Lafayette Village, Raleigh

Lafayette Village is not as pretty as one imagines. The architecture is French-style, but it's quite stark. It needs more ivy or plants. Also the people aren't French in the slightest, so you won't feel like you're in Paris! There is a nice lawn though, under a large tree, surrounded by cafes, which makes this a great place to eat with kids. While you eat at the outdoor tables your kids can run free. Come early because the restaurants (which are waiter service) on the lawn fill up. We ate away from the lawn at a counter-service deli, Southern Craft Butchers, which had the most delicious Turkey Chipotle Gouda sandwiches and some outdoor seating. The chocolate shop, Chocolate Boutique, is worth a visit. Munch some chocolate raisins on the way home.

The cafes on the lawn are: Simply Crepes, Sushi One, Village Grill, Zanyu Asian Noodles, and more.
After, go for a stroll at Shelley Lake Park, a twelve minute drive to the southwest.

Directions

Lafayette Village is located at 8450 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615. There is parking around the perimeter of the shops, and if this fills up, you can park below the village in a parking structure. Parking is free.

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