Raleigh affords a wonderful number of actions for adults. From distinctive museums and picturesque parks to a vibrant bar scene, you’ll discover it in North Carolina’s capital. My husband, Phil, and I ventured to this gorgeous metropolis to go to our fun-loving native pals, who confirmed us a few of their favourite spots. We took time to ourselves to get pleasure from Raleigh’s romantic issues to do, too. Be a part of us as we discover the grownup facet of Raleigh!
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1. North Carolina State Capitol
Within the coronary heart of downtown, Raleigh’s Capital District makes a terrific place to begin your explorations. It’s residence to attention-grabbing retailers, stylish eating places, and among the metropolis’s most visited museums. The centerpiece of the Capital District is the North Carolina State Capitol.
Accomplished in 1840, this constructing is a formidable instance of Greek Revival structure. A lush inexperienced garden and shady oak bushes encompass it. (That’s becoming since Raleigh’s nickname is The Metropolis of Oaks!)
Historical past buffs ought to head inside to view the Home and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court docket, and the Governor’s workplace. Be a part of free guided excursions on Saturdays to study extra concerning the state’s political historical past. Test their web site for particular instances. If that’s not your jam, take a pic and carry on strolling!
2. North Carolina Freedom Park
Not removed from the Capitol Constructing, the 1-acre North Carolina Freedom Park is a tribute to the African American wrestle for freedom and equality within the USA. Learn 20 highly effective quotes from Black leaders and historic figures of North Carolina. These Voices of Freedom are etched on the low partitions encircling a metallic sculpture named the Beacon of Freedom.
Well-known creator, poet, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is likely one of the North Carolinians quoted. She lived within the state from 1982 till she died in 2014. Proven beneath, her quote on the park is from Angelou’s debut memoir, I Know Why the Caged Hen Sings.
The caged fowl sings
with a fearful trill
of issues unknown
however longed for nonetheless
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged fowl
sings of freedom.Maya angelou
3. North Carolina Museum of Sciences
What’s the preferred attraction in North Carolina? The North Carolina Museum of Sciences! Relationship again to 1879, it’s additionally the oldest and largest museum within the state. Though this attraction within the Capital District is large, don’t really feel pressured to cowl all of it since entry is free. (In fact, donations are appreciated!)
Discover outer area, the Earth’s ambiance, human DNA, and extra on this museum’s interactive displays. Inside the enormous globe proven above is a multimedia area the place you may watch motion pictures and lectures about science. Don’t miss the Dueling Dinosaurs, which I believed seemed like an animatronic show, however it’s really two of essentially the most full skeletons of a Triceratops and a Tyrannosaur ever discovered. Along with historical creatures, you may view stay animals like snakes, a two-toed sloth, and tropical butterflies.
4. North Carolina Museum of Historical past
Proper subsequent door to the science heart, the North Carolina Museum of Historical past options displays on The Tar Heel State, together with African American Life and Tradition, Ladies Making Historical past, and the biggest exhibit, The Story of North Carolina. I notably loved seeing a meticulous reproduction of the glider utilized by the Wright brothers throughout their early experiments in flight in Kitty Hawk, NC (about 200 miles east of Raleigh).
The North Carolina Museum of Historical past is a good spot to realize perception into this southern state. Or, at the least, it is going to be when it reopens in 2026 or 2027. It closed to the general public in October 2024 for renovations.
5. CAM Raleigh
This modern artwork museum within the metropolis’s Warehouse District options distinctive exhibitions by dwelling artists. You would possibly see work, sculptures, collages, images, or blended media within the ever-changing artwork shows at CAM Raleigh. The free museum solely takes an hour or so to wander by way of and is properly value your time.
6. Raleigh Murals
For those who like public artwork as a lot as I do, you’ll be happy to study that Raleigh boasts greater than 300 murals! In accordance with the native WRAL Information, “Murals have an extended and wealthy historical past in Raleigh, relationship again to the early twentieth century.”
Many of those artistic endeavors will be discovered within the Warehouse District. For instance, No Damsel (proven above) is a mural of reimagined Disney princesses. Created by artist and feminist Dorian Lynde, you’ll discover it proper throughout the road from CAM Raleigh.
You’ll certainly bump into unbelievable wall murals as you discover Raleigh. For some steerage find a few of these artwork items, check out 35 out of doors murals that Go to Raleigh recommends searching for out.
