In anticipation of the opening of the Nature Research Center at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, we pulled 24 videos from our video gallery and other sources that we think will help you plan your trip. The new wing opens on April 20 with a big party, but remember you can plan your trip anytime. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and for more information on the opening of the new wing, check out www.visitRaleigh.com/newworld.

1. Greater Raleigh Video
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS-hgLKKb2g]

This is a great starting point for those who have never been to Raleigh or are looking to plan a weekend here. Shot as a day-in-the-life of a Raleigh-area visitor, it gives a general overview of lots of things to see and do in Greater Raleigh.

2. N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwipMCP3ixQ&w=460&h=264]

While the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is expanding, there is still a great deal already there. The current museum does a great job of teaching visitors what we know about natural sciences as it relates to North Carolina.

3. Downtown Raleigh Entertainment Districts
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQXLKBPy7KA&w=460&h=264]

If you've never been to downtown Raleigh this is a good overview of the various districts that make up the downtown area.

4. R-Line
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StoahsXSdhI&w=460&h=264]

A lot of visitors to the downtown Raleigh area, and even many residents, are unaware of the FREE R-Line circulator bus that runs every 10-15 minutes, check out this video to find how you can use to get to the Nature Research Center.

5. Greater Raleigh Visitor Information Center
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkgmFdnrWOQ&w=560&h=315]

Stop by the Visitor Information Center and pick of the Official Visitors Guide to Raleigh and Wake County when you're in town.

6. N.C. State Capitol
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsmDkq3D4n0&w=460&h=264]

When you're downtown by the Museum it will be hard to miss the State Capitol, one of the finest examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture.

7. N.C Museum of History
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZibsGNeRzDc&w=460&h=264]

Right next door to the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is the N.C. Museum of History, another great free museum you'll want to check out.

8. North Carolina Museum of Art
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0VZTgZpqjI&w=460&h=264]

Just a few miles down the road from downtown Raleigh is the North Carolina Museum of Art. This video gives good insight into some of the collections you'll find at the recently expanded location.

9. Greater Raleigh Shopping
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL5rseYQ89Q&w=460&h=264]

The Raleigh area is a stylish destination with unique shopping areas, independent boutiques and designers making a name for themselves on a national level (check out this blog on 24 stylish finds for fashionistas.)

10. Raleigh Denim
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/30868410 w=460&h=259]

This is a really cool piece done about a local Raleigh company, Raleigh Denim, and their creation process for their hand-made jeans.

11. Greater Raleigh Beer Scene
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u75-6wM_GtY]

Greater Raleigh has a great number of breweries and wineries for you to visit on your next trip to the area.

12. Nightlife
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqBtqT497NY&w=460&h=264]

If you're looking for something fun to do at night on your next trip here this video gives a good overview of some of the places you'll want to drop in on.

13. Greater Raleigh Dining
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujwvx7EzgUQ&w=460&h=264]

The Raleigh area has tons of signature dishes you'll want to try when you're in town. The hardest part will be narrowing down your choices.

14. Outdoor Activities
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB5jbdgUsSw&w=460&h=264]

15. Live Music Venues
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw4tycgnzNs&w=460&h=264]

Greater Raleigh is the live music capital of the state, and Music Maniacs will definitely want to see their favorite band while in town.

16. Hopscotch Music Festival
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/31156897 w=460&h=388]

Every year, Hopscotch Music Festival grows bigger and bigger, so if you're in town for it, stop by the nearby Nature Research Center.

17. Raleigh Parks and Recreation
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To7Tzcx143k&w=460&h=264]

With more than 150 parks, gardens, lakes and greenways in Raleigh alone, there are plenty of places to enjoy the scenery and see why the area is called "The City of Oaks."

18. Kids Activities
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka7FzuPbglk&w=460&h=264]

If you're planning a trip for your family to visit the new wing, you'll obviously want to know about other family-friendly activities.

19. Special Events in Greater Raleigh
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnWT6CpF5qs&w=460&h=264]

All year-round there are a number of major events happening in Greater Raleigh. Plan your next trip to Raleigh around a big festival or show.

20. First Friday
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/23540244 w=460&h=259]

On the first Friday of each month, downtown Raleigh hosts "First Friday," a self-guided gallery walk where you're sure to find an unexpected surprise, like a local band playing in a gallery.

21. Downtown Raleigh Visual Arts
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NPTPgWr6IQ&w=460&h=264]

22. Mordecai Historic Park
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB0sVEX9Pho&w=460&h=264]

A few blocks from the N.C. Museums of Natural Sciences and History is Mordecai Historic Park, home to several historic buildings from North Carolina's past, including  the birthplace of Andrew Johnson - 17th president of the United States.

23. Civil War and Greater Raleigh
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkRVOwjg4sc&w=460&h=264]

As North Carolinians and Americans all over commemorate the sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary, of the American Civil War, Lifelong Learners will want to learn more about Raleigh's involvement.

24. Performing Arts
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-VX8qLVT88&w=460&h=264]

Whether it's smaller theater events or nationally-acclaimed performances, Greater Raleigh has anything a Creative Genius might want to see on stage.