Raleigh

Raleigh is the state capital of North Carolina. It is well-known for its educational institutions, notably North Carolina State University. The Research Triangle is named by the concentration of technological and educational institutions that surround Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham. The North Carolina State Capitol is a 19th-century Greek Revival-style structure with a rotunda that houses a statue of George Washington costumed as a Roman general.

Raleigh demonstrates that the South will rise again. First and foremost, it is a smart city. A number of colleges and institutions have campuses around the Greater Raleigh area. In addition, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, a geographical area that includes Durham and Chapel Hill and is densely populated with IT jobs and techies.

Second, it's an interesting city. Greater Raleigh, a booming community of around 500,000 people, welcomed more than 13 million tourists in 2013. And it's not hard to see why: Raleigh is brimming with entrepreneurial spirit. It's evident in the numerous craft breweries that dot this city in central North Carolina, as well as the influx of new restaurants and businesses downtown and in the trendy Warehouse district.

Third, it is a visually appealing city. Raleigh has natural beauty in addition to the urban pleasures of chic coffee shops and small companies. Visitors should go to the rich nature of the Neuse River Trail, the woodland grandeur of Umstead State Park, or any of the city's green spots for proof. It can be seen as one of the Best Places To Visit In The Carolinas.

Location: North Carolina

Best time to visit: fall and spring

Price: $151 for one person per day

Ranking:

• #9 Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• #21 Best Weekend Getaways in the South

Website: https://raleighnc.gov/