Southerly View

Jan 25, 20214 min read

Let's go to Raleigh, NC!

Even though I live in Virginia, I have always been partial to North Carolina.

Maybe it is because I was born there. Maybe it is because I visited the beaches of North Carolina every summer.

Don't get me wrong - I like Virginia too - but I have wanderlust and I love nothing more than an adventure and a change of scenery! Visiting the same parks, museums and other points of interest does not spark the same amount of joy. I am always craving a chance to check out something new.

Raleigh is just over a 2 hour drive from points in Central Virginia. This is around the same distance as Washington DC without near as much traffic. (!!!)

I think you will love it too. If you have kids to entertain, I have plenty of spots to recommend. Even if this is not a family trip for you - there is so much to see and do. Raleigh will check all of the boxes! Good food, shopping, cultural exhibits, points of interest, parks, recreation, athletic events - I could go on and on.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of all of the fun places waiting for you in Raleigh:

Marbles

Sure, our capital city has a children's museum. But it is fun to check out children museums in different locales! We love Marbles and we are partial to it. For one - the admission price is right for all that you receive. (If we lived closer, I would most certainly invest in a membership as we would be there weekly!). This museum is clean, the staff is constantly checking to be sure exhibits are restocked even after they are seemingly destroyed by small children, and you could visit over and over and still see something new. You could spend all day here and still have something left to see.

Marbles has two floors full of exhibits - some permanent and some rotating monthly. They have an large outdoor area, an attached IMAX cinema, cafe and expansive gift shop. The permanent exhibits include an indoor hockey rink (socks needed), sports area, dance area, electricity exhibit, money exhibit, a town area complete with pizza shop, vet clinic and lemonade stand, a build your-own car racing area, wood shop with real tools, art studio, designated areas for babies and toddlers, a pirate ship, a submarine - and so much more!

2. Pullen Park

Again - our town has its fair share of parks. But nothing like this one. Pullen Park was the first public park in North Carolina and is the 5th oldest amusement park in the country, with a carousel dating back to 1911 that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pullen Park has a train ride, the carousel, a boat ride, playgrounds for all ages, a cafe, gift shop, and plenty of space for everyone to explore. Even better - the rides are all only $1 each! Pullen Park also has a holiday train ride event each December. I wish we lived closer so we could explore it anytime we would like!

3. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

If you are driving around downtown Raleigh and happen across a four story steel replica of Earth, then you have found this museum! The outside alone will delight everyone in your family. The delights continue when you find out the museum, comprised of two separate buildings with four floors each, is absolutely free! (Donations are suggested and appreciated!)

In one building you will find the Nature Exploration Center, where you will learn all about North Carolina's habitats mountains to sea, wildlife, fossils, prehistoric times and a living conservatory filled with butterflies and a resident sloth (not to miss!). In the other building, you will find the Nature Research Center, which focuses on the environment, climate, weather, gems, minerals, astronomy and more - complete with a working lab to observe.

The two buildings are connected by an overhead walkway. There are two cafes and two gift shops - one in each building. There is something for everyone to learn and explore here. We have visited a few times and still have not seen it all!

4. The North Carolina Museum of History

Should they rename Raleigh the "City of Museums? " Because I have another one to add to the list.

The North Carolina Museum of History is adjacent to The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - and this one is free too!

It is home to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, which definitely caught our interest. The Toy Boom exhibit was also a favorite - especially the life size Lite Brite. The Story of North Carolina exhibit was also well done and interesting for all. The museum has many more exhibits to offer - both permanent and rotating. There is a large gift shop to explore. The staff were very friendly and helpful, making sure everyone enjoyed their visit.