Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)
409 W. Martin St., 27603
(919) 836-0088
www.camnc.org

Currently renovating its 20,000-square-foot new home in downtown Raleigh, the ContemporaryArt Museum is the Triangle’s only museum solely dedicated to presenting the art of our time. A non-collecting museum, CAM serves as a forum where the entire community comes together in a dynamic environment that inspires creativity.

Exploris Museum and IMAX® Theatre
201 E. Hargett St., 27601
(919) 834-4040
www.exploris.org

Exploris is the nation’s first interactive museum dedicated to global awareness. Located one block north of Moore Square and City Market, Exploris is an interactive learning center for all ages. It’s designed to transport visitors to incredible sights and sounds from around the world. The IMAX® Theatre at Exploris features a 52-foot-high flat screen with a 12,000-watt digital -surround sound system. It seats up to 271 people and makes visitors feel like they’re in the center of the action.

Haywood Hall House and Gardens
211 New Bern Ave., 27601
(919) 832-8357
www.haywoodhall.org

The oldest residence in Raleigh’s original city limits still located on its original site with family furnishings, this Federal frame house was built by John Haywood, North Carolina’s first elected treasurer, in 1799. The house and gardens are open for tours on Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., from March through December, and by appointment.

Historic Oak View County Park
4028 Carya Drive (I-440 Beltline and Poole Road), 27610
(919) 250-1013
www.wakegov.com/county/parks/oakview

This 27-acre park features a 19th-century farmstead, a cotton museum, a plank kitchen, picnic sites, a fishing pond, an herb garden and a pecan grove. The site offers educational programs, special events, exhibits and passive recreational opportunities. A new exhibit on the history of North Carolina’s textile mill communities will open in spring 2006. The site is open to the public Monday–Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Historic Oakwood
www.historicoakwood.org

This 19th-century neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes hundreds of homes of various architectural styles. The restored Victorian homes may be toured on foot or by car. Brochures for a self-guided tour are available at the CapitalAreaVisitorCenter. The Candlelight Tour each December allows glimpses of the interior glory of selected homes, while the annual Garden Tour features some of the neighborhood’s best gardens.
HistoricOakwoodCemetery is the resting place of 2,800 Confederate soldiers, five Civil War generals, seven governors and numerous U.S. senators. Established in 1869, it is an excellent example of Victorian landscaping and mortuary art.

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tours
1 Mimosa St., 27604
(919) 834-4844
www.capitalareapreservation.org

Step aboard the trolley and travel back in time to see Raleigh’s 200-year history. This narrated tour includes historic sites, government buildings, museums, shops and restaurants. Tours run each Saturday from March through December. Board the trolley on the hour at MordecaiHistoricPark from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. or catch a ride at any of its historic stops throughout downtown.

Historic Tours of Raleigh
301 N. Blount St., 27601
(919) 829-4988

This group conducts walking tours of downtown on Sundays at 2 p.m. Advance reservations are required. The tour begins at the State Capitol and covers historic and government buildings as well as area museums. Step-On Guide Service for businesses and vans is also available.

J.C. Raulston Arboretum
4415 Beryl Road, 27606
(919) 515-3132
www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum

The J.C. Raulston Arboretum is a nationally acclaimed garden with the most diverse collection of cold hardy temperate zone plants in the southeastern United States. Operated by the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C.StateUniversity, this 8-acre garden is a working research and teaching garden that focuses on the evaluation, selection and display of plant materials from around the world. The Arboretum’s collections include over 5,000 cultivars from more than 50 countries, a 450-foot perennial border, a white garden, a Japanese garden and more.

Joel Lane House
728 W. Hargett St., 27603
(919) 833-3431

Col. Joel Lane’s house, built in 1760, is the oldest dwelling in Raleigh. In 1792, members of the North Carolina legislature voted to purchase 1,000 acres of Lane’s land for the new capital. Visitors may tour the house and authentic Colonial Revival gardens Tuesday through Saturday from March through mid-December, and by appointment in January and February. Call for hours.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens
Corner of Rock Quarry Road and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
(919) 834-6264
www.king-raleigh.org

The first public park in America developed in honor of the civil rights hero features a life-sized bronze statue nestled among a variety of native plants. The King Memorial Wall includes 2,500 bricks inscribed with the names of the facility’s supporters. The park will be expanded to 4 acres and will include a new memorial honoring local civil rights and education pioneers, as well as an interactive memorial depicting significant dates and occurrences in the freedom movement.

Mordecai Historic Park
1 Mimosa St., 27604
(919) 834-4844
www.capitalareapreservation.org

The Mordecai House was once the seat of one of the largest plantations in WakeCounty. This historic park, near downtown, features Mordecai House, President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace, St. Mark’s Chapel, the Badger-Iredell Law Office, an 1842 kitchen with a garden, and a gift shop. Hourly tours of the main house are conducted Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Movies By Moonlight
101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary27513
(919) 462-2025
http://amphitheatreatregencypark.com

Come see your favorite movie on Thursday nights June–August. The Koka Booth Amphitheatre at RegencyPark shows an array of new releases and family movies. Movies start at dusk and are an affordable way to spend time with family and friends.