7. Videri Chocolate Manufacturing facility
Earlier than leaving the Warehouse District, you could pop into the Videri Chocolate Manufacturing facility, a chocolate lover’s paradise. Along with artisanal chocolate bars and bonbons, this café and chocolate manufacturing facility sells espresso and soft-serve ice cream, making it a superb place for a day pick-me-up!
Embark on 15-minute, self-guided excursions concerning the chocolate-making course of at no cost. For those who full their scavenger hunt type, you get a free chocolate sweet. My buddy Caroline and I discovered it to be an academic, scrumptious, and enjoyable expertise. (The blokes had been too busy consuming goodies to hitch us.) You can too join one in every of their weekly fairly priced, longer guided manufacturing facility excursions.
8. Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park
The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park combines two of my favourite issues into one whimsical expertise: nature and inventive artwork. This has bought to be the biggest sculpture backyard I’ve ever visited, too! Actually, it spans 164 acres (over 66 hectares). Along with greater than two dozen artwork installations, there are miles of outside recreation trails, fairly gardens, and a terraced pond for energetic adults to get pleasure from.
This superior park is a part of the North Carolina Museum of Artwork, which is lauded because the finest artwork museum within the state. It’s free to go to each day of the 12 months from daybreak till nightfall.
9. North Carolina Museum of Artwork
Don’t make the identical mistake as my husband and me by making an attempt to go to the North Carolina Museum of Artwork on a Monday, when this and plenty of of Raleigh’s museums are closed. Fortunately, you may learn all about this attraction on our pals’ hyperlocal web site about their adopted hometown, This Is Raleigh. Along with being tremendous enjoyable pals who confirmed us round city, Caroline and Craig are world vacationers and bloggers from Australia who fell in love with Raleigh and determined to maneuver internationally to make this metropolis their residence.
In her information to the North Carolina Museum of Artwork, Caroline says, “The superb artwork items, the cautious curation of installations, the modern structure, the dedication to inclusion and the sheer range of its assortment, are just a few the reason why the NC Museum of Artwork is value visiting.” Plus, it’s free!
10. Downtown Cary
Positioned simply outdoors Raleigh, Cary is thought for its considerable inexperienced areas, top quality of life, and candy downtown heart. Plan to spend a day exploring the middle of this North Carolina enclave.
Downtown Cary Park
The gorgeous Downtown Cary Park is smack within the heart of this charming suburb. I actually was delighted by the playful design of this 7-acre (2.8-hectare) park.
Get pleasure from a strolling path with bridges and gardens full of native vegetation. For households, there’s a splash pad (open in summer time months) and a darling cardinal-themed playground to honor the state fowl. You’ll be able to even seize a craft beer or different beverage at The Bark Bar, located subsequent door to the native canine park. On weekends, watch stay music without spending a dime on Jazz’d Up Sundays on the Nice Garden Pavillion.
Native Outlets
Stroll round Cary, stopping into native retailers. As Gen X-ers, we cherished the vibe at Hunky Dory, a vinyl document retailer that sells new and used albums, in addition to craft brews.
Additionally notable is Good Day Cary, a present store that makes a speciality of hometown gadgets made by small companies and North Carolina artists. Search for jewellery, paintings, barware, paper items, and extra. There was a portray by a neighborhood artist that I REALLY wished, however my pocketbook mentioned no. 😥
The Cary Theater
In-built 1946, The Cary Theater was the city’s first indoor movie show. After a 13-month renovation, the theater reopened in 2014. At present, you may go there to look at motion pictures, store in retail shops, and attend stay music and comedy reveals.
11. Spa Day at The Umstead Lodge
For essentially the most romantic and splendid place to remain throughout an grownup Raleigh trip, {couples} will need to mattress down at The Umstead Lodge & Spa in Cary. Phil & I had been fortunate sufficient to spend a number of days at this wonderful lodge (and I do imply GLORIOUS!). Extra on that to come back in my full assessment, however even should you don’t keep the evening, you actually ought to plan a spa day at The Umstead.
Surrounded by verdant pine and oak bushes, the Umstead Lodge Spa exudes tranquility. Begin your spa expertise with a tour of the services. Then, tuck your belongings right into a locker and slip into an opulent gown. Come early and keep late so you may luxuriate within the spa’s comfortable leisure lounges, indoor and out of doors scorching tubs, eucalyptus sauna, and steam room.
Select from a wide range of remedies, together with facials, massages, and physique remedies. The Twin Falls Therapeutic massage for {couples} appears like a dreamy solution to join along with your companion. There are additionally salon companies, equivalent to manicures, pedicures, and waxing.
