NORTH CAROLINA: THE TAR HEEL
STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
Traveling can be a great way to meet new people
and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places
you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that
the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead
you to unexpected places. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Raleigh
Raleigh,
North Carolina's capital, makes up the southeast corner of the famous Research
Triangle, with Durham and Chapel Hill at the other two points. The state's
second-largest city is a vital center of high-tech business and education.
Unlike many
cities that grow up around ports or stations, Raleigh was planned specifically
to be the state capital. At its center stands the beautiful North Carolina
Capitol building, a fine Greek Revival-style landmark, from which wide,
oak-lined streets radiate.
This
careful geometry makes exploring Raleigh quite straightforward. In this
pleasant city, there's a unique mix of Southern heritage and unpretentious
manners; elite academia and boisterous university life and athletics; and the fast-paced,
sleek sophistication of Triangle professionals.
Raleigh is
often lumped together with nearby cities Durham and Chapel Hill. Although the
three are only about a 30-minute drive from one another, they are different
communities. Durham was once one of the most thriving African-American center’s
in the country.
Today, its
main attraction is Duke University, one of the top schools in the United States
and home of the Blue Devils, another sports powerhouse. Although revitalization
efforts are underway, its downtown areas have sadly suffered in recent decades.
Meanwhile,
Chapel Hill is a lovely college town, with beautiful old homes, endless coffee
shops, pubs, and restaurants, enjoying a decidedly liberal leaning. It is home
to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, another top American
educational institution, and the beloved Tar Heels, a force in college
athletics.
Known as
the 'Smithsonian of the South', there are a few renowned museums and an
excellent performing arts scene. Ultimately, Raleigh is a perfect destination
for those seeking to experience a bit of Southern history and culture without
giving up the attractions and conveniences of a big city.
Getting around in Raleigh
While it is
possible to walk in Raleigh within certain districts, especially in the central
downtown area, a car is highly recommended. Raleigh is a big and spread out
city, although navigating the area by car is relatively straightforward.
The
GoRaleigh, Cary Transit (C-Tran), R-LINE, and Wolfline bus systems provide
riders with an extensive network of local routes. When in need of a taxi, it is
best to call ahead for one, as it can be difficult to hail taxis on the street.
Sightseeing in Raleigh
The
nightlife scene in Raleigh has become much livelier in recent years, a far cry
from its reputation as a somewhat sleepy hideaway in the town. Its diverse
historic districts and neighborhoods cater to many different tastes.
The area
surrounding the Capital is the center of government, business, and history.
Despite its daytime bustle, it remains a lovely spot for a stroll amongst grand
museums and a leafy square. Nearby Oakwood is full of exquisitely restored
19th-century homes and gardens.
With its
old-fashioned lampposts and cobbled streets, Moore Square is another city
oasis. By day, visitors can lounge in the park and must rub for good luck the
giant copper acorn sculpture, in honor of Raleigh's nickname, the 'City of
Oaks'.
By night,
Moore Square comes alive with upscale bars and restaurants, as do pedestrian
Fayettesville Street and the chic Warehouse district, popular with Raleigh's
hip crowd. Shoppers should head for the posh shops of North Hills or the
boutiques of Cameron Village.
Those in
search of a more colorful atmosphere will find it on Hillsborough Street and in
the NC State University district, where a jumble of undergrads, professors, and
tourists mingle in coffeehouses, restaurants, and casual pubs. NC State is North
Carolina's largest university. It's a leader in intercollegiate sports, often
overshadowing its strong reputation for research.
REFERENCE
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Ayesha Curry
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