Raleigh, North Carolina is on my radar right now in a big way. The region isn’t just attracting tech businesses these days, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I’ve teased my wife about moving there because of their up and coming start up culture. To be honest though, I’m more excited about the craft businesses popping up. Here are a couple businesses from Raleigh, NC that I love this year.
Natty Greene’s Brewing Co. – My wife introduced me to this brewery when she brought me a 6-pack of Buckshot Amber Ale back from her visit to Greensboro a few years back. Ever since then, I’ve been badgering the business on Twitter and Facebook to introduce their brews to the deep South. I have a few growlers that I reuse to fill at various growler shops in Atlanta, and I always get compliments on my growler from Natty Greene’s (pictured right.) If you are traveling through Raleigh or Greensboro, stop by Natty Greene’s, which is technically a brew and pub (food), for a growler fill and some great food.
LUMINA – This clothing company started out as a project by founder Barton. The business officially launched in 2009, and it has continued to produce some fantastic products*. I am the proud owner of a few Lumina button downs and ties which have become some of my favorite clothes right now. Their selection is great for both casual and formal settings. The business claims to be 100% American made, and we’re happy to have them as supporters of The Trot Line. I personally recommend adding a shirt or two to your wardrobe.
Raleigh is producing many more breweries, restaurants, and clothing companies. Some of them might even be your favorite from the area. Let us know what you have found from Raleigh with a comment below.
Raleigh Denim (A.K.A. the Curatory – http://raleighworkshop.com/) is amazing. And just about everything Ashley Christenson does (http://ac-restaurants.com/) is amazing – especially Fox Liquor Bar and Poole’s Diner. Add to that Lonerider Beer (http://www.loneriderbeer.com/), Big Boss Brewing Co. (http://bigbossbrewing.com/), and Larry’s Beans Coffee (LarrysBeans.com) and I think Raleigh is a pretty incredible place to live, eat, and drink.