A DAY AT THE VILLAGE DISTRICT: SHOPPING, DINING AND MORE
When you’re living at LYON, you don’t have to travel far to find awesome things to do.
One of the oldest and most popular destinations in Raleigh, the Village District shopping center, is just minutes from your door. In today’s post, we’ll walk you through a perfect day at the Village District, from food, to shopping, to spa treatments and more.
What is the Village District in Raleigh NC?
If you’re not from around here, you probably haven’t heard of the Village District, so let us catch you up to speed. The Village District is an open-air shopping center a few blocks from N.C. State University. It’s notable for being the first planned community developed in Raleigh, way back in 1949. However, that’s not to give you the impression that the center is outdated. Even though it’s pushing 76, frequent renovations over the years have given the District a very fresh and modern feel. The center is now home to over 100 stores, restaurants, shops, breweries, and professional offices. Whether you need to grab some groceries, send a letter, see a dentist, or shop ‘til you drop, the District is your one-stop spot to do it all.
Things to do in the Village District in Raleigh
Grab Brunch at The Flying Biscuit
The Flying Biscuit Café is a must-visit if you’re exploring Raleigh. Even though it’s actually part of a larger chain, it’s still quintessentially Southern, with locations in Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and Texas. The Flying Biscuit’s bright, eclectic décor and signature giant biscuits (they bake nearly 5,000 a week!) have helped make it one of the most popular breakfast joints in the area, and that coveted breakfast is served all day, so there’s no need to rush over at the crack of dawn. In addition to biscuits, the café also offers a wide assortment of benedicts, scrambles, hashes, and omelets, so if someone in your party is gluten-free, they’ll still have plenty to choose from. (Also, while we’re on the subject of the Village District and biscuits, did you know that it’s also home to the world’s first two-story Chick-fil-A? The Flying Biscuit is still our preference, though.)
Hit The Boutiques or Snag Some Antiques
The Village District is well-known for its wide variety of high-end, trendy boutiques. Splurge on places like Uniquities, Fab’rik, Charlotte’s, and Madison, or explore Alton Lane, Kannon’s, Onward Reserve, and Jos A. Bank.
Even if you’re not in the high-fashion market, there are still plenty of budget-friendly spots to explore in the District. Shops like Francesca’s, Light Years Jewelry, Great Outdoor Provision Co., and Barnes & Noble all offer a fun shopping experience at a more modest price point. If you’re an antique lover, you’ll definitely want to explore the Antiques Emporium, which boasts one of the largest vintage costume jewelry collections in the Southeast, and the Cheshire Cat Antique Gallery, with 20,000+ square feet of underground shopping.
Check out the Oberlin Regional Library
True, as of 2021, there is a Barnes & Nobles in the Village District. But why purchase a title you might not love when you can test drive it next door for free? The Oberlin Regional Library stocks thousands of paper titles, and also gives members access to over 118,000 eBooks, Audiobooks, and digital magazines.
Our advice? Check out that title everyone’s been raving to you about, and if you end up loving it, grab a copy of your own from the Barnes & Nobles on your next visit to the District. If you’re not so much of a media person, the library still might be worth a visit—it offers tons of free programs and activities for adults, teens, kids, and toddlers.
Pose in Front of the Murals
It’s all about the ‘gram, right? (Are people still saying that?) Anyway, your day at Village District wouldn’t be complete without snapping a pic in front of one of the many colorful murals that are scattered throughout the area.
“Love Conquers All” can be found next to the Which Witch; “Hand Out Happiness” is located by the Flying Biscuit; and “Be a Smile” is across from the Chick- Fil-A. The positive messages and bright, vibrant colors make these murals the photo op and mood booster.
Relax and Unwind at The Village District Nail Spa
Whether you’re spending the day with friends, or want to take some “me time” on you own, your day wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Village District Nail Spa. This longtime District favorite is the perfect special treat to grant yourself or someone else. Unlike most nail spas, you’ll have the option of enjoying a complimentary beverage (wine, soda, coffee and tea are all on the menu) while you relax and enjoy your mani-pedi. The salon also boasts fully adjustable Shiatsu back massaging chairs, and a central ventilation system ensures the air is free from germs, dust, and chemical odors. If you want to get your hair done in addition to your nails, you do so by strolling over to Haircolorxperts, about a block away.
Launch your life on LYON
The Village District is just one of many amazing destinations you can access from your duet- style home in Raleigh. LYON offers six classic-yet-modern homes, conveniently located near all the urban hotspots, yet still serene and withdrawn from the hustle and bustle. We invite you to explore everything LYON has to offer. Not sure if this is the right collection for you? Our incredible team is here to help you find your dream home in the Triangle at the right price. Get in touch with us today!