Short tour to Raleigh and Durham : What should you do? (with videos)
Welcome to my video tour and guide of Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina.
I didn’t have much time and it was my first time there but was still able to see a lot and make the most of my short trip.
Here’s a list of some highlights that should not be missed and many will be in my 360 video I filmed when I visited.
The outdoors was amazing in the fall as you will see in the video.
- Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Capital Building of North Carolina
- Historical Yates Mill
- Duke University and Chapel
- American Tobacco Campus in Durham
- Duke Gardens
360 VR travel videos
Welcome to my 360 VR video tour and guide where I travel to Raleigh Durham and film with my 360 camera.
I’ll take you around the sights and give a written guide here as you watch the 360 videos below in each section.
Will be adding more 360 videos as I edit them.
There will also be quick cinematic YouTube shorts videos.
Things to see in Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Located in downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is one of the largest natural history museums in the United States.
– It features a variety of exhibits, from paleontology to marine mammalogy and zoology.
– The museum also hosts educational programs and special events throughout the year.
– Inside, you will find interactive displays such as dinosaur skeletons and hands-on activities for all ages.
– There are also outdoor gardens where visitors can explore native plants or take part in guided nature hikes.
– The museum also houses a library with over 250,000 volumes related to natural sciences, including historic works and current research studies.
– In addition to its permanent exhibitions and collections, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences offers traveling exhibits that provide insight into science topics from all around the world.
– Visitors have access to an audio guide tour narrated by scientists which includes both English and Spanish versions for added convenience!
North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the state and one of the most acclaimed visual arts institutions in the Southeast.
– Located in Raleigh, NC, it houses a permanent collection of more than 5,000 works from across centuries and cultures.
– Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to ancient Greek & Roman sculpture, Old Master paintings, 20th century photography and modern American art.
– The museum also features rotating exhibitions on a wide range of topics including fashion design and popular culture.
– In addition to its main gallery spaces, it offers outdoor sculpture gardens where visitors can take their time admiring pieces by renowned artists such as Henry Moore or Andy Goldsworthy.
I enjoyed the outdoor sections more than the indoor due to its uniqueness, and you can see in my video.
– Special events include concerts, lectures and hands-on activities for families with kids or adults looking for an educational experience.
– Visitors have access to audio guides that narrate works exhibited throughout the galleries as well as several digital resources available through computers placed around the building’s lobby area.
– Guided tours are offered daily providing an overview of some highlights within each exhibition hall as well as insight into specific techniques used by different artists featured at this museum!
North Carolina Capital Building
The North Carolina Capital Building is the state’s oldest surviving public building, built in 1840.
– Located in downtown Raleigh, it serves as the seat of government for North Carolina and houses the General Assembly, executive offices and legislative chambers.
– It features a two story Greek Revival facade with six columns that reach up to four stories tall and a grand dome on top.
– Inside, visitors can explore its historic rooms such as three House galleries filled with portraits of former governors, a Senate chamber lined with flags representing every county in North Carolina or an old Supreme Court room where justices once heard cases.
– The building also contains several temporary exhibits showcasing artwork or artifacts related to state history throughout the year.
In fact, the Indian holiday of Diwali was the focus exhibit when I went.
– Its grounds are open daily for guided tours which provide insight into both architecture and history via audio recordings narrated by experienced docents who have been working at this location since 1991!
– In addition to scheduled activities such as educational programs for children or concerts featuring local musicians during summer months, there are many outdoor spaces including gardens where visitors can take their time admiring sculptures by famous contemporary artists like Alexander Calder or Jean Tinguely placed around this iconic structure’s perimeter!
Historic Yates Mill
Historic Yates Mill is a fully restored, working grist mill located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
This place was amazing in the fall as you will see in the video with fall foliage.
– Built in 1756 by Thomas Blount, it served as an important source of agricultural production for Wake County farmers until the 1970s.
– Today, this site offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore and experience a piece of American history first hand through guided tours and demonstrations that highlight traditional milling techniques used centuries ago.
– It also features historic buildings such as the 1860s farmhouse where visitors can explore exhibits on colonial life or try their hand at old chores like churning butter or grinding cornmeal!
– The surrounding parkland provides scenic views of rolling meadows and marshlands populated by birds including egrets and herons which make for great photo opportunities during one’s visit.
– Special events held throughout the year include music performances from local bands in addition to educational programs designed to provide insight into early farming practices associated with Historic Yates Mill’s heritage.
– Visitors have access to audio guides available both online and at the site which offer more information about its history as well as interactive activities for children who wish to explore further!
Things to see in Durham, North Carolina
Duke University and Chapel
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina.
In my video you will see the campus and the chapel.
– The campus is known for its Gothic architecture and features several historical sites such as the Duke Chapel which was built in 1932.
– The chapel stands 210 feet tall with two towers on either side of the main entrance and underwent renovations in 2006 to restore its original beauty.
