Explore Raleigh Beyond the Tourist Trail

Raleigh, a post-Revolutionary War city, is home to North Carolina’s fifth state capital. Yes—there were four capitals before Raleigh: Bath, Edenton, New Bern, and Fayetteville.

During the Revolutionary War, New Bern proved too accessible to British troops. After the war, the General Assembly voted to move the capital farther inland to what was then farmland and is now known as Raleigh.

Raleigh is named after English explorer and writer Sir Walter Raleigh, who never actually set foot on North Carolina soil. The name Raleigh has Old English roots and translates to “woodland clearing” or “meadow.” Nicknamed the “City of Oaks,” Raleigh is home to several colleges and universities, including North Carolina State University, Meredith College, Saint Augustine’s University, William Peace University, and Shaw University.

As North Carolina’s capital city, Raleigh offers plenty for families, couples, and adults looking for a close getaway. Like many seasoned travelers, I prefer to start any visit with a tour. Tours allow visitors to become acquainted with a city in a way that exploring only the “popular places” often cannot.

Our tours take guests beyond the core tourist areas and into neighborhoods filled with locally owned restaurants, historic homes, and hidden gems. Curious travelers usually want to know: Where do the locals spend their time? Where do they eat? What makes this city unique? What foods and experiences are distinctly Raleigh?

Our goal is simple—to provide a memorable experience that leaves you feeling like you truly got to know the city.

Our tours are easy to book online or by phone. So, what will you see?

Where the Adventure Begins

We begin our tour near the historic Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel in the heart of downtown Raleigh, meeting at the corner of Salisbury and Davie Streets. After signing waivers and completing a brief training, we begin our adventure.

Our first stop is the North Carolina State Capitol, where we share a brief history and pause for photos.

From there, we continue past a local favorite, Gringo A Go Go Mexican Restaurant, on our way to the Historic Oakwood neighborhood.

Turning into Oakwood with the city skyline behind you, it is easy to feel as though you have left downtown entirely—but you have not.

Historic Oakwood is home to the largest collection of Victorian-era homes still standing in North Carolina. Queen Anne and Italianate homes line the streets for blocks, offering a glimpse into another era. We casually ride through the neighborhood, learning about its history while admiring the architecture.

Along the way, we stop for photos in front of a few favorite homes and talk about neighborhood staples such as Side Street Restaurant, a beloved local institution tucked away in Oakwood for decades. Nearby, another local favorite, Smokestacks Café, offers even more neighborhood charm.

A Sweet Raleigh Tradition

Next comes one of the tour’s sweetest stops—Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

Founded in Winston-Salem in 1937, Krispy Kreme has deep North Carolina roots, and Raleigh is home to one of the company’s historic locations at Peace and Person Streets. Riding our colorful Rydables through the drive-through always turns heads, and if we are lucky, the famous “Hot Now” sign will be glowing. 🤞🏾

History, Politics, and Local Flavor

After our donut stop, we continue past the Historic Mordecai neighborhood toward the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion, passing beautiful Victorian homes along the way.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once described the Governor’s Mansion as the most beautiful governor’s residence in the country—and it is easy to see why. The mansion remains one of Raleigh’s architectural showpieces.

Our tour then continues to Moore Square and the historic City Market District.

This area is home to Big Ed’s, a longtime breakfast and lunch favorite, as well as one of my personal favorites, Blackbird Books & Coffee—a welcoming blend of bookstore and coffee shop. Looking to support local artists? Artspace offers working studio space for Raleigh artists and is open to the public. It is a worthwhile stop for anyone wanting to experience the local arts scene.

From City Market, we make our way back toward our starting point and say our goodbyes.

A Few More Raleigh Favorites

If you have extra time in Raleigh, here are a few places within a short distance of our tour meeting location worth exploring:

A Place at the Table – A mission-based restaurant where guests pay what they can afford.

Morgan Street Food Hall – A great option for groups and families, with something for everyone to enjoy.

House of Many Porches – Located on the grounds of Dorothea Dix Park, this beautifully restored space offers food, coffee, beer, and wine. It is a perfect stop before or after exploring the park.

Gipson Play Plaza – One of the nicest public parks I have visited. Children and adults alike will enjoy this imaginative and engaging space.

Thomas Dambo’s Trolls – Five larger-than-life troll sculptures can be found throughout Dorothea Dix Park, all located less than a mile from downtown Raleigh and well worth the adventure.

We look forward to sharing the city with you and hope this content is helpful.

Dianna L. Ward

Owner Raleigh Rydables