Things To Do

North Carolina Museum of History

The North Carolina Museum of History showcases more than 14,000 years and 150,000 artifacts of state history, from native inhabitants to the 20th century. Dozens of exhibits on display focus on a variety of eras in state history, and there are always new exhibits to explore (don't forget to take a special trip to the third floor, home of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame). The museum’s permanent exhibit, The Story of North Carolina, holds amazing artifacts, multimedia presentations, dioramas and interactive features, along with two, full-size historic houses and many recreated environments. Notable artifacts include recovered items from the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Civil War flags and weapons, a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer and a lunch counter from a 1960 Salisbury, N.C., sit-in during the American civil rights movement.

North Carolina State Capitol

Located in what was originally the exact middle of Raleigh, this National Historic Landmark was first built in 1796. A catastrophic fire destroyed the building in 1831, and the building that stands today was completed in 1840. Today, the governor, lieutenant governor and their staffs occupy offices on-site, and the building continues to be used for official state business, including bill signings, press conferences and historic commemorations.

North Carolina Museum of Art

North Carolina State Farmers Public Market

One of our favorite weekend stops. Peruse the local produce, fresh baked goods, lemonades, and gifts to bring home!

Videri Chocolate Factory - Chocolate Bean to Bar

Videri Chocolate Factory was started by a group of friendly folks who wanted to create wonderful chocolate, from bean to bar, everyday. We’re a cozy downtown chocolate factory that scrupulously sources every ingredient to ensure a high quality, responsible chocolate. We are hoping to change the face of fine, hand-crafted, artisan chocolate by being a welcoming chocolate factory that makes people feel happy and at home.

Sam Jones BBQ

A traditional Eastern NC whole hog BBQ joint with a little modern feel. (One of Madison and Peter's favorites!)

Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Come experience firsthand why Boxcar Bar + Arcade has been consistently named one of the best bars in Raleigh, NC! Located in Raleigh’s famous downtown Warehouse District, our Raleigh bar and arcade features a full bar, dozens of arcade-style games, a year-round patio space with a live music stage, and more. Whether you’re an 80s baby, a craft beer enthusiast, an avid gamer or you’re simply in search of a chill, affordable and fun local bar – you’ll find it here. Catch live music on the weekends, sip on adult beverages, play some of your favorite childhood arcade games or simply sit back and enjoy the nostalgic surroundings.

Drive Shack

Looking for big entertainment? Drive Shack—the interactive golf complex that caters to big groups—opened in 2019 in Raleigh. The three-story complex includes 96 climate-controlled golf bays, a full-service restaurant, a rooftop bar, more than 300 televisions, an arcade area, meeting rooms and more. The 260-yard-long driving range combines physical targets to aim for with augmented reality and virtual games. The range utilizes TrackMan technology, pinpointing the flight of your golf ball and allowing you to virtually play real-world championship golf courses or go head-to-head against friends to collect points for hitting physical targets (games are tracked and scored on television screens inside your bay).

Beasley's Chicken + Honey

Fried chicken and seasonal southern sides in the heart of downtown Raleigh.

Brewery Bhavana

Great brews paired with a modern flair on Asian-fusion dim sum. A favorite girls night out spot for Madison and friends!

Coquette

A date night staple for Madison and Peter. Cozy bistro style French cuisine with a hip, American flair. You won't regret the duck or profiteroles here!

N.C. State Fairgrounds/ Flea Market

Visitors have been attending the Raleigh Flea Market every weekend since 1971. More than 600 vendors go out Sat. and Sun. to showcase everything from antiques and collectibles to handcrafts, furniture, homemade goodies, clothing, jewelry and more.

Snoopy's Hot Dogs & More

Experience a southern-style snack hot dog at Snoopy's. Served on a steamed bun, with chili, onion, and mustard (no mustard for Madison or Peter though!), it's a fun lunch on the go during a busy weekend. Check out one of their Raleigh locations on their website.

Juniper Level Botanic Garden

A 28-acre campus showcasing more than 27,000 different kinds of native perennials, exotic plants, rare delights and unusual specimens of trees and shrubs not found many (or any) other places on earth. This "Eden of rare plants" draws gardeners, researchers and fans of beautiful plants from across the globe each year for select open house dates.