The Triangle has lots of options for nature, nightlife, and noshing, including a flourishing local beer and coffee scene! However, a car is necessary to get to any of these things. (Don't worry about the wedding itself. We'll have a shuttle running for those who need it.) Weren't planning on having a car? Make a new friend or reconnect with an old one, and think about splitting the cost of a rental. (They average about $40-$45/day.)

Want a second opinion? Check out the local independent newspaper, the Indy Week, for their calendars of galleries and bands (including Il Trovatore at the NC Opera and the Tannahill Weavers at Casbah, both on Friday, 27 April) as well as their Triangle Dining Guide. Also, the New York Times did a piece on the area in their “36 Hours in...” series of travel articles. It's from the middle of 2009, though, so double check anything they mention that piques your interest.

Food

Allen and Son BBQ	Some of the finest Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ (as opposed to Piedmont style), but a bit of a schlep from the hotels and wedding site.
The Original Q Shack	A Durham institution – tasty BBQ and sides.
Dame's Chicken and Waffles	A Southern specialty done well. In downtown Durham.
35 Restaurant	Delicious and authentic Sichuan-style Chinese food in Cary (NOT Chapel Hill).
Lucky 32	A “farm to fork” restaurant in Cary specializing in Southern cuisine made from local ingredients. The bride and groom have not tried it yet, but it comes highly reviewed.
Neal's Deli	Lovely little hole in the wall that smokes their own pastrami and brines their own corned beef.
Orobosa's hide-away	In downtown Apex (close to the hotels). Low country cuisine with a bar downstairs, open for lunch and dinner.
Peak City Grill and Bar	In downtown Apex (close to the hotels), open for lunch and dinner. A nice place with a full bar.
Brigs Restaurant	A local diner chain. Great for breakfast. Multiple locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Cary.
Biscuitville	Delicious! Only in North Carolina and southern Virginia. Open from 5am to 2pm. Various locations around the state.
Cook–out Burger	Try the Cookout Trays, where a corndog can be your main dish and each of your two sides! Also they can make any of 30 flavors of milkshake in mere minutes. (They might have psychic powers.) Multiple locations in Raleigh, Cary, and Durham.
Chubby's Tacos	Delicious local Tex-Mex. The burritos are HUGE! Their tortillas are homemade and very tasty. Be sure to check out their salsa bar. Multiple locations in Raleigh and Durham.
Randy's Pizza	The best New York-style pizza this side of the GW Bridge! Multiple locations in Durham and Morrisville.
Neomonde Bakery and Deli	Mediterranean food in a casual setting. Locations in Raleigh and Morrisville.
Solas	Upscale restaurant serving small plates. Try the filet mignon!
Cary is known for its Indian food. Try Tower Indian Restaurant, Chefs of India, Cafe Curryleaves, or Rajbhog Cafe (the last two come recommended by friends!).

Shopping

Southpoint Mall	One of the nicest malls Mel has ever been to, and she's been to quite a few. Also has a movie theatre, including IMAX.
Brier Creek	Restaurants, anchor stores, and specialty shops.
Crabtree Valley Mall

Nightlife

Whiskey	An old-fashioned, speakeasy-style whisky bar. Good place for a cigar and a wee nip. Highly recommended by the groom!
Fullsteam	Southern craft beer microbrewery. You can also find their beers on tap in local bars.
The Green Room	The bride and groom's favorite pool hall! Also has (tabletop) shuffleboard and darts.
Goodnight's Comedy Club	In Raleigh.
City Limits Saloon	A country-western bar.
Solas	Not just a restaurant, also a nightclub.
Fubar	Nightclub.

Entertainment

Durham Bulls	The Triangle's own champion Minor League Baseball team that inspired the movie Bull Durham! There are games both Friday and Saturday nights against the Indianapolis Indians. All tickets are $10 or less, and there isn't a bad seat in the house.
Duke Lemur Center	The largest collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar, and the largest sanctuary for rare and endangered prosimian primates in the world! A unique opportunity, but tours are by appointment only, Monday through Saturday. See website for details.
Carolina Tiger Rescue	A wildlife sanctuary that gives half-mile walking tours on Saturday evenings at sunset.
Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival	This year on Saturday, 28 April, Cary's annual community festival provides activities for kids, food, and arts and crafts in a beautiful park setting.
Umstead Park	A beautiful area north of the hotels, near RDU airport.
Jordan Lake	A large lake and state recreation area a short distance west of the hotels and wedding site.
Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)	The area's new landmark for concerts, Broadway tours, and performances from around the world. On 28 April, Mohammed-Reza Shajarian – Iran's most iconic protest singer – will be performing.
Durham Art Walk and Spring Market	A semi-annual event featuring local artists, restaurants, and business all around Durham.
Marbles Kids Museum	In downtown Raleigh, this museum has lots of fun exhibits for kids and the largest IMAX screen in the state.
NC Museum of Life and Science	A delightful museum in Durham that includes a butterfly conservatory and outdoor enclosures for black bears and red wolves.
Artspace	A collection of galleries and artists' studios that are open to the public. In Raleigh.
NC Museum of Natural Sciences	FREE. In Raleigh. The largest museum of its kind in the Southeast.
NC Museum of Art	FREE. In Raleigh. Special exhibitions include Beverly McIver, El Anatsui, and Ashley Bryan.
NC School of Science and Mathematics	Jonathan's friends from ASMS(A) might want to see the archetypal campus and give the nerds a quick taunt.