North Carolina Executive Mansion
200 N. Blount St., 27601
(919) 807-7950
www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/capitol

This fine Victorian home, built with native North Carolina materials, has been the residence of the North Carolina governor since 1891. Its impressive gardens, exhibiting local horticulture, are also open for tours. During spring and summer, tours of the home and the gardens are available with seven-day advance scheduling. Call Capital Area Visitor Services at (919) 807-7948 to sign up.

North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Road, 27607
(919) 839-6262
www.ncartmuseum.org

This premier museum houses works that represent more than 5,000 years of artistic heritage, from ancient Egypt to the present. Its collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings is internationally recognized. The museum offers changing exhibitions, lectures, workshops, films, family festivals and performing arts events in the landmark MuseumPark, an outdoor concert and movie facility. Housed within the museum are a gift shop and café. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts events specifically geared toward its younger visitors.

North Carolina Museum of History
5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh27601
(919) 807-7900
www.ncmuseumofhistory.org

Visit the North Carolina Museum of History to explore the state’s past and learn about its people. See a variety of exhibits, including the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Special programs feature craft demonstrations, music concerts, family events and more. Admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m–5 p.m., and Sunday noon–5 p.m. The Museum Shop is open daily.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones St., 27601
(919) 733-7450
www.naturalsciences.org

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has four floors of walk-through environments that include four great whales, the world’s only Acrocanthosaurus (a.k.a. Terror of the South) and some live animals, thanks to a cutting-edge exhibit technique. All the exhibits capture the essence of North Carolina’s diverse geography, geology, plants and animals. Other highlights are the Discovery Room for children, special kids’ programs, the Museum Store and an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons. General admission is free; there is a cover charge for special exhibits.

North Carolina State Capitol
Capitol Square
(919) 733-4994
www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/capitol

Built between 1833 and 1840, this National Historic Landmark is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style. The capitol originally housed the governor’s office, cabinet offices, legislative chambers and the state library.

North CarolinaStateLegislativeBuilding
Corner of Jones and Salisbury Streets
(919) 733-7928
www.ncga.state.nc.us

This building is home to the North Carolina General Assembly and offers a firsthand look at the lawmaking process when the legislature is in session.

North CarolinaStateUniversitySolarCenter
Corner of Western Boulevard and Gorman Street
(919) 515-5666
www.ncsc.ncsu.edu

This research facility seeks to stabilize energy costs for consumers, stimulate local economies, reduce dependence on foreign fuels and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels. Adjacent to the research annex is the Solar House at N.C.StateUniversity, one of the most visible and visited solar buildings in the nation.

Playspace
410 Glenwood Ave., 27603
(located on Tucker Street in back of the
CreameryBuilding)
(919) 832-1212
www.playspacemuseum.com

This interactive play museum is designed for children ages 7 and under and their adult caregivers. Playspace features a pretend bank, grocery store, hospital and café; a puppet theatre; a computer lab; an art room; and an infant area.

Pullen Park
520 Ashe Ave., 27606
(919) 831-6468
www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/pullenpark.asp

PullenPark is the “Central Park” of Raleigh. Take a ride on the fully restored 1911 Dentzel carousel, circle PullenPark in a bright red train, enjoy the water in either kiddie boats or adult paddleboats, or see a play at the Theatre in the Park. This 68-acre city park also includes a large public aquatic center and an arts and crafts center.

RaleighCityMuseum
BriggsBuilding
220 Fayetteville St. Mall, 27601
(919) 832-3775
www.raleighcitymuseum.org

This museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of the capital city. Using lectures, exhibits and audiovisuals, the museum covers important events such as Raleigh’s move towards Civil Rights, the struggle of Women’s Suffrage and even the creation of the Raleigh flag. Admission is free.

Silver Lake Waterpark
5300 Tryon Road, 27606
(919) 851-1683
www.silverlakewaterpark.com

Whether you choose the wet or dry attractions, come prepared for a day of fun! Take a dip in the cool waters from a spring-fed lake, conquer “The Beast” waterslide or test your driving skills on the bumper boats. Land lovers have their choice of volleyball, pedal boats, horseshoes and even a relaxing white sand beach.

State Farmers Market
1201 Agriculture St., 27603
(919) 733-7417
www.ncdamarkets.org

For seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, this market is the place to go. The 75-acre market sells over 300 different items, including preserves, baked goods, pork products and seafood. The market site includes restaurants and a garden center. Special events are planned throughout the year.

Summer Concert Series
(919) 890-3285
www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/index.asp

Free concerts, sponsored by the RaleighParks and Recreation Arts Department, are held throughout WakeCounty during the summer. For locations and concert schedules, visit the Parks and Recreation Web site.

WRAL Azalea Gardens
2619 Western Blvd., 27606
(919) 821-8555
www.wral-gardens.com

Five acres of landscaped gardens surround the WRAL-TV studio, featuring 45 varieties of azaleas as well as dogwoods, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. The garden is open year-round from dawn until dusk. Admission is free and open to the public for self-guided tours.