Raleigh, NC
Mar 11th, 2002, 09:43 AM
#1
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Raleigh, NC
I have visited most of the South---Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta, Nashville, the Smoky Mountains, Huntsville and Birmingham. Though these cities ary in population, I enjoyed them all, particularly Savannah and Charleston with their charming and homely Southern feel and great reasonable southern restaurants.
Is Raleigh a generic city that happens to be in the South or is it really unique city and a destination spot? I have a free ticket to use on Southwest airlines and I don't want to be dissapointed with an anytown USA looking place. Does Raleigh stand out from the Southern cities I have already been to?
Is Raleigh a generic city that happens to be in the South or is it really unique city and a destination spot? I have a free ticket to use on Southwest airlines and I don't want to be dissapointed with an anytown USA looking place. Does Raleigh stand out from the Southern cities I have already been to?
Mar 11th, 2002, 10:03 AM
#2
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I don't know much about Raleigh, but I noticed that you didn't include Memphis on your list (actually, I'm not sure if Southwest serves Memphis or not; maybe Little Rock is the closest to Memphis on their routes). At any rate, Memphis is quite a unique city, very different from the others you've mentioned. It's also a good hub for exploring a very interesting part of the South, so you might check it out.
Mar 11th, 2002, 10:33 AM
#3
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I lived in the Raleigh area for more than 10 years ('80s and '90s), and I don't think it's a particularly distinctive tourism destination.
It's got some quaint neighborhoods (Oakwood in particular), but it's not nearly as special as Charleston and Savannah in that regard--and certainly not as compact. Outside the Raleigh Beltline is mostly sprawling suburbs--new and attractive, but not really touristy.
If you throw in Duke Chapel and Duke Gardens in Durham and the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, I guess you could say it has some tourism possibilities. I think some major museums opened up in downtown Raleigh since I left, so maybe somebody who lives there can comment on those as tourism possibilities. There are plenty of good restaurants in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.
The Triangle area sits in the rolling hills of the Piedmont area, so it's a pretty attractive landscape. But if you're looking for lots of touristy things to see and do, I'd go elsewhere.
Just curious--what was it you liked about the other towns you mention? I never cared much for Atlanta, and I never spent any time in Huntsville and Birmingham.
It's got some quaint neighborhoods (Oakwood in particular), but it's not nearly as special as Charleston and Savannah in that regard--and certainly not as compact. Outside the Raleigh Beltline is mostly sprawling suburbs--new and attractive, but not really touristy.
If you throw in Duke Chapel and Duke Gardens in Durham and the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, I guess you could say it has some tourism possibilities. I think some major museums opened up in downtown Raleigh since I left, so maybe somebody who lives there can comment on those as tourism possibilities. There are plenty of good restaurants in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.
The Triangle area sits in the rolling hills of the Piedmont area, so it's a pretty attractive landscape. But if you're looking for lots of touristy things to see and do, I'd go elsewhere.
Just curious--what was it you liked about the other towns you mention? I never cared much for Atlanta, and I never spent any time in Huntsville and Birmingham.
Mar 11th, 2002, 11:20 AM
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Happs,
I grew up in Raleigh, and it was a great place for that. However, I must join the other opinions here--I don't think it's a particularly good travel destination. Nor is it particularly unique.
If Southwest flies there, have you considered New Orleans? Now that's a distinctive city. I also second xxx's suggestion of Asheville NC.
Finally, if you like the coast, you may want to consider Wilmington NC--not nearly as grand as Charleston or Savannah, but a nice little port city with a definite southern feel, and possible day trips to Fort Fisher (civil war site) or Southport (an even smaller, but fun, port city).
Have a great time!
I grew up in Raleigh, and it was a great place for that. However, I must join the other opinions here--I don't think it's a particularly good travel destination. Nor is it particularly unique.
If Southwest flies there, have you considered New Orleans? Now that's a distinctive city. I also second xxx's suggestion of Asheville NC.
Finally, if you like the coast, you may want to consider Wilmington NC--not nearly as grand as Charleston or Savannah, but a nice little port city with a definite southern feel, and possible day trips to Fort Fisher (civil war site) or Southport (an even smaller, but fun, port city).
Have a great time!
Mar 11th, 2002, 11:32 AM
#6
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Thank you to all who posted for your informative opinions. I want this free trip to count so I will be choosing a southern destination other than Raleigh.
