visitRaleigh insider

With warmer weather upon us, water fun is a must for families and kids! From splash pads with giant water buckets and plenty of sprinklers to lake beaches with beautiful views, here are some of the best places to get in the water in the Raleigh area. Falls Lake State Recreation Area One of the

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 245th 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...

The Raleigh area is certifiably farm fresh, with a collection of year-round and seasonal farmers markets showcasing fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and specialty goods. Grab your reusable bags and check out these seven favorite shopping spots! State Farmers Market, Raleigh Considered one of the

It's been an enormously challenging year for restaurants (and the hospitality industry at large). Pre-COVID-19, it was widely agreed that the food scene in the City of Oaks was thriving, doing better than ever thanks to tasty endeavors from a community that’s passionate about good eats...

The winter months are referred to as the most magical time of the year for good reason—community celebrations, light displays and performing arts productions capture the holiday spirit in a uniquely vibrant way. And while things are certainly not normal this year, many of the Raleigh...

Fall is officially here! What better way to celebrate than with the best autumn activities the Raleigh area has to offer. Whether it’s picking through a pumpkin patch, getting lost in a corn maze or taking a relaxing hayride, these events and experiences will have you safely enjoying fall fun...

While it's certainly beginning to feel a lot like summer, the coming July 4th holiday is going to be a different one to say the least. There will be no in-person firework showcases, no baseball games and no outdoor concerts in major venues to attend. Parks, restaurants and some attractions are...

Note, Sept. 17: Due to COVID-19, the hours or operational status of some of the items below have changed. We have included current information as of today, but please check websites or social media to confirm before finalizing plans. The Raleigh area is home to some of the best-kept secrets when it

Even though Raleigh, N.C.'s nightclubs, theaters and arenas are dark and empty due to the nationwide coronavirus quarantine shutdown, some musicians have stepped up to fill the live-music void with online streamed performances. A lot of these are catch-as-catch-can, often announced with little...