Raleigh North Carolina is the state capital and one of the best places to go in the state to experience the history of North Carolina. Although Raleigh is not quite as big or as populated as Charlotte, there are still plenty of great things to do in Raleigh and great opportunities for sightseeing throughout the area. Whether checking out the best of Raleigh museums is your desire or simply enjoying the outdoors through a sightseeing trip by bike in Raleigh, this North Carolina city has plenty to offer.
Raleigh became the capital of North Carolina in 1788 and the county seat in 1792. The name for the city came from Sir Walter Raleigh, who was the original sponsor of the Colony of Roanoke which eventually came to be known as the Lost Colony when its inhabitants disappeared during the winter without leaving any trace of where they might have gone. The city of Raleigh did not experience much of the destruction of the Civil War, but it was not until the 1920s that the city of Raleigh North Carolina really began to grow. Today, Raleigh owes a good portion of its economic growth to area tourism.
Visiting the State Capital is one of the most popular things to do in Raleigh for locals and out-of-towners. The capital square of Raleigh North Carolina covers more than 5-acres, and in addition to the capital building is the site of most of the city's main state offices. These buildings are located in the center of downtown, and touring them can be part of a great day spent on foot or on a bike in Raleigh. The North Carolina Museum of Art, and the State Legislative building can also be found in the downtown area of Raleigh. To take a tour of the government buildings, you will not need to pay money, however you will be required to sign in at the front desk when you enter. You'll be given a pass which labels you as a visitor. The architecture and the people walking about make this a great place to tour.
Another of the great things to do in Raleigh is to bike in Raleigh through the downtown area. A walking or bike tour through town provides the perfect opportunity to see some of the best of Raleigh. The downtown area is concentrated enough that travelers shouldn't have too much trouble seeing many sites in one day. Much of the downtown architecture comes from the 19th century or early 20th century, including the Briggs Hardware Building (built in 1874) and the Century Post Office (also built in 1874). These are some of the most historic structures still in use in the United States.
Though you may choose to bike through Raleigh, you might pick an airplane for a flight Raleigh to get into the city. The city of Raleigh does have its own airport, and you can find a flight Raleigh from nearby Charlotte or from other major cities in the United State. Thanks to the location of North Carolina State University right in Raleigh, a flight Raleigh is a popular way for students and sports fans to get to the city.
