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.

Love this store! So much to see and so many unique brands and artists…read more We spent about 1/2 hour in Deco Raleigh, but could have stayed longer and spent a lot of money. Bought a clever dish towel from BlueQ, some magnets, bookmarks and some very unique gifts. Highly recommend!

This place had a big variety of items and the staff was very nice. would definitely recommend this…read moreplace to anyone visiting North Carolina for the first time.

We were trying to find a gift shop to help commemorate our trip to Raleigh. It turned out to be a…read moredifficult feat. I found this one last second with about a half an hour before closing 11 minutes away from us. So we sped off get there in time. When we got there and walked through the little pink door, it was the cutest little shop. So my friend is visiting from Scotland and we wanted to get some kind of necklace or piece of jewelry that matched. They have a great selection. We opted for some lava rock bracelets that help with communication, truth, and strength. I grabbed a little shot glass that said North Carolina on it because I have to have a trinket from every trip I make. When we were checking out, she said that somebody wanted to donate a basket to somebody that they had bought and wasn't gonna pick up so we ended up getting a free basket from Krystal! That was the sweetest thing. We were like two little school girls opening it up and dividing all of the little snacks inside. So thank you for making the end of our trip wonderful!!

Gingham and Posh is a magnificent store! I have adored every gift basket Elizabeth and her…read morefabulous staff have ever made. We have purchased gift baskets for birthday presents, get well baskets, gifts for wedding guests and party favors. The gift baskets from Gingham and Posh are always the favorite of every party!

A great little shop inside a large consignment store called Inspirations. This carry Inis perfume…read more(my favorite!) and all kinds of pretty Celtic jewelry. Now if they would just start carrying imported teas and confectionaries.... ;)

From the owner: Wild Irish Rose Celtic Shop is an Irish Store / Irish Shop / Celtic Shop which specializes in…read moreCeltic jewelry, Claddagh rings, Inis Cologne, Belleek, Galway Crystal, Celtic Crosses, Sport Kilts, and much more.

This is the cutest little artisan market! All local and handmade, most the items are one of a kind…read moreand absolutely precious! Highly recommend for a quiet happy browse!

A magical shop right here in North Raleigh. Everything is NC local...produce, art, jams, pottery,…read morestickers, tshirts, hats, honey, vinyl records, ice cream, etc. Super friendly with new items every week. Highly recommend!

Do you not really cook and yet want guests to compliment your 'cooking' when entertaining?…read more Be like me, and come here to pick up only the best curated cheeseball and cracker mixes, popcorn and nut mixes, and cocktail mixers...because no one needs to know how easy it was on you. Also they sometimes sample out a mean rum punch, y'all, and I want the recipe. Meanwhile, you end up browsing the plethora of goods, from floor to high ceiling, and your teen thanks you for her new buttery soft socks and you come home looking fabulous in a faux fur poncho you never knew you needed. They even carry oil paintings from local artists, one of which is now a delightful addition to our holiday decor. I also noticed a nice university gear section - we just have to figure out what side we're on. Whether you're for Pack, Heels, or Devils, there is a particularly posh selection of college gifts here. I like their people too. They'll hold all your stuff for you when you came for one thing but keep browsing and picking up more. The owner is like that classy auntie who's more fun than you and knows where to get all the good stuff, so you don't have to. And they gift wrap! Bottom line: This store makes me happy. Go visit and sample the spicy crackers.

My friend and I visited this store for the first time while passing through Raleigh. I decided to…read moretake a picture of the inside to show my mother, as I thought she would like the store and recommend her coming. I'm not sure if she was the owner, but an older lady walked up and asked if she could help which I responded no, that I was just shopping. She proceeded to ask if we were "shopping or just taking pictures", then walked off. They had a lot of cute things, but I did not want to give them my money at that point. The attitude and comment was unnecessary.

House turned studio in downtown Apex. The Studio in Apex is the go-to place for creating, shopping,…read moresupporting local artists, and finding unique, vintage items. If you are in need of a gift for yourself or others this is the place to go. Since it was a house previously, the Studio has a special comforting atmosphere. Although numerous items line the shelves, it doesn't seem overwhelming. The items are organized well and it's easy to navigate the area. The only difficult part was trying to narrow down what to purchase. The items are well made and the scattered amigurumi are incredibly adorable. I didn't even realize I wanted a crochet pop tart until now. I ended up purchasing several items as gifts. If you are unsure where to start, the co-owners are helpful and welcoming. We met the lady who makes the soaps and the soap is incredible. Overall, excellent place for local gifts and flowers! Free parking is available along Chatham street and in nearby lots.

