The 46 best sights in Raleigh

The North Carolina Museum of Art is an outstanding cultural destination that blends art, nature, and community. The permanent collection is beautifully curated, offering a wide range of works from European classics and African art to modern and contemporary pieces. Each gallery is spacious, thoughtfully arranged, and enhanced with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. The museum park is equally impressive, with miles of walking and biking trails accented by large-scale outdoor sculptures. It provides a unique opportunity to enjoy art in a natural setting, making the museum experience extend beyond the building itself. Staff and volunteers are consistently friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming, which adds to the overall positive experience. Another highlight is that admission to the permanent collection is free, making the museum highly accessible to the public while still offering high-quality exhibitions and events. Overall, the North Carolina Museum of Art sets a high standard for museums in the region. It is a place where art and community intersect in a meaningful way, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting or living in North Carolina.

This is a beautiful art museum! And it’s free. Except for some special exhibits. But the large portion of it is free. And stunning. The building itself is beautiful and they have some wonderful pieces. I was not expecting for this place to be so big. I will be back.

This is an amazing museum and we didn’t get to explore all of it because of how huge it is. We love art so we spent about 3 hours walking around learning & looking at African American art, European art, WWII art, Christian art, and many more other powerful artistic pieces with a historical background. The museum is absolutely free to explore which is great but no food and drinks inside the place. There’s about 2-3 different buildings to go into.

The free night event was wonderful. Plenty of exhibits . A variety of mediums. A quiet ,clean friendly atmosphere and plenty of on-site parking. The special exhibit...The book of Esther was informative and well put together. The African American exhibit was full of color and very eye-catching. The various mediums (wood, wire, paper, metal)will keep a person intrigued. There are benches throughout for time to reflect or just rest. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There is a gift shop with a variety of items for sell such as books, jewelry, artwork and trinkets. There is also a dress up photo opportunity near the book of Esther exhibit.

On Sunday I went to experience the walking trails at the NC Museum of Art, and loved it! There are so many interesting art pieces in view while walking! The paths are measured and posted in the Welcome Center area and also on the Blue Path (sponsored by BCBS). I posted an image of that map. It felt safe with families, couples, and singles all around. I ended up walking on most of the paths, and it tired me out. Luckily, I was parked in the edge by the entrance with the Reedy Creek stoplight on Blue Ridge Road. A plethora of parking there!!! So great!

I love the museum park and all the installations and sculptures. Love the landscaping too. I love the design of the west building. Not so much about the collections though. Highly recommend the museum park. There is similar museum park which is the Glenstone Museum in Maryland.

As a couple’s photographer, I love shooting at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh. The mix of modern architecture, beautiful trails, and sculptures provides endless creative backdrops. Golden hour here is magical, with soft light perfect for intimate, romantic shots.

I saved this location in maps to explore one day with my children and all I can say is WOW!! This park is absolutely beautiful! From the ground being well kept and fun to walk around to the different types of parks to play in based on age. We didn't get to experience the paddle boats because we arrived a little later than expected but the train and carousel were a lot of fun and only $2 a person, ya'll!! We're already looking forward to going back again soon... Thank you to all of the staff as well for being helpful and friendly when needed!

This park is so cute. You have a very cheap train ride for the kids. A nice quick loop around the water with a gorgeous fountain at the center and a couple of bridges crossing the water. There is some food and drinks too and a small playground as well. I believe they have paddle boats but only during the weekends and in good weather. Definitely a great place to go alone or with family and pets!

Pullen Park is such a charming and family-friendly spot in Raleigh! The park is beautifully maintained with scenic walking paths shaded by tall trees, plus a peaceful pond that makes for a relaxing stroll. It’s well organized and offers plenty of activities that children and adults alike will enjoy. We had planned to try the pedal boats, but since they’re only available on weekends, we opted for the train ride instead. The train was a delightful experience and a fun way to see more of the park while enjoying the breeze. Although the day was a bit too hot for us to stay long, we still had a wonderful time. On a cooler day, this would be the perfect place to spend hours enjoying the outdoors, picnicking, or simply exploring. Overall, Pullen Park is a gem in the area and a must-visit for families. We can’t wait to return! Cheers 🥂

Took my kiddos here who are 8 and 9. They did have a lot of fun. I’d say it’s geared more for younger. But they still had a blast! Road the train multiple times, played at the parks and did the carousel. We got lunch at the cafe, which everyone loved. Was very clean and well kept all over. We had fun just wondering and looking.

One of the oldest parks in Raleigh. Carousel, train, little boats to ride, Caboose, and paddle boats. Paddle boats are seasonal. Cafe with outdoor seating. Great place to spend morning or late afternoon. Nostalgia

We visit Raleigh frequently and had never been here. It was pretty crowded, but a well maintained park. We spent a couple hours here letting our kids play at the “big kid” playground and then we rode the train (only $2 a person, bought tickets online). Not sure if we would return though as my kids were a little “bored” from not having as many options to play on at the playground versus other ones but it was fun for that day!

Pullen Park is a beloved treasure in Raleigh, founded in 1887 by philanthropist Richard Stanhope Pullen, who drew inspiration from New York’s Central Park. As North Carolina’s first public park, his generous land donation created a free, welcoming space for everyone, a legacy that still thrives today. Over 150 years later, Pullen Park remains a vibrant heart of the community, where families create lasting memories. The miniature train ride, chugging through scenic paths, sparks joy in kids and adults alike, while the beautifully restored carousel spins out nostalgia with its hand-carved animals. Towering oak trees provide cool shade for picnics, playtime, or quiet moments, making it a perfect escape from summer heat. Playgrounds buzz with laughter, and winding trails invite leisurely strolls. As a Raleigh local, I feel immense pride visiting Pullen Park. It’s more than a park—it’s a living piece of our city’s history, blending nostalgia and joy. Whether you’re a family seeking fun or a visitor craving Raleigh’s charm, Pullen Park delivers warmth and wonder every time.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh is an absolute gem and a must-visit! When we went, they were hosting a special blue whale exhibition, and it was jaw-dropping. Seeing the enormous skeleton up close for the first time was unforgettable—it really gave us perspective on how massive and magnificent these ocean giants are. The museum has plenty more to explore, too. We loved roaming through the dinosaur exhibit, where life-sized displays and fascinating details bring prehistoric times to life. Standing next to those towering models was both humbling and exciting. One of the best parts is that general admission is donation-based, so you can explore the museum at no set cost, making it accessible for everyone. If you’d like to add something extra, they also offer 3D movies at a very reasonable price: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students, and military with ID, $4 for children, and $3 for members. It’s a fun way to dive deeper into science and nature. Overall, our visit was fascinating, family-friendly, and inspiring. We’ll definitely return to see future exhibits and enjoy more of what this incredible museum has to offer. Cheers! 🥂

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the best science museum we’ve ever visited! The first thing that impressed me was that the entire main area is free — no tickets are needed to explore all four floors. You only need to buy tickets for special exhibitions or movies. I’ve never seen such a wonderful free science museum before! Out of appreciation, I bought tickets for all three movies and the Blue Whales exhibit for three people — and even with that, it wasn’t expensive at all, just a little over $90. The museum is so diverse and interesting that we spent the whole day there and still didn’t see everything. You definitely need at least two days to explore it fully. There’s a café on the 4th floor that was full of visitors. The menu doesn’t really offer much for healthy eaters, so we skipped it, but it’s a great spot for a quick snack, especially for kids. On the 4th floor there’s also a bridge that connects to another building of the museum — it opens up to a huge laboratory area that was amazing to see. We’re still impressed! The museum has two gift shop areas, but honestly, the museum itself is much more exciting and full of variety than the shops. There are restrooms on every floor, plus escalators and elevators, so it’s accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is an amazing place to visit. There are so many interesting exhibits for both kids and adults, and the best part is that admission is completely free! The museum is clean, well organized, and full of fascinating displays about nature and science. Parking is also free on weekends, which makes it even better. Highly recommend for a family visit or a weekend trip!

The Raleigh Science Center is an amazing place for all ages! It’s packed with interactive exhibits that make learning fun and hands on. Right now, they have an incredible Blue Whale exhibit that’s definitely worth seeing. Whether you’re into space, biology, or technology, there’s something exciting to explore. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help or answer questions. I especially loved the planetarium shows truly out of this world! Highly recommend visitors to Raleigh to stop by and boost their experience while you’re in town. Perfect for family trips or a fun day out with friends!

Such an amazing place! It’s still a great time as an adult visiting with no kids so don’t shy away! Make sure you grab a map though, because this is a whole experience. There is loads to see and do here, so set aside 3-4 hours to fully go through the museum. It’s four stories, and two sides as well so work your way up one side and come down the other so as to not dart back and forth. Overall, I think you end up walking close to two miles so comfortable shoes are a must. There is so much care put into the exhibits and the science and working labs are just amazing to see. The gem and mineral section can’t be missed, the stones are GORGEOUS. This is a must if you’re interested at all in natural science. Loads of fossils, great explanations, and best of all it’s free!

Can't recommend this museum enough! Adults and kids found it engaging and could have spent many more hours there! Free entrance, family friendly, capitulating exhibits felt like a tour across NC. There's so much to explore! The discovery room was a great hit with the kids. The dinosaur lab was also special, paleontologist entertained all sorts of questions♥️

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is seriously one of my favorite spots in Raleigh. It’s an awesome mix of fun, learning, and just pure wonder—and the best part? General admission is free! The exhibits are super well done and cover a ton of different topics. You can check out towering dinosaur skeletons, see the gigantic skeleton of a blue whale, wander through realistic habitat displays, and even watch live scientists do their thing in the research labs upstairs. The butterfly conservatory feels like stepping into another world—it's warm and tropical, and there are so many colorful butterflies that sometimes one will land right on you! You can tell the staff and volunteers really love what they do. Everyone I talked to was friendly, super knowledgeable, and excited to share cool info. There’s a lot for kids to do, but it’s just as fun for adults. You can take your time exploring without feeling rushed, and there are plenty of quiet spots to just chill and soak it all in. If you’re in Raleigh or nearby, this museum is a must-visit. Whether you’re into science, looking for a fun family day, or just curious about nature, you’ll leave amazed—and probably already thinking about your next trip back!

Great park for hiking 🥾 with a multitude of sights to see 👀. There is a waterfall of sorts near where sycamore trail enters its big loop that is a bit out of the way but a worth while trek. It has a good range of beginner and advanced trails but there could be more. Overall good and a must-visit if you are in NC

Amazing! Well marked trails, interesting history. Yes it's close to RDU and some spots you can hear the plans more then others but it's not bad. Frankly at one of the water fronts you can practically watch the plans take off. Was pretty neat. Beautiful scenery! No complaints.

This is one of the most beautiful park I have ever been to. I been there after my first time more then 50 times never get enough of this beautiful park, you need to be in shape to go there , it is a long walk and if you go biking 🚴 it take a good hours if you have a fast bike you can do it in 30 minutes if you not that fast it will be one hour to get out. It worth tt

Umstead park is a fun place to explore in Raleigh. We went with three littles. We parked and did the oak rock trail which is a .6 mile loop. Then we went to the next parking lot and took the trail that said 150 yards to Big Lake. We found a picnic table under a pavilion and ate lunch. Potts Branch trail looked fun as well. It’s a 1.3 mile loop. However, we decided to go and look for the chainsaw log art. To do this, park at the sycamore road parking lot. The trail is on your left. There are signs that lead you to the log art which is located on the Grayln multi use road. It’s about a mile trek round trip on big gravel roads. It is not a loop so once you see the log turn around and come back 😉. It’s the purple trail on the map in the picture. The chainsaw log is really cool. It’s starting to get eaten by bugs but is still cool to see.

Went to Raleigh because my wife had a work type workshop, and I had like six hours to kill. I chose to spend my whole day here and absolutely loved it. Peaceful, beautiful, and fun trails. I got lucky enough to visit when I did because I was told the carved log was being taken due to it degrading. It was still beautiful. I would love to visit the park again and do other trails I missed out on.

