Raleigh, North Carolina
Called the City of Oaks for its many oak-lined streets in the heart of the city, Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and its second-largest city.
History
When you’re talking history, this city has a long and proud one. It was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, the man who established the lost Roanoke Colony (and made smoking tobacco all the rage, darn him!) in what is today Dare County. In 1788, after the American Revolutionary War, the site where Raleigh now sits was chosen as the state capital. The city was incorporated in 1792. It’s an early example in the United States of a planned city, and was originally laid out in a grid pattern with the North Carolina State Capitol in Union Square at the center.
A Seat of Knowledge
Raleigh is home to North Carolina State University, Durham (home of Duke University and North Carolina Central University), and Chapel Hill (home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
Where to Stay
Southern charm melds with five-star accommodations in the Greater Raleigh area, where there’s always room at some of the best inns in the country. A few of my favorites when I’m in town:
Photo Source: theumstead.com
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
This is the state’s most highly rated hotel! Located in Cary (close to Raleigh), its stunning interiors boast a privately curated fine art collection, and its 150 guest rooms and suites are spacious while the staff is gracious. You’ll also enjoy world-class cuisine and the use of the Umstead’s stimulating spa, all in a serene woodland setting. As for charm, the hotel sits on a three-acre lake and rests on 12 acres of gorgeous land. Add to all that it’s a Forbes Five-Star Hotel and its restaurant, Herons, is one of only 64 Forbes Five-Star restaurants in the world and you’ve got an experience that that you’ll always remember.
Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club
This luxury hotel is unique in the region. Built in the style of an old English country inn, the hotel sits on a 300-acre site in Durham, not far from Raleigh. The inn features the Duke University Golf Course, 271 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, the award-winning Fairview Dining Room, and the Bull Durham Bar. The decor can only be described as elegant, and was inspired by traditional English country inns, complemented by the finest amenities available.
Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel
Situated in Raleigh itself, the North Hills Hotel is conveniently located near a shopping plaza with boutique retailers. There are also numerous dining options nearby. For the comfort of the guests there are walk-in rain showers, in-room safes, and a fitness center. Like an occasional cocktail? The hotel’s 41Hundred restaurant serves craft cocktails and house-aged whiskey along with a fine selection of foods.
Attractions
There are plenty of historic sites in Raleigh you’ll be sure to want to visit.
Pope House Museum
The only African-American house museum in North Carolina, the Pope House was built in 1901 and gives visitors a glimpse into the life of Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, one of Raleigh’s most prominent African-American citizens.
North Carolina State Capitol
This is one of the best-preserved examples of a Greek Revival-style building. Rebuilt in 1840 after a fire destroyed the original in 1831, you can take guided tours of the building Monday through Saturday.
Joel Lane Museum House
Built in 1769, this is the oldest home in Wade County. It became the “Birthplace of N.C.’s Capital” when Joel Lane sold 1,000 acres to the state in 1792 to be used as the new state capital. Pre-arranged tours are provided by costumed docents.
Then check out these fine museums:
North Carolina Museum of History, founded in 1902, explores 14,000 years of state history.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is one of the Southeast’s most valuable cultural resources. Its Nature Research Center is one of Raleigh’s most recognizable buildings.
Marbles Kids Museum will fuel the imaginations of any child, with plenty of options for play, such as a jungle safari, dressing up as a forest creature, or boarding a pirate ship!
Dining
While Southern cooking can be found in Raleigh (as expected), there are many surprising dining options available to even the most discriminating palettes.
Bida Manda
Bida Manda first opened in 2012 and is one of the first Laotian restaurants in the U.S. It’s regarded by many to be one of the finest dining experiences you’ll ever enjoy. How popular is Bida Manda? You’ll need to make reservations about two weeks in advance!
Photo Source: angusbarn.com
The Angus Barn Steakhouse
is legendary! The restaurant serves American style cuisine, including in-house aged steaks, fresh seafood, local grown vegetables, and homemade desserts. These are prepared by Walter J. Royal, and his staff. Walter just happens to be an Iron Chef America winner. It was also awarded the 2004 Gold Plate, the food industry’s highest honor. Its wine cellar is also award-winning.
Live Music
There are many great venues for live music and other entertainment in Raleigh. For example:
The Lincoln theatre seats 900 and is one of Raleigh’s most popular indoor live music venues. It hosts regional and national acts year round.
The Red Hat Amphitheater seats 5,500 and sits at the base of the Raleigh skyline. During the summer you’ll have your pick of more than 30 name acts and events.
Kings brings not only music to the public and visitors. It sponsors game show nights, stand-up comedy, theater performances, and has a bar that’s a local favorite hangout.