Why You Should Have Raleigh, North Carolina on Your Radar
Raleigh, N.C., is a college town on steroids, a hipster hangout, a city of interesting reinvented, fun, tree-lined neighborhoods, and the capital in a booming state that features high mountain peaks and ocean beaches (aka the Outer Banks).
It’s weird and funky like Austin in Texas, not an Atlanta wanna be like the big city in the state, Charlotte. Duke University in Durham, the University of Carolina Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State in Raleigh all give the entire “Research Triangle” area as they call it (or “Triangle”) a college town feel. Plus it is booming as the whole state is. Cheaper than Florida. Warmer than Wisconsin and New Jersey. No one I met was actually from North Carolina.
While in Raleigh, check out the new Seaboard Station neighborhood and stay at the Longleaf Hotel. Also close is the new Smoky Hollow neighborhood. Both have lots of great restaurants and shops and both are just north of the Capitol and downtown.
Things to see and do
North Carolina is one of the few states (California comes to mind) that has such geographical diversity from the Atlantic Ocean to Mitchell Peak (elevation over 6,600 feet).
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has a “Dueling Dinosaurs” exhibit and a new “Blue Whales” special exhibit. It also has displays on the interesting plant communities in the state, from the oceans (including the unique bogs) to the mountains near Asheville. Check out the Carolina bays and Pocosins exhibits. Pocosins are peat bogs near the Outer Banks. Details at naturalsciences.org and duelingdinosaurs.org. Did I mention it is free except for the special exhibit?
The Village District west of downtown is a fun midtown neighborhood with lots of small shops and a Crunch Fitness where you can work out.
Hillsborough Street has a college town feel (and is near North Carolina State). Lots of murals. And lots of independent shops.
Photos: VisitRaleigh
Seaboard Station is surrounded by the old train station with shops and restaurants and is just north of downtown. Details at seaboardstation.com
Walking around Raleigh is a treat. They have many oaks and Southern Magnolias with their beautiful white blossoms plus lots of holly, gardenias, jasmine, and other Southern plant species.
Nightlife
I found three bars downtown. Ruby Deluxe was a fun bar near the convention center, but just closed. On the other side, downtown was the Flex, a self-described dive bar (flex-club.com) that fit the description.
The popular Legends Nightclub is now open only on weekends. It features drag shows and dancing. Other Raleigh bars include The Wicked Witch, The Night Rider, and Libations 317.
Where to dine
I grabbed a salad at Publix Market, my favorite Florida chain, as well as some North Carolina strawberries for breakfast. You will find them at 417 West Peace, north of downtown.
Another great salad bar is to be found at the Warehouse District at the Weaver Street Market at 404 West Hargett. I also picked some North Carolina blueberries.
Raleigh is a foodies’ heaven, including great barbecue with a North Carolina twist. La Terraza is a popular spot with skyline views in the Warehouse District.
My friend liked the Midwood Smokehouse in the new Smoky Hollow neighborhood just north of downtown. Have a gourmet paleta at Morelia next door for dessert. Dose Elixir Bar nearby has healthy drinks while Madre features small plates.
Where to stay
I am trying to pay no more than $200 a night and avoid any hotel with a resort (or amenity fee). The Longleaf Hotel in downtown Raleigh (300 N. Dawson off Capitol Avenue) was the only one in the downtown area that qualified on the dates I was there (when the Legislature was in session). A funky reborn Longleaf (mid Century modern) is a fun and funky independent hotel with a great bar and outside bar area where they do bingo (and serve grilled burgers) on Monday nights. It is quite popular with locals. Get your Stash frequent stayer points as well (a new independent hotel rewards program).
The staff could not be more friendly. No annoying surprise resort-destination-amenity fees. Get a quiet room midway down the property facing south. Enjoy the local coffee brews in the lobby with great pastries for sale. Details at thelongleafhotel.com.
For a choice of LGBTQ-friendly hotels, go here.
Getting there
I took American Airlines through Charlotte. American is my new fave after Southwest dumped on its loyal passengers with new fees and consumer-unfriendly policies, an about face from its founding. What happened to transfarency? Bags fly free?
By contrast, American is a professional well run airline with good fares and great service (and new planes). You can also take the train to Raliegh from Charlotte, D.C., and other cities to the new Amtrak station in the Warehouse District downtown. Details at Amtrak.com.