The Studio is an adorable store with all local artists. Such a great idea! I follow their Instagram…read morepage and realized they have special events with themes too. I got a children's book bundle for my daughter's Birthday. It was decorated with cute stickers, candy, a pen, crayons, and more. I loved they put an age for the book. I will definitely visit again!

I saw a sign on the highway for DeWayne's on my way to Benson, so I decided to make a stop when I…read moregot to Smithfield. It is located near the Outlet Mall but far enough away (half a mile) from the traffic from there. The shopping center is technically located in Selma, NC. The parking lot is large, but you might still have trouble finding a parking place as it is a busy store. DeWayne's is not an outlet store but a high-quality, family-owned store with name brands. You will find clothing, Pandora, Kendra Scott, Hey Dude, Vineyard Vines, Simply Southern, Tommy Bahama, Julie Vos, Birkenstock, and Yeti coolers, as well as shoes and accessories. I am sure I missed a lot. I wouldn't normally go two days in a row, but after I posted my photos, I saw other photos of the upstairs. So I had to see what I missed, and I decided to go looking for an item. Upstairs was the Attic, where items are discounted 50% and 70% on Wednesdays, I was informed by an employee. Christmas Land is the largest Christmas store in North Carolina, with eleven decorated rooms. The Garden Center with indoor and outdoor plants was another popular area. They had bird seed, different types of soil, and containers. The Sweet Shop had a variety of fudge and Hershey's ice cream. There were other specialty foods throughout the store and closer to the cash registers. Everyone here was friendly, and I was even recognized on my second visit. When I entered for the first time, the employee could tell I was a little overwhelmed and helped me learn the layout of the store. If the outlet mall isn't for you, make sure you stop at DeWayne's for a much better experience. On my first visit, I left with Suzy Zoo items, fudge and chocolates. While I didn't find what I was looking for on the second day, I found something in the Christmas Land that would work. The line to check out was much longer, so I kept finding more items while waiting to pay. It was a good thing I didn't get a cart. They do have a rewards club, which I should have joined, as I am looking forward to returning.

Hi. I live in Austin Texas and I come here twice a year to visit my mom and shop at Dwayne's…read more Today I went to the snack area and the red haired young lady at the counter was really rude to us. I did not feel at all like she wanted to welcome us. She did not enjoy anything about her job. I ordered two chocolate shakes and an orange aid. The lady asked me if I wanted pineapple or cherries or anything and when I looked at her and said no, I'd like the shakes plain please she snapped at me. I'm talking about the orange aid. I told her I'm not from here. I did not know that you guys added anything to it and I'm sorry. I just want a plain one. We went outside to the patio when our order was done, and I realized I did not have a straw for my orange aid. So my daughter went in to grab another straw and again the young redheaded lady told her I already gave you straws. My daughter said you gave us straws for the shake, but not for the orange drink. The redheaded lady orange told my daughter, You mean, orange aid. No, I wasn't born yesterday and I come here twice a year and I drop a lot of money at your store. I know that it seems like it'd be a desirable place for young people to work because you get a discount and it's a pretty cool place to work at I think that this girl might need some more training or maybe another girl who really wants to work at that store should take her place.

Friendly people and great selection! I visited at the Raleigh Market and grabbed a few pokémon…read moremodels. They had a number of different 3D printed items that were all very reasonably priced in addition other products.

The English Garden isn't just a top-notch florist, it's a top-notch business overall. Customer…read moreservice was superior--Ashley did a terrific job. She was knowledgeable, courteous, and patient--a big plus. The bouquet was sublime; my wife was thrilled when it was delivered and immediately asked the delivery driver which florist it was from. This is the highest praise my wife could give any florist: she was a floral designer herself in days of yore, at one of the premier florists in Durham. Looking for the best florist in the Triangle? Look no further than The English Garden. I certainly won't be looking anywhere else.

I attended one of their floral arranging classes and had so much fun! The owner was passionate and…read morefriendly, the instructors were knowledgeable and gently helpful during our arranging time. There were snacks and wine. It was so much fun! I'm so proud to bring home this arrangement I made! I can't wait to take another class!