Day Trip to Raleigh, NC: Exploring History and Local Flavors
This blog post is dedicated to our first road trip to Raleigh, NC, where we explored exciting activities and indulged in the local culinary scene. Here, you'll find a roundup of the adventures we embarked on, places we absolutely recommend, and some memorable highlights from our trip. Planning a visit? Grab my free Raleigh itinerary. Enjoy the journey!
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Vlog of Day Trip to Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Raleigh, NC, where Southern charm and sun-kissed weather greet you warmly. About a 3.5-hour drive from Virginia Beach, our spontaneous road trip to Raleigh was a delightful escape. With the car karaoke blasting, we cruised down I-95 and saw some delightful scenery of farmlands. To avoid the notorious rush-hour traffic, I suggest hitting the road no later than 6 a.m., depending on your starting point, since city traffic starts getting dense around 9-9:30 a.m.
So, I’m telling you that you need to wake up before the crack of dawn, pray there’s no traffic AND you’ll be seeing cows. Exciting, right? Well, depends on how you look at it, but at least with all this driving, your first stop is the best breakfast in Downtown Raleigh, NC.
Slather on that sunscreen, because it’s time to have fun in the sun!
Breakfast at A Place at the Table Café – Downtown Raleigh
Road trips can make you ravenously hungry, especially if you forgot to pack snacks (rookie mistake on my part!). But fear not, because when you arrive at A Place at the Table Café in Downtown Raleigh, your growling stomach will be a thing of the past! Located at 300 W Hargett St #50, this café offers Raleigh’s first “pay-what-you-can” experience. Here’s how it works:
1. Pay FULL price for your food (taxes included).
2. Pay what you can afford.
3. Volunteer for ONE hour for your meal.
4. Donate a meal to someone else or purchase a gift card.
This cafe serves up warm, nostalgic southern breakfast dishes that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen. You can build your own platter with three main starters and a condiment—think buttermilk pancakes, biscuits, waffles, or loaded breakfast sandwiches. I like to keep it simple for breakfast, so I went with their delicious waffles accompanied by bacon and cheese grits. For a sweet treat, their brown-sugar homemade pop tart is a must-try; it might just ruin store-bought pop tarts forever! Paired with an impactful community initiative and a friendly staff, this place is a great way to kick-start your Raleigh adventure.
Fun Things to Do in Raleigh
Once you’ve fueled up, it’s time to dive into Raleigh’s rich history. Start by freshening up (don’t forget your hand sanitizer!) and head over to the North Carolina Museum of History. This three-story museum offers a journey through the state's past, starting with the Indigenous tribes who first inhabited the Outer Banks, followed by tales of pirate escapades that shaped the Caribbean, and even a replica of a slave cabin that paints a vivid picture of the struggles faced by people of color in the Jim Crow South. From the fall of the Confederacy to the Wright Brothers’ groundbreaking flight, this museum provides a thorough understanding of North Carolina’s history and its evolution into the welcoming state it is today.
The museum is currently undergoing major upgrades, and we only had access to the first floor—but it still didn’t disappoint! If you’re planning a trip after October 2024, note that the museum will be closed for approximately two years for renovations. So, if you have a chance to visit before then, take it!
Right across the street, you’ll find the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. This gem showcases the state’s unique wildlife, from land mammals to fascinating sea creatures that call the Carolina shores home. If wildlife isn’t your thing, head up to the second and third floors to marvel at the beauty of gems such as emeralds, rubies, and quartz found in North Carolina’s earth. This museum is a perfect place to satisfy your curiosity about the state’s natural wonders, and don't forget to stop by the gift shop for a fun postcard or magnet (a classic souvenir collector’s move!).
Lunch at Morgan Street Food Hall
After all that walking, you're sure to hit your step goal for the day, which means it's time to recharge with a delicious lunch. Just an eight-minute drive from Raleigh's Capitol, you’ll find Morgan Street Food Hall, which features a variety of local eateries and plenty of room to relax. With options ranging from Greek and Indian to Latin and soul food, you’re in for a treat no matter what you're craving. I indulged in flavorful butter chicken with basmati rice, while my husband opted for homemade steak and chicken tacos. This food hall, in my opinion, is one of the best things to do in Downtown Raleigh—it won’t disappoint!
Finding serenity at JC Raulston Arboretum
Once you’ve recovered from your food coma and charged up your phone (don't forget your portable charger!), the final stop on our journey is the JC Raulston Arboretum. This 10-acre botanical garden, managed by North Carolina State University, is a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and you can reconnect with nature. Not to get too sentimental, but there’s something truly therapeutic about immersing yourself in the beauty of flowers, trees, and tranquil pathways. Life can get so busy—even on a day trip like this, with all the driving and walking—but this last stop made it all worthwhile (plus, it’s perfect for some Instagram-worthy photos!).
Wrapping It Up
I hope this trip to Raleigh inspires you to fill up your gas tank and embark on a new adventure of your own. If you’re looking for more fun travel ideas across the country, check out my [Las Vegas blog post](#). Thanks for joining me on this journey, and I’ll catch you in the next post! Wishing you the best on your journey and traveling mercy!
Psalm 121:8 (NIV):
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
-Positively, The Harpers