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If you’re planning a vacation to North Carolina’s capital city, you’re probably anxious to figure out what there is to see, do, and eat. If you’re like me, the eating part is a top priority. Luckily, there are a variety of museums, parks, tours, sporting events, and other things to do in Raleigh – and yes, there will be food!
Located north of Fayetteville and about three hours west of the Outer Banks, Raleigh became the capital way back in 1792. It was named for Sir Walter Raleigh, the chap who tried to settle the world’s first English colony in the New World in the 1580s.
We all know how that ill-fated Roanoke expedition turned out. And now you’re ready to take on the next round of American history trivia.
Geographically, Raleigh is about halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville. So, while the city is urban, it offers accessibility for day trips to coastal sites and mountain trails.
Raleigh joins Durham and Chapel Hill to form the area known as the Research Triangle. This studious-sounding nickname comes from the area’s Research Triangle Park, which is home to the world’s largest technological research park. The area is made up of industries from the worlds of manufacturing, agricultural technology, life sciences, and cybersecurity.
Additionally, three tier-one research (and apparently, sports) universities – North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go, Heels), and Duke University (Go, Blue Devils) – are all within minutes of each other in a triangle shape. Think Bermuda Triangle without the magnetic anomalies, but with major sports rivalries.
TL;DR
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Must-See Landmark | Gristmill at Historic Yates Mill County Park |
| Park | Pullen Park |
| Activity for Kids | Marbles Kids Museum |
| Activity for Adults | Raleigh Beer Trail |
| Food | Morgan Street Food Hall |
| Place To Stay | Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown |
Best & Fun Places to Visit in Raleigh, North Carolina
1. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Address: 11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is made up of six facilities that are divided between five…
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