Raleigh Facts
Capital City: Raleigh is North Carolina's capital with a population of almost 350,000. It is also the county seat of Wake County, one of the largest counties in the state. But beyond a government town, Raleigh is a bustling center for business, health care and education in the state and the region. It's home to research powerhouse NC State University and six other institutions of higher learning.
Getting Here: Raleigh is centrally located on the East Coast, easily accessible by car, plane or train. More than half of the United States population lives within a day's drive or an hour's flight.
Airport: The Raleigh-Durham International Airport, or RDU, is located just 20 minutes away from downtown Raleigh in western Wake County off I-40. Served by nine major and 16 regional carriers, RDU offers nearly 450 arrivals and departures per day with direct service to 37 destinations, including international flights to London and Toronto.
Climate: The mild year-round climate makes it an ideal destination for meetings any time of year. This seasonable climate is also great for year-round golfing.
Hotels: Within the downtown area alone, more than 1,000 rooms will be available when the newest hotel -- the Raleigh Marriott City Center -- opens in 2008. Several more luxury hotels are also joining the hotel scene, bringing the room total to nearly 14,000 countywide, all within easy driving distance of the convention center.
Restaurants/Nightlife: Raleigh hosts a vibrant diversity of cultures and cuisines. From gourmet fare to trendy breweries to barbecue NC-style, the area offers sensational restaurants -- almost 100 restaurants and clubs in downtown Raleigh alone! You'll want to try out the range of lively nightspots and entertainment districts like City Market, Glenwood South or the Warehouse District. Catch a live performance by a local band, dance the night away or drop by a comedy club.
Arts & Entertainment: The arts are alive and flourishing in Raleigh, thanks to an energetic arts community that begins in downtown Raleigh. You might take in a Broadway show, the North Carolina Theatre, the nationally acclaimed Carolina Ballet or the NC Symphony at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts right across the street from the Raleigh Convention Center. Visit the most stimulating museums in North Carolina (perhaps the Southeast) including the NC Art Museum, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, the NC Museum of History and Exploris, a multicultural museum including an IMAX theater. You'll also find treasures in smaller galleries, eclectic shops and historic sites.
Sports: Let the season be your guide for sports action. In winter, the NHL Carolina Hurricanes hit the ice; in spring-summer, the Carolina Mudcats stir up AA baseball excitement. And the NC State Wolfpack takes on ACC opponents in football, basketball and more. Looking for golf destinations? The Raleigh area offers some of the best in the Southeast, with more than 20 public courses that can be enjoyed year-round.
Right to Work State: North Carolina is a "Right to Work" state.