The Out-of-Towner’s (and Native’s!) Guide to Hopscotch: Shopping, Eating, Drinking

Hopscotch is keeping us busy this weekend, from after dinner until the wee hours of the morning. But what to do in the off time? Drag your fun-beaten, hungover body through the one-way streets of downtown in search of some local flavor.

SHOPPING
In between Hopscotch venues you’ll find several shops unique not only to Raleigh, but to the country. Check out Stitch for signature designs by Holly Aiken. These styles may parade around Raleigh like miniature city flags on the hips of downtowners, but beyond the Triangle you’ll be the only one with a bag like this.

Also hailing from N.C. State's College of Design, Raleigh Denim's Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko opened The Curatory in 2010. In addition to selling individually handcrafted jeans sewn in the heart of downtown Raleigh, The Curatory collects well-made clothing and accessories from their friends all over. It’s a feast for any pair of eyes with attention to detail.

Still got some time to kill? Head to Father and Son, a labyrinthine attic of vintage clothes and furnishings which no one in recorded history has escaped in under an hour.

BRUNCH
Dos Taquitos Centro promises a “crisp, light, and clean” Saturday brunch—personally endorsed by Raleigh’s celebrity chef Ashley Christensen. As for Sunday, check out Christensen’s own Poole’s or other local classics like the Capital Club and Humble Pie.

COFFEE
Need to check into the office? We’d normally recommend Morning Times for its central location and excellent baristas. But during Hopscotch it promises to have lines out the door. So if you’re looking for a quiet table in addition to your morning pick-me-up, head to Helios on Glenwood South for reliable internet connection and easy parking. It’s less than a mile from Hopscotch’s major venues and offers some breathing room away from the hustle. Another alternative to the Times is the newly opened Beasley’s Chicken and Honey on the corner of Martin and Wilmington Streets or Wilmoore Cafe on Wilmington St.

BEER & LIQUOR
There are many bars downtown, but a few spots really celebrate obscure craft beers.  Busy Bee Cafe on Wilmington Street is one of them.  With rooftop seating, a rare cask and many aged sours always on draught there are few places in the world that have a selection like this bar. For other options check out  Foundation- a basement bar with craft cocktails- on Fayetteville street.

BEER/TOOTHPASTE/RAIN JACKETS
If you forgot to pack rain gear, take the R line to Cameron Village’s Great Outdoor Provision Co.  Then again you could always turn a garbage bag into a poncho or simply let yourself soak while standing in line. It’s all part of the festival experience, right?

Finally, sometime during the weekend you will find yourself heading to a B.Y.O.B. after-party, suddenly taking up smoking, or wanting to freshen your breath before attempting to make out with your house host’s nephew. Taz’s Supermarket One on Wilmington Street promises to meet every miscellaneous need that ought to be met. Unless their beer selection isn’t micro enough for you, in which case head to the newly opened Tasty Beverage Co. on W. Davie St. in the Depot Building.

Finally, good luck this weekend! We’ll see you there.

See the Beasley’s Chicken and Honey page.
See the Busy Bee page.
See the Dos Taquitos Centro page.
See the Helios Coffee page.
See the Humble Pie page.
See the The Morning Times page.
See the Poole’s Downtown Diner page.
See the Capital Club 16 Restaurant and Bar page.
See the Raleigh Denim Factory and The Curatory page.

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