Raleigh, N.C., Media Accolades and Quotes
Raleigh continues to receive praise from national travel, culinary and meetings-focused media outlets. Below are some highlights of great stories and excerpts!
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Accolades
2019 accolades
(January 2019)
One of The World’s Top 10 Beer Destinations for 2019
VinePair
(January 2019)
Larry’s Coffee named The Best Mid-Range Coffee Available Right Now
Epicurious
(March 2019)
One of the 2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live
Liveability
(March 2019)
CNN Travel Editor Lilit Marcus dubbed Raleigh one of her “Top Three Favorite Destinations”
Muck Rack
(April 2019)
Heron’s at The Umstead Hotel and Spa named one of “The 30 best Restaurants in America”
USA Today
(April 2019)
Benchwarmers Bagels was named one of Bon Appetit editor Rachel Karten’s “Favorite things to eat, drink, and buy”
Bon Appetit
(May 2019)
The Cortez named “One of America’s Amazing Sustainable Seafood Restaurants”
USA Today 10Best
(May 2019)
‘Strahan and Sara’ Loves Raleigh
Good Morning America’s Strahan and Sara
(May 2019)
The Carolina Hurricanes were dubbed “The NHL Team That Acts Like a Pro Football Franchise”
The Wall Street Journal
(July 2019)
One of “Six Incredible US Cities Hiding in Plain Sight”
Matador Network
(July 2019)
Two Roosters Ice Cream named one of “10 Best Ice Cream Parlors Across America”
USA Today 10Best
(August 2019)
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ named a Great American Bite
USA Today
(September 2019)
RDU International Airport ranked number five in Passenger Satisfaction Among Large Airports
J.D. Power
(September 2019)
Brewery Bhavana named one of the Most Instagrammable Restaurants in America
Food Network
(September 2019)
Benchwarmers Bagels and Heirloom Brewshop both named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants in America
Bon Appétit
(October 2019)
One of the Best Weekend Getaways Near Atlanta and the Best Food Getaway
Thrillist
(December 2019)
One of 17 Cool Places to Visit in the US for 2020
yTravel Blog
2018 accolades
(January 2018)
"Attendees Experience a Confluence of Creativity in Raleigh"
Prevue Meetings
(January 2018)
Brewery Bhavana named one of the Best New Restaurants of 2017
USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
(January 2018)
North Carolina ranked number one for 2018 Travel Destinations
CTV Vancouver (Canada)
(February 2018)
Town of Cary named one of The Most Romantic Weekend Getaways in America
MSN
(February 2018)
Top 25 Convention Cities in the U.S. for 2018 and Top Convention Cities for Innovation
MeetingSource.com
(February 2018)
One of The Best Places to Go in April
Town & Country
(February 2018)
"Raleigh, North Carolina, Offers Tasty Cuisine and Modern Art in the Perfect Romantic Getaway"
DatingAdvice.com
(April 2018)
Named one of 7 Mouthwatering Destinations for Food Hall Fun
Forbes Travel Guide
(May 2018)
Watts & Ward named one of 9 Great Cocktail Venues for Groups to Network and Unwind
Meetings Today
(July 2018)
Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours named one of 10 Must-Try Food Tours in North America
USA TODAY
(July 2018)
Ashley Christensen named one of the 31 People Who Are Changing the South
TIME
(August 2018)
Brewery Bhavana named one of The 32 Hottest Breweries in America Right Now
Thrillist
(August 2018)
Cary ranked number one Most Under-the-Radar Cities in America
Expedia Viewfinder
(October 2018)
Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo named in What to Eat and Drink Around the World This Week
Departures
(November 2018)
Trophy Tap + Table named one of 13 Brewery Brunches You’ll Love
CraftBeer.com
2017 accolades
(January 2017)
One of the 12 Top Destinations of 2017
Forbes Travel Guide
(April 2017)
One of Five Underrated Food Cities on the East Coast
USA TODAY
(June 2017)
Hopscotch Music Festival named one of nine Southern festivals well worth adding to the calendar
Garden & Gun
(June 2017)
Sixth Most Adventurous City in America
Men’s Health
(August 2017)
Brewery Bhavana named one of The Hot 10 Best New Restaurants in America
Bon Appétit
(September 2017)
One of Five Surprising Southern Food Towns
Garden & Gun
(October 2017)
Warehouse District named one of 12 Neighborhoods Across America That Are About to Get Crazy Popular
Thrillist
(December 2017)
Brewery Bhavana named one of The 10 Coolest Places to Eat in 2018
Forbes
(December 2017)
One of the 30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America 2017
Zagat
Quotes
2019 quotes
The Washington Post
(January 2019)
“Sneaky cool.”
