Friday, January 15, 2010

What's With You, People of Raleigh?

When I visit an area, I like to explore. To begin my exploring, I always ask locals to tell me their favorite thing to do/see in their town. And Raleigh has been no different. Since I have been here, I have asked everyone with whom I have come into contact. People of different ages. Different occupations. Different races.

I don't understand their answer. Not one single person could name anything to do in this town.

So I tried to lead them, asking about museums, galleries, shopping, restaurants, bars, music, parks, historic sites, etc....

Still, nothing!

One person told me to "Drive south on I-40 to Wilmington to visit the beach."

Another told me to "Drive west on I-40 to Asheville or to the mountains."

Another just flat said "Leave town."

Seriously? You are in a metropolitan area. The state capitol. Home to universities. And there is nothing to do?!?

Guess I'm on my own.....

14 comments:

Lori said...

Really? I love Raleigh. I lived there for a very short time and loved it. They have some very cool shops in the downtown area. I went to some awesome eating places...my neighbors family were middle eastern and they had a resteraunt(not sure if they still do?)and OMG the food was out of this world. I wish I could think of this place we ate at down town...they had unusual kinds of stuff that you don't find at regular eating places...great hummus and pita chips....my favorite bar was actually a gay bar called Legends because they played some really great music on certain nights and we would dance it up...if it were summertime I would tell you to go to the gardens that the college have....beautiful...also the state park is beautiful to hike in...reminded me of Minnesota...I am sure the longer I think about it the more I will remember but it's been a few years since I lived there.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Amazing. Those people must be unemployed and unhappy.
Good luck...I can't help you in this area.

Tammy said...

Hahaha, people are so strange! I know you will find something cool to do.

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

That is strange. NC is usually such a friendly place. When I used to live near there, we used to go to the CrabTree Valley Mall. Not sure if it is even there anymore. That was back in the day when malls were all the rage.
I say head for the visitors center and take some of the locals with you!
<><

I Am Woody said...

I've even checked the visitor's bureau online and even their descriptions suck. I just went driving today and found several areas that warrant more exploration:) But other than not thinking their city has nothing to offer, everyone has been very friendly!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

Surge on GF! I know you will have stories to share!
<><

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Sooner or later you will find a 'local' who can direct you to some neat places.. Keep looking... I'm sure they are there... Find a little junk store on the corner --owned by a 'local'.... Bet they can tell you some stories...

I can't help you either with that city or area... Good Luck!!!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Clippy Mat said...

wow, i will cross that place off my list of places to see before I die... unless you find out something the locals don't know??
:-)

The Good Eater said...

I go to Raliegh to visit family so I don't see it as a tourist. I don't think the Raleigh Trolley runs in January but it is a great way to get some Raleigh history. I always like visiting the college's in the area. UNC-Chapel Hill has Franklin St and the Bell Tower, micro breweries and interesting restaurants. Duke Campus offers some photo ops. NC State sort of sprawls across the city. All campuses have great botanical gardens but maybe not so great in January. Umstead Park offers a lot of hiking trails. The Alamance Battleground is not far from Raleigh, in Burlington. I'm bet you are going to find things that we didn't even know were here. Have fun!

Unknown said...

You should ask them what they would miss if they moved away. Or maybe not :)

Unknown said...

Never been to Raleigh..but in Durham, you MUST go see Duke Chapel at Duke University..Breath taking! Everything about it is amazing!

Desert Survivor said...

That's funny! Maybe you should go back and write a travel guide so the locals know what to do.

big hair envy said...

Cool Breeze went to NC State. When I went down to visit, I wasn't really interested in, um, sightseeing;)

I'll check with him and see if he has any recommendations.

Snooty Primadona said...

How strange...