Things To Do
Dix Park
Dix Park is Raleigh’s premier urban park — a 308-acre destination where natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and boundless potential come together. Located on a sweeping landscape of rolling meadows, dramatic hills, old-growth oaks, and historic architecture, the park offers an immersive experience in nature and culture right in the heart of the city. New features like a world-class adventure playground and restored historic buildings — now home to a visitor center, event venue and concessions — add fresh energy to this unique park setting. Whether you're gathering with friends, playing with family, or simply taking in the skyline views, Dix Park is a safe, inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.
State Farmers Market
Go browse or snack on locally grown produce! Late May is prime time strawberry season, so you'll definitely want to pick some up. While you are there check out the Farmer's Market Restaurant to get a biscuit or a pancake.
JC Raulston Arboretum
The JC Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed botanic garden located in Raleigh, North Carolina with one of the largest collections of garden plants adapted for the southeast United States. Plants are collected and evaluated in an effort to find superior plants for use in southern landscapes. Open to the public every day of the year. Free admission. Ranked as one of the best things to do in Raleigh.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast, with multiple floors of exhibits, live animals, and an attached research center where visitors can see science in action. It is worth visiting because admission to the main exhibits is free and you can experience dinosaurs, whale skeletons, butterflies, aquariums, and interactive labs all in one place. PRETTY COOOL.
Cheshire Cat Antique Gallery
One of Ben and Mary's favorite places :) Cheshire Cat Antique Gallery in Raleigh is a large, multi-dealer antique mall in the Village District, offering about 20,000 square feet of underground shopping with over 100 vendors. The store features a wide range of antiques and vintage goods, including furniture, art, jewelry, records, books, and collectibles.
North Carolina Museum of Art
Another one of Ben and Mary's favorite places. A really great place to spend a day. Check out both of the buildings housing art from all of your favorite art movements. They also have a massive outdoor park that make for a great walk or hike :)
Cup A Joe
Cup A Joe in Raleigh is a long-running coffee shop on Hillsborough Street known for strong, cheap coffee, house-roasted beans, and daily drink specials. Inside, you'll find a cozy college-hangout vibe with lots of tables and local art. The beans are usually kinda burnt, but it's still one of our favorites. Its right next door to The Readers Corner, and Nice Price Books/Records. So thats a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Reader's Corner Inc
Reader’s Corner in Raleigh is a small and cozy used bookstore on Hillsborough Street, known for its overflowing shelves and outdoor bargain carts of very cheap books. It specializes in used and rare books but also sells vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and comics, making it a beloved, old-school spot for local book lovers.
Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery
Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery in Raleigh is a student-operated ice cream shop on NC State’s Lake Wheeler Road farm, serving rich, premium ice cream made from milk produced on-site by the university’s own cows. Visitors can enjoy sundaes, scoops, and other dairy treats while looking out over the working dairy farm, making it a family-friendly spot that blends agricultural education with a classic ice cream parlor experience
The Roast Grill
The Roast Grill is a tiny, old-school hot dog counter in Glenwood South that has been serving charred hot weiners, glass-bottle Coca-Cola, and Greek desserts like baklava since 1940. Just don't ask to put ketchup on your dog.
Char Grill
Char-Grill in Raleigh is a classic walk-up burger spot from 1959, famous for charcoal-grilled burgers and a simple, old-school menu. At the original Hillsborough Street location, you fill out a paper order slip, drop it at the window, and eat at picnic tables or in your car.
Amedeo's Italian Restaurant
Mary's grandfather, Amedeo DeAngelis, opened this restaurant in 1963. Amedeo’s is a classic Italian restaurant near NC State, known for lasagna, pasta, and pizza in a Wolfpack-themed dining room. The walls are packed with NC State photos and memorabilia, making it a favorite hangout for fans on game days.
Boulted Bread
The best baked goods (and really good coffee) in Raleigh. Boulted Bread is an artisan bakery and café known for naturally leavened breads and pastries made with house-milled, locally sourced grains. The bright, modern space draws regular lines for croissants, morning buns, seasonal tarts, and rustic loaves.
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Big Ed’s in Raleigh is a down-home Southern restaurant serving huge pancakes, biscuits, country ham, and classic “country cookin’” for breakfast and lunch in a cozy, antique-filled space that feels like an old-time country store
Stanbury
Stanbury in Raleigh is an intimate, cozy, restaurant on North Blount Street known for its eclectic, locally sourced menu and creative small plates. Suppperr good if you're looking for a higher end dinner. They don't take reservations!
Person Street Bar
Person Street Bar in Raleigh is a laid-back dive bar in the Person Street area with a relaxed vibe, friendly bartenders, and a neighborhood feel popular for casual drinks and hanging out.
Natural Science
Natural Science Bar in Raleigh is a neighborhood dive in Gateway Plaza offering cocktails, wine, beer, pool, darts, and outdoor seating in a laid-back vibe. The Gateway Plaza also has really good food like, Union Special Bakery, Miso Ramen, and Ezcazu Chocolate :)