Travelers Raleigh love visiting Asheville, even topping North Carolina’s most well-known city of Charlotte as the trendiest place in the state.
Asheville’s residents may be happy to know Southern Living has revealed who’s next in line in hopes of having their beloved city back.
Although Asheville remains an awesome place to visit, even more so in fall as the Blue Ridge mountains mix in vibrant reds, golds, and oranges, one city is gaining steam as North Carolina’s new travel hotspot.
With a booming arts scene, incredible food, and luxury hotels to pamper yourself, it’s time to pin the laid-back city of Cary on your map this fall.
Raleigh’s Up-And-Coming Friendly Neighbor
One could say what Fort Worth is to Dallas, Cary is to Raleigh – a trending twin city on the rise.
Although typically known as Raleigh-Durham, Cary has unapologetically entered the chat!
The region actually has been dubbed the ‘Research Triangle‘ given how many popular universities call this area home, but there’s far more to expect beyond typical college towns.
But, like college towns, there always seems to be something going on.
Raleigh may not be one of the biggest cities in the country, but it is big enough for Cary to hide in their shadow for this long.
Nowadays, it’s thriving and has remained relatively low-key to this point.
It’s the type of place locals escape to for an extended weekend, but now it’s your turn to enjoy all this underrated city has to offer.
Savor The Flavor And Get Lost In The Arts
Sometimes the South can be wrongfully pigeonholed as if the only culture here is their own as boot-wearin’ honky-tonkers waving their Rebel flags.
Cary is here to blow your perceptions out of the water!
While, yes, there are certainly Southern staples like North Carolina’s famous barbecue – and who would turn that down?! – there’s also a healthy mix of cultural aspects going beyond the South’s long-held, closed-minded reputation.
Food and art go hand in hand—I mean, it is called culinary arts for a reason. Both bring people together, and community is a cornerstone of Southern hospitality.
That’s why many locals find themselves congregating at “the pond” at Cary’s Downtown Park.
And how cool is it that you can grab a beer at the dog park while Rufus runs wild?!
Cary’s craft beer and barbecue scene may rock your socks off, but what you may be surprised by is the plethora of international cuisine offered here, such as SAAP, an upscale Laotian restaurant holding an impressive 4.7 rating on Google.
Cary’s not just a place to stuff your piehole, however.
Many famous acts have come through town, such as John Mayer and Chris Stapleton, and there are many other ways to enjoy the arts.
The city actually provides a Public Art map to showcase local artists’ works, but the biggest hit each year is the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival set for their 49th edition in 2025.
Tip: Academy Street is the place to be! This street has been given new life over the years, a new hub for cafes, restaurants, shops, and street art murals.
Treat Yourself At One Of Cary’s Luxe Hotels
Some travelers have no problem skating by in 3-star hotels, typically saving money to put toward local experiences rather than the plushest pillows and highest thread counts.
Despite being a small city of just 180,000 residents, Cary offers premium experiences at multiple luxury stays.
These are the top 2 hotels in Cary:
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa (5-star)
- The Mayton (4-star)
There are ample vacation rentals to consider dispersed around town as well, but many visit these hotels as a ‘staycation’ splurge.
The Mayton is a lavish stay with a boutique feel. Best of all, it’s centrally located downtown, making exploring Cary’s charming delights a breeze surrounded by top restaurants, cafes, and the Page-Walkers Arts & History Center.
Yet, the ultimate retreat is on the scenic outskirts of Cary.
Umstead Hotel and Spa (emphasis on ‘spa’!).
This is what Southern Living has to say, “Its tranquil setting is accentuated by luxury suites and rooms with gorgeous views of the surrounding forests, a world-class spa complete with outdoor soaking tubs, and excellent dining options.”
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