To Mark: I love the quaintness and charm of downtown Savannah and Charlestonand how you can walk around and relive history in your mind. Plus, both cities had great bus tours. They have really kept it historic and well preserved so when you walk around you really feel like you are in a unique place. The Hominy Grill, Nita's Cafe, Mrs. Wilkes and Lady and Sons make it even more memorable. I know Atlanta is a big city but it kept me busy for a few days with the High Museum, Buckhead and Sweet Auburn area.
To Chuck: New Orleans doesn't sound bad at all either. I'll give it some thought.
To Mark: I love the quaintness and charm of downtown Savannah and Charlestonand how you can walk around and relive history in your mind. Plus, both cities had great bus tours. They have really kept it historic and well preserved so when you walk around you really feel like you are in a unique place. The Hominy Grill, Nita's Cafe, Mrs. Wilkes and Lady and Sons make it even more memorable. I know Atlanta is a big city but it kept me busy for a few days with the High Museum, Buckhead and Sweet Auburn area.
To Chuck: New Orleans doesn't sound bad at all either. I'll give it some thought.
Mar 11th, 2002, 11:43 AM
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Happs,
You've never been to New Orleans? By all means, GO!! Since you so enjoyed Charleston, I think you'll love New Orleans.
It sounds like you really like exploring historic places, so New Orleans will be perfect for you. You may really appreciate the Garden District, the cemetary tours and the plantations along the Mississippi.
You've never been to New Orleans? By all means, GO!! Since you so enjoyed Charleston, I think you'll love New Orleans.
It sounds like you really like exploring historic places, so New Orleans will be perfect for you. You may really appreciate the Garden District, the cemetary tours and the plantations along the Mississippi.
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Mar 11th, 2002, 12:32 PM
#8
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Though Raleigh is trying to promote tourism, it's just not Charleston or Savannah. I'm not sure about a 'southern feel' since Raleigh has many new neighborhoods and yankee transplants. Yes, it is the capital of the state, but most history of the state didn't happen in Raleigh.
Yes there are museums and the governor's mansion in downtown Raleigh, but it doesn't have that many historic sites compared to Charleston or Savannah.
If you included the entire triangle area, you could make a weekend out of it. Soon the Durham Bulls (AAA baseball team, featured in the movie Bull Durham starring Kevin Costner) will start their 100th year. And Hillsborough is quaint and historic. And in April, the Bennett Place in Durham will have a re-enactment of the largest surrunder of troops in the Civil War.
Friday a big new shopping mall opened up (whoo-hoo?) in Durham if you are into that. I saw on the news this morning they are going to try to market the mall as a destination package (a mall?!?).
Most people don't put Raleigh as a 'must see' place, they come to visit family or on a work assignment.
Yes there are museums and the governor's mansion in downtown Raleigh, but it doesn't have that many historic sites compared to Charleston or Savannah.
If you included the entire triangle area, you could make a weekend out of it. Soon the Durham Bulls (AAA baseball team, featured in the movie Bull Durham starring Kevin Costner) will start their 100th year. And Hillsborough is quaint and historic. And in April, the Bennett Place in Durham will have a re-enactment of the largest surrunder of troops in the Civil War.
Friday a big new shopping mall opened up (whoo-hoo?) in Durham if you are into that. I saw on the news this morning they are going to try to market the mall as a destination package (a mall?!?).
Most people don't put Raleigh as a 'must see' place, they come to visit family or on a work assignment.
Mar 11th, 2002, 02:30 PM
#9
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Had to go to Raliegh many times with company that employed me. Nice town, but not a special tourist or vacation location. University triangle interesting. Some good restaurants. I would also head for New Orleans if I had not been there; old, authentic, historic, good restaurants, lots of music. Be sure to take a tour in to the bayou country, say down to Homa. Eat Aligator stew (or is it crocodile; can never keep it straight). Wonderful area. Lake Ponchetrain (sp?), Gulfport and Biloxi are not far away and interesting as well, although not as primary destinations, but, rather as side trips from New Orleans.
Mar 11th, 2002, 09:20 PM
#10
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I fly SWA a lot and plan to use "free" ticket in Oct. to fly toRaleigh-Durham.
My goal ,other than to fly across the country free, is to tour Biltmore Estate and travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (also have friends in Abingdon VA.) The comments of the other posters seem right on target according to my frinds in VA.
I have heard that SWA is opening flights into Norfolk VA. now that would be a choice area-Williamsburg, Jamestown, lots of coastal places and historic stuff!!!Give this some thought....
My goal ,other than to fly across the country free, is to tour Biltmore Estate and travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (also have friends in Abingdon VA.) The comments of the other posters seem right on target according to my frinds in VA.
I have heard that SWA is opening flights into Norfolk VA. now that would be a choice area-Williamsburg, Jamestown, lots of coastal places and historic stuff!!!Give this some thought....
