RDU knows how to celebrate its national pride. Patriotic musical tributes echoed along the concourses, while clowns, from Joy Untold, painted faces and made balloon sculptures. The USO invited travelers to write messages to soldiers serving overseas. A variety of USO memorabilia was also on display.

To top it all off, complimentary ‘All American Apple Pie’ and bottled water was handed out with patriotic lapel ribbons, coloring sheets and patriotic crayon packets.

Travelers also took the opportunity to try many of the new venues at RDU, while still enjoying their old favorites. This summer, RDU has many additional services and restaurants for travelers to enjoy. Have you ever come through the airport and felt like you need a Starbucks coffee, a gourmet sandwich and even a massage?

At RDU you can now find: two Starbucks, Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express, Fresh Attractions, three Great American Bagel restaurants and a newly-renovated Cyber Café. The Golden Corral and A & W restaurants at Town Square Food Court in Terminal A are both currently being expanded.

Don’t forget, XpresSpa is open in both terminals for all your summer spa needs. From pedicures to massages, now you can get all your spa services attended to at the airport.
For additional information and pricing, visit www.xpresspa.com.

In 2005, the Airport Authority approved plans for Aviation Station, located on the corner of Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive. The new development’s location makes it a great spot for those traveling to and from the airport and for those who live and work in the area around the airport. In addition to Sheetz Convenience Store, which opened recently, future plans call for a fast food restaurant, ATM and sit down restaurant.

“The Airport Authority is always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience,” said Ingrid Hairston, the Authority's business development officer. “Aviation Station allows us to offer conveniently-located services such as gas and food for airport customers and local commuters.”

With its official opening on June 20, Sheetz became the first business to open at Aviation Station. Sheetz offers food, an espresso bar, an automatic car wash, cheap gas prices and more. They also offer a wide variety of foods that range from made-to-order subs and salads, to hotdogs and onion rings.

Sheetz is a company that has become known for its customer service, including stores that are “always open” — a concept that means even in severe weather emergencies they will be open. There are now 14 Sheetz locations across North Carolina, but this is the first time the chain has partnered with an airport.