Raleigh NC
 

What is there to do in Raleigh?

One of a very few here who might could have made a suggestion.

Too bad I'm being ignored.

Can't decide whether to sit by and watch this thread go to page 200 like a rocket... or, keep it alive and talk about my state and why the capital is called Raleigh.

Personally... I wouldn't mind seeing a thread where everyone actually admitted where they live, or... would adopt a city like the capital (of their state)...) and tell us all something about it, and "what there is to do" if we ever find ourselves there on a 34 hr restart.

For anyone else who might ask such a question, my first response would be... WHAT is the name of the city? Wouldn't it be interesting to find out why?

Many of the cities/capitals on the EAST coast (comprising the original 13 Colonies,) are named after British nobles, lords, Kings or Queens. Many of them ALSO have "sister cities" in the country of their "origin" (usually England) named after the same notables. [Wouldn't you like to know why YOUR town/city is named as it is?]

As a nod to Robertt though... I would suggest you visit the Library, Museum or other State organizations... cuz, we all know if you ask the "average" person on the street (of either party,) they won't have the "foggiest idea!"

That is a good idea about members telling their home base town and something about it. We had to study Tennessee history for a year when I was in Junior High School. It was really interesting. Texans used to have to study Texas history for two years. It would help all of us to learn more about our history and that of our heritage.

I can't WAIT to hear the story/explanation for "Chattanooga!" LOL!

[Okay... I know you aren't IN Chattanooga.... but, I've always been curious about it.]

I was only in ONE town (but two different schools after integration,) during Junior high in Texas. But... I was in THREE different High Schools in THREE different states.

I forget the name of YOUR town, GMAN. Sorry. I know I go thru it when I get down that way.

I was born in Caldwell, Idaho. I'm SURE there's a story there, but then went back to Fort Worth, TX. I don't know much about WHY it's called Ft. Worth. Spent my first and almost second year in a place called Benton Springs, WA. [Wonder who BENTON was.] Then, 6 years in Seattle, WA. Where did they come UP with that name?

A year in Waverly, OH. [Pretty sure that is an English name and attribution.... but, don't really care.]

Clarksville, TX after that. There are a LOT of Clarksville's out there. Who was HE?

Rialto, CA for a year. [Sort of like Seattle.] Not even related to the Camino REAL.

I now live in (and have off and on for many years) in Salisbury, NC. Named after Lord Salisbury of England. We have SIX "sister cities" throughout the world... including Salisbury, MD.

I think Raleigh was a "Lord" also... but not sure. [think about Raleigh cigarrettes.]

Hartford was some bigwig. New York is named after the Duke of York in England.

Anything with "NEW" in front of it was a tribute to English heritage of the settler's therein.... BEFORE the revolution!

New England... for crissakes.

For a country that fought for their freedom from the British Empire... we sure do love our "gratuitious" names for cities.

New Orleans, of course, was named after Orleans, France... as the French (that so many of you loathe) helped SECURE our freedom from England!

One of my favorites is... "KING OF PRUSSIA, PA." [a tribute to the Germans.]

There are several towns named "Cairo."

For a country that values its independence.... WE sure seem to have an affinity for our heritage.

I live in Chattanooga. The name is derived from the Indians. I don't recall the exact translation, but it has something to do with fishing. It was originally a Cherokee word. I believe the white men either misinterpreted the name or misunderstood it to mean eagle's nest, or something similar. The Trail of Tears started a few miles from downtown in Red Clay Park. Ross's Landing was part of the Trail of Tears. There was an Indian camp at Ross's Landing where the Indians were kept prior to the trip to Oklahoma.

