24 Hours in Raleigh: A Whirlwind Trip with a Side of Enchiladas

Sometimes, my trips are planned. Other times, they’re an absolute whirlwind. This was the latter.

I landed in Raleigh on a red-eye flight Wednesday night (or technically, early Thursday morning). With zero time to waste, I grabbed my rental car and made the late-night drive straight to Halifax, rolling in at 1:30 AM. Now, most people would crash after that kind of travel, but nope—not me. Instead, I spent the next 17 hours deep-cleaning our Airbnb, The John Brown House. That’s right, 17 hours. Scrubbing floors, washing all the bedding, wiping down every surface—because old houses need some serious love every few months, and I like to make sure our guests walk into a place that feels fresh and spotless.

By the time I wrapped up, exhaustion was setting in, but with a weekend booking lined up for The John Brown House, I needed to find a place to stay in Raleigh before my Saturday flight. And if I only had 24 hours in the city? You better believe I was making the most of it. Here’s how it went down:

Where I Stayed: The Storybook Tiny House
If you’re ever near Wake Forest and need a cozy, unique stay, look no further than the Storybook Tiny House. It’s literally a converted shed, but don’t let that fool you—it’s the cutest little escape, perched on a beautiful property overlooking a 20-acre pond. Peaceful, charming, and exactly what I needed after a marathon cleaning session.

Airbnb Listinng: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1156534878054564712

Dinner: El Salsa’s Mexican Grill
After inhaling an absurd amount of dust and cleaning fumes, I needed something delicious and comforting—cue El Salsa’s Mexican Grill. Their Enchiladas Rancheras were calling my name: three perfectly cooked chicken enchiladas smothered in spicy verde sauce, served with rice, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. I devoured every bite.

Address: 3501 Forestville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616

Breakfast & Coffee: Smooth Joe Coffee
Here’s something wild—I actually got to sleep in for the first time in four years. (Yes, you read that right. Four. Years.) Feeling like a brand-new person, I followed a glowing recommendation from my Airbnb host and found myself at Smooth Joe Coffee. It’s a cozy, bustling neighborhood café with the kind of warm, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay all morning. I ordered a cappuccino and a turkey, egg, and cheese English muffin—fuel for the day ahead. And fun fact: I’m literally writing this blog post from the coffee shop right now. Productivity win! 😊

Review: 5-stars. The staff is friendly fast and attentive. Plus there is plenty of outside and inside seating and options for coffee .

Address: 5321 Tin Roof Wy Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27616

The Must-Stop: State Farmers Market
Whenever I’m in Raleigh, I have to hit up the State Farmers Market. There’s something so satisfying about seeing all the hard work local farmers put into their craft—plus, fresh produce, meats, and homemade goodies? Yes, please. If you haven’t been, put it on your list.

I made sure to grab some snacks for the airplane (cheeses & German pretzels).

Address: 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh, NC 27603.

Afternoon Drinks: Pelagic Beer & Wine
After all that eating and exploring, I needed to unwind—and Pelagic Beer & Wine was the perfect spot. This cozy neighborhood bottle shop specializes in Independent Craft Beer, wine, and cider, making it a must-stop for any beer lover. I grabbed a cold craft beer (or two) and soaked up some sun outside, enjoying the laid-back vibes and friendly atmosphere. Raleigh, you never disappoint.

Address: 300 Pace St, Raleigh, NC 27604

Lunch (ish): ish delicatessen
Listen, if you haven’t been to ish delicatessen yet, do yourself a favor and go. This isn’t my first visit, and it definitely won’t be my last. Their tagline says it all: Your favorite not-quite-Jewish, a little Italian-ish, maybe Southern sandwich shop. It’s quirky, it’s creative, and it’s so good. My love for this place is deep and unwavering.

And just like that, my 24 hours in Raleigh were up. From deep-cleaning an entire historic home to eating my way through the city, it was a trip packed with hard work, great food, and just enough relaxation to make me feel human again. Until next time, Raleigh!