Free entry, the 2.8ish mile loop that starts/ends at the welcome center/ranger station has a good mix of relatively light-to-moderate terrain, and a lake to see (no area to walk around the perimeter of the lake per se). Short drive from the city center, a decent amount of parking spots, but I can see it be packed during peak hours.

A beautiful park. Undisturbed by progress or development. Many miles of trails to enjoy on your own or with your dogs. The only criticism is that due to its close proximity to RDU, there is a lot of noise from aircraft overheard, but the dogs don’t seem to mind.

First time went inside the mill. Fascinating to see how the mill work. The workers had great knowledge and answered all our questions. The trails have quite of few places that overlook the water views. And places where you could sit for for a picnic

Great day hike with an easy and moderate (green) trail to take. The green trail is through the woods. Out and back if you loop the trail is just shy of two miles for the green trail. There is a small museum are at the entrance with public bathrooms. The watermill is missing the wheel but it is a nice nature hike by the large pond with fish, birds, turtles and some other wildlife.

My friends and I love going to this park in the early morning, especially in the fall. It has such beautiful scenery, and it is in a great location right across Howling Cow Creamery! We have only taken the circle path to the left when you cross over the bridge, but hopefully next time we go, we get to explore more of the trails. The waterfall is beautiful and great for photos! I have seen many different people take graduation and family pictures during the times I have gone.

A beautiful park with many trails to walk in a natural environment. Park is maintained very well with picnic shelters, rest rooms and exhibits with many educational programs for students. One can go fishing here too. It's a natural retreat to relax with family and friends. Guided tours for.mills is organized over weekend and holidays also.

very picturesque place. They have a small indoor museum talking about the history of the park. The walk going up and down is a little steep (see 3rd picture) but do-able. Overall, would recommend visiting this place. Quite beautiful out there

Visited with my in-laws. The walk around the lake is family friendly. Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed here but, it’s a great spot for picnics with kids and has several vista points along the trail. Having benches every few yards is a great convenience especially with the elderly. We missed exploring the education center as it closed at 5pm and we were there later in the day.

Excellent park!! Love the trails, been here a few times, its always maintained beautifully. Knowledgeable staff, the visitors center filled with interesting information.

Entry is free and you can easily spend all day here. Huge wide range of items to examine on display from lots of different eras. An immensely interesting collection and a must-visit in Raleigh, the pictures I've added don't even scratch the surface, there's so much to view here!

Unfortunately, the only floor that was open was the first floor as they will be closing in one month so that they can do a three-year renovation. The good thing is it was free and very interesting as I have not been to Raleigh North Carolina before. It was a good two hour walk-through of the complete history from Neolithic days up until now. I do look forward to the reopening in three years to see what they can come up with I’m sure it will be much better.

Brought my family here for a visit and we had a great time. Every time we visit, there is a new amazing experience. My son enjoys learning from the staff and stations set up throughout the museum. Looking forward to coming back and learning more!

This museum is free, has restrooms, gift shops, and a cafe that is sometimes open. The parking lot near it charges cash and about $2 per hour. The museum is great, there is so much to see, there are about 4 floors and 2 buildings. It is fantastic for kids and adults. There are live animals and insects as well. There are also films in both buildings. The fun demonstrations and activities are usually done on weekends but a weekday is nice and calm if you don't like being around too many people. The museum has animals, plants, insects, rocks, wood, and dinosaurs. You will spend at least 2 hours here but could easily spend 4.

It is a very well maintained museum. The staff were very friendly, had a great time seeing all the exhibits from olden times maintained in the best way possible. And it's open to the public for free, but you can do your part by offering small donations. My favorites were a couple of exhibits with houses and rooms which were about 150 years old and also a few exhibits where they recreated models of scenes from the past, the one I have in my pics. This is a good place to learn and feel the history of North Carolina. Overall, time well spent at the museum.

Free to enter and really interesting. Gives you the history of North Carolina. Give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to get through it. They have some old houses in there too from the past which were really cool. Go before October of this year because they are about to shut down for renovation.

Cool free thing to do while in town. The lady at the help desk was helpful and gave a brochure explaining each level and also how to get tickets to a current special attraction they had going on. Took my dad and my son. There were interactive displays that caught both of their eyes. So much to learn: went on a Monday so it wasn’t a big crowd which I loved cause no rushed feeling. The sports area upstairs was pretty small with a few highlights that my son enjoyed. We all learned a lot which was the goal. On street parking was available close by.

This museum blew us away! It's definitely the best museum we've ever been to, and definitely worth the money and the trip to Raleigh. The entrance fee is incredibly reasonable compared to other museums, making it even more attractive. The place is truly fun and educational. The innovative hands-on exhibits are fantastic, engaging kids of all ages. We loved the award-winning programs and the larger-than-life movies. It's a perfect blend of entertainment and learning, perfect for kids and those young at heart. Highly recommended!

Went here on a field trip and it was the best thing ever! I really enjoy how many activities the establishment had, and how they welcome everyone no matter what. Even as a child, or even as an adult, you can come here and enjoy yourself and just have a good time in general. 5/5 stars! My favorite part was definitely the origami portion!

Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh is a wonderful place for children to explore, learn, and have fun through hands-on play. The exhibits are creative, educational, and designed to engage kids of all ages — from toddlers to school-age children. Every section encourages imagination and curiosity, whether it’s the water play area, the pretend town, or the science and building exhibits. The museum is clean, well-organized, and staff members are friendly and helpful. The IMAX theater is an added bonus, making it a complete family experience. It’s a perfect destination for families, school trips, or weekend fun. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Raleigh.

This is definitely a wonderful place for kids to explore their their motor skills, creativity and imagination. I absolutely love all the areas and outdoor activities. My 2-year-old and 4-year-old had a ball. However, it was frustrating that the staff has little to no input or comments when rules aren't being followed and most of the parents are on their phone instead of attending to their child. Seemed like a drop off daycare where the kids went wild and the parents tuned out. We love the sensory room because my 4-year-old is on the spectrum and needed to calm down a little. However was unable to do so because even with posted signs it was treated as if any other room. Staff came in as part of a tour yet failed to tell the two phone parents in the room the purpose of the room. But we find this anywhere. There is so much for the children to do. Just make sure you're a parent that participates with your child instead of holding up the wall while your child pushes Littles

My husband and I were on the fence about going here. I wish we would have came earlier! Our 2 year old had so much fun and would have loved to stay longer. Endless opportunities for pretend play, sensory activities, creative works, and physicality! This place has so much opportunity to create impactful and bonding moments with your child. Wish we had this in Detroit!

I took my daughter here even though I wasn't sure how much she would be able to do. She just turned 2 but because of a genetic disorder, her mobility is very limited for her age. I was so incredibly impressed with how inclusive this museum was. We LOVED the quiet sensory rooms where she could play at her own pace without big kids making it unsafe. We were having so much fun that we didn't even realize there was a 2nd floor until we were about to leave, so then we stayed longer to play with the big legos! Thank you for putting so much thought into this museum. This is a dream come true for a mama of a special needs kid! I wish I had something this amazing where I live. Bonus points for having a "tasted toys" bin to keep everything sanitary. Part of my daughter's disorder makes her want to put everything in her mouth, so we returned A LOT of toys lol

This is one of the best children’s museums that I have ever been to. The people are nice and fantastic. It’s ultra clean and there are exhibits and different spaces to keep the kids entertained for hours and hours and hours. You could honestly spend all day here and still not cover everything. Also, it’s very reasonably priced.

We achieved our 40th State Capitol here in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visited on a Saturday afternoon an was still open for visitors till 5 pm. It’s a functional Capitol with the Executive Branch having offices in the Building. The Senate and House of Representatives work out of a new Legislative Building down the street. Walking on all 3 floors gave perspective of the State Library, Geology room, House of Commons (House of Representatives) and Senate. Lots of important plaques to read.

We visited on the weekend so we only walked around outside. The statues and architecture are impressive. The detail of the Vietnam war memorial was very moving. The grounds are well kept with lots of shade trees. The grounds cover an entire city block. There were steps facing the street we entered from, I did not pay attention to whether there was wheelchair access but I’m thinking surely there must be on one of the streets.

A beautiful historic state capital building. Inviting space, some parts are closed to the public, overall not too large, easy to cover in fifteen minutes. Beautiful add to a state capital tour.

Very small Capitol but a fun one to check off. You can really wander where you want! Best parts are the neat statue of Washington and the cool library upstairs. I recommend wandering down to the current legislative building afterwards

One of the smallest state houses I've seen but it was all restored and served as a great museum, as the 2 chambers are no longer in use. They have guided routes as well as self guided.

Beautiful historic building with well kept grounds. Downtown core around it is suffering from urban blight and lack of investment. Hopefully it can turn a corner with redevelopment. Great old buildings with lots of potential.

I have visited state capitols in many states. The North Carolina State Capitol gave me a very simple feeling. Unlike the golden domes in other states, it is a crown.

A beautiful garden. They are many spots and plants. Flowers, trees , beautiful paths . You can spend an hour or two to fully explore and enjoy the place . Have your water with you as they don't have anything in the store

This small arboretum is such a charmer. It’s a delightful place to take a walk and explore plants. Because it seeks to determine the viability of new introductions in our area it’s also great for professionals seeking to expand their plant palette. Besides, it has my favorite Japanese maple in the world. I was surprised to see the lathe house has been largely rebuilt, and the White Garden has a new fountain.

A FIVE STAR visit to Raleigh’s nationally acclaimed JC Raulston Arboretum, located on Beryl Road near the intersection of I-440 and Hillsborough Street. First-time visitors should use GPS to easily find Beryl Road. The stainless steel main entrance is stunning, and the meticulously maintained grounds are truly impressive. Bring snacks or a meal, take a break, and enjoy walking through one of North Carolina’s largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants! Admission is FREE, and the gardens are open 365 days a year—yes, every single day!

Went here on a Saturday morning and no line to enter, also no admittance fee! This is excellent that these beautiful gardens are open to the public. Today, there were multiple weddings hosted here and what a beautiful venue. Would we return to JC Raulston Arboretum? Absolutely yes! Plus we're going to visit every season and look into volunteering.

We stopped at the arboretum on a spring road trip and I'm so glad we did. The flowers, bushes and trees were stunning as they were beginning to grow and bloom. We got so many amazing photos and the walk was so pleasurable and the scents of some of the flowers, like the Korean Spice Viburnum were intoxicating!!! A must stop during spring and they didn't charge for admission.

I had my wedding at the arboretum, and couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. The staff is kind, professional, and helped make my wedding perfect. It also helps that the gardens are a beautiful backdrop. The Arboretum is a wonderful place to visit and explore.

Beautiful arboretum and garden place. There are some areas still under construction like the Japanese theme garden. They have a small visitor center with clean restrooms. Also, they have plants for sale at the entrance.

Nice atmosphere with the trees growing through the building. Several floors with indoor and outdoor seating. It would be impossible to leave here without finding a beer you like. All the normal selections in addition to craft, local, and imported beer. Great way to spend a night or afternoon in Raleigh!

Excellent venue! In town for a weekend and this was the first place on our list. So impressed and pleased after the first day, we came back the next. Play mini golf and have a beer? Yes please! Excellent food, excellent service. Will be back!

This place was magical! It’s tucked away and unassuming but so spacious and a ton of great spots to hang out, relax, and socialize. While this could be a super cute date spot, it is also perfect for families as well! The food was pretty good- I’d totally go back for their soft pretzel! The Caesar salad was kinda average (although I LOVED the dressing) and the fries were fine. While the person working the minigolf station was super personable and helpful, the service with the food was lacking. Granted we were dining on the mini golf course so maybe service is better elsewhere in the establishment but our food came to us with no plates for our group of 6 to divvy up the food. We asked for plates but after about 10 minutes (plus the person we asked passing us with no acknowledgement) I went up to the main part of the restaurant and asked for plates which I brought out to our table myself. We also had to ask for utensils and napkins. All-in-all I’d 1000% come back, but would probably just come for the games, vibes and maybe some drinks or snacks.