There were some historic wars fought in and around Chattanooga, such as Chickamauga (the first national military park) just across the Tennessee/Georgia line. Chickamauga was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War with about 38,000 casualties in two days (if memory serve). The Battle of Lookout Mountain and the Battle of Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge were also major battles. Chattanooga was a major rail hub during the war years. The city was a major industrial center when I grew up. At one time Chattanooga was the 7th largest manufacturing city in the nation. It was the cite of the first Coca Bottling plant. In fact, Chattanoogan's were the ones who bought the worldwide bottling rights to Coca Cola. Chattanooga was the riding saddle capital of the world at one time. Until a few years ago, the city was home to one of only two tanneries in the nation. Wheeland Foundries produced about 90% of the wheels for the auto industry, according to some reports. They closed and move south of the border. One of the heirs to the Coca Cola fortune donated the seed money for our aquarium, the largest fresh water aquarium in the country when it was built. The Tennessee Aquarium was the beginning of a Renaissance of the downtown area. Today there are many restaurants and the city is primarily know as a major tourist destination. Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls and other attractions help keep a steady flow of tourists. The Chickamauga Battlefield is also a major drawing card to the area for Civil War enthusiasts. The city is home to the largest manufacturer of wreckers in the world. And the World Wrecker Museum (?) is headquartered in Chattanooga. A major crane manufacturer calls Chattanooga home for their North American Headquarters, as well. In recent years other manufacturers have begun to move into the area, such as Volkswagen and Amazon. A Volkswagen that was recognized as the car of the year was made in Chattanooga. The old Southern Railway yard is now a complex of rail cars that are now like motel room and the restaurant was the second highest dome ceiling in a restaurant in the world. There is another in Russia that is higher. There is a railroad museum where several movies have been made in recent years. Chattanooga is home to the Chattanooga Lookouts, a minor league baseball team. The old stadium saw some of the greats in the sport play, including Babe Ruth and others. In fact, they recently made a movie about one of the early black baseball greats.

Chattanooga was also the international headquarters for Double Cola and Chattem Drug, formerly the Chattanooga Medicine Company, that dates back to the War of Northern Aggression. Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher spent their honeymoon at Castle in The Clouds, on Lookout Mountain. It was a resort and gambling casino back then. It has since become Covenant College, a presbyterian school. Chattanooga was also the home for Brock Candy, a major candy manufacturer. There is much history in Chattanooga. Several insurance companies once called Chattanooga home. Today, Unum is the only major insurance company left. I believe they are the 25th largest. Dalton, Georgia is about 30 miles south of Chattanooga and is the carpet capital of the world. To the north is Cleveland, TN, the stove capital of the world (or was). A number of entertainers came out of the area. Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) was from just across the border in north Alabama. He worked for the local NBC affiliate and was discovered by a benefactor of our local dinner theater. She and her husband had a number of friends in the entertainment industry and she was able to open some doors for him. Samuel L Jackson (actor), Reggie White (football player), Usher (rapper), Adolf Oachs (New York Times and Chattanooga Times), Ted Turner (CNN, etc.,), Betsy Smith (blues singer), Gibby Gilbert (pro golfer), Roscoe Tanner (pro tennis player), etc., were from Chattanooga.

The city has three of the best prep schools in the nation. GPS (Girls Preparatory School), Baylor and McCallie. Many of the most well known movers and shakers came through those schools. The city is well know for philanthropy. One foundation was supposed to rival the Ford family foundation.

The area has many parks, river and lakes where people can fish, swim and boat. We have the mountains and valleys and one of the lowest cost of livings in the country. I sound like a commercial. There are several truck stops within 30 miles from downtown. There is a small Pilot and an independent in Wildwood, GA, that is about 4 miles from downtown (I-24). There is a Loves and another independent just north of town about 30 miles (I-75) and 2 more just 11 miles south of the state line (I-75).

The arts are important to the area. There is much to see and enjoy. I will be glad to show you around or give you some places to go, should you be laid over in the area. You could easily spend the day at the Chickamauga Battlefield and Museum. We also have some of the best barbecue found anywhere. I could go on.

Well that's what an Override is for now.

I was sorta uncomfortable walking around last night by myself. Should I be?

Seattle has a great history and the city itself has these wonderful things call City Pass, there are a few other cities that offer them. But it lets a visitor hit the hot spots. Space Needle, Museum of Science, Museum of Flight, Harbor Tour, Zoo, Aquarium and Imax theater for a really low low price. I haven't seen anything like that in Raleigh. I'm here for 2 weeks so I guess if you could just highlight some must sees I would be most appreciative. I was told that it down the 40 to see the Ocean. Oh and I've already found the Crabtree Mall. :)

I'll go. Born in Sandy OR. Lived a few places around the south Seattle area. Enumclaw,Black Diamond,Maple Valley,Sumner. Got tired of the rain and moved to Bullhead City AZ(bullhead is better than no head,so say the locals) then to Las Vegas and one day woke up in Green Bay.

Sharlie said:

I remember, but wouldn't know, about the override function... cuz I don't use the ignore function no matter HOW mad some posts/posters make me. So.... the override is for when someone quotes an "ignoree," and all of a sudden... you decide to find out what "said poster" actually had to say? Okay... you HAVE the right! But... isn't it just easier to wade thru the B.S. and respond to the posts that "compel" you? And... let SOME things slide, if they don't?

