Raleigh

Raleigh, in Eastern Piedmont, is a city of round and about 400,000 inhabitants.

It’s located about 130 miles (209 kilometers) away from Charlotte and 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Richmond.

The Raleigh area is renowned as a great place to shop till you drop so be sure to get your fix of retail therapy while you are here. Pick up a hot deal, splash out on a little luxury or just enjoy people watching. Crabtree Valley Mall and Cary Towne Center are popular with the locals for all types of purchases. If you don’t find what you need, there is more to be found at Tanger Outlet Center and North Hills Shopping Center.

Raleigh is filled with amazing stories and quirky facts; you’ll find loads to explore at its three favorite museums. For intriguing collections, head to the Raleigh City Museum and Marbles Kids Museums. The most popular museum here, however, is the J.C. Raulston Arboretum.

The city features several great courses you won’t regret visiting if you love to get active outdoors. The area's best greens can be found at Finley Golf Course. Also recommended are Raleigh Country Club and Lochmere Golf Club.

To see live performances by local and visiting artists in Raleigh, check out the programs of these popular theater, dance and music venues. The Red Hat Amphitheater, the Koka Booth Amphitheater, and the Raleigh City Auditorium, each offer their own its own unique style, guaranteeing you’ll find something to suit your taste.

To find open spaces designed for reflection and relaxation in Raleigh, escape to one of it family-friendly parks and gardens. Marsh Creek Park, North Carolina Botanical Garden and much-loved Pullen Park are the ideal settings to find a park bench and enjoy the birdsong.

For a real taste of the Raleigh region, surprise that someone special with a visit to Aviator Tap House, one of the area’s most popular local wineries. See the varietals, sample some expertly crafted wines, and, if there's something that appeals, purchase a bottle or two as a souvenir of this fabulous region.

In this artistic city you’ll find a few remarkable museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Art, where art and history lovers can browse local collections. If you are an art enthusiast or a collector, this is a great place to relax and learn about art throughout the ages.