raleigh, north carolina: a diva friendly destination

the city of oaks is smack in the middle of north carolina, close enough to the beach and mountains. it’s also this divaintern’s hometown. my friends and i often complain that there’s nothing to do here, but that was before i looked at it with a view to showing our best to outsiders. get here via the rdu international airport and on your way into town take in our gorgeous weather.

where to stay

for cozy accommodation and quiet downtown location, try the oakwood inn bed and breakfast
or the clarion hotel state capitol for the more independent traveler.

where to eat

518 west is casual, great tasting italian fare. the angus barn is a traditional steak house with a stellar local reputation, and yes, it is in an old barn, well worth the drive. second empire is upscale and creative in its menu, a downtown classic.

what to do

the state capitol building is a truly unique example of greek revival architecture with a pretty cool state of george washington in a roman general’s uniform inside. Well worth checking out. or stroll along lanes of historic homes and the mordecai historic park, set up to look the it did in the 19^th century.

if you’re here for the weekend a visit to the farmer’s market is a must. the most colorful produce (and people) converge on this downtown slice of country living. buy wine from north carolina vineyards, produce directly from local farmers (who often offer a taste before you buy) and traditional handicrafts, not to mention a stunning array of bbq sauces and salsas for which this region is known. it also has it’s own country cooking restaurant.

downtown live every other saturday is the place to be if you like snow cones, jam bands, and beer.

if you’re feeling adventurous

barhop the glenwood south district and dance the night away or just get a late night coffee or tea in a modern setting at helios. memorial auditorium for new york musicals, plays, the north carolina symphony, and every christmas, charles dicken’s a christmas carol.

if you come in the fall, there are tons of college sports played in the area and hockey at the rbc center too.

get your shopping fix at cameron village shopping center, an outdoor mall with all the luxury of bigger city shopping.

[images via flickr, except the farmer's market tomatoes, that one i took last weekend]