Was nice I could bring my dog here but the food was not good. I ordered the poutine and left off the gravy. Food comes and I get a bowl of fries with crumbled cheese on it. The poutine was supposed to include cheese curds. I asked the waiter where the cheese curds were and she said that this is what the poutine was supposed to have and nothing was wrong. She went and asked the kitchen and they said it was correct. The menu said mozzarella cheese AND cheese curds. I’m not sure what these cheese crumbles were supposed to be but they’re definitely not cheese curds. Waitress was nice about it and did the right thing by offering me another meal. I had some pizza which was fine but they also forgot the marinara sauce on so it was pesto pizza. In addition, waitress said a flight of beer would be more cost effective than ordering individual 5 oz beers but upon getting the bill, it was all priced individually. Also, the beer tasted old. They clearly have too many beers on tap to be able to keep up with all of them.

Raleigh Biergarten is a great place to try a huge selection of beers. Food is mediocre but not bad, french fries were tasty. Beer prices are on point in the selection is huge. Definitely, bartender in servers were all very helpful. Go for the beer without a doubt

💢Please read! Like set up of this place but food was very mid. Feel like a scam even the photos showed how very mid it is. I ordered pull pork hash browns from the brunch menu. I was so hungry, it wasn’t describe on the menu: so I eat chop pork belly with cheese and didn’t eat super fried diced potatoes that turn into dust with a press with a fork. The servers give the silverware and napkins later after getting the meal. Only good thing is drinks but not drunk enough to eat anything here. It’s broke my heart with the food here, because I love food and drinks.

Awesome beer spot with a killer backyard! Beer Garden is one of those places you keep coming back to. The vibe is super chill—long wooden tables, string lights, plants everywhere, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for hanging out with friends, a date, or even solo with a book. The beer selection is insane: local craft brews, international favorites, always ice-cold, and the staff’s recommendations are spot-on (shoutout for the seasonal IPA!). Prices are fair for the quality. Food is on point too—the BBQ wings and giant pretzel are perfect for sharing (or not, haha). Everything fresh and generous portions. Service is friendly and attentive without being pushy. I absolutely loved the back area with the games zone—cornhole, giant Jenga, the works. It’s a blast! One thing to fix: the bathrooms were dirty with water all over the floor. They really need to check that detail more often. Highly recommended overall. Already planning my next visit! 🍻

first time coming in and the chocolate was pretty good! they make them in house which is neat. i liked the lemon chocolate the most. the others were good but a little too rich for my taste. the ice cream with toffee was probably my favorite. soft served ice cream with crunchy bits of toffee. it is on the pricey side but i still enjoyed my experience and the food items nonetheless. the outdoor seating is nice and is dog friendly.

A cute little chocolate shop with a great range of treats — from chocolate snacks to coffees and ice cream. You can even walk around and see the different machines they use to make their chocolate, along with informative signs showing how cacao and coffee beans are made. I went with the chocolate soft serve ice cream covered in cookie dough, and it was absolutely delicious! Would definitely go back. 🍫🍦

Videri chocolate factory is divine. They actually make their chocolates here in this building. You’re able to tour the facility and if you participate in a scavenger hunt you get a chocolate treat for completing it. You’re also able to sample their chocolates, and they have a healthy variety. Most of their chocolates are dairy free. Videri sells chocolates and soft serve ice cream, while inside the same building there is Black and White which sells coffee. The sitting area inside is cozy and they have free WiFi. There is also a nice patio area to sit beside the building and also some benches outside of the entrance. This is a high quality and super friendly local business. They sell the perfect chocolate gifts for your loved ones. If you’re in the area you definitely need to treat yourself here.

A must see! Very cute, self-led, and informative tour. The chocolate tasting was very fun and I was blown away by the flavors. They have coffee, ice cream, truffles, and local gifts in addition to chocolate bars. Excellent staff!

This is a wonderful, cozy spot for coffee and chocolate, but the real star is the handmade soft serve. I highly recommend the swirl—it was absolutely delicious! Topped with whipped cream and blueberry jam, it's an unforgettable treat.

This place is amazing, the staff is super sweet and the self guided tour is really fun. The chocolates are tasty!

Our last stop before leaving the town! They have really fascinating and elaborate chocolate making machines and educate us every step of the way. You can smell very fragrant and nice chocolate smell the moment you walked through the shop. You can ask for samples too! The lady there was very nice and willing to share more about the chocolates that you're getting. We also got sipping chocolate, which is really interesting because I never had sipping chocolate before! It was thick, a little tangy, but a really nice flavor.

So much history here! It was interesting to learn that some of the buildings were moved from their original locations and placed in the park to preserve them. Definitely recommend walking through and learning about everything this park has to offer!

A tiny yet lovely park. Didn't see the ghosty old lady hanging around the house! There's a humble small house where the 17th president, Andrew Johnson, was born.

Such a cool experience! We came from Utah to visit Raleigh, and I was hoping for a unique southern experience and we definitely got it here! Very cool way to learn about the history of this city. Our guide was fantastic, she was a young woman with glasses and a nose ring (she was really excited about some dishes found by the gardeners earlier that day), I wish I could remember her name, but she really made the experience so much better with her absolute love and passion for history! She should get a raise. Would definitely recommend coming here!

Great guided tour of the grounds and buildings with early history of NC and our country! Seniors are only $4 each.

Hats off to the City of Raleigh for keeping the history of the city alive through the buildings, exhibits, and displays here at Mordecai Historic Park. Plenty to see here, kid-friendly, great location, plenty of parking. I’d recommend at least 2-3 hours to see everything. Lots of neat local history. Definitely check out Andrew Johnson’s birth house, very interesting stuff. Highly recommend for anyone interested in history!

The staff were extremely knowledgeable about the history. We learned a lot. The estate and the artifacts are preserved in really good shapes. It wasn't busy when we arrived and we got a nice and very detailed tour of the entire place. You should definitely think about taking a tour. The garden behind the kitchen was so lovely with many flowers and plants.

The park is beautiful! It's a great place just to walk around. We had an amazing educator in Erin whose love for history shone through in her tour. I was disappointed that we weren't able to see inside some of the buildings; they were closed for safety reasons or had been converted to storage spaces.

Great museum with local, contemporary art, and admission is free, but they do accept donations. Parking in the area can be a challenge. Close to Raleigh Union Station.

I was excited to visit this museum but sadly they were closed for a private event. I'm rating with 1 star, not because they were closed but because no where on the website or Google did it say they would be closed. When I went in person, outside the door there was a sign that read "private event" but did not indicate if they were closed for the private event or if that was just the location of the event along with the museum since I know museums tend to rent out some parts of thier spaces due to free admission. We entered and were asked what we were there for... They said they were closed... No big deal but would have appreciated the heads up since I was traveling and would not be able to visit at another time. Next time just be a little more clear of being closed and utilize your platforms.

Crowning Glory by Samantha Everette was beautifully inspiring. Looking forward to visiting CAM Raleigh much more in the future. The diversity of subjects and mediums really was well curated. This is a Raleigh, NC gem. Powerful! A true must see if you’re in the area.

Wonderful local contemporary art space. It is a bit small but, the space is very intimate and allows for a lot of contemplation and conversation. I definitely enjoyed the experience. Located downtown so parking can be a bit tight at times. Definitely worth a visit if you want to engage with some interesting works in a wonderful local space.

My children took me to this art museum as part of my Mother’s Day celebration yesterday. It is free admission and they accept donations. It is a walk-in, no reservations required. There are two levels to this museum. The artwork in there is deep and thought-provoking. I believe they rotate different artists at different times. There are a few areas where you can sit if needed. What I enjoyed about this art museum besides, the art of course, is that they give not only biographical information about each artist, but they also provide an overview of that artist’s style and a summary of the collection of art that is being presented for that artist. The atmosphere is serene and conducive for an art museum. Everything is spaced out nicely to give room to multiple people viewing at the same time. The building is also maintained at a good temperature.

My daughter & I were in the area doing a bit of vintage shopping when we saw the neon signs and decide to step inside to see what it was all about. We were pleasantly surprised to find out it was free admission (thanks to generous donations) and there were several exhibits to check out. It's a very well laid out museum with plenty of room to roam around and step back to admire the art without bumping into others. The two or three exhibits on display were very provocative and it was nice that the artist actually provided some pieces that were interactive so we could literally get a feel for her works of art. We will definitely be stopping by again. Friendly reception as soon as we entered and ascended the stairs, she thoroughly explained what was available to see. Definitely a nice place to bring locals and visitors alike!

CAM was very fun, lively, loved the art. There were a few areas getting ready for a new exhibit so I will definitely be back to check it out. I had a great time, and anyone living in the Raleigh Area should check this place out! There is some places around to stop to eat for lunch afterwards if you want so it’s also I nice date idea.

A beautiful place to be at with family! A sea of beautiful sunflowers in full bloom facing the sun, it was a sight to be behold. And then on the other side of field of other mixed variety of flowers. Beautiful Park, along with the hammocks between the trees and plenty of shade under the trees I loved it. It gets really hot and the best time to go would be the earliest you can. Plenty of parking and other amenities, such as bathrooms.

Dix Park is a huge area where everyone can find something to enjoy — from nature lovers to art fans, or families with kids. The park itself is beautiful, but I especially want to highlight the playground area. It’s one of the best we’ve ever seen! It’s very large and divided into sections for different age groups. The design feels like a real piece of art made for play, exercise, and discovery. My son spent an hour just in the water mill area! We were really impressed by how many different things kids can do and learn there.

I absolutely love every part of this park! They're is something for everyone!! I have been 3 times in the last 3 months. This place is perfectly crafted. The splash pad, the play area, the mirror maze, the sand pit, the water works area, the kiddie obstacle course. I love how they have kept several of the wild flower areas. The store is cute and quaint. I liked the selection of snacks they have. The Trolls are a cherry on top!! Don't walk, but run to this place and bring the whole family, young to old.

Gorgeous but caution to those who have mobility restrictions or trouble with walking up steep dirt/rocky terrain. Maybe 25-30 feet but it is the only entrance/exit to get to the tall vast area of sunflowers. Small area with short sunflowers and wildflowers in front of parking lot. Still beautiful though. Cannot use wheelchairs/walkers or any kind of vehicles up and down the steep hill.

Awesome park there is so much here. They have big fields trails hammocks flower forests. It is all amazing they have giant trolls made of wood that you go around and look at. It has great views of downtown raleigh. I definitely recommend coming to Dix Park its beautiful with plenty to do. They have a dog park playgrounds and many more. My favorite it so to have a picnic and then relax in the hammocks while enjoying the nature around you.

Dix park is very huge and has many things to do for everyone from kids to adults.recently,trolls came to dix park and found their home. They are very huge and troll-ifc 🧌 must visit with kids to know better about nature and trails are very good and kid friendly.we found 5 trolls with our kids.they had fun finding trolls and play along the way 🤩there is a map for finding the trolls easily if you are with kids and elderly.

The playgrounds and water play areas are a great escape for a summer day. The concessions in the house of many porches are priced like a theme park so bring your wallet or pack your own drinks and snacks.

An unexpected gem in the heart of Raleigh. I got told that the museum was planning to start renovations soon by the end of the month given that the house has seen some wear and tear and when the person running the museum turned on the sink, the water looked off like an orange color which most likely contains lead. Otherwise, the museum didn't take a lot of time to go through and admission was free and was somewhat interesting.

African Americans have had major accomplishments in where we are today on so many different levels despite the history of racism. I love the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments that paved the way. I joined the group touring for the Pope House Museum from Event Brte, which was organized as a free event by Connor for today. I appreciate that the Pope house is still in the spotlight in one of the most popular and busiest neighborhoods in Raleigh. Andy was the museum tour guide. Andy was always smiling and seemed passionate about sharing the details of the Pope House and the Pope family story. Andy did a fabulous job sharing how Manassa Thomas Pope (1858 - November 13, 1934) became one of Raleigh’s most influential African-American citizens of his day and the first Doctor of NC. There is so much history to absorb in this house. The most amazing discovery was the furniture, fine china, the decor, and the book collections, which gave a glimpse of what the Pope family had in their reading collection. Loved it!

