The Southeast's largest natural history museum features dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas, special exhibits, hands-on science education and accessible scientists. IMLS National Medal Finalist, 2014. General admission is free.

A North Carolina holiday staple! If we weren't getting married that night, we'd probably be here seeing the fabulous Chinese Lantern Festival! Tickets go on sale later in the year!

Sandwiched between downtown Raleigh and the airport, this oasis of green features a stand of 300+ year-old hardwood trees, more than 32 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, camp sites and lots more for nature lovers.

One of the leading art museums in the American South, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) recently completed a major, three-year expansion that places it in the front ranks of museums nationwide. The NCMA offers a permanent collection spanning more than 5,000 years, a variety of celebrated exhibitions and public programs, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and the nation’s largest museum park—164 acres of trails and parkland containing major works of art.

Raleigh has a wonderful network of public trails and open spaces perfect for walking or biking!

The Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh is a multimedia contemporary art gallery in the Warehouse District. CAM Raleigh has no permanent collection but offers exhibitions of works by artists with regional, national, and international recognition.

Town park with a centerpiece night-lit fountain, landscaped gardens, benches & community games. Events happening daily!

Recreation area with 5.4 miles of trails around a lake, plus boat rentals, picnic areas & fishing.

A Raleigh favorite of ours!

A truly spectacular dinner experience of Laotian food, another epic date spot of ours. Make a reservation well ahead of time!

Where Julia and Matt had their first date!

Underground speakeasy with live music and great drinks!

Cocktail and dessert bar in downtown Raleigh -- one of Julia's favorite date locations!