“This progressive point on the Research Triangle is brimming with public spaces full of art and a subtle sense of coolness.”
“As I explored, I found a progressive city in a state that often isn’t, a place full of public art and bike paths and a university-inspired hub of innovation and design… After three days, I wanted more Raleigh.”
Food Network
(February 2019)
“Just 30 miles apart, Raleigh and Durham are often mentioned in the same breath. While each has its own distinct identity, both destinations seamlessly meld Southern hospitality and creative cooking, and their restaurants reflect a deep pride in North Carolina's bountiful produce, agriculture and aquaculture.”
New York Amsterdam News
(February 2019)
“This once sleepy southern city is getting a lot of attention for its cuisine and cool vibe.”
CNN Travel
(March 2019)
Lilit Marcus, CNN Travel Editor in an interview with Muck Rack: “The place I always go back to: Raleigh, NC, which is my hometown and where my parents still live. I can’t believe how much the city has changed – killer restaurants, a cool downtown scene, new hotels – and yet still, at heart, remains the same. It’s where I find my center.”
Livability
(March 2019)
“Raleigh is an imaginative city that celebrates clean energy entrepreneurs and researchers, inventive chefs and artists.”
Columbus Monthly
(March 2019)
“This is the city and its cuisine… a story of cross-cultural exchange, of mixing old and new, of a region experiencing dramatic growth.”
“Whether you enjoy traditional Southern fare, modern Laotian cuisine or a taste of nearly every beer under the sun, Raleigh has something delicious to offer… it’s no wonder Raleigh is becoming a culinary hot spot”
Toronto Sun
(March 2019)
“Golf stars of tomorrow can be found competing at Lonnie Poole Golf Course on the grounds of North Carolina State University. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this gorgeously groomed championship track offers scenic views of the city from elevated tee decks and greens.”
Matador Network
(April 2019)
“A new generation of chefs is bringing real Indian food to the South.”
Bon Appétit
(April 2019)
“At Benchwarmers Bagels, the menu is a study in the number of textures and flavors you can cram in one bite.”
Casual Travelist
(April 2019)
“Downtown Raleigh is compact and walkable making it a perfect city for a weekend getaway… What we found was a relaxed city that’s high on southern charm and some seriously good eats.”
Meetings Today
(April 2019)
“Raleigh’s robust arts scene includes the Southeast’s most impressive Auguste Rodin collection, an exciting calendar of live music ranging from symphony to rock, and theater productions that rival those on Broadway.”
New York Lifestyles Magazine
(May 2019)
“From inventive art galleries and ambitious restaurants to unique craft breweries, Raleigh is an up and coming city worthy of a visit, even if just for the ultimate beer trail.”
Prevue
(May 2019)
“Within this iconic industrial-chic area [the Warehouse District] is a thriving arts and culture scene spread over six blocks where every venue has a storied past that is sure to welcome and inspire meetings groups.”
Bon Appétit
(May 2019)
“I went to Raleigh for four days and ate at Boulted Bread four times.”
“I recently spent four days in Raleigh, NC, and during my stay, I ate at least one baked good from Boulted Bread on each of those days. (At my most severe, it was four pastries and a loaf in a single 24-hour period.)”
“If you find yourself in Raleigh, I offer this tale as both encouragement and warning. Because ever since I’ve been back in New York—a place, mind you, with no shortage of extremely talented bakers—the sun seems to be shining a little less brightly, and it’s all because I can’t find any gluten that I enjoy as much as I did the spread at Boulted.”
The Wall Street Journal
(May 2019)
“With choreographed dance celebrations and rowdy tailgates, the Carolina Hurricanes have built a loyal fan base using tactics adopted from the gridiron.”
