Some Fun Things To Do in January

Things tend to quiet down event wise around the Triangle during  January, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun things to do. A few things on my list to check out this month include the M.C. Escher exhibit at the NC Museum of Art, which has been extended through January 24th. Also worth visiting is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary at the Koka Booth Amphitheater which runs through January 17th.

This weekend in Durham the Bulltown Strutters kickoff Mardi Gras season with a show at the new Blue Note Grill location on Saturday, January 9th at 8pm. It will be a night filled with New Orleans inspired music by the Strutters,  Boom Unit Brass Band and MSA Cajun Band. Cover is $8.

You can also find some great music this Saturday night (Jan 9th) at Nickelpoint Brewery in Raleigh. Acoustic guitar player and singer-songwriter Zach Wiley will be playing at the brewery from 6-9pm. You can always count on a great food truck being there as well if you want to get some dinner. Some other local beer destinations to check out over the winter are the recently opened taproom at Oak City Brewing Company in Knightdale. If you are up for driving a little beyond the Triangle I hear that the new Koi Pond Brewery in Rocky Mount is also worth checking out.

Another great place to visit in January is the Durham Farmer’s Market which is open each Saturday from 10am-12pm all winter long. It’s a great spot to pick up seasonal veggies and locally made products. You can also find several food trucks there each morning along Hunt Street. Speaking of food trucks, there will be a Winter Food Truck Rodeo in Durham Central Park later this month on Sunday January 24th.

And finally, if you are just looking to get out of the house to grab a baked good and some coffee January is a great time to visit one of the great local bakeries or coffee shops around the Triangle. Two of my favorites are both in downtown Raleigh. Boulted Bread on W. South Street and Yellow Dog Bread on Person Street.  There are also two “newish” coffee shops I’ve recently visited that I think are worth checking out. The first is Liquid State located on Hillsborough Street across the from the NCSU bell tower. They have great carrboro coffee and also serve wine and beer. The second is Gray Squirrel Coffee on Main Street in Carrboro. They are located inside the Yester Years brewery space. Both are great spots to explore.

If you have additional suggestions for the month of January feel free to add them in the comments section below. Happy exploring!