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Raleigh
USINFO | 2013-12-05 16:04
Raleigh, North Carolina is the capital of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County. Due to the prevalence of oak trees in the area, the city is widely known as the "City of Oaks". Its population of 27,000 makes it the second largest city in North Carolina, after Charlotte. Raleigh is part of The Triangle, which also includes Durham, and Chapel Hill. The Triangle is named for the Research Triangle Park, created in 1959, that is located between Durham and Raleigh. Raleigh is also one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
Raleigh Culture
Raleigh is often referred to as the Smithsonian of the South because it has 20 free attractions. Its museums are of the highest caliber, from the interactive world museum, to the world’s largest natural history museum, to the most comprehensive European art collection in the South. The arts are a big part of life in Raleigh and The Triangle. There is a wide range of cultural activities, including The BTI Center for the Performing Arts and the North Carolina Symphony. There are also many smaller community-oriented events, such as summer outdoor theater, parks, and gardens. Raleigh is also home to the Carolina Ballet, the North Carolina Theatre, and the Broadway Series South.
Raleigh Sports and Leisure
In the realm of professional sports, Raleigh has a lot of hockey to offer. The National Hockey League Carolina Hurricanes moved to the city in 1999 and play at the RBC Center. College sports are also prevalent here, such as NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference member North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University. St. Augustine College and Shaw University also provide great competition and viewing. Bike routes such as the NC-DOT Mountains to Sea and the US Maine to Florida routes go through Raleigh. Amateur sports like soccer, softball, flab football, basketball, and dodgeball leagues are offered throughout the city. Golf is also a popular activity in Raleigh, with quality public golf courses across the metropolitan area.
Raleigh Outdoors
Outdoor opportunities in Raleigh revolve around the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, both of which are located relatively close to the city. These two geographic features provide an endless range of outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding at one of the area’s ski resorts. Warm, sunny beaches await visitors along the coast, with breezes coming up from the Gulf Stream. The city has award-winning parks, greenway systems, and open spaces across the metropolitan area. The Mountains of North Carolina provide many opportunities to hike to the tops of towering peaks, fish in pristine trout streams, or camp under a blanket of stars.
Raleigh Culture
Raleigh is often referred to as the Smithsonian of the South because it has 20 free attractions. Its museums are of the highest caliber, from the interactive world museum, to the world’s largest natural history museum, to the most comprehensive European art collection in the South. The arts are a big part of life in Raleigh and The Triangle. There is a wide range of cultural activities, including The BTI Center for the Performing Arts and the North Carolina Symphony. There are also many smaller community-oriented events, such as summer outdoor theater, parks, and gardens. Raleigh is also home to the Carolina Ballet, the North Carolina Theatre, and the Broadway Series South.
Raleigh Sports and Leisure
In the realm of professional sports, Raleigh has a lot of hockey to offer. The National Hockey League Carolina Hurricanes moved to the city in 1999 and play at the RBC Center. College sports are also prevalent here, such as NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference member North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University. St. Augustine College and Shaw University also provide great competition and viewing. Bike routes such as the NC-DOT Mountains to Sea and the US Maine to Florida routes go through Raleigh. Amateur sports like soccer, softball, flab football, basketball, and dodgeball leagues are offered throughout the city. Golf is also a popular activity in Raleigh, with quality public golf courses across the metropolitan area.
Raleigh Outdoors
Outdoor opportunities in Raleigh revolve around the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Coast, both of which are located relatively close to the city. These two geographic features provide an endless range of outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding at one of the area’s ski resorts. Warm, sunny beaches await visitors along the coast, with breezes coming up from the Gulf Stream. The city has award-winning parks, greenway systems, and open spaces across the metropolitan area. The Mountains of North Carolina provide many opportunities to hike to the tops of towering peaks, fish in pristine trout streams, or camp under a blanket of stars.
