Sir Walter Raleigh, our city's namesake
For the last few weeks now, I’ve enjoyed travelling all over the blogosphere with the BlogTrotters. It’s like a really cool virtual tour group.
Today I’m happy to be hosting you Blog Trotters in Raleigh, North Carolina! I’ve been a resident of the Raleigh area for almost 5 years now. What I meant to be a temporary move (for school) has happily become permanent.
As far as places go, Raleigh is definitely underrated. When people think of North Carolina, they often think of the mountains, the Outer Banks, or Charlotte (all great places). But Raleigh holds it’s own in North Carolina, not only because it’s the state capitol and centrally located, but also because it has it’s own unique features.
It's hard to get a good view of downtown with all the hills
Raleigh itself only has about 400K people, but it’s only one corner of the Triangle (which also includes Durham and Chapel Hill). The Triangle got its name from the trio of top-notch research schools located within 30 minutes of each other: UNC, Duke, and NC State.
These schools in turn have drawn techie computer and pharmaceutical companies, which not only makes Raleigh one of the fastest growing places in the US, but brings in a lot of Yankees. I love not being the odd-one-out…you’re more likely to meet a recent Raleigh transplant than a lifelong resident.
This also makes Raleigh quite diverse and educated. Love that, too.
The acorn statue downtown
As far as climate, Raleigh is definitely in the South, muggy and warm. It can get cold too (especially this past winter!). Neither the heat or the cold is as extreme here as what I was used to growing up in Kansas, though.
The big differences from Kansas, though are the hills and the trees. Especially the trees…which are everywhere. Gotta love the neon-green pollen in the spring and the brilliant foliage in the fall. Raleigh is actually called “The City of Oaks”…and we drop an acorn instead of a ball on New Year’s Eve. Classy, right?
While visitors to Raleigh are much more likely to be here for business than pleasure, there are cultural things to do here. So I’m told. But you just might have to ask someone else about that…I just know that it’s a great place to live.
Photos by bobistraveling, pamocampo, and jamieca
Yea! I love Raleigh! Great post!
.-= April´s last blog ..Nuptial Delight: 3 Guestbook Ideas =-.
Definitely looks like a place I’d like to visit. If I do got a couch I can crash on ;)
.-= Veronica´s last blog ..Like A Phoenix =-.
I just love the name of your blog!
I’m too wimpy for heat and humidity. It doesn’t even get that HOT where I am now but the humidity kills me and makes me want to move back to the desert *L*
The acorn statue is too funny!
.-= mub´s last blog ..R is for Ric Rac =-.
As a native, I am quite biased. Our city is rich with history. I pity the folks who live here for years and never take advantage of all it has to offer.
.-= Cheryl´s last blog .."Magnetic Books" =-.
Veronica: Definitely. =)
Mub: Thanks!
Cheryl: Yeah, I’m one of those. But I’m not too interested in exploring alone, so I just don’t do it.
Happy Blogtrotting Day! We have that neon green pollen down here in Georgia too. It’s awful! Small price to pay though. :)
.-= Sara Plays House´s last blog ..Welcome To Georgia, Y’all! =-.
I heard many good things about Raleigh :D That picture of the city at night is gorgeous!
very interesting post about Raleigh
Nice to read it from your blog
.-= lady kingdom´s last blog ..Decision Bar Trading Software =-.
I live so close to Raleigh – well, in comparison to others – but I haven’t even attempted a visit in my three years living in North Carolina. Maybe some day. But really, I’ve barely even explored Charlotte yet and I live only 15 miles away! Ha.
.-= MinD´s last blog ..Tuneage Tuesday — “The Curse of Curves” =-.
wow, great tour! very interesting, I learned a lot. I love the part about dropping a big acorn on New Year’s Eve! And trees, I envy you your trees.
Despite having family in Chapel Hill, I have never visited that part of the state. The beach, yes, but not inland. I have heard so many wonderful things about it though, from yourself and others, that I must get there one day.
Love that they drop an acorn!
Thanks for the tour, my fellow former Kansan! Which ironically, we haven’t had anyone from Kansas sign up to host a tour yet. Know anyone?
Great tour! I have been wanting to visit all points on the triangle for years, especially since my younger brother moved to Charlotte and his girlfriend to Wake Forest. I’ll get there someday!
I’ll be checking back to check out the progress on your reading challenges. I love, love, love reading and hearing about new books to add to my “to read” list!
.-= mep´s last blog ..Tale of a Tuesday =-.
Hey! That is so cool, and very interesting. Congrats on your feature!
I’m all about the great state of NC. In fact, I’ll be down your way…but on the coast… in about 3 weeks. NC is pretty amazing, in so many ways!
.-= Melissa B.´s last blog ..Tennis, Anyone? =-.
I’m in Raleigh too– moved here back in 2008. The pollen is INSANE. I grew up in the South but lived in Phx for 5 years and got used to their climate. I sure didn’t miss all that yellow junk– I call it Mother’s Nature’s Pixi Stix.
.-= Melissa (adventuroo)´s last blog ..Call Me For a Good Time =-.
Genevieve: You can have them (I’m not a big fan).
Melissa: I’ve been seeing your countdown clock and have been jealous. LOVE the Outer Banks!
Melissa: This spring was the worst I’ve ever seen!
.-= Ronnica´s last blog ..FQF: Moving Themed =-.
What an Awesome post! I’d heard great things about Raleigh, including that it’s a great place to raise a family.
Great job, fellow Blogtrotter!
Dianna: It is. =)