Raleigh, NC, The "Smithsonian of the South"

When people think of museums, they think of Washington, DC, the Smithsonian Institute, and even New York City. But would you ever think about Raleigh, North Carolina? Ever since the reopening of Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, the city has been pushing for visitors across the world to discover the spirit of Raleigh. From its many attractions and historic sites to its arts and entertainment district, Raleigh has continued to evolve into a destination for families and out-of-town visitors. Only one thing separates Raleigh from being a superpower destination like larger cities - visitors.

Often called the "Smithsonian of the South," Raleigh is home to many museums. Three of Raleigh's most well-known museums include the North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and Exploris Museum. In addition, the North Carolina Museum of Art is within a short drive of downtown Raleigh. Whether one is looking for one of Three Places for Lunch with Children and Dad in Raleigh or any other family-friendly destination in Raleigh, its many museums have something sure to please everyone.

At the North Carolina Museum of History, visitors can explore exhibits ranging from "Rhythm and Roots of North Carolina Music" to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. For the summer, the museum is offering several programs for visitors. "Time for Tots: First Fast Foods" offers children and families the opportunity to learn about foods native to North Carolina, and then create their own treats. In addition, bluegrass fans may enjoy learning how bluegrass got its start and the musical instruments unique to the musical genre. Also planned for the summer are programs planned around learning about life in the Appalachian Mountains and a summer performance series, including artists such as Donna Washington, Charles Pettee, Larry Nixon, David Blevins, and Steve Gage. Another sure hit for families, "Pirates Ahoy!" allows children to hear pirate tales, create pirate crafts, and learn about North Carolina's famous pirates, Blackbeard and Anne Bonney.