in our love for art which began with meeting Bev in her gallery one quiet afternoon years ago. The team at Bev's are passionate about what they do and that is reflected in the quality of service they provide to their customers. We discovered our own passion for art and Bev helped us enhance our wildlife prints by reframing them, allowing them to compliment other pieces of art we acquired over time. Bev also helped us create a nostalgic display of old, black and white, family photos which is a highlight of our home whenever family or friends visit. I can't say enough about the talent that is exemplified in the work done by Bev's Fine Art Team.

A great eclectic collection of local artists. Friendly front desk receptionist. Fun to see some…read moreartists currently working in their studios. Inspiring experience.

I drove in from Charlotte area to attend a 'First Friday' event hosted by my daughter-in-law. Her…read moreand my Son live in New Hampshire so she came into town to for the entire month of July to paint and get prepared for the 8/1/25 event. Molly is a talented and experienced artist, primarily in oil and acrylic. They had invited about a dozen or so people from around CLT Region who came into town to see her and James since they live in NH. It was an interesting evening because it started raining hard just about 7p as the event was getting in gear. I'm sure it deterred quite a few from attending. There are two floors with other 'artist in residence' so it was a lively and diverse Friday crowd. I did make it 'upstairs' to meet Caitlin Cary, a local artist who has a studio there. Some may know here as vocalist/violin player with Ryan Adams formerly of the band Whiskeytown.

On this First Friday weekend, I had a chance to go by Litmus and see a friend's opening of her…read moreartwork exhibition with a small reception. Upon going there and finding out what they are doing for the artists in the area, I have to say I am a fan of their work and concept. Upon inspection in the inside, it is a very simple modest venue. Though it is not in an upscale category, it is a nice simple place for local artists to show their art and grow their talents. I say grow their talents because as you look around inside, you see what the "studios" part of the name is about. In the majority of the space, there are large stalls or mini-studios that are available to rent by local artists so they can have a private place to pursue their muse. Maybe their body of work has outgrown their home or they just need to be around their peers, but it offers a place for them to go and do their work in a environment dedicated for that purpose in whatever medium they work in. And when I found out these studio stalls were at a ridiculously low price per month, I was even more impressed. It appears that they are about giving a great opportunity to local up-and-coming as well as more experienced artists to make use of their talent and pursue their passion, as well as display the results when completed. Because of this, I am a fan of Litmus Gallery & Studios and wish them well in their endeavors.

Litmus is a a lovely gallery and artist co-working space on the backside of The Depot. It's easy to…read moremiss or even NEVER see, as its location doesn't bring in a lot of foot traffic. However, if you know where you look, you'll actually be surprised how convenient it is to the typical Depot activities [neighbors to Deep South and around the corner from The Junction Bar & Salon]. The space seems small from the outside and can be a little misleading, but once you're inside you have the option of starting in the small gallery space to the right, which rotates artists monthly, or walking down the narrow hallway to the back. You'll pass multiple rooms on your left and right that local artists have rented out as their studios. It's the same concept of 311 Gallery in Raleigh or The Golden Belt in Durham and they put on some stellar First Friday events [a table stocked with finger foods and LOTS of boxed and bottled wines!]. They've got all sorts of artists including someone who creates busts and clay modes that bring to mind work from the Greek and Roman period [there was also an advertisement requesting for NUDE models, so if that's your calling in life, here's your place!] Lots of photography, mixed media, pottery and paintings were in the mix and the space was welcoming although I noted that you had to begin the conversation if you want to learn about the space. Overall, a great space to add to your First Friday tour and a little hidden, which keeps the crowds down.