The Local Palate
(May 2019)
“Raleigh has long come off as the buttoned-up older sibling who has her life together. So what is it, then, that draws us to the City of Oaks? In a word, it’s the people. And perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in its culinary community, a deeply diverse group of folks as dedicated to their city as they are their kitchens, who push the Southern food narrative forward by exploring both its deep roots and intersections with other cultures.”
Variety
(May 2019)
“Our team [Big Block] has been involved with esports for over fifteen years, and we’re well positioned to establish global relationships for forward-thinking cities like my hometown of Raleigh.”
Diversity Woman
(May 2019)
“The combination of year-round farmers’ markets and a large immigrant population has created fertile ground for innovative cuisine.”
The Southern Fork
(June 2019)
“Chef Cheetie Kumar has wowed and wooed me from the first bite at her table, her mix of Indian and Asian flavors with North Carolina ingredients at once comforting yet elegant alchemy.”
Condé Nast Traveler
(June 2019)
“Park the car and stroll from shops to bars, restaurants, galleries, and more in a downtown that is proving that the spirit of artistic entrepreneurship is alive and well in the heart of the state.”
The Southern Fork
(June 2019)
“The design, the conversation with Van, and well, the vibe all worked together to build an experience that was a space of comfort and calm joy, setting me on a better path out the door.”
National Geographic Traveller India
(June 2019)
“In 2012 he [Van Nolintha] and his sister [Vanvisa Nolintha] opened Bida Manda (Sanskrit for “father mother”) in a revitalised neighbourhood around the corner from the city’s bus station. The mix of Laos and Dixie created a sensation.”
“I’ve travelled more than 14,000 kilometres to Southeast Asia inspired by Van Nolintha, a charismatic 32-year-old Laotian-American restaurateur in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose inventive renditions of his childhood dishes from his native land have earned the acclaim of diners and food critics alike.”
Delta Sky
(July 2019)
“You don’t hear about Raleigh as a trendy tourism destination as much as neighboring Charleston or Asheville, but North Carolina’s oak-lined capital city packs quite the punch.”
“Raleigh surprises by balancing its small-town Southern charm with world-class offerings–including some of the best brewmasters in the country, alluring arts institutions, a booming tech scene and top universities.”
Meetings Today
(July 2019)
“From bluegrass to hip hop, North Carolina’s tuneful traditions run deep. Groups can explore this storied music scene in Raleigh, which has five walkable entertainment districts, 80-plus performance venues, and premier events like the Wide Open Bluegrass Festival and Hopscotch Music Festival.”
“For groups with passions for art and culture, Raleigh’s museums make for a welcome activity after meetings. They can also stand in as alternative offsite event venues.”
Matador Network
(July 2019)
“While you’re tasting your way through the Warehouse District, feast your eyes, too. Raleigh’s art scene is so expansive, the city’s been dubbed ‘The Arts Capital of the South.’”
Traveling Mom
(July 2019)
“Raleigh, North Carolina is essentially the polite, southern version of Austin, Texas. If you want almond milk, hipsters and an abundance of 20-somethings, head to Austin. If you want that cool urban feel yet with a more community-driven, southern vibe, choose Raleigh.”
Southern Living
(July 2019)
“North Carolina's urban oasis has transformed into one of the most dynamic corners of the South.”
“Free of the fuss, these towns, known more for their major universities and the international companies headquartered at The Research Triangle Park, have discreetly transformed into a bucolic-urban oasis where the arts and tech synergize and anything homegrown (from businesses to vegetables) is enthusiastically exalted.”
“To see the city's forward-looking, egalitarian attitude manifested, look no further than North Carolina State University's James B. Hunt Library, a futuristic monolith and home to the bookBot, a robotic delivery system that can retrieve any item from more than 18,000 bins within five minutes.”
USA Today
(August 2019)
“You will be hard pressed to beat [Clyde] Cooper’s in terms of Carolina style vinegar scented chopped pork – which they just call chopped BBQ…”
“Yes, this is a key stop on any tour of America’s pantheon of BBQ joints.”
Daily Express
(August 2019)
“Raleigh is by no means a small town but it feels just like one. Everyone you meet seems to know everyone else and nearly everything is within walking distance.”
