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raleighrosee Costa Rican🇨🇷 sharing can't-miss bites, hidden gems & foodie events across NC. Want travel inspo too? Follow
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10/14/2026

Friends, N.C. State Fair opens TOMORROW 🎡 Don’t pay full price! Save this post:

🎡 NEW THIS YEAR: THE America 250 Wheel! The world’s largest portable observation wheel is at the fair, make sure to check it out!

💸 Advance tickets: $10 adult / $5 youth (gate is $13 / $7). Buy online through Oct. 15, or skip the 10% online fee by picking them up at a kiosk, Gate 9, or the Farmers Market.

🎟️ Dizzy Pass: $38 for admission + a one-day unlimited ride wristband (online only, through Oct. 15).

🍔 Weekday lunch pass: Free entry 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pay a $20 cash deposit at Gate 1 or 9, then get it back by 1:30.

🥫 Oct. 22: Bring 6 canned or non-perishable items for free admission.

🎓 Oct. 15: $8 for college students with ID.

👵 Oct. 20: Free for seniors 65+.

🎖️ Oct. 21: Free for military and veterans + 3 guests.

🚗 Parking: Free at the fairgrounds and Carter-Finley Stadium. Take Wade Ave. (I-40 Exit 289) to Edwards Mill Road. Heads up: Lenovo Center parking is paid on Oct. 21. Coming from Durham? There’s a free express bus from Durham Station to Gate 1.

💙 Sensory Day: Sun. Oct. 18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Rides, vendors, and music go lights-and-music-free, with a quiet “Chill Out Zone” in the Graham Building and noise-cancelling headphones available to borrow.

🥪 Outside food and water are allowed!

🎡 For more info, visit ncstatefair.org for tickets, schedules, deals, and everything happening Oct. 15–25.

What’s the FIRST thing you’re eating at the fair? 🍗🍩 Tell me below!

📌 Save this post so you have it when you go, and share it with someone who’s heading to the fair!

10/10/2026

✨La Cocina Latina in Durham✨

Friends, family-owned since 2022, La Cocina Latina brings authentic Mexican flavors to Apex Hwy in Durham.

We ordered the milanesa de pollo with handmade tortillas, a gordita, and a pupusa. Each plate tasted like it came from a home kitchen!

The space is small, with a beautiful mural in the classic Mexican style of bold, bright colors. The all-women staff was welcoming and took our order right away. The menu is written in Spanish, but anyone who appreciates authentic Mexican cuisine will know exactly what to order. Note: there is no restroom on site.

What’s your go-to order at a Mexican restaurant?

Save this post for your next Durham dining outing, and share it with someone who loves authentic Mexican food.

📍 Address:
4739 Apex Hwy.
Durham, NC 27713

09/20/2026

Empanadas&More is one of my favorite spots in the Triangle when I’m craving Latin fare!

We started with the cheese cachapa, a sweet corn cake folded around melted cheese, followed by the pork patacon, crispy smashed plantains layered with tender, juicy pork, and a side of sweet plantains. For dessert, the Mil Hojas De Leche Cake: delicate layers of puff pastry with dulce de leche, all finger-licking goood🤤

is an award-winning, family-owned restaurant bringing authentic flavors from Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru to Morrisville. Owner and head chef Christian draws on his travels and culinary training to bring depth and care to every dish, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options available. If you’re in the Triangle and haven’t been yet, this is your sign.

📍Address:
2107 Grace Park Dr
Morrisville, NC 27560

Save this for your next lunch plans and share it with someone who’d appreciate it.

09/15/2026

Friends, for the months that end in “-ber,” there’s no diet, only dessert!

Stopped by Asali Desserts & Café and tried their Baklava Cheesecake with an iced caramel latte. The cheesecake was every bit as good as it sounds, creamy, rich, and layered with the flavors of traditional baklava 🤤

Asali Desserts & Café is a family-owned local gem in Cary, serving Mediterranean-inspired desserts, including baklava, cheesecakes, cakes, and other beautifully presented sweet and savory items, along with coffee and specialty teas.

The cafe itself is bright, cozy, and welcoming, making it a great spot to meet up with friends, enjoy a dessert, or grab a coffee and stay awhile. They also offer free parking, which is always a plus. What’s your favorite sweet treat from Asali?

