A Perfect Late-Summer Day in the Triangle, According to Danielle and Jenn August and September in North Carolina offer a little bit of everything. There are still warm afternoons for the pool, cooler mornings for walking trails and farmers markets, and plenty of reasons to enjoy a favorite local restaurant. A perfect day in the Triangle does not need a packed itinerary. Sometimes it begins slowly, includes a great local meal, and leaves room for family, friends, and a little self-care. We asked Bella Trio team members Danielle and Jenn to describe their ideal late-summer days, share where they enjoy eating around the Triangle, and recommend the beauty services that help guests feel refreshed as summer winds down. Their answers offer two slightly different versions of a perfect day, but both include good food, family time, and permission to slow down.
A Perfect Late-Summer Day in the Triangle
Start With a Slow Morning
Danielle's ideal day begins without an alarm or a reason to rush.
“I love a slow morning and being able to sleep in, make breakfast, and drink my coffee without having to rush,” she says.
From there, she is happiest near the water. A day at the beach or pool with her daughter, friends, and family is hard to beat. Her family's annual beach vacation is also one of the things she looks forward to most each summer.
Jenn appreciates a slow morning too, although life with a toddler often has other plans.
“I love slow mornings, but my toddler has me up and going,” she says.
Once they are out of the house, Jenn enjoys visiting a farmers market, exploring a walking trail with her daughter, or making plans to try a new restaurant with friends.
Add a Great Local Meal
Both Danielle and Jenn had plenty of Triangle food recommendations.
For dinner, Danielle has been enjoying Vin Rouge and Cucciolo Osteria in Durham. Her breakfast and coffee pick is Drift, with locations in Raleigh and Research Triangle Park.
For an outdoor meal, she recommends Press in downtown Raleigh. When the craving calls for something casual and full of flavor, her hidden-gem recommendation is Birria El Patrón for authentic birria tacos.
Jenn's favorite dinner spot is Glasshouse Kitchen.
“It is consistently delicious and fresh,” she says.
For breakfast or brunch, she recommends Bull and Bean or True Flavors, one of her family's weekend favorites. Velvet Hippo and Boxyard RTP are her picks for a fun outdoor or rooftop atmosphere.
She also recommends Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham, especially when fresh churros are involved.
“The fresh-made churros are worth it every time,” Jenn says.
Spend Some Time Outside
Danielle and her daughter enjoy visiting Knightdale Station Park. She also likes supporting local vendors at the Raleigh Farmers Market. Earlier in the season, she tries to catch the Strawberry Festival too.
Her advice for someone with only one free day is simple:
“Go get brunch, enjoy the pool, and relax.”
Jenn's family enjoys walking through Duke Gardens, where there is always something beautiful to see. Her ideal plans often include walking trails, time with her daughter, and finding a rooftop spot for a meal.
Of course, Jenn also offered a Bella Trio-approved alternative for anyone whose perfect free day calls for a little more pampering.
“I would tell them to get a massage and a facial right after at Bella Trio,” she says. “You will feel like you are on cloud nine. It is my favorite lineup on a free day.”
We may be slightly biased, but that sounds like a very good way to spend an afternoon.
Get Ready for a Getaway With Danielle
Danielle joined Bella Trio in November and says the supportive environment quickly made her feel at home.
“I love the work environment and my coworkers. It feels like I work with family,” she says.
Guests come to Danielle when they want to relax, feel cared for, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
For someone preparing for a vacation, wedding, or late-summer event, Danielle recommends a lash lift or brow tint. Both services help create an effortless, fresh-faced look that requires less daily maintenance while traveling.
Her most important skincare reminder is also the simplest:
Use sunscreen.
Whether you are going to the beach, spending an afternoon by the pool, or walking through a local market, sunscreen should be part of your routine.
Keep Late-Summer Hair Fresh With Jenn
Jenn has been part of the Bella Trio team for four years. She specializes in color services, including vivid colors, and says the people around her make coming to work fun.
For color guests preparing for a vacation or event, Jenn recommends scheduling a glaze to help keep their color looking fresh and vibrant.
She also recommends one of Bella Trio's conditioning treatments for nearly every guest. Heat, sun exposure, humidity, salt water, and chlorine can all leave hair needing additional moisture and care.
Before going to the pool or beach, Jenn suggests applying a UV-protection spray to the hair. It is a small step that can help protect both the hair and its color from summer exposure.
Build Your Own Perfect Late-Summer Day
Jenn and Danielle's ideal days are a reminder that you do not have to travel far or fit everything into one afternoon to enjoy the final weeks of summer.
Start with coffee. Enjoy brunch. Visit a local market or walking trail. Spend time outside with people you love. Add a facial, massage, lash lift, fresh glaze, or conditioning treatment when you need a little extra care.
Whether you are planning one final summer getaway, preparing for an early-fall event, or simply making time for yourself, the Bella Trio team is here to help you feel refreshed.
Ready to plan your late-summer refresh? Explore Bella Trio's hair and spa services, meet Jenn and Danielle, or schedule your next visit at Bella Trio's Durham (RTP Location).