Great museuem. Learned so much. Second time went. Quick tour.

Very interesting part of Raleigh & African-American history! Admission is free, but please consider dropping some money into the donation box. Dr. Pope was born to free parents. He graduated from Shaw University, & in 1885 he became the first African-American doctor in NC. He went on to found a medical society & health insurance company, & he had this gorgeous house built on Wilmington Street in 1901. He was a truly exceptional person; I'm surprised so many Raleigh residents seem to know little about him.

The tour was very interesting and fun. Had a great experience.

Hazel and staff were extremely helpful and welcoming and able to answer all of our questions. My mother and I went in between a conference I was attending and loved the detailed information and the upcoming updates. Entrance is free and there's a donation box available. They also have a mini gift shop. This was a relaxing and unique way to learn some history.

We really enjoyed our visit to the Pope Museum. It was great to learn about the history of the Pope family and a part of Raleigh that we had never heard about, even after living here for several years. Andy was a very knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. Highly recommend!

My parents are interred at the mausoleum. With permission, my family and I have utilized our own funds to enhance the mausoleum garden area in the front by planting flowers and decorating the space. Unfortunately, someone has removed all of our additions. As we are not local residents and must drive several hours to visit the mausoleum, this incident is particularly distressing, because we have worked hard to decorate it. The stolen items include all kinds of decorations, solar lights, planters, shepherd's hooks, flag, and flag stand. We are uncertain as to who is responsible, but we sincerely hope that they get caught. Apparently, theft has been an issue, and it is disheartening to know that individuals would remove items from a cemetery. As a result, and the main purpose of this review, is for families to be aware that decorations may be stolen from anywhere in the cemetery. Our intention for the mausoleum was to create a more welcoming atmosphere, as the area was in need of improvement, and we believed that others would also appreciate the enhancements. I have assigned a rating of 4 stars due to the kindness of the ladies in the office; otherwise, the rating would be lower. Although the cemetery is historic and could be quite lovely, we have not been entirely certain it’s right for us. We aspire to experience happiness and serenity during our visits and have considered exploring the possibility of relocating my parents.

Cemeteries do not have to be morbid they are known to be a relaxing place of tranquility...This is such that place...This Cemetery is a nice place to observe the white washed graves...as well as reflect on life's value...I loved it!

I lived on North Bloodworth st for ~7 years and would walk to the necropolis several times/year. It felt otherworldly and detached from downtown Raleigh (only half mile away, St. Augustine’s borders on the east and busy routes everywhere surrounding) and all of the gentrified chaos close by. Unexpected treasure…

This place is stunning!!! We are new to the area and wanted to see this cemetery around fall/Halloween time. We read about Etta so she was our main reason for going but we found so many other beautiful graves. I love the mausoleums. The grounds are beautiful all while being a bit ‘spooky’ we took a bunch of pictures and Bri even stopped us to see if we needed any help finding anything. She told us about Etta and Prikyl. So neat to hear from someone who works there! Will be back next year to see the grounds again!

My mom passed away 10/6 and I was absolutely lost and had no idea on how to proceed. Robin and Bre, went above and beyond to make this transition as smoothly as possible. Robin’s knowledge of the history of this beautiful cemetery brought me so much peace and comfort. We opted for a green burial, and I am overjoyed that Historic Oakwood was able to make my mom’s final wishes become a reality. I will never be able to thank Robin, Bre and the grounds men enough for their comforting hugs, compassion, and genuine kindness. I know my sweet momma will be well taken care of! ❤️

While I personally would have stood with the North, (I hope), I did find my 3rd great-grandpa was buried in the cemetery. My mom and aunts and uncle, (7 girls & 1 boy), had no idea he was there. For mom's birthday my daughter and I took her to find him. The cemetery is well maintained and divided into different battles where NC soldiers were lost.

My husband died a year ago and we had decided that we wanted green burials. Robin made the process so easy with selecting plots and staff couldn’t have been more kind and accommodating. I love being able to visit this beautiful place.

One of the best markets to goto check out the yard sale side for some random stuff and good deals!!

Amazing place with lots of stuff that would catch your attention, curiosity, and money. It’s a mix of everything—vintage, collectibles, tools, furnitures, prints, clothes, foodies, and a lot more! I was looking for some collector’s items and I found some. This weekend fair is an established, long running, and family-friendly tradition in Raleigh. You’ll see lots of nice folks and have a feel of NC culture.

This was our first time back after a couple.of years nit going and it seriously needs some help. There used to be so many vendors with great products and now it seems like mostly cheap items outside. The buildings still have nice items in them though.

Treasure Hunting at Its Best! The Raleigh Flea Market is hands down one of the best weekend spots in town! The selection is absolutely amazing—everything from vintage collectibles and antiques to handmade crafts, tools, clothes, and even fresh produce. Every visit feels like a new adventure because the vendors change things up and you never know what great deals you’ll stumble across. Prices are fair, and most sellers are friendly and open to negotiating. It’s well-organized, easy to navigate, and there’s a great mix of old-school charm and modern finds. I make a point to stop by nearly every weekend now 😊

Fun day to explore all the treasures they have here. I spent a morning here browsing around and they have everything you can imagine. Vintage clothing, home decor, fabrics, records, and food to snack on. Excited to come again soon.

Great place to take the family. This weekend was the train show. If you lie model train this is the place to visit

Had fun. Our first visit. Outside vendors are much more eclectic than inside. Some vendors chose not to unpack all their merchandise because of limited traffic.

Absolutely an amazing place to see. So much history. Such friendly staff working, they had incredible stories to tell. The artwork was amazing. The fact that this place was a living history was so cool to see. Would love to go again and see everything all over again.

Great place to visit. Came for Halloween when they were open for the public. Will come again when they’re open for the public in December. For people who don’t know, you do need to book at least months ahead for guided tour. You can see the inside of the building during the spring and fall season. Do not expect to show up to the site last minute for entrance. You will not be able to go given this is an active living residence of a governor.

Fantastic experience! Quicknote: The mansion isn't open for walk-in since it's a residence so the only way to see the inside is to reserve guided tours in advance. You have to go to the NC science museum in-person to start the process of reserving, it takes some time. That being said, I had a fantastic experience. The tour went for 30 minutes and the first floor is available to see. The security team, staff, and guide were all welcoming and friendly. There's a lot of interesting history and the mansion is aesthetically beautiful from the inside. I highly recommend checking this out if you're in Raleigh!

Visited during Christmas time and the decorations were so beautiful. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. They were all very informative and open to questions. I do encourage anyone who is curious to visit.

Had an event inside the mansion, we previewed the site in the morning and came back in the evening, and had to prepare and move in lots of stuff for the event, all of which have been accommodated by the staff. David is absolutely a pleasure to work with, very helpful and supportive. The mansion itself is a piece of art, one of the best in the country.

It was very cool to have the opportunity to attend an event at the governors mansion.

Gorgeous governors mansion of North Carolina. You can only see outside the gates no public entrance, but it’s definitely worth walking around the entire complex and the surrounding houses.

Such a interesting piece of history to explore and learn about. We enjoyed our tour with our docent Tamzen who was very informative and able to answer our many questions. The grounds garden and courtyard are quaint and beautifully maintained. The house and adjacent kitchen buildings are very well kept . We also found the gift shop inviting and found several souvenirs to purchase. Definitely a must visit for locals and visitors to Raleigh.

This is a beautiful colonial home in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The Joel Lane Museum House has been lovingly preserved and maintained by the colonial Dames for ever and this house is over 200 years old. A house built in 1762 by hand by craftsman, artists, Slaves, women who birthed 10 children to get 2, without electricity and hot water. Women who hoofed it for a great cause for America and the beloved place we all want to be. To be Free! USA not some divided country! Joel Lanes' folks came from England English bloodlines and he built a life here and helped start Raleigh. He built a life here and made history here in Raleigh. Things better! Movers and Shakers. I wonder if Julia cooper Haywood an African American daughter of the Haywood's of Haywood Hall and slave and went on to principle of schools She was born into a hard life. Wouldn't let herself be too happy. She Changed the world. Bishop Curry changed the world! He married Meghan and Harry! He is lovely he just spoke at Christ church about Julia Cooper Haywood. People are craving history and legacy! This is where you see it. Visit here! Learn and Lean into our community's history and learn about the capital city Raleigh while visiting. Hear some music. Parks are top notch. Plus Knowledge is power!!

Fantastic tour. I'm glad I found out about Lunsford Lane and purchased his autobiography. Wake County just published the Racially Restrictive covenants project on their website and all I can think about is how the legacy of slavery is still alive today in Raleigh's neighborhoods.

A hidden gem. You must take the house and garden tour with a docent - and these volunteers are passionate about the history and stories. Great little gift shop with some surprises.

Thank you Joel Lane museum house for organizing a great July 4th event with fun activities and a chance to visit the history of Raleigh. Enjoyed the herb garden!

Fantastic example into late colonial and revolutionary war era living. The tour was worth the trip

Although the experience was free of charge and the property was very beautiful, the tour guide was quite dry and I ended up leaving early because they didn't really know about anything I asked about. It did not feel genuine even with the in era garb. They do have a nice bathroom however.

I went to this park today. It is very quiet, pet-friendly, and the scenery is beautiful. The most important thing is that the plants are tall and will not be directly exposed to sunlight. It is very cool. The only bad thing is that it's too small.

This park offers beautiful trails that are perfect for a relaxing walk or a bit of exercise. While some areas may be challenging for those who have difficulty with stairs, I always enjoy my time here and love spending time outdoors in such a pleasant setting.

The walking trails are well maintained, with three short routes to choose from. However, be sure to bring bug repellent—the mosquitoes were numerous and made it hard to fully enjoy the experience.

Lovely little park with charming trails that are relatively easy, other than stairs. All shaded and a great nature center as well.

Hemlock Bluffs is a great place to walk. They have many hiking trails free for anyone to use. They are moderate in skill level. A good time to hike the trails is in the fall. They offer educational classes which are very fun for young children.

Very beautiful park. Small and easy trails, a lot being on a board walk and under the shade of trees. Small nature center and clean restrooms.

I recently walked the trails of Hemlock Bluffs and was very impressed with several things. The new trail signs, new tree & site identification info posts, replaced lumber on the boardwalk, handrails and lookouts, excellent, easy to read map of the park in 2 strategic places, additional trash cans, clear instructions for visitors and their dog cleanup responsibilities, wide, mulched paths and clean restrooms. Uncle Walter and Aunt Emily Stevens would be VERY pleased to see their park so well taken care of and the steady stream of adults, kids, and dogs who fill the park from its daily opening until closing. Thank you very mulch. It's a jewel of a Cary park!!

Admissions from my personal experience turned out to be greatly misleading, as I wasn't able to get some very important details until AFTER paying them the $300 dollar admissions deposit that they insist is not refundable (And spending the money to send my transcript from other colleges). I really shouldn't need to already be accepted and pay into the school to find out the program I applied for does not in fact offer online options despite finding on your website that it DOES. That is scam-like and extortionate. Why does it cost three HUNDRED dollars to say yes to an acceptance letter? Not to mention the tool on the site lied about what credits would transfer over, which also colored my opinion on coming here. Most of the reviews here seem to be nostalgic graduates whom could afford the insane price to be here, so good for them. I wish I was so privileged to enjoy being taken advantage of as much as they have.

Old feel to it, but the university feels homey in an undescribable way. The worn brick buildings tell a story of dedication, learning, and persistence. The indoor basketball courts are amazing. And the student union has lots of wolf apparel showcasing school spirit. It is a little hard to navigate at first since they renovated the old campuses but overall was a great place to visit and take a look around. Go wolves! :)

Beautiful school. Said tour was full just show up. Arrived had no idea where to go. People on campus had no idea. No way tour full lucky if 30 people. 5 tour guides take all 30 instead of breaking up group. Had to pay $2 an hour to park. School does not give any vouchers. Toured many school this is the worst tour we took.

