“The North Carolina Museum of Art has more than a dozen galleries holding works from around the world and a variety of art types. Originally starting with 139 works from Europe and America, the museum has grown to include African, Egyptian and Jewish works of art while also expanding European and ancient American holdings. With 30 added Rodin sculptures, the NCMA leads the holdings of this artist’s work in the southeastern United States. Other galleries hold everything from Renaissance paintings to contemporary photography. Exhibitions also run at the museum for several months at a time for guests to visit. Outside the museum is the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, recently expanded and featuring monumental public art installations inspired by the natural world and preservation of landscapes, including the Gyre rings, Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky and Askew, as well as several recreational activities, picnic spots, and wooded trails. Tours are given daily if you or a group would like to learn more about the collections. When it’s time for lunch, you can stop by the Iris restaurant located inside the museum, specializing in contemporary American cuisine in a modern setting. (Also open for dinner! Order from items such as the Iris Burger, Seared Scallops with Red Curry Lemongrass Broth, Seafood Burrito and more.) For those interested in researching art periods or artists, the Art Reference Library holds over 40,000 volumes of books and available catalogs and databases. Kids to seniors can enjoy the many programs occurring throughout the year, including classes, concerts, films, camps, and workshops. Before you leave, head by the Museum Store, where items based on the museum’s collections and exhibits are available to purchase, perfect as souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Admission is free, while some fees are given for specific programs, exhibitions, and large tours. Hours: Tues.-Thurs., 10am-5pm; Fri., 10am-9pm; Sat.-Sun., 10am-5pm; Mon., closed.”

“The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the Southeast’s largest natural history museum, complete with its Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center, with four floors of exhibits, live animals, gift shops and cafés. Explore on a variety of different self-guided tours through all the different exhibits. In the Nature Exploration Center, you can view more than a dozen exhibits from coastal to prehistoric North Carolina, see a live sloth in the Living Conservatory, engage in hands-on activities in the Discovery Room and experience life as a bug in the Arthropod Zoo. Here, you can also visit the world’s most complete Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur, the “Terror of the South.” Head to the Nature Research Center where you can get a glimpse of a different side of natural science with labs, weather centers and ocean, fossils and space exhibits plus a 10,000-gallon aquarium. Living collections include fish, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. This museum wing’s centerpiece is the SECU Daily Planet, a 70-foot-diameter globe with a three-story theater for live programming and movies on its giant screen. Snap some great photos of the exterior--one of Raleigh’s most popular spots for Instagram! The museum also includes vast amounts of resources for hands-on learning and research. Educators and workshops are available for schools and other groups. Outreach and e-learning programs are sponsored for all ages. The Brimley Memorial Library is open in the Nature Exploration Center, with the archives of the museum in circulation. Online collections are accessible in the museum’s database. On your trip to Raleigh, N.C., you won’t want to miss out on this incredible, world-class museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Visit the museum in downtown Raleigh and see why it’s one of the top places to visit in Raleigh and the state! Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun., noon-5pm. Free general admission. ”

“It is a awesome mall for shopping for clothes, accessories, electronics, etc!”

“The perfect stop downtown for the history buff amongst you. Honestly, there are normally some pretty cool traveling exhibits at this museum on a regular basis. ”

“Paddle Boating, park scene, close to NC State University, and downtown, relaxing.”

“Go shopping and dining at one of the nicest outdoor shopping areas in the city.”

“Miles and miles of hiking trails, running trails, picnic and camping areas.”

“There is not a better place for kids in Raleigh. Check out Moore Square, right across the street as well. It has a play area and splash pad in the summer.”

“Macaroni is a MUST! Owned by a James Beard award winning chef! Perfect for dinner or weekend brunch but expect a wait! Does not accept reservations. ”

“Local University. Orientation, Parents Weekend. NCSU Friends and Family week.”