12. Raleigh Municipal Rose Backyard
A implausible and romantic freebie is the Raleigh Municipal Rose Backyard, situated close to North Carolina College’s primary campus. It was extremely really helpful to my husband and me by a neighborhood Lyft Driver who mentioned we merely MUST go to. So we did!
It’s tucked away behind the Raleigh Little Theatre, a stay neighborhood theater. The small however beautiful backyard is open each day of the 12 months from dawn to sundown. This hidden gem options a beautiful central fountain, 60 rose beds, and a plethora of different vegetation. The roses bloom from late Could till mid-fall.
13. Pullen Park
Based in 1887, that is the primary public park within the state of North Carolina. It may appear that Pullen Park is extra of an attraction for youngsters than it’s for grownups. In spite of everything, there’s a practice experience, carnival video games, and truthful meals for households to get pleasure from.
However if you wish to really feel like a child once more, then take a spin on the classic wood carousel and lease a pedal boat to instrument across the small, picturesque lake. Pullen Park makes a playful addition to a Raleigh trip for adults.
14. State Farmers Market
The energetic colours, scrumptious flavors, and pleasant people on the State Farmers Market Restaurant in Raleigh perked me proper up. Buy a bouquet of colourful flowers or seize some recent produce for healthful journey snacks from the array of native distributors. Then, head to the onsite State Farmers Market Restaurant for a conventional Southern meal made out of farm recent meals.
15. Drinks for Adults in Raleigh
Craft beer is king, with over 40 breweries in Raleigh, spectacular in a metropolis of lower than 500,000 residents. If wine, cocktails, or mocktails are extra your type — fear not! There are many methods for adults to quench their thirst in The Metropolis of Oaks. Listed here are the highest spots from our a number of days of debauchery in Raleigh with our native pals.
Wye Hill Brewing
Absorb views of the Raleigh skyline whereas sipping native brews at Wye Hill Brewing on an out of doors patio atop the Boylan Bridge. A well-liked alternative amongst beer connoisseurs is Sea Change, a West Coast IPA identified for its hoppy but refreshing taste. Ciders, wine, cocktails, and a few mocktails are additionally obtainable.
To nosh when you sip, this Raleigh-based brewery is happy with its chef-led bar meals like All the pieces Brussels (fried sprouts served with fromage blanc, maple mustard, and all the pieces bagel seasoning).
The Parlor
The Parlor at Heights Home Lodge evokes the Victorian period with a contemporary twist. Additionally within the Boylan Peak neighborhood, the swanky cocktail lounge is a part of a painstakingly restored 1858 historic mansion.
As a nod to the Italianate type of the constructing, the menu affords Italian-influenced inventive cocktails and an all-Italian wine record. Native beers from North Carolina can be found, however why not strive a Bananas & Butter Bourbon or a Rosemary Me cocktail? Within the featured picture on the prime of this text, I’m sipping a Capri Spritz mocktail, which has similarities to an Italian Spritz. Easy charcuterie boards are the one choice for hungry drinkers.
RBF, Your Genuine Champagne Bar
Whereas in Cary, you completely should go to RBF, Your Genuine Champagne Bar. This woman-owned modern wine bar is all about embracing authenticity. Do you hate it when males inform you to smile? Then that is the place for you. There isn’t any must placed on a fake pleased face right here. Check out the partitions at RBF full of photographs that includes resting b*tch faces.
Let your RBF fly whereas sipping glowing, purple, rosé, or orange wine. It is a fabulous spot for mocktail lovers, too, with a number of creative, zero-proof choices to select from. (Add a couple of dollars to make them into glowing wine cocktails as an alternative.) A number of attractive charcuterie boards will tempt sippers. And, nope, there is no such thing as a beer to be discovered at RBF.
Discover Extra
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Enjoyable lovers can’t go improper with an grownup getaway in Orlando full of amusements, themed bars, and nature explorations.
Save These Actions for Adults in Raleigh
For future journey inspiration, hold this record of enjoyable issues for adults to do in Raleigh. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Which of those grownup actions in Raleigh appeals to you most? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
A Be aware from Colleen: Go to Raleigh partially hosted my go to to the Metropolis of Oaks with my husband. A few of our meals and actions had been lined, together with our keep and my spa therapy at The Umstead Lodge. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this weblog put up. All opinions are mine, as at all times.