Great round of golf at Lonnie Poole with one of the best views in Raleigh

My daughter just started going there. It's a beautiful campus. Can't wait to get to do more activities and family days.

Friendly for the students and their families, great facilities and resources. The level of education is high and the location is perfect-surrounded by a lot of restaurants and supermarkets. Rustic design of buildings but always well organized and reserved.

GO PACK! Part of the UNC System! This school is awesome and such a beautiful place to visit too! The University has so many diverse Colleges there is definitely something for everyone. Of course there is also the sports!

This place was amazing and I’ll def be back again. Came on a weekday, the place was moderately packed which was nice because it didn’t make it awkward just being us two. The noise level is medium with everyone talking but nothing too crazy. The workers were super friendly and attentive, answering our questions and making sure we understood the menu. The drinks here are also very delicious and presentable. We also ordered an ice cream sundae for 2 which was very yummy; I def recommend you stop by for drinks and a good time.

Great idea, mediocre execution. 50% of the desserts we ordered were underwhelming; the blueberry compote not good, the grasshopper tart downright awful. Also, the garden party cocktail tastes like steak seasoning, wouldn't recommend that either. Your best bet for cocktails are under the coffee cocktail category. The best dessert is probably the s'mores. We liked the ice cream sandwich as well (although it felt like they took a generic ice cream sandwich from the frozen food aisle and pressed popcorn on it, no homemade feel to anything we ordered). Probably won't come back.

Two of my favorite things in one place: drinks and dessert! I love this spot. The staff were super friendly, and I had the pecan pie — delicious. I can’t remember the name of the drink I ordered, but it tasted really fresh. I’ll definitely be coming back for dessert again!

Decided to stop in after a dinner nearby, so glad we did. What a fun place. We had espresso martini, Irish coffee, and salty chocolate chip ice cream sandwich. Perfect way to wrap up our dinner night out. Will definitely be back.

This place is a gem. 💎 one of the best dessert restaurants that i've been to. The drinks were good and our server was very nice. I had the creme brulee and it was PERFECT 👌 👍 🥰 . We went on a Sunday and the special changes every sunday for pie. Everyone's desserts looked great. The atmosphere was chill and relaxing, it also looks like a cool hangout. Thank you for the delicious time. Parking was on the street and we didnt have to walk far. Parking was free on the street that day. Seemed close to the bus station too.

BEST DESSERT EVER! Our bartender was so sweet and made our experience so much better! The smores dessert was the best, and my boyfriend and i loved the lavender lemon drop shot!

We visited at 10:30pm on a Friday. The drinks were excellent. The were well-balanced. We had the toasted almond and the Chai espresso martini. The desserts were delicious. I enjoyed the grasshopper tart and my friend enjoyed the raspberry creme brûlé. She said it was one of the best ones she has ever had. Highly recommend. *make sure you have ID because they check it for EVERYONE.

We spent a nice hour learning about the history of Raleigh and could even have spent a little longer, but we arrived close to closing time. The museum only takes up one floor of the building, but the information was easy to understand and presented in a nice way with a bit of humor too. The A/C was nice during this heatwave. The museum is free.

This is the best museum for free. It blows my mind. Orlando charges like 35 or 40 per adult. In Orlando you can purchase a year pass. But this museum is free and way better. Plus, it's connected to the research museum. Which, I will say this. Never have i ever seen such a wonderful technical museum for everyone. But, I saw kids in there learning top notch things in science. I'm in awe. Truly, I am. Raleigh, keep up the great work in keeping history, true teachings of the past, science, and so much more. Super informative places. Raleigh, I think you put the smithsonians in dc to shame. I'm proud of you🥰🥰🥰i can't say enough good things.

This museum has several exhibits covering different topics about Raleigh that are niche, but still enjoyable for different audiences. Each exhibit is clearly thought out, and you can tell a large amount of time is put into curating artifacts and layouts.

My Russian-speaking students really learned a lot about our Triangle history. The staff were super friendly and gave us postcards as souvenirs. Thanks!

Very beautiful and informative museum. Great leadership and outstanding events! This is a truly Raleigh gem 💎

Our youth athletic club hosted a teen formal at the museum. We would highly recommend this location for several reasons. First, it's affordable since it's a city venue and not a private event space. Second, Lynda, who was the special events coordinator that we worked with, is awesome! She is easy to communicate with and very welcoming! Third, the downtown location is great for pictures or for our event, pre-dance dinners, since we did not serve a meal. Lastly, the divided space worked out perfectly! First room, welcome, snacks, hang out. Next room was our dance floor with DJ. Back area was for a photo booth. The divided space might not be ideal for those looking for one big banquet space but worked perfectly for us! Would book again! I don't have any pictures since our event was for teens.

We had our wedding rehearsal dinner at the City of Raleigh Museum, and it was absolutely perfect! The venue has such a unique charm, with beautiful exhibits that added a special touch to our event. The staff was incredibly helpful and accommodating, making the planning process a breeze. They provided excellent support and worked with us to ensure everything ran smoothly. They allowed us to drop off items early, so we weren't rushing minutes before our event time started. Our guests loved the atmosphere, and it created a memorable experience for everyone. I highly recommend this venue for any special occasion! This vendor embraces inclusivity and is welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Nice contemporary art museum with fashion and abstract art. It is free to enter with no gift shop, but you can purchase books and donate money to help keep them open. It is self guided woth an outdoor sitting area and gardens to walk through too.

I really like this museum; it's small but exquisite. The back garden is beautiful. Currently, they are exhibiting textiles from artists around the world.

The Gregg is a fascinating small museum on the grounds of NC State. Free admission and parking but donations are accepted. The exhibits are mainly by contemporary artists. When we visited, they included a display of some beautiful works by an artist named Claire Alexandre, who makes her own paints using natural materials. There’s also a lovely garden adjoining the museum.

Beautiful grounds, small museum with rotating temporary exhibits and permanent displays. As they switch out the temporary exhibit section often, revisiting this museum remains interesting, ensuring you won't get bored. Plus entry is free and staff are helpful –overall a worthwhile visit in the NC state area.

There were only two exhibits: "Your Brain On Art" and "Amazing Grace". Neither exhibits moved me.

Small museum under the NC State Umbrella connected by a walkway and gardens to The Pullen (working studio with works displayed and for sale operated by Raleigh Parks & Rec Dept.). 3 small galleries and a seminar/social space. Very well done and pleasant to visit. Terrific garden out back. Suggest doing The Pullen on same trip and spending about 1.5 hours between the two places - longer if something captivates you or you meet an artist willing to speak to their craft.

See below for a recap of current exhibits. It's free! See photos, too. The Gregg Museum of Art & Design reopened in its current home at 1903 Hillsborough Street on August 26, 2017. The museum includes the renovated original NC State University Chancellor’s residence and a recent addition. The grounds and patios are also a magnificent escape from a busy urban environment. Include the gardens and paths in your visit. Entrance to the museum is free, as is parking. There’s a room in the museum for children to sit and draw and plenty of places for parents and other visitors to sit an enjoy the beautiful environment. Many old and majestic oaks remind of the time when this was the Chancellor's home. Restaurants are plentiful just across Hillsborough Street, including David’s Duck & Dumpling, Players Retreat and Gonza Tacos y Tequila (next to the new Aloft Hotel across from the Bell Tower) Current (2019) programs: Now open through September 8, 2019 Southern Surreal — Masterpiece Furniture by Tilden Stone Don’t miss the eccentric furniture masterpieces by North Carolina’s greatest unsung master maker! This exhibit presents a unique, beautiful, artful and whimsical stroll through the mind of Tilden Stone as seen through his masterful and creative furniture. The exhibit is world-class and would not be out of place in any museum. That it is here in Raleigh is a great gift to the community. Plan a visit! Now through July 28, 2019: Borderlands – Evidence from the Rio Grande by Susan Harbage Page Documentary photos and found objects from the US/Mexico border. This exhibit brings the border crisis off the newspaper and TV screens and places it in a very poignant perspective. I was unexpectedly engaged and educated on the human side of the difference between an ‘us’ and a ‘them.’ Now open through July 28, 2019: Explorations — Science Sculptures by Christina Lorena Weisner Sculptures with a scientific twist link the gallery with earthquakes, meteorite strikes, and ocean waves Now open through June 23, 2019: Left-Handed Liberty — Self-Taught Art from the Permanent Collection

The food and service were good. My meatloaf was tender and flavorful. My husband enjoyed his salmon. They give very generous portions. I was rather disappointed that a server actually vacuumed the empty dining room side we were bordering and came right up behind our table so that the exhaust from the vacuum blew our way while we were eating.

One of the best BBQ meals I’ve ever had. The Carolina Ribs were so flavorful and moist, couldn’t ask for more! All of the sides were perfection, I had the Mac and cheese and the potato salad. Service was top notch Keith was an amazing server!

Service was friendly and good was really good. Really liked the hushpuppies and biscuits. If I had some honey or jelly that could have been a meal by itself. Got the chopped bbq plate, slaw and baked beans. Delicious. Both sauces were good and plain as they served it. Only drawback to the place is just that interior is very nice and so the atmosphere for me wasn't like a regular bbq joint.

I have to start with the amazing service we received from T! She not only made great recommendations, but treated us like her best friends. The food was amazing, but meeting T is what made the whole visit unforgettable. We shared a combo plate and appetizer sampler since we wanted to try a bit of everything. Nothing disappointed!

I wanted to like this place because the atmosphere was really nice. Staff was kind as well but the food I just felt like it needed a bit more flavor. I had the fried chicken and have had better fried chicken from a fast food place. I expected a little bit more. My Mac and cheese was a bit dry as well. Hush puppies were good and the pulled pork was good as well but the main dish I ordered wasn’t it for me.

Service and atmosphere felt like home and got treated like a regular. I got hush puppies as complimentary. I don’t think anyone got it either nor was it on the menu. I sat at the bar. First meal of the Day at 2pm hungover from the night over. So I needed some drinks in before I could eat. Went to the Billie Eilish concert the day before. Flew from Indiana. I basically tried to order everything. Stew was nice. The staff was nice. Gave me a free drink too. Deviled eggs were as expected. Fried chicken was good, but had better. Coleslaw was delicious, up there as my top 3. Sausage and brisket felt dry, flavor was there but I might had gotten an off batch. Ribs probably one of the best I had at a restaurant. I like to bbq myself at home. Either way, will go back again if I’m ever in town.

Tried the carolina style bbq. Very tangy and vinegary, not quite my palate. The macaroni was pretty good and so was the okra. I tried a local heffeweisen which was really good. The bartender was a nice guy and very kind. He offered me a substitution since i didn't like my bbq. The only frustration i had was that the check came slowly. I'd try this place again if i come back to town.

This restaurant is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a special night out. The menu offered a refreshing change from my usual go-tos — everything felt new and exciting. We ordered the saffron crepe, pork belly soup, and lettuce wraps, which turned out to be the perfect amount of food for two. Every dish was delicious, but if I had one critique, it would be the pork belly. I’m not sure if it was meant to be served that way or if we just got an off batch, but it came out cold and extremely tough — we honestly thought we might lose a filling trying to bite into it. That said, the soup itself (without the pork belly) was fantastic: flavorful, well-balanced, and not overly rich. Overall, I’ll definitely be back — and the service was exceptional: warm, attentive, and genuinely kind.

First time today and everything was amazing from start to finish. Large portions and very filling. Got the chicken lettuce wraps / anda for entree I got KUA MEE LAO PAD LAO. Overall great experience if you’re in the area stop by and check it out . Reservations recommended. Very popular location. Warm welcoming and lighting. Great for anytime of day .

