ABCs of Raleigh, N.C.
You are invited to explore the Raleigh, N.C., area district-by-district, town-by-town, everything and everywhere from A to Z. Tap into Raleigh’s irresistible blend of big-city entertainment and Carolina charm. Come discover why this award-winning city is one of the most enticing places the Southeast has to offer.
A – Art
A permanent collection of more than 5,000 works of art spanning from antiquity to the present day make up the bulk of masterpieces you’ll find at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Spend the afternoon exploring the 164-acres of woodlands, open areas and walking trails, complimented by monumental works of art.
B – Breweries
The Raleigh area is the state’s capital of craft breweries, with more than 25 breweries at last count. With each producing brews with memorable names like Shotgun Betty and Wide Open Red, they’re sure to make a lasting impression. So stop by one of the Raleigh area’s famous breweries for a swig of the cold stuff.
C – Capitol Building
The North Carolina State Capitol, built between 1833 and 1840, is one of the best preserved examples of Greek Revival-style architecture. The building offers free tours and events scheduled throughout the year.
D – Delightful Bed and Breakfast
Return to a simpler time by escaping to the peace and charm of a bed and breakfast.
E – Eat!
When you talk about restaurants, you've got to start with some Carolina favorites: sweet tea, mouth-watering barbecue, home-style vegetables, all brought to you with warm Southern service with Raleigh dining.
F – Five Points Neighborhood
Old tradition mingles with new vitality. This ordinary place is known for its antiques and is home to some of the most unique restaurants and shops around. Five Points encourages a cozy combination of working, living and playing. The area earned its name from the five residential neighborhoods that connect at the center of town; it's a residential crossroads, but the feeling of unity and sense of place is unprecedented here.
G – Glenwood South
Burgeoning with eclectic restaurants and spirited nightlife, the Glenwood South downtown Raleigh district attracts the young and hip. Raleigh's trendiest district defines what it means to live for weekends—early evenings find families strolling along the main strip, but by nightfall, this district surrenders to a street party.
H – Higher Education
Raleigh, N.C., is home to 10 traditional universities and colleges, some of which date back to the 19th century: William Peace University (1857), Shaw University (1865), Saint Augustine’s University (1868), North Carolina State University (1887), Meredith College (1891), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (1956), Wake Technical Community College (1958), The Chef's Academy (2011) and the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law (1976). The academic resources set within a vibrant, forward-thinking city means there are plenty of professional opportunities as well—Raleigh has been named one of the top places for business and careers by Forbes magazine.
I – IMAX
Visit Marbles IMAX, N.C.'s largest-screen 3D IMAX theater. This theater provides a medium to introduce new places, new people and new ideas to visitors of all ages.
J – Joel Lane Museum House
The Joel Lane House was built in the early 1770s for “The Father of Raleigh” who facilitated the location and creation of the permanent N.C. capital city. His faithfully-restored plantation manor was once deemed “The Best House for 100 Miles.”
K – Kids, Kids, Kids!
A hands-on interactive museum that inspires children to pretend, use their imagination, be curious, try out their creativity and simply have fun! Visit Marbles Kids Museum, where an otherwise ordinary day will become an extraordinary adventure! Adventure Landing offers kids a great place to play with three miniature golf courses, speedway go-karts, extreme laser tag and more. Ride on the train at Pullen Park or hop on the pedal boats. With Raleigh’s many kid-friendly attractions, children are sure to find something they love.
L – Lodging
Pamper yourself at one of the area’s luxury hotels, choose the dependable comfort of your favorite hotel chain or indulge in the quiet charm of a local bed and breakfast; the Raleigh area has more than 145 hotel options designed with your comfort and budget expectations in mind.
M – Meetings
From its easy access and low-cost airlines to its abundant recreation, golf and greenways, Raleigh offers an ideal setting for your company’s next big meeting. The Raleigh Convention Center provides business travelers with more than 500,000 total square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. Mix business with pleasure by networking at Raleigh’s more than 500 restaurants and bars, 40 galleries and four museums downtown.
N – Nightlife
What kind of city ranks among the top of America's Best Place for Singles, Cities That Rock and Best Small Concert Venues? Experience five pulsing entertainment districts, a staggering array of live music venues and visiting performers, and world-class performing facilities for the arts.
O – Oakwood
A historic neighborhood of lovingly-restored Victorian and early 20th-century homes in a great variety of styles and sizes, many with beautiful gardens, bordered by Person, Franklin, Watauga, Linden and Edenton Sts. This 30-block area may be enjoyed by driving or walking.
P – Performing Arts
Visit us and enjoy the nationally-acclaimed Carolina Ballet, America's next great orchestra (North Carolina Symphony), the region's top professional theatre (North Carolina Theatre) and touring Broadway productions (Broadway Series South). All these larger art centers are bolstered by a thriving community of smaller galleries, events, collections and independent performances.
Q – Quaint
Raleigh offers a variety of charming settings to take your special someone for a one-of-a-kind, romantic weekend. Catch the sunset over the lake before heading back to the hotel to dress for dinner at Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern. Take a carriage ride, and see your favorite Broadway show. A weekend of precious memories awaits you.
R – Renaissance
Raleigh’s cultural renaissance has transformed it into a premier event destination for entertainment, learning and technology in the Southeast, including the Raleigh Convention Center located in the heart of downtown.
S – Sports
Calling all sports fans! Although the area is known for its college basketball rivalries, multiple professional sports teams call Raleigh, N.C., home, including the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL hockey), Carolina Mudcats (Low-A baseball), North Carolina FC (North American Soccer League) and North Carolina Courage (National Women’s Soccer League). Cheer for one of your favorite sports teams year-round.
T – Tee Up
Whether you're the next pro golfer or simply seeking an escape and rejuvenation, there's certainly a course, driving range or putting green in Raleigh, N.C., to match your level of expertise. No matter how you choose to play, you'll find many exciting options in the Raleigh area.
U – Umstead Hotel and Spa. As the first full-service hotel in N.C. to receive AAA’s coveted Five-Diamond Award and a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Leading Spas of the World, The Umstead Hotel and Spa offers unparalleled luxury in an environment that expresses an appreciation for the arts and embraces the wonders of nature.
V – Visitor Information Center
For more information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants and events visitors can stop by our Visitor Information Center located between the Raleigh Marriott City Center and the Raleigh Convention Center.
W – Walking
What better way to see Raleigh's historic sites than a self-guided walking tour? Just take our map and directions with you, and you'll see more than 60 of the historic and new sites and features in downtown Raleigh.
X – Sign on the X
Local shops, malls, retail areas and shopping centers complete the decadent area shopping scene. From the major department stores of Crabtree Valley Mall to the exclusive shops and boutiques of downtown Raleigh, Village District and North Hills, you can enjoy spectacular shopping in any part of the city.
Y – Yesteryear
Take a journey into the past at the North Carolina Museum of History. While visiting Boston in the early 1880s, Raleigh News & Observer publisher Samuel A'Court Ashe marveled at that city's past. Everywhere he looked he saw its story. After returning home, Ashe began an editorial campaign to encourage the saving of North Carolina's history so that others, natives and visitors, could learn of the lives our ancestors lived.
Z – Zest
Defined in the dictionary as piquancy; interest; charm; liveliness or energy; animating spirit. Zest says it all. Raleigh offers old-world charm in combination with a vivacious nightlife. Its spirit will capture your heart and spark your imagination. What are you waiting for? Make your reservations today!