Raleigh, N.C. Attempts To Become Arts Capital Of The South

Already boasting the second highest number of advanced degree holders in the South, Raleigh’s arts scene is now on the rise. City officials are hoping to make it the official “arts capital of the South”.

As “City Lights” contributor and editor of Southbound magazine Kevin Benefield explains, Raleigh is where “arts and smarts meet.” The city has three museums with free admission: the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of History.

Shoppers and foodies will also have plenty to do when visiting. Raleigh features boutiques offering items made in North Carolina, from jeans to terrariums. No matter what kind of food you like, Raleigh offers restaurants ranging from barbeque to Laotian. Benefield especially recommends the Raleigh Beer Garden, a three-story structure with 366 taps to pick from.