Although named after that most famous of English explorers, Raleigh in North Carolina is in many ways the archetypal American city. Built specifically as the state capital, the city displays all the history, style and grandeur a capital demands, and all the culture, leisure and business opportunities which consistently rank it amongst the most liveable cities in the United States. As increasing numbers come to to live, to study and to work in the city the visitor numbers increase too and the hotels Raleigh has more than meet the demand for convenient, functional, high quality city accommodation, and often with no little style too.
Served by Raleigh-Durham International Airport, there are direct flight connections from London Heathrow and with many American cities, including Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Denver. By road the city is connected via interstates 40, 85 and 95, and the East Coast Corridor US 1 passes through Raleigh on route from New York to Florida Keys. Amtrak rail services also serve the city. Once in the center, the grid plan one way system makes it straightforward to get around but there are strict parking and towing controls enforced throughout and so using the regular bus services may be the best option for accessing the main city sights and attractions.
Many of the most popular parts of the city are in the Old Raleigh downtown region. Fayetteville Street and Cameron Village are the main business districts. Fayetteville Street is the main city thoroughfare and leads from the State Capitol to the Raleigh Convention Center. As well as hosting numerous city parades and major events this is where to find the City Museum, the Museum of History, and the Museum of Science and Natural History. The State Capitol itself is a National Historic Landmark and the entire Lafayette Street Historic District features on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cameron Village has a different kind of appeal of visitors. The neighborhood was specifically created as a shopping and residential district, the first to be built between Washington DC and Atlanta. As a result it contains many of the oldest boutiques in the city as well as some of the most popular restaurants. There are further shopping opportunities to be had in the various malls throughout the city and particularly on Capitol Boulevard within in the Triangle Town Center, which features Macy's, Sears, and Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Southwest Raleigh, around N.C State University is best for bars and nightlife and the city is renowned for the number and quality of microbreweries.
For those looking for some greenery in the city, Raleigh is not known as the City of Oaks for nothing. The most popular green spaces are Pullen Park, which contains an aquatic center and an historic carousel, and Lake Johnson Nature Park, open every day for nature trails, biking, and hiking, all within a picturesque lakeside setting. Paddle boats are available for hire, ideal for taking to the lake itself. Perhaps the best way to take a break from the stresses of the city is by indulging in some treatments offered by the Blue Water Spa, regarded as one of the best medical spas in America.
Hotels in the city cater for all-comers. There are grand traditional hotels which evoke all the traditions and history of the city, as well as providing exceptional facilities and comforts, and small intimate family run establishments typical of a city which has three universities, and which attracts many visitors looking for comfortable and affordable accommodation. In between is everything else and as a state capital, visitors can be assured of the latest in-room technologies for business as well as pleasure.
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