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Self Guided Experiences

Let us help you explore downtown Raleigh on your own or with other conference attendees. Start your journey at one of Raleigh's many restaurants for dinner and then make your way to near by art, bars, and activities. Each experience is intended to be walkable and expose attendees to parts of downtown Raleigh outside of NC State's campus.

Let the Games Begin

Dine at Barcelona ​where you can enjoy wine, cocktails and​ dishes inspired by Spanish cuisine.​ Afterwards stop by ‘No Damsel’ to view Disney princesses reimagined on 329 W. Martin St.​ End your night at Boxcar Bar + Arcade where you can find a lively crowd and a selection of games.

A Southern Good Time

Indulge in Southern-style comfort at Beasley’s Chicken + Honey. Before grabbing dessert take a picture in front of ‘John Prine’ (107 E. Martin St.), a mural painted during the 2018 World of Bluegrass International Festival for country folk singer-songwriter, John Prine. End your night at Bittersweet, Raleigh’s cocktail and dessert lounge.

Pasta & Pedals

Have dinner at Figulina, Raleigh’s new Italian, pasta-centric restaurant. These starchy dishes are a perfect foundation for taking on the Trolley Pub, a unique and fun way to explore the city. The pedal-powered trolley allows riders to enjoy drinks while taking in the sights and sounds of downtown.

Bustling on Blount Street

Enjoy elevated Chinese food at Brewery Bhavana, which also operates as a brewery, taproom, flower shop, bookstore, and dim sum house. Afterwards, stop by ‘Color Pop Corner’ (102 S Blount St.) to capture an eye-catching memory. Close out your evening at Watts and Wards, an underground, speakeasy inspired cocktail bar.

Vegan Venture

Not a meat eater? Make your way to Element Gastropub to enjoy a plant-based menu. Next, make your way to Haymaker, a cocktail bar inspired by fighters and ’90s rappers a like. Continue to Anchor Bar where you can end your night with signature cocktails and a great DJ.

Gallivanting on Glenwood

View downtown Raleigh from above while enjoying a meal at The Willard, a rooftop restaurant located on the very popular Glenwood avenue. Following dinner make your way to The Avenue, a casual bar where you can catch a game or play some games. Finish your night at Dram & Drought where you can enjoy specialty cocktails and mocktails from a knowledgeable staff.