Raleigh, N.C., awaits. Make your food-filled escape.

Break your routine and escape to Raleigh, N.C., to savor delicious dishes, from gooey mac ‘n’ cheese to mouthwatering barbecue and everything in between. And while you're not chowing down at nationally recognized restaurants, revel in favorite festivals. Explore world-class museum exhibits. Immerse yourself in unscripted signature experiences and so much more.

Dig deep into the destination with the many things to do, places to eat, events to attend and more that await you.

Scroll below to get inspired and plan your next trip.

Raleigh, N.C., Trip Ideas

Explore Raleigh, N.C.'s Booming Food Scene

Raleigh’s food scene? It’s booming. Thriving. Better than ever, thanks to tasty endeavors from a community that’s passionate about good eats and drinks. The recent accolades: One of America’s hottest food cities (Zagat); one of the most underrated food cities on the...

Where to Get the Mac: Poole's Diner

Get Poole's Diner details plus the scoop on more smart, stylish and inviting restaurants from Chef Ashley Christensen. Focus is on the food, which is seasonal, simple and precisely executed, using a bounty of fresh ingredients, many grown on artisanal farms or harvested...

Grab a Carbolicious Treat at Lionel Vatinet's La Farm Bakery in Cary

La Farm honors the ordinary, yet extraordinary, boulangeries that once flourished in every little town in France. Their loaves are hand-crafted daily in a variety flavors, shapes and sizes, and along with artisan breads, La Farm also offers pastries, desserts, baked...

Flavor Right on 'Cue: Barbecue in Raleigh, N.C.

Barbecue. Barbeque. Bar-B-Que. BBQ. No matter how you spell it, we can agree on one thing—with a plate of ‘cue in hand, all is right with the world. Barbecue in Raleigh, N.C., is treated a little differently. We eat it in restaurants, at college-football and NHL-hockey...

30 Can't-Miss Things to Do in Raleigh, N.C.

Raleigh, N.C., is a booming metropolis that offers a big city feel with Southern charm. It's a smart, modern-meets-historic destination that has a lot to offer and no matter what path you choose on your visit, we know you'll be energized by the fired-up cultural...

100 of the Biggest Events and Festivals in Raleigh, N.C., in 2025

A year full of major festivals and celebrations lies ahead in Raleigh, N.C.! These events serve an important purpose—they mark history and sense of pride, plus they showcase talent, creativity and culture, delicious foods and beverages (and some surprises, too!). Make...

Book
Signature Experiences

with People-First Tourism

Dive into Raleigh's culture with guided Signature Experiences, a curated collection of unscripted tours and hands-on encounters designed to take you "backstage" and alongside the locals who live it and breathe it every day.