A hallmark of growing up in North Carolina is loading into a bright yellow bus and taking a school field trip to a museum, the Capitol, historic sites, and more. But why should kids get to have all the fun? On a recent drive along U.S. Highway 64, Our State’s associate editor shared a grown-up field trip experience with her husband and newborn son — and discovered that the sense of wonder sparked in our capital city knows no age limit.
“Acro” the Acrocanthosaurus — the only such skeleton on display in the world — rules the museum from a place of honor. Photography courtesy of VisitNC.com
Uncover North Carolina’s flora, fauna, and fossils at the oldest museum in the state. Discover breathtaking displays, including a full Acrocanthosaurus skeleton (the only one of its kind in the world), a megalodon shark jaw (and teeth!), whale skeletons “swimming” high overhead, and more throughout the four-floor museum. These life-size exhibits inspire a larger-than-life appreciation for the state we call home.
11 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 707-9800
naturalsciences.org
The JC Raulston Arboretum collects plants that have adapted to conditions in the United States’ Southeastern growing seasons, including winter heath and Japanese flowering apricot. photograph by Charles Harris
This botanical garden on the campus of NC State University features more than 6,000 varieties of diverse landscape plants that thrive in the Piedmont. Visitors can explore through more than a dozen gardens, passing by purple-leaf Japanese maples in the Japanese Garden, an English-style rose garden, hardy desert plants like towering yucca in the Scree Garden, and even a beautiful winter garden that reaches peak beauty in the coldest and darkest months of the year.
4415 Beryl Road
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 515-3132
jcra.ncsu.edu
This grand house on Oakwood Avenue, built in 1879 for cotton broker Marcellus Parker, features arched windows, a Second Empire-style tower, and a mansard roof. photograph by Charles Harris
Beautifully maintained 19th-century homes framed by leafy trees make this downtown Raleigh neighborhood a destination. You can drive through it, or, if the weather is nice, park your car and explore on foot. Initially established right after the Civil War, the neighborhood has been present throughout much of Raleigh’s history. As you stroll along the sidewalks, admire stately Queen Anne and Neoclassical Revival-style homes alongside slightly more modern Craftsman bungalows. If you happen to be in the area during December, don’t miss Oakwood’s renowned Christmas Candlelight Tour.
Historic Oakwood
Raleigh, NC 27606
historicoakwood.org
This 66-acre park bridges Raleigh’s Boylan Heights neighborhood with NC State University’s campus. As the fifth-oldest amusement park in the nation and the first public park in North Carolina, Pullen Park draws visitors with opportunities to ride the miniature train or take a spin on one of 52 hand-carved animals on the circa-1900 Dentzel Carousel. You can cruise across Lake Howell in a pedal boat or let the kids run wild on the playground. If you prefer a more low-key visit, take your time strolling the paths that lead through the park, and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under one of the shaded shelters.
520 Ashe Street
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 996-6468
raleighnc.gov
Thirty North Carolina governors and their families have called this red-brick Victorian mansion home since 1891. And in a state where hospitality is a core value, the house is also known as the “people’s house” because it welcomes thousands of North Carolinians each year who come to tour the historic property and gardens. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance to enjoy a guided tour of the mansion led by docents; one of the most popular times to visit is during the holidays when the home is decorated in timeless Christmas splendor.
200 North Blount Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 715-3962
dncr.nc.gov
All aboard! This magic-filled train ride through a Montgomery County wonderland includes seasonal sweets, plenty of cheer, and a few extra-special passengers.
Communities across the state celebrate the holiday season with sparkling lights, vibrant displays, and festive events that bring joy to the world.
North Carolina’s celebrated homes and historic districts are never more beautiful than by candlelight at Christmastime.
The thrill of the hunt takes on new fervor during the holidays. Seek and find in Randolph County, where the bounty of antiques can tempt a picker to abandon her list.