Bottom line: LaMantia Gallery is a nice and intimate gallery displaying art of the owner as well as…read moreothers, a great art resource for our area. The Deets: I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend Carley W. to a private event here at LaMantia Gallery recently. This location of LaMantia Gallery is located in Village District (formerly Cameron Village) near downtown Raleigh, with the first gallery being located in Northport, NY. This intimate gallery has a curated selection of not only artist/owner James LaMantia's art but other artists as well. I loved the art displayed here during the event, some of which I did take pictures of with the permission of the artist. I also got to meet Mr. LaMantia as well, and he was very welcoming and pleased in the interest in the gallery/his art. I had a great time discussing each item of art with my friend at that event, what we each saw in them and what new things we could discover together. It was a great experience, and I love this intimate gallery being available in our area.

We rented the space for a cocktail hour during our wedding. While the event staff was switching…read morethe Stockroom from ceremony set-up to reception set-up, our guests enjoyed cocktail hour downstairs at the Mahler Fine Art Gallery. It was spectacular! It was also extremely convenient, being just downstairs from the Stockroom. The only con is that there are no steps between the floors, all guests must use the elevator. So it did get a little backed up when everyone was to go back upstairs for the reception. It was not very expensive to rent this space and would even be perfect for a small wedding. There was a little bit of additional cost associated with red wine and a guest list over 75 people, but all in all it was a great deal. The staff was a little difficult to get in touch with because the gallery has limited hours, but honestly we didn't need to get in touch with them hardly at all after we booked the space. Between the time we booked and the date of our wedding, the artwork did change so don't fall in love with the art they have up when you book! They have a list of rules/regulations for your vendors - but nothing crazy or restrictive. They have a sound system that our DJ was easily able to coordinate with an iPod.

Small gallery with some really beautiful art. Mahler is much smaller than I would have expected,…read morebut has a truly well-done presentation. There are some outstanding mixed media art displayed in a simple, but effective way. The mix between oil and acrylic, mixed media, and sculpture-like pieces is amazing. There seems to be a progression from the bold, in-your-face, pieces near the front to the serene, more conventional as you move to the back. Anyone looking to add some original, fine art to his or her collection and who can afford to do so, should find Mahler a good place to start or end a search. And when you go, check out the mesmerizing eyes of the Louis St Lewis "Gabriel" in the back.

This place is a literal gem…read more If you're looking for art events and art decor for your home, this is a great place. I attended a DJ synthesizer workshop and I was blown away by Greta Bone's art. IG @dearlucyandfriends

I discovered Lump Gallery when trying to track down the new Flanders location during this past…read moremonths First Friday events. I'm still a little unsure if Flanders and Lump have technically combined or are just renting out of the same space, either way, you really can't go to one of the galleries without going to the other. This is due to the fact that they are literally connected to one another, go through the Lump gallery door on the left, horseshoe around the building and you'll come out through the Flanders door. I wouldn't make Lump a destination gallery, even during First Friday, as it's awkwardly out of the way (think past Lincoln theater side of Raleigh) and it's tiny. During my visit they were showcasing two artists in Lump (I believe) and they had a balloon exhibit next door at Flanders. DO go to Lump on First Friday if you're looking for a free drink, beer and wine is complementary, although please bring money for tips. DO go to Lump if you want to see something unusual, although you'll probably be able to see it and process it in less then five minutes as the space restricts it to be small. DO go to Lump if it's First Friday, during the SUMMER, and you want to enjoy the nice North Carolina weather, but please, if walking, go with someone, the neighborhood gets a little sketchy the closer you get.

I needed a mother's Day gift and I am so grateful that I found this artist!! Her work is absolutely…read moreexquisite! Anytime I need something special for my family members or friends, I will be sure to return to her store at the Raleigh market. What impresses me the most is her versatility throughout various mediums. While I purchased some of her resin art she also has paintings and sculptures available. For Christmas I have my eye on one of her porcelain pieces. Thank you Gina! You have a lovely soul and I'm so grateful to have met you!

Beautiful artwork and jewelry! The owners are very kind and definitely have a lot of pride in their…read morework. A great option if you are looking for a small business artwork and jewelry shop. I thought the pricing was really good for the quality.