Raleigh Rooftops: Triangle Downtowner Magazine, Issue 184

TRIANGLE DOWNTOWNER

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Publisher & Co-founder Crash S. Gregg

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Lead Designer Cyndi Harris

photojournalist Barringer Campbell

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Swap your ground-level happy hour for one where the stars – and the drinks – feel just within reach. There’s no shortage of rooftop bars throughout Raleigh and Wake County, so grab a few friends, choose a rooftop, and enjoy the view. Cheers!

Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge

200 W. Davie St., Raleigh, NC 27601

Fourteen stories up and right in the thick of downtown Raleigh, Urban Oak brings skyline swagger to the new Tempo by Hilton’s rooftop. The vibe is clean and contemporary, with sleek firepits, wraparound views, and just enough greenery to soften the cityscape. Drinks strike a balance between classic and crowd-pleasing – think cucumber gimlets, espresso martinis, and plenty of bubbly by the glass – while the food menu keeps things approachable with flatbreads, sliders, and a few elevated Southern touches. It’s a natural fit for golden hour meetups or pre-show cocktails (Red Hat Amphitheater is just a block away).

Raleigh Times Bar

14 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601

Named for the city newspaper that formerly occupied this historic space (the Raleigh Times was published from 1912 to 1989), the Raleigh Times Bar has been the OG anchor in the downtown Raleigh nightlife scene since it opened in 2006. In 2012, the space underwent renovation and expansion to accommodate additional private event space, as well as a rooftop patio. A great beer selection and a killer view of a busy part of downtown make the rooftop here one of the most coveted spots around on a nice weather day.

La Terrazza Raleigh

223 S. West St., 9th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27601

A sun-drenched stunner in the heart of Raleigh’s Warehouse District, La Terrazza brings breezy Mediterranean vibes to one of downtown Raleigh’s most walkable neighborhoods. The rooftop space channels coastal European energy – airy, sun-soaked, and awash in blue tiles and white stone. The cocktail list is bright and breezy (hello, Aperol spritz) with plenty of wines by the glass and a few zero-proof options to keep things interesting. If you’re hungry, shareable mezze or wood-fired seafood await.

Nightingale Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

300 S. Main St., Holly Springs, NC 27540

A hidden gem in the heart of Holly Springs, Nightingale nails that intimate neighborhood-lounge feel with just the right touch of rooftop charm. The upstairs bar is airy and inviting, dotted with cozy nooks, glowing string lights, and views of the town center that feel surprisingly cinematic come sunset. Cocktails lean modern and well-crafted – gin fizzes, smoked old fashioneds, and other bartender-forward creations – while the kitchen turns out seasonal small plates and upscale comfort food worth lingering over.

Highgarden

419 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603

Catch a fantastic view of the Raleigh skyline when you head up to Highgarden, a completely open-air rooftop lounge and event space sitting high above the Glenwood

South entertainment district. Settle into beautifully appointed cabanas surrounded by lush greenery that makes the entire space feel like a tranquil getaway in the heart of the city. Visitors can also enjoy delicious small bites from a menu featuring tapas-style selections as well as cheese and meat plate combinations. Where drinks are concerned, Highgarden offers wine, craft cocktails, draft beer, and a full champagne bar (of course!).

The Willard Rooftop Lounge

9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603

Say hello to a rooftop experience that is several stories above and beyond the ordinary. The Willard, located atop the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, is the place to be for a meaningful and memorable night out. Settle in with two heated outdoor terraces and an indoor dining space boasting spectacular skyline views. Finely crafted cocktails and Spanish-inspired small plates serve as perfect complements to the scenery and will certainly send your taste buds soaring.

AVA Rooftop Bar

301 Fenton Gateway Dr., Cary, NC 27511

AVA feels like a rooftop lounge that wants to be a nightclub (and sometimes is). Looking over the lively Fenton development in Cary, it boasts bold colors, a vibrant atmosphere, and panoramic views of the plaza below. The

cocktail menu leans sweet and tropical – think passionfruit vodka drinks and frozen daiquiris – and there’s usually a DJ spinning by nightfall. It works perfectly for a quiet weeknight glass of wine, but it truly shines as a pick for birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just blowing off steam with friends.