– Inside, visitors can explore its memorabilia collection featuring items from prominent figures associated with the university including past presidents or Nobel laureates among others!
– In addition to services held every Sunday morning, it also hosts musical performances throughout the year such as those offered by student groups like Gospel Choir or Chamber Singers who use this space as their practice venue.
American Tobacco Campus in Durham
American Tobacco Campus is a historical entertainment, dining, and shopping district located in Durham, North Carolina.
The campus was mostly empty when I went as you can see in the video, probably due to time I went. It was a interesting historical throwback and repurposing of an old cigarette factory.
– It was once the site of the Lucky Strike Factory which produced cigarettes before being converted into an open air mall in 2004.
– The complex features several restaurants such as Pompieri Pizza and Bull City Burger & Brewery as well as shops like Boxcar Bar + Arcade or Motorco Music Hall.
– Its grounds are also home to numerous public art pieces including sculptures by local artists or colorful murals painted on buildings throughout this area’s perimeter.
– There are many events held here each year such as outdoor concerts along with food truck rallies showcasing unique culinary creations from around the Triangle!
– Visitors can take a free tour led by knowledgeable staff members who share stories about its history while providing insight into some of its most iconic attractions such as “Lucky’s Room” which contains artifacts from decades past!
Sarah P Duke Gardens
Sarah P Duke Gardens is a 55-acre public garden located in Durham, North Carolina.
This was an amazing garden right in the middle of the campus of Duke University with amazing variety as you will see in the video.
– It was established in 1934 and features several gardens such as the Historic Terrace Garden, Asiatic Arboretum and Japanese Garden.
– The gardens offer educational programs for children and adults including seasonal classes on gardening or plant identification along with daily tours of its grounds led by knowledgeable staff members who provide insight into the history behind each area!
– Visitors can explore over five miles of pathways to discover different species of plants growing across this space while also appreciating works from local artists displayed throughout various exhibits like “Nature Connects” which feature colorful sculptures made entirely out of LEGO bricks!
– Special events are held here year round such as outdoor concerts featuring renowned musicians or holiday displays showcasing thousands of lights during winter months.
-The grounds accommodate numerous activities including bird watching and picnicking, making it an ideal spot for those looking to spend quality time outdoors!
Raleigh/Durham things to see- (not in video)
William B. Umstead State Park
William B. Umstead State Park is a 5,537 acre state park located in Wake and Durham Counties, North Carolina.
– It was established in 1936 by former North Carolina governor W. Kerr Scott and named after his good friend William Bradley Umstead who served as the Secretary of Conservation for the state from 1921 to 1929.
– The park features 24 miles of trails ranging from easy hikes to moderate mountain biking routes that wind through its wooded areas while offering scenic views along with access to several lakes including Big Lake Raleigh or Sycamore Lake where visitors can enjoy fishing!
– Guided educational programs are offered by knowledgeable staff members who provide insight into topics such as bird watching or geology while also teaching skills like knot tying which can be useful during outdoor adventures!
– There is an array of activities available here such as canoeing, boating, swimming, camping and horseback riding making it an ideal spot for those looking for quality time outdoors!
– Special events are held at this park throughout year including nature walks or holiday themed celebrations like “Santa’s Workshop” which offer kids hands on activities centered around winter festivities!
Pullen Park
Pullen Park is a 66.5 acre public park located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
– The park features several attractions such as the historic Dentzel Carousel which was installed in 1921 and still operates today!
– There are four kiddie rides including the Whip, Frog Hopper, Miniature Train and Boat Ride – perfect for young children to enjoy some exciting adventures!
– Visitors can explore its wooded trails or take advantage of a variety of recreational activities such as paddle boating on Lake Howell, disc golfing at the 18 hole course or playing sand volleyball on one of two courts available here!
– Families can also participate in outdoor concerts hosted throughout summer months featuring popular local entertainers like Erykah Badu & Flo Rida along with movie nights held every Wednesday evening where guests can watch films projected onto giant screens!
– Special events are also scheduled during certain times of year such as “nature’s night out” when visitors get an opportunity to observe nocturnal animals up close while participating in fun activities like scavenger hunts through its grounds!
North Carolina Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and provides a variety of exhibits that tell the story of the state’s history.
– It features permanent collections such as “The Story of North Carolina” which showcases artifacts from colonial times to present day along with temporary displays that focus on specific topics.
– Visitors can explore interactive activities like taking part in archaeological digs or Civil War reenactments while also learning about famous historical figures through educational programs offered here!
– There are over 500 pieces of art on display including sculptures and paintings which depict different aspects of life throughout various periods.
– The museum offers guided tours which provide insight into its exhibits plus there are special events held here such as Music & History Festivals featuring renowned performers like Bruce Springsteen or holiday themed celebrations with carolers singing festive songs!
– Other activities available at this location include lectures by prominent speakers, book signings featuring well known authors, movie screenings showcasing films related to NC’s past and much more!
Related links
More 360 videos and tours from around the world
State of North Carolina government history History | nc.gov
