Research Triangle, North Carolina
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North Carolina is generally thought to be a rural state. True, we are a leading producer of tobacco, and cows can be found even in the capital. However, Research Triangle is a business district surrounded by a cluster of bigger cities- Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. This whole area is growing, and it is worth visiting. Visitors here will get a taste of southern hospitality but will have enough to do to make the visit worthwhile!
Introduction to THE TRIANGLE
RALEIGH is the state capital. It is a rapidly-growing city with a steady supply of college students entering the work force due to several universities nearby. Raleigh is rated highly as a place for singles to live and is also considered a place where people lead a healthy lifestyle (exercising, eating well). The cost of living is slightly lower than the US average.
Things to do for free: NC Museum of Art (large American, European, ancient Egyptian and Oceanic collections), science and history museums, ArtSpace (amazing place composed of two stories of art studios where you can view art and see local artists in action), historical information center downtown (all about Raleigh).
Other entertainment: The fairgrounds on Blue Ridge Road hold events weekly, and the flea market there is free to browse. You can shop at Crabtree Valley Mall (large but unpretentious mall) or the pretty Shoppes at Cameron Village (more expensive outdoor shops). North Carolina State football and basketball is fun when it's in season as well as watching live ice hockey games at the RBC Center. For theatre fanatics, there's Theatre in the Park, Raleigh Little Theatre, and Pullen Park Theatre to name a few venues. Charlie Goodnight's Comedy Club brings in acts from around the country and has a discounted price for amateur/local's night.
Great restaurants for every palette: Sushi-Thai on Wycliff Road, Bella Monica (Italian) on Edward Mills Road, Royal India on Capital Boulevard, Rockford (American, slightly upscale) on Glenwood South, Mitch's Tavern (excellent chili, soups, and sandwiches in a pub setting) on Hillsborough Street, Irregardless Cafe (American, mixed) on Morgan Street, Neomonde (mediterranean deli) on Beryl Road. Certainly there are other restaurants, bars, clubs, and activities to be found. Biking and hiking trails are in the city within driving distance from these activities.
Inside scoop: Downtown Raleigh is being built up with condominiums. Beware of construction and many one-way streets. Downtown is fairly easy to walk around once you're there, but in general, public transportation is not good in the city. Try to get a hotel downtown or on Hillsborough Street if you want to be in downtown Raleigh or on Capital Boulevard if you plan to be uptown more. The population, you may find, is predominantly white and Christian, and many people will speak English only (with a Southern accent, okay y'all?). However, in addition to whites and African Americans, there are strong Latino, Indian, and Muslim populations present. No matter who you are or where you're from, you should feel fairly comfortable in The Triangle.
CARY is a charming city with an older section and a newer section. For a terrific spa experience, try SkinSense on Kildaire Farms Road.
DURHAM is a grittier city in North Carolina. I suggest exploring and asking the locals which areas are safe. There is a great urban hipster/ music scene here.
CHAPEL HILL and CARRBORO are progressive, activist communities as far as NC goes. Tune your radio to North Carolina Public Radio for the news, or live stream it online; much of its programming comes from here at the University of North Carolina (UNC). Visitors can use UNC buses for free. Other bus systems make stops regularly around Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and the Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) goes back and forth between here and Raleigh. Chapel Hill does have a rural area to it. But in the middle of the city, the UNC campus is beautiful to walk through. Across the street from UNC is downtown Chapel Hill, where upscale shops and restaurants are juxtaposed with thrift-shops and seedy "massage" and tobacco paraphenalia shops. This is Franklin Street, and it is generally safe, although one block over, Rosemary Street, is not as safe at night. Franklin Street Turns into Main Street. Once it does, you're in Carrboro. Everything you will want to see here is within walking distance. You may notice the clothing styles change from Chapel Hill. Many people in Carrboro like to use second-hand clothing, and most try to shop for organic foods and walk or bike versus driving. It is a laid-back atmosphere. The culture is extremely mixed- from French to Muslim to Latino to hippie to queer. This city has an amazing amount of southern charm. You are likely to get invited in somewhere for dinner! However, it is modern at the same time because people are so accepting of culture variance and welcome change for the better in their communities.
Bars to try: Franklin Street is legendary among NC college students for partying. On Halloween, there is a huge outdoor party where the street is roped off. The rest of the year, it isn't as hectic. The Carolina Coffee Shop and The Cave are quiet, dark bars. Fuse on Rosemary Street is a bar right in between Chapel Hill and Carrboro, so you can get a good feel for the area here. Speakeasy on Main Street is another friendly bar in Carrboro for the younger set, while Top of the Hill on Franklin Street is better for a cigar and a nice view of Chapel Hill. Another option for a beer or coffee and a hookah is Hookah Bliss on Franklin Street; the owner is very friendly.
The Best of Carrboro: Go to Weaver Street Market! Get dinner and cheap alcohol; this is THE community spot to be in the evenings. There's live music on Thursday nights and a Sunday jazz brunch. Also, have a coffee at Open Eye Cafe on N Greensboro Street or Padgett Station for an all-organic cafe experience; visit the Farmers market on the corner of Weaver Street and Main Street on Wednesday nights or Saturday mornings; and try a yoga class at the Yoga Centre near Weaver Street. For a high-class French meal, Provence is authentic and delicious, or do vegetarian like the locals do, and eat at Spotted Dog (both on Weaver Street). Sit out by the pool, and have a drink with the neighbors. Borrow a bicycle, and explore the neighborhoods' many cute houses. Just don't miss this city. It is an original! (And considering the atmosphere, I'm sure you could find a way to stay here completely free if you want.)
Tip: If you stay in a rural area for part of the time and then stay in the central area of one of these cities, you will get terrific exposure to life in North Carolina and The Triangle. Happy traveling!
