Do you love pop-up shops, locally made products, once-a-month special events, WOMEN,…read moreboutique-thrift items, recyclable goods, sustainable cleaning supplies, jewelry, BEER, letter-press cards and oh so much more?! Then let me know you, the Durham Patchwork mini-market is about to be your new best friend! I "secretly" took my boyfriend to Fullsteam on the first Saturday of the month so we could "grab a beer." Little did he know that there was a full-blow POP-UP shop within! My eyes got wide and he realized he'd been tricked, but man oh man was it worth it [and he got a beer out of it!]. This little market is any girls dream! While you sip on a brew you can wonder between vendors [the majority female entrepreneurs and artisans] and have conversations while they tell you about their products, which they are all very passionate about. The vendors change from month to month, but the covered [non air conditioned] space in Fullsteam is filled to the tippy top. This is a perfect spot to pick up presents for friends, yourself or stock up on Christmas supplies! You can support many local business in one stop AND in a chill but popping environment. Check out their facebook page [www.facebook.com/TheDurhamPatchworkMiniMarket] for the latest vendor news and updates. And now you know where to find me every FIRST Saturday from 12:00-4:00pm.

I found out about this pop up market just the day before, lucky me! Unlike other pop up shops,…read morethis one was free admission. The event went from 12-5. There were a variety of craft vendors that were local artists. I would rather buy a local artist print, mug, ring, etc than go to a mall. I wish there was more 'walking' room though, it was very packed (which is a good thing).

The Rock & Shop Market is one of the Triangle's oldest, largest, and most comprehensive art and…read morecraft shows, featuring everything from locally-made baked goods to hand-crafted jewelry, hand-made textiles, original art, prints, pottery, and more! Local music is also part of the draw - though 'rock' may be in the name, featured musicians range from there to blues to hip-hop to the Durham Ukulele Orchestra. Variety is the draw, and Rock & Shop provides on every front! From the artists and craftspeople to the food trucks, there's something local for everyone to enjoy at every event.

Triangle Pop-Up has opened a new pop-up shop location in Park West Village in Morrisville! If you…read morecan't make it to a pop-up market, you can just visit their shop located here or their permanent location in DTR (Curate Raleigh). I spent so much time here just browsing all of the locally made goods. It's the perfect place for gifts. Support small!

Went here for almost a month straight...everyday for just one item,their world famous iced rolls…read more I now have a horrible case of Type 2 diabetes. but it was worth it.

Yum yum yum. Both items I got from this bakery were divine. The Amish cinnamon roll has a caramel…read morelike frosting and the brown sugar rice crispy treat is one of the best things I've ever eaten. {-: The one thing I'll say is that I wish they had more actual baked goods to choose from, like pastries. There were sandwiches and cake slices, but I want a croissant or danish or cookie! I'll definitely be back to try the coffee.

If you love local art, unique jewelry, cute stickers, and other handmade artsy items, you must…read morecheck out the local Raleigh gem, Curate on Hargett Street. I initially wandered in because the "Support Local Artists" sign caught my eye. I am an art lover so this store was 100 percent calling my name. The visual art caught my eye first (art lovers, you'll appreciate the vibe immediately), but I quickly realized this place has so much more. It's a small store but the carefully curated selection of handmade items makes a huge impact. The handmade jewelry selection is awesome. The statement pieces you will find here are super unique. Some of the rings were made from recycled vintage earrings. Definitely not the kind of stuff you see everywhere. They also had stickers galore for me and all the planner lovers, which made me happy. T-shirts, tote bags, bag charms, and on and on. And bonus: there's a great juice and smoothie bar right next door, which makes the whole stop even better. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, which always makes a shopping experience feel special. This store is 100% my vibe, and I already know I'll be back... probably to buy one of the art prints I can't stop thinking about.

What a unique boutique store at Crabtree!…read more While waiting to be seated at The Cheesecake Factory, we browsed this store. I liked it immediately. I found a pair of earrings that I knew would match a particular dress I like wearing. I held them in my hand, still looking around for other things to buy. The person at the register reminded me that the store closed in 15 min. It was 8:45 in the evening, and soon after, our table was ready. I bought those earrings. My one negative feeling was the pricing. Even the things I wanted were financially out of reach for me. We were about to spend over one hundred dollars at the restaurant, and these earrings were affordable. Other items weren't. Will I go again? I think I will. Lots of cool companies selling their homemade goods there. I understand marketing and price points. Everyone deserves a profit. If I come into some money, I'll try and spend it there.

I found Wuerker Bee Apiary at a Flock Swap and Market across the road from where I had brunch. We…read moresaw the chickens and heard the rooster so had to go check it out. Then we all got some fresh farm eggs, there was a choice of chicken or duck. I was excited to see some local honey and such a large selection of it to candles made from beeswax to ornaments to soaps and salves. I learned that Wuerker Bee is in Creedmoor once a month for the market and another day in Oxford. Wuerker Bee is a home based business so you cannot just show up and buy the products but you can order online and meet somewhere to pick up the items or have them shipped to you. I will be buying products from this business again.