📍Address:
107 Edinburgh S Dr, Ste 106-A
Cary, NC 27511

Save this spot for your next dessert craving and send it to a friend who loves sweets!

09/13/2026

Happy Sunday friends ☀️ My mom and I recently stopped by and had a delicious brunch!

We got a little bit of everything! I ordered an omelette with home fries and a biscuit, my mom ordered the eggs all the way with sunny-side-up eggs, oatmeal, bacon and a biscuit, and we shared the French toast (our dessert 😏). Everything was tastyyy!

We had to wait a bit for a table, but the time flew by, and once we were seated the service was fast and our server very kind.

Did you know Elmo’s Diner was named by Food Network as a classic diner you can’t miss in North Carolina? They highlighted it as a go-to spot for an all-day breakfast! Have you tried Elmo’s yet?

📍Address:
776 Ninth St.
Durham, NC 27705

Save this reel and share it with your brunch squad!

08/31/2026

Friends, we stopped by Thai Thai Oriental Cuisine in Holly Springs and had a delicious Thai meal! 🇹🇭

We tried the pork gyozas with Thai-seasoned soy sauce, papaya salad, larb g*i, and their Tom Yum with tofu, mushrooms, lemongrass, and herbs in a flavorful lime broth. The Tom Yum was legit (so much so that I ate it and forgot to record🥹)!

This quaint little spot has no more than 10 tables, super friendly service, and flavorful fare. Have you been yet?

📍Address:
108 Osterville Dr.
Holly Springs, NC 27540

Save this reel, and share it with a friend who loves Thai food!

08/16/2026

Girl Brunch at AAKTUN 🌺

Spent the afternoon at Aaktun with my lovely girlfriends and it was such a good time🧡 The tropical décor and music made it feel like a mini escape, right in the middle of Clayton🌴 (They also have another location in Durham, NC!)

I started with the French Toast, spot on texture, spongy in the best way, but the fruit kept it from being too sweet, and the Dulce de Leche Iced Latte 🤤. Around the table, the Shoyu Poke and Tempura Fish Tacos were just as impressive. What’s your go-to brunch order, sweet or savory?

Address:
📍 401 E Main St.
Clayton, NC 27520

Don’t forget to follow Rose M • What to Eat & Do in NC, save and share this post with the friends you love to brunch with!

07/15/2026

Friends, stopped by George’s Steaks and tried the Philly Cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp cheese. The bread from La Farm Bakery was soft and fresh, the ribeye was tender with a generous portion of meat, and the cheese brought it all together.

George brought the flavors and traditions of Philly to North Carolina, and we’re so glad we got to try it. The cheesesteak was solid and definitely satisfied our craving for a good Philly sandwich! Have you visited George’s Steaks yet?

Save this for your next cheesesteak craving and share it with your cheesesteak-loving friend💥

📍Address:
1510 N Salem St
Apex, NC 27502

05/24/2026

Happy Sunday friends ☀️ Had to run some errands in Smithfield recently, and my husband took me to this diner he used to visit with his National Guard friends.

The Diner in Smithfield is a cozy hometown spot with vintage decor, amazing service, and delicious comfort food that feels like eating at a family member’s house. It is located right in front of the Ava Gardner Museum!

I got my usual veggie omelette with cheese and ham, and my husband had the country ham and eggs. Everything was tasty and the portions very generous (how I like em😂🙊) Have you been?

📍Address:
314 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577

Save this spot for breakfast and invite your breakfast-loving friends!

04/19/2026

If you’re looking for a standout burger in Apex, consistently delivers.

The burgers are juicy, perfectly cooked, and packed with flavor. The service is attentive, and the atmosphere has a modern diner feel that makes it an easy go-to spot.

On my second visit, I tried the sweet potato fries, and they’re just as impressive, crispy, well-seasoned, and a great addition to any order.

Overall, this has quickly become one of my favorite burger spots in the area. Have you been?

📍2832 Teachey Pl
Apex, NC 27523

Save this for your next visit & share it with someone you’d grab a burger with.

Address

Raleigh, NC

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