Cheap Flights to Raleigh Durham

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Raleigh’s much-beloved Museum of Natural Sciences offers hours of education and entertainment, all with free admission. Visitors are always impressed by the live animal exhibits and habitat recreations, as well as huge dinosaur fossils. Families are encouraged to attend the weekly educational programs to learn even more about nature, chemistry and more.

Warehouse District

Formerly home to dilapidated factories and depots, the newly revitalized Warehouse District in Raleigh boasts an appealing array of new restaurants, shops and art galleries to explore. Pick up some sweets at the Videri Chocolate Factory, wander around the Contemporary Art Museum and sate your appetite with down-home barbecue at The Pit.

Duke University

Even if you don’t have any ties to the highly ranked university, you’ll be able to appreciate its gorgeous campus. Duke’s main campus incorporates Gothic architecture, and the Duke University Chapel is the breathtaking centerpiece. Also be sure to take a stroll in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, gorgeously maintained year-round.

Barbecue

If you’re in the mood for tender, slow-cooked meat, you’re in the right place: This area has plenty of barbecue joints to choose from. In Raleigh, The Pit is overwhelmingly popular, serving up pulled pork, hush puppies and more. Over in Durham, diners salivate over the ribs and brisket at Backyard BBQ Pit.

Chef Ashley Christensen

Southern

You can’t visit the Southeast without having some homey comfort food, and Raleigh-Durham is the perfect place to get some. In Durham, Mama Dip’s is known for its fried chicken and sweet potato biscuits, while in Raleigh, you can chow down on pork shank and blue cheese grits at 18 Seaboard.

Foundation

In the heart of downtown Raleigh is one of it most popular bars, Foundation, an underground space that is as dark yet inviting as a modern-day speakeasy, without the overcrowding. $1 will get you a membership card and entry to the bar, where you can fill up on phenomenally crafted cocktails and local beers.

Players Retreat

North Carolina is renowned for its great sports teams, so rest assured that there are sports bars where you can go catch a game or two. Players Retreat has been around since 1951, slinging tasty, affordable bar food and a huge assortment of drinks, including the “largest single malt selection” in the state.

Motorco Music Hall

Located in Durham, Motorco Music Hall has enough room for your whole party and then some. This spacious bar and music venue boasts a stage, full bar, party room and outdoor patio. On nights when there aren’t live performances going on, Motorco has been known to show sports and even host TV-watching parties.