RH Rooftop Restaurant

4120 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609

The rooftop restaurant at the furniture store formerly known as Restoration Hardware is exactly what you’d expect: wildly elegant, drenched in natural light by day and moody glamour by night. While the food skews upscale (think truffled fries, lobster rolls, and burrata with heirloom tomatoes), the bar may be the true showstopper. Cocktails here are classic and clean – martinis, spritzes, a standout negroni – and everything tastes better beneath sparkling chandeliers and towering olive trees. It’s a scene, but a chic one at this new North Hills standout.

High Rail at Seaboard Station

11 Seaboard Ave., 7th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27604

High Rail brings rooftop cool to Seaboard Station,

views, flickering fire pits, and subtle nods to the area’s railroad roots. The wraparound

bar serves bourbon-forward cocktails, spritzes, and local beer, while the food menu features shareable options, including crab dip, tuna stacks, and sliders. It’s relaxed but refined – just the ticket for sunset drinks or a casual night out with a view.

Raleigh

Beer Garden

614 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603

Among the world record-holders for the largest selection of draft beer (the current number is nearly 400 beers on tap), Raleigh Beer Garden is a massive 8,500-square-foot venue with multiple levels of outdoor space (and even an 18-hole mini golf course). A back garden patio and a rooftop bar are as much of a draw as the beer selection itself. Grab one more than 100 North Carolina-made beers (plus a beer-battered pretzel) from the first-floor bar, then find the perfect bench or booth outdoors to enjoy it.

Level7

101 Park at North Hills St., 7th floor, Raleigh, NC 27609

Perfect for groups big and small, Level7 is a 5,100-squarefoot eclectic space sitting atop the AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills that’s open to the public seven days a week, serving tapas-style small bites, local craft beers, samplings from small-batch distillers, its signature cocktail creations plus

a selection of Spanish wines on tap as part of a Europeaninspired experience overlooking the neighborhood.

Hibernian Restaurant & Pub

311 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603

A traditional Irish pub, Hibernian has been catering to all walks of life since opening on Glenwood Ave. more than 25 years ago. Dark wood interiors and cozy nooks surrounded by bookshelves create a host of unique booths and tables to be discovered inside. Upstairs on the second floor, you’ll find folding wall-length windows that open onto a large, wraparound deck with a view of Glenwood South.

Taverna Agora

326 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603

Serving authentic Greek cuisine (with the culture and hospitality to match), Taverna Agora’s modern rooftop is the perfect gathering spot for friends and family. Share a few delicious small plates (plus a couple of bottles of wine) at dinner or enjoy your brunch in the open air.

10th & Terrace

616 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601

Located atop the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown, 10th & Terrace promises bar-goers one of the most unique views in the city. The 10th-floor rooftop deck overlooks

the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts – where theater, opera, ballet, and other live entertainment takes place year-round – plus a sea of green space surrounding it (they don’t call Raleigh a “city in a park” for no reason). Lots of comfortable seating, a small plate menu that changes seasonally, and a local beer and craft cocktail list make this an immediate hit for hotel guests and other visitors to downtown Raleigh.

Tin Roof Raleigh

300 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603

Contrary to the B-52’s Love Shack, this Tin Roof is anything but rusted. It can be funky, bluesy, or even

folksy, depending on the live musical talent that appears there almost nightly. Smack dab in the heart of Glenwood Avenue, Tin Roof stands out with its brightly lit neon sign anchoring a rooftop space with colorful patio umbrellas and plenty of seating. The live music joint is all about giving musicians a place to play and music lovers a place to hang. The eclectic vibe here attracts a community of younger regulars who enjoy live music.

Wye Hill

201 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603

Come for the brews and stay for the views at Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, a beloved Raleigh hangout

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perched high above Boylan Avenue. This spot combines small-batch craft beers brewed onsite with a creative, chef-driven menu that elevates bar food into something worth lingering over. Think loaded fries with house-made toppings, vibrant seasonal salads, hearty burgers, and shareable plates perfect for a group. The spacious outdoor patio offers one of the best panoramic views of the downtown skyline – especially magical at sunset – while the laid-back atmosphere invites you to settle in for an afternoon or evening of good company and great flavors.