You can take Go Raliegh Transit from the airport and around town. It’s $2.50. Downtown is very walkable so skip the rental car. I took Lyft both ways to the nice newish terminal at Raleigh airport.
Raleigh is worth a visit, and I always find something new in this great area.
Editor’s Tip: Enjoy More For Less—Best Free Attractions in Raleigh
From scenic parks and greenways to fascinating museums and vibrant cultural landmarks, it’s easy to explore Raleigh without spending a dime. The area has long been known as a budget-friendly getaway destination, often dubbed the “Smithsonian of the South,” thanks to an abundance of free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions. Whether you’re visiting one of our world-class museums or embracing nature, Raleigh, N.C., offers natural beauty and rich culture without breaking the bank.
Outdoor
Take part in skyline picnics and sunrise yoga classes at Dorothea Dix Park
With an expansive 308 acres at the edge of downtown Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park offers beautiful rolling hills, massive shade trees and top-notch views of the city skyline. Open to the public from dawn to dusk.
Visit one of the world’s oldest amusement parks at Pullen Park
Established in 1887 and designated as the first public park in N.C., Pullen Park sits nestled between downtown Raleigh and the North Carolina State University (NC State) campus. Among the world’s oldest amusement parks, Pullen is known for terrific recreational opportunities for kids and families alike.
Make time for playtime at Downtown Cary Park
From places for views (the elevated Skywalk) to places for brews (beer at The Bark Bar, coffee at Market 317), the park acts as the anchor of a fast-growing, easily walkable downtown area that has become a popular destination for visitors. Check the park’s calendar for fitness classes, movie nights, free concerts, public art walks and so much more (in addition to the year-round Cary Downtown Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings).
Tackle hikes or ride bikes at William B. Umstead State Park
One of N.C.’s most-visited state parks, William B. Umstead State Park, remains a peaceful getaway thanks to its sheer size with over 5,000 acres of forest, trails and lakes. With 13 miles of multi-use trails that follow a series of rolling hills (perfect for horseback riding, jogging and cycling) and 22 miles of dedicated hiking trails, this is a must-hit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Stop and smell the flowers at JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State
Stroll through 10 acres of floral beauty at this nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants. With more than 5,000 plants collected from all over the world on display, you can catch blooms any time of the year. Nearly 20 different gardens can be explored, each with a unique theme and space, including a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden, a rooftop terrace filled with heat-tolerant plants and more.
Indoor
Explore 300,000 square feet of science and nature at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS)
NCMNS delights, entertains and educates nearly a million visitors annually with fascinating exhibits about the natural world. The museum’s four floors are divided into the Nature Exploration Center (where you’ll find the Terror of the South) and the Nature Research Center, an unmistakable architectural icon. The museum regularly hosts lectures, discussions and live scientific programs, among other events.
Spend a morning, a day or a night at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
One of the most cherished indoor and outdoor spaces in all of Raleigh, the NCMA is one of the premier visual arts museums of the South. Aside from two buildings filled with galleries, educational studios and special exhibitions, the 164-acre outdoor Museum Park is the biggest of its kind in America, featuring surfaced and unpaved trails, flexible seating and event spaces, a bikeshare station and an amphitheater that hosts live music and movies in the warmer months.
Discover new history at the North Carolina State Capitol
Located in what was originally the exact middle of Raleigh, this National Historic Landmark was first built in 1796. A catastrophic fire destroyed the building in 1831, and the current structure was completed in 1840. Today, the governor, lieutenant governor and their staff occupy offices on-site, and the building continues to be used for official state business, including bill signings, press conferences and historic commemorations.
Tour the library of the future at Hunt Library
Said by some to be one of the most advanced libraries in the world, the James B. Hunt Library was built to reflect NC State’s status as a preeminent technological research university. Bold and iconic, the library’s architectural design strikes a unique presence with its intriguing design of glass and zigzagging, solar fins. Inside, be dazzled by technological wonders like curved digital display screens, touchscreen kiosks and bookBot — a subterranean robot programmed to fetch books from the 1.5 million housed in an underground storage facility.
Coming up: Raleigh Pride is returning on June 20 for its 13th year. Get all the details here.