Wife and I had this on our list to go one night for a date, finally made it and the hostess sat us right away. Gwen waited on us and had a bubbly personality very friendly, recommend several items. We ordered a recommended Lettuce wraps which were crunchy and warm full of flavor. Straight fantastic! I ordered a Thai tea old fashioned, which was made with Thai tea and Henry McKenna Bourbon, this drink was next level good. My wife ordered Spicy tequila cucumber which was very refreshing and a little spicy, also very good and too notch. For the main course we ordered Sea-bass Mok which was cooked in banana leafs so tender, very mild on the fishy taste and cooked to perfection. My wife ordered Pad Lao with pork belly, flavored with pork prefer seasoning, very authentic. This was a tasty dish. For Desert we had a sweet sticky rice with mango and coconut, Carmel topping. This was very good not too sweet. Definitely would return to and have a great time

If you're looking for a fantastic dining experience, Bida Manda is a must-visit! From the moment we walked in, we were promptly seated at the bar and treated to some irresistible rice chips that set the tone for the meal. For starters, we opted for the Lao Beef Jerky paired with charred tomato jeow, and let me tell you—it was a flavor explosion! For my main course, I chose the Basil Stir-fry with Beef Tenderloin, and it did not disappoint. The sauce was truly out of this world, bursting with fresh flavors that brought the dish to life. My friend went with the Saffron Crepe filled with shrimp, which was not only massive but also incredibly delicious. Overall, Bida Manda surpassed my expectations with its vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in some amazing Laotian cuisine!

We absolutely loved Bida Manda! Great vibe, friendly service, and delicious food. Started with a Spicy Khiew cocktail. The jalapeño syrup and habañero sauce paired extraordinarily well with the tequila. Very nice spicy drink. Had the crispy rice lettuce wrap appetizer and the flavors were incredible. The sweet chili salmon was so good. I love salmon and this was prepared in a way I’d never tasted. The consistency was superb; light crunch on the outside and creamy texture inside. Not sure if that’s the best description, but it’s what I experienced. Finished with the purple rice desert. OMG, purple sticky rice, fresh mango, coconut custard, and palm sugar tamarind caramel sauce! It was a flavor orgy in my mouth. This was our first time at Bida Manda and it will not be our last. You’ve gotta try it!!

The food was AMAZING so delicious, everything we ordered was great. Im a celiac and they had gluten free options! I loved the way they made my drink with crushed ice with a cool looking machine! If youre looking for a burst if flavor in food I definitely reccomend this fine restaurant. I had "Dad's Simple Fried Rice" and I still dream about it, the chicken broth just gave it such a boost in flavor.

I ate before I came because it didn’t open until later but nonetheless I had to try some food. Got an espresso martini. I liked it. It was creamy how I prefer. Atmosphere was dimly lit and pretty. I sat at the bar. The service was nice. Meet some cool people. I ordered the pork belly noodle soup. Was delicious. Soup is a bit heavy but not overwhelming. Noodles were on point. Pork belly was perfect . It retained it crispness within the soup. Flew from Indiana for the Billie Eilish concert. Would come back here if I was ever in town again.

I’ve been to Beasley’s a gazillion times and every time I have an even better experience. This is my favorite brunch spot in Raleigh and my favorite dinner spot and it is the best place to find fried chicken with a consistent taste by far! The chicken flavor is so original to the point where I’m craving it on random occasions. This last visit me and my husband sat at the bar and we had Josh as a waiter/bartender and he was phenomenal! Like seriously 12/10 would recommend if you’ve never been to Beasley’s!

I came here with a friend for some dinner. The service was good we were seated quickly and had our food brought out quickly. We split the chicken wings as an app and I had the chicken and waffle for dinner. The appetizer wings were good but honestly nothing to write home about. I really enjoyed the chicken and waffle, I had the chicken breast which was good and the waffle was awesome. I do think it was a bit expensive... $9 for a bone in chicken breast is a bit steep but again, food tasted very good.

Came here for the Billie concert. Was my meal before the show. Flew from Indiana. Got deviled eggs. They were as expected. Got Mac n cheese, was not a fan. The chicken was good. Had better, but it was moist, crispy and season was nice. It was missing something though. Hit the spot nonetheless.

Very delicious!! There is always a long wait at dinner so plan ahead for that. It is next door to a parking garage as well. The gluten free options are amazing!! They have sandwiches on JP’s buns, fried chicken, cat fish, so many sides. The gluten free menu doesn’t mention it but the collard greens and deviled eggs are also gluten free. Everything we had was so tasty.

Apparently I have not been in Beasley's since my grandson was an infant. So, we brought him on Father's day with his grandfather. Our Grandson had a waffle and fried chicken (very sticky lol), I had the Pot Roast Meatloaf (very filling) and hubs had the Hot Chicken Eggs Benedict (we love the sneaky heat from the ghost peppers.) Our server was Cody(ie?) apologies.. :( attentive , patient and had a good sense of humor. Apologies for the food pix. I always forget......

Go this order to-go so maybe the in dining food is better. Upon eating it in the first 10 minutes of picking it up, this was not as good as I expected. Got the fried catfish with the coleslaw and fries, with sides of pimento mac and cheese, cheesy cheddar biscuit and golden rice. The most i can say in flavor out of these dishes are the fries. The mac a cheese was a block of cheese with no stretch and softness of the macaroni. the rice was undercooked but otherwise the flavor was good and refreshing, i’m just upset that it was a rice dish and it was undercooked, it’s not hard yall. i love coleslaw in general but this one tasted bitter and bad for coleslaw standards. the biscuits barely tasted flavored and didn’t feel like the flakiness of biscuits rather the texture tasted like powered mash potatoes but in biscuit form.

The Reaper Hot Chicken Eggs Benedict was exceptional. The fried chicken was a standout: perfectly crispy and not oily on the outside, yet wonderfully soft inside. It paired beautifully with the biscuit, which was a fantastic base for the Benedict.

Brewery, dim sum, bookstore AND a flower shop? You got it here all in one! Really great beers and the ambiance is so unique and special too. Really enjoyed the multifaceted nature of this place that makes it a bit quirky but works! I really enjoyed the Glean beer with its mango peppercorn accents that is a great at wetting your appetite before food. For the dim sum, my favorites was the Ginger Salad and Crab Fried Rice. Everything was delicious though and great to share with a small group. Service was nice and attentive too!

Great experience! Let me tell you why... I walked in to get my wife and I on the list for a table at around 3 or 4pm. The kind person at the host station informed me that the wait for a table was HOURS (I believe the time was 915pm) but they have a full-service bar, meaning we could get food and drinks there, as long as there were seats available. My wife and I got a few seats at the bar, were greeted immediately, and had samples in our hands almost as quickly. We opted to take advantage of the Dim Sum section of the menu. We got the Pork & Chive Shumai (1st pic), Duck Egg Rolls, Chicken Curry Bao & Jiaozi Chicken Dumpling (not pictured). The shumai was amazing without the house dumpling sauce and still really good with it. The egg rolls came with a house dipping sauce (not be confused with the house dumpling sauce) which made the not-greasy-at-all deep fried rolls taste delectable. The two other dumplings were good with the house sauce, but between those two the chicken curry was the standout. I tried (and ended up choosing) the Festbier (an Oktoberfest beer), the Grove (a double IPA, without the overwhelming bitter aftertaste), and the Rosecomb? I also had a cocktail that has a name that I can't recall and the name isn't on the online menu. Joshua created it and if I get back there anytime soon, I'm getting a few more! Gotta be a fan of citrus/bitters tho or ya might not like it.

Came to see the Billie Eilish concert. Flew from Indiana. Wasn’t planning on going here but the place I wanted to (next door) was still closed for an hour so I stop by for a drink. The atmosphere was tranquil. Very relaxed and pleasant. They told me I could walk around as there was a library . The natural sunlight from the ceiling helped with the vibe. Felt like I was not in some city in NC, it was like some futuristic utopia. Even had a book store . Had an espresso martini. Probably the best I’ve had. Was creamy and delicate just how I like it. Had a beer there too. It hit the spot. The staff was knowledgeable and extremely kind and polite. They even helped me charge my phone. The experience was so good, I decided to order food. Got the pork shumai and crab ragoon. Both tasted fresh, flavorful but not overpowering as these dishes tend to me. The casings of both were thin and crispy for the ragoon and soft and thin for the shumai. What got me was the pork bao. I tasted homely in a good sense as if my mother made it even though she never made this dish. As if I got teleported to rural China and lived there all my life and twice a year my grandmother would make this for the family for a holiday. It was warm, soft, and tasted like heaven. It tasted so good I didn’t want to swallow or finish the dish, but of course I did. I wish I came here originally, I would of gotten the duck but I wanted to save room for the other place. 10/10 highly recommend and would go there again, if I’m ever in town.

Really beautiful place, nice evening intimate ambience, tons of seating. Tables are a bit small and it would be nicer if there were bigger. Can have conversation and doesn't get too loud. Got reservations for 2 on a Thursday, service was great. There were quite a few drink changes, but the samples allowed us to find a few good sour and light beers to enjoy. The pork chive shumae was tasty. The chicken curry bao was a bit cold so not my fav tho the bao was a good texture. The pork belly rice cakes was a platter rather than fried cakes so I guess I ordered wrong, it was maybe heavy on the salt and umami. The chili sauce wasn't too spicy. Expensive for sure, nice to go once, but better food akanl dim sum other places.

If I could give the service 10 stars I would. Our server Anthony went above and beyond for our dinner. He was patient, gave us tailored recommendations, checked in at the perfect times, assured us we were clear on dishes with allergens, and remembered the little details. He was so personable and even gave us comped glasses of champagne for a birthday we celebrated. The place is adorable — part brewery, part flower shop, part book shop and restaurant. And they do it well!

This was my second time at Brewery Bhavana, and it somehow gets even better each visit. I always make it a point to stop by whenever I’m in the city... it’s that good! The food is incredible: full of flavor, beautifully presented, and with lots of unique and delicious vegan options (which I truly appreciate). The drinks are phenomenal, the decor is stunning, and the vibe is just perfect, lively yet welcoming. Even though it’s a busy spot, the service is consistently warm and attentive. Brewery Bhavana is truly a jewel in downtown Raleigh. Highly recommend!

Our server was really amazing as well as the food. They were out of some of beers but we still found drinks that were very good. The Matcha-San cocktail was so good. The espresso martini was not very bold here so not my favorite. Our favorite dishes were the Shanghai Mooncakes, Ginger Salad and Lo Mein Noodles with chicken. We tried some other dim sum items which were very good too.

Their pizza is phenomenal. So good. I had the Most Outgoing pizza and my kid had just cheese and sausage. The service was slow, but the waitress felt bad and got us an appetizer for free to apologize. It wasn't a big deal cause we had nowhere to be so we could take our time. We will definitely be coming back!

All-around good time. I always appreciate a limited menu because it means they put extra consideration into each dish. They have staples and features. Everything we tasted was delicious and I love the indoor-outdoor seating options. Definitely a good place to try some local brews and pizza if you’re in Raleigh!

While not what I would call a traditional pizza place, the pizza and appetizers were phenomenal and the beer was on point. We had the spinach and artichoke dip with chips which seemed to be freshly fried. Perfect sharing size while not too heavy to ruin your dinner. The make your own pizza, while a little spendy…is worth it. We went with the garlic herb cream sauce with mozzarella, pesto chicken, bacon, and mushrooms. It was legit. Perfect pairing with a light cold crisp beer.

The cauliflower bites are a MUST! Awesome outdoor seating and plenty of it. Service was great and the food/beer/cocktails were terrific.

Took a day off real estate to get pizza and beer with our son and daughter. Great choice with Trophy Brewing! Great beer, delicious pizza and attentive service! The arugula on the “most outgoing” pizza was so fresh!

Among many, this is a place that must be in your list. Do not hesitate trying it, they have really delicious pizzas. Most importantly, this might be one of the best brewing stores in Raleigh. They have Pilsner, Amber, Porter, Lager and a few others. I highly recommend trying it out!

Asia is an awesome server ty 🥰. She checked in a lot, which I appreciate. The food was amazing! The Brussels, YUM, The Daredevil pizza, to die for!

