Ready for takeoff, Raleigh? RALtoday team member Garcelle here. I’ve got spring break on the brain and summer travel plans aren’t far behind. Come along with me and see how I recently spent time at RDU before my flight (and enjoy a sneak peek of what’s to come).

What we tried

I love the fact that I can still shop + dine at some of my favorite local spots, even in the airport. Once through security, my first stop was local favorite La Farm Bakery + Café. I’m normally a fan of the deluxe breakfast sandwich on a croissant, but opted for an iced matcha latte (and it hit the spot). Pro tip: In a hurry? Grab a drip coffee, pastry, or cold item from the express line.

Latte in hand, I headed to Ink by Hudson for a few flight-ready reading materials (and water, of course). They’ve got a great selection ranging from bestsellers to children’s books + toys.

What not to miss

With plenty of time to spare before boarding (can you tell I’m a planner?), I headed over to Whisky River for lunch. I enjoyed the veggie quesadilla, and others in my group ordered the chicken Caesar salad and the pulled pork sandwich. Bonus: If you’re flying after 4:30 p.m., you can enjoy live music while you dine.

What we’re still talking about

I love picking up local goodies if I’m meeting friends or family where I’m traveling to, and where better to shop than market-style Root & Branch? Dewey’s cookies, Bull City BBQ sauces, and Griff’s Toffee are some tried and true favorites.

I also got to preview three coming-soon concessions — local fav Black & White Coffee Roasters, Crawford's Genuine, and Carolina Craft (all with plans for family-friendly menus). | Renderings provided by RDU

How you can experience this

Aside from keeping my travel day low-stress, getting to the airport early is one of my favorite parts of traveling. To make that happen, I always book parking ahead of time. It’s quick + simple, and guarantees me a spot so I can be on my way faster.

With all RDU has coming, you can thank me later when you arrive with time to spare explore.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Dine + shop at Raleigh-Durham International Airport pre-flight
Price: Price of purchase
Website: rdu.com
Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd., Morrisville, NC
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