“Big Ed's diner is the most perfectly American place you can imagine.”
“If I were young again I'd be looking for a job in Raleigh right now.”
Group Tour Magazine
(August 2019)
“With over 25 local craft breweries — one being North Carolina’s first woman-owned brewery — Raleigh’s craft beer scene is unlike any other in the Southeast.”
“Raleigh’s restaurant scene is constantly growing and re-imagining both Southern and global flavors, and groups will want to savor every last bite.”
Nashville Lifestyles
(August 2019)
“If you’re looking for a culture fix, now’s the time to book a weekend getaway to Raleigh.”
Air Canada’s EnRoute
(August 2019)
“In the era of fast fashion, when trends change constantly and mass-market companies put out a new line every week, Raleigh Denim’s slow-is-better ethos feels both like a throwback to the past and a shockingly modern concept.”
“Raleigh Denim’s workroom is a good place to witness maker buzzwords like “handcrafted” and “artisanal” in practice.”
Bon Appétit
(September 2019)
“[Benchwarmers Bagels] Every other bagel sandwich just became meaningless.”
Budget Travel
(September 2019)
“Home to North Carolina State University, not to mention world-class cuisine, standout arts organizations, and all the fun and games you’d hope to find in a college community, the easternmost point in the state’s famed Triangle deserves a deeper look.”
“It wouldn’t be a proper Southern experience without sampling the local delicacies, and the highly decorated Ashley Christensen is perhaps the city’s best-known chef. Any restaurant in the James Beard winner’s growing empire is worth a visit.”
Forbes
(October 2019)
“Raleigh rallies ‘round Rainbow Six Tournament, sees economic boost as cities, schools jump on esports.”
Thrillist
(October 2019)
“…mounting a serious culinary challenge to the southeast’s usual suspects.”
Reuters
(October 2019)
“North Carolina’s drum-beating, flag-waving NWSL fans became the first to watch their team [North Carolina Courage] claim a championship on their home turf on Sunday, as the city aimed to build on its reputation as a soccer hotbed.”
Travel Trade Gazette (UK)
(October 2019)
“In North Carolina, a whole host of talented female chefs and brewers are causing the critics to take notice. In Raleigh, James Beard Award-winning Ashley Christensen is the chef of the moment.”
Eater
(November 2019)
“Aunty Betty’s Gin and Absinthe Bar is a gin lover’s paradise.”
Foodism Toronto
(December 2019)
“In Raleigh, the state capital, you can sample deep-fried chicken with far east flavours at Mofu, and locally sourced vegetables in north Indian spices at Garland.”
“Imagine slipping into the pages of a sleek interiors magazine. That’s what it’s like checking into Guest House, Raleigh’s original boutique hotel.”
yTravel Blog
(December 2019)
“Out of all the places in the world we could choose to live, we chose Raleigh. Yes. It’s that cool.”
“Over the last few years there has been an explosion of growth, and with that, a cool influx of modern and local restaurants, breweries, bars and retail stores (many of which have received national recognition!)”
“I would say that Bida Manda, the Laotian restaurant next door owned by the same Brewery Bhavana family, has the best food I’ve eaten in the USA.”
Mommy Poppins
(December 2019)
“There are plenty of fun things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina, with kids whether you're looking for a fun Southern city to explore with younger kids or beginning the college search with teens.”
2018 quotes
Prevue Meetings
(January 2018)
“Raleigh is thought of as the “Smithsonian of the South” not only due to an abundance of high-quality, free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions, but where they converge with the stories of natural landscapes and the creative and pioneering spirit.”
The Globe and Mail
(January 2018)
“’The more vulnerable we are and the more we share, the more empathy we can create,’ said restauranteur Van Nolintha [of Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana]. From the city's chefs to its thriving art and maker cultures, it's an objective that seems to be prolific here.”
USA TODAY
(January 2018)
“The word community is used a lot when talking about Raleigh, N.C.’s food and drink scene. From cocktail bars to coffee shops to breweries, there’s a huge sense of people coming together in the city to make business successful.”