Have seen a lot of acts at this venue. Attending when this was still the Duke Center for the Performing Arts. From dance theatre to comedy shows and plays, we enjoy coming to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. There have been a couple of sound quality issues within a couple performances. Yet overall this is a great venue to catch a show, play, kids friendly theater or concert. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I am looking forward to the next three performances I am scheduled to see here. By the way every seat is a great seat!!!

Wonderful place to see and hear the symphony. Seats are comfortable and sight lines are good. The only negative is the construction going on in front that may cause elderly patrons some discomfort.

My wife and I attended the graduation ceremony for Campbell College Law School students on Friday 5/9/25 at this beautiful facility. It was huge and beautifully decorated throughout. I was very impressed with the astonishing decor of this place. I can imagine that it can hold maybe close to 2000 people for events. It would be a perfect place for concerts or dramatic performances. Handicap accessible bathroom facilities and plenty of parking. We really enjoyed ourselves mostly because of how comfortable the seating was and the enjoyment of watching a relative graduate from a wonderful university. Thanks for the experience. If you’re entertaining the possibility of attending a function here I highly recommend it. It’s a beautiful facility.

This is one of my favourite venues! I come here to see the shows that don’t come to Virginia (or at least to Chrysler Hall) such as all the wonderful Mexican 🇲🇽 acts like Ana Barbara, Los Tigres del Norte, Pedro Fernandez, Intocable, and others! I find both venues to be beautiful, but if I had to pick, I like this venue better than Chrysler Hall to be honest. The view of the stage is better, you don’t have to worry about climbing up stairs to balconies or taking elevators, sound quality is decent, and parking is fairly convenient (no parking garages!). Sure, the drive there is a pain in the butt (almost three hours for me), but I would rather come here than to miss out on the wonderful shows that the Martin Marietta Center has! I will add that the house staff are extremely hospitable, the security do everything they can to assure everything goes smoothly and do so respectfully (the Mexican shows can get a bit out of hand), the bathrooms are always clean, and even though the merch may not always be a lot (that’s probably more of an event organiser type of thing), but it’s easily accessible right by the entrance. If I have one thing that I could suggest, I would suggest hiring more Spanish-speaking staff so there won’t be any miscommunication with the show goers. Thank you so much for having good shows and I can’t wait to to see more in the future!

I had the pleasure of taking a behind the scenes tour of Raleigh Memorial Auditorium inside the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. We got to see a set and meet some of those that put on the show from hair and makeup to the sound. We also saw some of the performers. The venue seats of 2369 and was once used for basketball games. There are photos online if you look for them. they kept the upper seats on the sides from the basketball years. The tour was a special experience after watching the amazing production. The staff was informative and friendly. The fountain in front of Memorial Auditorium has been filled in with plantings. The building has updated its security, and you need to walk through a metal detector and have a bag check. There is also a size limit on the purse or bag brought. The staff is so friendly in explaining the new procedures. Concessions are on the expensive side $4 for a bottle of water and another $4 for a box of candy. Parking is plentiful in theory, with garages near by and parking across the street. But if something else is going on in Downtown Raleigh that can make finding a spot more difficult so make sure to give yourself plenty of time. Parking across the street will be ending soon as those lots are being developed into a hotel.

Nice place...typical for a venue of this kind. Sucks the line was wrapped around the block but thats the nature of the beast. Docking one star for the seat attendant telling everyone to run to their seats in the dark. Fella we have no clue where the seats are and it's damn near pitch black in here. Calm down. Get some illuminated seat lights ASAP.

Adequate facilities with very friendly staff. Seems a little dated but it's good enough with decent acoustics.. However, the PA system was awful, emitting that low hiss noise that comes from poor speakers or sound system settings...whuch ruined the quiet parts of the concert we listened to. Do better!

It was an alright venue. The best part was the VIP seating as it had comfy couches, but for $50, I would've hoped it included a free drink. It did not. The show I saw here got pushed back due to rain, and they forced the artists to cut their setlists down. With no partial refund and no way to make that up to concert goers, it left a bad taste in my mouth. I also had to pay $10 for a clear bag as this venue has a clear bag policy for purses over a certain size. Honestly, go with an indoor venue if you can if you're seeing a concert because this isn't it.

The Red Hat is more intimate than Coastal Credit Union. The downtown location was easy to access and I was able to find free street parking. Even in row FF Section 3 I was able to see the stage well, even after seats filled.

Raleigh in general turned out to be a great time. Although we got rained on hours before the show, Red Hat came together and made the show happen. With a little good timing, the show went on and all the bands played. Not to mention my seat was dried off! Nice touch, my date and I had a great time and was a success. 🍻

Smaller than most of the other Raleigh venues I've been to, but definitely open to returning. the livenation employees were so much nicer here, food was good, drinks were great even if the lines did get a bit long as the night went on... and in regards to bathrooms, i give it a 10/10

Good sound, Good vendors, Good restrooms. But outdated seating, no were to rest your drink when seating. Dated red hat banners hanging. It's a good thing that Red Hat is moving..Hopefully the new area will be made to look like 2025 standards.. and not like 2010 standards.

great outdoor stage. the bathrooms were clean but drinks are very expensive. $17 for a tall boy! overall great time!

saw big thief here a couple days ago. the security and ticket scanning process was easy, bathrooms were clean (although a bit too hot) and getting to our seats was easy! sound was great, venue felt very safe, and despite being big it felt intimate and comfortable. would love to see another show here sometime :]

🌸 5-Star Review – A Hidden Gem in Raleigh! 🌸 The WRAL Azalea Garden is truly one of Raleigh’s most beautiful and peaceful spots. From the moment you step in, you’re surrounded by vibrant blooms, well-kept pathways, and a sense of calm that makes you forget you’re right in the city. The variety of azaleas, seasonal flowers, and shaded trees make it perfect for strolls, photos, or just a quiet moment of reflection. It’s also incredibly clean and well-maintained — a clear sign that the caretakers put a lot of love and effort into preserving its beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, this garden is a must-visit. The WRAL Azalea Garden is not just a place to see flowers — it’s a place to breathe, recharge, and appreciate nature’s art. 🌺💐

I had a wonderful experience visiting WRAL Azalea Park last weekend with my family. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot that’s open to everyone with no entry fee, which is a big plus! There’s ample parking available, making it very convenient. The park is best known for its gorgeous landscaped gardens filled with vibrant azalea plants and a variety of other colorful flowers. It’s a great place for a relaxing stroll, family outing, or even just some quiet time in nature. Everything was well-maintained and clean. Highly recommend visiting during bloom season—it's truly a hidden gem in Raleigh!

July 2025 I went about 2 weeks and I enjoyed myself there. Very pretty and both sides. I almost missed on the other half of the garden! The day I went I witnessed 2 photoshoots. One appeared to be maybe an anniversary/ wedding announcement and a graduation.

I went to the WRAL Azalea Garden in early October with a few of my classmates and it was really beautiful. Many of the flowers were still in bloom and stood out brightly against all the green. The garden is well maintained, and the paths make it easy to explore and take everything in. It’s a peaceful spot that feels tucked away from the noise of the city, even though it’s right in town. It’s a great place to relax, take photos, or just enjoy a quiet walk. I’d definitely recommend visiting, especially in the spring or early fall when everything is in bloom.

I happened to come when nearly all the azaleas were past blooming. However, the gardens were still delightful with many other flowers in bloom and sculptural shrubs and trees of many kinds. Plus, the pathways are shaded by towering trees in many areas. This is very important in the heat of a southern state in late spring. I will certainly return in different seasons.

This was the second week of April 2025. Lots of free parking. Very beautiful. It was busy but the size of the place made it not feel crowded. There are restrooms. They are constructing another portion which is going to make this place even better.

Went here for a class project, but really did end up enjoying the experience. I had not heard of the Garden before going and I’m glad I know it is there now

Fresh juice with an nu-indie atmosphere. A lot of plants and wonderfully designed! The smoothies and juices and not too sweet, and all taste fresh and healthy. Good, holistic ingredients! Very clean, very healthy, very tasty!

I loved the vibe of this place. Staff were very welcoming and knowledgeable about the menu. It’s located downtown so you know parking is a hit or miss. They are a little on the pricey side but you get what you pay for. Quality is a must in these times. I would definitely recommend and will be returning.

Amazing self customer service and the food was amazing. I had a sushirrito With jackfruit. One of the top restaurants in North Carolina and not just Raleigh. And is healthy for you so you don’t have to eat it and feel guilty.

Nice staff. Amazing and delicious food but the portion is small and a bit pricey. However the atmosphere is good. Would definitely recommend to give it a try.

It's great that Raleigh Raw is open early. I came over and had an Avocado Toast with salmon and a Mocha. It was delicious and satisfying. The interior is a little too dark for me so I sat outside. It was a good experience overall.

Absolutely wonderful! I was traveling for work and so happy to find a healthy spot like this in downtown Raleigh. The staff was kind, and the food was excellent. I had a hot latte made with half whole milk and half homemade coconut milk (delicious!), plus avocado toast and an immunity shot — the perfect way to start the day. This place is a true gem, and I highly recommend it!

Food is incredible. Drinks are incredible. They are top tier at following order instructions (which for some reason is a forgotten skill these days). You can tell they genuinely care about each and every order that comes through, no matter how small. They literally never disappoint.

The theater is a really good size for a play. I really don't believe there is a bad seat in the house even if the balcony is good. Oh, probably the first roll on the balcony. We went to see The Color Purple, and I was amazed. They did a wonderful job. The singing and performance were top tier. It's definitely a show to see. It was funny, exciting, and sad sometimes as the play and movie were. There was a mixture of people. We were inside for this play.

I attended the Color Purple Musical this evening during opening weekend. I arrived an hour before showtime to enjoy the Rose Garden after the rain showers. What an added bonus ! Parking in the Permit lot was fairly easy, however it is a One Way, and you must bring your patience when exiting after the show. Try to find nearby street parking to avoid a traffic jam. I was lucky to score an Orchestra seat front row in A6. The best seat in the house! Plenty of leg room, comfortable and the best view of the stage. I've never sat behind the Orchestra booth, so this was a treat ! This was my first visit to Little Raleigh Theatre and I am very impressed. This production was impeccable. Tia James did a phenomenal job directing. The cast was perfectly tailored to each character and I appreciated that. What a talented cast ! The music was beautiful and the set design blew me away !!! The acting was stellar ! This was in my honest opinion, better than the 2024 Warner Brothers film. By far! I am planning to return again soon. We laughed. We cried. We danced. We sang ! Much thanks to the staff who run a tight ship. Very organized and excellent customer service. I recently discovered that they also offer acting/ vocal / dance classes for adults at any level. I am excited to enroll this fall and I’m happy to hear that they are bringing classes to convenient city park community centers. A dream come true for me to tap back into my talents and childhood interests.

My 6 year old child had a terrible experience at camp here. He has sensory issues and expressed that he was scared/embarrassed to perform at the final performance. The day of, at least 3-5 adults, presumably in different managing roles gave me varying, conflicting instructions on how to handle him not getting on stage. (“He HAS to sit with you.” “He can sit with you if he wants.” And one incredibly demanding woman barked orders at me and my child that he MUST sit with the group. She did this in front of the whole auditorium. Make up your mind, people.) Based on their tones and the all around confusion, I understood my son’s hesitancy to be on stage. With the exception of his younger counselors, the people running the show were less than impressive. In addition to forcefully pressuring my 6 year old to sit alone, one acting teacher spoke very negatively about my child to me in front of a lobby full of waiting parents. (His counselor, on the other hand, told he was doing a great job all week.) Not all —but several employees— were the most unprofessional group of people and we will never be back. It would serve their team well to remember all children are different and to take a refresher course on working with and teaching children who have anxiety and/or disabilities.

I took my two-year-old child to see the “Wheels on the bus” production and it was super cute! I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was very entertaining and interactive. Fun for littles and adults alike.

Such an amazing, not little, place. My child attended a session there and while I never got a tour, when I needed to bring something to the classroom and was assisted in finding the class, that place is huge and like a maze. Wow! The staff are very caring. My child enjoyed being there. The location made me consider living nearby...such a nice neighborhood and some parents walked their kids to class.

