There's no shortage of ways to spend a couple of days exploring the museums, restaurants and parks in the Raleigh area on your own. And while chowing down at a favorite local restaurants is a great way to get a taste of what the City of Oaks has to offer, there's a way to go "backstage" on a visit to the Raleigh area—for both groups of travelers and solo adventurers—that not enough people know about. 

People-First Tourism is a social venture born out of sustainable tourism research at North Carolina State University with a simple aim: to help travelers connect with the places they visit on a deeper level. 

In Raleigh, People-First Tourism has carefully curated a collection of tours and hands-on experiences designed to connect explorers with local experts and guides, giving visitors to the area a chance to hear the story behind a local establishment, learn a new skill, get their hands dirty and even meet great new friends. 

Each month People-First Tourism offers 15 to 20 ticketed experiences led by a local expert—so you can learn the art of tapestry weaving, go behind the scenes at a local farm, head out on a walking tour of local breweries and so much more. 

You can browse the upcoming experiences taking place in Raleigh and the surrounding towns below, but there's also an opportunity for you to request a booking with a local guide if there's a day or time that better fits your needs. Happy adventuring, friends!

December events with People-First Tourism

• Ugly Sweater Beer and Cider Stroll, Dec. 7
• Holiday Wreath Making at Wrenn's Farm, Dec. 7
• Ornament Metal Stamping Workshop, Dec. 8
• The Art of the Holiday Cheeseboard, Dec. 10
• Tapestry Weaving Workshop at Lucky Tree Cafe, Dec. 10
• Crochet Workshop and Dessert Sampling, Dec. 12
• Holiday Wreath Making at Wrenn's Farm, Dec. 12
• Guided Coffee Stroll through Downtown Raleigh, Dec. 14
• Raleigh Street Art and Mural Walkabout, Dec. 14
• Downtown Wendell Holiday Treasure Hunt, Dec. 15
• Guided Mezcal Tasting at Gallo Pelón, Dec. 19
• Watercolors and Brews Workshop at Wye Hill, Dec. 19
• A Festive Craft & Cocktail Experience, Dec. 19
• Holiday Wreath Making at Wrenn's Farm, Dec. 19

And a sneak peak at a few January events:

• Beer and Cider Stroll in downtown Cary, Jan. 11
• Guided Mezcal Tasting at Gallo Pelón, Dec. 19, Jan. 16
• Monthly Magic & Craft Cheer at Marsh Magic, Jan. 23
• Watercolors and Brews Workshop at Wye Hill, Jan. 25
• Tapestry Weaving Workshop at Lucky Tree Cafe, Jan. 28

^{Photos courtesy of People-First Tourism}