Tours

Downtown and Greater Raleigh are filled with great touring opportunities. From Historic Downtown to the lively Chapel Square, you will have much to see and do.

North Carolina Museum of History Downtown, tour the Executive Mansion, built in 1861, and get an inside look at how the governor lives, then head to the nearby State Capitol Building, considered one of the best-preserved examples of Greek-Revival style architecture in the country. Dine at the Five Star Chinese restaurant. The North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences are also nearby.

Exploris Those with children can opt to visit Exploris, an interactive museum, or the nearby North Carolina Museum of Art. History buffs will want to head to Historic Oakwood, known for its beautiful Victorian homes. Catch a performance of the North Carolina Symphony, then dine at Bojangles', which serves classic comfort food. Brightleaf Square Brightleaf Square, in the Durham Historic District, is a collection of renovated brick buildings that house an interesting variety of shops and restaurants, like Taverna Nikos. Visit the lush Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Gothic Duke University Chapel. The displays at the interactive Museum of Life and Science make it popular with visitors and locals alike.

Keenan Memorial Stadium The Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill is one of the largest in the country. There are both old and new paintings on display at the Ackland Art Museum, which is close to Top of the Hill and Il Palio Ristorante. Tour the beautiful Keenan Memorial Stadium, home of the Carolina Tar Heels.

Lincoln Theatre The Marble Kids Museum & Wachovia IMAX Theatre is popular with families. Its displays encourage education through hands-on experience. Dine at George's Garage or Tipton's Chophouse. Stop in for a show at the Lincoln Theatre or the Meymandi Concert Hall.

Those who prefer an organized tour may want to give one of these professional companies a call. Take a guided walking tour of Historic Raleigh, a train tour or a trolley tour. The city is also easy enough to explore on your own by foot.

Walking Tours Historic Tours of Raleigh ( +1 919 829 4988 )

Another tasty option is the Triangle Food Tour which conducts walking tours of downtown Raleigh every Thursday and Saturday. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Bus Tours Coach America ( +1 800 222 4793/ http://www.coachamerica.com/ ) USA Luxury Tours ( +1 919 490 3166/ http://www.usaluxurytours.com/ ) J&R Charter Service Inc ( +1 919 477 2782/ http://www.worldpointe.com/ ) Southern Tours ( +1 919 683 8791/ http://www.southerncoach.com/ ) Historic Tours of Raleigh ( +1 919 829 4988 )

Train Tours Acorn Express ( +1 919 782 3885/ http://www.bytrain.org/passenger/groupinfo/contact.html )

Boat Tours Tom & Jerry Charter Boats ( +1 919 489 9688 )

Trolley Tours City of Raleigh Trolley Tours ( +1 919 857 4364/ http://www.raleigh-nc.org/ )