We had a tour with Dylan today for our field trip. It went GREAT! Dylan was very informative and truly has a passion for the Arts. I was so impressed I actually pulled up the site to see their upcoming plays so I can attend!!!! Highly recommend!!!

Raleigh Little Theater is a hidden gem with big talent! My daughter and I went Friday evening to watch one of her friends in Hadestown and I was blown away. No part was too small for this performance and everyone did amazing! I look forward to more performances.

Love this trail, its beautiful, quiet, and very long (27.5 Miles!) so you are not just walking in circles. It runs along the scenic Neuse River and connects to several auxiliary trails as well. Next time, I want to try kayaking!

Awesome trail. Easy access. Well marked. Both bike and pedestrian friendly. Miles of trails to access so you can go for as long or little as you like. Scenery along the river is beautiful. Looking forward to exploring more miles of the trails.

This is a great trail for all. Cycling, running, walking everything is possible. Not difficult. Picnic places are available. Trail is pretty much shaded with trees on the both sides. Certainly recommend this trail.

Lovely easy trail. The scenic views along the trail are well worth the visit. I would definitely revisit!

Nice river with a trail to walk or ride a bike. There are areas with access to the water to go fishing or take a few pics!!

Great bike trail to walk. Like the forest more

Love the trail and the access to the river itself. Very nice indeed!

Visited the Raleigh City Farm a while ago for a volunteer project with my class and it was such a cool experience that I didn't know was in Raleigh until I looked it up. The people and ambiance really made the experience, and it was cool to lean more from those who were very experienced in the craft. I loved getting to volunteer with them through their unique events and definitely a fun activity for those who love to be outdoors

Lovely gardens, fun to volunteer. Great produce on Wednesday evening

Aug 2021 Farmstand on Wednesday 4-7pm is amazing with fresh produce from the farm .. from figs, blueberries, red okra, thai purple beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, zucchin, squash, cucumber, Rosemary and thyme to name a few.. And also cute little bouquet of flowers.. July 2021 Amazing farm right in the Raleigh downtown area.. thank you for everything you're doing to help build a community farm 🙏🙏🙏 Love the volunteer opportunities to give back to the community.. kind and passionate folks all around 🤗 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

Today, I volunteered to help weed a flower bed, to get it prepared for spring planting. The leadership for the volunteers was excellent. I look forward to the next time I can help!

Raleigh City Farm is a gem in the Person Street neighborhood of downtown Raleigh. Its mission is to grow the next generation of farmers by connecting our community to sustainable agriculture. The produce is available for all community members to purchase at their weekly Farmstand from April-October, and produce is also donated to local non-profits who address food insecurity. Raleigh City Farm also offers great community programming, including workshops and events (they host an annual Bearthday event in April and annual Harvest Dinner in October). Raleigh City Farm is a great example of local, sustainable agriculture at work!

A great farm with volunteer opportunities, veggies for sale and a beautiful place to sit and enjoy your 🍦from #tworoostericecream #historicoakwood.

Ambience, Service and Food is Great. We ordered Haranara Kabab, kodi Pakodi. Baby corn Manchuria, Crispy Gobi and Chicken Kababs as appetizers and Friend rice (Veg N Chicken) along with Mutton Biryani, some naans and malai kofta... everything was delicious and flavorful. Spiced to comfort level....Kids loved the food..... A Must try place.... A++

Absolutely excellent art and a walk down memory lane. It reminds of about equality and that all ladies and gentlemen are created equal and remain equal throughout their journey of life.

Beautiful artwork!

Our whole family enjoyed our day here!! The go carts were awesome, the rides were also so much fun! The food inside was also somewhat decent! And also for hot days they do serve nice cold beers in their bar !! My kids enjoyed the laser tag , mini golf was great for family! Overall it’s is highly recommended place for family and kids !! Go out and have fun!!

It's set up to pay as you play but you can get a card and load it with everything you want to play. You can reload it. In the park if needed. Golf is 10$ and the adult go carts were 9$. If you are long legged go for the drifting cart course. They allow longer leg room. I'm thick and did fit in the carts. They had loads to do for younger kids and the video games looked really high tech compared to a traditional arcade. 3 stars because some rides were closed when I went.

This place has it all for a fun night with family or even a first date. Go karts, an entire arcade, bar and food. We had an amazing time, the prices are very affordable and the staff is super friendly. We had a blast racing on the go karts, and an awesome time in the arcade. We got hungry so we order wings and pizza, the food was delicious

This place was very awesome. We did course #1. The landscaping was immaculate. We rode the roller coaster and was fun. Played some games. I liked that all your tickets for the golfing and rides are all on a card.

It's an expensive pay per ride point charge card place for kids and teenagers to have fun without going to a theme park. The kids had a super fun rime and it was truly worth their smiles. Enough benches for adults to chill and not a lot of walking.

I actually enjoyed coming here, it is not too crowded, there are many things to do, you load money on a card and forget about tickets or passes, one card for the whole family is enough. They have things for the little ones and older kids. It is not cheap but not expensive. I almost did not step in the arcade area. The laser tag is fun, also there are 3 different go carts routes so you can pick the best for your skill. You can get a small icee for $4. Some games are closed for maintenance and some things are not working 100%.

We took my son and his friends to Frankie’s for his 14th birthday and had an amazing time! Between laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, and the arcade, there was nonstop fun and plenty to do. It’s a little pricey, but the experience was well worth it. Staff seemed a bit disengaged, but it didn’t take away from the great day we had. We’ll definitely be back!

Garland was great! We appreciated all the vegan options and the service was amazing. We ordered everything vegan available and we ranked our favorites: 1. Slaw Chaat - all the flavors and textures. Crunchy, spicy, chewy, sweet, savory. Delicious! 2. Ginger Sauteed Carrots - the sauce was incredible. Spicy and savory which went well with the sweet ginger carrots. 3. Vegetable Sambar - this was surprising but delicious. We weren't sure what to expect but the idli was a great base for the veggie and lentil gravy base. Great balance with the cucumbers offering a fresh bite. Really good! 4. Braised Beet and Strawberry Salad - this was super fresh and almost reminded us of a dessert. I love beets so I loved the dish. Something had to be ranked last but this was still an 8/10. Looking forward to coming back.

Possibly my favorite spot that we tried in Raleigh! Love the vibe/decor, we got great service, but it's the food -and drinks!- that sold us. First, the drink menu is just fun. The names are great ("All You Need Is a Light Jacket") and they do mocktails with just as much aplumb! We loved the garam masala lemonade ("Buddha's Hammock"). I also snagged a sparkling rosé from the area of Spain I'd just been to! The decor is bright and immersive. Every seat sees art and color. The light fixtures are never a wasted opportunity for expression. A fun place for a drink at the bar or dinner. Ok the food. I'm a huge lover of Indian food in all forms to begin with (Authentic, Americanized, Fusion, Street Food, Comfort Food, Eastern, Southern...) So on one hand, Garland had a high bar to reach. But on the other, anything with these flavors is gonna be delicious. And they were! We started with the Slaw Chaat -- just about to roll off the menu Summer 2022 -- and it reminded me of a similar dish I'd had at Chaatable in Nashville that we loved. It's cabbage, cilantro and carrots, but also chick pea crisps for great texture, golden raisins for a pop of sweet every now and then, and probably 6 (maybe 60) different spices that I could taste uniquely. It's a good size portion for a small plate, but we didn't let them take it away with the other dishes came. Which was a good thing because it actually went really well on top of the Cauliflower 65. The fried breading on the cauliflower is thin but hearty and the sauce is creamy with the poblano really shining. Add a few sprigs of the slaw and the textures and flavors just dance. We agonized over which dishes to get and ultimately chose the Saag because it had chicken, potato AND paneer in it. We chose wisely! The chicken was perfectly cooked with an insane crispy skin, even when smothered in Saag. The potatoes were practically confit. The paneer is looser/lighter, not fried cubes, so it gets a little lost, but the flavors are dynamite. They even add little fresh tri color tomatoes for a little balance. We almost didn't get dessert, but would have missed out. We chose the buttermilk panna cotta as the lightest looking option and were very pleased. The panna cotta itself was air-light, dreamy creamy, and hardly sweet at all. The macerated strawberries were not just basil-kissed, but truly herbaceous. And the crunchy crumble added the necessary texture. We finished it :) Would absolutely recommend this for any trip to downtown Raleigh!

Garland does excellent food— incorporating the best of local ingredients into Indian-inspired dishes. I love their patio seating since the pandemic, great ambiance, and always a great place to celebrate a special occasion. I highly highly recommend it!

Went for a date night. Attempted to go here 2 times before but didn’t work out. Third time was the charm. Cauliflower appetizer is amazing. Highly recommend this. The Lamb Briyani, might as well be called a lamb pot pie. Also very tasty. The fried trout, was just ok, a bit dry. I would try one of the other big plates. Overall a decent experience, would go back.

We finally had the opportunity to dine at Garland. Overall a great experience!! Food was awesome. Price is little over the average I think for similar food/service experience at a comparable restaurant. Staff is great, anticipates your need and passionate for what they do. Kudos 👏🏽. Will definitely return.

My friend invited me to Garland Raleigh. It’s first time for both of us. Nice ambiance with interesting decor. The food is amazing, tasty and very flavorful. The menu is shot but they apparently change often. We had three small and one large plates included beet salad, lamb rolls, shrimp withe Brussel sprouts, and a whole trout. Every bite is amazing experience. The lemon tart with roasted strawberry brought a wonderful conclusion to our dinner. Price is a bit high but it’s worth it because there is a lot that goes into making these dishes. You can tell by its preparation and presentation, truly a work of art! A feast for the eyes and the palate.

Wonderfully modern and surprisingly cozy restaurant. Food has a plethora of flavors and could be described as south Asian dishes with a southern influence. The owner Paul was delightfully welcoming and the bartender Nick was knowledgeable and gave superb recommendations. Food was excellent, service was excellent. I will be back!!

It was amazing. I'm in a powered wheelchair and there were a couple of places to go down the path because of the leaves making it hard to steer going down. The place is beautifulfrom views to wildlife. Very peaceful even with so much traffic near by.

Dear Neighbor, My sister invited me to walk with her at this lake and I wasn't disappointed. Mother Nature at her best and absolutely gorgeous! The scenery makes the time go by and of course, chatting with a friend or friends. I saw plenty of dog walkers, co workers, families with children and even elderly couples getting their steps in. Everyone was friendly, some did the acknowledgement thing and most kept to themselves. There was one guy playing music on his speaker for the world to hear (I guess there's always one of those). Some of the paths looked like I was walking through a jungle but with a paved path. Nothing like hearing rustling through the trees to get your blood circulating quicker to your feet (it may even be a good place to practice your horror film running)!! Basically what I'm saying is, goo already! It'll motivate you to walk and run and exercise and enjoy nature and scenery, all at the same time! Then, then, come back and tell us about it (us. The people on the internet. Duh). Have fun! - Ruthie

Really beautiful place to take a nice walk. Love that it's paved which makes it accessable for our daughter's wheelchair. There were other greenways connecting to the main loop around the park, and the main loop is a really easy walk with pretty scenery. We saw tons of deer and squirrels, and even took pictures of a bald eagle. We went in November. It was 66 degrees out, but the shade made it feel cooler than it actually was. Gorgeous fall leaves even after the peak, and I'm certain this will become one of our go-to places for getting our steps in.

Great place to walk; it's nice, peaceful, and spacious, you're not always walking right behind someone or someone is right behind you, but if so people are good about speedwalking by you real quick or you can speedwalk by someone real quick and have some space again. I also like how there's plenty of benches and picnic tables scattered about if you have to take a break.

Beautiful park with lake view. A great place to take a stroll or just sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery.

Such a beautiful well maintained park. The bathrooms are also very nice for park bathrooms!

Lovely park with plenty of parking and a few trails, you would. It feels very safe and very well kept and clean