Mar 11th, 2002, 10:15 PM
#11
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Kay,
It'll take several hours of driving to get from Raleigh to Asheville to see the Biltmore House, and you'll probably need at least 2-3 days to drive a lot of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But it'll be worth it, especially with the fall colors in October.
The Biltmore's spectacular in any season. I never got there during the fall, but I'm sure the foliage will be beautiful in October.
Be sure to note that the Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding, mostly-two-lane road, and the traffic will move very slowly with all the other tourists there in October to see the fall colors. In a lot of places, especially with heavy traffic, it'll be virtually impossible to consider passing anybody. So be prepared to drive slowly, which will give you more time to appreciate all the natural beauty along the Parkway.
It'll take several hours of driving to get from Raleigh to Asheville to see the Biltmore House, and you'll probably need at least 2-3 days to drive a lot of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But it'll be worth it, especially with the fall colors in October.
The Biltmore's spectacular in any season. I never got there during the fall, but I'm sure the foliage will be beautiful in October.
Be sure to note that the Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding, mostly-two-lane road, and the traffic will move very slowly with all the other tourists there in October to see the fall colors. In a lot of places, especially with heavy traffic, it'll be virtually impossible to consider passing anybody. So be prepared to drive slowly, which will give you more time to appreciate all the natural beauty along the Parkway.
Mar 12th, 2002, 01:14 AM
#12
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I am adding my 2 bits. I live in Raleigh. Not much to see in Raleigh. Most of us are here because of jobs in the I.T. area.
However ... it is close to so pretty nice beaches (Kerr beach) and to the great Asheville, Biltmore.
Save up on your money and make sure to stay in the In on the estate.
Everything is larger than normal and makes you feel like Alyce in wonderland.
However ... it is close to so pretty nice beaches (Kerr beach) and to the great Asheville, Biltmore.
Save up on your money and make sure to stay in the In on the estate.
Everything is larger than normal and makes you feel like Alyce in wonderland.
Mar 12th, 2002, 04:35 AM
#13
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Another Raleigh person here. I have to agree. I love living here, but I know there are more exciting places to visit. I have my favorite spots to take people, but in the 12 years I have lived here, there has been some urban sprawl with a lot of strip malls and office buildings. But, nonetheless, here are places to go...just in case.
NC Museum of Art
Exploris Museum and Imax theatre
Museum of History (NC History only I think)
Capital Building, Governor's Mansion, Farmer's Market, Flea Market, Umstead Park, Carolina Hurricanes Hockey, Carolina Cobras Indoor Football, Carolina Courage Women's Soccer Team. In Durham, there is the Science Museum, Duke Chapel and Gardens, Durham Bulls. In Chapel Hill there is Moorehead Planetarium. You've also got athletics from State, Duke and Carolina. You can't leave the area without trying some NC bbq-Clyde Coopers in downtown Raleigh is great. Within 2 hours drive you could be in Wilmington, at the beach...or you can travel west and head towards the mountains. Asheville is a 3-4 hour drive. Hope this helps.
NC Museum of Art
Exploris Museum and Imax theatre
Museum of History (NC History only I think)
Capital Building, Governor's Mansion, Farmer's Market, Flea Market, Umstead Park, Carolina Hurricanes Hockey, Carolina Cobras Indoor Football, Carolina Courage Women's Soccer Team. In Durham, there is the Science Museum, Duke Chapel and Gardens, Durham Bulls. In Chapel Hill there is Moorehead Planetarium. You've also got athletics from State, Duke and Carolina. You can't leave the area without trying some NC bbq-Clyde Coopers in downtown Raleigh is great. Within 2 hours drive you could be in Wilmington, at the beach...or you can travel west and head towards the mountains. Asheville is a 3-4 hour drive. Hope this helps.
Mar 12th, 2002, 06:43 AM
#14
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Just to add my own two cents. I have lived in the area for about 80% of my life and currently live in Durham. Quite honestly, other than traffic, the area is improving as a place to live: more art, better theaters, more concerts, more diverse population and restaurant choices, better shopping options, etc. However, I have always thought that for outsiders the Raleigh area must be fairly boring to visit. Sure there are things to do, and Deb did a great job of covering them, but there are few sights that set the area apart. I would say the best sights are: the NC Museum of History's Civil War collection, the campuses of UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke, and the Durham Museum of Life and Science (for kids). I think you might want to consider places mentioned by a few others, like Asheville (except you said you have been to the Smokies), the NC Outer Banks, New Orleans, or maybe Virginia with its huge array of historic sights.
