Raleigh

Raleigh’s rich Appalachian roots can be found in pretty much everything, from its indulgent pork barbecue to its old-time folk music and literature. Despite its storied past, North Carolina’s capital is an ambitious metropolis that’s at the forefront of innovation, with a bubbly, college-town vibe. Visitors flock here for eclectic cultural festivals including Art in Bloom (a fabulous display of floral arrangements), World of Bluegrass (toe-tappin’, string pickin’ music) and the N.C. State Fair (11 days of spine-tingling rides, deep-fried treats, exhilarating stunt shows and nightly fireworks). Raleigh is also a hub for football and baseball and is the proud home of The Players Retreat – one of America’s most iconic sports bars.

Outdoor enthusiasts love ‘The City of Oaks’ too, for its many adventures like kayaking through the blackwater swamps, strolling the Juniper Level Botanic Garden or hiking the Neuse River Greenway Trail. Raleigh’s booming food scene is a wonderful mishmash of chic wine bars, down-home diners and rustic restaurants serving soul food classics. If you’re looking for classic Southern hospitality, this is where it’s at.