Well... I don't know where you are staying, but... I would be carefull about walking around ANYWHERE (these days) by yourself... or without a CCW! LOL.

I guess I get MOST of my "local" news from Charlotte, and it SEEMS like there is more crime there than in Raleigh. But... like I said... I don't listen to news from Raleigh.

I would say that you are safer walking around a SOUTHERN city (except in Florida) than most cities up North. NOT because of gun laws... or welfare stats... but, because of CRIME stats (often related to poverty and upbringing.) Down here in the South.... a criminal will call you "Ma'am" while robbing you! LOL! And much LESS likely to shoot you for no reason. [There ARE "conditions" attached" to that statement... but, I'd rather not put them in print.]

Raleigh is the capital of NC, and therefore... the captitol "dome" is there, as well as many other gov't buildings. They are as old as some of the oldest in New England... as NC was one of the FIRST colonies. But, Raleigh is not the oldest city in NC. Wilmington (on the beach at the other end of I-40 East) is (I THINK) the oldest PORT city in America! The "Lost Colony" was reported to be there... and there are many shows there based on this (as well as museums.)

Charlotte (named after the Queen,) is the LARGEST city in NC... but, was a late comer. It is known as the largest Banking center in America after NYC.

My town... Salisbury... is the county seat of Rowan County. Rowan county is the OLDEST county in AMERICA! [or is it just NC? Can't remember.. but I think I was right the first time.]

Founded in 1752... it predates the establishment of the county that includes Wilmington. I guess our OTHER "claim to fame" is the adjacent town of Spencer. Spencer hosts the oldest "hub" of the Railroad that eventually linked the Southern plantations to the "markets" of the North.

But, I digress...

Two weeks in Raleigh, eh? Probably in a nice hotel near Crabtree Mall. Puts you on the western edge of the city. Not a bad place to be. I WISH I could give you a great list of things to see and do... but, I thought I was being ignored, so I wasn't prepared.

I'll be HONEST and say that I don't have a "file" of great things for you to do. YOU can google as well as I can. Raleigh is a bit far from the "mountains" of NC. And a bit of a drive from the beach. But, if you have a rental car.... this state is smaller than many Western states, and I used to drive 200 miles in Colorado JUST to have "lunch" in Vail or Aspen. [We also have MORE Interstate miles than any other state in the nation.]

I could make one other suggestion... but, I don't think it will excite you. I gotta leave out tomorrow, but... I'll be home next weekend (I hope.) I would DRIVE the miles (2 hours) to come to Raleigh next weekend to MEET you (and perhaps bury the hatchet) and show you my ancestral home... just a half hour or so north of you. [My Dad's family settled "land grants from the King" just north of Raleigh.]

But, I really think you should just get a MAP, and a "guidebook" of things to see. MOST are within a short drive of you. I have NO idea what your "interests" are... but, there are many things to see within a 30 minute drive of you.

I doubt I will EVER get two weeks in ANY part of this country ever again... and certainly not in YOUR hometown/area. But, if I DID... I wouldn't waste them.

Good luck, best wishes. I hope you ENJOY your time in North Carolina! And WELCOME to my homestate! [spend some money, will ya?] LOL!

Hobo

I only recognize Enumclaw. Where is Sandy, OR? [And WHY is it called Sandy?]

I spent nearly 7 years in what is known as Des Moines, WA. Just west of I-5, at 200th Ave. (Near SEATAC airport.. southeast of the metro area.]

I know what you mean about the rain! It wasn't up to ME when we moved away. But, we used to say, "It doesn't RAIN in Seattle... it just rains for a day or two, then DRIZZLES for two weeks!" :(

Bullhead City... that's right next to Laughlin, NV. Been there MANY times! Love it! Love Vegas, too!

But, I sure would like to hear the story of how you "woke up" in Green Bay! :D

Yes, Seattle has a great history of being one of the first ports on the West Coast. When gold was found in the Klondike, Seattle grew exponentially as the "jump off" point.

One of my FEW memories of my childhood is of wearing the "deep sea diver's mask" at Iver's on Pier 51. I THINK it is still there.

