Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Raleigh is ideally situated in the middle of the North Carolina Piedmont region, about a two hour drive from both the resorts and beaches of the Atlantic coast, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. As capital of the state, and one of its largest cities, it boasts a wealth of things to see and do.
Although it is the state capital, Raleigh has something of a small-town feel, and has been for most of its history a college town. The city is home to several of the countrys best colleges and universities, including the prestigious North Carolina State University (NCSU). For a glimpse of college life, take a walk along Hillsborough Street during term time. NCSU dominates one side of the street for over a mile C its attractive red brick campus makes a nice place for a stroll. The other side of the street is lined for several blocks with bars, cafes, coffee shops, second hand bookstores C everything the overworked student might need. One of the most famous bars is Mitchs Tavern, which was featured in the movie Bull Durham, with Kevin Costner. Another famous night spot in Raleigh is Charlie Goodnights comedy club, where Jerry Seinfeld has performed. Several other historic colleges in Raleigh have attractive grounds too C most notably Meredith College and St Marys College. Most of the colleges in the area offer a program of films, lectures, and concerts that are generally open to non students.
Where there are college students, there are usually sports. Raleigh takes its sports seriously C basketball is by far the biggest spectator sport in the area. Ice hockey is the latest sports craze to hit Raleigh, owing to the recent successes of the Carolina Hurricanes and their home at the modern new RBC stadium. The Raleigh area is also a great place to play golf, being less than an hours drive from the picturesque town of Pinehurst. Pinehurst is home to over 35 championship golf courses C most of which are open to the public - and the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum.
The center of Raleigh is the beautiful square containing the Capital Building. The square is unusual in that it has a church on each of its four corners. On a summer day, the square is a delightful place to sit, and you can usually see parties of schoolchildren on their way to the Capital building climbing on the statues of Civil War heroes. Not far from the Capital is a statue of Sir Walter Raleigh, who gave the city its name over 200 years ago. Just north of the Capital area, you can find two of North Carolinas best museums C the Museum of NC History and the Museum of Natural History. The Museum of Natural History recently hosted the incredibly successful Titanic artifacts exhibition. A few blocks east of the capital is Raleighs newest and most exciting museum, which has also been largely responsible for breathing life back into the citys downtown area. Exploris is a hands on museum with an emphasis on world cultures, the environment and other important issues. The museum is equally entertaining for both adults and children and there is a comprehensive program of lectures and exhibitions here, as well as one of the few IMAX theaters in the state.
Just outside of downtown, Raleigh boasts some lovely old neighborhoods. One of the most historic and attractive is Oakwood, now a state registered historic district and home to the governors mansion. Free half hour tours are offered of the governors mansion at several times throughout the year. Oakwood is full of lovely old Victorian houses, most of which are still private homes C many of the houses have their porches painted blue, supposedly a device for keeping away flies. On the edge of the Oakwood district is the historic and picturesque Oakwood cemetery where many of the original inhabitants of the neighborhood are buried. A Raleigh institution each December is to take an Oakwood Christmas open house tour, to sip sherry and admire the traditional Christmas decorations. The other area downtown that is worth a visit is City Market. This cobblestone street was originally home to warehouses, which have now been turned into shops, restaurants and galleries. Every month on the first Friday, the dozen or so galleries around the neighborhood stay open late into the evening for Raleighs First Friday Art walk. Across from the City Market area is Moore Square, another picturesque downtown square where you can see the symbol of Raleigh C a giant statue of an acorn.
Apart from the attractions in the city itself, Raleigh makes a great base for some interesting day trips. Within an hours drive you can visit such unique museums as those dedicated to the actress Ava Gardner, (Smithfield) the profession of country doctor (Bailey) and the tobacco industry (Durham).
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