Raleigh, North Carolina

After celebrating thanksgiving at Southport my family and I embarked on a delightful journey to Raleigh, North Carolina. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its beautiful oak trees that line the streets, Raleigh offered us a blend of rich history, modern attractions, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Our first stop was the **State Capitol Building**, an architectural marvel and a testament to the city's historical significance. As we wandered through its halls, we were captivated by the stories of North Carolina's past and the elegance of the Greek Revival style architecture. The Capitol, standing proudly since 1840, has been a silent witness to the state's evolution and is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history.

In the afternoon, we explored the **North Carolina Museum of Sciences** and the **North Carolina Museum of History**. The Museum of Sciences was a wonderland for both kids and adults, with interactive exhibits that spanned topics from astronomy to zoology. The Museum of History, meanwhile, offered a deep dive into the state's rich past, from its indigenous roots to modern-day achievements. These museums not only educated us but also kept us thoroughly entertained.

After a day full of explorations, we checked into our hotel, freshened up, and headed out to downtown Raleigh. The evening was reserved for a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, lined with art installations, quaint shops, and bustling cafes. The city's energy was infectious, and the friendliness of the locals added to the charm.

Dinner was a delightful affair at **Sitti**, a renowned Lebanese restaurant. The authentic flavors of the Middle East were a treat to our taste buds. From the perfectly grilled kebabs to the flavorful mezze platters, every dish was a culinary masterpiece, leaving us craving for more.

The next day, our adventure continued at the **James B. Hunt Jr. Library**. This library, located at NC State's Centennial Campus, is a marvel of modern architecture and technological innovation. With its robotically-assisted book retrieval system and a vast collection of resources, the library was a fascinating experience, especially for my tech-enthusiast son. I have been impressed with Public libraries here in the US which are managed like a first class institution that we were not surprised by the ambience of this library.

Our Raleigh journey concluded at **Pullen Park**, one of the oldest amusement parks in the USA. Here, we enjoyed a nostalgic train ride, which took us around the scenic park. The highlight, however, was the historic carousel, a beautifully restored piece of history that charmed both young and old. Watching the joy on my kids' faces as they rode the hand-carved animals was a memorable end to our trip.

The day being cold since morning I craved for Chola Bhatura and found multiple Indian restaurants, so we went to one nearby in Cary called Indian Mithai and had Chola Bhatura, Samosa chat and vegetable cutlets. It was a savoury treat.

Raleigh, with its unique blend of history, science, architecture, and green spaces, proved to be the perfect destination for a family weekend getaway. Its ability to cater to diverse interests made our trip both educational and immensely enjoyable. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or just looking to spend quality time with your family, Raleigh, North Carolina, is a destination that won't disappoint.