visitRaleigh insider

So long summer, hello fall! Show of hands—who's ready for falling leaves, cooler weather, tailgating parties, N.C. State Fair adventures, museum exploring and all pumpkin everything? We have big plans for the coming months in Raleigh, N.C.! To jump-start your plans and keep you busy...

The Raleigh area is home to some of the best-kept secrets when it comes to entertainment, food, shopping and more. For some truly-awesome experiences, be sure to add these hidden gems to your travel list. Outdoor gems Carl Alwin Schenk Memorial Forest Escape the noise of civilization without

Explore what the Raleigh area has to offer without breaking the bank! Here are 30-plus free (or nearly free) experiences and attractions that can anchor any trip to the area. William B. Umstead State Park N.C.’s most visited state park maintains its status as a peaceful and affordable getaway

One of the fastest-growing towns in the South, Cary is home to renowned restaurants, great shopping, top-tier arts and entertainment and unique outdoor experiences. The downtown area has seen an influx of fun, new local businesses in recent years—a brewery, bottle shop, neighborhood bar,...

Ready to celebrate Independence Day in a big way this year? Fireworks displays, bounce houses, live music and other patriotic celebrations are lined up all across the Raleigh area to celebrate America's 246th birthday—don't miss out! Here's your rundown on the biggest and best...

Located in the heart of downtown Wake Forest, Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs has been a go-to hangout spot for locals for more than 100 years. Originally opened as a movie theater way back in 1916, founder H.E. Joyner began selling snacks—before building an expansion with pool tables and a...

Summer is coming (and we have big plans!). But first, a glorious long weekend is straight ahead—baseball games, good eats, museum exhibits, outdoor exploring and more are on the docket. Here's what's in store in the Raleigh area for Memorial Day weekend! Visit the Garner Veterans...

Aug. 15, 2022, update! New in downtown Raleigh: Sip n' Stroll Downtown social district Launched as of Aug. 15, 2022, visitors to downtown Raleigh can drink beer, wine or cocktails as they walk through a defined area of downtown Raleigh, seven days a week from 11am-10pm! See the district...

Often dubbed the "Smithsonian of the South" thanks to an abundance of free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions, Raleigh, N.C., has long been known as a budget-friendly family getaway destination for those in the Tar Heel State and beyond ( Southern Living named the...

An exciting, long-awaited development is taking shape just a couple of blocks from the North Carolina State Capitol in downtown Raleigh. A landmark project 20 years in the making, North Carolina Freedom Park will honor African American struggles and triumphs in pursuit of freedom, justice, equality