visitRaleigh insider

Hey, hoops fans! For the second straight year, March Madness is rolling into Raleigh, N.C.! The 10th-ranked North Carolina State University (NCSU) women's basketball team will host first and second round NCAA Tournament games on campus in Raleigh inside beautiful James T. Valvano Arena at...

Note: This article was first published in Nov. 2017. This incredible piece of art has been kept in immaculate condition and is worth the hike! A brand new, functional piece of art awaits visitors inside William B. Umstead State Park . A fallen red oak tree—approximately 25 feet long and...

Calling all cyclists, runners, outdoor enthusiasts and Instagram addicts—a pop-up tourist destination of gorgeous sunflowers is back and in full bloom in Raleigh, N.C.! First planted by the City of Raleigh's public utilities department in 2010 along the Neuse River Greenway Trail , acres...

Located just east of Raleigh in the town of Wendell , Robertson Millpond Preserve is a hidden, 85-acre refuge for nature lovers, canoeists and kayakers. Opened to the public in 2015, the blackwater swamp property is the only bald cypress habitat in the Raleigh area, creating the unique experience of

The Neuse River Greenway Trail —a 27.5-mile paved, uninterrupted greenway that stretches from Falls Lake in North Raleigh to the Wake County line in southeast Raleigh—is a year-round haven for outdoor recreation. With views of historic sites as well as winding boardwalk areas and...

There's no shortage of ways to find peaceful escapes in order to explore the outdoors in the City of Oaks. Use any of the Raleigh area’s 180 miles of greenways—many of them connecting to attractions and letting you travel all over the destination—or numerous other miles of...

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...

Hello, February! The shortest month of the year means there's no time to waste—we've got hockey games, hot chocolate dates and romantic getaways that can no longer wait! 14 fun date ideas Tucked into 12 acres of woodlands overlooking a three-acre lake in Cary, N.C. , a world-class...

Who's ready for a Raleigh road trip? Summer may be hitting its final stretch but festival season is just getting ready to peak this month in the City of Oaks! In a destination known for sprawling, rocking, community-wide festivals, the month of Sept. is the crown jewel. Raleigh M.A.I.N. Events

In the heat of summer, those who wake up early or use the evening hours to get outdoors reap gorgeous rewards. Aside from avoiding the hottest temperatures of the day, catching colorful, seemingly hand-painted sunrises and sunsets is an excellent motivator to get some exercise or do some exploring.