BY ELIZABETH BRIGNAC

So you’ve just moved to Morrisville—or maybe you’re simply interested in learning more about it. You’ve found a unique and special place. With just under 33,000 people, Morrisville is the smallest of the five main towns in Western Wake, and it runs at a small-town pace. “We’re a lot more laid-back,” says one resident, comparing Morrisville to other Triangle towns. Locals discuss their greenways, libraries and farmers market fondly and enjoy Morrisville’s relaxed atmosphere.

Yet this calm little town sits at the center of the busy Research Triangle and brings more multiculturalism to the table than almost any town in the state. The combination of what used to be a sleepy North Carolina railroad town with the large businesses and diverse population of the Triangle makes Morrisville unique.

To learn more about life in Morrisville, here are some of the first things you should do.

Visit the Western Wake Farmers Market

On Saturday mornings, the Western Wake Farmers Market draws much of the Morrisville community to the Healthy Food Hub site, a location next to Morrisville Town Hall developed in partnership with the farmers market and the Morrisville Community Garden. The Hub includes green space for events and an educational garden, and offers easy access to the Morrisville greenways. 

This farmers market brings together much of what makes Morrisville special. Locals and visitors show up to stroll through the market, which is spacious, relaxed and chatty. Musicians play live music while shoppers check out everything from flowers and produce to goat cheese and quail eggs. Volunteers at the nearby educational garden do a brisk business growing produce (all of which is donated to Dorcas Ministries) and collecting materials for the community compost bin.

If you want a sense of the small-town community to which you now belong, enjoy a visit to the Western Wake Farmers Market.

Enjoy Indian Food and Culture

Whether you are Indian or Indian American yourself or simply enjoy exploring Indian culture, you will enjoy Morrisville’s cultural resources. As of 2024, Morrisville’s Asian population is 42% and growing. A large percentage of those residents come from India, attracted to the area by work in the Research Triangle—so many that Morrisville is sometimes called North Carolina’s “Little India.” From Indian food and clothing to dancing and celebrations, you can experience it all here. 

The Indian food options in Morrisville are exceptional. Swagat Indian Cuisine specializes in North Indian food. Tower Restaurant serves vegetarian cuisine with what it describes as a “South Indian twist.” Naga’s South Indian Cuisine serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Hyderabad House Biryani Place RTP specializes in biryani, a South Indian rice dish. 

And there are many others—Morrisville’s Indian cuisine is known throughout the Triangle.

If you’d like a more active way to experience what the town has to offer, try taking classes at Indigo Dance Evolution Academy (IDEA), a Bollywood performing arts and fitness academy. Dance instructor Priya Chellani has brought her expertise in Mumbai-style dance training to the Triangle, where she has been training dancers of all ages and skill levels for many years. Chellani has sought to bring classical Indian dance training to a wide audience, reaching out to both Indian and non-Indian clients. 

If you’d like to explore Indian clothing options, Morrisville offers a number of Indian stylists and clothing stores. Try Sara Elegance or Stylish Me. Whether you need something formal or informal; traditional or contemporary, the shopkeepers will help you find it.

Finally, the Town of Morrisville celebrates Indian culture throughout the year in town-sponsored events. 

In October, celebrate Diwali with music, food and fireworks. In March, revel in all things colorful at Morrisville’s Holi event. Throughout the year, residents and visitors can enjoy Indian food and festivals with their Morrisville neighbors.