“You’ll see this a lot in Raleigh. At restaurants like Brewery Bhavana, employees feel like family, and it’s evident the minute you walk into the stunning space that feels more like a movie set than a brewery. Employees chat while carefully curating a stunning bouquet or peruse a beautifully bound book with a customer. It’s unlike anywhere else in America.”
MSN
(February 2018)
“The walkable downtown of Cary, North Carolina, strikes a great balance of small-town charm and bigger city delights.”
Season Magazine
(February 2018)
“Whether you want to dance along to the street’s rhythms, soak up some history or take in some family fun, you’ll find no issue getting it all in here in the City of Oaks.”
Alicia Tenise Blog
(February 2018)
“[The Mayton Inn] has all of the amenities of a five-star hotel, yet has the charm and intimacy of a bed and breakfast.”
DatingAdvice.com
(February 2018)
“The progressive and welcoming city provides the perfect locale for a romantic getaway.”
“Whether you enjoy talking about art or listening to jazzy tunes, you and your date can find an affordable and stimulating date activity in this cultural hub.”
Smart Meetings
(March 2018)
“Raleigh has a youthful energy.”
Katie Couric, National Geographic Channel
(April 2018)
“Raleigh is a very progressive, welcoming community in many ways.”
Meetings Today
(April 2018)
“Raleigh, N.C.’s thriving and increasingly popular cuisine scene is as impressive as it is delicious. Groups meeting in this capital city can easily include an auxiliary event incorporating its variety of flavors.”
AAA Carolinas’ GO Magazine
(April 2018)
“The culinary scene in Raleigh is straight up legit, and my restaurant list here reads like a James Beard Foundation advertisement. It’s safe to say that if you visit the Capital City and you eat at a chain restaurant even once while you’re there, you’ve failed.”
Global Traveler
(May 2018)
“Raleigh boasts a business-friendly environment and culinary treasures.”
“North Carolina’s hospitable, laid-back capital city quietly emerged as one of the country’s most dynamic business cities.”
Tribune News Service
(May 2018)
“An unexpected and remarkably affordable destination choice exists just outside of Raleigh, N.C. With a downtown area featuring a retro theater, subtly shaded street murals and picturesque churches, the town of Cary has a fair amount to offer the traveler searching for a more leisurely escape.”
Metro UK
(May 2018)
“The United States is brimming with travel hotspots but few states can match the diversity, charm and beauty on offer in North Carolina.”
Forbes
(July 2018)
”The Warehouse District is the hottest neighborhood in Raleigh.”
“Vansana Nolintha and his sister Vanvisa [of Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana], along with Garland's Cheetie Kumar, are shining examples of the robust influx of immigrants, many working in the technology and science industries, who are making Raleigh more exciting and diverse than ever before.”
TIME
(July 2018)
“[Charlie Ibarra and Oscar Diaz] now see themselves as ambassadors for their prismatic view of the South. “I’m repping not just the restaurant; I’m repping Raleigh,” Diaz says. “I’m repping Latino culture and American culture. I’m repping the South.”
“… immigration is not just introducing new cuisines to the South; it’s also redefining how Southern food spreads far beyond the Mason-Dixon line.”
National Geographic Traveler Online
(August 2018)
“All are welcome in this booming North Carolina city, known as the City of Oaks for the number of majestic oak trees lining its streets. There's a diverse population that's evidenced by the city’s broad demographic of college students who come to study in high-class institutions and savvy local entrepreneurs bursting with creativity who are establishing homegrown brands.
“There's a vibrancy and energy here, mixed with friendly Southern charm.”
“Raleigh, North Carolina, offers big-city energy with a small-town vibe, Southern hospitality mixed with mouthwatering brews, cutting-edge Southern cuisine, history, culture, and the great outdoors—all at a price that's easy on the pocketbook.”
Thrillist
(August 2018)
“Raleigh’s beer scene is quickly blossoming as a standout destination city for both craft brew fanatics and gourmands; the stunning Brewery Bhavana is a major reason why.”
Boomer Magazine
(August 2018)
“Though it has burgeoned into a bustling city, part of the Research Triangle with Durham and Chapel Hill, Raleigh still wields the charm of a hospitable Southern town.”
