Things To Do

Art

Artspace

Artspace is the only visual arts center in North Carolina with 30+ studio artists, three rotating exhibition spaces, education and community engagement programming. Drop by to meet inspiring local artists, purchase original artwork or take a class. There's a new exhibit and hands-on art activity every month! Free admission; donations appreciated.

North Carolina Museum of Art

One of the leading art museums in the American South, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) offers a permanent collection spanning more than 5,000 years, a variety of celebrated exhibitions and public programs, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and the nation’s largest museum park—164 acres of trails and parkland containing major works of art.

Bars

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Boxcar Bar + Arcade in downtown Raleigh is home to over 100 arcade-style games, including classic and modern arcades and pinball favorites, Skeeball, air hockey, free game consoles and more! They offer a full bar, a covered patio complete with an outdoor bar and live music stage, a dog friendly environment and so much more.

Watts & Ward

Watts and Ward is a craft cocktail speakeasy that pays homage to dens of the prohibition era. It is large, luxuriously appointed and open to any and all looking relive the feeling of cutting loose hidden away from the outside world.

Great For Kids

Marbles Kids Museum

Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive destination that inspires children to be creative thinkers and active learners. With dozens of exhibits and two outdoor escapes, there is no shortage of activity for kids and their families. The campus also features a 272-seat IMAX Theater. This giant-screen experience runs educational 3D documentaries and first-run Hollywood films.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The Southeast's largest natural history museum features dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas, special exhibits, hands-on science education and accessible scientists. IMLS National Medal Finalist, 2014. General admission is free. Great for kids!

History

Joel Lane Museum House

Built circa 1770, Joel Lane’s home is a jewel of Georgian mid-Atlantic colonial architecture. It was fully restored and furnished in the 1970s and is open for tours led by costumed docents. The site consts of three buildings and gardens: the museum, an adjacent 1790 middle-class dwelling, beautiful herb and formal neo-colonial gardens, and Visitors Center beckon visitors to enter a by-gone world. The buildings are filled with period furnishings and artifacts and paint a vivid picture of Colonel Joel Lane and colonial life in the Carolina backcountry of 1770-1795.

Mordecai Historic Park

The Mordecai House, built in 1785, is a registered historical landmark and museum in Raleigh, North Carolina that is the centerpiece of Mordecai Historic Park. It is the oldest residence in Raleigh on its original foundation. In addition to the house, the Park includes the birthplace and childhood home of President Andrew Johnson, the Ellen Mordecai Garden, the Badger-Iredell Law Office, Allen Kitchen and St. Mark's Chapel. It is located in the Mordecai Place Historic District. Please call to check on tour availability.

North Carolina Museum of History

Explore more than 14,000 years of North Carolina history, from the state's earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Other exhibits highlight the state's military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more. Monthly programs include children's programs, craft demonstrations and family events.

Parks & Gardens

JC Raulston Arboretum

The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed botanic garden located in Raleigh, North Carolina with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants adapted for landscape use in the southeast United States. Open to the public every day of the year. Free admittance.

Pullen Park

Pullen Park is the first public park in North Carolina, the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the U.S., and the 16th oldest in the world. The park has many activities such as rental pedal boas, carousels, swimming, art classes, theater, recreation, and more!

William B. Umstead State Park

Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers.

Restaurants

Brewery Bhavana

Brewery Bhavana is many things: a brewery, a taproom, a flower shop, a bookstore, a dim sum house and a Chinese restaurant. Conveniently located in downtown Raleigh, Brewery Bhavana has excellent dim sum and is a favorite of ours!

Shopping

City Market

City Market is a major tourist attraction located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Tourists and locals enjoy the open-air shopping and dining options that line the beautiful cobblestone streets. City Market is home to a growing number of specialty shops, and great local restaurants. Come early for an authentic Southern breakfast from Big Ed’s or stay out late and enjoy hand crafted cocktails and a cold brew with friends. Historic City Market has it all. The perfect place to spend the day with the family or a night out with friends. Experience the unique food, entertainment options and history that City Market has to offer.

State Farmers Market

More than fresh vegetables, it’s a family adventure. Considered one of the nation’s best and most modern markets, visitors enjoy 75 acres of indoor/outdoor specialty shops, restaurants and garden center, with fruits, vegetables, meats, and gift products from across the state. Free admission.

Quail Ridge Books

Quail Ridge Books is an independent bookstore with a friendly, knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing the best in customer service. Founded in 1984 by Nancy Olson, the store provides a wide variety of carefully selected books and events.

Miscellaneous

Videri Chocolate Factory - Chocolate Bean to Bar

Self-guided tours are free at this local bean-to-bar chocolate factory. Visitors not only experience the chocolate-making process but can sample the delectables afterward. The Videri Chocolate Factory coffee bar offers an array of espresso coffee drinks and chocolate pairings, including sipping chocolate and frozen hot chocolate. Visitors can savor their beverage on the outdoor patio or in the comfort of the air-conditioned cafe. Stop by the chocolate counter and purchase some signature chocolate bars or bonbons to enjoy later.