visitRaleigh insider

We're all thrilled to have turned the page to a new year, and we've got a great feeling about good news on the horizon in the Raleigh area. For 2023, there are special events on the calendar, new places to explore, big restaurant openings lined up and plenty more to look forward to....

A look back at food news in 2022 in Raleigh reveals an undeniable truth—the best things in life are worth waiting for. It was three years ago now that chef Michael Lee announced his critically acclaimed M Sushi concept would be coming to Cary. When M Sushi finally did open in September of...

Note: This article was first published Dec. 11, 2017, in celebration of the restaurant's 10th anniversary. We've made slight edits to reflect that the restaurant is celebrating 15 years in 2022 (how time flies!).  Fifteen years ago, chef Ashley Christensen took a chance on a modest...

Note: Peak fall colors generally arrive in the Raleigh area in late Oct. to mid-Nov. (so now is the time to book a trip to experience it in the best way possible)! The Neuse River Greenway Trail—a 30-mile paved, uninterrupted greenway that stretches from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the...

Raleigh is booming. But don't just take our word for it. That's the exact phrase Travel + Leisure uses to describe the City of Oaks in the March 2022 edition of the magazine ("Change in Motion," written by Betsy Andrews, is not yet available to read online). It's a statement...

Renowned pitmaster Sam Jones just opened a new restaurant in downtown Raleigh, serving the same whole-hog 'cue that's helped make North Carolina a barbecue mecca. The new namesake restaurant is one of America's most anticipated restaurant openings in 2021. Here's why. Sam Jones...

There are a whole bunch of ways to celebrate warm weather in the Raleigh area—one of our favorites is to combine relaxing views with a bit of exercise by heading to the nearest body of water. Up for a kayaking adventure, a sailing excursion or in need of some fishing spots? We've got you...

A major new work of art made its debut at the North Carolina Museum of Art in 2018. First put on display for the public as part of "You Are Here"—a ticketed exhibit that attracted more than 100,000 visitors from all 50 states to the museum in Raleigh, N.C.— Light of Life is...

A fierce philanthropist and accomplished restaurateur, chef Ashley Christensen just opened her sixth restaurant in downtown Raleigh. Poole'side Pies is a Neapolitan-style pizza joint, and it's a big deal. Here's why. Chef Ashley Christensen is having the time of her life. In May, the...

Big news, foodies—Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, the critically-acclaimed restaurant known for precise techniques and extraordinary presentation, has been named one of the best 30 restaurants in America! The Cary, N.C., restaurant was the only dining establishment in the state to make...