BadCredit.org
(October 2018)
“Visitors to the capital of North Carolina will find a number of low- or no-cost options suitable for children and adults, including free museums and an amusement park.”
Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report
(November 2018)
“The region’s 21st-century economy gives residents a hunger for the new that supports sophisticated restaurants by nationally known and up-and-coming chefs alike.”
Traveling Mom
(November 2018)
“Raleigh, North Carolina, is a stately yet vibrant city that’s fun for the whole family. Known to offer a big city feel with Southern charm, Raleigh is a modern-meets-historic destination that definitely succeeds in combining the two vibes.”
Successful Meetings
(December 2018)
“Those who visit Raleigh, N.C., during the International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass, which takes place each fall, will find not only a city transformed by music, but a festival and a convention transformed by a city.”
2017 quotes
AAA World
(January 2017)
“For a city of its size… North Carolina’s capital is blessed with surprisingly rich cultural opportunities. Foremost among these are three large, state-owed museums that rank among the best in the Southeast.”
USA TODAY
(April 2017)
“Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital, embraces its southern heritage while continuing to evolve and grow.”
Meetings Today
(April 2017)
“Raleigh impresses with infrastructure and off-sites”
Garden & Gun
(June 2017)
“Easily one of the South’s most eclectic music lineups, the Hopscotch roster brings together Americana, hip-hop, electronica, rock, and more. But the festival’s real headliner might be its hometown.”
Improper Bostonian
(August 2017)
“North Carolina's capital offers a walkable downtown with plenty of diversions.”
Group Tour Southeastern
(September 2017)
“In Raleigh, groups can explore the heritage and history behind North Carolina’s capital city.”
Northern Virginia Magazine
(September 2017)
“Forward-thinking business owners infuse new energy into neighborhoods, and Raleigh’s neglected factories and warehouses are transformed into galleries, restaurants and boutiques.”
Meetings Today
(October 2017)
“Offering five walkable entertainment districts, 80-plus performance venues and a genre-spanning scene that goes from bluegrass to reggae, Raleigh, the state capital, is also a seat of live music.”
Orbitz.com
(October 2017)
“Raleigh isn’t trying to be like any other city; it’s cool with who it is and what it’s becoming. Folks in Raleigh live by the state motto, ‘To be, rather than to seem.’”
Food & Wine
(November 2017)
“Blocks from the downtown capitol, a less buttoned-up Raleigh [the Person Street district] is cultivating its entrepreneurial spirit led by an expanding creative class.”
AAA Northeast
(November 2017)
“Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital city, is a delight to visit, with a compact downtown, thriving restaurant scene, exploding craft brewery industry, and several free museums and green spaces.”
Metro News Canada
(November 2017)
“Yes, there are barbecue joints. That’s a given. But the Raleigh region is about more than finger-licking ribs and corn bread. Restauranteurs are spreading their influence outside of the kitchen, entrepreneurs are embracing authenticity, and art institutions are telling new and forgotten stories.”
Food & Wine
(November 2017)
“As North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh has it all: a thriving downtown, several notable music venues, sports teams for days, an exploding arts community and, as of late, a growing culinary scene that rivals its neighboring Southern cities—going way beyond shrimp and grits, biscuits and pimento cheese.”
“Let it be known that Raleigh has a shining personality of its own—and quite frankly, some of the most notable chefs in the South who continue to pave the way.”
Marriott Traveler
(December 2017)
“The City of Oaks is both steeped in rich history and moving boldly into the future, with a large population of students and scientists drawn to the area’s universities and the tech companies that dot Research Triangle Park.”
“Downtown Raleigh especially has expanded by leaps and bounds in recent years, with forward-thinking startups and co-working spaces opening next to government buildings and local artisans, retail entrepreneurs and award-winning chefs keeping the area buzzing after hours.”
TOWN
(December 2017)
“Raleigh, North Carolina, emerges as a world-class food city with a local focus.”
Forbes
(December 2017)
“Raleigh's transformation from an underachieving food town to a serious eating destination is complete.”
Eater
(December 2017)
“When she [Ashley Christensen] thinks about what makes a restaurant an ‘Ashley Christensen restaurant,’ her answer is the people: Her staff, her guests, and how her restaurants can play a role in the community.”