North Carolina has a natural science mesuem located in Downtown Raleigh. If you enjoy the sciences we recommend this as a fun free attraction withe great walkablility to other downtown spots!
Please note that Raleigh is home to two art meseums, one of which you will have full access to at our wedding. We highly recommend exploring Raleighs other art meseum located in downtown! "CAM (Contemporary Art Museum) is dedicated solely to contemporary art from around the world with rotating exhibitions featuring works from emerging artists as well as established ones like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein among many others. Visitors can explore CAM's permanent collection or attend one of their lectures or workshops that cover topics ranging from photography to video art installation pieces."
If you want to get outside and hike we highly recommend one of the trails in the Umstead State 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.
Drive Shack is a local driving range and is great for a large group. Please make arrangements ahead of time is this is something you would like to do as this place books up.
Fenton is a great spot for shopping and food!
For traditional North Carolina BBQ we recommend checking out the Pit in Downtown Raleigh. You can walk in but we also recommend making a lunch reservation.
A fun spot for Brunch or small bites!
A fun spot in downtown with a tons of options for food!
One of our favorite lunch and brunch spots!
"Since 1940, the Roast Grill has been Raleigh’s go-to for hot dogs. In fact, when customers walk through the door on West Street (underneath the sign that reads, “Hot Weiners”), that’s about all they can order aside from chips, drinks, fries, baklava, and poundcake. The grilled hot dogs can be topped with a choice of chili, mustard, slaw, or onions. It’s the simplicity and the down-home atmosphere that have led generations of Carolinians to return year after year."
"Since 1989, Big Ed’s has been a staple of downtown’s City Market district, serving breakfast and lunch to generations of Raleigh workers, politicians, and fans of classic Southern home cooking. There’s always a daily blue plate special, and lunch dishes like Big Ed’s meatloaf and the chicken pastry are favorites, but its the all-day breakfast that usually drives traffic. Country ham with red eye gravy, hot cakes (with or without meat), and scrambled eggs with brains are just a few of the historic Southern breakfast plates on offer."
"Experience Raleigh’s past, present and future on the walls of this 100 year old building, featuring hand crafted, creative takes on classic bar fare. Covered in old press clippings and images from its namesake newspaper, The Raleigh Times serves as the perfect interesting meal downtown. Enjoy signature spreads such as the Bangin’ Shrimp Po’ Boy (Seasoned fried shrimp, lettuce, Vietnamese slaw, sesame oil, and spicy yum-yum sauce ona sub roll), or the Far East Reuben (Beer-braised corned beef, collard green kimchi, Swiss cheese, special sauce on grilled rye) or their zest Kale Salad."
"Craft beer found a welcoming home in the greater Raleigh area. Today, more than 40 breweries are featured on the Raleigh Beer Trail passport, an interactive checklist that allows beer drinkers to earn prizes as they visit participating establishments. Looking to just hit a few of them? Try Little City Brewing & Provisions Co., Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie, or Crank Arm Brewing Company."