Another childhood memory is of eating in the rotating restaurant at the top of the Space Needle, DURING the Word's Fair of 1960? Tallest building in America at the time... and the ONLY rotating restaurant. FIRST time I ever saw/rode on a "monorail." [sponsored by Monsanto... makers of "Astro-turf."]

Yet, again... I digress...

I LIKE the "tourist pass" idea. I apologize that Raleigh doesn't have one. I will speak to my STATE legislators and my Governor.

EVERY state has a "booklet" of things to do and see. You can find one at most "visitor's centers" or get one downtown at the gov't center.

If all else fails... log onto VISITNC.COM. IIRC, the guidebook is there.

The SAD news is... Raleigh is positioned in the most boring part of the state (IMHO...) It's claim to fame is it's HISTORY. If you're not INTO that... you need to get a car and DRIVE!

No one is completely ignored, posts are just shrunk, 'see no evil, read no evil' then there is less to forgive. I can pick and choose, I guess I could just read it and not get upset. (maybe its an impulsive thing) I don't have two weeks that aren't primarily tied to work. I have two days that I won't be working long hours on. In the area yes, wasting my time? no. I'll just google or use the garmin. Thank you for the help.

I realize you are there to work. I was no help... but, I wish I was. I don't live in Raleigh.

So, you might have two days? That's the most ANY of us might have on a "restart." If you have a CAR, you have an advantage over most of us.

But, I STILL think it was a good idea for a thread... and I hope it keeps going for awhile.

YOU have yet to tell us where YOU are from. Would you be so kind as to tell us a bit about YOUR town? Some of us might be "stranded" there sometime.

I'm guessing near Boston. I've always wanted to SEE Boston!

Was hauling our own products to WI,LTL's back out west. More and more time spent here on sales and woke up one day and that was it.

[QUOTE=

I'm guessing near Boston. I've always wanted to SEE Boston![/QUOTE]

give yourself two days in Boston, and you'll be ready to leave. Now, N.Y.city is a place with a lot to see.

Heh, I spent a few years in Boston for school, and I see where you're coming from, as it's a small town. But it does have its own appeal. Real beauty in the fall when the leaves change colors, and the schools have boat races on the Charles. Great Italian restaurants and Irish pubs. Boston Common is a pretty park, and Newbury Street makes for great walking and window shopping. The reflecting pool at the big Christian Scientist church is gorgeous at night. Boston Symphony Hall is a beautiful old place. I wouldn't live in Boston, but it can be a nice, cozy place to visit.

Maybe it's because I have to deal with all the horrible drivers up here that I dislike it so much. I'll take NYC any day.

I am close to Chicago and there is a Place that if you want you can spend some Major Coin having a Good time. Catch a Ball Game at Either Wrigley or US Cell aka Comisciky Fields in the Summer Walk the Mag Mile of Michigan Ave. See the Field Museum Shedd Aquarium and Alder Planaterum. Or go to the Museum of Science and Industry and spend a day there. Or go to a Free zoo at Lincoln Park. Then you have the Taste of Chicago all the Neighbor hoods and their Food Little Italy Chinatown. Just stay out of War Zone that is South Side Gang area and you should be safe.

I will give you that. I would not wish driving in Boston upon my worst enemy :P

Dunno if your still in the Raleigh area Sharlie but there is a nice mall area to the West of Raleigh. Streets at Southpoint, it's off of I-40 in Durham. If your in a car you could always go tour the campus of Duke University, they have some gnarly looking buildings. Cameron Indoor is definitely not like I pictured it from the outside. You could also swing down to Chapel Hill and hit up the UNC basketball Museum, it's free but parking is non-existent for it.

Hobo is spot on with Raleigh being in a boring part of the state. The times I've been down for UNC sporting events, go eat dinner then go to the hotel and watch some TV mainly. Not a whole lot to do as a tourist there. It does have it's bad areas, the North side looks a little rough. This time of year, the beaches are empty so visiting is easy but not much is open.

Hobo, Rowan is considered one of the earlier European settlement areas from the 1560's by the Spaniards but definitely not even close to the oldest county in the US or NC. The Jamestown settlement brought out some of the oldest counties in the US in 1634. Rowan was formed a few after after Anson County was formed in NC, in fact it was originally part of Anson County before splitting and forming it's own seat.

I just had a great massage, I'm realizing that activities that aren't typically done solo are uncomfortable. Went to some nice dining places alone, I feel like a leper/freak. I get my food to go. I was told by the MT that there is a Museum with a nice exhibit on the Titanic I think I will check out.