$Barbecue
Head to the countryside of Cary to find Dampf Good Barbecue, where brothers Nick and Bryce Dampf run the show from their trailer set up on Phillips Farms. It's only open Thursday through Saturday but it's worth making a special trip for a taste of their signature beef brisket and ribs, cooked low and slow. Queue at the truck, order and sit at one of the picnic tables (be warned it can be tricky in inclement weather). Meat is sold by the weight and while the brisket is certainly their specialty, the home-made sausages give it a run for the money. Come hungry and ready for a feast.
$$$$Modern Cuisine
Need a getaway but have limited time? Herons offers the experience of a country escape without the commute. Set within The Umstead Hotel and Spa on three acres of woodland, this restaurant is a showpiece for their nearby farm's produce. Try several dishes or opt for the chef's surprise five- course menu to relish fresh and vibrant plates crafted with care by Chef Steven Devereaux Greene. His South Carolina roots are best seen in dishes like shrimp and grits, and dessert is impressive, especially the appealing blackberry panna cotta with fresh poached blackberries and crème fraîche.Be sure to c