Raleigh

Introduction

You will find yourself in the heart of North Carolina as you explore Raleigh, the state capital. Known as the "City of Oaks," you can wander through streets lined with majestic oak trees while experiencing the atmosphere of the largest city within the Research Triangle area.

Named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded the lost Roanoke Colony, this city serves as the seat of Wake County and offers a distinct sense of place rooted in its namesake's history.

Before you go

Prepare for a humid subtropical climate where summers are characterized by hot and humid conditions. To navigate the city safely, remain cautious and intelligent; stick to busy, well-lit areas of downtown after dark and avoid the neighborhoods immediately south or east of the downtown core during evening hours. If you are near the NC State University campus, utilize the university's public safety escort service during the early morning. Additionally, exercise caution when using an automated teller machine after dark unless it is located in a well-lit, heavily traveled area such as a mall.

Before your arrival, you can gather resources to help plan your visit:

• Visit the Visitor Information Center on Fayetteville Street to collect brochures, maps, and event calendars.
• Access the visitor guide online or request that one be mailed to you before your trip.

Getting there

You can fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which serves as a focus city for Delta Airlines and is well served by Southwest Airlines. From the airport, you can take the GoTriangle Route 100 bus to reach downtown Raleigh from the Regional Transit Center.

If you prefer to travel by car, Interstate 40 provides access to western destinations like Durham and Chapel Hill, while Interstates 85 and 95 offer convenient routes from the Eastern Seaboard. US 1 also passes through the city limits as Capital Blvd. For rail travelers, Amtrak offers several options: the Piedmont line connects you to Charlotte, while the Carolinian and Silver Star long-distance lines provide routes toward New York City and Florida. Additionally, Greyhound and Megabus services are available in the area, with GoTriangle providing inter-city bus routes between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

Getting around

Navigate the city's layout by following the I-440 Beltline, which encircles fashionable older neighborhoods and the NC State University area. If you are traveling through the downtown district, you can utilize a grid of one-way streets for easier navigation. Major thoroughfares like Capital Boulevard, Hillsborough Street, and New Bern Avenue provide primary routes through the city.

When parking your vehicle, pay close attention to all signs and rules due to aggressive enforcement and towing. Most meters are now electronic stations that accept coins and major credit cards. You can also choose from several transit options:

• GoTriangle provides regional travel between Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, and the airport.
• GoRaleigh serves routes within city limits, including a free downtown circulator known as the R-Line.
• The Wolfline offers public access to routes in and around NC State University.
• Licensed taxi operators are available throughout the city, with specific providers offering services for Spanish speakers.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your proximity to local landmarks and transport hubs. If you prefer staying near the airport or Research Triangle Park, several options are located in those immediate areas. For a stay closer to the city center, you can find lodging directly across from the convention center or situated along Salisbury Street.

Depending on your preferred atmosphere, you might choose to stay in different parts of the city:

• Stay near Glenwood South to be close to various bars and restaurants.
• Choose a location near Crabtree Valley Mall for proximity to the NC Museum of Art and Time Warner Cable Pavilion at Walnut Creek.
• Select a hotel in the North Hills area, located just north of downtown.

Food & drink

Experience a wide variety of cuisines influenced by the city's diverse residents and large student population. You can find traditional Southern dishes, including modern interpretations, as well as local staples like NC-style barbecue pork. Choose between Lexington-style, which features pork shoulder with a tomato and vinegar sauce, or Eastern-style, which uses the whole hog with a vinegar-based sauce.

Explore different dining atmospheres across various neighborhoods:

• Savor hearty meals featuring fresh ingredients from the local farmer's market.
• Visit a Mediterranean market and deli for hummus and baba ghanouj, or find a nearby grocery store offering halal food and baked goods.
• Enjoy specialty items like Venezuelan arepas with vegetarian and vegan options, or grab a glazed doughnut at a well-known local landmark.
• Experience the eclectic atmosphere of the Five Points district, where you can find pizza in a bohemian setting.
• Dine in a historic Victorian-style house for gourmet fare or enjoy house-aged steaks in a fine dining setting.

The local drink scene features several microbreweries and a variety of bars. In the Southwest Raleigh area near the university, you can find casual spots, while the Glenwood South area offers more upscale options. If you are new to the region, try a glass of sweet tea, a staple beverage served in most restaurants.

What to see and do

Explore the rich history of the City of Oaks by visiting the City of Raleigh Museum or the North Carolina State Capitol, where you can view restored rooms and period artifacts. You can also delve into local heritage at the N.C. Museum of History, which features a reconstructed 1920s drugstore and a slave cabin, or visit the Joel Lane Museum House to see a Georgian-style manor. For those interested in nature and science, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences offers an interactive wing with a large aquarium, while the JC Raulston Arboretum provides botanical gardens featuring thousands of plant varieties. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, stroll through historic neighborhoods like Oakwood, which contains some of the city's oldest homes, or explore the distinct character of Boylan Heights and Cameron Park.

Experience local culture and recreation through these activities:

• Attend a game to see the Carolina Hurricanes play hockey at the Lenovo Center.
• Visit Pullen Park for a ride on a 1911 carousel or explore the trails at Lake Johnson Nature Park.
• Find tranquility in the natural haven of William B. Umstead Park, which offers miles of paved and unpaved trails.
• Experience local history firsthand at Yates Mill County Park to see the last water-powered grist mill in Wake county.
• Enjoy the arts at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts or join the downtown crowd during First Fridays when galleries and shops stay open late with live music.

Three days in Raleigh

Day one, you begin your journey in the heart of Raleigh. You can explore the local area and take in the sights of this North Carolina city before preparing for your next adventure.

Day two, you travel through the Research Triangle. You might visit nearby Durham or Chapel Hill as you navigate the region's scenic landscape.

Day three, you enjoy the surroundings of Wake County. You can experience the local atmosphere and take in the views of the area before your departure from the Eastern Seaboard.