Raleigh, NC Vacation: NC Museum of Art, Pullen Park & More

The North Carolina Museum of Art started out with 74 paintings donated by local businessman Robert F. Phifer and is one of the best things to do in Raleigh.

Today, the museum has an impressive permanent collection that includes major European Renaissance paintings, Egyptian funerary art, sculpture and vases from ancient Greece and Rome, American art and international modern art, pre-Columbian and Oceanic art, and so much more.

More than a dozen oversized art pieces are located in the museum’s park. The establishment also hosts numerous temporary exhibits, lectures, classes, performances and concerts. The museum aims at inspiring teen’s creativity through online courses in Art of Game Design, Art of Fashion, and several other programs through the North Carolina Virtual Public School.

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC, Phone: 919-839-6262

There is no better place to get up close and personal with nature’s secrets than among whale skeletons, dinosaurs, a two-story waterfall, or live animals. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast and one of the top Raleigh, North Carolina attractions. The museum showcases a range of permanent collections and regularly changed special exhibits, live shows, and nature films for all ages. The museum’s goal is to offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about nature and science and their place in it.

More than a million people visit the museum’s huge campus every year. The museum’s various rooms can be rented for an unforgettable birthday party any kid would love.

11 West Jones St., Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-707-9800

Opened in 1902, the North Carolina Museum of History features an artifact collection that consists of more than 150,000 items.

The Museum has a large 55,000 square foot gallery that houses permanent and temporary exhibits, a research library, a number of classrooms, and a large, well-equipped 315-seat auditorium. One of the main permanent exhibits is The Story of North Carolina, the largest exhibit ever produced and displayed by this Museum.

Using items of everyday life, the exhibit traces the everyday lives of North Carolina inhabitants, covering more than 14,000 years of history. This multimedia exhibit includes not only fascinating artifacts, but it also displays dioramas, several presentations, and interactive activities. If you are looking for things to do in Raleigh, North Carolina with kids, this is a great place to learn about history.

The Museum also shares its treasures through a number of traveling exhibits. Online exhibition is a part of the distant education program.

5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-807-7900

Don't miss the opportunity to experience Raleigh’s culinary delights in a truly unique way. Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours' knowledgeable local guides take you on a walking tour of some of the best downtown restaurants and food shops.

The chefs will tempt you with their signature dishes and favorite drinks, all the while sharing a bit of the town’s history and architecture with you. You better bring your appetite.

Public afternoon and evening tours are available on weekends, and private and corporate tours can be organized any time (Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours Facebook, 919-237-2254).

The locals call the Joel Lane Museum House “the birthplace of Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina.” Plantation owner Joel Lane built his house in 1769 in, for that time, a rural area of North Carolina.

During his time, Joel Lane’s plantation manor was considered “The Best House for 100 Miles.” It has been faithfully restored and is now an important historic site that takes visitors back to very different times. The House is owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina.

It hosts frequent events such as lectures, videos, and guided tours, and it can be rented for special occasions. Imagine having a birthday bash in the elegant Museum House gardens!

Address: Joel Lane Museum House, Visitors Center at 160 South Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-833-3431

Stanbury is a hip, modern neighborhood restaurant located in a charming old building in the Mordecai neighborhood not far from downtown. The décor and ambience are sure to make you feel welcome; upon entering you’ll see wooden tables, a large bar, and a bustling open kitchen where all the magic happens.

The main restaurant room is often packed with happy customers: word about Stanbury’s outstanding food has gotten out. The menu changes daily and features dishes made with fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.

You’ll notice that the chefs have taken an adventurous approach to American classics. Stanbury is famous for its imaginative cocktails, but the bar is also well stocked with a good selection of wines and beer. The restaurant also has an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.

938 N Blount St, Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-977-4321

At Videri Chocolate Factory, you can get some of the best chocolate in North Carolina. The factory operates from the historic Raleigh Depot building, which still has most of its industrial charm – you can see the exposed brick and ductwork.

You will also be able to watch the entire chocolate making process. Stop by the shop where you can stock up on chocolate for later or you can relax on their lovely outdoor patio. If you are looking for things to do in Raleigh to satisfy your sweet tooth, this is a great place to visit.

The factory is the brainchild of three true chocolate lovers – Sam and Starr Ratto and Chris Heavener. They are committed to fair trade and purchase their cocoa beans and sugar from farms in Central and South America.

The resulting chocolate is organic, pure, and free of any additives or chemicals. Try Blueberry and Dark Chocolate or the Strawberry Anise Ganache. After a trip to Videri, you will never see chocolate in the same way.

327 W. Davie Street, Sweet 100, Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-755-5053

Strolling through the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University is a delight for all your senses. Whether you are enjoying the shade in the Asian Valley or breathing in the sweet of aroma of annual and perennial blooms in the Color Trails garden, you will wish to have more time to explore.

JC Raulston Arboretum features one of the most diverse and largest collections of plants adapted for landscaping in the Southeast. The Garden has also been recognized as one of the best teaching gardens in the Southeast.

In fact, many of the gardens are designed and maintained by students and volunteers. Garden also hosts symposia, lectures, family events, summer camps, and other events for the entire family.

4415 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606, Phone: 919-515-3132

Sassool is an authentic Mediterranean and Lebanese cafeteria-like eatery and market where you can pick up a quick piece of pita on the go, or you can relax and really enjoy the rich flavors at one of their outdoor tables.

An attached Mediterranean grocery sells authentic spices, dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. And, of course, they have fresh pitas, breads, and desserts like baklava that will have you coming back for more. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Raleigh, this is a great place to visit. If you aren’t familiar with Lebanese cuisine, try a sampler platter.

You’ll get a taste of hot grilled kabobs with labneh and kalamata olives in a hot whole-wheat pita, everything bursting with flavor. Sassool serves many vegetable dishes, and is heavenly for vegetarians.

9650 Strickland Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-847-2700

Raleigh Farmers Market is not to be missed. You will find everything here: fresh seasonal produce from all over the country, cheeses, meats, baked goodies, crafts, picture frames, candies, soaps, lotions, and, of course, N.C. wines.

There are 75 beautiful acres to explore, and about 225,000 square feet are covered and climate controlled.

There are also several restaurants where you can eat, rest, and replenish energy.

You won’t want to miss some of the special events organized at the Farmers Market, including Watermelon Day on July 30, Weekend Gardener Show in August, Sweet Potato Day in September, and so many others. Check their calendar, because something new is happening all the time.

1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh, North Carolina, Phone: 919-733-7417