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