From Tree to Treasure

The Chainsaw Art of William B. Umstead State Park

Agorgeous, functional piece of art awaits visitors inside William B. Umstead State Park. A fallen red oak tree – approximately 25 feet long – has been transformed by artists Jerry Redi and Randy Boni of Smoky Mountain Art. In 2017, the pair spent a week using chainsaws to cut and carve away a series of animals, tree branches and leaves into the downed tree that lays just off the Graylyn multi-use trail – one of six multi-use trails inside the park that make up a total of 13 miles of paths available to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

The stunning piece is stopping park-goers in their tracks, pausing for photo ops and to appreciate the intricate details of the squirrels, rabbits, swans, owls, and more that are beautifully carved into the wood.

So how can you find it to check out for yourself? We’ll give you three different options (note: one of the best

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ways to travel these routes is by bike, in which case you’ll likely want a minimum of 28mm tires – bigger is probably better – to handle some of the heavier gravel sections on the multi-use trails):

Easy (one mile): By far the easiest and shortest route to the chainsaw art attraction is to enter the park at the Crabtree Creek entrance and follow the signs to park your vehicle at the Sycamore Road parking lot. You can enter “Sycamore Parking” into Google Maps for the exact spot. Once parked, follow the path up a short hill, past a sign for the Sycamore trail until you connect with the Graylyn multi-use trail (roughly a quarter of a mile), where you will continue to the right. Travel approximately 0.3 miles once on the Graylyn trail, and you’ll find the fallen tree on your left. This is an ideal option for anyone traveling with younger children.

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Medium (6.5 miles): A great option for anyone wanting to get in some exercise is to begin your hike, run, or bike ride at the Reedy Creek entrance to the park off N. Harrison Ave., where a paved lot with plenty of spaces awaits.

From there, you’ll backtrack just a hundred yards or so to turn onto the Reedy Creek Lake multi-use trail, which begins as a paved road on your left before quickly turning into an unpaved path heading downhill. At the bottom of the one-mile descent, you’ll pass Reedy Creek Lake before turning left onto the Reedy Creek trail (note the difference between the Reedy Creek Lake and Reedy Creek multi-use trails) and heading uphill for two-thirds of a mile, where you’ll connect to the Graylyn trail. It’s approximately another mile until you reach the chainsaw art on your right-hand side. In total, this route is 3.2 miles one way with two downhill and two uphill sections.

Difficult (12 miles): Essentially the same elevation changes as the medium route, but with more miles tacked on, this route is best for cyclists and experienced runners. The route starts at the North Carolina Museum of Art, where there’s plenty of free, paved parking available seven days a week, and comes with the added bonus of exploring the world-class, 164-acre museum park.

After a quick 1.5-mile warm-up through the art park, you’ll hop onto the Reedy Creek Road Greenway and travel 2.3 miles until you reach the Trenton Road gate to enter Umstead State Park (this entrance has no available parking). From the gate, you’ll travel two miles straight ahead before veering to the right onto the Graylyn trail, then one additional mile before reaching the art piece.

There is a water fountain available at the museum park and another just inside the Trent Road gate at

Umstead State Park (take your first right once past the entrance, the water fountain is approximately 80 yards ahead, just off the S. Turkey Creek multi-use trail).

NC’s most visited state park, the 5,500-acre Umstead State Park, welcomed more than 1.8 million visitors in 2016. The park, situated on the borders of West Raleigh, Cary, and Morrisville within Wake County, offers 22 miles of dedicated hiking trails in addition to 13 miles of multi-use trails that traverse through wooded areas (pets are allowed on hiking and biking trails).

https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/ william-b-umstead-state-park

https://www.facebook.com/smokymountainart

This article and images originally appeared on the visitRaleigh.com website and are featured here through a collaborative partnership with Visit Raleigh and Triangle Downtowner. The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (aka Visit Raleigh) is the official and accredited destination marketing organization for all of Wake County. For more things to do in the Raleigh area, check out www.visitraleigh.com.

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